Editorial
A Toast To ‘Mr Projects’ @ 51
A grassroots politician, lawyer and astute administrator, Wike’s rise to stardom was not by happenstance. He worked for it.
The way and manner Wike navigated his way to the Brick House in 2015, dusting a truck of other political juggernauts to emerge as the fifth executive governor of Rivers State, and his subsequent footprint in the nation’s body polity bear eloquent testimony to his status as a political general of immeasurable hue. He is, indeed, a personage you ignore at your own peril.
Born on December 13, 1967 to the family of Reverend and Mrs Nlemanya Wike of Rumuepirikom Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Governor Wike holds degrees in Political and Administrative Studies as well as in Law from the University of Port Harcourt and Rivers State University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University, respectively.
After a brief legal practice in Port Harcourt, Wike ventured into the murky water of politics where he makes his mark as a consummate politician. Twice, he was elected the Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area; first from 1999 to 2002 and later from 2004 to 2007.
As a council chairman, Wike redefined local government administration with iconic projects that stood him out among his contemporaries. The pioneering role he played in the area of state security and primary health care earned him the Best Performing Council Chairman in Rivers State. This feat also contributed to his election as the deputy chairman and later national chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
Until 2013 when politics threw spanner in his friendship with the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Wike was a known political ally of the former governor. He was, indeed, Amaechi’s political foot soldier and last man standing during the latter’s political travail in 2007.
Expectedly, Wike became the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt during Amaechi’s first term as governor. He was also the Director-General of Amaechi’s re-election campaign organisation.
Following former President Goodluck Jonathan’s election in 2011, Wike was appointed the Minister of State for Education on July 11, 2011 by Jonathan. He, afterward, became the nation’s Supervising Minister of Education following a cabinet shake-up on September 12, 2013.
Within the period he presided over the nation’s education, Wike instituted some fundamental programmes that sold him out as a man with great passion for not just education, but also for the downtrodden.
The creation of access to quality education for about nine million almajiri children in Northern Nigeria, construction of basic education and vocational training schools in the South and the creation of special girl-child education schools for less privileged children in 16 states of the federation are some of Wike’s enduring legacies as a minister.
In 2014, the Rumuepirikom-born politician did the unusual and the unexpected. He left what many considered as certainty for uncertainty. He jolted the nation with his resignation from the federal cabinet to enable him jostle for governorship of his state; not minding the odds against him.
After a awesome gubernatorial election, punctuated by months of unprecedented political intrigues, horse-trading, unfavourable political permutations and bitter campaign, Wike emerged victorious, thus succeeding another Ikwerre man in the Brick House. The combination of Amaechi’s incumbency factor, bitter ethnic campaign and upland/riverine dichotomy which many thought would be Wike’s albatross were not sufficient to stop Wike.
And since he assumed office on May 29, 2015, Governor Wike has redefined governance in Rivers State. Besides being a good manager of human and material resources, Wike has turned the State into a huge construction site, with all sectors of the state economy receiving excellent touch.
In the last three and half years in the saddle, the approval rating of Governor Wike has soared up; courtesy of his developmental strides in the area of education, healthcare delivery, prompt payment of workers’ salaries, reformation of the state judicial system, judicious management of the state resources, improved economy and above all physical infrastructures which earned him the appellation of ‘Mr Projects’ from no less a personality than the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
Many reputable institutions and corporate bodies have also recognised and rewarded the giant strides recorded by Governor Wike in the last three and half years.
At the last count, the Rivers State governor has received over eight outstanding awards for his developmental strides in the State. These include The Sun Newspapers’ Governor of the Year Award, for two consecutive times, 2016 and 2017; New Telegraph 2017 Man of the Year Award; Authority Newspaper Governor of the Year Award, the United Nation’s Global Human Settlement Contribution Award conferred on him in the far-away United States of America, and Power of Sports (POS-Africa) Award from the umbrella body of world sports writers association otherwise known as Association of International Sports Press (AIPS).
