Former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has called for an end to the political crisis in Rivers, urging the feuding parties to give peace a chance.

Jonathan, who made the call at the 1st Etche Festival of Food, Art and Culture Exhibition held at Nihi Community in Etche Local Government Area of the state, yesterday, stressed the critical position that Rivers State occupies.

The former president, who was also conferred with the traditional title of Eze Udo 1 of Etche Land, warned that whatever happens to the state negatively will affect the entire country in the long run.

He, however, pleaded with Rivers people to continue to support Governor Simimilayi Fubara while making sure that the state remains peaceful in order to engender enduring development, noting that though antagonism is a common experience that leaders face, the political war staged against the governor will eventually make him emerge as a General in politics.

The former President urged 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.

His words: “I know you 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 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 are 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.

“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 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.”

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, saying:

“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 the whole area.

So, we have to commend the Etche people for still taking the farm work seriously and producing food for us.” Fubara, who also spoke after being conferred with the chieftaincy title, Dike Oha 1 of Etche Land, by the Supreme Council of Etche Traditional Rulers, said his administration will continue to provide projects and social services that will improve the standard of living of the people.

He stated that his administration has awarded a contract for the reconstruction of roads in Egwi, Afara and Mba communities in Etche, urging the people to expect more government attention because of their support, and assured that he will not disappoint them. He said: “For my teeming supporters, I know you are happy I am here. Let me wave the title, the Dike Oha 1 to you.

I receive this honour on behalf of my family and the good people of Rivers State with all my heart, and I want to thank you and assure you that we will not disappoint you.

We will continue to do our best to better the lives of our people. “You are aware that we just recently awarded the roads in Afara, Egwi and Mba communities. You know the importance of these roads.

We have not just awarded them. We will make sure that we see to the completion of those roads. I can assure you that in the next few months, we will be coming here to commission that project.

That is one among other things that we will do. “But for today, I want to assure you, your support is well appreciated, and in return, we will continue to do our best to lift up your faces before the people who believe that you made a mistake in supporting us.

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