Rivers Royal Fathers Back Tinubu’s HYPREP Board Appointments, Federal Policies
Traditional rulers in Rivers State have thrown their weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s recent decisions concerning the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) Board, describing his actions as a demonstration of commitment to the Niger Delta’s environmental and developmental concerns.
Speaking at a gathering of the state’s council of chiefs, the monarchs applauded Tinubu for reconstituting the HYPREP Board of Trustees and assured him of their support in ensuring the project’s mandate of cleaning up Ogoniland and other polluted communities is fully realized.
They noted that the President’s choice of leadership for the board reflects fairness, inclusivity, and a recognition of the region’s longstanding demands for credible representation.
Beyond HYPREP, the rulers commended other federal initiatives under Tinubu’s administration, including infrastructural investments in the Niger Delta and security interventions across the state.
They emphasized that their backing is rooted in the expectation that the federal government will continue to prioritize development in oil-producing areas and safeguard the livelihoods of residents.
In their collective communiqué, the traditional rulers pledged to work with both the state and federal governments to foster peace and stability in Rivers.
They also called on community members to support the government’s programmes and avoid actions that could undermine development projects.
The endorsement comes at a time when debates have been intense over HYPREP appointments, with some factions within Ogoni communities calling for reversals or adjustments.
The traditional rulers’ position, however, signals institutional support from the state’s custodians of culture and heritage, potentially strengthening Tinubu’s hand in navigating the political complexities around environmental restoration projects.
As the cleanup initiative progresses, the monarchs urged the federal government to match words with action by ensuring that HYPREP delivers tangible results for affected communities. For many residents of the Niger Delta, their message is clear: beyond appointments, real change will be measured in cleaner land, safer water, and restored livelihoods.
