Former Governor Peter Odili of Rivers State has declared his support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing him as the state’s new political leader for championing the people’s interests.
Odili, who led the state from 1999 to 2007, made the declaration while speaking at the unveiling of a Primary Healthcare Centre donated by his PAMO Foundation in Ndoni, his hometown in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, News About Nigeria reports.
According to Odili, Rivers State plays a vital role in the country, cautioning that any trouble in the state would ripple across the nation.
He urged Governor Fubara to govern with this consciousness, applauding his strides in various sectors within his first year, notably in public health.
Drawing parallels with President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives, particularly in healthcare, Odili urged Fubara to maintain this synergy to garner federal support for the state.
Fubara is having a running battle with the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Earlier this month, Wike addressed the strained political relationship with his former godfather, Dr. Odili.
In a television interview, Wike said they no longer collaborate due to their different decisions.
He said; “As it is today, politically, we don’t have good relationship. We don’t work together. There are some political differences.
“For me, we have finished with this stage. It does not mean that in the next stage you will be in the same camp. No. He took a decision. I took a decision.”
Despite this, Wike said he still has respect for Odili as a leader.
He also took time to criticise PDP leaders who supported Fubara, labeling them as “political vampires” draining the state’s resources.
Specifically, he referred to Abiye Sekibo, Uche Secondus, Celestine Omehia, and Austin Opara as outdated politicians unfit to be considered “elder statesmen.”
