Jonathan to Fubara: Your challenges will make you a general in politics

By Idris Temidayo

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers state, should endure the political trial that he is passing through at the moment.

“I know you (Fubara) are passing through challenges, and on occasions like these, I try to keep quiet. I don’t like to say certain things,” the former president said on Sunday at an event in the Nihi community in the Etche LGA of Rivers.

“But this is the first time you are holding a 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 noted the position that Rivers state occupies in the Niger Delta region and warned that whatever happens to it negatively will impact the entire country in the long run.

“We want a peaceful Rivers state because Rivers state is the centre of the Niger Delta. And I always make it very clear,” he said.

“If we create serious perturbation in Rivers state, we are creating a 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.”