‘You will not regret what you have done’: President Tinubu assures Fubara

President Bola Tinubu has assured Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, that he would not regret his decision to embrace peace following the political crisis that rocked the state, commending him for showing maturity and respecting the intervention of political elders.

Tinubu gave the assurance on Saturday while addressing supporters at the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 presidential campaign rally in Port Harcourt, where he specifically acknowledged Fubara’s role in restoring calm to the state.

The president described the crisis as a misunderstanding within a political family and praised the governor for accepting the intervention aimed at resolving the dispute.

He said Fubara’s willingness to maintain peace demonstrated his commitment to democracy and responsible leadership.

“To me, I intervened on your behalf. Similarly, to Fubara, Your Excellency, the host governor of today, I want to thank you specifically for maturity, understanding, respect for the wisdom of elders.

“When we intervened, you respected our position. You maintained peace. You are a committed democrat, Fubara. You will not regret what you have done as long as all of us are alive,” Tinubu said.

The president also acknowledged the role of Nigerian youths in maintaining peace, urging them to sustain their support for stability in the country.

Beyond his remarks on the Rivers political crisis, Tinubu appealed to residents of the state to support his re-election bid in 2027, saying his administration was laying the foundation for a new era of economic prosperity.

He thanked the people of Rivers for supporting him in the 2023 presidential election, adding that he had returned to seek their backing for another four-year term.

“Today again, I return here to say thank you. And seek your support for the second term. I’m seeking that support because you believe in me. You believe that I care for you,” he said.

Addressing young people in particular, Tinubu said their education, welfare and skills development remained important priorities for his administration.

“Your education, your welfare, your skill is extremely important to me, to Nigeria. I assure you, we have started the golden age. The prosperity is here,” he said.

The president also defended his administration’s economic record, claiming that 27 of Nigeria’s 36 states were unable to pay workers’ salaries when he assumed office in May 2023. He said his government had worked to reverse the situation and improve the financial capacity of states.

He noted that unpaid salaries had affected not only public sector workers but also their families and dependants.

Tinubu also criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, questioning how he financed the establishment of a university while serving in public office as vice-president and overseeing the nation’s economy.

“Asking how he builds a university while in office as vice-president, in charge of our economy. Who built the university for him? Is it your money? Is it your effort? A man without moral integrity, latitude, and ethics for the office,” Tinubu said.

Tinubu Praises Wike

The president also praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his contributions to infrastructure development and support for his administration.

Tinubu described Wike as a development partner of his government, commending his commitment, work ethic and vision.

“Wike is already a development partner of Bola Tinubu administration. He’s doing a wonderful job, committed, very, very hard working, a man with vision who combine that with the mission,” he said.

Urges Youths to Collect PVCs

Tinubu urged eligible young Nigerians to participate in the 2027 general election, describing the poll as a defining moment for their future.

He called on those who had yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so, stressing that the cards remained their most important instrument for influencing the country’s political direction.

“This election is about you. It’s not about me. Your future depends on this election. It is left for you to use the weapon you have. And that weapon is the PVC. If you have not collected yours, please go ahead, collect it,” he said.

The president also addressed outstanding pension and gratuity payments, saying his administration was working to clear liabilities inherited from previous governments.

He said retired workers, including engineers, welders and teachers, were receiving their entitlements as part of efforts to ensure that pensioners and their families benefited from the country’s economic recovery.

“The people that govern before, they left unpaid pensions and gratuity in billions and trillions of naira. That is big clear so that every family is included. We are sharing prosperity already,” Tinubu said.