On Thursday, December 20, 2023, at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu attends the Colloquium Lecture in Honor of Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the occasion of his 61st Birthday Celebration. State House/Nosa Asemota photoThe idea that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu forced his will on the opposing factions separated along the lines of Governor Siminalaye Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has been criticized by the BAT Vanguard.
The group, led by Mr. Olusola Olofin, stated in a statement that President Tinubu requested calm and peace in Rivers State, which is a constituent of his district as Nigeria's president.
The group went on to say that the parties came to whatever resolutions they did on their own, independent of the President's compulsion.
The organization pleaded with everyone involved in the conflict to try for peace and prioritize the interests of the decent people of Rivers State in all of their interactions, discussions, and decisions.
"In order to ensure good governance for the good people of Rivers State, going forward, the President merely mediated a settlement amongst or among the disputants in order for them to resolve their disagreements amicably among themselves,” the group stated.
"President Tinubu is a staunch democrat who is leading the nation in defending its constitution. His democratic credentials and dedication to democratic principles are unquestionable.
We openly and unequivocally declare that President Tinubu is standing firmly on the side of the common people of Rivers State, whose welfare, together with that of their fellow Nigerians, is always his first and foremost priority. He is not aligned with any of the gladiators in this dispute.
"We demand that everyone fortunate enough to work in government continue to focus on President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to finally guarantee that Nigeria realizes its full potential and becomes the pride of the Black Race.
"Therefore, in order to prevent needless disruptions to the excellent work our President and party have started in our beloved country, we kindly urge everyone to exercise extreme caution in their conduct, behavior, and mood.
"With the grace of Almighty God, we pray that Nigerians will unite and place their collective trust in Mr. President, providing him with the necessary goodwill and support to lead our nation to the promised land."