Odili: Foundational Owner Of Political Structure In Rivers
● “Who are the people on the other side”, Fubara asks
By PHC Telegraph
Governor Siminalayi Fubara (left) exchanges views with the former Governor Peter Odili.
Former Governor Peter Otunnaya Odili, the first civilian to govern the State after the creation of Bayelsa State has been referred to as the foundational creator of the political structure existing in Rivers State.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara who spoke at the banquet held at Government House on Wednesday to herald the new year said that no matter what some claimants are saying, Rivers people know that the political structure operated by the political class in Rivers evolved through the “foundational Governor”.
Fubara praised Odili for his fatherly disposition and commitment to the State, noting that the contributions made by the former Governor and his wife, Justice Mary Odili will never be forgotten.
He said that the support of the Odilis for unity, peace and stability is acknowledged by Rivers people who are appreciative of their place in history.
“Who are the people on the other side?”, Governor Fubara queried, “Rivers leaders are all here.”
The Governor said those who were gathered at the Banquet Hall of Government House were not contractors.
He described them as leaders of the State who continue to promote core Rivers values and support the immense progress that is steadily being made to transform the State.
The Governor assured them that their sacrifices will never be in vain, stressing that the welfare and wellbeing of Rivers people would remain the centrepiece of his administration.
A former Minister of Transport, Chief Abiye Sekibo proposed a toast for the health and progress of the Federation
Although he said that it is difficult to say if the nation is operating a federalist system or a unitary government, there was still a need to toast to the welfare of the nation.
Also proposing a toast to the growth of Rivers State, a member of the House of Representatives, Awaji-Inombek Abiante described the State Governor as “the Nehemiah of Rivers people”.
Abiante described those fighting him as the “Tobias” in the Bible who are trying to build a protective wall around Rivers people.
Urging the Rivers Governor to ignore them, the Andoni-born lawmaker proposed a toast for the speedy advancement of the State on all fronts.