Concerns as Rivers Assembly endorse Tinubu for second term

… endorsement, inappropriate and misaligned – stakeholders

Stakeholders in Rivers State have expressed concern over the state House of Assembly’s vote of confidence on Bola Tinubu and subsequent call for him to seek a second term as President.

The Assembly, during its 37th sitting on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, resolved on a motion calling on President Tinubu to run for a second term in office.

Stakeholders, however, have expressed deep concerns over the Assembly’s vote of confidence on the President, describing it as inappropriate, misaligned and hasty.

Major Jack, Leader of the Assembly, while moving the motion, signed by 26 members of the House, stressed the fatherly role being played by Tinubu, adding that the President has demonstrated his love for Rivers people by appointing notable indigenes of the state into positions of trust in his administration.

Read also: 2027: Plateau APC stakeholders endorse Tinubu for second term

Assembly members who contributed to the debate reeled out ongoing federal projects in the state and federal appointments given to their constituents. They commended Tinubu’s economic policies and benefits accruing to governance at the state and local levels from such.

Martin Chike Amaewhule, Speaker of the Assembly, described Tinubu as a compassionate father of the nation, who is committed to turning around the fortune of the country; adding that the economic dividends of his administration’s policies are visible for all to see.

According to a release by Martins Wachukwu, Special Assistant on Media to Amaewhule, said “When Mr. Speaker put the question, the House voted in the affirmative, resolving to pass a vote of confidence on the President for his purposeful leadership; commending the President for his love for Rivers State through his numerous appointments and projects.”

The motion further conveyed “the unflinching support and loyalty of the House to the President through his FCT Minister, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike; calling on Mr. President to run for a second term; and urging all Members to immediately commence sensitization and mobilization of constituents for the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Isaac Green, Executive Director of Relief International Africa, however described the endorsement of President Tinubu by the Rivers State House of Assembly as “inappropriate and misaligned with the true spirit of representative democracy.”

Green said that the primary role of the lawmakers is to scrutinise government policies and ensure that governance reflects the will and welfare of the people they serve.

Read also: APC Governors endorse Tinubu for 2027, pledges to deliver their states

“As a civil society organization committed to strengthening democracy, justice, and good governance, we consider such a premature endorsement both inappropriate and misaligned with the true spirit of representatives of democracy.

“Lawmakers are elected to represent the diverse voices, aspirations, and concerns of their constituencies across the state. Their primary responsibility is to scrutinize government policies, formulate pro-people legislation, uphold accountability, and ensure that governance reflects the will and welfare of the people they serve,” he said.

Courage Nsirimovu, Coordinator of the People’s Advocate Courage said the lawmakers’ decision does not reflect the views of Rivers people.

He described the Assembly’s motion as politically driven and a misplaced priority, urging the Assembly to focus instead on working with the executive to deliver a 2026 budget that meets the real needs of the citizens.

“The action today is purely political and it’s basically to represent their own selfish political interests,” he said.

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