Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is no longer in a harmonious political relationship with his godfather and former governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili.
In his monthly television interview held in Abuja yesterday, Wike, who is equally an ex-governor, confirmed that “there are some political differences” between him and Odili.
“As it is today, politically, we don’t have a good relationship. We don’t work together,” Wike stated in response to questions on the relationship between him and Odili.
When queried further on reasons for the political differences, the immediate past chief executive of the oil-rich South-South state simply said: “There are some political differences.”
He continued: “For me, we have finished with this stage. It does not mean that in the next stage, you will be in the same camp. No. He took a decision. I took a decision.”
Wike said he holds Odili in high esteem as a father despite the existing political differences.
The minister has had a running battle with his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, a development, analysts believe, is responsible for the disclosed differences.
Responding to the support declared by some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders for the incumbent occupant of Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike described them as “political buccaneers.”
Former Minister of Transportation, Abiye Sekibo; PDP ex-National Chairman, Uche Secondus; ex-governorship aspirant, Celestine Omehia and erstwhile Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara, had last week declared support for Fubara and called on the President to caution Wike.
The FCT minister described the quartet as expired politicians who are not worthy to be called “elder statesmen.”
IN a related development, Rivers youths have called on the current administration to urgently establish a commission of inquiry with a mandate to investigate the alleged looting, conversion and diversion of government properties by the Wike government in the state.
Under the aegis of Rivers State Ethnic Youth Leaders Coalition (RSEYLC), the youngsters from across all ethnic nationalities, lamented that the supposed action did not only deprive the citizens of their rightful resources and amenities but also caused joblessness and restiveness.
The group advised that the panel should be empowered to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation with a view to “recovering any misappropriated resources and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.”
In a statement signed yesterday by its chairman, Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana, the coalition noted that the future of the state depends on prudent management of public resources and the preservation of the rule of law, urging all stakeholders, including civil society organisations, the media, and the public, to demand accountability and justice.
The group said: “We are deeply concerned about the alleged reports of wanton looting, conversion and diversion of Rivers State properties by the Nyesom Wike-led administration, and sternly urge the Rivers State government to take immediate action by constituting a commission of inquiry to thoroughly investigate these egregious acts.”
“It has come to our attention through credible intelligence sources that the past administration was involved in the systematic looting and conversion of numerous government properties for personal use.
“Such actions not only undermine the integrity of our democratic institutions but also deprive the citizens of Rivers State of their rightful resources and amenities.
“The misappropriation of public funds and government assets meant for the welfare and development of our state is an affront to the principles of good governance and accountability. The people of Rivers State deserve transparency and justice, and those responsible for these acts of corruption must be held accountable for their actions.”
