Rivers Crisis: Wike Claims Odili Advised Fubara To Defy Tinubu’s Peace Accord

Rivers Crisis: Wike Claims Odili Advised Fubara To Defy Tinubu’s Peace Accord

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili of undermining the peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu to resolve the political crisis in Rivers State.

Gists9ja reports that the dispute between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, has persisted since 2023, despite interventions by political stakeholders and Tinubu’s administration.

In an attempt to resolve the conflict, both factions signed an eight-point peace accord during a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The agreement, mediated by President Tinubu and attended by key figures, including Odili, sought to end the political tension. However, the accord quickly unraveled, with Fubara later alleging he had been pressured into signing the deal.

Speaking at an event in Port Harcourt on December 28, Odili praised Governor Fubara for resisting Wike’s alleged attempts to dominate Rivers State politics. He accused Wike of trying to turn the state into his personal estate and acting in self-interest.

During a stakeholder reception in Rivers State on December 29, Wike responded sharply to Odili’s remarks, accusing him of being the true instigator of the failed peace deal.

Wike said:

“Odili claimed someone is converting Rivers State into a personal estate, but the truth is, the person doing so is Odili himself. He has now become the general overseer of the situation.”

He criticized Odili for not taking proactive steps to salvage the agreement and alleged that Odili encouraged Governor Fubara to disregard President Tinubu’s directives.

“You, as an elder statesman, should have returned to Mr. President and discussed ways to address unresolved points in the peace agreement. Instead, you fueled further disobedience.”

Wike also addressed his controversial opposition to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 elections. He admitted to working against the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and its former chairman, Uche Secondus, stating he acted in the interest of the southern region.

“I told the PDP I would not support Atiku because I am not a second-class citizen. The South deserved to produce a President, and I stood by that decision.”

He reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu, stating:

“I have no regrets supporting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is making tough decisions for the good of the country, and we must pray for his success.”

Political Implications

The escalating tensions between Wike and Odili reflect deeper divisions within Rivers State’s political elite. Despite Tinubu’s efforts to mediate, the failure of the peace deal underscores the challenges in resolving the power struggle between Wike and Fubara.

READ ALSO:  Tinubu 2023: APC Youths Kick-Off Yenagoa To Lagos Jogging For Tinubu

As the situation unfolds, the conflict may have broader implications for political stability in Rivers State and the unity of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the national level.

Recommended For You

About the Author: Gists9ja

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *