Nyesom Wike Criticizes Odili: ‘I Revived Your Career

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili, accusing him of being an ingrate and rent-seeker. Wike’s remarks came during a Special Thanksgiving Service organized by Martin Amaewhule, the factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Nyesom Wike Calls Odili an Ingrate

Nyesom Wike accused Odili of turning Rivers State into a family-controlled territory during his tenure. Highlighting his contributions to Odili’s political revival, Wike claimed, “In 2007, after he left office, he couldn’t come near power in the State because Amaechi was the governor then. He was gone! When I became governor in 2015, I brought him back to life.”

The Minister expressed disbelief over Odili’s recent remarks that Governor Siminalayi Fubara stopped Wike from turning Rivers into a private estate. Nyesom Wike said, “Between him and myself, who has turned Rivers State to his personal estate? His wife is the chairman of a governing council, his daughter is a commissioner, his other daughter is a judge, and he is the general overseer.”

Allegations of Hypocrisy and Personal Vendetta

Nyesom Wike also accused Odili of hypocrisy, recalling how the former governor previously praised his administration. “When I was governor, Odili praised me to high heaven, saying no past governor in Rivers State had done better than me,” Wike said.

The FCT Minister criticized Odili for changing his stance to support Governor Fubara, whom Odili had earlier opposed. “The governor hasn’t spent one year in office, and Odili is already saying he has surpassed the records of all past governors. This is the same governor he previously complained about, saying he couldn’t stand before the public to talk,” Wike added.

Odili’s Governance and Failed Presidential Ambition

Wike questioned Odili’s achievements during his eight-year tenure, stating, “What can he even show that he did as governor? He wanted to run for President but chickened out when Obasanjo opposed him.” Wike further alleged that Odili’s lack of political courage impacted his administration’s relationship with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. “Because of him, I never invited Obasanjo to Rivers State to inaugurate projects. I felt it would humiliate him,” Wike explained.

The Minister lamented Odili’s lack of gratitude despite the numerous honors he had received. “I named projects after him and his wife. What have I not done for him?” Wike asked, expressing disappointment over Odili’s criticism of his administration.

Accusations of Political Inconsistency

Nyesom Wike expressed disappointment over Odili’s recent endorsement of Fubara’s administration, despite Odili’s earlier criticisms of Fubara. “The governor that all of us made has not spent one year in office, and the same Odili is already saying he has beaten the records of all past governors. When I was there, he said I had surpassed all records, including his own. Now he contradicts himself,” Wike said.

The Minister also ridiculed Odili’s lack of achievements during his tenure, stating, “What can he even show that he did in his eight years as governor? This is a man who wanted to run for President but didn’t have the balls to contest. Simply because Obasanjo said no, he chickened out.”

Implications for Rivers State Politics

The public feud between Wike and Odili has heightened tensions within Rivers State’s political landscape. As Nyesom Wike criticized Odili’s perceived opportunism and inconsistency, political observers have raised concerns about the impact of such conflicts on governance and development in Rivers State.

Rivers State holds a strategic position in Nigeria’s political and economic framework, making the resolution of internal political disputes imperative. Analysts urge key stakeholders to prioritize reconciliation among political leaders to foster unity and accelerate development in the state.

The political rivalry between Nyesom Wike, Odili, and other influential figures underscores the need for decorum and collaboration in Rivers State politics. Failure to address these disputes may continue to hinder progress in one of Nigeria’s most vital states.

A Call for Statesmanship Over Partisanship

Wike concluded by urging Odili to embrace statesmanship and refrain from undermining his legacy. “You spent eight years as governor, and someone who hasn’t spent one year has surpassed your records? What manner of elder talks like that?” Wike questioned.

The FCT Minister criticized Odili’s role in recent political developments in Rivers State, accusing him of prioritizing personal interests over the collective good. “An elder statesman should not reduce himself to a laughing stock by switching loyalties for personal gain,” Wike said.

The feud between the two political heavyweights underscores the deepening divisions within Rivers State’s political landscape, with both sides defending their legacies and seeking to shape the state’s future trajectory