In a significant political development, the Rivers State House of Assembly has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's anticipated bid for re-election in 2027. The endorsement was made during the legislature's 37th session held in Port Harcourt.
Unanimous Vote of Confidence
The decision, announced on Wednesday, was reached following a motion presented by the House Leader, Major Jack, and supported by 26 members of the assembly. The lawmakers cited the numerous federal projects implemented in Rivers State under the Tinubu administration as a primary reason for their support. They argued that continuity in leadership is essential to consolidate the gains already made.
Furthermore, the Assembly highlighted President Tinubu's crucial role in mediating the intense political crisis that engulfed the state in late 2023 and early 2024. The legislators described his intervention as a fatherly and stabilising move that was instrumental in restoring peace to the oil-rich region.
Praise for Leadership and Policies
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, lauded President Tinubu as a compassionate national leader. He praised the President's economic policies, stating they are beginning to yield positive results across Nigeria. Amaewhule described these policies as impactful and people-oriented.
The Assembly also used the occasion to reaffirm its loyalty to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, acknowledging his ongoing role in maintaining political stability within Rivers State. The lawmakers pledged their full support for Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and vowed to mobilise grassroots support for the President ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Public Reaction and Broader Context
The announcement has sparked immediate reactions on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Some users expressed dismay, questioning the focus of the legislative session, while others interpreted the move as a sign of shifting political allegiances. Comments ranged from criticism of the assembly's priorities to analyses of the deepening political dynamics between key figures like Wike, Tinubu, and the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
This endorsement occurs against the backdrop of a prolonged political rift in Rivers State, primarily between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The assembly's statement notably praised federal appointments given to Rivers indigenes as a move that strengthens ties with the central government.
The Rivers State House of Assembly's formal backing marks one of the early, high-profile declarations of support for President Tinubu's potential second-term campaign, setting the stage for the political discourse leading up to the 2027 presidential election.
