About 16 Concerned Elders of Rivers State and supporters of Governor Siminialayi Fubara have faulted the recent attack by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja Nyesom Wike, on former Governor Peter Odili and his family.
Wike, while responding to Odili’ s claim that Fubara stopped him from cornering Rivers, said he rescued Odili from political oblivion; built a mansion for him and funded his university
Wike called Odili a ‘General Overseer’ saying that he cornered his nephew’s appointment in Fubara’s government for his daughter and benefitted from other appointments.
However, the elders in a statement in Port Harcourt by former Governor Sir Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru and 12 others described Wike’s comments as unbecoming and disrespectful.
The statement said: “We the Concerned Elders of Rivers State issue this statement with a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to uphold the values of respect, unity and decorum that have long been the foundation of our society.
“It has come to our attention, again sadly, that the former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike through his words, at an event in a Church this week at Oroigwe, has directed insults against a former Governor of the State, Dr Peter Odili, and a highly respected national Elder statesman of our dear Country Nigeria and his family.
“Such behaviour is not only unbecoming but also stands in contrast to the time-honoured traditions of mutual respect, especially respect for elders and deference to wisdom and experience that we all hold dear in Rivers State”
The elder said they believed in the power of dialogue and the importance of addressing grievances through constructive and respectful means, but frowned on the act of disrespecting elders
They said: “Elders are custodians of our heritage, wisdom and values, and any affront to their dignity is an injury to the entire community.
“This is why we stand tall against the unfortunate remarks of Nyesom Wike and his penchant to throw caution and decency to the wind by insulting dignified persons and institutions including respected traditional rulers and clergymen whenever he pleases.
“Otherwise, how would anyone justify the current disrespect to the Odili’s..Or would we forget so soon how he denigrated Sir Celestine Omehia, a former Governor of Rivers State or the other leaders including Prince Uche Secondus or the King of Eberi Omuma, Onyekachi Amaonwu?”
The elders said Wike’s insults were triggered by Odili’s opposition to his alleged impeachment plot against Fubara
The statement added: “The only reason why Nyesom Wike went berserk against Dr Peter Odili is that Dr Odili, in a statesmanly manner, advised him against the impeachment plot of the incumbent Governor of Rivers State Siminalayi Fubara in a little over three months in office.
“When Nyesom Wike refused and continued to plot the destabilisation of the government, Dr Odili took sides with the Governor in the interest of the people of Rivers State.
“That is why Nyesom Wike found himself in the burning furnace like the proverbial child who found himself in the burning fire against his father’s advice to stay away from the furnace.
The elders defended Odili’s achievements, including founding the Pamo University of Medical Sciences, which Wike has taken a swipe at, saying, “Pamo University of Medical Sciences is founded and solely funded by Dr Peter Odili and family.
They said: “The potential success story of PUMS attracted the Rivers State Government to seek collaboration for the training of quality health care personnel to serve the health needs of the people of Rivers State.
“The support that Rivers State Government gave to PUMS is for the benefit of Rivers State and her people. His Excellency, Dr Peter Odili must be commended for his vision and not vilified”.
They further reacted to Wike’s allegations against Odili, including his presidential ambition, the appointment of his wife, Justice Mary Odili, as Pro Chancellor of Rivers State University, as well as the appointment of his daughter, Dr Adaeze Oreh as Rivers Commissioner for Health.
The statement said: “Dr Peter Odili did not chicken out. In retrospect, we commend the loyalty of Dr Peter Odili who obeyed the call by the PDP to step down for Late President Musa Yar’ Adua as the PDP Presidential candidate in the 2007 presidential election to ensure North-South balancing.
“As a partyman and team player, Dr Peter Odili courageously obeyed without pulling down the house or insulting other Nigerians even though it was certain he would have won the primaries.
“Nyesom Wike is quarreling with the appointment of Hon Justice Mary Odili (Justice of the Supreme Court rtd.) as the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt.
“In fact, this is one of the best appointments that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has made as Governor. If a Supreme Court Justice who rose from the ranks to the top does not qualify as Pro Chancellor of Rivers State University, then who else?”
On his daughter’s appointment as Health Commissioner, the elders noted: “There is no law which says that the children of former Governors or their wives should not hold public offices if they are qualified.
“If that is the case, then should we query why Nyesom Wike is a Minister and his wife is a Justice of the Court of Appeal? No, we shall not do so. It is good in his house, but he sees it as bad in Dr Odili’s case.
“Consequent upon the foregoing, we demand that Nyesom Wike tenders an unreserved apology to Dr Peter Odili, his wife and children for the magnitude of disrespect and abuses he rained on them.
“He should also apologise to the people of Rivers State for the monumental embarrassment he is causing the state”
