‘You Are A Trader, Sycophant’, Wike Blasts Odili

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has lashed out at former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, calling him a “trader” and “sycophant,” accusing him of reducing himself from being an elder statesman to a political opportunist.

Wike’s remarks were made during a Special Thanksgiving Service organized by the factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Chike Amaewhule, at the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Port Harcourt. The FCT Minister’s statement, signed by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, came after Odili made comments on social media regarding Wike’s political actions.

Wike criticized Odili for allegedly reducing himself to sycophancy and for his actions that Wike deemed contrary to the role of an elder statesman. He questioned Odili’s motivations, asking, “Must you be a trader all the time? As governor for eight years, what else are you looking for?”

Wike also responded to claims by Odili that the current Rivers State governor had stopped one man from turning the state into his personal estate, pointing out that Odili’s family holds various influential positions in the state government, implying that Odili himself had contributed to the concentration of power within his family. Wike cited several examples, including Odili’s relatives holding key positions like Commissioner, Judge, and Governing Council Chairman.

The Minister went on to accuse Odili of political opportunism, suggesting that he had praised Wike when it suited him, only to turn against him later. He recounted how Odili once praised him during his tenure as governor, even stating that Wike had outperformed all previous governors, including Odili himself. Wike further noted that after leaving office, Odili struggled to regain influence in Rivers State until Wike’s political rise revived his career.

Wike also claimed that Odili’s political actions, such as organizing a Christmas Carol for the governor he had previously criticized, were inconsistent and reflective of his sycophantic behavior. He criticized Odili for changing his stance to curry favor with the current governor, who had not yet completed a year in office.

In his rebuke, Wike questioned Odili’s credibility, stating that he could no longer trust any advice from him. He also noted how Odili had removed all pictures of Wike from his house, contrasting his former praise with his current actions.

Wike also addressed Odili’s past ambitions, mentioning his failed presidential bid and his subsequent political retreat after Obasanjo’s disapproval, suggesting that Odili lacked the courage to pursue his ambitions.

In conclusion, Wike stressed that he was focused on his current duties in Abuja and rejected any form of sycophantic behavior. He emphasized that such actions would not lead to success, noting his own achievements while distancing himself from Odili’s behavior.