2027: Fubara backs Tinubu’s re-election bid, urges unity, southern solidarity

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office to enable him to continue “the good work he is doing”.

The governor said it was important for the President to continue implementing his “bold, daring and ambitious vision” for the inclusive and sustainable development of the country.

Fubara made the call on Thursday while declaring open a meeting of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He described President Tinubu as a “dedicated and highly patriotic” leader who should be given another chance, stressing that with him in office, Nigerians should rest assured that the nation is in safe hands.

Fubara recalled what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration in the last three years and projected that more would be achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said, “If Tinubu is re-elected in 2027, we are all witnesses to the transformation of our battered economy and the ongoing infrastructural revolution, including the remarkable coastal road project in the southern and other parts of the country in just three years.

“Although challenges remain in certain regions, we all trust in Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and dedication to safeguarding our nation, transforming the economy and delivering equitable development to all regions.

“In football, the saying goes that no coach changes a winning team. Therefore, Nigerians have no choice but to support President Tinubu at this crucial time and work together to re-elect him in 2027 to continue implementing his bold, daring and ambitious vision for the inclusive and sustainable development of our nation,” he said.

Welcoming the traditional rulers to the meeting, Fubara said their presence in Port Harcourt was a testament to the fact that Rivers State is peaceful and ready to host high-profile visits, meetings and events, as well as a confirmation of the unity of the people of Southern Nigeria.

He stated, “Although we are ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse to some extent, the beauty lies in the fact that we are all committed to being part and parcel of an ever-indivisible Nigeria, despite our differences.

“As a region, we have a duty to build our future together and promote the collective interests of our people for a better life, which we can achieve more rapidly through collaboration with the Federal Government.

“Similarly, southern cooperation and solidarity will offer a clearer and more practical pathway for sharing knowledge and ideas, working together to realise the common goals and aspirations of our people for sustainable peace, security and development,” he said.

Fubara, who acknowledged the strategic position of traditional rulers in Nigeria, said that by being closest to the grassroots, they serve as a link between the people and the government, wielding influence that extends beyond ceremonial roles.

He praised their commitment to peace and progress in Southern Nigeria and urged them to remain vigilant and focused on pursuing cultural, economic and political goals for the region and its people.

Fubara further charged the traditional rulers to engage in productive discussions that would foster peace, security and progress in Southern Nigeria and the country at large.

The meeting, which had in attendance traditional rulers from the South-South, South-East and South-West zones of Nigeria, was expected to discuss the roles of traditional institutions in promoting unity, peace, cohesion and development across Southern Nigeria.

Among the monarchs present at the meeting were the Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, His Imperial M…