Fears grip the people of the Riverine Communities in Rivers State following the sudden return of the former governor of the state, Dr. Peter Odili to the Rivers politics after several years of sojourn in Abuja, the nation capital territory.
Dr. Odili governed Rivers State between 1999 to 2007. Shortly after the completion of his tenure, Dr. Sir Peter Odili left the state and settled at Abuja. For more than six (6) years Peter Odili was afraid to visit the state that was under his control for 8 years (1999-2007).
When Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi returned to power as Celestine Omehia crashed out of the Government House, a Truth and Reconciliation Committee led by Late Justice Osho was constituted.
Several Rivers sons and daughters appeared before it to proffer solutions on how to move the state forward.
Some also appeared before the commission to free themselves from allegations leveled against them. But Odili refused to appear before the commission despite so many accusations placed on the former governor ranging from killings to violence. For purposes of peace, justice and fair hearing, the commission was moved to Abuja for the ex-governor to appear before it.
Reasons why Odili failed to come down to the Garden City to face the commission were best known to him. Many said one of the reasons why Odili demanded that the commission should be moved to Abuja was because of the atrocities he had committed as a governor.
During Peter Odili’s tenure as a governor, the state witnessed series of crises, especially in the coastal axis of the state. So many individuals were maimed and killed.
Several riverine communities namely: Buguma, Abonnema, Bakana, Elem Sangama, Kula, Tombia, Okrika, Andoni, Abua/Odual, Ke, Ogu/Bolo and others were deserted and destroyed.
During Peter Odili’s administration the state experienced the worst security situation. Life and property were under serious threats, as if the Rivers people were living in Thomas Hobbian State of nature, where life was brutal and short.
Cultism was on the increase, while killing and corruption were the order of the day.
Information reaching our political desk had it that the people of the riverine communities are uncomfortable with the return of the ex-Governor Odili to the state.
Chief Ibigo Johnson from Okrika told our correspondent that the riverine people are confused with the sudden bounce back of Peter Odili.
“Our prayer is that Peter Odili should not poison the mind of the incoming governor, Chief Nyesom Wike against the riverine people”, Chief Johnson said. According to him, Peter Odili does not like the riverine people, “the reasons best known to him (Odili)”, adding that Peter Odili does not want to see any Rivers man growing”.
Chief Johnson revealed that the riverine people are now living in perpetual fear, “because of his pathological hatred for the riverine communities”. ###
