2023: Wike’s Rescue Mission

Having consulted widely across the country, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, at last, made public his intention to compete with other aspirants for the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The declaration came after a long wait by enthused Nigerians, who had prodded the governor into openly proclaiming his intention for the highest office.
Wike’s ambition was disclosed in far away Makurdi, the Benue State capital, after a significant meeting with PDP stakeholders. According to him, he chose Benue because of his special relationship with the state. The governor has struck a unique association with Governor Samuel Ortom, possibly because of his rallying around the state in times of enormous security threat including incessant invasions by herdsmen. Even while Wike was declaring, there was deep mourning in the state over the latest onslaughts from suspected herders.
Recall that Rivers State had also donated N200 million to Benue a couple of years ago to assist in resettling victims of insecurity, an action that endeared Wike to the whole state with the middle-class and civil servants desperately craving for a man like the Rivers’ Chief Executive to be in the Presidential Villa. He said: “And I am declaring for the first time in Benue State because of my special relationship with them. People are merely not suspecting, but let it be known today that I am announcing it in Benue State because I have a special relationship with this state”.
With Wike in the race, the PDP now has former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, former Governor/Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki. Others are former Senate President/Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ayim Pius Ayim, former Anambra State governor, Mr Peter Obi, and publisher/journalist, Chief Dele Momodu.
Nigeria is in dire need of a visionary leadership. Right now, the country is a sinking ship that must be urgently salvaged. That is why Wike’s candidacy for President is most bodacious. He alone can emancipate the ship. Under his captainship, the ship will certainly sail to candescent days with Nigerians safely on board. Wike depicts a special treasure to Nigeria. His passionate devoir to the progression of our nation are signs of his patriotic hankering. He is one of the most dexterous persons in the race currently, not only in the PDP but in the entire country.
He is well-prepared to lead our country at this most inauspicious moment. Furthermore, he has engendered wealth and furnished jobs as the governor of Rivers State. His democratic credentials are unequalled. He is an adequate mentor, a leader and the best candidate that can defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming presidential election for his great party. Besides, Wike will unite and secure the country, salvage the economy and generate regular remunerative employment for Nigerian citizens.
The thrusts of his declaration were security and the rule of law. He said: “Today, you can’t talk about security in this country, and you must understand that without security you can’t talk about governance. One first thing that anybody who takes oath of office swears to is that you must protect life and property. If you can’t protect life and property, then you can’t talk about governance. So, the major thing is that our people should be alive.
“Disregard for the rule of law by the present Federal Government has been one of the banes of direct foreign investment in the country. Nobody can bring investment to this country because there is no respect for the rule of law. Nobody obeys court orders. Who will come and invest his money when the court gives its judgement, and it will not be obeyed. So, I am going to run for election and victory will be ours.”
Insecurity is a nationwide consideration and one of the veritable signs of a failed state, while national security is an indication of a utile government. Any wonder Wike’s engrossment is focused on that sector. If given the party ticket and subsequently elected, insecurity will be a thing of the past under a Federal Government steered by the Rivers State governor. His magic wand, used in drastically transforming Rivers into one of the most secured states in the federation, will be replicated at the centre.
As a staunch believer in the rule of law and a strong advocate of the judicial process, it is not astonishing that the governor included lawfulness as one of his declaration themes. Wike has a rich history of engagements in this critical arena that undergirds society and anchors democracy. And he is a consummate lawyer to boot. Besides, the governor is a unifier who believes strongly in the unity of Nigeria.
Beyond the realm of law, it is noteworthy that Wike has remained a demotic and conscientious member of the PDP since its formation. Unlike many fair-weather politicians in the country and some of his presidential co-aspirants in the PDP, he has not been swayed by the vicissitudes of partisan politics and its fluctuating fortunes to leave the main opposition party. This uncommon trait speaks to consistency, principle, and loyalty to his political party.
At this crucial time of national exigency following the imperial failure of the ruling party, the APC, Nigeria direly needs someone with capacity, competence, bravery, energy, and a profound knowledge of its numerous challenges who can coalesce the country and deal with the clobbered economy. And, indeed, Governor Wike is the one who the cap fits nicely.