Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has attributed his
“outstanding performance” as a governor to “three developmental secrets”
handed over to him by former governor Peter Odili.
Speaking during a state banquet to mark the 70th Birthday of Dr Odili
in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Governor Wike said the guidelines handed
over to him, gave him greater insights into the complexities of Rivers
State from a pro-Rivers leader.
“Everything the former Rivers State Governor told me in his
guidelines have played out. I am successful because I followed
religiously the items on the guidelines to rapidly develop Rivers State.
“I don’t have high blood pressure because I was fully prepared. I
know each local government area, because I took the advice from a man
who was there.
“From the guidelines I received from Dr Odili, I can easily predict
appointees who will stay and those who will leave. By their steps you
can determine their next move”, Governor Wike said.
The governor said that no politician can take him unawares because he has studied the Odili template and applied it dutifully.
He urged the former Rivers State Governor to forgive all his
‘political sons’ who betrayed and abandoned him, so that the Odili
political family can re-unite for the good of the state.
“Whoever has annoyed or betrayed you, forgive them. When you have 20
children, leave room for rebels. Since 1999, nobody has been key in the
politics of Rivers State without being directly or indirectly linked to
Dr Peter Odili,” he said.
Commenting on Dr Peter Odili at 70, Wike said the former governor
supported his emergence as the state chief executive, noting that he has
always provided selfless support.
Wike added that the Odili family has been good to
him and his wife. He said nobody will intimidate him into abandoning the
family.
He traced his first contact with the Odili family to the period when
alongside his wife, he did court attachment at Justice Mary Odili’s
court.
He said his national popularity was traceable to Odili who introduced
him to the Founder of AIT, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, who detailed a
reporter to cover him as the Minister of State for Education.
In his remarks, Odili announced that he has forgiven all his estranged political children who offended him.
He said: “I have forgiven. I will attempt to command my mind to
forget. I will grant conscience amnesty to those whose conscience have
told that they offended.”
Odili stated that his 70th Birthday celebration has the significance of his official handover to his successor.
“Today, I feel I am properly handing over to my successor. Today, we have revived the Rivers spirit. Only God will reward you.”
He urged the Rivers State Governor to remain focused in developing the bridges of unity in a pluralistic state.
Odili stated that Wike has worked hard for the development of the
state, hence he deserves the constitutionally approved two terms.
“In three years, Governor Wike has surpassed what all former
governors including me have done. Therefore, they should allow Governor
Wike to complete his constitutionally approved two-terms”, he said.
The Banquet in honour of Odili was marked by goodwill messages by associates, political children, friends and well wishers.
Contemporary music, comedy and traditional dances added spice to the event.
Highpoint of the banquet was the cutting of the birthday cake.
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