Prominent Nigerians from all walks of life on Tuesday gathered in Port Harcourt, River State, 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 of the Court of Appeal, Justice Umaru (rtd), and former Akwa
Ibom Military Governor, Col Bako (rtd), were joined by former ministers,
serving members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, professionals and
renowned jurists to pay glowing tributes to an ‘outstanding political leader’.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike; his wife,
Justice Eberechi Suzzette Wike, members of Rivers State executive council, state
judiciary and legislature were among dignitaries who celebrated Odili.
In a public lecture organised in honour of the
former governor, Nigerian leaders hailed Odili for investing his intellect and
resources in building the country.
In the lecture titled: ‘Sir Dr Peter Odili:
Defender of the Faith, Defender of the Fatherland’, former Attorney General of
the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), described Odili as 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 Odili is an outstanding humanist, who is
courageous and committed to the growth of the country.
According to him, "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 Odili used his power to advance public good, noting that he never deserted
his friends while in office, and 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.
The former AGF also praised Justice Mary Odili for
providing the right support for her husband to do exploits and be a blessing to
all generations.
In an epilogue, Publicity Secretary of Afenifere,
Mr. Yinka Odumakin, said at 70, Odili and other men of goodwill should stand
and work for revival of the country.
He said: "Except all men of goodwill 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.
In his remarks, Odili thanked God for his mercies
and for enabling him with the capacity to transform the society.
He commended Wike for organising the programme to
celebrate his 70th birthday and pledged to continue to work for the advancement
of humanity.
In his remark, 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.
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