Elder statesman, Peter Odili has said that Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers state prevented Nyesom Wike, minister of federal capital territory (FCT), from turning the state into his private estate.
Gatekeepers News reports that Nelson Chukwudi, chief press secretary to Fubara disclosed this in a statement released on Saturday.
Odili made the statement while speaking at an event organised by Odili family to honour the Rivers Governor on Friday in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
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.
Odili applauded Fubara for the fortitude and sterling leadership qualities he has demonstrated since he became the state Governor.
The statement reads, “Odili explained that it is now over 12 months, since the 25th October 2023, when a fierce existential fight, though unnecessary, was waged against Governor Fubara over the soul of Rivers State.”
“He (Odili) said that with assuring fortitude, Governor Fubara confronted the challenge, prevented the quest by one man to capture the State as a private estate, emancipated Rivers people, steadied governance and made civil servants and Rivers people happier as it used to be until he left office in 2007.”
Also speaking, Mary, Odili’s wife and former judge of supreme court, pledged the continuous support of her family to the success of Fubara’s administration.
In his remarks, Fubara said he enjoys the support of the people despite the political crisis in the state.
He said, “So, it is not me being strong. My strength is drawn from every one of you here. You encouraged me. You do the work for me. You make the calls for me. So, why won’t I stand up for you?”
“But we also believe strongly that the ultimate game changer, the ultimate liberator, and the ultimate fighter remains God almighty. And because we have him on our side, victory is assured.”
“I want to thank everyone, and I assure you that we will continue to run a government that will uplift the image of the state. We will not be tyrants. We will remember that what we are doing here today is a shift job and that one day, our time will be up, and we will leave for another person to take over.”
