Politics
Engr Emeka Woke: Chief Of Staff Extraordinaire
“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value” – Albert Einstein.
Two state matters of importance, among others, which the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Engr Emeka Woke, had dealt with frontally, without fear of intimidation or favour, present him as an officer worth his salt and deserving of commendation.
These matters which had the potential of portraying the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike in bad light to the unsuspecting public, have spurred me to give him thumbs-up, warranting this article on his personality as an exemplary Chief of Staff, worthy of emulation.
Recently, Chief Emeka Woke stole my heart when, in very strong terms, at Opobo Town, the headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, during the grand finale of the just concluded “Operation Obtain Your PVC Sensitisation Rally” of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) in Rivers State, debunked the rumours making the rounds in the media by some Abuja-based or Diaspora Rivers politicians who cannot win elections in their wards, trying to blackmail and drag the name of our revered Governor, the Political Lion of Nigeria, the inestimable leader and, arguably, the strongest pillar and mainstay of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the mud.
To say the least, it is malicious and repugnant that these charlatans attempted to smear the immaculate image of the Pride of Rivers State, His Excellency, Governor Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS(Africa) and the forthright political class of the Peoples Democratic Party in the State with lies that a meeting was held in Government House with the intention to harass, molest, intimidate and assassinate members of their splinter group in the same party for holding different political views from that of the Governor on their Presidential flag- bearer.
To the credit of the Chief of Staff, the allegations were undressed and dismissed as he declared them spurious, unfair, unfounded, unfortunate and mischievous evil concoctions aimed at causing disaffection and bringing the towering Governor, his unimpeachable administration and the formidable ruling party in the state to disrepute.
The maverick politician in his own right, affirmed the capability and capacity of members of the Peoples Democratic Party to resolve their internal differences and wranglings in Rivers State and elsewhere, and at any time, in peace which is the hallmark of a family bonded by love. He, therefore urged Rivers people in particular, and Nigerians in general, to disregard and discountenance the allegations and their fabricators whose main agenda is to de-market the PDP and the State.
Of course, society watchers are in full agreement with the Chief of Staff on his timely and robust intervention and admonition since the two groups belong to the same political party that is contending to win the coming elections both in the State and at the centre. He clearly acted wisely as rumors of such magnitude, if not urgently nipped in the bud, could work against the interest of his principal, the party and the people of the State at a time of tensed political atmosphere in the nation as the 2023 general elections beckon.
For good reason, it is expedient to advise that politicians at all levels should endeavor to rise above pettiness and present themselves as true leaders of the people by showing restraint in their public utterances so as not to cause disaffection or chaos within the unsuspecting public.
What renegade politicians should not fail to understand is that politics is a game that should be played by the rules and not to be approached as a do -or -die contest because only the living is guaranteed to play the game in due seasons, again and again.
It must, as well, be understood that success in politics is always a product of team work with established structures at Units, Wards, Local Governments, States and the Centre. It also requires the players to be on ground at the grassroots and not from the Diaspora, on pages of newspapers and electronic or social media.
One, therefore, finds it heartwarming that the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Emeka Woke, quickly, effectively and efficiently rose to the occasion in dispelling the dangerous rumours that such meeting ever held, reassuring and inspiring confidence that democracy is on course in the State and that those who are working to pollute the political atmosphere are identified, isolated and disarmed.
The second reason that endeared the Chief of Staff to me was another proactive action he took some years ago. It was a similar scenario that tended to inflame passion and raise political tension in the State.
The case in point was that of ranting of one Chief Gani Toba, who went on Rhythm FM “‘View Point “ programme to blackmail and castigate the Governor and government of Rivers State on trump-up, frivolous and unfounded allegations of non-performance, ostensibly sponsored by detractors, traducers, naysayers and enemies of the multiple award-winning and serially acclaimed best performing governor in Nigeria.
On that occasion, Engr Woke made his way into the studios of the radio station with hard-cold evidences of facts and figures to meet the blackmailer and debunked the white lies, while challenging Chief Toba to recant his wicked claims or face legal action.
Of course, those who tuned to the programme on the day were held spell-bound as the attention-seeking, self-styled Ogoni-born environmental activist was taken to the cleaners and his frivolous allegations completely destroyed without much ado.
It is worthy of note that since that singular bold, courageous and spontaneous reaction of Engr Woke, no one in the State has dared to brazenly brandish such lies and unsubstantiated allegations against the governor and the government, not Chief Toba or anyone else.
Certainly, that encounter sent strong signals to everyone, especially those who harbour evil motives against the government and its Chief Executive, that a no-nonsense Chief of Staff that would not condone misguided, ill-advised and deliberately fabricated falsehood intended to discredit and distract his boss, the Governor, was in office and alive to his responsibilities in the Rivers State Government House.
