The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has said President Bola Tinubu is personally pleased with the leadership style of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing Rivers as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
Ribadu made the remarks during a visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt, where he led a presidential delegation to the governor as part of ongoing efforts to consolidate peace in Ogoniland. The delegation included the Minister of Works, David Umahi; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; and senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
According to Ribadu, the Federal Government’s visit signals the beginning of a new chapter for Ogoniland, particularly as discussions progress on the resumption of crude oil exploration in the area. He said President Tinubu specifically directed the delegation to commend Governor Fubara for his leadership approach and his role in coordinating dialogue among stakeholders.
Ribadu also praised the Rivers State Government for providing a campus for the University of Environment and hosting the South-South Zonal Office of the Office of the NSA, noting that these efforts contribute to stability and development in the region.
Speaking during the visit, Works Minister David Umahi described the Ogoni peace initiative as critical to Nigeria’s unity and reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to the Niger Delta. He assured that the long-awaited East-West Road project, including the 15-kilometre Eleme section and five flyovers, would be completed by April 2026. Umahi also revealed plans to dualise the Bonny-Bodo Road and confirmed that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway would be redesigned to pass through Ogoniland.
Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal said UNEP-recommended projects in Ogoniland—such as mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capital development and women empowerment—were progressing satisfactorily.
NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulare, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the Ogoni dialogue process, disclosing that employment letters had been issued to 30 Ogoni indigenes, with resumption scheduled for January 2026.
In his response, Governor Fubara praised President Tinubu’s interventions in Rivers State, describing them as actions of a leader who genuinely cares for the people. He acknowledged the complexity of resolving a crisis that had lasted over three decades in Ogoniland and pledged to sustain peace and manage political tensions in the state.
Fubara stressed that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of conflict, adding that dialogue, compromise and community engagement remain essential for lasting progress in Rivers State.
