Politics
Second Tenure 100 Days: Wike’s Consolidation Of Good Governance
For close to three weeks, the entire nation watched in awe as Rivers State celebrated the first 100days of the second term of Nigeria’s best performing Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. It was a period to dutifully highlight the consolidation of good governance in Rivers State.
During this period, the entire country understood the importance of having a pro-people leader, committed to advancing the interest and prosperity of his state through the diligent execution of key projects and well-planned programmes to improve their standard of living. Whilst others were content to address Press Conferences to mark their first 100days, Governor Wike reeled out about 15 key projects and programmes to re-define second term governance.
In the past, second term was known as a period of lack of productivity. But with Governor Wike, the story has changed. The focus is to maximise the term to improve Rivers State. This decision is borne out of the fact that the victory of Governor Wike for a second term was entirely a function of God and Rivers people. Therefore, the selfless and pro-people governance is a reward to Rivers people for their abiding faith in his ability to lead and defend their interests.
Between 9th September and 27th September, 2019, Rivers State was in the news for all the right reasons. Nigerians from across the country watched in awe as the Wike Administration prioritised governance in Rivers State. Every step of the way, the Rivers State Governor reiterated his commitment to using his second term to consolidate on the gains of his glorious first term.
All the projects commissioned in the course of the 100days celebration were geared towards enhancing the welfare of the people.
Bonny Street, Adaka , Boro/Elliot Henry Streets
These are three roads in the heart of Port Harcourt Township. The roads were not motorable before the intervention of Governor Wike.
The roads have improved the economy of that part of Port Harcourt Township. During the commissioning, residents and Chiefs trooped out to celebrate Governor Wike for delivering the projects as promised.
Governor Wike assured that street light would be installed on the three roads to help security agencies fight crime. The three roads cover 2.8 kilometres. The three roads were constructed in line with approved specifications and design.
Government Secondary School, Ubima
(Former Community Secondary School, Ubima)
This is one of the iconic projects of the first 100days of the second term of Governor Wike. The quality of the project was such that community leaders immediately asked for the secondary school to be upgraded to a tertiary institution.
Governor Wike reconstructed damaged existing facilities of the school and built new structures within the school . New facilities in the school include modern science laboratories, computer centre, Electronic Library, traditional library, teachers quarters, administrative block, perimeter fence and new classroom blocks.
Governor Wike who changed the name of the school from Community Secondary School Ubima to Government Secondary School, Ubima said he promised to rebuild the school and to the glory of God that promise has been fulfilled.
He informed that the State Government will develop boarding facilities for students of the school. The Governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to the construction of educational facilities across the state to expand access to education .
Presentation of Staff of Office/Certificate of Recognition to Traditional Rulers
This programme was symbolic and profound. The programme was held to honour and celebrate Traditional Rulers of Rivers State. It was organised to showcase the rich culture of the state.
The State Government formally presented present Certificates of Recognition and Staff of Office to 84 traditional rulers of different classes drawn from the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.
The venue of the event became a Centre of mass celebration as the subjects of the Traditional Rulers drummed and danced in excitement. The rich culture of Rivers people was on full display.
Governor Wike charged the Traditional Rulers to set new development agenda for Rivers communities with the support of the elected and appointed political leaders of their communities and Local Government Areas.
Sea bed Model School , Port Harcourt
For 106 years, this legendary school never got any facelift. Year after year, the managers of the school appealed to the Rivers State Government to intervene and improve the school’s infrastructure. None of the previous administrations acted.
At a function, the leadership of Christ Church appealed to Governor Wike to intervene. Governor Wike gave his word and transformed the school.
The reconstruction and upgrade of Seabed Model School was in line commitment of Governor Wike to the creation of access to quality basic education.
The school is one of the 253 Schools upgraded and expanded by Governor Wike in the last four years.
Commissioning the school, Governor Wike assured Rivers people that he will continue to uplift the standard of education in the State through critical interventions.
He said: “We shall continue to engage in human capital development. And the best way to engage in human capital development is to fund educational development”.
Governor Wike announced that the State Government has awarded contracts for the construction of 69 Primary and Basic Education Schools across the state.
“We are awarding contracts for the construction of 69 Primary and Basic Education schools for the expansion of the frontiers of education.
“These projects will be handled by people of Rivers State, who will be empowered in the process of executing the projects “, he said.
He said that the Rivers State Government will continue to develop the education sector as a way of securing the future of Rivers State.
The new school now has computer laboratory, Electronic Library, new classrooms and a Generator House .
Port Harcourt Pleasure Park Cinema
This is a value addition to the nation’s flagship tourism destination. This facility formed part of the first 100days of Governor Wike in his second term. It has continued to attract tourists from across the country because of its design, entertainment value and high quality security infrastructure.