While conferring The Sun Newspaper 2016 award on Wike, the newspaper’s Managing Director, Eric Osagie said, The Sun Governor of the Year Award “is bestowed annually on State governors whose quality leadership, achievements and priceless contributions to national development have generated dividends of democracy as well as inspired hope for a better Nigeria”.
Not a few eminent Nigerians have applauded Wike’s stewardship. Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha sometimes last year, described Wike as a blessing to the people of Rivers State.
According to him, “I have first-hand experience of the State, having been groomed in Port Harcourt.
“I am impressed by the profound work he is doing to move the State ahead. I know the extent of work done so far because I grew up here in Port Harcourt at Captain Amangala Street.
“The governor has obliterated the upland and riverine dichotomy. He has united the people of Rivers State through projects and politics of inclusion”.
In March last year, former President Goodluck Jonathan, while inspecting some key projects executed by the Wike administration, described Wike as “worthy representative of the Peoples Democratic Party”.
The ex-president noted that Wike’s performance has become the common story across the country. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of transformation being witnessed in Rivers State under Wike.
Former Abia State governor, now a senator, Chief Theodore Orji, who was also amazed by the delivery of developmental projects by the Wike administration, described the transformation taking place in the State as a wonderful outcome of voting a prepared leader.
Also during a visit to Rivers State last year, the immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose could not hide his feelings when he declared Rivers State as a construction site.
Accompanying Governor Wike on project inspection during the visit, Fayose asserted that Governor Wike has done exemplarily well.
“Everywhere in Rivers State is a construction site. And these are legacy projects that you can’t ignore too soon. The difference is very clear. The average man can feel the projects’, he said.
The Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro Felix Obuah, sometimes in May last year, summed it up that apart from the pioneer administration of Alfred Diette-Spiff, no regime has bequeathed as much legacy projects to Rivers people as Wike’s government.
Wike’s critics may, however, be allergic to Obuah’s assertion, but there is no gainsaying the fact that Governor Wike has made a huge mark in the development of the State. And whenever the history of Rivers State is written, the name of Nyesom Ezenwo Wike will surely occupy a good space.
Today, the Rumuepirikom-born politician who has dominated political discourse in Rivers State in the last three and half years is 51. While Governor Wike continues to savour the birthday euphoria and felicitations from many Nigerians, it is traditional to wish the man of the moment and the torch bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party a cheerful 51 happy birthday.
The Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) disclosure of an alleged plot to target its ad hoc personnel ahead of the 2027 general elections demand urgent national attention. The reported arrest of suspects, with intelligence support from the Department of State Services (DSS), is encouraging, but must not breed complacency. Any attack on electoral workers threatens not only human lives but also Nigerians’ constitutional right to choose their leaders through credible elections. The alleged conspiracy must be thoroughly investigated, its sponsors identified and all those found culpable prosecuted.
Particularly troubling is the reported targeting of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, who play a vital role in Nigeria’s electoral process. Many serve far from home and undertake sensitive assignments at polling units and other electoral locations. As civilians, they should not be exposed to intimidation, abduction or violence without adequate protection. If election workers are vulnerable, the safety of other officials, observers and voters cannot be guaranteed.
Nigeria’s electoral history offers painful lessons. Human Rights Watch reported in Nigeria’s Post-Election Violence, published in May 2011, that more than 800 people died in the violence following the 2011 general elections. NYSC members serving as electoral officials were among the victims. This tragedy underscores the deadly consequences of political tension, incitement and disputed outcomes. Nigeria must act on the latest warning before another preventable disaster occurs.
INEC deserves recognition for uncovering the alleged plot, while the DSS and other security agencies merit commendation for their reported assistance. However, arrests are only the beginning. Investigators must establish the suspects’ identities, motives, networks and intended targets, ensuring that evidence is admissible in court. The process must remain impartial and free from political interference. Credible public updates are also necessary, provided they do not compromise investigations or operational security.
