A collage photo of Jonathan and Fubura
By Tony Folarin Obajemu
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that though political animosities are 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,
