“Forgive Him, He Doesn’t Know What He Is Saying, It’s Old Age” – Peter Odili’s Kinsmen Apologize to Wike for Ex-Governor’s Remarks

A group of men identified as the kinsmen of former Rivers State governor Peter Odili have issued a public apology to another former governor, Nyesom Wike, following remarks made by Odili last December. The incident has drawn significant attention, highlighting tensions between the two political figures.

The controversy began during a Christmas event hosted by Odili in honor of the current Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, and his family. During his speech, Odili criticized Wike, alleging that the former governor had waged a “ferocious, but unnecessary political war” in an attempt to dominate the state politically.

Wike responded sharply, accusing Odili of fading into irrelevance after his tenure and claiming he had played a role in reviving Odili’s political stature. The exchange escalated, prompting discussions among political circles and the public.

In an effort to defuse the situation, Odili’s kinsmen recently appealed to Wike to forgive the remarks. Speaking at a gathering, they attributed Odili’s comments to his advanced age, suggesting they should not be taken seriously. “He doesn’t know what he is saying. Forgive him, it’s old age,” they pleaded.

Peter Odili served as Rivers State governor from 1999 to 2007, while Nyesom Wike held the office from 2015 to 2023. Both leaders have played influential roles in the state’s politics, making their public disagreements a topic of widespread interest.