President Bola Tinubu has praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for his statesmanship during the recent political crisis in the state.
The president expressed his gratitude to Governor Fubara for his efforts in peacefully resolving the political challenges.
This was revealed by President Tinubu during a meeting with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) at his residence in Lagos on December 26, 2023. Governor Fubara was present at the meeting.
This is President Tinubu’s first public statement since the political crisis between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike erupted in Rivers State.
Tinubu in his speech said, “Nigeria needs peace and stability to move forward. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we have to take care of it.
“I thank you for your statesmanship. I listened to your broadcast and your emphasis on peace. It is only with peace that effective governance can thrive, and governance has commenced in earnest under my watch.’’
The media aide to the President stated that President Tinubu has urged the Federal and sub-national governments to work together and collaborate more closely in order to achieve rapid infrastructural development throughout the country.
Ngelale said, ‘’On the 2024 Budget proposals before the National Assembly, the President informed the governors that he had a review meeting earlier in the day on certain elements in the Appropriation Bill, with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu.’’
Tinubu stressed the importance of shared responsibility and increased cooperation between the federal and state governments to promote swift infrastructure development across the country.
The president stated, “I want us to discard federal, state, or rural road classifications. We must regard development as a joint responsibility. Let us prioritize our children. The school feeding programme must return quickly, beginning from the local government to the state and federal governments.
“We must be ready to protect our children and prepare them for the future.’’
Governor Fubara, in his Christmas broadcast, reassured the public of his commitment to implementing the 8-point presidential peace agreement regarding the ongoing political crisis in the state.
Despite opposition from various individuals and stakeholders who have criticized and rejected the peace deal initiated by President Bola Tinubu, which seemed to favor the previous Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, Fubara remains steadfast in his support.
He emphasized that the peace accord should not be seen as a punishment and explained that he has thoroughly examined the terms of the proclamation. After careful consideration, he concluded that the peace pact is not as negative as it may seem to those who genuinely oppose it.
