Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) have called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, citing concerns over its potential impact on the state’s stability and economic contributions to the nation.
The political turmoil arising from a power tussle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his erstwhile godfather, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, led to a declaration of state of emergency by President Tinubu. It has drawn nationwide attention, with concerns about its potential effects on governance and development.
In a press briefing by HOSTCOM leadership, yesterday, the group appealed to President Tinubu to “use his good offices to ensure an amicable resolution of the political imbroglio, which has engulfed Rivers State.”
Emphasising that they are neither on the side of Governor Fubara nor that of Wike, HOSTCOM urged all parties involved to sheathe their swords and embrace peace in the interest of the people of the state.
“We know and trust that Mr. President has the capacity to restore peace and sanity in the state. We are sure that Mr. President will do this for us,” Dr. Benjamin Style Tamaranebi, president of HOSTCOM.”
The group also declared full support for President Tinubu’s administration and his re-election bid in 2027. Citing progress in security, economic reform and infrastructural development, it expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and his ability to steer Nigeria towards sustained growth.
“President Tinubu has steadied the ship. He has empowered local communities. And he needs more time to finish what he started.”
HOSTCOM outlined key reasons for endorsing Tinubu’s second term, saying that “for decades, oil theft and pipeline vandalism have crippled Nigeria’s economy. The twin cancerous maladies also destroyed the normal life of our people. President Tinubu, through his strategic partnerships with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) and other security agencies, has reduced oil theft to historic lows.
“The oil and gas sector — long left for dead — has staged a stunning comeback. Crude oil production has jumped from a shameful 600,000 barrels per day to a respectable 1.8 million. Nigeria is earning its rightful place in the global oil market for the first time in years.
“The refining revolution has begun. The Dangote Refinery, now operational, in strategic synergy alongside Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries are all refining and taking away over-dependency on importation of refined petroleum products. With the new leaves of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), under the able and competent leadership of its Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mallam Mele Kyari, Hon. Minister of State (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, is poised to end decades of dependency on petroleum imports. The deal is clear: refine locally, save forex and strengthen the naira.
“Revenue has more than doubled, hitting over N9.1 trillion. The days of borrowing to pay salaries are fading into history. Debt servicing, once a back-breaking 97 percent of national income, is now 68 percent and declining.”
“Beyond oil, Tinubu’s infrastructural vision is taking shape. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is no longer a campaign promise — it is breaking ground. The Sokoto-Badagry Highway will link the North to the Southwest in ways never imagined. Long abandoned roads, including the East/West Highway, Benin/Warri Highway, Asaba/Benin and Abuja/Benin/Highway, among others, are being constructed and rehabilitated. Just last week, Mr. The President officially flagged off the construction of the 17.55 kilometres access road to the Second Niger Bridge, linking Anambra and Delta States.”
“The Students Loan Fund is a game-changer. N45.6 billion has been processed, ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial hardship.
“Jobs are returning. Over 400,000 have been created through micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The tech sector is seeing unprecedented investment, signalling a new era for Nigerian innovation.
“The solid minerals sector is another goldmine in the making. It is valued at over $700 billion and is finally getting the attention it deserves. If managed well, Nigeria could soon rival top global mining nations.
“More beneficial to our belt was the recent signing into law by Mr. President the bill for the establishment of the South-South Development Commission, recently passed by the National Assembly. We commend Mr. President for this act of benevolence to the South-South geopolitical zones and other five zonal belts that benefited from the presidential gesture.”
HOSTCOM also commended the president for signing into law the bill establishing the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), which it believes will complement existing development agencies in the region, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to accelerate progress.
While asking for more time for President Tinubu to complete the work he has started, HOSTCOM added: “Politics is about choices. In 2027, Nigerians must choose between continuity and chaos; between stability and the unknown.”
