President Bola Tinubu has called for adherence to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Rivers State, urging stakeholders to follow the law to the letter.
The Supreme Court recently annulled the local government elections held in the state last year and ruled that Martin Amaewhule and the lawmakers he leads should be recognized as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Weeks after the ruling, Tinubu met with leaders of the Niger Delta under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, urging them to ensure the ruling is implemented.
“This is a nation governed by the rule of law. I would not be President without the rule of law. I have full confidence in our judiciary. We have expectations, and while human beings can make mistakes, once the court has spoken, that is final,” Tinubu was quoted as saying by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
“Please go back and help implement the court ruling as soon as possible. The responsibility is now in your hands. Help! Intervene, both privately and publicly, and advise the governor. Pursue peace and stability,” he added.
Tinubu noted that he had anticipated the crisis in Rivers State and had attempted to prevent it.
“Yes, the Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for the goose to avoid losing the golden egg. I understood your concerns, especially regarding Rivers State, and I’ve been involved in this issue for some time. I foresaw the crisis and intervened,” he said. “We reached a written agreement, and both parties signed it.”
In response, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, thanked the President for his commitment to the South-South region’s well-being and for appointments given to Niger Delta indigenes.
“Your government has taken decisive action, and we are confident in your success. We are here to offer our assurance and support. God bless Nigeria and your administration,” he said.
