‘You’re Reducing Yourself To Laughing Stock’ — Wike Blast Odili

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has lambasted Peter Odili, a former Governor of Rivers State, for his recent comments.

Odili had praised the current Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, for preventing Wike from turning the state into his private estate.

Speaking at a thanksgiving service organized by Martin Chike Amaewhule, factional speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Wike said, “Between him and myself, who has turned Rivers State to his estate? His wife is a Chairman of the Governing Council, his daughter is a commissioner, his other daughter is a judge and he is the general overseer.”

In a statement on Sunday, Lere Olayinka, media aide to Wike, quoted his principal as saying, “I am sure if care is not taken if there is a chance, he can even arrange a marriage for the governor.”

Wike also criticized Odili for his lack of courage and capacity to challenge former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the 2007 presidential election.

“It was his nephew, his late senior brother’s son that was recommended for commissioner. He took the slot and gave it to his daughter. Someone who didn’t remember to stand for the son of his late elder brother, is that an elder statesman?” he queried.

The FCT Minister expressed disappointment that Odili chose to praise Fubara as one who has surpassed the records of all past Governors in the State.

Wike argued that this is a ridiculous claim, especially considering the Governor has only been in office for less than a year.

Wike concluded, “But why reduce yourself to such a laughing stock.”