Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that, while animosity is common among politicians, the political battle waged against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara will eventually propel him to the rank of general in politics.
On Sunday, Jonathan spoke at the 1st Etche Festival of Food, Art, and Culture Exhibition, which took place at Nihi Community in the Etche Local Government Area of the State.
The celebration, which Fubara also attended, commemorated the tenth anniversary of His Royal Highness, Eze Ken O. Nwala’s coronation as the Onye Ishi Agwuru 111 of Ulakwo-Umuselem in Etche.
Fubara received the chieftaincy title Dike Oha 1 of Etche land, bestowed upon him by the Supreme Council of Etche Traditional Rulers.
Jonathan was also granted the historic title of Eze Udo 1 of Etche land. In his speech, Jonathan called for Rivers State residents to continue their support for Fubara in order to ensure the state’s peace and development.
He urged Fubara not to be worried by political opposition to his administration but to remain focused on the responsibilities of governing without distraction, claiming that his current political experience was making him a stronger leader.
Fubara has been embroiled in a political dispute with his predecessor and estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, since last year.
Last year, Fubara survived an impeachment plot, and the crisis has seen the House of Assembly factionalised, which has also led to violence on a number of occasions.
Speaking on Sunday, Jonathan said, “I know you are passing through challenges, and at occasions like these, I try to keep quiet. I don’t like to say certain things.
“But this is the first time you are holding a top political office. You will pass through a lot. And just know that nobody becomes a general without fighting wars.
“So, whatever challenges you are meeting now is baking you to be a general in politics. And with your total commitment and with the support I have seen from the people of Rivers State, God will surely see you through.”
He emphasised the critical position that Rivers State occupies and warned that whatever happens to it negatively will impact the entire country in the long run.
“We want a peaceful Rivers State, because Rivers State is the centre of the Niger Delta. And I always make it very clear: if we create serious perturbation in Rivers State, we are creating a crisis in the Niger Delta, which is not good for our economy as a nation.
“We want a peaceful Rivers State. We want the governor of Rivers State to be allowed to remain calm and do his work. After he finishes serving, another person will take over.
“In political office, we have tenures. And so, we don’t need to kill ourselves over any political office. Allow those who are there to do their work, and after that, anything can happen.”
The former president praised Eze Nwala for the achievement he has achieved in his ten years on the throne, as well as the Etche people’s commitment to farming operations, which has distinguished the region as the state’s food basket.
In his remarks, Fubara expressed his happiness at the acknowledgement and chieftaincy title bestowed upon him, saying that his administration would continue to develop projects and social services to help people improve their level of living.
He thanked Jonathan for his support throughout the Rivers political crisis.
In his remarks, Fubara expressed his happiness at the acknowledgement and chieftaincy title bestowed upon him, saying that his administration would continue to develop projects and social services to help people improve their level of living.
He thanked Jonathan for his support throughout the Rivers political crisis.
Fubara said, “Let me thank our father for coming to grace this occasion. It is not just for the celebrant being close to him. This goes to show that he is a man who is very simple, who believes that humanity is the most priceless thing you can give to anybody. Coming here to celebrate with the Etche people is a sign of humility. So, I want to thank you for coming and being with us today.
“When I was told that our Daddy (Jonathan) would be coming here, I had to cancel all other programs that I had to be here to receive him and to honour him.
“He has stood with me in this most difficult period of our administration. So, the little I can do is to come to wait for him, to receive him, and to share in this honour.”
