“Odili, Most Influential In My Life After My Father” – Rotimi Amaechi

By Adesina Soyooye

Transportation Minister under the President Muhammadu Buhari, Rotimi Amaechi, has described former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, as the most influential person in his life after his own biological father.

In an interview with The Sun, Amaechi acknowledged the  important role Dr. Odili played in his life, and said it is the reason why not matter what happens, nobody would hear him insult Odili.

Amaechi’s admittance of Odili’s role in his life, and why he would never insult him come on the heels of what not a few people regard as the condescending shades thrown at Odili and his wife, the Honourable Justice Mary Odili, JSC, rtd, by Nyesom Wike, Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, who once confessed, publicly, to the role played by the Odilis in his life and political ascension.

Expressing his deep appreciation of the role Dr. Odili played in his life, Amaechi recalled Odili’s his formative years, insisting that he would never criticize Odili no matter the situation.

He recalled how because of financial difficulties, he was not able to bury his own father when he passed, and revealed that it was Odili who helped him bury his father. He said he would never forget Odili’s profound impact Odili on his personal and professional life, and would remain appreciative.

Amaechi: “Dr. Odili was one. In my growing up, he had a huge role to play. You see, that is why no matter what they do to me, I won’t talk about Dr. Odili, and I would never insult him. Never! Never!! He had a huge influence in my life. He contributed quite a lot. He even helped me bury my dad when he died.”

For the records,  as the newly sworn-in Governor of Rivers State, Amaechi hauled Odili before the Justice Kayode Eso- headed Truth and  Reconciliation Commission, an action roundly condemned by not a few people who considered Odili as Amaechi’s  father. To the Odilis at some point, Amaechi was their “first son”.