David Briggs, a former Commissioner for Works and later Water Resources during Peter Odili’s administration in Rivers State, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of thriving on conflict and intentionally creating crises to maintain his political relevance.
Briggs, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, made these allegations during a press briefing on Saturday in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
He dismissed Wike’s recent claims of reviving Odili’s political career, instead crediting the former governor with facilitating Wike’s rise in politics.
Briggs stated that Wike’s second term as Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area was secured due to Odili’s intervention.
He explained that Odili reinstated Wike’s name on the nomination list, enabling his political progression.
“The public should ignore Wike’s remarks about Dr. Odili,” Briggs said, describing Wike as someone who “cannot and will not thrive in an atmosphere of peace.”
Briggs accused Wike of deliberately stirring crises across Rivers State to sustain his political influence. He pointed to the relative calm in the state following a court ruling that restored federal allocations to the state government.
“Since the court judgment on the release of federal allocation to the state, Rivers State has experienced peace. However, Wike created problems to remain the beneficiary of political unrest,” Briggs alleged.
He further claimed that Wike was responsible for ongoing political tensions in several local government areas to maintain control and influence.
Briggs also recounted how Odili and former First Lady Patience Jonathan played crucial roles in Wike’s political journey, including his eventual governorship.
He referred to a widely circulated video in which Wike was introduced to Odili by Patience Jonathan for political endorsement.
“Wike’s comments are insulting to Odili and the people of Rivers State. Dr. Odili played a significant role in building the state’s political structure and in Wike’s political rise,” Briggs said.
Briggs expressed disappointment that President Bola Tinubu had not called Wike to order, warning that Rivers people would no longer tolerate Wike’s alleged excesses.
“He should apologize to the people of Rivers State for his actions, or he risks facing further revelations about his conduct,” Briggs warned.
