Chief David Briggs Criticizes Nyesom Wike Over Remarks on Peter Odili

A former Commissioner for Works in Rivers State and elder statesman, Chief David Briggs, has strongly condemned the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his recent remarks about former Governor Peter Odili. Briggs, who served under Odili, accused Wike of benefiting from crisis and making thoughtless statements that are worsening the political tension in the state.

Speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Briggs took issue with Wike’s comments, particularly his claim of having “revived” Odili politically, calling it an insult not only to Odili but to the people of Rivers State as well.

The ongoing dispute between Wike and Odili has been rooted in the fallout over Wike’s estranged political godson, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, with Odili offering his support to Fubara against Wike, leading to a deteriorating relationship between the two.

Briggs, who also served as Commissioner for Water Resources under Odili, reflected on his long-standing personal and political relationship with the former governor, describing him as a “father figure” who has always provided valuable guidance. He expressed his shock over Wike’s attempt to rewrite history and undermine Odili’s significant contributions to the state.

“I served under Dr. Peter Odili as Commissioner for Works and Water Resources. I had a close father-son relationship with him when I was a local government chairman,” Briggs shared. “He has been and remains a father figure to me. It is shocking that Wike, who was not even our contemporary, is now insulting Odili. He claims to have resurrected Odili, but that is not just an insult to Odili, but to the entire Rivers people.”

Briggs went on to accuse Wike of stoking unrest in the state, claiming that the former governor-turned minister thrives on crisis and is willing to destabilize the region for his own political advantage.

He pointed to the recent calm in the state following a court ruling on the release of federal allocations, implying that Wike had deliberately caused turmoil to maintain his political relevance.

“Wike cannot survive in a peaceful environment,” Briggs said. “He has caused enough harm in Rivers State, and he will continue to create problems. How can he say he resurrected Peter Odili? If Odili was so irrelevant, why did he return like a prodigal son?”

Briggs also reminded Wike of Odili’s past pivotal contributions to the state’s political landscape, particularly his support for Dame Patience Jonathan during her confirmation process. He challenged Wike’s claims, asking, “If Odili was dead, would Patience Jonathan have taken Wike to his house for that confirmation?”

In addition to his criticism of Wike, the former Commissioner expressed concern over President Bola Tinubu’s silence on the matter. Briggs accused the President of implicitly endorsing political opportunism in Rivers State.

Briggs called on Wike to apologize to the state, warning that he would expose further details of Wike’s actions. He claimed that Wike had deceived Odili in 2007 and used funds from Odili to fuel political unrest in the state.

“What is most important is that Nigeria still has a future, but we must build a strong foundation today. Wike must apologize to Rivers State, or we will reveal more about him,” Briggs concluded.

Briggs’ remarks are the latest in the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, and they reflect a deeper divide between key political figures in the state’s leadership.