Founder of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has stirred discussion online after claiming that Peter Odili was not originally meant to become governor in 1999.
The cleric made the remark while addressing his congregation during a church service, stating that another individual had initially been destined to lead Rivers State at the time.
Ibiyeomie recounts 1999 political moment
According to the pastor, he intervened in the situation, which he said prevented the person from emerging as governor during Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
Speaking during the service, he said:
“Peter Odili was not supposed to be governor in 1999. I stopped the man who was destined to be governor of Rivers State in 1999 because he was attending Celestial Church of Christ and walking barefoot.”
Despite the claim, Odili eventually became governor of Rivers State and served two terms in office from 1999 to 2007.
Previous claim about Wike’s re-election
Pastor Ibiyeomie also referenced another political episode, alleging that during the re-election bid of Nyesom Wike, there were plans by political opponents to manipulate the outcome of the election.
According to him, the alleged plot was meant to favour another candidate, Biokpomabo Awara, but he claimed he intervened at the time.
Mixed reactions online
The statement has since generated widespread reactions on social media, with Nigerians expressing mixed opinions about the claims and the broader intersection of religion and politics.
While some supporters viewed the remarks as a testimony of spiritual influence, others questioned the implications of religious leaders claiming involvement in political outcomes.
Watch the video below…
” Peter Odili was not supposed to be governor in 1999. I stopped the man who was destined to be governor of Rivers State in 1999 because he was attending Celestial Church of Christ and walking with barefoot” pic.twitter.com/XvPxrUvATn
— ÓMÒÉLÉRÍNJÁRÉ (@omoelerinjare) March 10, 2026
