Former President Goodluck Jonathan has again thrown his weight behind Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, urging him not to be disturbed by the political crisis rocking the state as they are necessary steps to becoming a political general.
Jonathan spoke at Nihi Community in the 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, HRH Dr. Ken. O. Nwala, the King of Etche Kingdom.
The former president was conferred with the traditional title of Eze Udo 1 of Etche (King of Peace) by the Supreme Council of Etche Traditional Rulers.
Jonathan explained that Fubara would eventually emerge as a “general in politics,” despite the political war orchestrated against him.
“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,” Jonathan said.
Jonathan emphasised the position that Rivers State occupies in the Niger Delta region and warned that whatever happens to it will negatively 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 a serious crisis 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,” he stated.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who was also decorated with the title Dike Oha 1 of Etche Land (Warrior or Strong Man), expressed profound gratitude to Jonathan for his unwavering support during the challenges of his administration.
Governor Fubara revealed that the former president had played key roles in helping him navigate the ongoing crisis but chose not to disclose the specifics publicly.
“That is why I canceled all my engagements to personally receive him and attend this event together,” the governor stated
