Political Battles Will Make You A General, Jonathan Tells Fubara

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has offered words of encouragement to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, amid the political challenges currently facing him. Jonathan, who spoke at an event in the Nihi Community in the Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State on Sunday, reassured Fubara that the difficulties he is encountering would ultimately strengthen him in the political arena.

“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,” Jonathan began. He then explained that the obstacles Fubara is facing are part of the journey in politics. “Nobody becomes a general without fighting wars,” Jonathan stated, adding that these trials are preparing Fubara to become a seasoned political leader.

Jonathan expressed his confidence in Fubara’s ability to overcome the challenges, with the support of the people of Rivers State, and emphasized that God would see him through.

Further, Jonathan stressed the importance of maintaining peace in Rivers State, pointing out that the state’s stability is crucial for the entire Niger Delta region and, by extension, the country’s economic well-being. “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,” he warned.

The former president also advised political leaders to respect the tenure of office, encouraging them to allow those in power to focus on their work without unnecessary political rivalry. “In political office, we have tenures. And so, we don’t need to kill ourselves over any political office,” Jonathan stated.

Jonathan, who was in Etche for the 10th anniversary of the coronation of Eze Nwala, the Onye Ishi Agwuru III of Ulakwo-Umuselem, was honored with the traditional title of Eze Udo 1 of Etche by the Supreme Council of Etche Traditional Rulers during the occasion.