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Odinkalu criticizes Wike, labels Him a greedy glutton feasting on public funds
The war of words between Minister Nyesom Wike and human rights lawyer Prof. Chidi Odinkalu is intensifying, with Wike questioning Odinkalu’s academic credentials and record during his tenure at the NHRC. Odinkalu retaliated by branding Wike a “greedy glutton,” prompting widespread support for the lawyer from various Nigerian public figures.
The escalating verbal conflict between Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, and prominent human rights lawyer Prof. Chidi Odinkalu is capturing national attention.
The exchange, which began last Friday, shows no signs of cooling off.
Wike initiated the dispute during the unveiling of the N10 billion FCT Renewed Hope programme, where he criticized Odinkalu, a former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and current Professor of Practice in International Human Rights Law at Tufts University.
Wike questioned Odinkalu’s competence during his tenure at the NHRC and raised doubts about his academic credentials.
“Someone showed me a write-up they said was written by a professor. I asked him which university? Nobody knows,” Wike remarked. He further asserted that Odinkalu’s record in the NHRC was “zero.”
Odinkalu responded swiftly via social media, labeling Wike a “greedy glutton” unfit to lecture others on ethical conduct. In a tweet, he stated, “@GovWike is flexing.
He is a #LifeBencher inebriated on substance… But even that has a shelf-life.
This idiocy will end one day too.”
He continued to critique Wike’s public service record in a LinkedIn post, suggesting that Wike’s longstanding political career has not translated into positive governance.
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Odinkalu’s comments have resonated with many, drawing support from various Nigerians, including former officials and public figures who echo his sentiments.
Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, a former Commissioner for Information in Rivers State, remarked on the absurdity of Wike’s power dynamics, saying, “It is pathetic that one man wants to play God so bad.”
Similarly, Dr. Chidumeje Chukwuebuka Okafor commended Odinkalu’s fearless stance, asserting that the judiciary’s integrity has suffered under corruption.
Responses from the public highlight a growing sentiment against Wike, with many expressing solidarity with Odinkalu’s criticisms.
Observers are closely watching as the exchange unfolds, underscoring deep-seated frustrations within Nigeria’s political landscape.