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WIKE: THE RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB
‘Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality’ – Warren Bennis.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is a living proof of the above statement made by a great philosopher, Warren Bennis. Being the Governor of Rivers State for over six years now, Wike has simply shown and is still showing that he knows and understands what it entails to be a leader. He came into governance with a vision and so far, he has been able to bring those vision to fruition.
In the history of Rivers State, massive transformation such as can be evidently seen in the areas of infrastructures, healthcare delivery, security, economic growth, education and so on, have never been recorded. No wonder the up and doing Governor has been nicknamed ‘Mr. Projects’ among many other honours bestowed on him that befits all his efforts and hardwork put in the State to make it conducive for residents who live and do business.
After much scrutiny on Wike’s pragmatic leadership style, well-meaning Nigerians and supporters came to a consensus that the hardworking Governor should step up and vie for the position of the President of Nigerian, come 2023 elections.
Fortunately, Wike heeded the call and has gone as far as picking the presidential form. This for me and all who desire a better and renewed Nigeria, would be termed as a welcome development.
Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim rightly captured the mood of Nigerians when he wrote in his recent piece, “we need a leader who will boldly, without fear or favour, do the right things, make the right calls and take the problems of the country by the scruff of the neck and deal with them comprehensively and conclusively without playing to the gallery, like a true gladiator and champion of the people in a time like this that demands national heroism.”
Currently, insecurity issues in the country are being handled lightly by the federal government. Nigerians now live in fear each day, killings, kidnapping and abductions are now top on daily Newspapers and social media headlines. Lives and properties now mean little or nothing to our leaders at the federal level.
The most appalling thing is the fact that these criminals and perpetrators roam around the streets free, carrying out their evil practices in broad daylight without appropriate authorities arresting them and allowing law take its course.
It is indeed a tragic moment for Nigerians. Our leaders at the national level have failed us woefully so, we cry out for a ‘saviour’. The only candidate who fits the description of a Nigerian saviour is Governor Wike.
According to John Maxwell, a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way. Governor Wike knows what to do at every given point, he knows how to go about it and ensures he does whatever needs to be done. Infact, he can be likened to the sons of Issachar who were familiar with times and seasons.
Seeing how Wike swung into action, taking drastic measures to curb the (kpo fire) illegal crude refinery and soot menace that rocked Rivers State few months ago, we can boldly say John Maxwell’s definition of leadership has been justified. Today, Rivers people breathe in relatively fresh and clean air as opposed to the carbonated air that resulted from activities of illegal refiners.
Some Nay Sayers and propagandists would say Rivers State is not Nigeria that Wike cannot control a country as large and diversified as Nigeria. What an absurd thing to say!
Let me take us a little around the corridors of one of the realities of Nigerian politics. PDP ranks top as one of the largest political parties in the country, this party would have been in shambles just like some of her contemporaries but for Wike’s intervention, the party is still standing tall and strong.
Wike has single handedly upheld, sustained and maintained peace among members of his party across the nation.
The big question now is,
If one man can transform his state to a safe haven for investors and people living in it, do you think he would not do same and more for Nigeria if elected president?
If one man can boldly confront an issue that involved life and death (kpo fire) in his State, without fear or favour, do you think he would not do same and more for Nigeria if voted president?
If one man can successfully keep a party as large and diverse as PDP in one-piece, do you think he is not capable of doing same for the country if elected president?
I really wish Nigerians would call a spade a spade and face reality.
It is high time we considered FACTS and not FALLACIES.
I really wish Nigerians would have a rethink and make our votes count by voting the right man for the job come 2023 elections. WIKE IS THE NEW NIGERIA! WIKE IS THE RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB!
By: Precious Tornubari Kingsley-Anele,
Port Harcourt
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.