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Wike Responds to Odili: “I Rescued Him in 2007, He Did Nothing for 8 Years”

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 29th, 2024.

Wike Responds to Odili: “I Rescued Him in 2007, He Did Nothing for 8 Years”

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has responded to recent comments made by his predecessor, Dr. Peter Odili, describing the former governor’s statements as unfortunate and contradictory. In a passionate address, Wike recalled how Odili, after leaving office in 2007, was “gone” from power until he was “rescued” by Wike in 2015.

Wike, who spoke about Odili’s recent remarks in the media, emphasized that the former governor had praised him during his own tenure, claiming that no governor before him had accomplished as much. He noted that Odili had even credited him with achievements that surpassed all other previous leaders of the state, including himself.

The Governor continued, “When Odili left office in 2007, he had no power, as Amaechi was the governor at that time. It was only when I became governor in 2015 that I brought him back to prominence, although I wouldn’t use the word ‘resurrected’. I made sure he returned to public life, and we worked together on important projects like PAMO University, where I ensured that Rivers State students were given significant opportunities.”

Wike also claimed that Odili’s family had benefitted greatly from his support, with his wife becoming the Chairperson of the Governing Council, his daughter appointed as a Commissioner, and another daughter made a judge. He accused Odili of trying to build his own “personal estate” within the state.

“He’s been critical of the current governor, who, after just one year in office, is said to have surpassed Odili’s eight-year record. If a new governor can achieve more in one year than you did in eight, what does that say about your legacy?” Wike questioned. “What exactly is Odili’s problem? He has everything he could want. His family holds key positions. So who is now treating the state as a personal estate?”

Wike also defended his own decisions, particularly regarding appointments within his government. He recalled the time he reconciled Odili with his predecessor, Celestine Omehia, and revealed that Odili had once tried to convince him to appoint his own daughter as a Commissioner, despite having a nephew who had recently lost his father.

“After all I’ve done, naming things after him and his family, this is the thanks I get. When I was governor, his picture was everywhere in my house—kitchen, bedroom, even the toilet! But now, they’re the ones looking for trouble. I remain focused on my work,” Wike stated.

The Governor concluded his remarks by saying that despite Odili’s criticisms, he remained unbothered and that any negative consequences Odili faced from his public statements were of his own making.