Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed gratitude for the endorsement and backing extended to him by former governor, Dr. Peter Odili, stating that the support has unsettled his detractors.
Fubara emphasized that individuals of integrity and character are firmly aligned with his administration.
The declaration by Odili, made during the inauguration of a health center, positioned Fubara as the political leader of Rivers State, highlighting the populace’s trust in his leadership.
This proclamation comes amidst a political rift between Fubara and his estranged political mentor, Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister.
Odili told Fubara, “Our people said I should tell you to stand firm with the President, align with his quality policies and carry Rivers people to the engine room of government in the Federal Republic in Abuja.
“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 acknowledged Odili’s endorsement, affirming his commitment to standing by the principles of good governance. He attributed the restlessness of his opponents to Odili’s support, indicating that their anxiety is a testament to the significance of integrity in politics.
In response to the endorsement, Fubara released a statement on Sunday via his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi saying, “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 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.”
“Greatness is the value that you give to yourself; greatness is the respect that you preserve for yourself so that even when you’re being insulted, you look around and say, ‘I know my value; I will not bring myself down’. So, continue to stand with it. God will help us to achieve the purpose of governance with your help,” Fubara added.
