President Bola Tinubu emphasized the critical need for adherence to the rule of law in Rivers State to ensure lasting peace and prosperity, during a meeting with representatives and leaders of the Niger Delta under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement that President Tinubu reiterated that respect for the judiciary is crucial in upholding democracy and fostering harmony. The President advised the leaders to be more broadminded, selfless, and focused on the larger vision of salvaging the region, politically and economically, by insisting that the judiciary’s interpretations of the Constitution be respected.

“I am here by the grace of God, appreciating your support, prayers, and concern. I cannot complain. I campaigned for this position and begged for the job. I must do it with all my heart, whatever it takes,” President Tinubu said.

He noted that stakeholders must make sacrifices for the state to move forward by recognizing the Constitution. “This is a nation governed by the rule of law. I should not be here as President without a rule of law. I have total confidence in our judiciary. We have expectations. Human beings can make errors. But once the court has spoken, that is it.”

President Tinubu told the delegation that his priority remains community development, particularly projects and programs that positively impact citizens. “Go back home and take charge of peace. If you need me, let me know. I have given the situation enough time and enough consideration. We cannot fall back, and we will not. The people of Rivers State will not suffer because of democracy.”

Onanuga added that President Tinubu commended the leadership of the Niger Delta, saying, “I have seen what you have tolerated in the region. Community development is very close to my heart. The leader of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, is doing a great job and should be encouraged to do more.”

King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to South-South well-being and appointments given to Niger Delta indigenes. Obong Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom State and co-chair of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, called for further intervention in the Rivers State crises.

Onanuga stated that the PANDEF delegation included former governors, legislators, ministers, traditional leaders, religious figures, and youth and women groups. Bayo Onanuga noted that President Tinubu thanked the delegation for acknowledging the efforts to stimulate the economy for more sustainable and predictable growth.