“Forgive Wike’s Utterances Against You” – Minister’s Kinsmen Appeal to Odili

In a plea for reconciliation, kinsmen of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have urged former Rivers State Governor Dr. Peter Odili to forgive Wike for his recent critical remarks. The appeal comes amidst growing concerns about the political discourse in Rivers State and its potential impact on development.

The controversy began when Wike accused Odili of having personalized the state during his tenure, claiming that he (Wike) revitalized Odili’s political career. These remarks were seen as a response to Odili’s earlier comments, which, while avoiding direct names, appeared to criticize attempts to monopolize power in the state—a sentiment interpreted as a reference to Wike.

In a statement from the Initiative for Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership, its President General, Chizy Enyi, a kinsman of Wike, expressed regret over the Minister’s comments. Enyi criticized Wike for speaking disparagingly about Odili, particularly given Wike’s past acknowledgment of Odili’s significant role in his political ascent. He noted that Wike had previously credited Odili and his wife, Justice Mary Odili (retd.), for his rise to the governorship and had even vowed never to cause them distress.

“Wike’s recent utterances contradict his earlier declarations,” Enyi remarked. “He once swore that he would never say or do anything that would hurt the Odili family. Yet here we are. His showmanship is detrimental to Rivers State’s development and tarnishes his own reputation.”

Enyi further emphasized the high regard in which Odili is held in Rivers State and called for an end to Wike’s combative rhetoric. He added, “On behalf of Rivers people, including Wike, we apologize to Dr. Odili and his family and humbly plead for their forgiveness.”

Chief Anabs Sarah-Igbe, a former security adviser to Odili and spokesman for the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), also weighed in on the matter, describing Wike as a “drowning man” seeking to drag others into the mud. Sarah-Igbe highlighted Wike’s pattern of targeting respected elders, citing instances involving Pa Edwin Clarke and the late Alabo Graham Douglas.

“Wike’s attacks stem from frustration over losing control of the state’s political structure to Governor Siminalayi Fubara,” Sarah-Igbe argued. “He lashes out at those who refuse to align with his actions. Dr. Odili should rise above Wike’s provocations and maintain his dignified role as a father figure in the state.”