Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili has called on all Rivers people, irrespective of political affiliation to totally support Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to consolidate on the rapid rise of a New Rivers State.
This is as the Chaplain of Our Lady of Holy Chaplaincy of Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Rev Monsignor Pius Kii stated that lowest point in the 70 years of Former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili was when his political godson, Rotimi Amaechi attempted to destroy his political life through a kangaroo Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Both leaders spoke at the Special Thanksgiving Mass for the 70th Birthday Celebration of Dr Peter Odili organised by the Rivers State Government at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Chaplaincy, Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
The Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili declared: “Let me use this opportunity to request our people , all Rivers men and women, our chiefs and the entire political class , everybody that is proud to be identified and called a Rivers man or woman, to give your total support to this governor.
“I am not saying it from a political position. I am talking from the position of an elder-statesman. This is because, with his leadership, we can achieve total cohesion and unity of our peopls. Once that is achieved, the sky is the take off point for the New Rivers State that he is building “.
Dr Peter Odili described Governor Wike as a loyal politician who is outstanding in his commitment to the development of Rivers State.
“I have been governor, I have worked under governors and I have seen governors after me. This man is unique.
“Just to tell you that of all the people we have worked politically with, from way back in the eighties. Nobody in the political terrain can compete with this governor”, Dr Odili said.
He thanked Governor Wike for initiating the celebration of his 70th Birthday, noting that the family had planned for a private low-key celebration.
In his homily, the Chaplain of Our Lady of Holy Chaplaincy of Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Rev Monsignor Pius Kii said despite betrayals by the likes of Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Wike stood by Odili.
Rev Monsignor Kii said: “One of Odili’s lowest moments was when he was dragged by one of his erstwhile sons to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission set up by the Rotimi Amaechi administration aimed at damaging his reputation and preventing him from holding political offices .
“Despite these betrayals, we are grateful to God that some remain loyal sons , particularly His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and countless others in the state and in the country.
“Having the love of one like Governor Wike is having the love of many. For one with Wike is majority. For in him, God put 10 men in one man. Your Excellency, Dr Peter Odili, be rest assured that those who are for you and with you are more than those who have abandoned you”, Rev Monsignor Kii said.
The Cleric declared that Dr Peter Odili spiritualised political language, noting that he invoked God at all times. He added that Odili never used his investments and appearances in Churches for political opportunities.
Kii said that Governor Wike has taken over from Odili, developing the Christian faith and embarking on massive developmental projects .
Highpoint of the Holy Mass was the cutting of the 70th Birthday Cake provided by Knights of the Catholic Church.
The Holy Mass was attended by Former Governors, serving National Assembly members, Former Ministers, traditional rulers, jurists and prominent leaders of Rivers State.
