Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has notably excluded his estranged political godfather and predecessor, Nyesom Wike, from his list of influential figures in the state’s political landscape, instead highlighting former Governor Peter Odili as the defining figure of Rivers politics.
Fubara’s remarks reflect the ongoing power struggle between him and Wike, as well as recent verbal sparring between Odili and Wike.
Speaking at the 2025 New Year State Banquet at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Fubara emphasized that his administration would leave no stone unturned in confronting any individuals or groups seeking to undermine the delivery of good governance to the people of Rivers State.
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He reassured citizens that, with the unwavering support of key political figures, especially those who have laid the foundation for the state’s political framework, his government would not allow any detractor or mischief-maker to derail the state’s progress.
Fubara’s comments were made during his address to the people of Rivers at the New Year event.
A statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Nelson, on Thursday, further reiterated the Governor’s confidence.
He expressed assurance that with the strong backing of former Governors Dr. Peter Odili and Sir Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sir Austin Opara, former Deputy Governor Sir Gabriel Toby, and other current and former political leaders, no detractor would be able to obstruct the state’s government in achieving its ambitious goals.
The governor said, ” This year, we will ensure we protect the integrity of this state, at all cost. We won’t allow anybody take this state for a ride. It doesn’t matter the approach I will use. It’s not going to be a fight. We will follow the issues as we did with the case when they (detractors) started begging. Nothing will stop us from not achieving the purpose of governance in this State.”
With strong confidence and faith in God and the people, Fubara noted that “we are not bothered about what they (opposition) will come with. God will always have a way to save us from them. They are going to come, but we are not worried. We are equal to the task. I honestly thank our leaders, from Dr. Peter Odili, Sir Celestine Omehia, Sen John Azuta Mbata, Sir Austin Opara, Prince Uche Secondus, Dr. Abiye Sekibo; to others, for the organic support you are giving to our government.
“A lot of persons would not understand what is really happening. This is not to say we did not have people that were with us and following us and fighting. But one of the troubles they (detractors) have where they are today is that they do not have any (strong) face (in Rivers politics) with them. The beginning and the end of politics in this state is Sir Peter Odili. And if he is sitting with us (here), and with these other persons, who do they have with them?
“Dr. Odili is the right face and right image of our state. These are the frontiers of Rivers State politics. Men and women that have distinguished themselves are sitting with us (here). People who have contributed in several ways to make Rivers State what it is, not rented people they bring for dinner,” he added.
Read Also: Rivers Elders React To Wike’s Attack On Odili, Make Strong Demand
He reflected that the events of 2024 were a blend of significant challenges, though his administration achieved more successes than setbacks.
He restated his administration’s determination to sustain the Rivers First policy, saying, “We will continue to protect the lives of our people and provide the required services in our state. We are not going to lower our guards. Rather, we will raise our bar because, what is speaking for us today is the achievements we are making in the face of obvious distractions.
“Therefore, raising the bar will be our own way of telling the world that no matter what is happening here, we mean well for the state and know what we are doing. It is not going to be easy. I know God, at times, keeps evil people to live long to continue their evil, not because He does not know what to do but activities of evil people also keep the righteous people awake.”
He guaranteed that 2025 would be a year of comprehensive success, announcing that his administration would begin commissioning projects by February.
“This time around, not roads. Our Fire Service, you can see what we are doing there. For over nine years, there was no functional Fire Service, but today, I can proudly tell you that we have bought all the vehicles, and we are remodelling the offices,” he added.
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