Tinubu lauds Fubara’s leadership as NSA Ribadu visits Rivers

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has visited Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to convey President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s satisfaction with the governor’s responsible style of leadership. 

Ribadu spoke during a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, where he led a presidential delegation that included the Minister of Works, David Umahi; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; and top officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL.

He described Rivers State as one of the most peaceful states in the country and said the federal government delegation was in the state to strengthen and consolidate ongoing peace efforts in Ogoniland.

According to Ribadu, a new chapter is unfolding in Ogoni, stressing that Nigeria “will no longer be what it used to be,” with the transformation beginning from the area.

He said President Tinubu specifically directed him to commend Governor Fubara, expressing happiness with his leadership style and the manner in which he coordinated discussions on the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland.

Ribadu also conveyed the President’s appreciation to the people of Ogoni for their support, patience and understanding throughout the process.

The NSA further commended the Rivers State Government for providing a campus for the University of Environment and accommodating the Southsouth Zonal Office of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

On his part, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, described the Ogoni peace initiative as strategic to the renewed unity of Nigeria, noting that the President took a personal interest in the wellbeing of the Niger Delta people.

Umahi assured that all sections of the East–West Road affecting the Niger Delta would be completed to standard.

He said that on Ogoniland, the 15km Eleme axis of the East–West Road included five flyovers, one of which was being constructed by the Rivers State Government to support the effort of the President.

He said the over N200bn project was scheduled for completion in April next year.

The minister also revealed that, with presidential approval, designs were ongoing to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road from its starting point to the East–West Road, including the construction of two flyovers.

Umahi added that the President had ordered a redesign of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoniland.

Also speaking, the Minister of Environment said the Ogoni cleanup project remained.a priority for the ministry.

He explained that projects recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) were progressing well, including mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capital development, and women empowerment initiatives.

On his part, the NNPCL’s Bayo Ojulare, said the national oil company was fully committed to the Ogoni dialogue process.

He stressed that going forward, the focus would be on the people rather than oil.

He disclosed that the employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes by NNPCL had reached the final stage, with appointment letters already issued and resumption scheduled for January 2026.

He described the developments in Ogoni as a model for a new Nigeria.

In his response, Governor Siminalayi Fubara thanked President Tinubu for his intervention, saying it reflected the actions of a leader who genuinely loved Rivers State.

The governor noted that resolving a crisis that lingered for over three decades in Ogoniland was not an easy task.

He said with the President’s intervention, residents could 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 was rebuilding confidence in the region.

He reaffirmed 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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