An erstwhile Governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili, says Governor Siminilayi Fubara courageously stopped the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, from making the state his private estate

The ex-governor disclosed that Governor Fubara summoned an unusual fortitude to confront the quest by Wike to capture Rivers State through ferocious but unnecessary political war.

Odili made this statement at a Christmas Ballard organized by him in honour of Governor Fubara and his family.

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He stated that his family decided to host the Rivers State Governor to a night of varieties of sing-song and other activities in appreciation of the fortitude and sterling leadership qualities he has demonstrated.

The former governor further explained 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.

“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 said that 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.

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He added that while the political antagonism lasted, God gave him a new perspective to leadership, adding that with the strength of support from Rivers people, he stopped seeing the crisis as a problem but as a necessary enabler in governance.

“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 every one of you that is here. You gave me 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,” he said.

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According to him, God is in control of the affairs of the state, adding that as they look forward to a very prosperous 2025, they should be assured that it will be better than what had been experienced.

He assured of the determination of his administration to make every succeeding year in the state better with remarkable records of progress, stressing that the excitement experienced among Rivers people during the Christmas celebrations is indicative of a brighter future ahead.

Governor Fubara, who vowed to continue to do what is right, said 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.