KEY POINTS

• Governor Fubara endorsed President Tinubu for a second term, citing progress in economic recovery and infrastructure
• Southern traditional rulers met in Port Harcourt to discuss unity, security, and regional development
• Monarchs pledged support for national stability while emphasising the importance of cooperation and diversity

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, stating that Nigeria is in capable hands and urging stakeholders to back the president for a second term in office.

Fubara made this known on Thursday while declaring open the meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council held in Port Harcourt. The gathering brought together monarchs from the 17 southern states to deliberate on key issues including regional unity, security, and economic growth.

Addressing the audience, the governor said the current administration has made meaningful progress in stabilising the economy and advancing critical infrastructure projects across the country. He pointed specifically to ongoing coastal road developments as part of the federal government’s efforts to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities.

According to Fubara, sustaining these initiatives requires continuity in leadership. He cautioned against disrupting ongoing reforms, noting that changing direction midway could undermine the gains already recorded.

The governor also called on political leaders, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders in the southern region to work together in pursuit of shared goals. He stressed that unity remains essential for achieving long-term development and stability.

Fubara further highlighted Rivers State’s readiness to host major national events, describing the peaceful conduct of the gathering as a reflection of the state’s stability and hospitality.

Call for unity among traditional rulers

Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who chairs the Southern Traditional Rulers Council, explained that the meeting was convened to strengthen bonds of unity and promote peaceful coexistence across the region.

He noted that the council represents the rich cultural diversity of southern Nigeria, where over 400 dialects are spoken. Despite this diversity, he said, the gathering demonstrates a shared commitment to unity and collective progress.

The monarch added that the Port Harcourt meeting marks the fourth in a series of engagements previously held in Imo, Ogun, and Lagos states. He explained that the forum serves as a platform for traditional rulers to exchange ideas and address common challenges affecting their communities.

Ogunwusi also stated that the council would explore ways to support the federal government in tackling pressing national issues, particularly in the areas of security and economic recovery.

He emphasised that although participation in the council’s activities is voluntary, it remains vital for repositioning both the southern region and Nigeria as a whole.

The meeting was attended by prominent traditional rulers from the South-South, South-East, and South-West, including the co-chairman of the council, the Obi of Obinugwu, Eze Cletus Illomuanya, and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.