The project was designed to give the people maximum comfort. The 250-person capacity cinema, is divided into three sections. The cinema has standard walls, lighting effects and sound proof .
Dualised – Birabi Street
This road is one of the key roads into the New Government Reserved Area in Port Harcourt. It leads to Hotel Presidential and Salvation Ministry. It was a single lane road riddled with potholes until the pragmatic intervention of the Wike Administration.
Delivered as part of the first 100days, Birabi Street is a beauty to behold. It is fitted witg streetlights and telecommunication ducts. The road forms part of the total renewal of the New GRA by the Wike Administration.
Dualised Rumukwurusi -Elelenwo – Akpajo Road
The Commissioning of this Road was a celebration of good governance. Thousands of residents lined up the streets, chanting the praise of Governor Wike. The road was a revival package for a community that was neglected by the immediate past Administration due to political reasons.
The 5.6kilometre Road has five round abouts and ducts for telecommunication companies to set up their facilities. This road links Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to Eleme, Okrika , Tai and Khana Local Government Areas.
In appreciation, Leaders and people of Elelenwo Community of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area conferred on Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the title: “Eze Omekweli kimbom of Elelenwo”.
Roughly translated, the prestigious title means: “A King that develops the land of Elelenwo “.
Government Craft Development Centre, Port Harcourt
The empowerment of the youths forms one of the cardinal goals of Governor Wike. The Rivers State Governor used the first 100days of his second term to make a definite statement that his administration will deliver on the grooming of a technical workforce for the state.
The Government Craft Development Centre was reconstructed, upgraded and improved by the Wike Administration to serve as a catalyst for the growth of Technical and Vocational Education.
At the Commissioning of the reconstructed institution, Governor Wike announced that new standard workshops would be developed for the school by Julius Berger.
Civil Servants’ Quarters
Governor Wike has made history as the most outstanding Governor that promotes the welfare of civil servants. The new Civil Servants Quarters in Old GRA, Port Harcourt is the third since he became the Chief Executive of Rivers State.
The new Civil Servants Quarters constructed through direct labour, offers accommodation to civil servants in the heart of a high profile residential area.
Rivers State NLC Secretariat
This facility was constructed by the Wike Administration to nourish the cordial relationship between the State Government and labour in the state. It was flagged off by the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and constructed by Governor Wike in record time. It was commissioned as part of the Governor’s first 100days in office.
The new NLC Secretariat is a three-storey building with conference halls, offices, stores and multiple staircases.
Ogbum-Nu-Abali Fruit Garden Market
Ahead of the General Elections, this Market was gutted by fire. It became an instant political tool for unpatriotic politicians. But Governor Wike stepped above the fray and committed himself into building a new market for the traders.
Aside constructing the new market, Governor Wike empowered all the affected traders with special grants to re-start their trade. This market was formally delivered as part of Governor Wike’s first 100days in his second term.
The new Ogbum-nu-Abali Market has four buildings (one storey each) and eight buildings (bungalow), designed to promote commercial activities. Other facilities in the market include: 232 Open Stalls, 72 Lock Up Shops, Toilet Blocks, car park, drainage, internal roads, a warehouse, generator, transformer, perimeter fence and a security house.
Rivers State University, Students Union Secretariat
The Wike Administration is a Government enthroned by all stakeholders of Rivers State. Students form a major platform upon which Governor Wike was re-elected. As part of his first 100days in his second term, Governor Wike rolled out the Students Union Secretariat Building at the Rivers State University. Hundreds of students were on ground to celebrate this quality gift to Rivers students.
Engineer Lawrence Anele Amadi Road (Former Shell Location Road)
As part of the first 100days, Governor Wike
commissioned four roads completed as the First Phase of Rumuepirikom Internal Roads in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Shell Location Road, one of the four roads commissioned was renamed Engineer Lawrence Anele Amadi Road by Governor Wike.
The Rumuepirikom Internal Roads have a total length of nine kilometres with street lights and modern drainage.
Governor Wike flagged off the construction of 11 Roads, with four of such roads already completed. The remaining roads will be completed by December. The First Set of Roads delivered under the First Phase of Rumuepirikom Internal Roads include: Engineer Lawrence Anele Amadi Road (Former Shell Location Road), Ekani Street, Maxwell Street and Odoli Street.
Rumuwoji Market
This is an international market built by the Wike Administration from the foundation. The market was gutted by fire during the last Administration, but a promise to rebuild it was never fulfilled.
Upon assumption of office, Governor Wike flagged off the construction of the Rumuwoji Market. It was delivered as part of the first 100days of the governor’s second term.
