Expectations From Tinubu’s Visit

The Rivers State capital, Port Harcourt on Wednesday May 3, welcomed President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu with much joy and excitement as he arrived at Port Harcourt International Airport for a two-day visit. Governor Nyesom Wike and his supporters welcomed Tinubu rousingly. He came to commission the 12th flyover and the Magistrates’ Court complex built by the current administration in the state. During the visit, the city was agog and eagerly awaited more.
The governor declared last Wednesday a public holiday in anticipation of the President-elect’s visit during a statewide broadcast on Tuesday. Rivers people were urged to come out in substantial numbers to give him a warm welcome. This visit is Tinubu’s first official trip to any state since his election. Despite differing opinions, the public holiday remains a fitting tribute to the President-elect.
Prominent personalities such as Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the last general election, and Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, his New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) counterpart, have visited the state upon Wike’s invitation to commission projects on distinct occasions. We commend the governor for upholding his commitment to inaugurating projects persistently until the final day of his administration.
Governor Wike has executed several infrastructure projects in Rivers State, including those under federal jurisdiction. These projects have positive impacts on human and economic development. Additionally, Wike has worked to build alliances and promote national harmony. His dedication to these projects proves his commitment to true federalism. Nigeria would benefit from leaders who prioritise unifying efforts like Wike’s.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration recognised Wike’s excellence in public service by awarding him the Nigerian Excellence Award in Public Service in October, 2022. This award was given in appreciation of his remarkable leadership in delivering legacy infrastructure projects in the state and beyond. The governor’s achievements have earned him a place in history, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come.
Tinubu’s visit to Rivers State holds substantial significance in Nigeria’s political history. It marks the first time since democracy returned in 1999 that the state voted for a presidential candidate from a different political party – the All Progressives Congress (APC)– instead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which it had always backed. This shift in support was crucial in facilitating Tinubu’s victory in the last presidential election.
Wike’s dedication to upholding democratic principles is manifested in his efforts to establish constructive partnerships with leaders from diverse political factions. In his recent visit to Rivers State, Tinubu represented the beginning of a dynamic accord between the upcoming federal administration and the state government. The support given to Asiwaju’s presidential aspirations by Rivers residents will undoubtedly elevate the state to great prominence in the national political arena.
Rivers State has made noteworthy contributions to Nigeria’s development and as such, it deserves a fair share from the nation. Tinubu must express gratitude for the support he received from the state’s electorate, who elected him, by implementing essential development projects. Even the APC’s Presidential Campaign Council recognised Wike’s contribution to their candidate’s success in the February presidential election.
It is widely reported that Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State governor was marked by his vision, vigour and vitality in governance. He built upon his predecessors’ achievements such as General Mobolaji Johnson (rtd), late Lateef Jakande and General Buba Marwa (rtd), among others, and turned Lagos into a model of efficient governance. His contribution was crucial and he should replicate the same in Rivers by turning the state into an economic hub through siting viable federal projects.
Nyesom Wike’s exceptional political leadership in Rivers State has earned him a great deal of respect, establishing him as a highly influential figure in Nigeria. His admirable reputation is revered by the Nigerian populace, garnering considerable media attention. In fact, even governors of opposition parties admire him. More noteworthy, however, is the emergence of Rivers as the country’s new political centre, surpassing even Abuja, the national capital, in political activity.
The ports in the South-South, particularly in Rivers State, have been rendered ineffective due to unfavourable policies. Despite complaints, the Federal Government blames security challenges in the region, disregarding the fact that oil is extracted from the South-South to sustain the national economy. With Rivers’ well-established infrastructure and accessibility by rail and air, its two major seaports have the potential to be highly efficient. This is a crucial issue that the President-elect can tackle to benefit the state.
We applaud Nigeria’s Jagaban for accepting Wike’s invitation to visit the state and commission the two projects. However, we implore him to heed the governor’s plea to refund the money expended on some federal roads in the state when he assumes office. This will further promote the partnership between Rivers State and the Federal Government, which will soon be led by Tinubu. Reimbursement will encourage other states to follow suit.