A former Commissioner for Works and elder statesman in Rivers State, Chief David Briggs, has criticised the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his recent remarks about former Governor Peter Odili.
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Briggs, who served under Odili, accused Wike of benefiting from crisis and speaking without thought, claiming that Wike’s actions are exacerbating the ongoing political tension in the state.
Speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Briggs called Wike’s comments—specifically his claim of “reviving” Odili politically—an insult to both Odili and the people of Rivers State.
The dispute between Wike and Odili has been ongoing since the political fallout with Wike’s estranged political godson, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, with Odili supporting Fubara against Wike.
This has led to a frosty relationship between Wike and Odili.
Briggs, who also served as Commissioner for Water Resources under Odili, recalled his long-standing personal and political relationship with the former governor, describing Odili as a “father figure” who has always been a guiding influence.
He lamented Wike’s attempts to rewrite history and undermine Odili’s contributions to the state.
“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.”
Briggs accused Wike of undermining peace in the state, alleging that the minister thrives in crisis and will do anything to destabilise the region for his own benefit.
He pointed to the recent quietude in the state following a court ruling on the release of federal allocations, suggesting that Wike had deliberately stirred up conflict to maintain his political relevance.
“Wike cannot survive in a peaceful environment,” Briggs 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?”
Briggs also reminded Wike of Odili’s past contributions to the state’s political landscape, citing instances such as Odili’s support for Dame Patience Jonathan during her confirmation process.
“If Odili was dead, would Patience Jonathan have taken Wike to his house for that confirmation?” Briggs asked.
The former Commissioner expressed concern over President Bola Tinubu’s silence on he matter, accusing the President of endorsing political opportunism in Rivers.
He urged Wike to apologise to the state, 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. Wike must apologise to Rivers State, or we will reveal more about him,” Briggs warned.
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