Samuel Nwanosike, the former chairman of Ikwerre Local Government in Rivers State, recently revealed insights from a private meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. In an interview on TVC Politics Tonight, Nwanosike shared that President Tinubu urged Governor Fubara to engage politically with the 27 members of the State Assembly by presenting the state's budget to them.
Nwanosike emphasized the importance of political strategy, highlighting President Tinubu's advice as critical for ensuring the smooth approval of the state budget by the National Assembly. He noted that effective communication and relationship-building with assembly members are vital components of this process.
During the discussion, President Tinubu reflected on his own experiences with the budget approval process, pointing out the necessity of maintaining open lines of communication with parliamentarians. He underscored that securing their support is essential for the passage of not only the state budget but also the national budget, which he considers a cornerstone of strong political leadership and governance.
In a video statement, Nwanosike recounted, "When Mr. President met with us, Mr. President advised him (Fubara) to take the budget to the 27 members and play the game as a politician." This advice is indicative of the collaborative approach that Tinubu advocates, stressing that engaging with the legislative body is fundamental for any governor aiming to effectively manage state affairs.
Overall, Nwanosike's account sheds light on the strategic insights provided by President Tinubu, underscoring the importance of political maneuvering in the governance landscape of Rivers State.