The looming political image of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike can hardly be ignored in the political affairs of Nigeria. He is, indeed, a force to reckon with and a rare political gadfly whose intimidating political posture often sends cold shivers down the spines of his critics and opponents. In a way, going by his forays and exploits in politics, he means several things to different people. For some, he is a ruthless and uncompromising political strategist who sets his sight at victory and success at all times. For others, he is a great achiever who has no place for failure and laxity, a workaholic par excellence whose knack for results is unassailable. There are still others who see him as their eternal political foe because of his intimidating political credentials. All these are within the realm of politics. If you remove politics, where do you situate Nyesom Ezenwo Wike? For him, politics is life, as his life apparently revolves around politics.
Since blazing the trail and bestriding the Rivers political landscape like a colossus in 1999, when he was first elected the Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, his political star has never dimmed. He has remained unstoppable. He has never looked back. From one political position to the other, he has proved his mettle. As Council Chairman, Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Minister of State for Education and later Supervising Minister of Education, and then, Executive Governor of Rivers State, his brilliant footprints are there for all to see and evaluate. His score cards speak volumes about his persona; and about his vision, dreams and aspirations; his passion and love for Rivers State and the people. His style of leadership has positively impacted on the lives of the people. No doubt, Governor Wike knows where he is taking the state to; to the promised land and to the people’s Eldarado. Under his watch, roads have received a boost Schools have got a facelift. Hospitals are being revamped. Courts are working again. Markets have been refurbished. Traditional monuments are being upgraded. Labour houses are being erected. Quarters for Judges and civil servants have sprouted. All these and more have manifested in less then three years of Governor Wike’s reign as Governor of oil-rich Rivers State. It is therefore, not for nothing that his admirers address him as ‘Mr. Projects.’
Beyond politics, the Rumuepirikom-born political tactician is a man of many parts. He is a well trained lawyer, political scientist and outstanding administrator. Barrister Wike was born on December 13, 1967 to the family of Reverend and Mrs. Nlemanya Wike of Rumuepirikom Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He holds Degrees in Political and Administration Studies from the University of Port Harcourt as well as Law from the University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University.
Wike is a man who has a knack for the rule of law and due process. He firmly believes that the law is the bulwark of any society. That explains why on every occasion, he runs to the courts to seek for redress whenever he feels that his fundamental human rights have been infringed upon, instead of resorting to self-help or jungle justice. His aversion for injustice and evil is legendary. This could as well explain the fact that his administration has been giving tremendous support to the judiciary sector in the state. A typical example is the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) ultra-modern complex he singlehandedly built for the Port Harcourt branch of the association as a way of decongesting the courts in the State. The same goes for the new judiciary complex he also constructed in Port Harcourt with the state of the art facilities fitted in it. He is a die-hard grassroots politician and a great mobiliser of men and materials.
Little wonder that he has been the rallying point of the major opposition political party in the country, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a strong voice against the bad governance of the All Progressives Congress (APC)- led Federal Government.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, aptly described Governor Wike as a type of leader needed for the rapid development of the country, and endorsed his brand of politics, which he said is focused on the development of all communities in the state, kindness to all politicians irrespective of their political affiliation and display of uncommon maturity in all political situations.
Said he, “The message I have for Wike is that this kind-hearted politics, this statesmanship that you have demonstrated, please continue. Nigeria needs politicians like Wike. With this kind of posture, one day, you will become the President of Nigeria. What we need in this country is this kind of attitude, an attitude of friendship.”
Indeed, Governor Wike cultivates friendship and builds bridges across political divides. Little wonder, then, politicians of various shades have continued to flock into the state to tap from his warmth and friendship. During the third year anniversary celebration of his administration recently, several politicians and eminent personalities across the globe stormed Rivers State and commissioned one project or the other.
Apart from his political track records, Governor Wike is an easy-going gentleman who also loves the good life and equally creates time for his relaxation. A passionate sports enthusiast, he loves playing football. He is a well known fan of Real Madrid Football Club of Spain and has gone a step further to erect a befitting Real Madrid Academy in Port Harcourt. On completion, the facility will groom football talents for Rivers State and Nigeria. His administration has equally been lending support to Rivers United Football Club and Rivers Angels Football Club, two clubs owned by the Rivers State Government. His government has also sponsored several sports events and competitions to demonstrate his love for sports generally.
Governor Wike is a good family man, who is happily married to Justice Suzzette Eberechi Nyesom-Wike, a Judge of the High Court in the State. The marriage is blessed with three lovely children. The Governor was once described as the most romantic governor in Nigeria, as he was reported to have kissed the wife openly at a public function.
Besides, the Governor has a penchant for fulfilling promises, as those who come in contact with him describe him as a reliable, dependable and trust-worthy jolly good fellow, who has continued to keep faith with his contract with Rivers people. His approval rating is soaring by the day in Rivers State nay Nigeria, a strong indication that he is highly loved by Rivers people and other Nigerians residing in the state. A great philanthropist, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike at all times radiates warmth, fanfare and humour, and has often clearly shown that he is a beckon of hope for the poor and the oppressed.
The speed and pace at which he tackles assignments, often confound those who work with him. Only a few of his men can catch up with his pace and work rate. He is a leader with boundless energy. Yesterday, he stepped out in style and celebrated his birthday.

By: Donatus Ebi.