By: Bayero Ade
Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has hit out at former Rivers State Governor Dr. Peter Odili, claiming that it was his efforts that brought Odili back to political relevance.
According to Vanguard, Wike accused Odili of being a political sycophant who flatters those in power for personal gain, and suggested that Odili might even go as far as arranging a new wife for the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike’s remarks came after Odili recently praised Governor Fubara, claiming that the governor had shown strength in confronting Wike’s alleged attempt to turn Rivers State into his personal domain.
In response, Wike recalled how, during his time as governor, Odili had showered him with praise, even displaying portraits of Wike in every room of his house— from the sitting room to the kitchen and toilets.
Describing Odili as a “rent seeker,” Wike criticized him for acting more like a businessman than an elder statesman. “An elder statesman should not be a sycophant or a trader all the time,” Wike remarked, questioning why Odili, after serving eight years as governor, still sought political favor.
Wike also took issue with Odili’s comments at a recent Christmas event, where the former governor had lauded Fubara for stopping Wike’s alleged efforts to dominate the state. According to Odili, Fubara had prevented one individual from capturing Rivers as a “private estate” and had brought stability to the state. Wike, however, disagreed with this portrayal.
Speaking at a Special Thanksgiving Service organized by Martin Amaewhule, the factional speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Wike defended his political legacy, saying, “I didn’t want to comment initially, but when I read what Odili said, I couldn’t hold back. He claims that Fubara has already done more than all the past governors of Rivers, but what did Odili himself achieve during his time?”
Wike went on to remind Odili of his own efforts to help him after he left office. “When I became governor in 2015, I didn’t just help you politically, I brought you back to life. Without me, PAMO University wouldn’t exist, and Rivers State funded 100 students there every year,” Wike explained, adding that he had even arranged for a mansion to be built for Odili.
Wike also expressed his disappointment that Odili, whom he had once supported, had now become a political opportunist. “Now, after organizing a Christmas carol for the governor, Odili is forgetting all the help I gave him,” Wike said, noting that at one point, Odili had proclaimed that no past governor had done more for Rivers State than him.
Finally, Wike raised concerns about Odili’s inconsistency, particularly after Odili had claimed that Governor Fubara, who had been in office for less than a year, had already surpassed the achievements of all previous governors. “What kind of elder statesman says such things?” Wike asked. “What did Odili accomplish in his eight years as governor? Now, in less than a year, Fubara has supposedly outdone him.”
Wike concluded by recalling how Odili had once honored him by displaying his portraits throughout his home, including the toilets, only for them to be removed later. “This is the same man who once praised me to the heavens. Now, he’s changed his tune.”
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