Wike Admits ‘Political Differences” With Ex-Gov Peter Odili
THE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has finally admitted that he no longer has a good connection with former Rivers State governor, Mr. Peter Odili due to ‘political differences’.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja earlier today Tuesday, 2 April 2024, Wike said “As it is today, politically we don’t have a good relationship. We don’t work [together] today”, in response to a question regarding his relationship with Mr Odili.
Wike served as governor of Rivers State from May 2015 to May 2023, before being appointed Minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023.
Wike had previously hailed Mr Odili, who was Rivers governor from May 1999 to May 2007, as his political father and leader.
When asked if his relationship with Odili has gone frosty, Wike said, “As it is today, politically we don’t have a good relationship. We don’t work [together] today.”
On the rationale for the cold relationship between the two of them, Wike said, “There are some political differences”.
Though the minister did not clearly explain what he meant by “political differences”, the rift between Odili and Wike might not be unconnected with the fallout between Wike and the current governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who is facing impeachment threats by the state House of Assembly.
Odili had thrown his weight behind Fubara during the political tussle between Wike and the governor in October 2023.
Recall that Wike had gifted Odili a multimillion-naira mansion for his 74th birthday in August 2022.
Speaking at the birthday celebration, Wike said: “There was a time every political class abandoned Dr. Odili. This is a man who gave us everything. Some people called him Mr. Donatus. There was no abuse he did not get. Everybody he tried to help their families, but at the end of the day, all betrayed him.
“For us, we have used him as a school and we thank him for making himself available for us to use him to learn so that we won’t be shocked by whatever is going to happen,” he added.
Eighteen-Eleven Media
