Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara disclosed on Wednesday that he realised he was being ambushed by the peace pact he signed with the faction of the state House of Assembly that planned to remove him from office.
Fubara made the revelation at a non-denominational Thanksgiving in Port Harcourt on Wednesday to commemorate a year since he survived an impeachment plan by 27 lawmakers loyal to the Federal Capital Territory’s Minister, Nyesom Wike, on October 30, 2023.
Fubara stated that the peace accord’s founder (President Bola Tinubu) was not the one who ambushed him, but rather people he felt were earnest about resolving the impending problem.
He added that when he realised the other side involved in the peace proposal had dark objectives, he decided not to play into their hands.
He criticised the pro-Wike legislators for failing to adhere to the peace deal, branding their acts as fraud.
“We went to Abuja, and Mr. President, knowing the importance of peace for Rivers State, called out some conditions for peace.
“We came back here, in this state, to do everything that has to do with the conditions of the peace. We went to court immediately and withdrew our matters. And you call yourself honourable when you cannot obey simple instructions.
“I acted as an honourable. I discovered that I was being ambushed not by the person who initiated the peace, Fubara stated.
The governor praised all of the notable Rivers people and others who have backed his government over the last year for their belief and resilience in thwarting his enemies’ machinations.
“I am standing here because of all of you. A lot of people may not understand what happened on the 30th of October, 2023,” he said with nostalgia.
He emphasised his commitment to enthrone peace, acknowledging that his supporters had taken a very difficult part in that last year.
He further said, “We are still complete. Let me tell you, we are still intact. They said we’re not going to last for one week. We are here one year plus.
“They said we would not have local government chairmen. Today, we have local government chairmen.”
“They said commissioners should resign immediately. Today, we have more than 23 commissioners.
“They said they are not going to do anything; they are going to frustrate them; they are not going to succeed. By the grace of God, there are lots of projects that are touching the lives of the people.”
Fubara went on to explain that his government has shown prudence and transparency in the use of state resources, adding that Rivers was recently lauded for transparency and accountability by an external body.
To his opponents, he mentioned, “I now ask the question, who is the winner? We are here to appreciate God for the way He did it one year ago; He will do it again.”
Fubara disclosed he would pay contractors, and workers’ salaries and also release local government council funds.
He added, “I ask you again, who is the loser? Who is the loser? You see why you need to be happy? Do you see why you need to celebrate the righteousness of God?”
According to the governor, success occurs when you achieve despite the expectations of your adversaries that you will fail.
He emphasised his desire to ensure peace reigns in the state against all odds and thanked all who have supported his government for their sacrifice.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")