The immediate past Governor of Rivers State and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, launched a scathing critique of former Rivers Governor Peter Odili during a thanksgiving service held in honor of Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule. The service took place on Sunday at the Church of the Holy Spirit Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.
Referring to comments attributed to Odili, Wike expressed disappointment over what he described as the actions of someone who should act as an elder statesman.
“You know, I didn’t want to say anything until someone called me last night and showed me what somebody said on social media,” Wike began. “This morning, I read it in The Nation, Daily Independent, and Vanguard newspapers. It’s unfortunate. This is somebody we’re supposed to call a father. What he said—he claimed the present Governor has stopped one politician from converting Rivers State into his personal estate.”
Wike criticized Odili’s inconsistent statements and reminded the public of the former governor’s praise for his (Wike’s) administration. “When I was Governor, Odili praised me to high heavens. In fact, he said no Governor combined could achieve what I did.”
Wike claimed he had been instrumental in revitalizing Odili’s political relevance after his tenure from 1999 to 2007. “When he left office in 2007, he couldn’t go near power because Amaechi was Governor then. When I became Governor in 2015, I wouldn’t use the word resurrected, but I brought him back to life.”
Rivers State Contributions to PAMO University
Wike highlighted his administration’s support for PAMO University, a private institution linked to Odili. He disclosed that Rivers State funded scholarships worth over ₦5 million per student annually for seven years. “Most of them attacking me now were beneficiaries. Why didn’t they advocate for a Rivers State University instead?”
He added, “I personally called Julius Berger to build a mansion for him. Odili himself called Nigerians to thank me. Must you always be a trader?”
Criticism of Odili’s Influence in the Current Administration
Wike alleged that Odili and his family have monopolized political appointments under the current Rivers administration. “His wife is Chairman Governing Council, his daughter is a Commissioner, another daughter is a Judge, and he now acts as the General Overseer. Who is really taking Rivers as a private estate?”
He continued, “As a former Governor for eight years, what are you still looking for? The Governor we all made has just spent one year, and now Odili says he’s surpassed all previous Governors. Does that mean he had no record worth surpassing?”
Personal Attacks and Reflections on Loyalty
Wike accused Odili of betrayal, highlighting his past support. “I named projects after him and his wife. What have I not done? You said we shouldn’t be part of government, and we’ve moved on. Why not let us be? When I was plotting who would be Governor, was he there?”
He also criticized Odili’s alleged indecision in political matters. “This is a man who said he wanted to run for President but didn’t have the courage. He chickened out, saying Obasanjo said no. Because of him, I never invited Obasanjo to Rivers State to commission projects, to avoid humiliating him.”
Closing Remarks
Wike concluded his remarks with a warning. “They are the ones looking for my trouble. I’m relaxed, but if he continues, we will also tell the public who he truly is. Let him take whatever comes his way.”
Peter Odili served as Governor of Rivers State from 1999 to 2007, while Wike held the position from 2015 to 2023. The recent clash highlights growing tensions between the two prominent Rivers politicians.
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