“We Must Not Allow Rivers To Boil, Otherwise It Will Ignite Crisis In The Niger Delta” – Jonathan To Fubara, Wike

Nigerian former president, Goodluck Jonathan, has warned against any action that is capable of causing crisis in Rivers state, saying that the effect could spread to the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a nation.

Jonathan gave the warning while making remark at the 1st Etche Festival of Food, Art and Culture Exhibition held at Nihi Community in Etche Local Government Area of the State on Sunday.

The event was used to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Coronation of His Royal Highness, Eze Ken O. Nwala as the Onye Ishi Agwuru 111 of Ulakwo-Umuselem in Etche.

He pleaded with Rivers people to collectively ensure that they continue to support Governor Fubara while making sure that the State remains peaceful in order to engender enduring development.

The former president Jonathan also urged Governor Fubara not to be perturbed over the political antagonism against his administration, but to remain dedicated to the obligations of governance without being distracted, saying that his current political experience is turning him into a better leader.

He said that though antagonism is a common experience that leaders face, the political war staged against the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, would eventually make him emerge as a ‘General’ in politics.

He said: “I know you (Gov Fubara) are passing through challenges, and at occasions like these, I try to keep quiet. I don’t like to say certain things.

“But, this is first time you are holding top political office. You will pass through a lot. And, just know that nobody becomes a General without fighting wars. So, whatever challenges you are meeting now is baking you to be a General in politics. And with your total commitment and with the support I have seen from the people of Rivers State, God will surely see you through.”

Jonathan emphasised the critical position that Rivers State occupies, and warned that whatever happens to it negatively will impact on the entire country in the long run.

He said: “We want a peaceful Rivers State, because Rivers State is the centre of the Niger Delta. And I always make it very clear: if we create serious perturbation in Rivers State, we are creating crisis in the Niger Delta, which is not good for our economy as a nation.

“We want a peaceful Rivers State. We want the Governor of Rivers State to be allowed to remain calm and do his work. After he finishes serving, another person will take over.

“In political office, we have tenures. And so, we don’t need to kill ourselves over any political office. Allow those who are there to do their work, and after that, anything can happen.”

Jonathan commended Eze Nwala for the success he has achieved in 10 years on the throne and the commitment of Etche people to farming activities that has reckoned the place as the food basket of the State.

He said, “I congratulate the Etche people, and when you are the food basket of Rivers State, you are also the food basket of sister states like Bayelsa and Imo and other neighbours around you.

“Because, just like a lot of food comes from the North down to the South, food from Etche spreads across to the whole area. So, we have to commend the Etche people for still taking the farm work seriously and producing food for us.”

Speaking on the former president, Governor Fubara said: “Let me thank our father (Dr Jonathan) for coming to grace this occasion. It is not just for the celebrant being close to him.

“This goes to show that he is a man who is very simple, who believes that humanity is the most priceless thing you can give to anybody.

“Coming here to celebrate with the Etche people is a sign of humility. So, I want to thank you for coming and to be with us today.

“When I was told that our Daddy (Dr Jonathan) will be coming here, I have to cancel all other programmes that I have to be here to receive him and to honour him.

“He has stood with me in this most difficult period of our administration. So, the little I can do is to come to wait for him, to receive him, and to share in this honour.”

(This story, excluding headline contains information from the Sun newspaper)