Politics

Wike: The Many Sides Of A Celebrant

Published

7 years ago

December 14, 2018

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.

Politics

Don’t Risk Your Legacy, Citizen Begs Jonathan Against 2027 Presidential Race

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

A social commentator in Bauchi State, David Adenuga has urged former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, to ignore the growing calls for his return to the presidential race, warning that some political actors pushing the idea could tarnish his legacy.

In a letter titled, “An Open Letter to Former President Goodluck Jonathan,” the observer said Dr Jonathan should be careful not to allow himself to be drawn into partisan calculations driven by ambition rather than national interest.

“I write this letter as a concerned Nigerian who respects the role you played in Nigeria’s democracy and the peaceful example you set for the country,” he stated.

He cautioned the former president against allowing himself to be used by what he described as desperate political interests.

“I believe this is the time to protect the good name and legacy you have built over the years. You should not allow yourself to be used by desperate political elements who may be more interested in their own ambitions than in the future of Nigeria,” the letter read.

The Social Commentator further warned Dr Jonathan to be wary of those advocating for his comeback, claiming many of them were previously opposed to his administration.

“Many of those calling for your return today were your antagonists, those who frustrated your government back then. You should be careful not to become a pawn in a game designed by others or else they will stain your white with their ‘roforofo’,” he said.

He maintained that Dr Jonathan’s legacy remains defined by his decision to concede defeat in 2015, which he described as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.

“Your legacy was built through years of public service and your decision to put the country’s peace above personal ambition at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history. That legacy should not be put at risk because of the desperation of a few politicians,” he added.

Mr Adenuga also alleged that some of the promoters of Dr Jonathan’s return have lost credibility in the public space.

“The truth is that some of the people pushing you to contest have already damaged their own reputations. They should not be allowed to stain your legacy with their soiled hands. What they could not achieve on their own should not be pursued through your name and goodwill,” he stressed.

He concluded by urging the former president to remain above political manoeuvring and protect his place in history.

“History has been kind to you. Preserve that honour and remain above the political games of those who want to use your name for their own purposes,” he wrote.

Recall that former President Goodluck Jonathan recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the Kabiru Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a special convention held in Abuja, where delegates ratified his nomination ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Politics

I DIDN’T PROMISE YOU TICKETS, AKPABIO TELLS APC SENATORS WHO FAILED PRIMARIES

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

The President of the Nigeria’s Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has clarified that he never promised to secure senatorial return tickets for senators who lost tickets at the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections.

He clarified that he only empathized with senators who were affected negatively by the outcome of their respective primary elections.

Senator Akpabio’s clarification was made public over the weekend in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh.

The clarification was said to have been occasioned by reports in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.

The statement read in part: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.

“We must categorically assert that this report does not reflect the position of the President of the Senate. For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorized to be made such promise.

“What the President of the Senate actually said, in the course of interacting with his colleagues, was to empathize with senators who were affected negatively by the outcome of their primary elections.

“He assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes.

“He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership.

“The office also notes another report quoting a distinguished Senator on the need for the Senate to probe the military over recent security incidents.

“While legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces.

“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to National Security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine their morale and operational focus.

“The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time.

“Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria and its people”.

Senator Akpabio then urged the media and the public to disregard sensational and inaccurate misrepresentation of his remarks and to always seek clarification from his office before publication.

Politics

POST PRIMARIES: IKWERRE MONARCHS ADVOCATE ISSUES-BASED POLITICS IN RIVERS

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

The Supreme Council of Ikwerre Government-Recognized Traditional Rulers, Rivers State, has congratulated all candidates who emerged victorious in the various political party primary elections held across the state, describing their emergence as a reflection of the confidence reposed in them by their parties and supporters.

The council, however, urged Rivers people to embrace issue-based politics and support candidates based on their competence, character, vision, and commitment to public service rather than ethnicity, sectional interests, or sentiments.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Council, the Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Prof. Leslie Eke and the Secretary, Nye Nwe Ala Omerelu, King Ben Ugo, after its monthly general meeting at Rumuigbo, in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area and made available to the press at the weekend.

The statement noted that while the council remains proud of the political achievements of Ikwerre sons and daughters, it believes that the overall progress, stability, and development of Rivers State should remain the overriding consideration in the political process.

According to the traditional rulers, the emergence of candidates from different political parties and ethnic backgrounds demonstrates the vibrancy of democracy and the growing participation of Rivers people in governance and leadership.

The monarchs maintained that democratic contests should be driven by ideas, programmes, and solutions to the challenges facing the state rather than ethnic considerations or divisive narratives.

They urged voters to carefully assess the track records, leadership qualities, and developmental agendas of all candidates seeking elective offices and make informed decisions that would advance the collective interests of Rivers State.

The council stressed that politics should serve as a vehicle for development, unity, economic growth, security, and improved welfare for the people, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.

The royal fathers further called on political actors and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the electoral process, avoiding actions or utterances capable of overheating the polity.

They emphasized the need for mutual respect, tolerance, and healthy political competition among candidates and political parties, noting that Rivers State stands to benefit more from unity than division.

The statement further urged all stakeholders to place the interest of the state above personal ambitions and sectional considerations, adding that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, cooperation, and inclusiveness.

The council observed that the ongoing political process presents an opportunity for the emergence of leaders who possess the capacity and commitment to address the developmental aspirations of the people.

The traditional rulers also encouraged young people across the state to participate actively in democratic institutions and leadership processes, stressing that governance should be inclusive and representative.

They reaffirmed the commitment of traditional institutions in Ikwerreland to the promotion of peace, stability, justice, and harmonious coexistence among all ethnic nationalities in Rivers State.

The statement prayed for wisdom, strength, and success for all candidates who emerged from the various political parties and expressed hope that the electoral process would produce leaders dedicated to the unity, progress, and prosperity of Rivers State.

By: King Onunwor