Odili Fires Back at Wike, Defends Fubara’s Administration, Accuses Ex-Governor of Undermining Rivers Treasury

Former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, has issued a strongly worded response to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following recent comments attributed to the former governor against him.

In an unusually blunt reaction, Odili dismissed Wike’s remarks as disrespectful and unfounded, insisting that he would not be intimidated or silenced for speaking in defence of Rivers State and its current leadership under Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Odili recalled his long-standing political pedigree, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom Wike serves under, was part of the same 1999 class of governors. He stressed that unlike some of his contemporaries, he had the courage to contest for the presidency in 2007, a move he said underscored his commitment to national leadership.

The former governor accused Wike of misrepresenting his statements, clarifying that his position was that Governor Fubara halted alleged attempts to turn the state treasury into a private estate. According to Odili, the ongoing political tension in Rivers State is not a personal feud but what he described as a “war of liberation” aimed at protecting public resources and restoring institutional integrity.

He further alleged that political instability in the state escalated after Governor Fubara blocked continued access to the treasury by entrenched interests. Odili claimed that Rivers State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has reportedly increased by over ₦100 billion since the current administration tightened financial controls.

Odili also praised Fubara’s infrastructural drive, stating that the governor has embarked on major projects without resorting to heavy borrowing, attributing this to prudent management and shielding of state finances. He contrasted this with what he described as an era of personal enrichment, alleging that previous administrations focused on private investments rather than public infrastructure.

Reacting to claims that Wike had personally supported him in the past, Odili countered that Wike’s rise in politics was largely a product of political opportunities created by others, including the decision to back Rotimi Amaechi as the governorship candidate in 2007, which eventually paved the way for Wike’s appointments and political elevation.

The former governor also rejected assertions that he achieved little while in office, listing legacy projects such as the Trans-Amadi and Omoku power plants, the new Government House, the House of Assembly complex, and the Judicial Complex as evidence of his contributions to the state.

Odili defended his role as an elder statesman, emphasizing that the duty of elders is to stand with the people against injustice and not to align with what he termed “greed and impunity.” He said his support for Governor Fubara mirrors the support he once gave Wike during his tenure as governor.

In a final warning, Odili urged Wike to allow peace to return to Rivers State, accusing him of prolonged political disruption spanning his time as local government chairman, chief of staff, minister, governor, and now a federal appointee.

He concluded by cautioning that while Rivers people have endured years of political turbulence, their patience should not be mistaken for weakness, urging all parties to respect the will and welfare of the people.