The Rumuwoji market has two banking halls, clinic, police post, fire station, fire hydrants, pumping station and fire alert system. The Market also has 421 lock up shops, 34 open stalls and 441 concrete tables .
The excellent architectural masterpiece impressed the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi who declared that he now understands why Governor Wike is called Mr Project.
Real Madrid Academy
This is a historic investment by the Wike Administration. It will remain relevant decades after Governor Wike would have left office, as International Stars who would be groomed at the Academy will be plying their trade in the best clubs in the world.
It is the first in Nigeria. Equipped with relevant facilities and technical personnel. It was unveiled as part of Governor Wike’s first 100days for his second term. The Commissioning Ceremony which was performed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde was viewed by millions of Football Enthusiasts.
Highpoint of the Commissioning Programme was an exhibition match between Banham Model Primary School, Port Harcourt, winners of Channels Television Kids Cup and an Under Selected Side. The match ended 1-1.
Post 100days Super-Gift
After the legendary celebration of 100days marked by commissioning of several projects, Governor Wike further lifted the spirits of Rivers people with the acquisition of Shell’s 45 percent interest in OML 11. This masterstroke has changed the developmental narrative, involving Rivers people in the economic process .
Projects All the Way
Governor Wike is not one who will rest on his achievements. He has since hit the road, inspecting ongoing projects across the state. After the celebration of the 59th Independence Anniversary, Governor Wike was at the Judges Quarters and other Road projects to ascertain the level of delivery.
It is certain that it will be projects all the way till Governor Wike concludes his second term in 2023.
Nwakaudu is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media.
Simeon Nwakaudu
Operating under the umbrella of the Coalition of Civil Society Network, the group described the ruling delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu as unfair and contrary to the spirit of democracy, urging the judiciary to consider the will of the people in its final determination of the matter.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had on Thursday, October 30, sacked Gummi for defecting from the PDP, which sponsored his election, to the APC.
In his ruling, Justice Egwuatu held that it was morally wrong for a politician to transfer votes from one political party to another, stating that “political prostitution must not be rewarded.”
He declared that voters elect candidates based on the manifestos and ideals of their political parties. Therefore, it was both legally and morally unacceptable for an elected official to abandon that platform without relinquishing the mandate.
The court also restrained the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, from recognising Hon. Gummi as a member of the House, and ordered him to refund all salaries and allowances received from October 30, 2024, to the date of judgment.
Justice Egwuatu further directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election within 30 days to fill the vacant seat.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1803/2024, was filed by the PDP and its Zamfara State chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki, who argued that Hon. Gummi’s defection violated Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as there was no division within the PDP to justify his action.
But convener of the coalition, Lukman Muhammad, who addressed journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, said Hon. Gummi’s defection was a direct result of the unresolved internal crisis within the PDP, which, according to him, crippled the lawmaker’s ability to effectively represent his constituents.
He said: “We believe the court’s decision was unjust and failed to consider the circumstances surrounding Hon. Gummi’s defection. Gummi’s decision to join the APC was necessitated by the unresolved internal crisis within the PDP, which hindered his ability to effectively represent his constituents.
“We affirm that Hon. Gummi’s right to choose his political affiliation is protected by the Constitution and should be respected. We stand for democracy and the rule of law, while also urging the judiciary to consider the will of the people and the greater good”.
He urged Justice Egwuatu to review the judgment, stressing that the ruling could set a dangerous precedent that undermines the principle of fair representation and the rights of elected officials.
The coalition further noted that the judgment has broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic process, as it raises questions about the extent to which lawmakers can exercise their constitutional freedom of association without fear of losing their mandate.
The parties stated that the APC was on the verge of collapse following the recent wave of defections from opposition parties into its ranks.
In separate interviews with The Tide source, spokespersons for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) —Debo Ologunagba, Oladipo Johnson, and Mark Adebayo – respectively, said an implosion was imminent in the APC.
But the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, stated that recent defections to the party were voluntary and inspired by the ruling party’s achievements, not through coercion. He added that the APC was well-structured, capable of managing its internal affairs effectively, and therefore would not experience any internal crisis.
In recent months, the ruling APC has continued to receive several high-profile politicians from opposition parties, particularly the PDP. Among those who have joined the APC are Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and the PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa.
Most recently, members of the Enugu State Executive Council defected to the APC, a move followed by Governor Peter Mbah’s official declaration for the ruling party on October 14 in Enugu.
On October 15, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, announced his resignation from the PDP. Although he has yet to join another party, speculation is rife that he is on his way to the APC.
Similarly, Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, confirmed last Wednesday that he would be joining the APC.
Numerous other politicians, including several lawmakers, have also abandoned their parties to align with the ruling APC.
