By Peter Omopo
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s satisfaction with the leadership style and governance approach of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Ribadu delivered the President’s message when he led a high-powered presidential delegation on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt. The delegation included the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; and senior officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
Speaking during the visit, the NSA described Rivers State as one of the most peaceful states in the country, noting that the delegation was in the state to reinforce ongoing peace-building efforts, particularly in Ogoniland.
He said recent developments in the area signalled a fresh beginning, adding that Nigeria was entering a new phase of transformation, with Ogoni playing a key role in that process.
Ribadu disclosed that President Tinubu had specifically directed him to commend Governor Fubara for his leadership and for effectively coordinating engagements on the planned resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland. He also conveyed the President’s appreciation to the Ogoni people for their patience, cooperation and support throughout the dialogue process.
The NSA further praised the Rivers State Government for providing a campus for the University of Environment and for hosting the South-South zonal office of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Also speaking, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, described the ongoing peace initiative in Ogoniland as critical to national unity, noting that President Tinubu had shown strong personal commitment to the development and welfare of the Niger Delta region.
Umahi assured that all sections of the East–West Road in the region would be completed to standard. He revealed that the 15-kilometre Eleme stretch of the road in Ogoniland would include five flyovers, with one to be constructed by the Rivers State Government to complement federal efforts. He added that the over N200 billion project is expected to be completed by April next year.
The minister further disclosed that, with presidential approval, plans were underway to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road from its starting point to the East–West Road, including the construction of two flyovers. He also revealed that the President had ordered a redesign of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to ensure it passes through Ogoniland.
On his part, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, said the Ogoni clean-up exercise remained a top priority for his ministry, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to environmental remediation in the area.