The authorities must adopt a comprehensive, intelligence-led security strategy for 2027. INEC’s proposed security conference should produce practical measures developed in collaboration with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), the police, the DSS and other relevant agencies. Threat assessments should guide personnel deployment, secure transportation, emergency communications, evacuation procedures and rapid response. Protection must extend beyond polling day to the distribution of sensitive materials, collation centres and the safe return of ad hoc personnel.
Those who provide intelligence must also be protected from retaliation. Confidential reporting channels and appropriate safeguards should be established for informants and others assisting investigations. Equally, security deployments must not intimidate voters or facilitate political repression. Personnel should act professionally, impartially and proportionately, within the law. Clear mechanisms for reporting misconduct and investigating abuses are essential to maintaining public confidence.
The threat also highlights broader concerns about trust in the electoral system. The European Union Election Observation Mission’s June 2023 final report identified shortcomings in transparency and operational implementation during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, alongside concerns about the legal framework and electoral dispute resolution. Credible elections require more than security; they depend on transparent procedures, accountable officials and consistent enforcement of electoral laws. INEC must demonstrate measurable progress in addressing previously identified weaknesses.
Voter apathy presents another challenge. INEC’s published figures indicate that approximately 25 million people voted in the 2023 presidential election, out of about 93.5 million registered voters, a turnout of roughly 26.7 per cent. Although insecurity is not the sole cause of low participation, threats against electoral personnel can heighten public anxiety and discourage voters from exercising their franchise. INEC should strengthen civic education, improve polling accessibility and communicate procedures clearly. Political parties, civil society and the media must promote peaceful participation and reject electoral intimidation.
Misinformation and manipulated digital content pose additional risks. False reports, fabricated announcements and deepfake videos can inflame tensions, impersonate officials and mislead voters. INEC should establish a well-resourced, rapid-response communication system supported by verified digital channels and timely public statements. Collaboration with credible media organisations and fact-checkers would help counter falsehoods without suppressing legitimate criticism. Clear, consistent communication is indispensable, as administrative confusion and delayed explanations often allow rumours to spread.
Electoral integrity must also begin within INEC itself. The chairman’s warning against partisanship, negligence, extortion and ethical misconduct deserves serious attention. Security measures cannot compensate for officials who abuse their positions or disregard established procedures. INEC should strengthen staff training, ensure transparent recruitment and deployment, provide secure channels for reporting misconduct and enforce disciplinary rules consistently. Allegations of bribery and political interference must be investigated regardless of rank, while ad hoc personnel should receive adequate briefing, support and prompt payment.
The legal framework also requires clarity and consistent enforcement. INEC should explain the precise provisions and applicability of Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2026, including the obligations of electoral officials and security personnel, and publish authoritative guidance on neutrality and professional conduct. Complaints by opposition parties that they have been prevented from campaigning in certain states must likewise be investigated impartially. Any established violations should attract appropriate corrective action. Electoral fairness requires not only impartial polling officials but also lawful campaigning, access to competing viewpoints and freedom from intimidation.
The alleged plot against INEC’s ad hoc personnel is a warning against complacency ahead of the 2027 general election. Governments, security agencies, INEC, political parties and civil society must work together to prevent violence, punish misconduct and protect citizens’ participation. The commission should communicate its security priorities, maintain accessible threat-reporting channels and provide periodic updates on preparedness. Nigeria’s democracy cannot be safeguarded by assurances alone; it requires demonstrable preparation, impartial law enforcement and an unwavering commitment to free, fair and credible elections.
Nigeria joined the world in commemorating the International Day of the Girl-Child on 11 March 2026, an observance dedicated to advancing girls’ rights and amplifying their voices. This year’s theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” confronts a deep-rooted injustice and demands an end to sacrificing girls’ futures to prejudice and expediency.
