David Briggs, a former Commissioner for Works and Water Resources during Peter Odili’s tenure in Rivers State, has strongly refuted claims made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that he revived Odili’s political career. Instead, Briggs credited Odili for playing a pivotal role in advancing Wike’s political journey.
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Briggs emphasized that Wike’s successful re-election as Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) was largely due to Odili’s intervention. He revealed that Odili personally ensured Wike’s name was reinstated on the nomination list, enabling his continued political rise.
Briggs, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, urged the public to dismiss Wike’s claims about Odili, describing the FCT Minister as someone who thrives on discord.
“Wike cannot survive in an environment of peace, and that is the root of the political challenges we face in Rivers State today,” Briggs remarked.
He further accused Wike of instigating crises to remain politically relevant, particularly pointing to the recent period of calm in Rivers State following a court ruling that restored federal allocations to the state government.
“Since the court ruling on federal allocations, the state has been relatively quiet, yet Wike stirs up problems to position himself as the beneficiary of any political unrest,” Briggs said.
Briggs also alleged that Wike’s political ascent, including his governorship bid, was made possible by Odili and former First Lady Patience Jonathan, referencing a viral video that showed Wike being introduced to Odili by Jonathan for political endorsement.
He condemned Wike’s comments as an insult to both Odili and the people of Rivers State, stressing the crucial role Odili played in shaping the state’s political structure.
“His remarks are an insult not only to Peter Odili but to the entire state of Rivers and to those of us who consider him a mentor and political father,” Briggs said. “Wike was never part of our original political struggle; he benefitted from the foundation we laid.”
Briggs, a long-time political figure from Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, accused Wike of inciting political crises in various LGAs to maintain control over the state.
He warned that the people of Rivers State would no longer tolerate Wike benefiting from such controversies. Briggs also expressed disappointment that President Bola Tinubu had not held his minister, Wike, accountable for his actions.
“Let Wike apologize to the people of Rivers State for his excesses, or there will be more revelations to come,” Briggs cautioned.
