The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially thrown its full weight behind Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to seek a second term in office. The move was sealed during the House’s 37th legislative sitting on Wednesday when a motion, signed by all 26 lawmakers, was read by the House Leader, Major Jack (representing the Akuku-Toru constituency).
According to the lawmakers, their endorsement stems from a deep appreciation for what they described as “numerous Federal Government projects” delivered under the Tinubu administration. The resolution expressed confidence in Tinubu’s capacity to sustain these gains.
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From Crisis to Confidence: The Rivers Assembly’s Shift
The Rivers Assembly’s decision follows a period of intense turbulence in the state. Earlier in 2025, a serious standoff between the executive and legislative arms had paralysed governance, prompting the president to declare a state of emergency in the state.
During that crisis, the Assembly was effectively split, with four members aligned to the governor and a majority backing the Speaker. As a result, no appropriation bill could be presented, leaving state administration in limbo.
The emergency rule lasted six months, ending on September 17, 2025. From midnight that day, the governor, his deputy, and all lawmakers resumed their duties.
By voting a motion of confidence in the president and recommending him for a second stint, the Assembly appears to be signalling renewed political alignment and stability.
Why Tinubu Has Rivers’ Blessing
In canvassing support for Tinubu’s re-election, the lawmakers pointed to several factors. One is the number of federal projects delivered in Rivers State under Tinubu’s leadership. They argued these projects have boosted infrastructure and facilitated development, which they believe justifies continuity.
Another reason cited is Tinubu’s “fatherly” intervention during the state’s crisis: his willingness to act decisively to restore order and prevent further deterioration in governance. The Assembly described that intervention as genuine care for the state’s welfare.
Furthermore, the Assembly commended Tinubu for appointing several indigenes of Rivers into key federal positions — a gesture that, they argued, has strengthened the state’s ties with the federal government and boosted morale among political actors and constituents from Rivers.
In his remarks, Martin Chike Amaewhule, Speaker of the House, described Tinubu as a compassionate leader committed to repositioning Nigeria for growth. He praised policies of the Tinubu administration as “impactful and people-oriented.”
Finally, the lawmakers pledged to mobilise grassroots support for the government’s flagship agenda — the so-called “Renewed Hope Agenda” — and also promised loyalty to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
What It Means for Rivers, and What’s Next
The Rivers Assembly endorsement carries weight at this critical juncture: it signals that a key South-South state is formally aligning itself with Tinubu’s re-election bid, sending a strong message ahead of the 2027 general election campaign season.
For residents, this could mean a deeper commitment from the federal government to sustain and perhaps expand ongoing projects across infrastructure, social development and representation at federal institutions. It may also reflect hopes for governance stability after a year filled with state-level crises.
Politically, the endorsement could consolidate support within key constituencies in Rivers, potentially reducing internal friction and presenting a unified front ahead of future contests at the national level. It also underscores how quickly the stakes can shift: an Assembly that earlier clashed with the state executive and experienced a lengthy suspension of democratic functions is now backing the president wholeheartedly.
The endorsement by the Rivers Assembly speaks to a larger narrative of reconciliation and political realignment. As the motion passed unanimously, it offers a sense that, for now, both state and federal authorities may be charting a renewed course for cooperation rather than confrontation.
Whether this marks a lasting alliance or a tactical pause remains to be seen as Nigeria moves toward its 2027 elections. But for Rivers State, the message is loud and clear: the Assembly has chosen its path.
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