…High wire politics as Odili endorses Fubara as Rivers political leader
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has blasted local government chairmen in the state for their infamous action, saying those showing loyalty to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and disrespecting him as governor of the state have already dug their pit and will soon fall into it.
Fubara stated this on Thursday while speaking at the commissioning of the Comprehensive Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Ndoni, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area (ONELGA) of the state which was built and donated to the state government by the former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili.
The development came just as ex-Governor Odili has endorsed Fubara over his governing style, saying that he is now the Rivers State political leader.
Fubara further criticised those describing his administration as clueless because it is not constructing roads to personal property or serving the interests of few individuals.
He added that he was elected to serve the general interests of the Rivers people, improve their social status, and make life comfortable for them.
Fubara also accused the local government chairmen of pretending to be serving the people while worshipping the interests of one man, saying that they were digging a pit to bury their political careers.
Upon sighting the Chairman of ONELGA at the event, the governor expressed surprise, saying LGA chairmen have formed the habit of staying away from state functions.
He said, “I’m surprised that I saw the chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government here. I’m very surprised because before now, any event that had to do with the state government, all the local government chairmen, as it were, didn’t participate.
“I hope when you leave here, they are not going to sack you because I know you are not loyal to me. Or when you leave here, you will grant a press interview that it was not you, but your shadow?
“But let me say it here. Every one of you who thinks you are disrespecting me, you have already dug your pit. You will fall inside it. That is the truth. Our minds are very open. We do not wish anyone bad, but we expect you to know and do what is right. For those of you who have chosen to take the part that you think is that way that leads to your salvation, safe journey.”
Fubara also disclosed that his administration is determined to build an egalitarian society where people could freely voice their opinions, be bold enough to criticise his government constructively to further advance good governance.
He said: “But I thank God that whatever it is they think or imagine we are doing, we are happy we are touching lives. Everyone can attest to it. But one critical project, one specific aspect of it is the well-being of our people.
“We made a promise to Mr. President to support him, and we will continue to support him. How do we support him?
“It is to ensure that the welfare of our people is provided for. It is to ensure that our people, those in critical need, are happy in this harsh economic situation.
“If we cannot solve all the problems, at least, we will go as much as we can to mitigate those basic challenges. That is the only way to support Mr. President.”
Speaking on his administration’s efforts in healthcare delivery, Fubara said he increased the quota of employment of personnel in the health sector to 1,000 persons.
He stated that the action was because the 200 personnel he met on assumption of duty were grossly inadequate compared to the prevailing needs in the sector.
Governor Fubara also made reference to the deplorable condition of over 340 primary healthcare centres across the State when he assumed office, and explained that commendable rehabilitation work was ongoing to ensure the facilities function optimally.
The Rivers Governor said when he assume office in May, over 340 primary healthcare centres across the state were in deplorable condition.
He commended Dr Peter Odili-owned PAMO Educational Foundation, which built ONELGA healthcare centre, for the project.
Speaking at the event, Odili said he was motivated to undertake the project because two years ago, when floods ravaged Ndoni town, the health centre in the community was destroyed, leaving people within 50km radius without immediate healthcare services.
In what can be regarded as high wire politics, Odili, who endorsed Fubara as the political leader of the state at the event, urged him to continue in his strides of people-oriented projects execution, touching the lives of the people directly with his governance.
He said, “Let me congratulate you for winning the hearts of Rivers people by standing up to your oaths of office to defend the interest of all Rivers people in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we are proud of you,”
“Politics is over and it’s now time for governance and you have hit the ground running, you have touched the critical sectors such as education, health, and others in less than one year in office.”
