Prominent elders in Rivers State, under the banner of the Concerned Elders of Rivers State, have publicly called on Nyesom Wike to issue an unconditional apology for his recent comments about Dr. Peter Odili, a former governor of the State and a highly respected elder.
The elders condemned Wike’s statements as insulting and contrary to the principles of respect and decorum cherished in the state.
In a statement signed by notable leaders, including former Governor Celestine Omehia, Prince Uche Secondus, and others such as Senator Lee Maeba and Dr. Abiye Sekibo, the elders expressed their disappointment over Wike’s remarks, which were reportedly made during a church event in Ororgwe.
They criticized the Minister for his alleged derogatory comments about Dr. Odili, his family, and PAMO University of Medical Sciences, which Dr. Odili founded.
The elders highlighted the sacrifice Dr. Odili made during the 2007 presidential race. They explained that Odili stepped down from the contest following a directive from then-President Olusegun Obasanjo to ensure party unity and national stability. They praised him as a “team player” who prioritized the greater good over personal ambition.
“Dr Peter Odili did not chicken out. In retrospect, we commend the loyalty of Dr Peter Odili who obeyed the call by the PDP to step down for the late President Musa Yar’Adua as the PDP presidential candidate in the 2007 presidential election to ensure North-South balancing.
“As a partyman and team player, Dr Peter Odili courageously obeyed without pulling down the house or insulting other Nigerians even though it was certain he would have won the primaries. When Dr Peter Odili was also not chosen as the vice presidential candidate, he accepted his fate and rolled out the drums for his brother from the Niger Delta, Dr Goodluck Jonathan who emerged as the vice presidential candidate and later President of Nigeria without firing a bullet. It was Niger Delta’s gain which Dr Odili represented at that time. This is the measure of a statesman and team player that is alien to Nyesom Wike. Therefore, it was not all about Dr Odili but about the directive of his Party for the stability of the nation,” the statement added.
The statement also underscored Dr. Odili’s accomplishments, including his contributions to healthcare and education, and described him as a respected statesman who has continued to serve as a political father figure in Rivers State.
“Today, he is the Founder of the first private Medical University in Nigeria. Such a man does not need any “resurrection like Lazarus” by anybody. At 76 years of age and having left office over seventeen years ago as Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili with a high spirit of self-contentment does not need any patronage from anyone given his accomplishments as a family man, successful professional, great politician and a distinguished national statesman’’.
The elders expressed concern that Wike’s behavior reflects poorly on his status as a former governor and national leader.
The statement added: “Elders are custodians of our heritage, wisdom and values, and any affront to their dignity is an injury to the entire community. This is why we stand tall against the unfortunate remarks of Chief Nyesom Wike and his penchant to throw caution and decency to the wind by insulting dignified persons and institutions including respected traditional rulers and clergymen whenever he pleases. Otherwise, how would any one justify the current disrespect to the Odilis or would we forget so soon how he denigrated Sir Celestine Omehia, a former Governor of Rivers Some or the other leaders including Prince Uche Secondus or the King of Eberi Omuma Barr Onyekachi Amaonwu JP?
“As elders, we do not want to condescend to the low level of Nyesom Wike. As a person who holds a high public office, he is expected to be a peacemaker and role model who is supposed to be a leader by virtue of his status as a former Governor, holder of the national honour of the Commander of the Order of The Niger, Life Bencher and a serving Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are deeply surprised that all these elevations mean nothing to him and that is why it is important’’.
