Former president, Goodluck Jonathan has advised Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers state not to deter from his commitment to development of the state despite opposition.
Gatekeepers News reports that Jonathan gave the advice while speaking at the first Etche Festival of Food, Art, and Culture exhibition held at Nihi community in Etche LGA of the state on Sunday.
According to Jonathan; the opposition attacks against Fubara are only preparing him to become a better leader.
Recall that Fubara and Wike, minister of federal capital territory (FCT) have been at loggerheads over control of PDP’s political structure in the state.
The rift between them has created two factions in Rivers House of Assembly, with each camp electing a speaker loyal to the minister and the Governor.
Jonathan said to Fubara, “I know you are passing through challenges, and on occasions like these, I try to keep quiet. I don’t like to say certain things. But this is the first time you are holding top political office. You will pass through a lot. And, just know that nobody becomes a general without fighting wars.”
“So, whatever challenges you are meeting now are baking you to be a general in politics. And with your total commitment and with the support I have seen from the people of Rivers State, God will surely see you through.”
Jonathan said Rivers State plays a crucial role in the country’s economy and if the state is not peaceful, Niger Delta region would be affected.
He added, “We want a peaceful Rivers because Rivers State is the centre of the Niger Delta. And I always make it very clear: if we create serious perturbation in Rivers State, we are creating a crisis in the Niger Delta, which is not good for our economy as a nation.”
“We want a peaceful Rivers state. We want the governor of Rivers state to remain calm and do his work. After he finishes serving, another person will take over. In political office, we have tenures. And so, we don’t need to kill ourselves over any political office. Allow those who are there to do their work, and after that, anything can happen.”
Commenting, Fubara thanked Jonathan for being supportive of him throughout the most difficult period of his administration.
He said, “Coming here to celebrate with the Etche people is a sign of humility. So, I want to thank you for coming and being with us today.”
“When I was told that our Daddy (Dr Jonathan) would be coming here, I had to cancel all other programmes that I had to be here to receive him and to honour him.”
“He has stood with me in this most difficult period of our administration. So, the little I can do is to come to wait for him, to receive him, and to share in this honour.”
