Wike to Peter Odili: ‘You Can’t Kill Me for What I Didn’t Say’

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, asserted that Dr. Peter Odili, a former governor of the state, “cannot kill” him amid escalating tensions between them.

Wike made these remarks during a New Year luncheon at his residence in Obio-Akpor on Friday, addressing the ongoing rift with current Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara.

The backdrop of Wike’s comments centers around allegations of disobedience by Odili regarding a peace agreement initiated by President Bola Tinubu.

Wike accused Odili of failing to adhere to the President’s call for unity, particularly regarding the ongoing conflicts in Rivers State.

In the face of pressure from some elders in Rivers State to apologize to Odili for his recent comments, Wike remained steadfast, asserting that he had done nothing wrong.

He expressed his refusal to be intimidated, stating, “They said I should apologize; for what?”

He further questioned the ethics of the situation, emphasizing that as an elder statesman, Odili should not have prioritized personal interests over familial responsibilities.

Wike continued his critique of Odili, insisting that accusations of mismanagement and personal entitlement should be directed at Odili himself.

“The man who is converting Rivers State to a personal estate is you, and to crown it up, you are now the general overseer,” he stated.

The Minister’s remarks also extended to President Tinubu, contrasting the President’s approach with that of Odili.

“Tinubu is not like you. If you are a good person, Tinubu called Rivers people. As an elder statesman, he wanted you to make peace, but you came home,” Wike said.

Wike dismissed the notion that he had insulted Odili, clarifying, “I didn’t abuse anybody.”

He emphasized that his comments were based on Odili’s own statements regarding Wike’s contributions and achievements.

“I said our elder statesman was the one telling people the kind of mansion and castle I built for him. I didn’t say I said so. It is not me who said it. It is the man who is supposed to be an elder statesman that said so,” he noted.