Lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly have adopted a formal resolution calling on President Bola Tinubu to seek another term in 2027, citing his leadership and contributions to the state.
The appeal was triggered by a motion raised during Wednesday’s plenary by Majority Leader Major Jack, who said the house wanted to acknowledge Tinubu for “steering the ship” of Nigeria in “the right direction”. The motion, backed by at least 15 legislators, urged the assembly to petition the president to join the 2027 race, highlighting his “leadership and love for Rivers state”.
Jack told colleagues that the request formed a collective prayer because of Tinubu’s “love for Rivers state,” with widespread support from members who rose to speak in favour of the proposal. The motion was co-signed by at least 15 legislators on the floor.
Dumle Maol, representing Gokana constituency, said he was acting on the direct wishes of his community, arguing that his constituents felt represented by the current administration. He referenced federal appointments from his district, saying residents asked for his alignment with the appeal.
“My people have asked me to support this motion. The house should call on the president to contest again because you cannot change a winning team,” he said, adding, “you cannot change a winning team because you cannot change a winning team.”
The lawmaker concluded, “The house should call on the president to contest again because you cannot change a winning team.”
Deputy House Leader Linda Somiari-Stewart said the resolution went beyond political symbolism, describing it as a necessary statement for continuity.
“This motion is timely. The vote of confidence is not a mere ceremonial expression. It is a declaration that is solemn and weighty, and made when the nation demands stability, freedom, and leadership,” he said.
Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule stressed cooperation rather than opposition, signalling the house’s stance on federal relations.
“The president is doing the needful (in terms of security). It is not enough to talk down on the federal government,” he said.
He added that “all hands need to be on deck,” urging citizens to aid national security by sharing intelligence. Amaewhule reiterated that the house would not participate in narratives that “demarketing this country,” choosing prayers instead of criticism.
The resolution was passed through a voice vote, a procedure unanimously backed by members in the chamber.
The call comes against the backdrop of the 2024 political standoff that once strained state institutions.
In March, Tinubu had invoked emergency powers in Rivers, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the assembly for an initial six-month period amid worsening instability.
During the emergency period, the president appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), a former naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator to oversee governance.
The emergency mandate was reversed on September 17 after calm was restored and state institutions were reinstated.
