Rivers Political Crisis; Odili Throws Weight Behind Fubara

Rivers Political Crisis; Odili Throws Weight Behind Fubara

Gov. Fubara takes dig at detractors and vows not to be intimidated

By Faith Kordoo

As the political impasse between the governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, continues to drag on, a former governor of the state, Peter Odili, has thrown his weight behind Fubara, declaring him as the political leader of the state.

Fubara and Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, have been at loggerheads for political control in the state since Fubara was sworn in as governor of the state.

Recall that in October last year, Governor Fubara survived an impeachment attempt by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike, and for months now, political stalwarts and stakeholders in the state have pitched their tents as they wish.

Odili made his stance known while speaking at the inauguration and commissioning of the Comprehensive Primary Health Care Centre in Ndoni, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the state.

The health care center was built and donated by the PAMO Educational Foundation, founded by Odili.

He assured Governor Fubara that the people of the state were firmly behind him and would follow his leadership.

The former governor commended Fubara’s progress since coming into office on May 29, opining that the people of the state were happy with him.

“Our people said I should tell you to stand firm with the President, align with his quality policies, and carry Rivers people to the engine room of government in the Federal Republic in Abuja.
“For those who have not bothered to pay attention, if you look at the map of Nigeria, the entire map of Nigeria is sitting on Rivers State.

“When Rivers State coughs, Nigeria will catch a cold. So regard your office as key and vital. Don’t look back. It is not a matter of age. It is a matter of your people being with you. And 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. Wherever you stand, they will stand with you.

“You are standing on firm ground. Stand there and hold onto God; the rest of the journey will be a piece of cake. “

On his part, Governor Fubara took a dig at the local government chairmen, whom he said haven’t shown loyalty to him as state governor, warning that any local government chairman in the state who disrespected him has dug their pit.

“I’m surprised that I saw the Chairman of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government here. I’m very surprised because before now, any event that had to do with the state government, all the local government chairmen, as it were, didn’t participate.”

“I hope when you leave here they are not going to sack you because I know you are not loyal to me. Or when you leave here, you will grant a press interview that it was not you but your shadow?

“But let me say it here: every one of you who thinks you are disrespecting me has already dug your pit. You will fall inside it. That is the truth.

“Our minds are very open. We do not wish anyone bad, but we expect you to know and do what is right. For those of you who have chosen to take the path that you think is the way that leads to your salvation, safe journey.”

Governor Fubara also pledged support to President Bola Tinubu. We made a promise to Mr. President to support him, and we will continue to support him.

“How do we support him? It is to ensure that the welfare of our people is provided for. It is to ensure that our people, those in critical need, are happy in this harsh economic situation. If we cannot solve all the problems, at least we will go as far as we can to mitigate those basic challenges. That is the only way to support Mr. President.

Consequently, Governor Fubara hailed Odili for the project, which he described as historic, as he stressed that his government will continue to uphold the rights of the Rivers People.

“We will continue to stand on the path of right. We will defend the dignity and integrity of the Rivers people. We will not be intimidated. We will continue to do those things that are right, and that will make us proud. We are not going back on it.”.