Odili canvasses end to political bickering in Rivers

Former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, has called for an end to political bickering and antagonism against Governor Nyesom Wike. Odili said Rivers State deserves peace and stability to ensure its sustained socio-economic growth and development.

Odili, speaking in Port Harcourt, while commissioning the multimillion-naira Pleasure Park, built by Wike’s administration at Rumuola, as part of events marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state, said Rivers State people and those who supported Wike to emerge as governor did so out of conviction that he was the most suitable person to administer the state at this point in time.

“I appeal to our elders, political leaders… We are no longer united, as we should be. Power comes from God. God has given us Wike, let all divisive factions and factors, tow the path and stand behind our governor. Let us give him total support,” he said.

Odili observed that the park, which occupies 17 hectare of land and has a lake, restaurant, climbing tower, three playground for children, a car park for 150 cars and six designers shop, would help boost tourism in the state.

He also said the project, which would help to sustain itself through the revenue to be generated, would also provide a forum for families, parents and children to come together in a bid to strengthen family bonds.

Wike said prior to the construction of the pleasure park, criminals used the land, which had laid fallow for decades.He explained that he was inspired to convert the vast expanse of land to a pleasure following a security advice by the former Brigade Commander of the 2nd Amphibious Brigade in the state capital.

Wike reiterated that his administration would continue to promote the independence of the judiciary for the sustained growth of the state. Addressing members of the Bench and Bar during the state’s Golden Jubilee Special Court Session yesterday, he tasked Judges to be courageous as they dispense justice, saying the Nigerian judiciary has reached a stage where only courageous Judges can uphold the rule of law.

He lamented that the judiciary has come under intense blackmail under the present administration and stressed the need to fight corruption in the judiciary, but condemned the approach adopted by the Federal Government, which he said, appears to be politically motivated and selective.