Nigerians Celebrate Odili At 70

Prominent Nigerians from all walks of life yesterday gathered in Port Harcourt to celebrate the 70th Birthday of former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili for being a defender of sustained development of Nigeria.
Former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Edo State Governor, Lucky Igbinedion, former Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada, former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, former President, Court of Appeal, Justice Umaru Abdullahi (rtd) and former Akwa Ibom State Military Governor, Col Bako (rtd) were joined by former Ministers, serving Senators, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, professionals and renowned jurists to pay glowing tributes to an outstanding political leader.
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike , his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, members of the Rivers State Executive Council, state Judiciary and Legislature members were among dignitaries who celebrated Odili.
In a public lecture organised in honour of the former Rivers State governor by the Rivers State Government under the leadership of Governor Wike, Nigerian leaders hailed Odili for investing his intellect and resources in building the country.
In a lecture titled: “Sir Dr Peter Odili: Defender of the Faith, Defender of the Fatherland”, former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) said the former Rivers State governor was an ornament of Rivers State.
He said: “Formerly, he belonged to Rivers State. He has ceased to be the property of Rivers State. He is now the property of Nigeria and the world”.
Agabi said that Odili was an outstanding humanist, who was courageous and committed to the growth of the country.
He said: “Whatever he has done is for the benefit of mankind. Whatever he has refrained from doing, it is in the interest of society”.
The former Attorney General of the Federation added that the former Rivers State governor used power to advance public good, noting that he never deserted his friends whilst in office. He noted that the array of guests celebrating him is a proof of his loyalty to them.
He called for the unity of the country where all Nigerians can work anywhere, irrespective of their state of origin.
Agabi called for the setting up of a National Integration Centre to build a united country.
He praised Justice Mary Odili for providing the right support for the former Rivers State governor to do exploits and be a blessing to all generations.
In an epilogue, Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr Yinka Odumakin said that at 70, the former governor and other men of goodwill should stand and work for revival of the country.
He said: “Except all men of goodwill should stand up to be counted. We may witness a major cataclysm in this country.”
Odumakin said the country has lost track and would descend into full blown dictatorship and anarchy, unless Nigerians check the slide.
Celebrant and former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili thanked God for his mercies and enabling him with the capacity to transform the society.
He commended Wike for organising the programme to celebrate his 70th Birthday.
He pledged to continue working for the advancement of humanity
Odili stated that the Rivers State governor was a committed nationalist whose message was critical to the development of the nation.
Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Sir Kenneth Kobani said that Odili was an indisputable political leader of Rivers State.
Chairman of the occasion, former President, Court of Appeal, Justice Umaru Abdulahi said Odili has created a place for himself in the history of Nigeria.
The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo said in a statement in Government House, Port Harcourt, that Dr. Peter Odili demonstrated an all-inclusive leadership style during his tenure as governor which positively impacted not only the lives of the Rivers People but other Nigerians alike without prejudice.
She described former governor as a statesman and the father of democracy in Rivers State, who used his position to mentor a new generation of leaders like Governor Nyesom Wike to fast track the development of the state.
Banigo, who wished him many happy returns, prayed the Almighty God to continue to bless and keep him in good health.