Rivers Elders chide Wike for attacking Odili

…demand apology

The Concerned Elders of Rivers State have chided the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over recent remarks directed at elder statesman and former Governor of the state, Peter Odili.

Recently, Wike claimed at a public function that he had brought Odili out of political obscurity.

 He also referred to Odili as a “General Overseer,” 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.

A statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday night and signed by former Governor Sir Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, and 12 others,  said the elders described Wike’s comments as unbecoming and disrespectful.

The statement read, “We, the Concerned Elders of Rivers State, issue this statement 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.

“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 elders highlighted the importance of dialogue and respectful engagement to address grievances, stressing that disrespect towards elders undermines community values.

“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,” they said.

The elders linked Wike’s comments to Dr Odili’s advice against an alleged impeachment plot targeting the current Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.

“The only reason for Nyesom Wike’s outburst against Dr Peter Odili is that Dr Odili, in a statesmanly manner, advised him against plotting the impeachment of Governor Fubara, who has been in office for just over three months.

“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.”