Jane Otu, South South
DAILY COURIER - The lingering political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new turn as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has publicly accused former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili, of being biased towards Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Wike made the accusation during a thanksgiving service for the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, held at the Church of the Holy Spirit Anglican Church in Port Harcourt.
Wike questioned Odili's neutrality, wondering why he had chosen to side with Fubara instead of playing a fatherly role in resolving the crisis. He further alleged that Odili's family members hold key positions in the state, with his wife as Chairman of the Governing Council, daughter as a commissioner, and another daughter as a judge. Wike sarcastically referred to Odili as the "general overseer" of Rivers State, implying that he has undue influence over the state's affairs.¹
The Minister also expressed disappointment that Odili, whom he had helped in the past, was now biased against him. This accusation comes on the heels of Odili's praise for Fubara's developmental strides in governance, which Wike sees as a clear indication of Odili's partiality.
The thanksgiving service was attended by top politicians from various parties, including APC South-South National Vice Chairman Victor Giadom and Rivers PDP Chairman, Aron Chukwuemeka. The speaker, Martin Amaewhule, expressed gratitude to God for his political journey, while Wike's address focused on the political crisis in the state.
This development highlights the deepening rift between Wike and Fubara, with Odili's perceived bias adding fuel to the fire. As the crisis continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the parties involved will resolve their differences.
