Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has criticized his predecessor, Dr. Peter Odili, over recent remarks attributed to the elder statesman. Odili had accused Wike of attempting to turn Rivers State into his personal domain during his tenure as governor.
Wike, in a viral video circulating on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, responded strongly to Odili’s comments, describing them as “unfortunate” and unbefitting of someone regarded as an elder statesman.
Reacting to Odili’s statement, Wike said:
“This is somebody who is supposed to be an elder statesman and a father. He said the president has been able to stop one politician, one man who wants to convert Rivers State to his personal estate.”
The former Rivers governor also highlighted Odili’s praise of his administration during his time in office, stating:
“You remember when I was governor, Odili praised me to high heavens. In fact, he said no governor combined has done what I did. Why in 2007, when he left power, he couldn’t be near power because Amaechi was in power? He was gone. When I came in as governor in 2015, I brought him back to life.”
Wike dismissed any claims of undue interference in state affairs, emphasizing his current focus on his ministerial duties in Abuja. The political exchange underscores the ongoing tensions within the Rivers State political landscape as Governor Siminialayi Fubara navigates leadership amid external commentary.
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