The South-South Coordinator of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, Pastor Reuben Wilson, and the lawmaker representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Ghabojor Pondi, have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term bid.
The duo made their position known in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, during the South-South flag-off of the PBAT Door-to-Door Campaign for the President’s re-election in 2027.
Wilson, who holds the traditional title of Ebimiewei I of Koluama Clan, and Pondi said the Tinubu administration needs more time to consolidate its reforms and deliver on its promises to Nigerians, particularly riverine dwellers.
According to them, the objective of the movement is to sensitise communities on the programmes and projects being executed by the present administration.
Pondi said: “We all gathered here to wholeheartedly support the PBAT Door-to-Door campaign for Mr President’s second term bid.”
Responding to claims that the administration has underperformed, they argued that while every citizen has a right to his opinion, it would be unfair to pass judgment midway into its tenure.
“As human beings, everyone is entitled to their views. For us from the South-South, we believe Mr President has done well. No matter how competent a leader is, he cannot perform magic in three years. The foundation has been laid. Some policies may be painful now, but we must look ahead,” they said.
They noted that more resources are now available to state governments, with some trickling down to riverine areas that had hitherto suffered development neglect.
The leaders said the movement would focus on engagement and persuasion at the grassroots.
“Our position is simple. Let us give Mr President another term of four years to complete his good work,” they stated.
They further disclosed that the grand patron of the movement, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, has created over 25,000 jobs through his company, adding that the strength of the movement lies in grassroots mobilisation.
“If those workers vote along with their families, it will be a huge milestone. But beyond that, we are going door-to-door, not by force, but by persuasion. By the time elections come, it will be a clear victory,” they said.
On the expected benefits for the region, the leaders cited improved funding for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the establishment of the South-South Development Commission.
“There is going to be development. The NDDC is being funded. The South-South Development Commission is now in place. Though not fully funded yet, we believe the intention is good and funding will come,” they noted.
They expressed confidence that a second term for President Tinubu would usher in unprecedented development for the South-South region.