Political observers are of the opinion in many circles of discussion that the Chief of Staff needs commendations for his proactive actions in times of potentially volatile happenings which might culminate to a breach of the peace in the State.
They say that he is a square peg in a square hole who had long synergised with Governor Nyesom Wike from the foundation of the NEW Rivers Vision and through to the 2015 general elections. He did not leave the side of the Governor during the turbulent and trying moments of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) when the All Progressives Congress (APC) held sway and dominated power in the state.
In the face of the high challenge of wresting power from the APC in those days, Chief Woke, along with other like minds, kept faith with Governor Wike in the battle to overcome the odds against contending with the power of incumbency and coming out victorious when many could not stand the heat and capitulated.
He is an apostle, unapologetic loyalist, a Mente and scion of the political order of Governor Nyesom Wike, the toast and grandmaster of contemporary Nigerian politics, who has remained with his master in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from inception of political party formation in 1998.
Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke is, therefore, a well established political personality in Rivers State that needs little or no introduction. Simply known as Chief Emeka Woke, he is well spoken of for his resilience, resourcefulness and bravery.
He was appointed by Governor Nyesom Wike, aka Mr. Quality Projects of Nigeria, in 2015, upon the inception of his (Wike) administration, and has kept his job till date.
Chief Woke, a proud son of Ikwerre Ethinic Nationality was a former elected Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, who was during his tenure as council boss, adjudged by political pundits as meticulous, meritorious and frugal in the running of the affairs of the council. Many believe that these were the traits that attracted the eagle eyes of His Excellency, himself (Wike) a proven performer at that tier of government, in spotting him among others for appointment into this sensitive position of Government.
His teeming associates describe him as a silent achiever, a man of the people, grassroots mobilizer, strict and straight forward, a philanthropist and a go getter. He is also regarded as one of the most popular and worthy political leaders in Emohua Local Government Area, who speaks and the people listen.
Political pundits, public affairs commentators and society watchers refer to him as the undisputed head of the political engine room of Government House in the present administration.
He is among the most reliable and closest political allies of the Governor and his family; a confidant, political adviser and defender of inestimable value to the Governor on government policies at any time.
Chief Emeka Woke is the 5th Chief of Staff, Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt, since 1999. This political personality is definitely one of the hopes of the state in the years ahead.
By: Odinaka Osundu
Osundu, a public affairs commentator, resides in Port Harcourt.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Obiora Ifoh, the party said it had taken note of Mr Obi’s defection alongside some of his supporters, as well as what it called a “lacklustre speech” delivered by the former Anambra State governor at the defection event.
“We wondered what new he intends to sell to Nigerians,” the party said, adding that it was not surprised by the move, having “since September 2024, parted ways with Peter Obi and some of his blind supporters in the National Assembly.”
According to the statement, the faction said it had patiently awaited Mr Obi’s exit, describing it as a blessing.
“The party is finally liberated by this defection and as party leaders, we count it as a blessing,” the party said.
The faction further disclosed that it had previously urged Mr Obi and his supporters to leave if they were unable to work with the party leadership.
It claimed that several lawmakers had been suspended for anti-party activities and that similar action would have been taken against Mr Obi but for the intervention of “some well-meaning Nigerians.”
It also blamed its internal crisis on Mr Obi and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, accusing them of sponsoring what it described as an insurrection against the Julius Abure-led leadership.
“The crisis we had in the Labour Party was caused by Peter Obi and the Abia State governor, Alex Otti,” the statement alleged, adding that it was surprising Dr Otti had not followed Mr Obi out of the party despite his suspension.
Reacting to Mr Obi’s defection event in Enugu, the faction claimed the gathering was largely boycotted by prominent political and traditional institutions in the South East, insisting that those present were “political spent forces who cannot win in their wards should there be an election today.”
It warned that this development signalled the failure of any future Mr Obi presidential or vice-presidential ambition, claiming he had “clearly lost the charm that had endeared him to the people prior to 2023.”
The faction also accused Mr Obi of misleading the South East during the 2023 elections, alleging that the region suffers political marginalisation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a result.
“He must be told that the South East lost out completely in President Ahmed Tinubu’s government because they trusted and believed in him in 2023,” the statement said, alleging disparities in ministerial appointments and infrastructure allocation to the zone.
The Abure-Led LP apologised to Nigerians for its decision in the last election.
“We gave Nigerians a candidate we thought was good for the nation in 2023, but time has since proved that we made the greatest political mistake. We plead for forgiveness from Nigerians,” the party said.
