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Concerned Elders of Rivers State Call for Wike’s Apology After Insulting Odili
- River State elders criticise Wike for Insulting Odili
- They demand he apologise
- Claimed Odili is a man of loyalty and commitment to national unity
A group of prominent elders from Rivers State, under the banner of the Concerned Elders of Rivers State, has called for an unreserved apology from Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for making derogatory remarks against former Governor Peter Odili.
Odili, a respected elder statesman and founder of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, was the target of insults during a recent event in Ororgwe, where Wike criticized his political actions and personal achievements.
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The statement demanding the apology was signed by key state leaders, including former Governor Celestine Omehia, Prince Uche Secondus, former Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, and a host of others, including Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Senator Lee Maeba, and Senator Ngoji Denton West.
The elders expressed deep concern over Wike’s actions, stating that his behaviour was an affront to the values of respect and unity that have long defined Rivers State.
The controversial remarks stemmed from Wike’s accusation that Dr. Odili “chickened out” of the 2007 presidential race.
The elders refuted this claim, clarifying that Odili had stepped down from the race as per a directive from then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, who sought to maintain balance in the political party.
They explained that Odili’s decision to yield to the party’s wishes was a testament to his loyalty and commitment to national unity.
The elders stressed that Odili, in stepping down for the late President Musa Yar’Adua, acted with dignity and respect for party unity, without resorting to undermining his colleagues or the party.
They also noted that Odili’s subsequent support for Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s vice-presidential candidacy in 2007 further demonstrated his dedication to the Niger Delta cause and to Nigeria’s collective progress.
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The group expressed disappointment that Wike, despite his status as a former governor and national statesman, had chosen to publicly insult a figure of Odili’s stature.
The elders emphasized that as a public figure and leader, Wike should model decorum, particularly in his treatment of elders.
They reminded Wike of his role as a statesman and the expectation that he should act with respect and responsibility in public discourse.
The statement also highlighted Wike’s history of disrespect toward other political figures and traditional rulers in the state, pointing to his previous insults aimed at figures like Sir Celestine Omehia and the King of Eberi Omuma, Barr Onyekachi Amaonwu. The elders argued that this pattern of disrespect could not be tolerated any longer.
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