Some elders in Rivers State, under the aegis of Concerned Elders of Rivers State, have called for an unreserved apology from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following his recent derogatory remarks aimed at former Governor Peter Odili, a respected elder statesman and founder of PAMO University of Medical Sciences.
The demand was issued in a statement yesterday signed by prominent leaders of the state, including former Governor Celestine Omehia, Prince Uche Secondus, former Deputy Governor of the state, Tele Ikuru, former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Austin Opara, Ngoji Denton West, former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, and Lee Maeba.
Other signatories include Dr. Dam Sam Jaja, Alabo David Briggs, Shedrack Akolokwu, Dr. Reginald Okeya, Amb. Oji Ngofa, Emma Okah, Adawari Pepple, Ambrose Nwuzi, and Emeh Glory Emeh.
The elders expressed deep dismay at Wike’s recent insults directed at Odili, his family, and his medical institution during an event at a Church in Ororgwe, adding that 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 Rivers State holds dearly.
On Wike’s accusations that Odili “chickened out” of the presidential race, the concerned elders explained that Odili merely yielded to the directive of the then President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who asked him to step down in the interest of the party.
They noted that what Wike’s statement meant was that he (Wike) would disobey President Bola Tinubu if he was told to step down from any race the way Obasanjo directed Odili to do in 2006.
“Dr. Peter Odili did not chicken out. In retrospect, we commend the loyalty of Odili who obeyed the call by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to step down for the late President Musa Yar’Adua in the 2007 presidential election to ensure North-South balancing.
“As a party man and team player, Odili courageously obeyed without pulling down the house or insulting other Nigerians, even though it was certain he would have won the primaries. When Odili was also not chosen as the Vice Presidential candidate, he accepted his fate and rolled out the drums for his brother from the Niger Delta, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, who emerged as the vice presidential candidate and later President of Nigeria without firing a bullet”.
It was Niger Delta’s gain which Odili represented at that time. This is the measure of a statesman and team player that is alien to Wike. Therefore, it was not all about Odili but about the directive of his party for the stability of the nation,” the statement added.
According to the elders, Wike’s behaviour is an affront to the values of respect and unity that have long characterised the state. They emphasised that as a former governor and national statesman, Wike should act as a role model, especially when it comes to respecting elders and maintaining decorum in public discourse.
The statement reads: “We stand against the unfortunate remarks made by Nyesom Wike, and his continuous disrespect towards dignified individuals, including former governors, traditional rulers, and clergymen.
