“When I was governor, he had my pictures all over his house… even in the bathrooms,” – Nyesom Wike

Dr. Peter Odili, former governor of Rivers State, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has claimed he resurrected Odili’s political career. Wike, who served as governor of Rivers, accused Odili of being politically dormant until he revived him, labeling him a sycophant for praising the current administration....CONTINUE READING>>>

At a Special Thanksgiving Service in Port Harcourt, Wike refuted Odili’s claims about Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of attempting to turn Rivers State into a “private estate.” Wike asked, “Who has turned Rivers State into his personal estate?” pointing to Odili’s family members holding key positions in government. Wike also questioned Odili’s credibility as an elder statesman, saying he had forgotten the support Wike had given him in the past.

Recalling how Odili once adorned his house with Wike’s portraits, Wike said, “When I was governor, my pictures were everywhere in his house…even in the toilets.” He emphasized that Odili’s shift in political allegiance was a disappointment, especially after he had once praised Wike’s accomplishments, even suggesting that Wike’s tenure surpassed those of all previous governors in the state.

Wike further accused Odili of opportunism, citing his lack of support for his late brother’s son, whom he replaced with his daughter. Wike also mocked Odili’s Christmas carol event, questioning why he had now praised Fubara, who had been a subject of Odili’s criticism earlier.

In a pointed remark, Wike highlighted Odili’s withdrawal from the 2007 presidential race, claiming that Odili lacked the courage to stand against then-President Obasanjo, leading to his absence from key political events in Rivers State. “This is a man who wanted to run for president but chickened out,” Wike said, adding, “I never invited Obasanjo to Rivers because of him.”