“Wike Can’t Survive Where There’s Peace” – Former Rivers Commissioner David Briggs

David Briggs, a former Commissioner under Peter Odili’s administration in Rivers State, has criticized Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike’s claims of reviving Odili’s political career. Speaking in Port Harcourt, Briggs dismissed the assertion, attributing Wike’s political rise to Odili’s intervention and support.

Briggs recalled how Odili reinstated Wike’s name for a second tenure as Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, enabling Wike to advance politically. He described Odili’s role as instrumental, emphasizing that Wike’s success, including his eventual governorship, was facilitated by Odili and the former First Lady, Patience Jonathan.

According to Briggs, a viral video shows Patience Jonathan introducing Wike to Odili for political endorsement, further underscoring Odili’s contribution. He criticized Wike’s remarks as disrespectful to Odili and the people of Rivers State, noting that Odili and his associates laid the foundation for the state’s political structure, from which Wike greatly benefited.

“Wike as a person cannot and will not survive where there is peace, and that is the problem we have in Rivers State today,” Briggs stated, accusing the FCT Minister of inciting crises to maintain relevance. He pointed to the recent calm in Rivers State following a court judgment restoring federal allocations to the state, suggesting Wike disrupted the peace to serve his own interests.

Briggs further alleged that Wike’s pattern of creating conflict has extended to various local government areas. He expressed disappointment over President Bola Tinubu’s apparent reluctance to address Wike’s behavior, calling on Wike to apologize to Rivers people for his actions.

“If Wike doesn’t apologize, more revelations will come to light,” Briggs warned, reaffirming his belief that the people of Rivers State would no longer allow Wike to exploit political discord for personal gain.

Briggs, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, urged the public to disregard Wike’s comments about Odili, describing them as baseless and divisive. He called for unity and respect for the legacy of leaders like Odili, who played pivotal roles in shaping Rivers State’s political landscape.