FCT MINISTER, WIKE, ACCUSES ODILI OF TURNING RIVERS STATE INTO PERSONAL ESTATE

A war of words has erupted between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili. Wike has accused Odili of turning Rivers State into his personal estate, citing the numerous positions held by Odili’s family members in the state.

Wike made the accusations in a recent interview, where he claimed that Odili’s wife is the Chairman of the Governing Council, one daughter is a commissioner, another daughter is a judge, and Odili himself is the general overseer.

“Between him and myself, who has turned Rivers State to his personal estate?” Wike asked rhetorically. “His wife is a Chairman of Governing Council, his daughter is a commissioner, his other daughter is a judge and he is the general overseer. Who has now turned Rivers State to his private estate? I am sure if care is not taken, if there is a chance, he can even arrange a marriage for the governor.”

Wike also alleged that Odili took a commissioner slot meant for his late senior brother’s son and gave it to his own daughter instead. This, Wike argued, is not the behavior of an elder statesman.

“It was his nephew, his late senior brother’s son that was recommended for commissioner,” Wike said. “He took the slot and gave it to his own daughter. Someone who didn’t remember to stand for the son of his late elder brother, is that an elder statesman?”

Wike’s comments were in response to Odili’s statement that the current governor of Rivers State has stopped one man from converting the state into his personal estate. Wike countered that Odili is the one who has turned the state into his personal estate.

The accusations and counter-accusations between Wike and Odili have sparked a heated debate in Rivers State, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in the state’s governance.

The controversy has also raised questions about the role of family ties and nepotism in Nigerian politics. Many have called for greater scrutiny of political appointments and decisions, to ensure that they are made based on merit rather than personal connections.

As the war of words between Wike and Odili continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved. One thing is clear, however: the people of Rivers State deserve transparency and accountability from their leaders.