In an impassioned address at a Christmas ballad hosted in honor of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former Rivers State Governor and one-time presidential hopeful, Dr. Peter Odili, praised Fubara for his unwavering determination in preventing the state’s hijacking by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. According to Odili, Fubara’s courageous stand shielded Rivers State from Wike’s plans to turn it into his “private estate.”
The festive event, organized by the Odili family to celebrate Governor Fubara and his leadership, saw political leaders, dignitaries, and well-wishers from across the state come together in support of Fubara’s administration. It was during this event that Odili reflected on the tense political climate that gripped the state in late 2023, when Wike’s political machinations created a serious crisis in Rivers.
“Governor Fubara stood firm in the face of an unnecessary political war, preventing one individual from turning the soul of this great state into his private estate,” Odili remarked. “It is due to his fortitude and leadership that Rivers was liberated from the grip of tyranny and began to experience stability once more.”
The Wike-Fubara Political Rift
The political tension between Wike and Fubara reached its peak in late 2023, when there were widespread reports of a power struggle over the control of Rivers State. Wike, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, had remained influential in state politics after his tenure, and many believed he sought to consolidate his hold over the state’s political apparatus. However, Fubara, who succeeded him as governor, quickly became a target of Wike’s fierce opposition.
Fubara’s administration, which began in May 2023, faced fierce resistance from loyalists of Wike, who were not pleased with the new leadership direction. Many insiders described it as a political battle for the soul of Rivers, with Wike reportedly trying to establish dominance over the state’s political institutions.
Despite the pressures, Fubara, backed by strong public support, refused to be cowed. “I will not be a tyrant,” he declared during his speech at the event. “Rivers is for the people, not for any single individual. I will always stand up for you, the people, because you are the strength behind my leadership.”
A Family Affair: Honoring Fubara’s Leadership
The night, filled with songs and celebrations, was more than just a festive gathering—it was an expression of deep gratitude for Fubara’s leadership. Dr. Odili, who served as governor from 1999 to 2007, recalled how Rivers State once thrived under visionary leadership, a tradition he hoped would continue under Fubara.
“Over 12 months ago, we witnessed an existential struggle for the heart and future of our state,” Odili said. “But through God’s grace and the resilience of our people, Governor Fubara emerged victorious, restoring Rivers to the path of prosperity and progress.”
Odili also praised Fubara for his ability to overcome the political storm and, as he put it, “restore dignity and order to governance.” He emphasized that under Fubara, civil servants and ordinary Rivers people had found hope again.
Fubara: ‘God is in Control’
In his response, Governor Fubara thanked the Odili family for the honor and recognized the significant role Rivers citizens had played in his leadership. He attributed his success in overcoming the political crisis to divine intervention and the unyielding support of the people.
“God is the ultimate liberator,” Fubara asserted. “While the political challenges were intense, I always believed that the strength to overcome them came from the support of our people and, most importantly, from God. This victory was not just mine—it was a victory for every Rivers person who stood by what was right.”
Fubara also expressed his commitment to continued progress, assuring that the challenges faced in 2023 would only strengthen his resolve to lead the state towards greater prosperity. “We will not be distracted by the forces that tried to derail us. We will focus on what truly matters: the future of Rivers State.”