The focus is child marriage, not as an unavoidable misfortune but as a preventable injustice. Though prevalent in many societies, the practice remains particularly troubling in parts of northern Nigeria, where it has become normalised. Reports of girls aged 10 to 13 being married off are disturbing. The controversy surrounding a Nigerian senator and former governor who married a 13-year-old girl further exposed the practice to global scrutiny, yet accountability at home appeared limited. When lawmakers disregard the law, society’s moral compass is compromised.
UNICEF’s statistics reveal the scale of the crisis. Globally, an estimated 650 million women and girls alive today were married before turning 18, while more than 12 million girls enter marriage annually before adulthood. In Nigeria, about 33 per cent of girls marry before 18 and 11 per cent before 15. The prevalence reportedly reaches 63 per cent in Jigawa and Zamfara States and 61 per cent in Sokoto and Katsina. These figures represent millions of childhoods interrupted and futures imperilled.
These statistics explain why the United Nations continues to campaign against child marriage and advocate investment in girls. The consequences are devastating. Girls whose bodies are not fully developed face increased risks of maternal death, obstetric fistula, sexually transmitted infections and psychological trauma. The economic cost is equally significant. A 2017 World Bank and International Centre for Research on Women Study estimated that ending child marriage could generate an additional $7.6 billion in earnings and productivity for Nigeria, as early marriage deprives girls of education, skills, and opportunities to contribute to national development.
Educating a woman benefits the entire society. As a mother, she often becomes her children’s first teacher and a vital influence on their character. An educated mother helps raise enlightened children, just as one candle can light many others without losing its flame. Denying women education undermines families and communities. To expect wisdom while deliberately withholding knowledge is to demand the impossible.
Several reasons are offered for marrying off young girls, including economic hardship, cultural practices and religious beliefs. In some households, daughters are treated as commodities, married early so that their bride price can finance their brothers’ education. While boys enter classrooms, their sisters are sent to matrimonial homes. This discriminatory practice is shortsighted, depriving the nation of half its human potential. A country cannot expect to run effectively after deliberately crippling one side of its capacity.
Beyond these justifications lies the entrenched belief that women ultimately belong in the kitchen, regardless of their education. This outdated notion is demonstrably false. Countries where women lead governments, businesses, research institutions and other sectors show what investment in female talent can achieve. Rwanda’s substantial female parliamentary representation is one example. Confining women to domestic roles limits not only their ambitions but also the nation’s progress.
A girl-child must not surrender her childhood to poverty or prejudice. Some traditions discourage women from attaining educational heights comparable to or greater than those of men, driven by the baseless fear that educated women will disrespect their husbands. Such thinking equates enlightenment with insubordination and empowerment with threat. This patriarchal mindset perpetuates inequality and keeps society trapped in backwardness.
Consequently, some parents consider educating their daughters a waste of resources, likening it to watering another man’s garden. This attitude is deeply misguided. Every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and pursue her dreams. Early marriage mortgages her future, stifles her potential and traps her in circumstances she might otherwise overcome. No society can justify sacrificing a child’s prospects to outdated customs or immediate financial gain.
Ending child marriage must, therefore, go hand in hand with investing in girls’ education, safety and rights. Every girl should have the opportunity to realise her potential. This requires more than annual declarations, billboards, posters and seminars held in air-conditioned halls. Awareness without action is like a cloud without rain: promising, yet incapable of nourishing the ground.
The campaign must move beyond tokenism to practical intervention, particularly at the state level, where the problem is acute. Governments should formulate policies that protect girls and make education accessible. Scholarships, bursaries, conditional cash transfers, school feeding programmes and other incentives can help keep girls in school. When education is affordable and adequately supported, more girls can choose the classroom over the bridal chamber.
Civil society organisations, faith-based groups, and traditional institutions must intensify efforts to challenge child marriage and dismantle harmful beliefs disguised as religious or cultural obligations. Parents must also uphold their responsibility to protect and educate their daughters, despite economic pressures. A society that educates its girls invests in its future; one that marries them off in childhood mortgages that future at an incalculable cost.
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