By Els William
Former Rivers State governor and one-time presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Peter Odili, has accused Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike of attempting to turn Rivers State into his private estate. Dr. Odili commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for demonstrating remarkable courage in resisting Wike’s alleged political maneuvers.
Dr. Odili made these remarks at a Christmas ballad he organized to honor Governor Fubara and his family. He praised the governor for steadying governance in the state, making civil servants happier, and ensuring stability despite an “unnecessary political war” initiated by Wike.
Odili’s Accusations and Praise for Fubara
According to Odili, Governor Fubara demonstrated fortitude by preventing a single individual from capturing the state. “Governor Fubara confronted the challenge, emancipated Rivers people, steadied governance, and made civil servants and Rivers people happier, as it used to be until I left office in 2007,” he said.
Odili highlighted that it has been over 12 months since a “fierce existential fight” was waged against Governor Fubara over control of Rivers State. He lauded Fubara for his resilience and ability to rally the support of true Rivers people.
Fubara’s Response
Governor Fubara attributed his success to divine intervention and the unwavering support of Rivers citizens. “God is the ultimate Liberator and has ensured total triumph over the political crisis,” he said. Fubara noted that the challenges strengthened his leadership, saying, “My strength is drawn from everyone here. You encouraged me, made calls for me, and stood by me.”
He assured that his administration would continue to work toward a better future for Rivers State, emphasizing that governance is a transient role requiring humility and accountability. “We will not be tyrants. Our focus is to uplift the state’s image and ensure progress,” he added.
Support from State Leaders
Several state leaders echoed these sentiments. Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, and Chief Judge Justice Simeon Amadi recalled how the governor’s leadership provided stability during a tumultuous period. Former Minister of Transport Dr. Abiye Sekibo praised Fubara’s governance style as a blend of Dr. Odili’s leadership traits and his own unique approach.
Wike Fires Back
In a sharp rebuttal, Wike dismissed Odili’s remarks as sycophantic and accused him of seeking pecuniary gains. Wike claimed Odili, who he described as politically irrelevant until Wike’s tenure, is now “a trader and a sycophant.”
“Odili’s wife is a governing council chairman, his daughter is a commissioner, and another daughter is a judge. Who, then, has turned Rivers State into a personal estate?” Wike questioned. He also ridiculed Odili for praising Fubara after previously criticizing him.
Wike further accused Odili of inconsistency and opportunism. “As governor, he hung my portraits everywhere in his house, even in toilets. Today, those portraits are gone. What kind of elder statesman behaves this way?”
Public Funds for Private Concerns?
The exchange between Odili and Wike raises broader questions about governance, public accountability, and the propriety of using state resources to benefit private entities. According to Wike “all of us know about PAMO University (founded by Peter Odili). But for us, there wouldn’t have been anything called PAMO University. Rivers State was sponsoring 100 students per session and for every semester, each of the students was paying nothing less than N5m. Then, Rivers people were attacking me up and down.
“I personally called Julius Berger to build a mansion for him to live. He was calling everyone to the house then, telling them, come and see what Wike has done for me. Wike has shown me love. He was taking them round the house”.
This highlights a critical governance issue: Should public funds prioritize public institutions and infrastructure, or is it justified to support private concerns with perceived public benefits? This question remains pertinent as Rivers State navigates leadership transitions and the balance of public and private interests.
In summary, while Odili and Fubara’s alliance emphasizes resilience and leadership, Wike’s counterpoints challenge the ethical implications of governance decisions, particularly concerning public accountability. The unfolding discourse highlights the complex interplay between personal ambitions and public service in Rivers State’s political landscape.