Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili, accusing him of being a sycophant and a trader despite his status as an elder statesman. Wike questioned why Odili was still seeking relevance after serving as governor for eight years.

Speaking at a Special Thanksgiving Service organized by Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, at the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in Port Harcourt, Wike expressed disappointment over Odili’s actions.

“It’s unfortunate that an elder statesman and father would reduce himself to a sycophant and a trader,” Wike said. “Must you be a trader all the time? As governor for eight years, what else are you looking for?”

Wike also addressed comments attributed to Odili on social media and in the press, alleging that the former governor claimed the current administration had stopped an individual from turning Rivers into a personal estate.

“Between him and me, who has turned Rivers into a personal estate? His wife is Chairman of the Governing Council, his daughter is a commissioner, his other daughter is a judge, and he is the general overseer. If care is not taken, he might even arrange a marriage for the governor,” Wike remarked.

He further accused Odili of ingratitude, noting that Odili once praised his administration but had now turned against him. “This same Odili praised me to high heavens, saying all past governors combined didn’t do better than me. I even revived him politically after former Governor Amaechi sidelined him,” Wike added.