Former Rivers State Commissioner for Works and elder statesman, Chief David Briggs, has criticized Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike for his recent remarks about former Governor Peter Odili. Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Briggs described Wike’s claim of “reviving” Odili politically as both disrespectful and harmful to the state’s political harmony.
Briggs, who also served as Commissioner for Water Resources under Odili, accused Wike of thriving on political crisis and deliberately destabilizing Rivers State for personal gain. He called Wike’s comments an insult not only to Odili but to the entire Rivers people.
“It is shocking that Wike, who was not even our contemporary, is now insulting Odili,” Briggs said. “He claims to have resurrected Odili, but that is not just an insult to Odili but to the entire Rivers people. Odili has been a father figure and a guiding influence for many of us. Wike’s comments are a gross misrepresentation of history.”
The strained relationship between Wike and Odili stems from the political fallout involving Wike’s estranged political ally, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whom Odili now supports against Wike. Briggs lamented Wike’s attempts to rewrite history and undermine Odili’s contributions to Rivers State’s political landscape.
Briggs further accused Wike of perpetuating conflict in the state, alleging that the minister stirs unrest to maintain political relevance. He pointed to Wike’s actions following a court ruling on federal allocations, suggesting that Wike deliberately disrupted peace to advance his interests.
“Wike cannot survive in a peaceful environment,” Briggs said. “He has caused enough harm in Rivers State. How can he say he resurrected Peter Odili? If Odili was irrelevant, why did he return to him for political support in the past?”
Briggs also highlighted Odili’s significant contributions, including his support for Dame Patience Jonathan during her confirmation process. He questioned President Bola Tinubu’s silence on the matter, accusing the presidency of enabling political opportunism.
He warned that Wike must apologize to Rivers State or face further revelations about his past actions, including claims of deceit and misuse of funds for political unrest. “Wike must apologize to Rivers State, or we will reveal more about his actions,” Briggs stated.
