You Will Not Regret Accepting My Intervention In Rivers Political Crisis, Tinubu Tells Fubara

President Bola Tinubu has assured Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara that he will not regret accepting his intervention in the state’s prolonged political crisis. The President gave the assurance on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Port Harcourt, where he commended Fubara for his maturity, respect for leadership and commitment to peace.

Tinubu described the governor as a committed democrat, saying he had demonstrated wisdom and understanding during the reconciliation process. “I want to thank you particularly for your maturity, understanding, respect for the wisdom of elders when we intervened. You respected our position. You maintained peace. You are a committed democrat. Fubara, you will not regret what you have done as long as all of us are alive,” the President said.

Tinubu also praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his contributions to national infrastructure development, describing him as a development partner of his administration. He urged Rivers people to recognise Wike’s hard work and commitment, saying his vision and dedication had contributed significantly to the country’s infrastructure development.

The President, who recalled the support Rivers State gave him during the 2023 presidential election, returned to the state to seek their backing for a second term. He promised to sustain his administration’s economic reforms and prosperity agenda. Tinubu said his administration had reversed the financial difficulties it inherited, recalling that 27 of the 36 states were unable to meet their salary obligations when he assumed office.

He said the inability of governments to pay salaries had far-reaching consequences for families and the wider economy, adding that regular payment of workers’ salaries would improve household welfare and stimulate economic activities. Addressing young Nigerians, Tinubu described the 2027 election as a defining moment for their future. He urged eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and use them to elect leaders committed to progressive economic development.

Fubara Pledges Three Million Votes For Tinubu’s Re-Election Earlier, Fubara pledged that Rivers State would deliver at least three million votes for Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election. The governor said the state remained grateful for the Federal Government’s support, particularly its commitment to infrastructure development and the restoration of political stability.

He specifically acknowledged Tinubu’s intervention at a critical period in Rivers State’s political history, saying the President’s personal sacrifices and calls for peace enabled his administration to remain in office and continue delivering democratic dividends. Fubara said the President’s support deserved reciprocal commitment, assuring him that Rivers State would stand firmly behind his second-term ambition.

“As you have stood for us, we will stand for you. As you have supported Rivers State, Rivers State will support you equally. “We promise that under your guidance and direction, and under the guidance of our leader, the coordinator of the presidential campaign council for Rivers State, the Honourable Minister, we will campaign and mobilise our people to secure and deliver a decisive victory with a vote not less than three million for Mr President,” he said.

The governor also thanked Tinubu for appointing more than 40 Rivers indigenes to positions in the Federal Government. He specifically mentioned Wike, whom he described as a leader entrusted with sensitive national responsibilities. Fubara further acknowledged federal infrastructure projects, including the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, describing them as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to the economic progress of the Niger Delta region.

On the political arrangement in Rivers State, the governor said that despite his membership of the APC, the state was operating a Rainbow Coalition involving members of both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He assured Tinubu that the coalition’s political arrangement and candidates would be delivered in the 2027 elections.