Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
Speaking on Thursday while declaring open the meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council in Port Harcourt, Fubara said Nigeria is in “capable hands” under Tinubu.
The governor said the Tinubu administration is making progress in reviving the economy and delivering critical infrastructure, including coastal road projects, despite prevailing challenges.
He said continuity in leadership is necessary, adding that “it is not ideal to change the goalpost in the middle of the game”.
Fubara urged stakeholders in the region to work toward shared goals, insisting that the south must remain united to achieve sustainable development.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
He added that the gathering of monarchs reflects the peaceful disposition of Rivers and its readiness to host major national engagements.
Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who chairs the council, said the meeting was convened to promote peace and strengthen unity across the region.
Ogunwusi said the council reflects Nigeria’s diversity, noting that over 400 dialects are spoken across the southern states, and described the gathering as a demonstration of unity in diversity.
He said the Port Harcourt meeting is the fourth in the series, following previous sessions in Imo State, Ogun State and Lagos State.
According to him, the forum provides an avenue for traditional rulers to discuss shared values and common interests.
The monarch added that the council would also explore ways to support the current administration in tackling security and economic challenges.
The meeting brought together monarchs from the 17 southern, including Cletus Illomuanya and Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
