A former Commissioner for Works in Rivers State, Chief David Briggs, has harshly criticised Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike for his recent remarks about former Governor Peter Odili. Briggs, who served under Odili and shares a long-standing personal and political relationship with him, described Wike’s claims as not only an insult to Odili but to the entire people of Rivers State....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE➤
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Briggs accused Wike of thriving in crisis and using inflammatory remarks to deepen political tensions in the state. He specifically called out Wike’s statement about “reviving” Odili politically, calling it disrespectful. “It is shocking that Wike, who was not even our contemporary, is now insulting Odili. He claims to have resurrected Odili, but that is not just an insult to Odili but to the entire Rivers people,” Briggs said.
The growing tension between Wike and Odili stems from political differences, particularly involving Wike’s estranged political godson, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Odili has been a strong supporter of Fubara, leading to a strained relationship between the two political figures.
Briggs, who also served as Commissioner for Water Resources under Odili, recalled the former governor’s influential role in Rivers politics. He described Odili as a “father figure” who had been a guiding presence throughout his political career. He expressed dismay at Wike’s attempts to rewrite history and belittle Odili’s contributions to the state’s growth.
“Wike thrives on creating instability,” Briggs continued. “He has caused enough harm in Rivers State and will continue to stir trouble to maintain his relevance. How can he say he resurrected Peter Odili? If Odili was so irrelevant, why did he return like a prodigal son?”
Briggs also pointed to Odili’s pivotal role in significant political events in Rivers, such as his support for Dame Patience Jonathan during her confirmation process, suggesting that Odili’s importance cannot be diminished by Wike’s claims. “If Odili was dead, would Patience Jonathan have taken Wike to his house for that confirmation?” Briggs asked rhetorically.
The former Commissioner also voiced concern over President Bola Tinubu’s silence on the issue, suggesting that the President’s lack of response could be seen as an endorsement of political opportunism in Rivers State. Briggs warned that if Wike does not apologise to the people of Rivers, more damaging information about his past actions, including alleged deceit of Odili in 2007 and the use of funds to fuel political unrest, would be made public.
“What is most important is that Nigeria still has a future, but we must build a strong foundation today,” Briggs concluded. “Wike must apologise to Rivers State, or we will reveal more about him.”
rs State, Chief David Briggs, has harshly criticised Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike for his recent remarks about former Governor Peter Odili. Briggs, who served under Odili and shares a long-standing personal and political relationship with him, described Wike’s claims as not only an insult to Odili but to the entire people of Rivers State.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Briggs accused Wike of thriving in crisis and using inflammatory remarks to deepen political tensions in the state. He specifically called out Wike’s statement about “reviving” Odili politically, calling it disrespectful. ...CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE➤
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