Former Governor Peter Odili of Rivers State praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for thwarting an individual’s attempts to seize the state as a private estate.
In his welcome address at a Christmas celebration he hosted for Fubara at his residence in Port Harcourt, Odili affirmed that the governor had liberated the people of Rivers State.
Odili explained that his family chose to host Fubara and his family for an evening filled with song and various activities to express their appreciation for the steadfastness and exemplary leadership he has displayed.
He noted that since the fierce political battle waged against Fubara on 25 October 2023, the governor had faced the challenge head-on.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to Fubara, quoted Odili as saying, “It has been over 12 months since 25 October 2023, when an unnecessary but fierce struggle for the soul of Rivers State was launched against Governor Fubara.
“With unwavering strength, Governor Fubara confronted the challenge, prevented one man’s quest to capture the state as his private estate, liberated the people of Rivers, stabilised governance, and enhanced the well-being of civil servants and the citizens, bringing back the joy that had faded since I left office in 2007.”
Though he refrained from naming names, it was evident that the elder statesman was alluding to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Wike, a former governor of Rivers and a key supporter of Fubara’s rise to power, had a falling out with the incumbent just three months after he assumed office. Wike later publicly expressed regret for backing Fubara and vowed to unseat him in 2027.
Justice Mary Odili, who presented gifts to Fubara, his wife Lady Valerie, and their children, remarked that God had long recognised the need for a liberator and provided Rivers with Fubara.
In his response, Governor Fubara shared that the political discord had given him a fresh perspective on leadership.
He conveyed that, with the unwavering support of the state’s people, he no longer viewed the political crisis as a burden but rather as a necessary catalyst for effective governance.
He stated, “It is not merely that I wish to accept this; I grow stronger every day from the support I receive from the true people of Rivers.
“My strength arises from each one of you here. You encouraged me; you carried out the work; you made the calls on my behalf.
So why wouldn’t I stand up for you? Moreover, we hold a strong belief that the ultimate game changer, the true liberator, and the ultimate fighter remains God Almighty. And because we have Him on our side, victory is assured,” Fubara declared.
