18 June 2008
Former Rivers Governor, Dr Peter Odili, said yesterday at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Abuja that he neither sponsored violence nor cult related activities throughout his tenure.
Odili served as governor from May 1999 till May 2007. The two-time governor also told the Justice Kayode Eso-led commission that he did not know or have a hand in the deaths of two prominent Rivers statesmen, Dr Marshal Harry and Chief A.K Dikibo.
Odili had earlier adopted his written submission in defence of allegations levelled against him by persons and communities during the commission's sitting in Port Harcourt.
He also made a 56-minute preliminary remark before his cross examination. Odili, who referred to a convocation lecture by Eso at the University of Port Harcourt, shortly before the inauguration of the commission, expressed doubt if it would be safe for him to appear before the retired jurist.
He said that Eso had referred to a state governor, who had filed a suit in court to restrain the EFCC from arresting and investigating him for reportedly looting the state treasury.
That lecture, Odili noted, also reportedly condemned the use of thugs and cults by the political elite to harass and intimidate the electorate to achieve electoral victory.
"My Lord, you were referring to me. I am concerned about it. I was the only governor who took the EFCC to court.
"Should I really be appearing before you?," Odili asked and the audience shouted a loud "no".
He said that he never was a cult member, never knew of any cult nor encouraged, supported or financed any cult and would never do that.
Odili also denied ever arming any person or group to cause violence or mobilise support to achieve electoral victory for himself and the PDP, either in 1999, 2003 or 2007 general elections in the state.
He said it would be unthinkable for a responsible family man, a doctor of repute, a self-fulfilled and contented person like him to promote violence or arm the youth to disturb the peace and security of a state.
He used the platform to list the achievements of his administration, including physical infrastructure development.
He said that his administration built and rebuilt schools, hospitals and roads, in addition to developing other facilities to promote the well-being of Rivers people.
Odili said that he first met Asari Dokubo and Tom Atake, leaders of two of the militant groups in the Niger Delta, at a meeting convoked at the Aso Rock Villa on Oct. 1, 2004 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to discuss security in the state.
(NAN)
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