“Tinubu Is Happy With You,” Ribadu Tells Fubara

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has said President Bola Tinubu is pleased with the leadership of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing the state as one of the most peaceful in the country.

Ribadu made the remark 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 (NNPC) Limited.

He said the delegation was in Rivers State to consolidate ongoing peace efforts in Ogoniland and to begin a high-level inspection of key sites. According to him, a new chapter is unfolding in Ogoni, stressing that Nigeria “will no longer be what it used to be,” with the transformation starting from the area.

Ribadu disclosed that President Tinubu specifically directed him to thank Governor Fubara and to convey his satisfaction with the governor’s leadership style and coordination, particularly regarding discussions on the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland. He also conveyed the President’s appreciation to the people of Ogoni for their support, patience, and understanding.

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

Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, described the Ogoni peace initiative as strategic to Nigeria’s renewed unity, noting that the President takes a personal interest in the welfare of the Niger Delta people. He assured that all sections of the East–West Road affecting the region would be completed to standard.

Umahi disclosed that the 15-kilometre Eleme axis of the East–West Road in Ogoniland includes five flyovers, one of which is being constructed by the Rivers State Government to support the President’s efforts. He said the over ₦200 billion project is scheduled for completion in April next year. He also revealed that, with presidential approval, designs are ongoing to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road up to the East–West Road, including the construction of two flyovers. According to him, the President has also ordered a redesign of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoniland.

The Minister of Environment said the Ogoni clean-up project remains a priority for his ministry, adding that projects recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme are progressing well. He listed mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capital development, and women empowerment as some of the ongoing initiatives.

NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, said the national oil company is fully committed to the Ogoni dialogue process, stressing that the focus going forward will be on the people rather than oil. He disclosed that the employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes by NNPC has reached the final stage, with appointment letters already issued and resumption scheduled for January 2026. Ojulari described the developments in Ogoniland as a model for a new Nigeria.

Responding, Governor Fubara thanked President Tinubu for his intervention, describing it as the action of a leader who genuinely loves Rivers State. He noted that resolving a crisis that lasted over three decades in Ogoniland was not an easy task, but said the President’s involvement has made a significant difference.

The governor said residents can now drive with ease along both ends of the East–West Road linking Bonny and Bayelsa, adding that beyond physical infrastructure, the President’s administration is rebuilding confidence in the region. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the peace process and managing emerging conflicts, stressing that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of crisis.

Fubara added that adjustments and compromises are necessary for sustainable development and 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 efforts continue.