Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday hosted the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council in Port Harcourt, the state capital, where monarchs from across the South expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s second term bid.
The meeting, attended by traditional rulers from the South-South, South-East, and South-West zones, was convened to deliberate on the roles of traditional institutions in promoting unity, peace, cohesion, and development across Southern Nigeria.
Speaking as guest of honour, Governor Fubara charged Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s second term bid to enable him continue the implementation of what he described as his “bold, daring and ambitious vision for the inclusive and sustainable development” of the country.
The governor described the President as a “dedicated and highly patriotic” leader who should be given another opportunity, stressing that Nigerians should remain confident in his leadership.
He highlighted achievements of the Tinubu administration over the past three years, noting that more progress could be achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda if the President 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.
Fubara noted that the presence of the traditional rulers in Port Harcourt was a testament to the peaceful atmosphere in the state and a reflection of unity among Southern Nigerians.
“Although we are ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse, the beauty lies in the fact that we are all committed to being part of an indivisible Nigeria. 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,” he added.
He emphasised that cooperation and solidarity among Southern states would provide a clearer path for sharing ideas and achieving common goals in peace, security, and development.
The governor also acknowledged the strategic role of traditional rulers as custodians of culture and key links between government and the grassroots, urging them to remain vigilant and focused on advancing the region’s interests.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Council and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, commended Governor Fubara for his respect for traditional institutions and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to fostering unity, peace, and progress across Southern Nigeria and the country at large.
Other prominent monarchs at the meeting included the Co-Chairman of the Council, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; and the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, among others.
Blessing Ibunge
