Former Governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili has endorsed Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the political leader of the State.
This is as the rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has no end in sight, over the political structure of the State.
Wike had also referred to former Governors of the State as “expired politicians” owing to the fact that their political ideologies don’t align.
Meanwhile, Odili who ruled Rivers State between 1999 and 2007, commended the Governor for defending the interests of the people.
According to him, Fubara has attained the position of leadership having “secured his electoral victory both through the ballot and the courts.”
He spoke on Thursday at the commissioning of a Primary Healthcare Centre donated by his PAMO Foundation in Ndoni.
The ex-Governor warned that “if Rivers State sneezes, the entire Nigeria would catch cold,” urging Fubara “to act with this awareness in all your decision.”
According to him, Fubara has made significant strides in critical sectors within his first year in office.
Odili further encouraged the Fubara to maintain this alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his policies to attract Federal Government attention and support to the State.
He said: “Thanks for standing up to defend the interest of all Rivers people. We are proud of you. Politics is over; it is now time for governance. You have hit the ground running.
“Your government is aligning correctly with President Tinubu’s government, especially in the area of education agriculture and now health sector.
“Our people said I should tell you to stand with the president and align with his positive policies and link the people of Rivers State with the centre.
“They have asked me to tell you that you are the political leader of Rivers State. Rivers people say where you go, they will go with you; where you stand, they will stand with you. Don’t look back, stay focused, knowing that your people are behind you.”
