FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that though antagonism is a common experience faced by leaders, the political war staged against the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, would eventually make him emerge as a “general in politics.”
This is even as Fubara accepted the chieftaincy title of the Dike Oha 1 of Etche land, bestowed on him by the Supreme Council of Etche Traditional Rulers, saying it is now public acknowledgement from the heart of Etche and Ikwerre nations that he enjoys strong support of the people.
The duo spoke at the first Etche Festival of Food, Art and Culture Exhibition held in the Nihi Community, Etche Local Government Area of the state, on Sunday, during the 10th Anniversary of the coronation of the Onye Ishi Agwuru III of Ulakwo-Umuselem in Etche, Eze Nwala.
The former president, who was also conferred with the traditional title of Eze Udo 1 of Etche, pleaded with Rivers people to ensure they continue to support the governor.
“I know you (Fubara) are passing through challenges, and on 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 said.
He emphasised the position that the state occupies in the Niger Delta region 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,” Jonathan added.
The former president commended the monarch for the success he has achieved during his 10-year reign and the commitment of the Etche people to farming activities that have reckoned the place as the food basket of the state.
In his remark, Fubara expressed delight over the bestowment of the chieftaincy title, adding that his administration would continue to provide projects and social services that would improve the standard of living of the people.
He stated that his administration has awarded contracts for the reconstruction of roads in the Egwi, Afara and Mba communities in Etche.
“But for today, I want to assure you, that your support is well appreciated, and in return, we will continue to do our best to lift your faces before the people who believe that you made a mistake in supporting us.
“Let me thank our father (Dr Jonathan) 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 very simple man, 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.
“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,” the governor said.
In his appreciation speech, the monarch said the journey on the throne has been full of memorable milestones, including advancing physical development in Etche land.