It is about two years to the end of the present state and federal administrations in Nigeria. This is also true of the legislative seats at both levels of government. It will, therefore, be a mistake for anybody to think that moves are yet to start in earnest for those who may be interested to run for the soon-to-be-vacant political positions in the land.
Surely, private consultations must be rife already. Even as they have denied it, some had since raised their campaign fliers, posters and billboards in the FCT and elsewhere. The various town unions in Abuja, Lagos and even overseas cannot pretend that they have not been briefed by their members and other persons nursing political ambitions back home.
An outgoing political office holder would naturally try to influence the choice of his successor; in which case any attempt to challenge the supposed heir apparent would be seen as highly refractory. This also pertains to the so-called Abuja godfathers who are wont to impose their picks on the home politicians and everyone else; often resulting to intra-party rancour and eventual poor outing.
Nonetheless, of utmost importance to us in Rivers State will be the next occupant of Government House in Port Harcourt, now symbolically known as the New Brick House. And perhaps, depending on how the country’s two major political parties zone their presidential tickets, we may also have to place very serious watch in that direction.
Following antecedents, there certainly will be no shortage of gubernatorial aspirants in the state, come 2023. Most of them will probably be unknown quantities who may have spent much of their lives outside the state and would now begin to learn to fraternise with home people by turning emergency philanthropists.
In years past, such aspirants were known to have rolled out a few old luxury buses to convey people freely, particularly on Aba Road; while others gave out foodstuffs, wrappers and paltry sums to their party faithful and sundry fellows. Scholarships were sometimes awarded to community students with promises of early payment only for the benefactors to vanish after voluntarily dropping out of the race or failing in the party primary polls.
By the time his tenure runs full, there is no doubt that Governor Nyesom Wike will be leaving behind a giant pair of shoes for whoever will emerge as his successor. It is, therefore, imperative that Rivers people search with utmost diligence for who takes over from him.
In all honesty, there are several Rivers men and women who have recorded outstanding achievements in their different callings across the world and who stand eminently qualified to serve this state at the highest level. Most may be willing to offer themselves for such service. But how have their accomplishments reflected on the people and events at home? Some may not even have been around in a long while.
For me, the search for Governor Wike’s successor should begin with a look at those Rivers sons and daughters who had previously held responsible positions wherever and have been around long enough to be able to relate with contemporary issues in the state. These may include experienced politicians, retired senior civil servants, renowned clerics, notable academics and corporate chief executives who are largely untainted and can point to one or two worthy contributions in their communities or at the state level.
Since 1999, Rivers State has been lucky to elect highly remarkable persons as governor. During his tenure, Dr Peter Odili stood out for his elegance, humanity and rare gift of the gab. He dignified the office of governor. Rt. Honourable Chibuike Amaechi was chairman of Speakers Forum and the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), respectively.
As for the incumbent, Chief Nyesom Wike, it is already evident that his political sagacity is unassailable. This is in addition to being a one-time ALGON chairman and an avowed workaholic. Again, he seems to enjoy this interparty appeal among his fellow governors. We, therefore, expect no less from an eventual successor.
Considering the present dire circumstances of the nation, anybody eyeing the Port Harcourt Government House should be very adept in economic thinking, resources management and peace-building. He should be ready to steer the state toward a massive revolution in agriculture and its value chain. This has been a lingering no-brainer.
It is also a given that the different demographics of the state will continue to seek government’s attention to the issues that affect them most. Of course, pensioners will keep demanding for better welfare; civil servants will continue to ask for their promotions, minimum wage arrears and scrapping of contributory pension scheme; unemployed graduates surely desire to work; rural women expect to be safe in their farms; repentant cultists will need rehabilitation; and so on.
Furthermore, the use of the rainy season as an excuse for delays in the execution of state projects has been exposed as not only lame, but also a ruse. At least, the present chief executive has demonstrated it for all to see that projects do not fear rain. Therefore, Rivers people are not likely to accept any more of such excuses from their political leaders, going forward.
Finally, may I suggest that our gubernatorial hopefuls consider the incumbent governor’s style of choosing a woman deputy and also ensuring same at the local government level. I think it makes serious sense, especially as a way of bringing more women into politics in the state.

Ibelema Jumbo