Former Governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili, has praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his steadfast leadership in navigating the political challenges that have beset the state over the past year, particularly since the crisis erupted in October 2023.

Odili emphasized that Governor Fubara’s efforts were not motivated by personal interests but by a commitment to safeguarding the collective good of Rivers State. He highlighted the Governor’s dedication to ensuring that the state’s sovereignty remains intact and is never reduced to anyone’s personal property.

“The battle he fought was not for himself or his family but in the interest of our dear state,” Odili remarked. “It was an existential fight for the soul of our state, to reaffirm and reassert that Rivers State can never be anybody’s personal property.”

Odili made these statements during a special Christmas Ballad hosted by his family in honor of Governor Fubara’s family at his residence in Old GRA, Port Harcourt.

Reflecting on Governor Fubara’s leadership, Odili, who governed Rivers State from 1999 to 2007, expressed optimism that the positive changes currently underway in the state would reach their full potential under divine guidance. He also lauded the administration’s efforts in restoring satisfaction and morale among civil servants and the general populace, drawing parallels to the period before 2007.

“Someone called us a few nights ago and said that the last time they saw such happiness, smiles on people’s faces, and cheers in the hearts of civil servants was before 2007,” Dr. Odili shared.

Since October 2023, Rivers State has experienced significant political turbulence, largely involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The crisis began with a fire at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, which escalated into an attempt by 27 Assembly members, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, to impeach Governor Fubara. This development prompted the demolition of the Assembly Complex for renovation.

In December 2023, the 27 Assembly members, including Speaker Amaewhule, defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal divisions within the PDP. In response, the Assembly, under the leadership of Edison Ehie—recognized as Speaker by a state court—declared their seats vacant and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections.

The political crisis led to multiple legal battles. In January 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja affirmed Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker, despite the defections. However, the Fubara camp argued that the issue of defection was not addressed by the court. Subsequently, the court nullified the 2024 Rivers State budget, ruling that it had not been properly presented to the Assembly.

In October 2024, another court restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria from releasing monthly allocations to the Rivers State Government, citing constitutional violations in budget implementation. The Federal High Court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from presenting the voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for conducting local government elections.

Later rulings by the Court of Appeal overturned decisions on both the local government elections and state allocations, favoring Governor Fubara’s administration.

Despite these challenges, tensions persisted throughout 2024 between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike. Governor Fubara accused Wike of attempting to control the state’s affairs, while Wike alleged that Fubara was ungrateful.

Amid these difficulties, Governor Fubara has demonstrated resilience, attributing his strength to the unwavering support of the people and divine intervention.