The recent verbal altercation between Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and former Rivers State Governor Dr. Peter Odili has drawn heated responses from political figures and community leaders, with Wike's own kinsmen now urging the former governor to forgive him.
Wike's comments regarding Odili, in which he accused the former governor of treating Rivers State as his personal estate, sparked outrage. Wike claimed that he "restored life" to Odili and his family, accusing the former governor of having no justification to speak against him. These comments followed Odili's earlier statement, in which he alluded to the new administration of Governor Siminialayi Fubara successfully preventing any one individual from turning Rivers into a personal fiefdom.
Chief Anabs Sarah-Igbe, the spokesman for the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), responded strongly to Wike's remarks, calling him a “drowning man” who aims to drag others down with him. Sarah-Igbe questioned Wike’s consistency, pointing out that Wike had once praised Dr. Odili and his wife, Justice Mary Odili, for their contributions to his rise to power. Sarah-Igbe accused Wike of hypocrisy, stating that he had once vowed to show respect to the Odili family, but now was attempting to publicly tarnish their reputation.
The backlash from Wike's own community has been severe. Chizy Enyi, the President General of the Initiative for Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership, who is also a kinsman of the FCT Minister, criticized Wike for his attack on Odili. Enyi emphasized that Odili never directly named Wike in his earlier comments, making the attack unnecessary and unjustified. Enyi further expressed concern that Wike's inconsistency and erratic behavior were damaging to both his reputation and the development of Rivers State.
He recalled how Wike had previously vowed that he would never become a minister again, only to take on the position of Minister of FCT. According to Enyi, Wike’s actions were undermining the unity and progress of Rivers State. He added, “Wike cannot reduce the golden governor to nothing.” Enyi called on Wike to learn from his mistakes, to be more mindful of his words, and to work toward reconciliation with Odili. On behalf of Rivers State, he apologized to Odili and his family, pleading for them to forgive Wike’s outburst.
Sarah-Igbe, who had served as a senior adviser to Odili on security matters, also voiced his concerns, accusing Wike of undermining the integrity of prominent Niger Delta leaders. He pointed out that Wike had previously insulted elder statesmen like Pa Edwin Clarke and the late Alabo Graham Douglas. Sarah-Igbe speculated that Wike's frustration stemmed from his diminishing control over the political structure in Rivers State, particularly after losing influence over the state’s 23 local government areas and the House of Assembly to Fubara’s government.
Despite these provocations, Sarah-Igbe urged Dr. Odili to ignore Wike's insults and continue playing his pivotal fatherly role in the political landscape of Rivers State. “Wike’s anger is a result of his own diminished political clout,” he stated. "He should not be allowed to drag others into his turmoil."
This ongoing rift has cast a shadow over Wike's political future, with both his family and supporters urging him to reconsider his approach and apologize for his inflammatory comments. Meanwhile, Dr. Odili, known for his distinguished leadership and integrity, remains a respected figure in Rivers State, with many calling on him to remain above the fray.
