Ex-commissioner accuses FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of thriving on discord

David Briggs, a former Commissioner for Works and later Water Resources under the administration of former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili, has criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for allegedly fostering discord to maintain political relevance.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Briggs dismissed Wike’s claims of reviving Peter Odili’s political career, instead crediting the former governor with facilitating Wike’s rise in politics.

Briggs, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, recounted how Odili played a pivotal role in Wike’s political journey.

He revealed that Odili reinstated Wike’s name on the nomination list, enabling him to secure a second term as Chairman of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area—a key stepping stone in Wike’s career.

“Wike owes his political ascent to the benevolence of Dr. Odili, not the other way around. It was Odili, alongside former First Lady Patience Jonathan, who endorsed and supported Wike at critical points in his career,” Briggs stated.

He also accused Wike of creating unrest in Rivers State to maintain political leverage, pointing to a noticeable calm in the state following a recent court judgment that restored federal allocations to the state government.

READ ALSO: Rivers elders demand apology from Wike over disparaging remarks against Odili

“Since the court’s decision to release federal allocations, Rivers State has begun to enjoy a period of quiet. Wike cannot survive in such an environment of peace. He thrives on crises and discord,” Briggs said.

Briggs alleged that Wike’s governorship bid was heavily supported by Odili and Patience Jonathan, citing a widely circulated video showing Wike being introduced to Odili by Jonathan for political endorsement.

He further lambasted Wike’s recent remarks about Odili as disrespectful, accusing the FCT Minister of undermining the legacy of the man who, according to Briggs, built the foundation of Rivers State’s political structure.

“Wike’s comments about Odili are not just insulting to the former governor but also to the people of Rivers State. Odili’s contributions to this state’s development and politics cannot be overstated,” Briggs asserted.

The former commissioner expressed concern over Wike’s alleged attempts to incite political unrest in various local government areas to retain control. He criticized President Bola Tinubu for purportedly failing to rein in Wike’s behavior as a federal minister.

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Briggs issued a stern warning, demanding that Wike apologize to the people of Rivers State for his alleged excesses.

He hinted at the possibility of exposing further revelations about the FCT Minister’s political maneuvers if the apology is not forthcoming.

“Rivers people will no longer tolerate these antics. It’s time for Wike to face accountability for his actions,” Briggs concluded.

The comments from Briggs add to growing tensions in Rivers State, where political rivalries continue to shape the narrative in the post-Wike era.