Odili: Fubara prevented Wike from turning Rivers into his private estate 

Peter Odili, elder statesman, has claimed that Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, prevented Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), from turning the state into the latter’s private estate. 

In a statement issued on Saturday, Nelson Chukwudi, chief press secretary to Fubara, quoted Odili speaking at an event on Friday in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The event was organised by the Odili family to honour the Rivers governor.

Odili, who governed the state between 1999 and 2007, commended Fubara for the “fortitude and sterling leadership qualities he has demonstrated” since he became governor.

“Odili explained that it is now over 12 months, since the 25th October 2023, when a fierce existential fight, though unnecessary, was waged against Governor Fubara over the soul of Rivers State,” the statement reads.

“He (Odili) said that with assuring fortitude, Governor Fubara confronted the challenge, prevented the quest by one man to capture the State as a private estate, emancipated Rivers people, steadied governance and made civil servants and Rivers people happier as it used to be until he left office in 2007.”

Also speaking, Mary, Odili’s wife and former judge of the supreme court, pledged the continuous support of her family to the success of Fubara’s administration.

Fubara and Wike, his successor, have been locked in a supremacy battle since December 2023. 

In April, Odili declared Fubara as the political leader in Rivers.

About a week later, Wike said he no longer has a good relationship with Odili over “political differences”.

Wike previously regarded Odili as his political mentor.

In his remarks at the event, Fubara said he enjoys the support of the people despite the political crisis in the state.

“So, it is not me being strong. My strength is drawn from every one of you here. You encouraged me. You do the work for me. You make the calls for me. So, why won’t I stand up for you?” the governor asked.

“But we also believe strongly that the ultimate game changer, the ultimate liberator, and the ultimate fighter remains God almighty. And because we have him on our side, victory is assured.

“I want to thank everyone, and I assure you that we will continue to run a government that will uplift the image of the state. We will not be tyrants. We will remember that what we are doing here today is a shift job and that one day, our time will be up, and we will leave for another person to take over.”