- Tinubu’s Re-Election Bid Safe Despite Rivers Intervention – APC Chieftain
- The former lawmaker emphasized that Rivers State remains strategic to Nigeria’s economy, particularly for the oil and gas sector
- Arise dismissed claims that Tinubu’s decision could reduce his support base in Rivers
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Senator Ayodele Arise, has expressed confidence that the six-month emergency rule declared in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not affect the President’s chances of securing re-election in 2027.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Eko Hot Blog reports that Senator Arise who represented Ekiti North Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011 said the President’s intervention in Rivers was timely, preventing the state from sliding into political instability.
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“By and large, we have to thank Mr. President for taking the decision he took. The situation in Rivers State at the time was almost getting out of hand.
The intervention was necessary to restore order and safeguard critical national assets,” he stated.
The former lawmaker emphasized that Rivers State remains strategic to Nigeria’s economy, particularly for the oil and gas sector, and that peace in the region was paramount.
On political implications, Arise dismissed claims that Tinubu’s decision could reduce his support base in Rivers, stressing that the APC had strengthened its grassroots structures, as seen in the 2024 presidential election and subsequent local government polls.
He further noted that both Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have critical roles to play in stabilizing Rivers State politics ahead of 2027.
It will be recalled that President Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly while declaring the six-month emergency rule.
During the period, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), was appointed as sole administrator of the state.
At the expiration of the emergency rule, the suspension was lifted, and all elected officials, including the governor and lawmakers, were reinstated.
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