news
IS WIKE AN ASSET OR A LIABILITY TO TINUBU?
Published
7 months agoon
IS WIKE AN ASSET OR A LIABILITY TO TINUBU?
By Rex Akindele
Sahara Weekly Reports That Politics, they say is a game of interest. No permanent friend, no permanent enemy but permanent interest. But in every sphere of life, there’s morality and a man is best respected by his principles and the values he stand for.
There’s this school of thought that says “if you don’t stand for anything, you fall for everything”. This is the crossroad where the former governor of Rivers State and incumbent Minister of the FCT, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike stands.
Loud, brutish and loquacious with a touch of arrogance, the APC as a political Party was always the butt of his not so funny jokes while he held sway as governor of Rivers State.
Wike rose from the ashes of the crisis that engulfed Rivers State in 2007 after the gubernatorial primaries of the PDP in the State which the then president, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo described as having a K-leg. The winner of that primaries, Rotimi Amaechi with a natural K-leg was not the preferred candidate of the powers that be and he was unceremoniously substituted with Sir Celestine Omeiha to fly the flag of the Party. What ensued after was a pre-election legal battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court. After the general elections which Omeiha won and was inaugurated as governor, the heat became unbearable for Amaechi and he escaped to Ghana on a self-imposed exile. It was Barr. Wike, a former Council Chairman of Obior/Akpor Local Government and close ally of Amaechi that stayed behind to coordinate the legal team and supporters of Amaechi until the case was decided by the Apex Court.
In appreciation of the job Wike did while he was away, Gov. Amaechi appointed him as his Chief of Staff during his first term in office. The Chief of Staff in the current system we practice wields a lot of powers and Amaechi, seeing how powerful and ambitious Wike was becoming, decided to cut him to size by not re-appointing him when he won his second term in 2011. Amaechi in one of his interviews, confessed that Wike was getting depressed and when an opportunity came to nominate a Minister from the State, a mutual friend of theirs pleaded with him to consider Wike in order to save him from a mental crisis. That was when Wike was nominated, and appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan as Minister of State for Education in his government.
When Governor Amaechi and President Jonathan fell apart, Wike took advantage of the crisis to build a parallel structure for Jonathan in Rivers and when Amaechi joined forces with 4 other PDP governors to create a faction within the PDP known as the New PDP, which later joined the APC, Wike, a cabinet Minister, took charge of PDP in Rivers State as the leader being the highest political office holder from the State. With the entire Party structure in his kitty and as the right hand man of President Jonathan who was contesting for a second term in office, the Governorship ticket of the PDP was an easy pick for Wike and despite the opposition from the then incumbent and his estranged friend, Rotimi Amaechi, Wike rode on the South-South sentiment and the popularity of President Jonathan in the region to clinch the governorship seat. This was Wike’s journey to limelight.
I have taken time to explain this to let you see that Wike is a crisispreneur and among active politicians in the country today, he has benefited from crisis the most. That’s why he rejoices whenever he sense a crisis anywhere as crisis to him is like the green grass to the green snake. His involvement with the APC during the last general election was as a result of the crisis that engulfed the PDP after their presidential primaries of 2022 in which he was an aspirant. His role in President Tinubu winning Rivers in 2023 can never be overemphasized but while he presented himself as someone fighting for the interest of Southern Nigeria, he lost what could have been a tremendous goodwill from such act by accepting a ministerial appointment from the president and the Party he had bad-mouthed for 8 years. It means it was all about his personal interest all along, which on its own is not bad if only he can swallow his pride and show some respect for others.
Mr Wike’s brazing use of his vantage position as a cabinet Minister in an opposition government to interfere with the governance of his home State of Rivers without reservation is becoming a moral burden for the Tinubu administration. Crisis of mistrust and disloyalty is common between successive governors and their predecessors in Nigeria since the inception of this democratic dispensation and on all occasions, the sitting governor always have the sympathy of the people.
At present, like Rivers, there’s a cold war in other States between governors and their benefactors, particularly in Benue State where Senator George Akume, a former governor of the State and incumbent Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and his anointed governor, a Catholic Priest turned politician, Fr. Hyacinth Alia are fighting for supremacy. Senator Akume has maintained a dignified silence and conducted himself in a manner befitting of a high profile government appointee while allowing his men to battle it out with the governor. In the case of Mr Wike, he talks at every given opportunity in a demeaning language directing his missiles not only to his State governor but also to any elder that dare to associate with the governor. Some of those words are not even good enough to be used on an opponent not to talk of members of the same political Party. His supporters continue to abandon him on daily basis as it seems the communities are now turning against those fighting the governor.
