The Concerned Elders of Rivers State have asked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike to tender an unreserved apology to the former governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili and his family over his remarks against the elder statesman.
The elders said the “insults” directed at Odili by Wike were “Not only unbecoming but also stands in contrast to the time-honoured traditions of mutual respect, especially respect for elders and deference to wisdom and experience that we all hold dear in Rivers State.”
Speaking at the Christmas ballad organised by him in honour of Governor Sim Fubara and his family, Odili was quoted as saying the governor summoned an unusual fortitude to confront the quest by Wike to capture Rivers State “Through ferocious, but unnecessary political war.”
Reacting, Wike had gone head-to-head with Odili, saying he brought Odili back to life, after his retirement into oblivion. Wike warned that as an elder statesman, Odili should not be a trader and sycophant all the time.
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But the Rivers elders comprising former governor, Celestine Omehia; former national chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus; Tele Ikuru, Hon Austin Opara, Senator Lee Maeba, Senator Ngoji Denton West, Dr Dam Sam Jaja and Alabo David Briggs and others made their position known in a statement yesterday saying the act of disrespect towards elders is a serious matter that cannot be ignored.
“Elders are custodians of our heritage, wisdom and values, and any affront to their dignity is an injury to the entire community. This is why we stand tall against the unfortunate remarks of Chief Nyesom Wike and his penchant to throw caution and decency to the wind by insulting dignified persons and institutions including respected traditional rulers and clergymen whenever he pleases.
“Consequently, the elders are demanding that Nyesom Wike tender an unreserved apology to Dr Peter Odili, his wife and children for the magnitude of disrespect and abuses Nyesom Wike rained on them. He should also apologise to the people of Rivers State for the monumental embarrassment he is causing the state.”
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