A political group, the Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM), has issued a stern warning to former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, regarding his recent media remarks about the immediate-past governor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The controversy began when Odili, who served as governor of Rivers State from 1999 to 2007, praised the incumbent Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for preventing Rivers from becoming “Wike’s private estate.”
The comment was made during a Christmas event organized by Odili and his family in honor of Governor Fubara.
In response, Wike sharply criticized Odili, claiming that he had “brought him back to life politically.”
The rift between the two deepened after Odili supported Fubara in the ongoing battle for political control of Rivers State, distancing himself from Wike.
The Rivers Restoration Movement, led by Director General Johnson Georgewill and Secretary Sarima Akpata, condemned Odili’s statement, threatening to expose what it described as the “horrors” Rivers people endured under Odili’s administration.
The group expressed disappointment over Odili’s public comments, accusing him of partisan involvement despite previously maintaining a neutral stance.
In their statement, the group recalled how Odili, in the past, had praised Wike’s leadership.
They pointed out that during various events in 2022 and 2023, including the inauguration of the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Odili had expressed admiration for Wike, even stating that his administration had outperformed his own in various sectors.
“At what time did the FCT minister’s quest to capture Rivers State as a private estate start?” the statement queried.
The RRM questioned Odili’s sudden shift in allegiance to Fubara, noting that he had not supported Fubara’s candidacy when he emerged as the PDP candidate.
The group warned Odili against further hostile remarks directed at Wike, urging the FCT minister to focus on his current role in Abuja, where he is seen to be performing well according to President Bola Tinubu.
“We know the day of reckoning for all betrayals is close,” the statement concluded.
The exchange highlights the ongoing tensions within Rivers State’s political landscape, particularly surrounding leadership transitions and allegiances.
