Politics
Wike: The Many Sides Of A Celebrant
The looming political image of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike can hardly be ignored in the political affairs of Nigeria. He is, indeed, a force to reckon with and a rare political gadfly whose intimidating political posture often sends cold shivers down the spines of his critics and opponents. In a way, going by his forays and exploits in politics, he means several things to different people. For some, he is a ruthless and uncompromising political strategist who sets his sight at victory and success at all times. For others, he is a great achiever who has no place for failure and laxity, a workaholic par excellence whose knack for results is unassailable. There are still others who see him as their eternal political foe because of his intimidating political credentials. All these are within the realm of politics. If you remove politics, where do you situate Nyesom Ezenwo Wike? For him, politics is life, as his life apparently revolves around politics.
Since blazing the trail and bestriding the Rivers political landscape like a colossus in 1999, when he was first elected the Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, his political star has never dimmed. He has remained unstoppable. He has never looked back. From one political position to the other, he has proved his mettle. As Council Chairman, Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Minister of State for Education and later Supervising Minister of Education, and then, Executive Governor of Rivers State, his brilliant footprints are there for all to see and evaluate. His score cards speak volumes about his persona; and about his vision, dreams and aspirations; his passion and love for Rivers State and the people. His style of leadership has positively impacted on the lives of the people. No doubt, Governor Wike knows where he is taking the state to; to the promised land and to the people’s Eldarado. Under his watch, roads have received a boost Schools have got a facelift. Hospitals are being revamped. Courts are working again. Markets have been refurbished. Traditional monuments are being upgraded. Labour houses are being erected. Quarters for Judges and civil servants have sprouted. All these and more have manifested in less then three years of Governor Wike’s reign as Governor of oil-rich Rivers State. It is therefore, not for nothing that his admirers address him as ‘Mr. Projects.’
Beyond politics, the Rumuepirikom-born political tactician is a man of many parts. He is a well trained lawyer, political scientist and outstanding administrator. Barrister Wike was 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.
He holds Degrees in Political and Administration Studies from the University of Port Harcourt as well as Law from the University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University.
Wike is a man who has a knack for the rule of law and due process. He firmly believes that the law is the bulwark of any society. That explains why on every occasion, he runs to the courts to seek for redress whenever he feels that his fundamental human rights have been infringed upon, instead of resorting to self-help or jungle justice. His aversion for injustice and evil is legendary. This could as well explain the fact that his administration has been giving tremendous support to the judiciary sector in the state. A typical example is the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) ultra-modern complex he singlehandedly built for the Port Harcourt branch of the association as a way of decongesting the courts in the State. The same goes for the new judiciary complex he also constructed in Port Harcourt with the state of the art facilities fitted in it. He is a die-hard grassroots politician and a great mobiliser of men and materials.
Little wonder that he has been the rallying point of the major opposition political party in the country, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a strong voice against the bad governance of the All Progressives Congress (APC)- led Federal Government.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, aptly described Governor Wike as a type of leader needed for the rapid development of the country, and endorsed his brand of politics, which he said is focused on the development of all communities in the state, kindness to all politicians irrespective of their political affiliation and display of uncommon maturity in all political situations.
Said he, “The message I have for Wike is that this kind-hearted politics, this statesmanship that you have demonstrated, please continue. Nigeria needs politicians like Wike. With this kind of posture, one day, you will become the President of Nigeria. What we need in this country is this kind of attitude, an attitude of friendship.”
Indeed, Governor Wike cultivates friendship and builds bridges across political divides. Little wonder, then, politicians of various shades have continued to flock into the state to tap from his warmth and friendship. During the third year anniversary celebration of his administration recently, several politicians and eminent personalities across the globe stormed Rivers State and commissioned one project or the other.
Apart from his political track records, Governor Wike is an easy-going gentleman who also loves the good life and equally creates time for his relaxation. A passionate sports enthusiast, he loves playing football. He is a well known fan of Real Madrid Football Club of Spain and has gone a step further to erect a befitting Real Madrid Academy in Port Harcourt. On completion, the facility will groom football talents for Rivers State and Nigeria. His administration has equally been lending support to Rivers United Football Club and Rivers Angels Football Club, two clubs owned by the Rivers State Government. His government has also sponsored several sports events and competitions to demonstrate his love for sports generally.
Governor Wike is a good family man, who is happily married to Justice Suzzette Eberechi Nyesom-Wike, a Judge of the High Court in the State. The marriage is blessed with three lovely children. The Governor was once described as the most romantic governor in Nigeria, as he was reported to have kissed the wife openly at a public function.
Besides, the Governor has a penchant for fulfilling promises, as those who come in contact with him describe him as a reliable, dependable and trust-worthy jolly good fellow, who has continued to keep faith with his contract with Rivers people. His approval rating is soaring by the day in Rivers State nay Nigeria, a strong indication that he is highly loved by Rivers people and other Nigerians residing in the state. A great philanthropist, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike at all times radiates warmth, fanfare and humour, and has often clearly shown that he is a beckon of hope for the poor and the oppressed.
The speed and pace at which he tackles assignments, often confound those who work with him. Only a few of his men can catch up with his pace and work rate. He is a leader with boundless energy. Yesterday, he stepped out in style and celebrated his birthday.
By: Donatus Ebi.
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has renamed The Polytechnic, Ibadan as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan, in honour of a late former governor of the State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo.
Dr Olunloyo, who died on April 6, 2025, was the pioneer Principal of the Polytechnic, Ibadan, while he also served as Governor of Oyo State between October 1 and December 31, 1983.
