“It is not ideal to change the goalposts in the middle of the game” — Siminalayi Fubara backs Tinubu’s re-election

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu, urging stakeholders to back his re-election to sustain ongoing reforms and development.

Fubara made the remarks on Thursday at the Southern Traditional Rulers Council meeting in Port Harcourt, where monarchs from the 17 southern states gathered to discuss unity, security, and economic growth.

“Despite the challenges we face as a nation, there has been meaningful progress in economic recovery and infrastructure delivery,” Fubara said. He cited projects such as the coastal road initiative as evidence of ongoing development.

He stressed the need for continuity in governance, warning against abrupt changes in leadership direction. “It is not ideal to change the goalposts in the middle of the game,” he said.

The governor also called for stronger collaboration across the southern region. “We must work together in pursuit of our common goals. Unity remains essential for achieving lasting development,” he added.

Fubara noted that the turnout of traditional rulers reflects the state’s stability. “Your presence here today highlights the peaceful environment in Rivers State and our capacity to host major national engagements,” he said.

Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, said the meeting was convened to strengthen peace and unity across the region.

“This council reflects the rich diversity of our nation, with more than 400 dialects spoken across the southern states,” Ogunwusi said, describing the gathering as “a clear example of unity in diversity.”

He noted that the Port Harcourt session is the fourth in the series. “We have previously met in Imo, Ogun, and Lagos states, and this platform continues to provide an opportunity to engage on shared values and collective interests,” he said.

Ogunwusi added that the council would explore ways to support the current administration. “We will look at how traditional rulers can contribute to addressing security and economic challenges. Participation may be voluntary, but it is vital for repositioning both the region and the nation,” he said.

The meeting was attended by prominent monarchs, including the council’s co-chairman, Cletus Illomuanya, and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, alongside representatives from the South-South, South-East, and South-West.