‘Tinubu is happy with you’ – NSA Ribadu tells Fubara

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, haspraised Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his responsibleleadership, stating that President Bola Tinubu is happy with the governor. Ribadu said Rivers is one of the most peaceful states in thecountry, commending Fubara for his leadership style. NSA spoke on Monday when he led a presidential delegationcomprising the ministers of works, David Umahi, and environment, BalarabeLawal, and top officials of NNPCL on a courtesy visit to the Rivers StateGovernment House in Port. He told the governor that the Federal Government delegationwas in the state to consolidate ongoing peace efforts in Ogoniland. Ribadu noted that a new chapter is unfolding in the Ogoniethnic nationality of the state, stressing that Nigeria would no longer be whatit used to be, with the transformation beginning from the area. He said President Bola Tinubu specifically directed him tothank Governor Fubara, expressing happiness with his leadership style andcoordination of the discussion on the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni. NSA also conveyed the President’s appreciation to the peopleof Ogoni for their support, patience, and understanding. He hailed the state government for providing a campus forthe University of Environment as well as accommodating the South-South ZonalOffice 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 ofNigeria, stating that the President takes personal interest in the wellbeing ofthe Niger Delta people. Related NewsJesus could start for Arsenal in League Cup, says ArtetaNigeria-US relation stronger - FGFBI charges Nigerian, others over $41m insider trading,market manipulationUmahi assured that all sections of the East–West Roadaffecting the Niger Delta would be completed to standard, disclosing that inOgoniland, the 15-kilometre Eleme axis of the East–West Road includes fiveflyovers, one of which is being constructed by the Rivers State Government tosupport the effort of the President. Umahi said the over ₦200 billion project is scheduled forcompletion in April next year, adding that with presidential approval, designsare ongoing to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road from its starting point to theEast–West Road, including the construction of two flyovers. Umahi further revealed that the President has ordered aredesign of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoniland. Also, the Minister of Environment said the Ogoni clean-upproject remains a priority for the ministry, explaining that the projectrecommended 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 NigeriaNational Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulare, said the national oilcompany is fully committed to the Ogoni dialogue process, stressing that goingforward, the focus would be on the people rather than oil. Ojulare noted that the employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes byNNPCL has reached the final stage, with appointment letters already issued andresumption scheduled for January 2026. Responding, Fubara commended President Tinubu for hisintervention, saying it reflects the actions of a leader who genuinely lovesRivers State. Fubara noted that resolving a crisis that lingered for overthree decades in Ogoniland was not an easy task. He noted that with the President’s intervention, residentscan now drive with ease along both ends of the East–West Road, connecting Bonnyand Bayelsa. Fubara emphasised that beyond physical infrastructure, thePresident’s administration is rebuilding confidence in the region, reaffirminghis 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 forsustainable development to take place. The governor also appealed to Ogoni leaders to engage theyouths to allow oil facility operators access to repair faulty equipment inorder to prevent fresh oil spills while environmental restoration is ongoing.

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