Anietie Udobit, PH
A group of elders in Rivers State, under the aegis of Concerned Elders of Rivers State, have called for an unreserved apology from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following his recent derogatory remarks aimed at former Governor Peter Odili, a respected elder statesman and founder of PAMO University of Medical Sciences.
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The demand was issued in a statement yesterday signed by prominent leaders of the state, including former Governor Celestine Omehia, Prince Uche Secondus, former Deputy Governor of the state, Tele Ikuru, former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Austin Opara, Ngoji Denton West, former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, and Lee Maeba.
Other signatories include Dr. Dam Sam Jaja, Alabo David Briggs, Shedrack Akolokwu, Dr. Reginald Okeya, Amb. Oji Ngofa, Emma Okah, Adawari Pepple, Ambrose Nwuzi, and Emeh Glory Emeh.
The elders expressed deep dismay at Wike’s recent insults directed at Odili, his family, and his medical institution during an event at a church in Ororgwe, adding that such behaviour is 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 Rivers State holds dearly.
According to the elders, Wike’s behaviour is an affront to the values of respect and unity that have long characterised the state. They emphasised that as a former governor and national statesman, Wike should act as a role model, especially when it comes to respecting elders and maintaining decorum in public discourse.