In his reaction, Hon. Ologunagba predicted an imminent crisis within the APC, expressing confidence that those who defected would eventually return to the PDP.
He stated, “This is the major political party (PDP), and it is the only democratic party in the country. It has structures cutting across all the local governments, all the wards, and of course all the states. In every home, there are members of the PDP, and that is why the APC are jittery, and that is why they are coercing our members, using state resources and state agencies to force members of opposition parties to join the ruling party.
“But in all this, we are sure and confident that very soon, the APC will implode because it is a multipurpose political vehicle that is not going to last. It is going to implode.
“Many Nigerians will see through it and know that the party is not a political party that protects the interests of the citizens. So, they are going to leave the party and move to the major political party, which is the PDP. We are optimistic that before 2027, many Nigerians will join us because this is the truly democratic party and the only party that is out there to protect their interests.”
On his part, Mr Johnson of the NNPP lamented that the wave of defections posed a serious threat to the country’s democracy.
Mr Johnson said, “This is bad for democracy. For our type of democracy, it is important to have a proper and effective opposition. Already, we’ve seen a blurring of lines between the legislature and the executive; some would even say the judiciary. I hope not. I think many people are observing the trend and are unhappy. However, we need to be a bit more patient and see what happens soon.
“When the PDP was in power for 16 years, it was the party many people rushed into. Over time, it imploded, and many of those who joined it turned against it. So, I see that happening to the ruling APC. Definitely. This is because of the nature of Nigerian politicians; many are driven by personal interests. I always say that Nigeria can never truly be a one-party state. Even if only one party exists, it will become factionalised, with different interests and power blocs. Those pushing the country toward a one-party system may not have studied Nigeria’s political history carefully.”
In his remarks, CUPP’s Adebayo stated that the pattern of defections among politicians, particularly governors and lawmakers, was a deliberate strategy by the ruling party to transform the country into a one-party state.
Mr Adebayo said, “It is not accidental; it is a deliberate and strategic effort to entrench a one-party dictatorship. Whether these defections are forced or coerced, one thing is clear: it is an intentional action driven by the ruling party, particularly the President.
“This development is unhealthy for our democracy. It is shameful and stands against everything democratic principles represent. It is inimical to the growth and development of Nigeria as a democratic nation and poses a grave threat to our political stability.
“The implosion of the APC will come before or once it loses power. Most Nigerian politicians lack ideological grounding or principles; their loyalty lies only with the party in power. Political affiliation is tied to ideology and conviction, not convenience. However, the ideology of most politicians is simply the ruling party. If tomorrow the ADC, Labour Party, or SDP wins the presidency, many of these same politicians will abandon the APC overnight. They have no shame, no conviction, and no conscience. Their only motivation is proximity to power.”
In response, Mr Ibrahim of the APC maintained the APC would not face any internal crisis, asserting that it has the capacity to effectively manage its affairs, unlike the opposition.
He stated, “The fact that the opposition are not organised and they cannot organise primaries, neither can they manage their parties, does not mean we are on the same boat with them. Our party, the APC, has been conducting primaries successfully and rancor-free.
“So, the fact that they don’t know how to manage their party does not mean that is the way we run our own party. The APC does not coerce anyone to join. Those joining are doing so willingly because of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope achievements. Our party is fully prepared. It’s not going to implode; it’s not going to have any issues similar to the issues they have been having.”
Senator Ndume, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, accused both the executive and legislative arms of complacency, saying their failure to proactively engage the United States government on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria led to the development.
The senator recalled that he had earlier sponsored a motion in the Senate on “Christian genocide” in the country. The motion, he said, led to resolutions mandating the Nigerian government to engage the U.S. with verified facts and figures.
President Trump, last Friday, announced the designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ over alleged persecution of Christians.
President Trump made the announcement via a post on his Truth Social platform, which was also shared on the official White House X handle.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” President Trump wrote.
But the Nigerian government swiftly rejected the claims, insisting that President Trump’s assessment did not reflect the true situation in the country.
However, Senator Ndume accused the President Tinubu’s administration and the Senate of treating the allegation raised by US lawmaker, Riley Moore, with complacency, prior to President Trump’s declaration, and urged the federal government to take urgent steps to engage the US government with facts and figures on the activities of terrorists organisations which, he noted, were blind to faith.
“I have alerted the government, I even moved a motion. Nigeria is a sovereign state, it isn’t about what the United States can do to us, but about the misconception and the ripple effects of classifying us as a country of concern.
“We should engage the American government by presenting facts and figures. By engaging the US government, we should demand that they hear the other side of the story from the Nigerian government and the Muslim community. Muslims have been killed too. The genocide isn’t against Christians but Nigerians generally,” he said.