Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has lauded former Governor Peter Odili as the cornerstone of politics in the state, describing him as “the beginning and the end of politics in Rivers State.”
Gists9ja reports that Governor Fubara made the remarks during the 2025 New Year State Banquet held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday night.
Fubara extolled Odili as the true representation of Rivers State’s identity and praised his contributions to the state’s political landscape.
Acknowledgment of Challenges
Reflecting on the past year, Fubara acknowledged that 2024 came with significant challenges, particularly from individuals who believed they wielded ultimate power. However, he expressed gratitude that the year concluded on a positive note.
He said:
“The beginning and the end of politics in this State is Sir Peter Odili. If he is sitting with us here, and with these other persons, who do they have with them?
This Odili is the right face and right image of our state. These are the frontiers of Rivers State politics—men and women who have distinguished themselves are sitting with us here, not rented people brought for dinner.”
The Wike-Fubara Feud
Fubara’s comments also subtly alluded to his ongoing political feud with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over control of Rivers State’s political structure. The disagreement has seen Odili align with Fubara in the face of Wike’s influence.
Fubara referenced the tension from the previous year:
“About this time last year, we were not in a very pleasant mood, for fear of what might happen, because of the boasting of those who believe they control life.”
The face-off between Wike and Fubara has reportedly strained relationships within the state’s political circles, but Fubara appears determined to consolidate his position with the backing of Odili and other notable figures.
The banquet served as a celebration of unity and a call for collaboration among key stakeholders to ensure Rivers State’s continued development in the new year.
