Governor Similanayi Fubara of Rivers State has courtesy of Dr Peter Odili, former governor of the state now been acknowledged As the political head of his people. This “honest and genuine” conferment, according to Fubara, is giving his detractors, including Nyesom Wike, his predecessor in office, high blood pressure.
Governor Fubara spoke to residents of Ndoni community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of Rivers State shortly after his recent commissioning of an health center built and donated to the community by Odili. He said he is very happy that the former governor is standing firm by him and on the side of truth, honor and integrity.
Governor Fubara stressed that some persons who are against him but arrogating integrity and character to themselves actually do not have any iota of such qualities.
The Governor emphasised that Odili personifies the good qualities of a true elder statesman stating further that: “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 that matter, the people that have what they claimed they have; integrity, are with us. That is the truth.
“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, provided you are standing on the right side, maintain your stand. And we are happy to stand with him (Odili). So, if we have one person who has integrity and character, is it not better than having 1,000 persons with questionable character? So, we are happy to identify with him.”
He expressed joy at being in Ndoni land, stating: “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 back those blessings to the 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.”
Governor Fubara said further: “This was not done when he 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.
“Let me thank our people. Continue to support our Daddy. 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,” he said.
Two days ago, Odili had declared Fubara as the political leader of Rivers. This comes amid the rift between Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the governor.
