Politics
Odili: We’re solidly behind Fubara; nobody can intimidate him
Peter Odili, ex-Rivers State Governor, has said it was God that destined Sir Siminalayi Fubara to become the governor of the state.
Addressing the governor while inaugurating the dualised Omoku-Egbema Road constructed by the Fubara administration, Odili said: “Your Excellency, the man God destined to govern Rivers State; a humble man of God and a man whose life reflects the fear of God; a man who doesn’t talk too much but does a lot.”
Odili said Fubara had taken full control of governance in Rivers State and was focused on the people in line with his chosen mantra, People First.
Odili thanked Fubara for the project delivered in the area and urged him to remain focused on the people by giving succour to the less-privileged and hope to the hopeless.
He said: “I can tell our people that the next election is very far, but what the Governor has done so far is enough to secure the support of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area going forward.
“Thank you, Your Excellency, because the greatest assets of the state remain the people, not oil and gas. The people remain the greatest assets.
“So, once your focus remains with the people, especially the less-privileged, the poor, those who are struggling to feed every day, once they remain your focus, I want to agree with you that the sky would become the take-off point of your administration.”
Odili assured that the entire people of Rivers were behind Fubara, “rallying support for him because they trust him, believing in what he says and convinced that he means whatever he says.”
Speaking at the occasion, Fubara said that the delivery of developmental projects and social services by his administration would not be politicised because they were geared towards solving the needs faced by the people of the state.
The governor explained that while all human and societal challenges could not be solved at once, every promise made by his administration would be fulfilled within available resources and delivered on schedule.
The governor said: “When the project was added to the list of projects to mark our one year in office, there was a challenge but the contractor assured of delivering it, which is a reality today.
“What are we doing today? We are here to tell our people that they are the most important thing to us. We are here to assure you that every part of this state will have positive impact of our administration.
“We can make bold to say that today, a project that was impossible in the past was made possible by this administration.
“If within this short period we could deliver this to our people who were yearning for this road, crying and complaining, it is a sign that this government has the interest of the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area at heart.
“So, I want to assure you: don’t let anybody deceive you anywhere. This is the right boat to join. The captain of this boat, his own mantra is ‘The People First’. So, I assure you, with your support, the sky is our beginning.”
Fubara said it would be improper for him not to appreciate the people of ONELGA because the campaigns that led to his election started in the area.
Granting some of their requests, Fubara said: “Here and now, we are mandating the Ministry of Works to ensure that the remaining part of this road project leading to the boundary with Imo State should be completed (Okwuizi boundary to Abacheke).
“We are also assuring you that the health centre matter, more especially the zonal hospital, we are going to complete it. The contractor will move to site in the next one week.
“So, let me use this opportunity, on behalf of the government and the good people of our dear state, to say thank you for supporting us before, during and also after the election.
“Let me assure you that whatever we say, we will live up to it. We will not make promises that we will not keep.
“We will make promises after checking our resources. We will make promises that are within our capacity to deliver, and delivering it in good time.”
The governor explained that he invited Odili to inaugurate the project because the former governor understood the needs of the people.
He said: “This is not politics. This is giving back to our people. So, I want somebody who understands the need of our people, and what we are doing is to come and speak to our people.
“I want somebody who has the direct interest of this LGA at heart to come and speak to his people, so that we will understand that when we are in position, what is important is not self, what is important is the people.”
Providing the description of the road, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Atemea Briggs, said the road project indicated how Fubara had consistently prioritised the needs of the people and solve critical problems.
In his welcome address, High Chief Shedrack Akalokwu, noted that Fubara was soft spoken, his leadership was action-packed, with successes that far outweighed public expectations of his administration.
He said: “We are grateful that in the short period of less than one year in office, Your Excellency is here today to superintend over the commissioning of the Omoku-Egbema Dual Carriageway in our local government area.
“The Erema junction-Akabuka- Ogbogu-Obite-Ede-Okposi dual carriageway speedily being executed by the construction giant, Julius Berger, is very refreshing. The news of the award of 33.5km Elele-Omudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku dual carriageway has been received with gladsome mind.
“That project is magic infrastructural access that would gladden the hearts of our people as there would be drastic reduction of time and distance from our local government to the state capital.
“All our people are in one accord in conveying our support, solidarity, gratitude and total loyalty to this government of which we are an integral part.”
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Special Duties, Comrade Ini Ememobong, has resigned his appointment as a member of Governor Umo Eno’s cabinet over political differences.
Governor Eno had earlier on Friday announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the need to connect Akwa Ibom to the government at the centre, among others reasons.