Governor Makinde made the announcement at the state interdenominational funeral service held yesterday in honour of the late former governor at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde said Dr Olunloyo lived an eventful life, adding that his attainment and personality could not be summarised in one sentence.
“He was not a man we could summarise in one sentence. He was a scholar, a statesman, a technocrat, a lover of culture and, above all, a man of deep conviction.
“While giving the exhortation, I was listening to Baba Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu and he said in 1983, Baba became Governor of Oyo State. Though his time in office was brief, his election victory over a popular incumbent remains a powerful testament to the trust people gave him.
“I talked about preserving and digitising his library yesterday [Wednesday] as a mark of honour to Baba Olunloyo.
“Today, we will be giving Baba another honour to immortalise him. He was the first Principal of The Polytechnic, Ibadan; that institution will now be named Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.”
Earlier in his sermon, a retired Methodist Archbishop of Ilesa and Ibadan, Ayo Ladigbolu, described the late Olunloyo as a role model with intellectual inspiration and unassailable integrity.
The cleric said the deceased also demonstrated leadership in most superior quality during his lifetime.
In attendance were the state Deputy Governor, Chief Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; wife of a former Military Governor of the old Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Dupe Jemibewon; wife of a former Governor of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; and former Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi.
Others were the member representing Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, Hon Abass Adigun Agboworin; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Oyo State Exco members; Chairman of Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun; Chairman of All Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda; President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Adeniyi Ajewole; religious leaders and family members, among other dignitaries.
Ten members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) have countered the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, on the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.
The dissenting members, led by the Deputy National Chairman ( South), Taofeek Arapaja, in a joint statement, said no organ of the opposition party could overturn the decision of the 99th meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The dissenting NWC members include Arapaja; Setonji Koshoedo, Deputy National Secretary; Okechukwu Obiechina-Daniel, National Auditor; Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary; Ologunagba; Woyengikuro Daniel, National Financial Secretary and Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, National Treasurer.
Others are Chief Ali Odefa, National Vice Chairman (South East); Emmanuel Ogidi, Caretaker Committee Chairman (South South); Mrs. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm, National Woman Leader and Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese, National Vice Chairman (South West).
The group also insisted that contrary to the position of the acting National Chairman, the 100th NEC meeting of the party would be held on June 30 as earlier scheduled.
The statement read: “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to a press briefing by the acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, today Wednesday, June 25, wherein he attempted to overturn the resolution of the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which scheduled the 100th NEC meeting for Monday, June 30.
“The acting National Chairman in the said press briefing also reportedly announced that Senator Samuel Anyanwu has been asked to resume as National Secretary of the party contrary to the resolution of the 99th NEC meeting, which referred all matters relating to the office of the National Secretary to the 100th NEC meeting.
“The pronouncements by the acting National Chairman have no foundation as no organ of the party (including the NWC), individual or group has the power to cancel, overrule, veto or vary the resolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC) under the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NEC is the highest decision-making organ of the party, second only to the National Convention. By virtue of Section 31 (3) of the PDP Constitution, the resolution of the NEC to hold its 100th meeting on Monday June 30, is binding on all organs, officers, chapters and members of the party and no organ, group or individual can vary or veto this resolution of NEC.
“Furthermore, the claim by Damagum that Sen Anyanwu has been asked to resume office as the National Secretary of the party is, therefore, misleading being contrary to the resolution of NEC.
“In the light of the foregoing, the 100th NEC meeting as scheduled for Monday, June 30, has not been canceled or postponed.”
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has fired back at former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following the latter’s scathing criticism of President Tinubu’s administration and his 2027 re-election prospects.
In an interview on live television, Mallam El-Rufai said it would take a “miracle” for President Tinubu to be re-elected in 2027, citing an internal poll that purportedly shows a 91 percent disapproval rating for the president across key regions in the country, including the South-East and the North. He also claimed that President Tinubu’s disapproval rating in Lagos stood at 78 percent.
Reacting on Wednesday via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Onanuga took a swipe at the ex-governor, quoting a harsh assessment of Mallam El-Rufai’s character from former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s memoir, My Watch.
“Nasir’s penchant for reputation savaging is almost pathological,” Mr Onanuga wrote, citing Chief Obasanjo’s words. “Why does he do it? Very early in my interaction with him, I appreciated his talent. At the same time, I recognised his weaknesses; the worst being his inability to be loyal to anybody or any issue consistently for long, but only to Nasir El-Rufai.”
The presidential adviser emphasised Chief Obasanjo’s remarks that Mallam El-Rufai often tries to elevate himself by diminishing others. “He lied brazenly, which he did to me, against his colleagues and so-called friends,” Mr Onanuga continued, quoting the former President. “I have heard of how he ruthlessly savaged the reputation of his uncle, a man who, in an African setting, was like a foster father to him.”
Chief Obasanjo, who appointed Mallam El-Rufai as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory between 2003 and 2007, did not mince words in the memoir, describing Mallam El-Rufai as suffering from “small man syndrome.”
Mr Onanuga’s post is seen as a direct rebuttal to Mallam El-Rufai’s recent criticism and growing opposition role. The former governor is reportedly playing a central role in forming a new coalition to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
In March 2025, El-Rufai officially dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), intensifying speculations about his 2027 political ambitions.
As the political rift deepens, Mallam El-Rufai remains one of the most vocal critics of the Tinubu administration, while Mr Onanuga and other presidential allies continue to push back against what they describe as “reckless” opposition rhetoric.