President Bola Tinubu has urged stakeholders in Rivers State to fully comply with the recent Supreme Court ruling, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law. The Supreme Court recently annulled the local government elections held in the state last year and declared Martin Amaewhule and the lawmakers he leads as legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In a meeting with leaders of the Niger Delta, under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu called on the leaders to ensure the swift implementation of the court’s decision. He stressed the need for all involved to adhere to the ruling, stating, “This is a nation governed by the rule of law. I have total confidence in our judiciary. Once the court has spoken, that is it.”
Tinubu urged the leaders to intervene privately and publicly to counsel the Rivers State governor and help resolve the issue in a manner that promotes peace and stability. “Please go back home and help implement the court rulings within the shortest possible time. I am putting the ball in your court. Help!” Tinubu said.
The President further explained that he had anticipated the crisis in Rivers State and had made efforts to address it before it escalated. “I foresaw the crisis in Rivers State and made attempts to forestall it,” Tinubu remarked. He also recalled an agreement that was signed by both parties, which he had been involved in facilitating.
In response, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his ongoing support for the South-South region. He praised the President for his leadership in tackling the issues facing the region and for the appointments given to Niger Delta indigenes, offering PANDEF’s full support.
“Your government has taken the bull by the horns, and we are sure you will succeed. We are here to give you our assurance and support,” Diete-Spiff said, concluding with a blessing for the President and the country.
