Former President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara not to be disturbed by the political crisis rocking the state, admonishing that Fubara would eventually emerge as a “general in politics” after the political war he is faced with.
Jonathan on Sunday gave a speech to a gathering at the Nihi Community within the State’s Etche Local Government Area.
He admonished that Fubara would eventually emerge as a “general in politics,” despite the political war staged against him.
Jonathan said, “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.”
He said that whatever challenges he was facing currently was preparing him to be a general in politics, adding that with his total commitment and with the support from the people of Rivers State, God will surely see him through.
Jonathan emphasized Rivers State’s importance in the Niger Delta and cautioned that any unfavourable outcome would eventually affect the entire nation.
“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,” he stated.
The former president was also conferred with the traditional title of Eze Udo 1 of Etche by the Supreme Council of Etche Traditional Rulers
Both Jonathan and Fubara were in Etche during the 10th anniversary of the coronation of the Onye Ishi Agwuru III of Ulakwo-Umuselem in Etche, Eze Nwala.
