Odili backs Fubara’s defection to APC, says Rivers now closer to power centre
Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili, has publicly welcomed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as timely and beneficial to the state.
Odili said the governor’s decision has strategically positioned Rivers State closer to the centre of power, a development he believes will translate into faster growth and expanded opportunities for the people.
He spoke at the weekend during the eighth Founders’ Day and fifth convocation ceremony of the PAMO University of Medical Sciences in Port Harcourt, where he serves as Founder and Pro-Chancellor.
According to the elder statesman, political alignment with the federal government often gives states improved access to national resources and stronger policy support.
“The alignment of Rivers State with the federal government is perfect,” Odili said, stressing that such positioning would enable the state to benefit more effectively from federal programmes and interventions.
He praised Governor Fubara’s administration for its strong focus on education and healthcare, particularly investments in primary healthcare and the construction of zonal hospitals across the state.
“With what you have done as our governor, especially in education and health, your performance is highly commendable. I am sure no state in Nigeria can boast of the quality of zonal hospitals you have built,” Odili said.
The former governor noted that Fubara’s healthcare initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms in the health sector, adding that such harmony between state and federal policies would deliver tangible benefits to Rivers residents.
He also urged the people of Rivers State to rally behind the governor, saying active participation in national governance would ensure the state secures its fair share of national development.
“Our people are now in the kitchen where the national cake is baked,” he remarked.
Beyond politics, Odili raised concerns over the growing migration of Nigerian doctors and medical professionals abroad, describing the trend as a serious threat to the country’s healthcare system.
He called for improved welfare for health workers, including better pay and an extension of the retirement age for medical practitioners to about 70 years, noting that many retired academics still contribute significantly to medical education.
“Medical professionals cannot suspend treatment the way others suspend work. We must make our pastures greener in Nigeria,” he said.
Governor Fubara, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, expressed satisfaction with the progress of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, particularly the impact of state-sponsored scholarships for Rivers indigenes.
She assured that the state government would continue to support the institution, citing the quality of medical graduates it produces.
Earlier, the university’s Chancellor and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), said approvals granted by the National Universities Commission were aimed at strengthening the training of healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Smith Jaja, disclosed that 126 students graduated across various medical disciplines, urging them to uphold the institution’s values and surpass the achievements of previous sets.