Rivers assembly passes vote of confidence in Tinubu, asks president to seek second term

The Rivers state house of assembly has passed a resolution asking President Bola Tinubu to seek re-election. 

The resolution was reached during plenary on Wednesday, following a motion moved by Major Jack, the house leader.

Jack, who represents Akuku-Toru I constituency, said the motion was to commend Tinubu for “steering the ship” of the country in the “right direction”.

The house leader asked the assembly to make a prayer asking Tinubu to contest for the 2027 election due to his “leadership and love for Rivers state”.

The motion was sponsored by at least 15 members of the Rivers house of assembly.

All the lawmakers who spoke during plenary supported the motion.

Dumle Maol, lawmaker representing Gokana constituency, said Tinubu appointed six members of his constituency to federal positions.

Maol said his constituents asked him to support the motion because of the impact of Tinubu’s administration on them.

The lawmaker said Tinubu deserves a second term in office.

“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.

Linda Somiari-Stewart, the deputy house leader, said she supports all the prayers of the motion, adding that Tinubu has performed well as president.

“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.

Also speaking, Martins Amaewhule, speaker of the assembly, said the lawmakers will not criticise the Tinubu administration but will support the federal government.

“The president is doing the needful (in terms of security). It is not enough to talk down on the federal government,” he said.

“All hands need to be on deck. We need to help our security agencies. Everybody needs to give out information on the whereabouts of criminals.

“For us, our job is to pray for Mr President for good health, strength, and wisdom to pilot the affairs of this country. We won’t join those who are demarketing this country. We’d rather join those praying for the country.”

The lawmakers passed the motion after a voice vote.

On March 18, Tinubu declared emergency rule in Rivers over the political crisis and instability in the state.

He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for an initial period of six months.

The president immediately appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.

The emergency rule was lifted on September 17, 2025.