Former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has launched a blistering critique of his predecessor, Dr. Peter Odili, accusing him of hypocrisy and an unimpressive legacy during his eight-year tenure as governor. Speaking at a thanksgiving service held in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Wike did not hold back, claiming he had “rescued” Odili politically after his exit from office in 2007.
The thanksgiving event, organized in honor of Martin Amaewhule, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, provided the stage for Wike’s fiery remarks. While addressing the congregation at the Church of the Holy Spirit Anglican Church, Wike cited recent comments allegedly made by Odili and published in Nigerian newspapers as the provocation for his outburst.
“I didn’t want to say anything,” Wike began. “But someone showed me what Odili said on social media. I read it in The Nation, Daily Independent, and Vanguard. It’s unfortunate that someone we should regard as an elder statesman has reduced himself to this level.”
Allegations of Betrayal
Wike alleged that Odili had spoken disparagingly of the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in a bid to undermine his administration. According to Wike, Odili’s comments were hypocritical given his previous praise for Wike’s achievements.
“When I was governor, Odili praised me to high heavens. He even said no governor could match what I did. Now he’s saying Fubara has beaten the record of all former governors, including himself. If someone beats your record after just one year, then maybe you had no record to beat in the first place,” Wike quipped.
He went on to question Odili’s motives, alleging that the former governor was engaging in political maneuvering to maintain relevance.
“I Rescued Him in 2007”
Recalling Odili’s political struggles after leaving office, Wike claimed he had played a pivotal role in reviving Odili’s fortunes.
“In 2007, when Odili left office, he was completely sidelined because Amaechi was governor then. When I became governor in 2015, I brought him back to relevance. Without me, there would be no PAMO University. I ensured Rivers State retained 100 students per session, paying millions in tuition.”
Wike also alleged that he personally intervened to secure Odili’s comfort, including commissioning Julius Berger to build a mansion for him and his wife.
“He called the whole of Nigeria to thank me for the mansion I built for him. He showed everyone around, saying, ‘Come and see what Wike has done for me.’ But now he bites the hand that fed him,” Wike remarked bitterly.
Accusations of Nepotism
In a series of sharp remarks, Wike accused Odili of nepotism, citing his influence in appointing family members to key positions in the state.
“His wife is the Chairman of the Governing Council, his daughter is a commissioner, and another daughter is a judge. Who is really turning Rivers State into a personal estate?” Wike asked rhetorically.
He further alleged that Odili had sidelined other qualified candidates in favor of his daughter for a commissioner role, despite family dynamics that suggested otherwise.
Historical Context and Political Tensions
The feud between Wike and Odili highlights longstanding tensions in Rivers State politics. Odili, who governed from 1999 to 2007, was once regarded as a political mentor to many in the state, including Wike. However, Wike’s tenure from 2015 to 2023 saw him emerge as a dominant figure in Rivers politics, often clashing with perceived rivals and critics.
Wike’s comments also reflect broader issues of political loyalty and the struggle for influence within the state. Odili’s remarks about Governor Fubara appear to have touched a nerve, especially given Wike’s role in selecting Fubara as his successor.
“When we chose Fubara, Odili complained, saying, ‘How can we bring someone like this who can’t even stand in public to talk?’ Now he’s singing a different tune and organizing Christmas carols for him,” Wike alleged.
Final Warning
Wike concluded his speech with a stern warning to Odili, accusing him of stirring unnecessary controversies.
“We’ve left government, and we’re focused on our lives. Stop being a distraction. If you can’t support others, at least don’t undermine them. I kept quiet for too long, but now I’ll tell the public who you really are.”
The Bigger Picture
Wike’s comments have reignited debates about governance and legacy in Rivers State. While Wike is known for his confrontational style, his accusations against Odili raise questions about the ethical responsibilities of former leaders and their roles in mentoring successors.
Observers suggest that this public feud may be a symptom of deeper divisions within the state’s political elite. As Rivers State continues to navigate its political future under Governor Fubara, the legacies of both Odili and Wike are likely to remain central to the discourse.
