In a rare turn of events in Rivers State politics, former Governor Peter Odili has backed Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the state’s political leader, complimenting him for protecting the people’s interests.
Odili, who ruled from 1999 to 2007, declared that Fubara, who won his election through both the ballot and the courts, is now the political head of the oil-rich South-South state.
Odili said on Thursday during the opening of a Primary Healthcare Centre provided by his PAMO Foundation in Ndoni, his hometown in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
He emphasised the strategic importance of Rivers State, warning that if the state sneezes, the entire nation catches cold. He urged Governor Fubara to act with this awareness in all its decision.
Assessing Fubara’s performance, Odili commended him for making significant strides in critical sectors within his first year in office, particularly focusing on the well-being of the people.
He noted that Fubara’s administration is in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda, especially in the health sector, following the recent launch of the Primary Healthcare Fellows scheme by the Federal Government.
Odili encouraged the governor to maintain this alignment with the President and his policies to attract federal government attention and support to the state.