Former Governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili, stated that Governor Siminilayi Fubara bravely prevented the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from turning the state into his personal property. The former governor revealed that Governor Fubara exhibited remarkable courage in facing Wike’s aggressive and unnecessary political attempts to dominate Rivers State. Odili made these comments at a Christmas event he hosted in honor of Governor Fubara and his family. He mentioned that his family wanted to treat the Rivers State Governor to a night of music and festivities to express their gratitude for his resilience and exceptional leadership. Odili noted that it has been over a year since the intense and unwarranted battle began on October 25, 2023, against Governor Fubara for control of Rivers State. He praised Governor Fubara for bravely tackling the challenge, thwarting one individual’s attempt to seize the State as if it were his personal property, liberating the people of Rivers, stabilizing governance, and bringing happiness back to civil servants and the community, reminiscent of the times before he left office in 2007. In response, Governor Fubara stated that God has shown Himself as the true liberator of the State and its people by ensuring victory over the political turmoil and its instigators. He mentioned that during the political conflict, God provided him with a new understanding of leadership, noting that with the support from the people of Rivers, he began to view the crisis not as a problem but as an essential facilitator of governance. “It’s not just my strength; I grow stronger every day because of the backing I receive from the genuine people of Rivers.” I gain my strength from each and every one of you who are present. You provided me with support; you handle the tasks for me; you make the phone calls for me. So, why am I not defending you? “However, we firmly believe that the true game changer, liberator, and fighter is still God Almighty.” “And with Him on our side, victory is guaranteed,” he stated. He pointed out that God oversees the state’s matters, and as they anticipate a prosperous 2025, they can be confident it will surpass past experiences. He expressed his administration’s commitment to improve every subsequent year in the state, achieving significant progress, and noted that the joy shown by the people of Rivers during Christmas reflects a promising future. Governor Fubara, who pledged to continue pursuing what is right, expressed pleasure in seeing genuine leaders of the State and compassionate Rivers residents standing firm against tyranny and oppression despite the pressures to yield.
