The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has praised Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his responsible leadership, stating that President Bola Tinubu is happy with the governor.
Ribadu said Rivers is one of the most peaceful states in the
country, commending Fubara for his leadership style.
NSA spoke on Monday when he led a presidential delegation
comprising the ministers of works, David Umahi, and environment, Balarabe
Lawal, and top officials of NNPCL on a courtesy visit to the Rivers State
Government House in Port.
He told the governor that the Federal Government delegation
was in the state to consolidate ongoing peace efforts in Ogoniland.
Ribadu noted that a new chapter is unfolding in the Ogoni
ethnic nationality of the state, stressing that Nigeria would no longer be what
it used to be, with the transformation beginning from the area.
He said President Bola Tinubu specifically directed him to
thank Governor Fubara, expressing happiness with his leadership style and
coordination of the discussion on the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni.
NSA also conveyed the President’s appreciation to the people
of Ogoni for their support, patience, and understanding.
He hailed the state government for providing a campus for
the University of Environment as well as accommodating the South-South Zonal
Office of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
However, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi,
described the Ogoni Peace Initiative as strategic to the renewed unity of
Nigeria, stating that the President takes personal interest in the wellbeing of
the Niger Delta people.
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Umahi assured that all sections of the East–West Road
affecting the Niger Delta would be completed to standard, disclosing that in
Ogoniland, the 15-kilometre Eleme axis of the East–West Road includes five
flyovers, one of which is being constructed by the Rivers State Government to
support the effort of the President.
Umahi said the over ₦200 billion project is scheduled for
completion in April next year, adding that with presidential approval, designs
are ongoing to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road from its starting point to the
East–West Road, including the construction of two flyovers.
Umahi further revealed that the President has ordered a
redesign of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoniland.
Also, the Minister of Environment said the Ogoni clean-up
project remains a priority for the ministry, explaining that the project
recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, is moving well,
including mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capital development,
and women empowerment initiatives.
On his part, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria
National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulare, said the national oil
company is fully committed to the Ogoni dialogue process, stressing that going
forward, the focus would be on the people rather than oil.
Ojulare noted that the employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes by
NNPCL has reached the final stage, with appointment letters already issued and
resumption scheduled for January 2026.
Responding, Fubara commended President Tinubu for his
intervention, saying it reflects the actions of a leader who genuinely loves
Rivers State.
Fubara noted that resolving a crisis that lingered for over
three decades in Ogoniland was not an easy task.
He noted that with the President’s intervention, residents
can now drive with ease along both ends of the East–West Road, connecting Bonny
and Bayelsa.
Fubara emphasised that beyond physical infrastructure, the
President’s administration is rebuilding confidence in the region, reaffirming
his commitment to supporting the peace process and managing emerging conflicts,
noting that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of crisis.
He added that adjustments and compromises are necessary for
sustainable development to take place.
The governor also appealed to Ogoni leaders to engage the
youths to allow oil facility operators access to repair faulty equipment in
order to prevent fresh oil spills while environmental restoration is ongoing.
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