Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has received a strong endorsement for a second term in office from women across the state, operating under the banner of Rivers Women Unite for SIM. The group also pledged its full backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the dual endorsement as a deliberate and collective decision aimed at strengthening unity, democracy and sustainable development in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
The endorsement was formally announced at a colourful and well-attended gathering held in Port Harcourt on Friday, December 19, 2025. The event drew women from different communities and backgrounds, all united by a shared resolve to support what they described as purposeful leadership and political stability. Speakers at the occasion urged residents of Rivers State to rally behind Governor Fubara and President Tinubu in order to consolidate gains in governance and accelerate socio-economic growth.
Addressing the gathering, the Convener of Rivers Women Unite for SIM, Amaopurubo Sotonye Toby Fulton, said the decision to endorse Governor Fubara was anchored on the women’s confidence in his leadership style and commitment to the progress of the state. She explained that Rivers women had chosen to align themselves firmly with the governor’s political direction, noting that his support for President Tinubu naturally enjoys their own backing.
“Wherever Governor Siminalayi Fubara goes, that is where Rivers women will go,” Fulton declared to loud applause. “As he has taken a stand with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we also stand with the President. Our support is total and unwavering.” She described the women as mothers, daughters, wives and sisters who understand the importance of stability and continuity in governance. According to her, the group remains united in its resolve to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) and to defend the electoral mandates of both the President and the Governor.
Fulton stressed that women in Rivers State are no longer passive observers in politics but active stakeholders determined to shape the future of their state and country. The event was not only political in tone but also festive in atmosphere. It doubled as a celebration of the season, with cultural dances, colourful displays and Christmas songs adding vibrancy to the occasion. The gathering also marked the end of the group’s activities for the year, providing an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment ahead of the political seasons to come.
A major highlight of the event was the announcement of a Christmas largesse from the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, who is also the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative and Founder of the Valerie Simple Life Initiative. The gesture, conveyed through Amaopurubo Toby Fulton, was met with cheers, prayers and expressions of gratitude from the women, who described it as a timely show of compassion and solidarity.
Organised by the Toby Jug Foundation in collaboration with Rivers Women Unite for SIM, the gathering underscored the growing influence of women’s groups in Rivers State politics. Beyond the celebrations, the message from the event was clear: Rivers women are positioning themselves as a formidable force, ready to mobilise support, promote unity and play a decisive role in shaping the political future of the state.
With the endorsement now formally declared, political observers see the move as a significant boost for Governor Fubara as he looks ahead to the next electoral cycle, reinforcing his grassroots support base and further cementing his alliance with the federal leadership.