But, his appointee Ememobong, who also doubled as the Commissioner for the Ibom Deep Sea Port Project, quit his role in the State government, saying he couldn’t follow his principal to his new political party as a matter of principle.
Taking to his Facebook page shortly after the governor’s announcement of his defection, the erstwhile Commissioner said he had also complied with Governor Eno’s directive to his aides who won’t follow to APC to quit, calling his own decision to quit as ‘another bend’.
Ememobong wrote: “Today, I have tendered my resignation to the Governor in compliance with his directive that his appointees who are unwilling to join him on the political journey to the APC should resign.
“While I cannot question or fault the Governor’s personal decision, I am unable to join in that sojourn. My decision is borne out of my belief in politics with principles and my long standing opposition to that political platform, which is daily validated by numerous Nigerians across many sectors. This decision does not affect my personal relationship with the Governor, who calls me his brother and reposed great confidence in me by saddling me with two very important ministries(Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port).I have and will continue to have tremendous respect for HE Governor Umo Eno, even out of EXCO.
“About my history in political and public service, I look back with great satisfaction at the work I have done and leave the ultimate judgement to history and posterity. Given another opportunity, I will do more.
“Let me convey the very sincere appreciation of my family to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for appointing me into his cabinet. Our very special appreciation goes to Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State for his enduring love and belief in me, especially for appointing me into the Executive Council during his administration.
“I understand this decision may not please everyone, and to those who are disappointed, I humbly seek your understanding.
“As usual, I do not know the future, but I know HE who holds the future and I trust that at the end, all things work together for good, to those who love the Lord and are the called unto HIS purpose.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued to lose its state governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) since the formation of the ruling party.
The APC has not hidden the desire to take over more states through defections of governors ahead of the 2027 elections.
The latest to join the train of PDP governors to join the ruling APC is Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state.
Governor Umo Eno officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, June 6, 2025
The Akwa Ibom is not the first PDP governor to have dumped the party for the ruling party since the emergence of the APC .
The article compiled the list of all the PDP governors who dumped the party and defected to the ruling APC .
Eno hinged his reason for defection on the critical admiration for President Tinubu’s leadership and what he described as “three months of wide consultation” with critical stakeholders across the state.
List of PDP governors who defected to APC
As reported by The Nation, below are the PDP governors who dumped the party for APC.
Governor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State)
Governor Umo Eno is the latest PDP governor to have dumped the main opposition party for the APC. Eno is the first Akwa Ibom State governor to defect to another party. The governor’s defection could significantly alter the south-south state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State)
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of a core PDP state since 1999 defected to the APC after months of defection rumours.
Oborevwori’s defection marks a significant political shift in Delta state.
Dave Umahi (Ebonyi State)
The current minister of work, Dave Umahi defected to APC in November 2020 during his second term as Ebonyi state Governor.
Umahi accused the PDP of marginalising the Southeast region and praised APC’s infrastructure focus under President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ben Ayade (Cross River State)
Governor Ayade of Cross River State defected from the PDP to APC in May 2021. Ayade claimed he wants to align Cross River state with the federal government to attract more development projects.
Bello Matawalle (Zamfara State)
Another PD governor to dump the party for APC was Bello Matawalle in June 2021. The minister of state for defence defected to the APC as Zamfara state governor to maintain stability and control of the state.
Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara State)
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara state defected to APC in 2014 with Bukola Saraki during the formation of the ruling party.
He later returned to the PDP but lost the north-central state to the ruling party in the 2019 elections.
Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto State)
Governor Aliyu Wamakko joined the APC in 2014. He was among the early defectors whose moves helped shape the APC’s victory in the 2015 general elections.
Suspended Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara is facing fresh obstacles towards his return as the state governor following the six-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu a few months ago.
Despite all indications that both FCT minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara have reached a dialogue with the intervention of President Tinubu to end the crisis in the state.
Fresh details have emerged from disgruntled supporters of Wike, insisting that Fubara’s return should come with certain conditions in order to end the political crisis in Rivers State.
According to a source within Pro-Wike’s camp who spoke on the condition of anonymity revealed that the suspended governor should not be given a second chance due to the damages he caused in the state, and his return should be on total restrictions under certain conditions.
“We are not aware of the peace talks until we meet the president. I would like to commend the President for being the father figure, and we appreciate his efforts so far, but in truth, Fubara does not deserve to be Rivers’ governor again. He has caused lots of damage in the state, and based on this, we shall demand certain things before we can accept him bac,k and that would be disclosed in the meeting with the President,” said the source.
On March 18, 2025, the President proclaimed the emergency rule in Rivers and suspended Fubara, his deputy,y and lawmakers in the state for six months in the first instance.
