Wike defies Rivers state elders, says ‘I owe Peter Odili no apology’

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has firmly declared that he owes no apology to former Governor Peter Odili, despite calls from Rivers State elders.

Speaking at a luncheon held at his residence in Port Harcourt’s Old GRA on Friday, Wike maintained that his recent remarks about Odili were not insults but rather a reiteration of statements the former governor had made publicly.

“They said I should apologize—apologize for what? Did I say there’s a law that says their daughter shouldn’t hold a position? No. But as an elder statesman, should you have given what belongs to your nephew to your daughter?” ” Wike questioned.

Wike accused Odili of fostering disregard for an eight-point peace accord reached in December 2023 in the presence of President Bola Tinubu.

He said the agreement was aimed at resolving Rivers State’s political crisis, but the former governor encouraged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to disobey its terms.

He criticized Odili for alleged nepotism and for portraying Rivers State as a personal estate, referring to him as “the General Overseer.”

Wike also dismissed claims that his comments were disrespectful, adding, “If Odili had denied making certain statements, I would have apologized, but he didn’t.”

The luncheon, attended by notable politicians from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), included Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

A documentary showcasing instances where Odili had publicly praised Wike was also played during the event.