WIKE ACKNOWLEDGES RIFT WITH FORMER GOVERNOR ODILI

Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, admitted that there are political disparities between him and former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili.

During a media chat in Abuja, Wike addressed the strained relations, highlighting discord with Odili and other prominent figures including Abiye Sekibo, Uche Secondus, Austin Opara, and Celestine Omehia over their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The rift between Wike and Fubara, his successor, has been a focal point in their ongoing political encounters. It is apparent that this contentious successor/predecessor relationship has contributed to the strained association between Wike and Odili, who openly supports the current governor.

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts, last week, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the Rivers State crisis, alluding to the escalating tension within the party ranks. Wike, in his acknowledgment of the differences with Odili, stated, "There are some political disagreements," underscoring the current lack of collaboration between them.

Reflecting on his past with Odili, Wike emphasized, "As it is today, politically, we don’t have a good relationship. We don’t work together." Despite the political contrasts, he maintained his reverence for Odili as a father figure, stressing the importance of mutual respect despite differing political affiliations.

Furthermore, the minister characterized the PDP leaders who supported Fubara as "political buccaneers" and denigrated the likes of Sekibo, Secondus, Omehia, and Opara as past their prime in the political sphere, thus unworthy of being labeled as "elder statesmen." Wike firmly asserted that these individuals no longer bear significance within the party, having been ousted during his tenure.

Additionally, Wike criticized the perceived lack of integrity among these figures, questioning their sudden support for Fubara post-election, noting the inconsistency in their allegiances. He raised doubts about their credibility and voiced his concerns over their changing stances within the political landscape.

In conclusion, the rift between Wike and Odili underscores a larger narrative of political discord within the party, as key figures navigate differing alliances and interests, setting the stage for potential shifts in the political dynamics of Rivers State