Rivers Elders Blast Wike, Demand Public Apology For Odili, Call Him A ‘Proverbial Child

The Concerned Elders of Rivers State have strongly criticized recent remarks made by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, regarding former Governor Peter Odili, calling his statements inappropriate and disrespectful.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Wike, also a former Governor of Rivers State, claimed at a public event that he had brought Odili into the political spotlight and referred to Odili as a “General Overseer,” referencing the significant appointments of Odili’s wife, Justice Mary Odili (retired), and his daughter, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday evening, signed by former Governor Sir Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, and twelve other prominent individuals, the elders condemned Wike’s comments as unbecoming and contrary to the values of respect and unity in Rivers State.

The statement read, “We, the Concerned Elders of Rivers State, make this statement with a deep sense of responsibility to uphold the values of respect, unity, and decorum that have long been central to our society. It is regrettable that Nyesom Wike, at a church event this week in Oroigwe, insulted Dr. Peter Odili, a respected elder statesman, and his family. This behavior is contrary to the traditions of mutual respect we hold dear.”

The elders also linked Wike’s remarks to Dr. Odili’s advice against an alleged impeachment plot against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stressing the importance of dialogue and respect in addressing grievances. They warned that disrespecting elders undermines community values.

“Elders are the custodians of our heritage, wisdom, and values. Any affront to their dignity is an injury to the entire community. We strongly condemn Wike’s comments and his repeated disregard for dignified persons and institutions, including respected traditional rulers and clergymen,” the elders added.

They explained that Wike’s outburst was likely due to Dr. Odili’s statesmanlike counsel against destabilizing Governor Fubara’s government, which had been in office for just three months. When Wike ignored the advice and continued his efforts to destabilize the government, Dr. Odili sided with the Governor in the interest of Rivers State, leading to Wike’s reaction.

The elders also defended Dr. Odili’s contributions, such as the establishment of Pamo University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), emphasizing its value to Rivers State through a public-private partnership.

“We must commend Dr. Peter Odili for his vision in founding PUMS, which is privately funded but benefits Rivers State. His work should be celebrated, not vilified,” they stated.

Addressing Wike’s criticism of Odili’s family appointments, the elders pointed out that there is no law preventing qualified relatives of former leaders from holding public office. They called out Wike’s hypocrisy, stating, “If Wike’s wife can serve as a Justice of the Court of Appeal while he is a Minister, why should Dr. Odili’s family not hold public office if they are qualified? This hypocrisy cannot stand.”

The elders concluded by demanding an unreserved apology from Wike to Dr. Odili, his family, and the people of Rivers State, saying, “Wike must apologize without reservation to Dr. Peter Odili, his wife, and children for the disrespect and abuse he has directed at them. He must also apologize to the people of Rivers State for the embarrassment his actions have caused.”