Wike to ex-governor Peter Odili: “You’re no elder statesman, just a rent-seeker”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on the former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, accusing him of hypocrisy and sycophancy.

Wike alleged that Odili, whom he described as politically irrelevant until he revived him, has reduced himself to a “trader and rent-seeker” rather than acting as an elder statesman.

Wike’s outburst came in response to Odili’s recent remarks at a Christmas ballad organized in honour of the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Odili had praised Fubara for thwarting what he described as Wike’s attempt to turn Rivers State into a “private estate.”

Dismissing Odili’s claims, Wike said, “Between him and myself, who has turned Rivers State into a personal estate? His wife is the chairman of a governing council, his daughter is a commissioner, his other daughter is a judge, and he is the general overseer. If care is not taken, he might even arrange a marriage for the governor!”

Wike recalled the close relationship he once shared with Odili, noting that Odili used to praise him excessively during his tenure as governor.

“When I was governor, this same Odili said all past governors combined did not do better than me. He even hung my portraits in every room in his house, including the kitchen and toilets,” Wike stated.

The FCT minister expressed disappointment at Odili’s sudden shift in allegiance, attributing it to political sycophancy.

“What kind of elder statesman is this? Someone who trades loyalty for personal gain. Must you be a trader all the time?” he queried.

Wike also accused Odili of sidelining his late elder brother’s son in favour of his own children and criticized the former governor’s lack of accomplishments during his time in office.

“What can Odili even show for his eight years as governor? He’s praising a governor who hasn’t spent one year in office as having surpassed all past governors,” Wike said.

The minister revealed his contributions to Odili’s legacy, including sponsoring students at PAMO University, which Odili owns, and building a mansion for him through Julius Berger.

“I brought him back to life politically, yet this is how he repays me,” Wike lamented.

Despite the fallout, Wike insisted he is focused on his role in Abuja, adding, “We have left Rivers politics for them. Let them manage it. But sycophancy won’t take Odili to the level I have attained.”