Former governor of Rivers State Dr Peter Odili has said that Governor Siminalayi Fubara saved the state from FCT, Minister Nyesom Wike.
Odili said this while speaking at a Christmas ballad organized by him in honour of Governor Fubara and his family, saying Fubara’s courage and fortitude stopped Wike from turning the state into a private estate.
According to him, the governor summoned an unusual fortitude to confront the quest by Wike to capture Rivers state through ferocious, but unnecessary political war.
The former presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appreciated Fubara for “the fortitude and sterling leadership qualities he has demonstrated”.
Odili said that it is now over 12 months, since the 25th of October 2023, when a fierce existential fight, though unnecessary, was waged against Governor Fubara over the soul of Rivers State.
But 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,” he said.
Responding, Governor Fubara vowed to continue to do what is right, noting that it is also delighting to see true leaders of the State and well-meaning Rivers people standing on the right side of history despite the pressures to surrender to tyranny and oppression.
“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’ll leave for another person to take over.
He said God has proved Himself worthy as the Ultimate Liberator of the State and its people because He ensured total triumph over the political crisis and those behind it.
He added that while the political antagonism lasted, God gave him a new perspective to leadership.
“And not just because I want to accept it, I get stronger in this course every day when I look at the support I am getting from the true Rivers people.
“So, it is not me being strong. My strength is drawn from everyone of you that is here. You gave me the encouragement; 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 still remains God Almighty. And because we have Him on our side, victory is assured,” the governor said.
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