Rivers Crisis: You’ll Emerge As A General – Ex-President Jonathan Tells Fubara
Former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on Sunday, December 1, 2024, took a critical look at the crisis in Rivers State and declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara would someday emerge as a general in politics.
Jonathan urged Fubara not to be perturbed over the political antagonism against his administration, but should remain dedicated to the obligations of governance without being distracted.
He told Fubara to know that nobody becomes a General without fighting wars, adding however, that even though antagonism is a common experience that leaders face, the political war staged against Governor Fubara would eventually make him emerge as political general.
Jonathan, who stated these at the 1st Etche Festival of Food, Art and Culture Exhibition held at Nihi Community in Etche Local Government Area of the state, appealed to the people of the State to collectively ensure that they continue to support Fubara by ensuring that the state remained peaceful in order to engender enduring development.
The former president noted that the current political experience was turning Fubara into a better leader, saying; “I know you (Fubara) are passing through challenges, and at occasions like these, I try to keep quiet. I don’t like to say certain things.
“But, this is first time you are holding top political office. You will pass through a lot. 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.
Jonathan also noted the critical position that Rivers State occupied, and warned that whatever happened to it negatively would impact on the entire country in the long run.
He further said; “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 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 finish 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”.
The former president, who alongside Fubara, was conferred with a traditional title, commended His Royal Highness, Eze Ken O. Nwala, traditional ruler of Etche for the success he had achieved in 10 years on the throne and the commitment of Etche people to farming that has reckoned the place as the food basket of the state.
In his remarks, Fubara expressed delight over the recognition and the chieftaincy title, saying that his administration would continue to provide projects and social services that would improve the standard of living of the people.
Fubara urged the people to expect more government attention because of their support, and assured them that he would not disappoint them.
Responding to the former president, Fubara said: “Let me thank our father 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 man who is very simple, 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 and to be with us today.
“When I was told that our Daddy (Jonathan) will be coming here, I had to cancel all other programmes to be here to receive him and honour him. 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”.
