Nelson Utip
A former Commissioner in Rivers State during the regime of Peter Odili, David Briggs has called on the public to ignore Wike’s tantrums on Odili, describing the FCT Minister as someone who thrives in discord, The former Commissioner for Works and later Water Resources dismissed claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that he revived Odili’s political career, stating that Odili facilitated Wike’s rise in politics.
Speaking to Newsmen in Port Harcourt over the weekend, Briggs said that Wike’s would not had returned for a second term as Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA if Odili did not intervene which paved the way for his rise politically.
Briggs, who is presently The Chairman, Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, called on the public to disregard Wike’s comments on Odili, as he thrives in discord.
“Wike as a person cannot and will not survive where there is peace, and that is the problem we have in Rivers State today.” He said while accusing The FCT Minister of creating crisis in the state for political relevance:
“If you note since after the court judgement concerning the release of federal allocation to the state government, the state had been quiet. Rivers State was fast enjoying peace and Wike had just created the problems so that he will be the beneficiary.” He continued.
Briggs asserted that Wike’s political success, including his governorship bid, was facilitated by Odili and the former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, he presented a video showing Dame Patience Jonathan introducing Wike to Odili for political endorsement. He sees Wike’s remarks on Odili as an insult to Odili who is the father of modern day Rivers State and the entire Rivers State indigenes:
“That is an insult not only to Peter Odili, but to Rivers State and to those of us who are his students and political children”
“I say so because Wike was not in any way our contemporary. He benefitted, I repeat, he benefitted from our initial political struggle”
“We laid the foundation called the political structure in Rivers State”. Briggs continued as he vowed that the people of Rivers would not allow Wike to continue benefiting from such controversies, calling on President Tinubu to call his Minister to order.
