President Tinubu breaks silence on Rivers crisis

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu finally addressed the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, offering a clear stance on the matter.

During a meeting with the leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Council Chamber in Abuja, Tinubu expressed his concerns and shows his commitment to restoring peace in the state.

The president revealed that he had anticipated the ongoing political tension in Rivers, acknowledging the complexity of the issue.

 His statement marked a break in his silence on the matter, signaling his intention to play an active role in resolving the crisis. 

Tinubu called on PANDEF, a prominent regional group, to return to Rivers and work towards fostering peace, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the rule of law in the process.

In his address, the president reiterated his confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system, particularly the Supreme Court.

“I should not be here as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria if there is no rule of law,” he stated, emphasizing that the country’s legal framework should guide all actions, including in situations like the Rivers crisis. 

Tinubu made it clear that once the Supreme Court has issued a ruling, its decision is final and must be respected. 

Furthermore, Tinubu reflected on his own efforts, both public and private, to bring about peace in Rivers. He shared that he had made numerous attempts to intervene in the matter, hoping to resolve the situation without the need for a public confrontation.

 However, despite his efforts, the crisis persisted, leading to his public call for unity and adherence to the rule of law.