Wike, who spoke during a reception organised to host Rivers state stakeholders on Friday, January 3, alleged that Odili, a former Rivers state governor, caused the failure of the peace agreement signed between his camp and Fubara.
Rivers crisis: Wike vs Fubara
Due to their disagreement, Governor Fubara and his predecessor and political benefactor, Wike, have been fighting for control of Rivers State.
Despite signing a peace agreement in 2023, brokered by President Bola Tinubu and others, including former Governor Peter Odili, the deal collapsed.
Governor Fubara later alleged that he was ambushed into signing the peace deal with Wike’s camp.
Commenting on the crisis recently, Odili took sides with Fubara and accused Wike of self-interest.
He also praised Fubara for preventing Wike from turning the state into his private estate.
Rivers crisis: Wike blasts Odili
Reacting to Odili’s allegations, Wike said he remained the best governor the state had ever produced and had no plan to turn the state into his private estate.
He said:
“I am trying to make Rivers State the medical hub of South-South Nigeria. How did I now come to convert Rivers State into a personal estate?”
“I am the best governor that Rivers State has ever produced. How did I convert Rivers State into my personal estate? And people will not answer a simple question?”
Nigerians react to Wike’s allegation against Odili
Commenting on Facebook, Yomi Ogunleye Oluwayomi told Wike to “be a man and stop dropping Tinubu’s name to fight your personal battle.”
“This is your own battle, leave Tinubu out of it.”
Feefeelo Kpoonanyie also said:
“Wike, fight your fight and leave Tinubu out of this matter. A drowning man want to seek external support from Tinubu. Last year, you were sounding like God; now Fubara has humbled you.”
“Which one is disobeying Tinubu? Is Fubara a member of Tinubu’s staff?”
Francis Abagi said:
“This is a democracy. Fubara does not owe Tinubu anything. Tinubu is not an emperor.”
Rivers crisis: “I get stronger every day,” Fubara says
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has expressed confidence in his leadership amid the ongoing political tension with his predecessor, Wike.
Speaking at the Christmas Ballad hosted by Odili, Fubara emphasised his growing strength, saying he draws inspiration from the unwavering support of the people of Rivers state.
“I get stronger every day when I look at the support I am getting from the true Rivers people,” Fubara declared, adding that the backing from the public is what keeps him motivated in his leadership role.