The Concerned Elders of Rivers State have condemned recent remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, directed at elder statesman and former Governor of the state, Peter Odili.
Wike, also a former Governor of Rivers State, recently claimed at a public function that he had brought Odili out of political obscurity. He also referred to Odili as a “General Overseer,” referencing the appointments of Odili’s wife, Justice Mary Odili (retired), and his daughter, Dr Adaeze Oreh, to key positions in Rivers State by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday night, signed by former Governor Sir Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, and 12 others, the elders described Wike’s comments as unbecoming and disrespectful.
The statement read, “We, the Concerned Elders of Rivers State, issue this statement with a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to uphold the values of respect, unity, and decorum that have long been the foundation of our society.