Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his recent verbal attack on the former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili.
The controversy arose after Odili commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for resisting efforts by Wike to dominate Rivers State politically.
Gists9ja reports that in response, during a Special Thanksgiving Service organized by the factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, Wike lashed out at Odili, calling him an “ingrate” and a “rent seeker.” The service was held at the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in Port Harcourt.
Reacting to the altercation in a statement on Tuesday, Timi Frank accused Wike of displaying a pattern of betrayal toward his allies and benefactors. He described Wike’s actions as consistent with his “unpredictable and treacherous nature.”
“Wike’s disparaging comments against Odili are a testament to how quickly he can turn against his friends,” Frank said. “This is not the first time, and it won’t be the last. Nigerians remember how he betrayed former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience Jonathan, despite their pivotal role in his political career. They appointed him as Minister of Education and helped him become Governor of Rivers State.”
Frank further alleged that Wike’s history of betrayal extends to other political figures. “Wike also turned against former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who significantly aided his rise in politics. More recently, in 2023, Wike aligned himself with opposing forces to undermine the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ensuring its loss in the presidential election.”
He added, “Wike’s actions have continued to destabilize the PDP, particularly in Rivers State, where his interference is weakening the party ahead of 2027. It’s clear evidence of treachery from someone who paradoxically serves as a PDP member in an APC administration.”
Frank’s remarks underscore growing concerns over Wike’s political maneuvers and the resulting tensions within the PDP, particularly in Rivers State.
