‘Wike acting like a proverbial child who burns his fingers despite warnings’… – Rivers’ elders

The Concerned Elders of Rivers State have lashed out at Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, following his recent public remarks about former Governor Peter Odili.

Wike had claimed that he had brought Odili out of political obscurity and referred to him as a “General Overseer,” citing the appointments of Odili’s wife, Justice Mary Odili (retired), and daughter, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

In a statement released in Port Harcourt, signed by former Governor Sir Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, and 12 other prominent elders, the group condemned Wike’s comments as disrespectful and immature.

According to them, such behaviour runs counter to the core values of unity, respect, and decorum that Rivers State upholds.

The elders specifically called out Wike for using a church event to publicly insult Odili, a respected elder statesman, and his family.

They stressed that elders are the custodians of wisdom and any disrespect toward them undermines the community’s values.

The statement also linked Wike’s outburst to Dr. Odili’s advice against a potential impeachment plot targeting Governor Fubara.

The elders suggested that Wike’s anger stemmed from Odili’s statesmanlike intervention to prevent instability in the state government.

“Wike is acting like a proverbial child who burns his fingers despite warnings from his elders,” they stated.