At a Thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, criticised former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili, calling him a hypocrite and a “rent-seeker” for backing current Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Odili claimed that Fubara prevented him from making Rivers State his “private estate.” Wike denied the accusation, pointing out that Odili himself had many family members in high-ranking state positions, such as his wife as a council chairperson, a daughter as a commissioner, and a judge.
When he was elected governor in 2015, Wike also described how he assisted in restoring Odili’s political standing, asserting that Odili had been marginalised following the conclusion of his term in 2007. He accused Odili of unjustly praising many governors, claiming that Odili lacked the accomplishments and reputation to support his remarks. Odili was called an elder who lacks the respect and constancy needed of a statesman by Wike, who accused him of resisting Fubara’s ascent to the seat of governor. Nyesom Wike, Peter Odili, and Siminalayi Fubara’s relationships have had a considerable impact on Rivers State’s political environment.
Peter Odili was previously considered a father figure by Wike.
The crucial part that Peter Odili’s wife, Justice Mary Odili, played in Nyesom Wike’s political career has been openly acknowledged. During his 2004 campaign for a second term as Obio-Akpor Local Government Area Chairman, Wike was in danger of being disqualified. He recalled how his political career was essentially saved by Justice Mary Odili’s prompt intervention with then-Governor Peter Odili, which guaranteed his name would remain on the list. At first, Peter Odili was considered a father figure by Wike, who saw him as a political mentor. When Wike was the governor of Rivers State from 2015 until 2023, this link was clear.
However, Wike said in April 2024 that their relationship had soured because of “political differences,” which resulted in their cooperation ending. In May 2023, Siminalayi Fubara became governor, bringing with it new dynamics. Wike reportedly wanted Fubara, the state’s former Accountant-General, to succeed him. But after the election, tensions increased and eventually led to a public spat between Wike and Fubara. His relationship with Wike was further damaged when Peter Odili later endorsed Fubara as Rivers State’s political leader.
These internal disputes have the potential to undermine gov’t.
Governor Fubara has been praised by Peter Odili for his leadership and for preventing anyone from transforming Rivers State into a personal estate. Wike’s apparent attempts to control the political landscape of the state are subtly criticised by this position. The continuous struggle for power between Nyesom Wike, Peter Odili, and Siminalayi Fubara highlights the intricacies of Rivers State succession politics, according to political observers. Wike, the governor from 2015 until 2023, played a key role in making Fubara his successor.
Disagreements about state control, however, caused their relationship to deteriorate and created a public breach. In a move seen as a challenge to Wike’s power, former governor Odili further muddied the waters by supporting Fubara as the state’s political leader. According to analysts, these internal disputes within the ruling party have the potential to undermine government and obstruct Rivers State’s progress. Another layer of intricacy to the political environment is added by Odili’s involvement, who in April 2024 proclaimed Fubara the political head of Rivers State.
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Additionally, the alignment of Odili with the current administration is viewed as a calculated move that could marginalise Wike and change the political power dynamics in the state. If these power battles go unchecked, analysts warn, they may cause the state’s political structure to collapse, which would impact the execution of policies and the public’s confidence in the government. For stability and Rivers State’s sustained development, the situation necessitates communication and reconciliation between the major stakeholders.