By Our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has called on Rivers State residents to renew their support for his administration in the January 16, 2027 presidential election, while commending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, for resolving their political differences.
Tinubu made the appeal on Saturday at a campaign rally organised by the Rainbow Coalition at the 40,000-capacity Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, where he acknowledged Rivers State’s contribution to his victory in the 2023 presidential election.
The President praised Fubara for demonstrating maturity and respecting the intervention of political elders in resolving the disagreement between him and Wike, who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He said the reconciliation was important for political stability in the state and expressed confidence that the governor would not regret the decision.
“During the political crisis caused by a misunderstanding in the family, I intervened on your behalf. I thank Governor Fubara, in particular, for his maturity, understanding, and respect for the wisdom of elders when we intervened. Fubara, you will not regret what you have done as long as all of us are alive,” Tinubu said.
On the economy, the President defended his administration’s reform policies, assuring Nigerians that the measures were gradually putting the country on the path to prosperity.
He said the Federal Government was addressing inherited financial liabilities, including outstanding pensions and gratuities, to ensure that more families benefited from economic recovery.
According to him, the government has cleared outstanding liabilities involving pensions and salaries in 27 of the 36 states, making monthly payments more certain for beneficiaries.
“The people who governed before us left unpaid pensions and gratuities running into billions and trillions of naira. We are clearing that backlog so that every family is included and we can share in the prosperity,” he said.
Tinubu also criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his economic record while in office, questioning his suitability to seek another opportunity to lead the country.
The President used the occasion to present his manifesto for the 2027 election.
Earlier, Vice President Kashim Shettima urged political leaders and supporters in Rivers State and the South-South to support Tinubu’s re-election, citing the administration’s policies and activities in the region.
Shettima said Nigeria’s economic indicators were encouraging, claiming that the country’s foreign reserves had increased from about $3.9 billion to $60 billion within approximately three years.
He also criticised opposition figures, describing Atiku as “intellectually malnourished” and alleging that the presidential ambition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Peter Obi, was characterised by “political irrelevance” and “mediocrity”.
In his remarks, Governor Fubara pledged to deliver three million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The governor also assured the President of his commitment to the Rainbow Coalition and acknowledged Wike’s leadership of the political structure.
“Under the guidance and leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, we will deliver not less than three million votes for you,” Fubara declared.
He said supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were working together under the Rainbow Coalition.
Fubara thanked Tinubu for his intervention during the political crisis in Rivers State, promising to reciprocate the President’s support.
“Thank you, Mr President, for standing by us at a most difficult time. A good gesture deserves reciprocity. As you have stood by us, we will stand by you,” he said.
Earlier, Wike described the massive turnout at the rally as evidence of Rivers State’s support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The FCT Minister said the rally was organised by Rivers people without mobilisation from other states, expressing confidence that residents would vote for the President on January 16.
Wike also thanked Tinubu for appointing Rivers indigenes into federal positions and highlighted projects executed by the Federal Government in the state, including the Bonny-Bodo Road and the Federal University of Environment in Ogoniland.
He claimed that Rivers State had received at least 47 political appointments under the Tinubu administration, describing the development as unprecedented since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
“Since the inception of democracy in 1999, Rivers people have never had it this way. We have no less than 47 political appointments from Mr President. So, who is our brother? Our brother is Bola Ahmed Tinubu because he has identified with the people of Rivers State,” Wike said.
The minister also accused former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, of failing to account for $39 million earmarked for the Karibi Whyte Specialist Hospital project and funds budgeted for fumigation in the state.
The rally attracted several political leaders, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu; wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda; and Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari.
Also present were several state governors, Senators Magnus Abe, Adams Oshiomhole and Ifeanyi Okowa, other members of the National Assembly and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The President arrived in Port Harcourt after official engagements in Akwa Ibom State, where he attended a political rally and commissioned projects executed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
