Tinubu’s Second Term Not Negotiable

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has asserted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027 is “non-negotiable,” urging traditional rulers from the Southsouth region to rally behind the President.

The governor made this pronouncement during a visit by the South south Monarchs’ Forum to the Government House in Benin City.

Governor Okpebholo emphasized the pivotal role of traditional institutions in national development, stressing the need for their active support in President Tinubu’s administration.

He specifically called on the monarchs to collaborate with the President in addressing the pressing issue of insecurity that plagues various parts of the country.

“The development of our nation cannot be achieved without the active support of our royal fathers.

“President Tinubu is making significant strides to secure the country, and we need the cooperation of our traditional rulers to ensure these efforts yield positive results,” Governor Okpebholo stated.

The governor also lauded President Tinubu’s economic policies, highlighting their potential to revitalize the economy and improve the living standards of Nigerians.

He pointed to the President’s commitment to blocking economic leakages and ensuring that national resources are utilized for the betterment of the populace.

“The Southsouth zone should speak with one voice, because we have our son as the President, and we all must speak with one voice to return him in 2027, to complete his tenure,” Governor Okpebholo affirmed. “President Tinubu has done so much for this country, and there are bold steps and decisions he has taken to put the nation on the path of development and growth.

He is focused on ensuring he blocks leakages in the economy, ensuring the resources are used for the betterment of Nigerians.

He has been able to increase allocations for states, and now states have money to concentrate on developmental projects.

Furthermore, Governor Okpebholo praised President Tinubu’s tax reforms, asserting that they have significantly boosted revenue, which is being channeled towards national development projects.

“The unity of the South south zone and Nigeria is very important, as the inputs of the traditional rulers are very important and necessary.

We must hold traditional rulers in high esteem,” he said. “Traditional rulers are at the grassroots. They know the problems at the grassroots, and they make things work for us.

They are important in the scheme of things and, as such, should be respected. We are working to change the narrative, as I will start to talk to Southern governors to ensure they sustain the respect they have for the traditional institution.”

Addressing the issue of insecurity, Governor Okpebholo implored the traditional rulers to assist in monitoring their communities and exposing suspicious activities.

“I plead with the traditional rulers to support the President in the fight against insecurity, as we have strangers coming into various communities and our traditional rulers need to help us monitor the situation and ensure the bad people are exposed,” he said. “Information is key in the fight against insecurity. We need collaboration and unity between the traditional institution and government, and we should all speak with one voice to address numerous challenges hindering our development.”

Speaking on behalf of the Southsouth Monarchs’ Forum, Vice Chairman, Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd.), the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in Delta State, commended Governor Okpebholo for his respect and recognition of the traditional institution. He expressed the forum’s commitment to collaborating with the government to foster development and address the challenges facing the region.

The governor’s strong endorsement of President Tinubu’s second term bid has sparked discussions across the political landscape, with many analysts noting its potential impact on the 2027 political climate. The focus now shifts to how the Southsouth Monarchs’ Forum will respond to the governor’s call and the extent to which their influence will shape the region’s political trajectory.