Former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he personally facilitated the construction of a mansion for his predecessor, Peter Odili, during his tenure as governor.
Speaking on Sunday at a Special Thanksgiving Service organized by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, in Port Harcourt, Wike addressed recent criticisms by Odili, who accused him of trying to turn Rivers State into his personal property.
Wike disclosed that he engaged Julius Berger, a prominent construction company, to build the house for Odili, describing it as an act of respect and love for the former governor.
“He (Odili) was calling everyone to the house then, telling them, come and see what Wike has done for me. Wike has shown me love. He was taking them around the house,” Wike said.
However, the relationship between the two political figures appears to have soured. Wike expressed discontent with Odili’s recent remarks praising the achievements of current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, at the expense of past governors.
“The governor that all of us made has not spent one year in office, and the same Odili was already saying that the governor has beaten the records of all the past governors of Rivers State,” Wike said. “You spent eight years as governor, and someone who hasn’t spent one year has surpassed your records? What manner of elder talks like that? Is that what an elder statesman should be known for?”
Wike also recounted how Odili displayed his appreciation during their cordial relationship by adorning his house with pictures of Wike.
“When I was governor of the state, my pictures were everywhere in his house—sitting room, bedroom, kitchen, even in the toilet, my picture was everywhere. But today, all the pictures have been removed,” Wike said.
