Rivers Elders Up In Arms Against Wike Over ‘Uncouth Verbal’ Attacks On Odili
Concerned Elders of Rivers State have demanded an unreserved apology from Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), over his recent verbal attacks against his former mentor and political leader of the State, Dr. Peter Odili.
This is as the Elders condemned in very strong terms, what they described as ‘uncouth verbal’ attacks by Wike against Dr Odili, who is an Elder Statesman and former Governor of Rivers State.
Wike at a public function recently, claimed that he brought Dr Odili, a former governor of Rivers State out of political obscurity, describing Odili as the “General Overseer,” by referencing the appointments of Odili’s wife, Justice Mary Odili (retired), and his daughter, Dr Adaeze Oreh, to key positions in Rivers State by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
But, a statement on Wednesday night, by former Governor Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, and 12 others, stressed that Wike’s vituperation and verbal attacks against Dr Odili were unbecoming, disrespectful and totally unacceptable.
The Concerned Elders of Rivers State, said that with a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to uphold the values of respect, unity, and decorum that have long been the foundation of our society, Wike has completely gone off the road and acceptable norms.
The statement said; “It is unfortunate that the former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, used a church event this week at Oroigwe to insult a former Governor of the state, Dr Peter Odili, a highly respected elder statesman, and his family.
“Such behaviour is unbecoming and runs contrary to the traditions of mutual respect and deference to wisdom and experience that we hold dear in Rivers State.”
The Rivers’ Elders emphasised the importance of dialogue and respectful engagement to address grievances, stressing that disrespect towards elders undermines community values.
They further said; “Elders are custodians of our heritage, wisdom, and values. Any affront to their dignity is an injury to the entire community.
“This is why we strongly condemn Nyesom Wike’s unfortunate remarks and his repeated disregard for dignified persons and institutions, including respected traditional rulers and clergymen”.
The Rivers’ Elders noted that Wike’s comments were predicated on Dr Odili’s advice against an alleged impeachment plot targeting Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stressing that the only reason for Wike’s outburst against Dr Odili was the fact that Dr Odili in a statesmanlike manner, advised him against plotting the impeachment of Governor Fubara, who has been in office for just over three months.
The statement further said; “When Wike refused to heed the advice and continued to plot the destabilisation of the government, Dr Odili sided with the Governor in the interest of the people of Rivers State. This is why Wike is acting like a proverbial child who burns his fingers despite warnings from his elders”.
The Rivers Elders defended Dr Odili’s achievements, including the establishment of the Pamo University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), which they described as a privately funded project that has benefited Rivers State through collaboration with the government.
The also noted Wike’s allegations concerning Dr Odili’s family appointments, saying that there is no law barring the qualified relatives of former leaders from holding public office.
According to the Elders; “There is no justification for Wike’s criticism. If his wife can serve as a Justice of the Court of Appeal while he is a Minister, why should Dr Odili’s family members not hold public office if they are qualified? This hypocrisy cannot stand.
“Wike must tender an unreserved apology to Dr Peter Odili, his wife, and his children for the disrespect and abuses he has directed at them. He must also apologise to the people of Rivers State for the embarrassment his actions have caused the state,” the elders insisted.