He also appointed Ibas as sole administrator to govern the state during the emergency, as approved by the National Assembly.
The suspension followed more than 18 months of political upheaval in the state, driven by a supremacy conflict between Fubara on one hand and his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, along with the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers.
Tension has begin to heats up among the leaders of coalition due to the choice of presidential candidate to contest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the coming election in 2027.
ThePaper.ng reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and other coalition leaders recently met to gain the support of certain northern leaders in their effort to defeat President Bola Tinubu.
The meeting, convened by the National Political Consultative Group (North), was held behind closed doors last Sunday at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
Various reports indicated that Atiku has been the principal of coalition in order to be the sole presidential candidate to contest against Tinubu again in 2027 but there seems to increasing trouble in the camp of former Vice President as ex-chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salifu Lukman, stated that the coalition mobilizing against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will prioritize fairness in its selection of a presidential candidate.
The former All Progressives’ Vice President from the North stated that the coalition acknowledges the significant issue regarding the South’s turn to produce a presidential candidate, and the coalition will consider that.
Sources among the coalition leaders have revealed to ThePapers.ng that they have received intelligence that some APC machineries are still within the coalition with intentions to disrupt any positive agender by the leaders and invent crisis.
“We are very vigilant and attentive, we know there are some APC moles among us but they will not succeed. I can tell you that this coalition will work and the purpose would be achieved,” the source revealed.
“We are beginning to identify some machineries and we will disgrace them out of our plans.”
Another source revealed that APC are sponsoring some people to cause crisis among the leaders with intention not to have United decision.
“Of course some zonal leaders are beginning to be grumbling on who should be the presidential candidate but we don’t need to argue over that, all we want is to defeat Tinubu in 2027 irrespective of the candidate as long as there are agreements for succession,” said the source.
On March 20, Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others in Abuja announced the formation of a coalition aimed at challenging President Boka Tinubu in the 2027 election.
The announcement sparked widespread debate about the prospects of opposition unity, with political stakeholders expressing varied opinions.
Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed resolve to continue serving the state, citing the support of the people as his source of strength and motivation to forge ahead.
Fubara urged those still burdened by the state’s recent political turbulence to lay down their grievances and unite for the collective goal of rebuilding Rivers State.
Despite the ongoing political challenges, the governor said he remains determined to emerge stronger, more united, and more results-driven.
The embattled governor made these declarations in a personally signed statement marking what would have been the second anniversary of his tenure.
Fubara, who was sworn in on May 29, 2023, titled his statement: “Our Journey: Challenging but Progressive and Impactful.”
The statement, released on Thursday morning, was shared with journalists by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.
“Today marks exactly two years since I took the oath of office as your 7th democratically-elected governor. On May 29, 2023, I was sworn in following the clear and overwhelming mandate you gave me during the March 18, 2023 elections.
“Once again, I thank you for the trust, honour, and privilege to lead our beloved state,” he stated.
Reflecting on the political developments over the past two years, Fubara emphasised his commitment to the state.
“In the past two years, our political landscape has undergone significant changes. Despite the turbulence, I have remained focused, guided by the oath I took and my solemn promise to always put Rivers State first.
“I pledged to protect and promote our collective interests and ensure you enjoy the dividends of democracy and good governance. That commitment remains unshaken,” he said.
While acknowledging the setbacks posed by political crises, Fubara highlighted the strides made during his administration.
“Despite daunting political challenges that have, at times, slowed our pace, these two years have not been without meaningful progress. I am proud of the visible milestones we have achieved—modest but significant strides in healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, human capital development, and the inclusion of women in governance,” he added.
He attributed these accomplishments to the support and resilience of Rivers people.
Fubara’s statement further read, “For your sacrifices, contributions, and roles played in your respective capacities, I say a heartfelt thank you.
“Your support has emboldened me to press on, not to retreat, but to work harder to foster peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness.”
The suspended governor emphasized that unity and cooperation are critical to achieving transformational growth for the state, assuring residents that every decision made will prioritise their welfare and the state’s enduring prosperity.
“As we reflect on the lessons of the past two years, I am hopeful for what lies ahead.
“I look forward to working hand in hand with all of you to build a state we can all be proud of—a Rivers State that stands as a model for the rest of Nigeria,” he added.
Addressing those still holding onto the weight of the state’s political struggles, Fubara made an appeal.
“To those still carrying the weight of our recent political struggles, I appeal to you: let us turn the page, come together, and focus on our shared goal of progress and unity. The time to rebuild and rise is now,” he said.
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