It urged Nigerians to watch out for a rebranded Labour Party, promising to present “the best prospect” capable of returning Nigeria to what it described as its “glorious days.”
steadily toward unity, justice, and shared prosperity”, he said.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at his country home in Ikere-Ekiti, Dr Oluyede said the development came as a shock, stressing that INEC supervised and monitored the PDP governorship primary that produced him as the party’s candidate.
According to him, INEC officials documented the process, completed all required forms, and even affirmed his candidacy in court through sworn affidavits arising from cases linked to the primary election.
He maintained that no court order or injunction currently restrains INEC from listing his name as the PDP candidate, arguing that the electoral body lacks the constitutional power to determine who emerges as a party’s nominee.
Dr Oluyede described such decisions as the exclusive responsibility of political parties, not the electoral umpire.
While playing down panic over the released list, Dr Oluyede noted that electoral processes often involve reviews and corrections.
He disclosed that he had commenced wide consultations, including engagements with PDP leadership and formal correspondence with INEC, to seek clarification on the omission and determine the next line of action.
The PDP candidate assured his supporters across Ekiti State that he would appear on the ballot, expressing confidence that the situation would be resolved in his favour.
He described attempts to exclude candidates from elections as dangerous and undemocratic, warning that such tactics undermine the people’s right to freely choose their leaders.
Dr Oluyede called on the people of Ekiti to reject any form of disenfranchisement, insisting that elections should be contests of ideas, records, and acceptance by the electorate rather than exclusionary maneuvers.
He also declared that the PDP in Ekiti had resolved its past internal crises and was now united, focused, and ready to win the forthcoming governorship election.
He urged party members and supporters to remain calm and focused, expressing optimism that, with divine grace and the will of the people, the PDP would emerge victorious at the polls.
Mr Obi spoke while formally declaring for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at a well-attended event in Enugu on Wednesday, where he outlined what he described as a fresh roadmap for rescuing the country from its socio-economic challenges.
Addressing party members, supporters and other stakeholders, the former governor stressed that leadership must be driven by integrity and accountability, warning against the culture of double standards in public office.
“We cannot continue to deceive our people. Leadership is about telling the truth and leading by example. You cannot promise one thing in public and do another in private. That is not leadership, and that is not the change Nigeria needs”, Mr Obi said.
He maintained that genuine national rebirth would only be possible if entrenched wrongs were corrected, adding that governance must be guided by competence, discipline and a clear sense of purpose.
Mr Obi also underscored the need for fresh thinking in the nation’s political space, urging political actors to move away from recycled ideas that have failed to deliver sustainable development.
“We must come with new ideas,” he said, adding that “Nigeria’s problems are not mysterious; what has been lacking is the courage and competence to address them differently. We need a new approach that puts people first and focuses on production, not consumption.”
Calling for a broad based political collaboration, Mr Obi appealed to parties and stakeholders across ideological divides to work together in the national interest.
“This country is bigger than any party or individual. All parties must come together to change the present trend. What matters is not the platform, but the future of Nigeria and the wellbeing of its citizens”, he declared.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Mr Obi challenged aspirants seeking elective offices to ensure transparency in their credentials, warning that the era of falsified certificates was drawing to a close.
“Anyone contesting for any position in 2027 must come with genuine certificates. All the machinery is now in place to verify what is genuine and what is not. Integrity must start from the very foundation of leadership”, he stated.
Drawing lessons from international development models, Mr Obi cited Rwanda and Indonesia as examples of countries that rose from difficult beginnings to become thriving economies through disciplined leadership and sound policies.
“These countries were once behind us,” he noted, adding that “Today, they are moving ahead because they chose competent leadership, clear vision and policies that support local production and human capital development.”
He also criticised the economic policies of the present administration, particularly the continued importation of food items that can be produced locally, describing such practices as inimical to national development.
“You cannot grow an economy by killing local production. Importing food that we can produce in Nigeria destroys jobs, weakens our farmers and drains our foreign exchange. A serious country must produce what it consumes”, he argued.
The event featured renewed calls from ADC supporters for sustained engagement and mobilisation, as Mr Obi reiterated his belief that Nigeria remains redeemable if led with honesty, competence and a commitment to shared national progress.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, expressed confidence in the emerging coalition, assuring Nigerians that the party would deliver good governance at all levels of administration if entrusted with power.
The gathering also witnessed the defection of several prominent politicians from different political parties across the South-East and beyond.
The motion endorsing the defection was moved by a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, and seconded by former economic adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Osita Ogbu.
Goodwill messages from notable political figures, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Mrs. Aisha Yesufu, Chief Sam Egwu, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Chief Achike Udenwa, Mr Onyema Ugochukwu and Senator Gilbert Nnaji among others, further underscored the growing momentum within the ADC.
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