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By Ebiere Tamuno
RIVERS State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, asserts that those with unwavering integrity and character are firmly supporting his administration. The endorsement by former governor Dr. Peter Odili has sent shockwaves through his detractors.
Last Thursday, Odili officially declared Fubara as the political leader of Rivers State, emphasizing the people’s trust in his leadership. This declaration comes amidst the ongoing political feud between Fubara and his estranged political mentor, Nyesom Wike.
The power struggle, which began last October, has drawn influential figures into the fray, with allegiances being formed on both sides.
During the inauguration of a health center, Odili urged Fubara to stand resolute alongside the President, align with quality policies, and propel Rivers State into the heart of the Federal Republic’s governance in Abuja.
Odili emphasized the critical role of Rivers State, stating that when it “coughs,” Nigeria feels the impact. He affirmed Fubara’s position as the political leader, with Rivers people pledging unwavering support.
“For those who have not bothered to pay attention, if you look at the map of Nigeria, the entire map of Nigeria is sitting on Rivers State.
“When Rivers State coughs, Nigeria will catch a cold. So regard your office as key and vital. Don’t look back. It is not a matter of age. It is a matter of your people being with you. And they have asked me to tell you that you are the political leader of Rivers State. Rivers people say where you go, they will go with you. Where you stand, they will stand with you.
“You are standing on firm ground. Stand there, hold onto God; the rest of the journey will be a piece of cake.”
Fubara’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, expressed jubilation over Odili’s endorsement, noting that detractors were already feeling the pressure from this significant pronouncement.
Fubara said, “I’ve said it before, and I’m saying it again, it doesn’t matter the number of people that stand with you. Even if you’re standing alone, no matter the side you’re standing on, provided you are standing on the right side, maintain your stand. And we are happy to stand with him (Odili).
“We are also happy that he is standing with us. Even his person alone is giving people high blood pressure. They are restless, granting all sorts of media interviews.
“Why are they doing it? It is because the people who matter, the people who have what they claim they have, integrity, are with us. That is the truth.
“So, if we have one person who has integrity and character, is it not better than having 1,000 persons with questionable characters? So, we are happy to identify with him (Odili).”
Fubara restated his promise to provide everything needed to make the health centre, donated by PAMO Educational Foundation founded by Odili, function maximally.
“We came here to celebrate with our own Daddy. It is a celebration of giving back to society. It is natural that when God blesses you, such time should come when you say ‘Let me return those blessings to society’.
“And we are happy to identify with what I consider, and I want to tag as the ‘I’ agenda’. This is the genuine ‘I’ agenda project.
“This was not done when he (Odili) was in power, when he could have used public funds to execute projects. He is no longer in government; he is a private man. And now that he is a private man, he has done something to support his people. That is the right time to use the word ‘I’ did this.”
Fubara urged the people to continue to support Odili, saying, “He is a great man. He is integrity and character personified. It is only those who understand what greatness is all about that
will appreciate what he has done.”
