Ribadu praises Fubara as FG set to drill oil in Ogoni

Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), has praised the administration of Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing the state as “probably one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.”

Ribadu spoke on Monday while leading a federal government delegation to Rivers State as part of efforts to restore oil operations in Ogoniland. The delegation included David Umahi, minister of works; Bayo Ojulari, group chief executive officer of NNPC Limited; Balarabe Lawal, minister of environment; and top security officials.

“We are here as, you know, envoys of Mr President Bola Ahmed. We are here on a mission to thank you for the cooperation,” Ribadu said.

He commended the governor and stakeholders for working together to resolve long-standing challenges, particularly in Ogoniland.

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“River state is probably one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. Things have changed. And your excellency, you are entitled to claim it, because you are responsible, you are part of it,” he said.

Ribadu described Ogoniland as a potential turning point for the country.

“Ogoni is looking like the turning point for Nigeria today. A new chapter is being opened. Nigeria will not be again what it used to be. Things are changing, and it is starting with Ogoni land,” he added.

He said President Bola Tinubu was pleased with the progress made in the state.

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“I have delivered the message of the president. I should thank you, your excellency. He is very happy with you… He said I should also thank the people of Ogoni land for the cooperation,” Ribadu said.

Meanwhile, on September 24, Tinubu posthumously conferred the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage and Samuel Orage, known as the Ogoni Four.

The four were killed in 1994, an incident that led to the trial and execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others—the Ogoni Nine—by the military regime of Sani Abacha in 1995.