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Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has strongly criticized former Rivers State Governor Dr. Peter Odili, calling him a “sycophant” after Odili praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for surpassing all previous governors of the state. Wike, who was speaking at a Thanksgiving Service in Port Harcourt, expressed his disappointment with Odili’s remarks and accused him of hypocrisy.
Odili, a former presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had recently stated that Fubara had prevented Wike from turning Rivers State into a private estate. He praised Fubara for tackling the challenge of one individual attempting to dominate the state and for improving the lives of Rivers citizens, particularly civil servants. This comment was made during a Christmas ball in honor of Fubara.
In his response, Wike lashed out at Odili, questioning his integrity and accusing him of reducing himself to a mere sycophant and opportunist. He pointed out that while Odili had served as governor for eight years, his family now holds multiple key positions in the state, including his wife as the Chairman of the Governing Council and his daughter as a commissioner. Wike argued that this was a clear example of a political dynasty, contrasting it with his own leadership and governance style.
Wike further reflected on Odili’s past praises of his own governance, recalling that when he became governor in 2015, Odili had lauded his achievements, even claiming that no past governor had done as much as Wike. He also reminded the audience of his support for Odili after he left office in 2007, helping him regain political relevance in the state.
In addition to criticizing Odili’s political opportunism, Wike also highlighted his role in establishing PAMO University, where the state government sponsored students. He remarked that despite the criticisms he faced, he had personally facilitated significant support for Odili.
Wike also responded to Odili’s praise of Fubara, questioning how one who had been in office for eight years could compare himself to a governor who hadn’t even completed one year in office. He expressed disbelief at Odili’s changing positions, particularly since he had once publicly displayed admiration for Wike, even hanging his pictures in his home.
The FCT minister closed his statement by questioning the credibility of a leader who continually shifts his stance for political gain, challenging Odili’s legacy and urging him to reflect on his actions.
