Nyesom Wike Slams Peter Odili As A “Rent Seeker” Amid Rivers State Political Tensions

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili, labeling him a “rent seeker” and “ingrate” for siding with the incumbent Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Wike’s remarks came during a Special Thanksgiving Service at the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in Port Harcourt, organized by Martin Amaewhule, the factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Wike was reacting to Odili’s claim that Governor Fubara prevented him from turning Rivers State into his personal estate. The former governor’s statement sparked a heated response from Wike, who accused Odili of hypocrisy and questioned his legacy as Rivers State Governor.

Wike’s Counterclaims

Wike dismissed Odili’s allegations and pointed to the influence the ex-governor’s family held in state affairs during his tenure.

“Between him and myself, who has turned Rivers State to a personal estate? His wife is a chairman of a governing council, his daughter is a commissioner, another daughter is a judge, and he acts like a general overseer,” Wike stated.

The FCT Minister also recounted how he politically revived Odili after the latter was sidelined during Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s administration. Wike claimed to have given Odili relevance during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023, stating, “When I came in, I brought him back to life politically.”

Accusations of Double Standards

Wike criticized Odili’s recent endorsement of Governor Fubara, who has been in office for less than a year. He recalled Odili previously praising him as the best governor Rivers State had seen, only to shift allegiance to Fubara.

“All of you remember when I was governor, Odili praised me to high heaven, saying all past governors combined did not achieve as much as I did. Now, less than a year into Fubara’s term, he claims the new governor has surpassed everyone. What manner of elder talks like this?” Wike questioned.

Questioning Odili’s Legacy

Wike also criticized Odili’s achievements during his eight years as governor, describing them as negligible. He accused Odili of failing to show leadership during his unsuccessful bid for the presidency, stating, “He chickened out simply because Obasanjo said no.” Wike claimed this loyalty to Odili even influenced his decision to exclude former President Olusegun Obasanjo from project inaugurations in Rivers State.

A Deepening Rift in Rivers State Politics

The fallout between Wike and Odili highlights growing tensions within the Rivers State political landscape, particularly as Wike’s successor, Governor Fubara, navigates his first year in office. Wike’s sharp words suggest lingering dissatisfaction with Odili’s perceived attempts to align with Fubara, despite past disagreements.

The escalating feud between these prominent political figures underscores the fractious dynamics within Rivers State’s political elite, potentially shaping alliances and rivalries in the state’s future governance.