The Concerned Elders of Rivers State have strongly condemned the recent remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, regarding elder statesman and former Governor of the state, Peter Odili.
At a recent public event, Wike, who is also a former Governor of Rivers State, claimed that he had lifted Odili from political obscurity. He also referred to Odili as a “General Overseer,” a comment that appeared to criticize the appointments of Odili’s wife, Justice Mary Odili (retired), and his daughter, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to prominent positions in Rivers State by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night in Port Harcourt, signed by former Governor Sir Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, and 12 other prominent figures, the elders condemned Wike’s remarks, labeling them as disrespectful and inappropriate.
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The statement read, “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 is unfortunate that the former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, used a church event this week at Oroigwe to insult a former Governor of the state, Dr Peter Odili, a highly respected elder statesman, and his family.
“Such behaviour is unbecoming and runs contrary to the traditions of mutual respect and deference to wisdom and experience that we hold dear in Rivers State.”
The elders emphasized the significance of dialogue and respectful communication in resolving grievances, noting that disrespect towards them erodes the core values of the community.
“Elders are custodians of our heritage, wisdom, and values. Any affront to their dignity is an injury to the entire community. This is why we strongly condemn Nyesom Wike’s unfortunate remarks and his repeated disregard for dignified persons and institutions, including respected traditional rulers and clergymen,” they said.
The elders connected Wike’s remarks to Dr. Odili’s warning about a supposed impeachment scheme aimed at the current Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.
“The only reason for Nyesom Wike’s outburst against Dr Peter Odili is that Dr Odili, in a statesmanly manner, advised him against plotting the impeachment of Governor Fubara, who has been in office for just over three months.
“When Wike refused to heed the advice and continued to plot the destabilisation of the government, Dr Odili sided with the Governor in the interest of the people of Rivers State.
“This is why Wike is acting like a proverbial child who burns his fingers despite warnings from his elders.”
Read Also: Wike Raises Fresh Accusation Against Odili Amid Rivers Crisis
The elders praised Dr. Odili’s accomplishments, highlighting the creation of the Pamo University of Medical Sciences (PUMS).
They emphasized that the university, a privately funded initiative, has significantly contributed to Rivers State through its collaboration with the government.
“The support Rivers State provided to PUMS is for the benefit of the people, and Dr Peter Odili must be commended for his vision, not vilified,” they stated.
They also responded to Wike’s allegations regarding the appointments of Odili’s family members, emphasizing that there is no law preventing qualified relatives of former leaders from holding public office.
“There is no justification for Wike’s criticism. If his wife can serve as a Justice of the Court of Appeal while he is a Minister, why should Dr Odili’s family members not hold public office if they are qualified? This hypocrisy cannot stand.”
The elders called for a wholehearted apology from Wike to Dr. Odili, his family, and the people of Rivers State.
“Wike must tender an unreserved apology to Dr Peter Odili, his wife, and his children for the disrespect and abuses he has directed at them. He must also apologise to the people of Rivers State for the embarrassment his actions have caused the state.
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