The former Governor of Rivers State and one-time
presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Peter Odili has
revealed how Governor Siminilayi Fubara courageously stopped the usurpation of
the state Treasury by Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike
Odili delightedly disclosed that Governor Fubara summoned an
unusual fortitude to confront the quest by Wike to capture Rivers state through
ferocious, but unnecessary political war.
Speaking at a Christmas Ballad organized by him in honour of
Governor Fubara and his family, Odili stated that as a family, he, his wife and
children, decided to host the Rivers State Governor and his family to a night
of varieties of sing-song and other activities in appreciation of “the
fortitude and sterling leadership qualities he has demonstrated”.
Dr Odili 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.
He 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”, 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.
Governor Fubara stated 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
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.”
Governor Fubara said 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.
“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.
“And what is important is to allow the machine to keep
running effectively, so that when the other person comes, he continues with
that steam for progress in the State. So, I thank everyone of you for your
support.”
Also speaking, Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt
Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo recalled how the crisis that erupted in the assembly swept
them off their feet but quickly added that the encouragement from Governor
Fubara, emboldened him and a few others to stand up for the truth to liberate
the State.
In his speech, Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon
Amadi, said he least expected to have remained a chief judge, just as he didn’t
expect the Governor to last in office up until now given the political crisis,
but noted that God has turned the crisis as a liberation fight, and assured
that he will continue to be on the right side in defence of the State.
Also speaking, former Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye
Sekibo, who noted that the gathering was a roll call of the political family of
Dr Peter, said Governor Fubara had sufficiently blended traits of Dr Odili’s
leadership style with his, and steered the course of governance successfully,
making the people of State proud of him as a worthy son.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman, of Rivers State
Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC); Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd),
thanked the Odilis for organising the family reunion, and lauded the Governor
and his family for showing unassuming humility and honouring the invitation,
while also thanking genuine elders and leaders of the State for joining in the
celebration.
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