The growing agitation for good governance is in line with the expectation of the people, a people who continue to think that the reversal of the military back to their constitutional role in 1999, for them a possibility that the succeeding political class would hit the ground running. Alas the people were mistaken as truth be told, Nigerians have not enjoyed the fruits of democracy and the growing discontent is the result. The question now is how well our democracy is and some of the political leaders have made an impressive outing that gives room for hope in the future.
The inspiration for writing this feature is purely out of the enigmatic and leadership style of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike which continues to win him the applause and awards from both far and wide. Certainly, he is not the first governor of River State but he is the indisputable dominant force in the political architecture of the state. Interesting, it is not because he is the current governor but a matter of his style. On one hand, people view him as brazenly outspoken, in another many saw they don’t know how to define him. Of course, not because he is one that hides his true colour but because of his determination and ready defence of what is just, fair and good for Nigeria. He is outspoken, fearless and quite gentlemanly.
His continued gracefulness especially in the face of intimidation and harassment by members of the last government in Rivers with their allies in the central government, his deft moves in checking and avoiding complete breakdown of law and order is a source of his demonstrable skills in handling heated situation without abandoning his core objectives. Before his ascendancy in 2015, the titanic battles he faced in his desire for governorship seat both from within and beyond his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, only revealed his mental magnitude and political sagacity.
His roar like that of the lion in the jungle sent shivers down the spine of his opponents. My fascination for his doggedness, purpose driven campaign and exemplary leadership and governance model, which is second to none since the creation of the state is a popularly acclaimed sentiment that drives both his supporters and the vast majority of the resident of the state into a frenzy. His continued support across the entire length and breadth of the state is phenomenal and a cause of irritation for his political opponents.
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is the indisputable issue in Rivers politics and by extension the politics of the south- south, nay Nigeria. he evokes passion all. It is either he is passionately loved or hated in equal measure but he can’t be ignored. He towers above all, the more the opposition attempt to undermine him the more he grows in stature. I have serially told my audience that leadership doesn’t allow by accident or by happenstance. Wike’s trajectory can best be appreciated against a thematic examination of his roles in the politics of Rivers State since the dawn of constitutional democracy in the state since 1999, without which many of his exploits and interesting details would be glossed over and forgotten and that is why the opposition to their own peril keeps underrating him.
The strongest point of Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is his nexus with the grassroots and fraternal bond with the people. He relates with people with a common approach devoid of unnecessary officialdom, recognizing and calling people by their names. The previous and current high office which he occupies has detached him away, rather he continues to interact unhindered with the people and he gets hailed around and about the state, especially as he commissions project with unusual rapidity. The notion of good governance finds expression in Wike. There is a growing call for him to declare his interest for a second term in office but he has remained focused, I hope he heed the call to render more and greater service during his second term in office.
I have observed the expression and appropriateness of Governor Wike as a fit subject for leadership studies. The first research question would be what drives him? It would omit from the well-known anecdotes and familiar stories about hi to making salient points that would stand the test of time. Many would readily attest that the possibility of Governor Wike’s return to office is a fait accompli because the people of the state are desirous of him seeing the quantum of projects he has commissioned since his assumption of office.
Ever ready, Wike is up to the task. His trajectory has prepared him for this task which he currently ride upon, especially his grip on the imagination of the people coupled with exemplary leadership and executive action makes him the preferred candidate from the pool of jesters which the opposition flaunts with reckless insensitivity. Amongst the people, he is consider the action governor and another nickname is Mr. Projects. Even the All Progressive Congress chieftains such as the Vice-President Yemi Osibanjo have publicly attested to that fact. At any rate, Wike has never been moved by such praise, he believes that he was elected to do great job and that’s all in it for him.
No wonder, therefore that he has effectively retired some people in Rivers politics who think of themselves as the ‘lord of the manor’ who must be worshipped and venerated. His offences is that he resisted such, rightly asserting that it is only the Almighty God that ought to be worshipped and venerated and no man. In 2011, when he was elected against all permutations, the opposition promised to make his rein characterised by turbulence. They have not disappointed but Wike’s genuineness and sincerity of purpose continue to make him tower above the evil machination and plot of these spineless characters. The more they boast of making Rivers unstable, the more Wike’s result of hard work make his choice the best thus far.
Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, to be sure, is APC’s nightmare. They think ceaselessly of how to unseat him. He remains the nightmare of the opposition. Now in the build up to the 2019 elections, they have vowed to remove Wike from office through crooked means. They have since forgotten that they didn’t plant him and as such can’t. The people spoke and have remained resolute about Wike. An attempt to strangulate his administration has failed woefully and will always fail because he is the creation of God and was only validated by the people. In Rivers, the choice between and the opposition makes for a easy choice: it is always Wike.