A former Commissioner for Works and elder statesman in Rivers State, Chief David Briggs, has strongly criticised the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his recent comments about former Governor Peter Odili.
Briggs, who served under Odili, accused Wike of benefiting from crises and speaking recklessly, claiming that Wike’s actions are only worsening the ongoing political tension in Rivers State.
In an interview with journalists in Port Harcourt on Saturday, January 4, Briggs condemned Wike’s assertion that he had “revived” Odili politically, describing it as an insult not only to Odili but also to the people of Rivers State.
The rift between Wike and Odili has been intensifying since the political fallout involving Wike’s estranged political ally, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, with Odili siding with Fubara against Wike.
Briggs, who also served as Commissioner for Water Resources under Odili, expressed his dismay at Wike’s comments, emphasising his long-standing personal and political ties to Odili, whom he described as a “father figure” who had consistently offered guidance throughout his career.
“I served under Dr. Peter Odili as Commissioner for Works and Water Resources. I had a close father-son relationship with him when I was a local government chairman,” Briggs explained.
“He has been and remains a father figure. 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.”
The ongoing dispute between Wike and Odili has been further exacerbated by Wike’s comments regarding the political backing Odili has provided to Fubara.
Briggs accused Wike of undermining peace in Rivers State, suggesting that the former governor thrives on crisis and would go to any length to destabilise the region for his own gain.
Briggs pointed to the recent calm in the state following a court ruling on the release of federal allocations, alleging that Wike had deliberately stirred up conflict to maintain his political relevance.
“Wike cannot survive in a peaceful environment,” he said.
“He has caused enough harm in Rivers State, and he will continue to create problems. How can he say he resurrected Peter Odili? If Odili was so irrelevant, why did he return like a prodigal son?”
The former Commissioner also reminded Wike of Odili’s significant contributions to the state’s political landscape, citing instances such as Odili’s support for Dame Patience Jonathan during her confirmation process. Briggs questioned whether Wike would have been welcomed into Odili’s home during that time if Odili had truly been politically irrelevant.
“If Odili was dead, would Patience Jonathan have taken Wike to his house for that confirmation?” Briggs asked.
Briggs also expressed concern over President Bola Tinubu’s apparent silence on the matter, accusing the President of tacitly endorsing political opportunism in Rivers State.
He called on Wike to apologise to the people of Rivers, threatening to expose further details about Wike’s actions, including claims that he deceived Odili in 2007 and used money from Odili to fund political unrest in the state.
“What is most important is that Nigeria still has a future, but we must build a strong foundation today,” Briggs warned.
“Wike must apologise to Rivers State, or we will reveal more about him.”
