Rivers Ijaw endorses Tinubu for second term

From Tony John, Port Harcourt

The Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress (RIPCO), an Ijaw‑based socio‑political organisation, has unanimously endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re‑election, saying a second tenure is critical for the consolidation of the “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

The group also described Tinubu as a worthy leader, urging him to declare his intention for re‑election.

Leader of the group, Senator George Sekibo, at a media briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, read the adoption co‑signed by its Director General, Mr Rowland Sekibo, and Secretary, Mr Erastus Awortu.

Sekibo explained that the collective decision was an outcome of conscious deliberation and reflection on Tinubu’s achievements in human capital, economic and infrastructural development, among others.

“In the light of this conviction, and on behalf of Rivers Ijaw people, we hereby proudly adopt Tinubu as our presidential candidate come 2027,” he said.

Outlining the various achievements recorded by the Tinubu‑led administration, Sekibo said that only a re‑election would pave the way for the sustainability and consolidation of set goals.

He commended the president for opening up new corridors geared towards promoting commerce within the state.

According to him, the establishment of the University of Environment, the completion of the Bodo‑Bonny road and the ongoing East‑West Road rehabilitation projects were confirmations of Tinubu’s dexterity.

“We also recognise the fatherly intervention by the president during an intense political crises and his diplomacy in restoring peace in our state.

“Today, our people now go about their legitimate activities because we now have a more politically stable atmosphere. We must reciprocate this gesture with unreserved support for the president’s re‑election.”

Sekibo also noted that indigenes of the state in the current administration have so far recorded over 30 key political appointments, a number that had never been assigned by previous administrations.

“Appointments include: Nyesom Wike – Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Desmond Akawo – Commissioner for Revenue Mobilisation, Chukwuemeka Aaron – Commissioner, Federal Character Commission.

“Others are Emeka Woke – Director General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency; Chibudom Nwuche, South‑South Development Commission.

“Boma Iyaye, Director, Finance and Administration (NDDC); Mrs Didi Watson‑Jack, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, among others,” he said.