The Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on Nigerians to support a second term for Bola Tinubu, arguing that the president should be given more time to consolidate what he described as sweeping economic and infrastructure reforms.
Speaking on Thursday in Port Harcourt at a meeting of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, Fubara portrayed Tinubu as a “dedicated and highly patriotic” leader whose agenda requires continuity to deliver inclusive growth.
“It is important for the president to implement his bold, daring and ambitious vision for the inclusive and sustainable development of the country,” he said, urging political and regional actors to rally behind the administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
Fubara pointed to what he described as early signs of economic recovery and infrastructure expansion under the government’s “Renewed Hope” programme, citing projects such as the coastal road network as evidence of progress.
“If Tinubu is re-elected in 2027, we are all witnesses to the transformation of our battered economy and the ongoing infrastructural revolution,” he said, adding that while challenges persist, the administration has shown commitment to stabilisation and growth.
Drawing on a football analogy, the governor argued that continuity was essential. “No coach changes a winning team,” he said, suggesting Nigerians should back the incumbent to complete ongoing reforms.
The gathering, which brought together traditional rulers from the south-south, south-east and south-west, also served as a platform for broader calls for regional cooperation and national unity.
Welcoming the monarchs, Fubara said their presence signalled that Rivers remained stable and open for high-level engagements, while stressing the need for collaboration across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and cultural landscape.
“As a region, we have a duty to build our future together and promote the collective interests of our people,” he said, urging closer alignment with the federal government to accelerate development.
The chairman of the council and the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said the forum was designed to strengthen cooperation among traditional institutions and advance peace and cohesion across southern Nigeria.
The meeting was attended by senior monarchs including Rashidi Ladoja, Cletus Ilomuanya and Chike Worlu Wodo, underscoring the continued influence of traditional authorities in shaping political discourse at a time when alignments are already shifting ahead of the next election cycle.
