Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has launched a blistering verbal attack on former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, accusing him of hypocrisy and self-serving politics. The remarks come amid a growing rift between the two political heavyweights, with Wike describing Odili as a “rent-seeker” rather than the elder statesman he claims to be.
Wike’s comments were in response to Odili’s recent statement during a Christmas ballad organized for current Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Odili had accused Wike of attempting to turn Rivers State into his “personal estate,” a claim Wike dismissed with biting criticism.
“Between him and me, who really turned Rivers State into a personal estate?” Wike shot back. He accused Odili of nepotism, citing examples of his family’s dominance in state institutions. “His wife is chair of a governing council, one daughter is a commissioner, another is a judge, and he acts as the general overseer. If care isn’t taken, he might even arrange a marriage for the governor,” Wike added sarcastically.
The former Rivers governor also pointed to their past camaraderie, accusing Odili of political inconsistency. According to Wike, Odili once lauded his leadership, claiming he had outperformed all past governors combined. “He even hung my portraits in every room of his house, including the kitchen and toilets,” Wike said, ridiculing Odili’s sudden shift in allegiance.
Wike attributed Odili’s behavior to sycophancy, arguing that the former governor’s motivations are personal rather than principled. “What kind of elder statesman trades loyalty for gain? Must you always be a trader?” he asked.
Wike didn’t hold back in criticizing Odili’s tenure as governor, questioning the legacy of his eight-year administration. He contrasted Odili’s record with his own contributions to the state, including sponsoring students at Odili’s PAMO University and building him a mansion through Julius Berger.
“I brought him back to life politically, yet this is how he repays me,” Wike lamented. He accused Odili of betraying the trust and political goodwill that restored his relevance after years of being sidelined.
While reaffirming his commitment to his role as FCT Minister, Wike emphasized his departure from Rivers State politics, declaring that those left behind must manage without him. “We’ve left Rivers politics for them. But sycophancy won’t take Odili to the level I’ve attained,” Wike concluded.
The exchange underscores the volatile nature of Nigerian politics, where shifting alliances and personal grievances often define public discourse among prominent figures.