Rivers State is a very delicate State. One of the oil producing States in the country that has the privilege of serving as the operational base of most oil companies in the region. It used to be the hotbed of militant activities until the intervention of late President Umaru Yar’Adua who introduced an amnesty programme to appease aggrieved youths fighting many years of neglect and insensitivity to the plight of their people. Today, anything that threatens the peace of Rivers State is a threat to national security and it’s becoming obvious from the tone of Elders, traditional leaders and stakeholders of the region that the Minister of the FCT is seen more as a threat to peace in the State, a character unbecoming of someone who served as Chief Security Officer of the State for 8 years.
On the political side, Wike is lost between the devil and the deep blue sea. After the 2023 general election where the PDP failed woefully due to some decisions and miscalculations of her presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Wike was supposed to be the rallying point of aggrieved stakeholders and frustrated supporters of the Party. He was being looked upon, along side members of his G-5, to become the new face of the opposition in the country and give the Party new direction until he tumbled from his Olympia height. He had Governor Ortom, the former governor of Benue State who was a torn in the flesh of the Buhari led APC administration with him. But by choosing to serve as minister in an opposition government, he lost the trust of his fellow ‘comrades’ and the first to abandon him was the only remaining governor among them, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. His appointment as Minister from Rivers, with Mr President not giving extra consideration to the State in order to accommodate someone from the original APC family, threw the APC into confusion. Today, while the national secretariat of the APC dissolved the State Working Committee and installed Wike’s loyalists in a caretaker capacity, Wike remained a PDP member in the day and APC at night thereby allowing both Parties to suffer in the State as he continue to play the double game. Lovers of multi-Party democracy will definitely question President Tinubu’s democratic credentials on the account of this. A virile democracy strives on the foundation of a strong and healthy opposition and the President will do his image in the international community a lot of good if he concentrate on strengthening his Party rather than being seen as destroying the opposition.
Regardless the number of State Assembly members standing with the minister, it’s a near impossibility to impeach the governor as the State will go up in flames. Seen as the first person to emerge as governor of the State from the riverine communities since the return of democracy in 1999, Gov Fubara has played the ethnic card very well to his advantage. He has also succeeded in harvesting all the other former governors who were also at the receiving end of Wike’s arrogance, vindictiveness and winner-takes-all approach to politics.
It has now come to the public that with all the noise from Rivers during his time as governor, Local Government workers were denied the statutory minimum wage of ₦30,000 and for 8 years, their promotion was stagnated. The national leadership of NULGE had to send a powerful delegation to governor Fubara to commend him for righting the wrongs of the past by implementing minimum wage for local government employees in the State and effecting their backlog of promotions. If these and more is been done to ingratiate himself to the people, Fubara has succeeded to a great extent as it continue to eat into any godwill left of Mr Wike as his former trusted allies throng the government house in Port Harcourt on daily basis to pay homage to the governor and pledge their allegiance.
If an election were to be conducted in Rivers State today, can Wike still be able to deliver for Mr President? The answer is a big NO and the situation will get worse with time.
It is therefore high time President Tinubu begin to see Wike as a political liability and social disaster by reaching out to other stakeholders and making new friends in Rivers State in order to safeguard his political future in the Niger Delta.
Akindele wrote this piece from Kubwa, FCT and can be reached at [email protected]
Related
Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]
Politics
‘I Did Not Sign $45.21m Flyover Deal with China’, Okpebholo Replies PDP
Published
6 days agoon
October 27, 2024‘I Did Not Sign $45.21m Flyover Deal with China’, Okpebholo Replies PDP
Sahara Weekly Reports That Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has denied ever signing any deal with the Chinese government to the tune of $45.21m for flyover bridges.
He, therefore assured the people of the state that he would not be another memorandum of understanding (MoU) governor like Godwin Obaseki.
Okpebholo gave the assurance weekend while reacting to an allegation by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that he had signed a $45.21m deal with China Exim Bank.
The senator, who gave the assurance in a statement by his media aide, Godswill Inegbe, said he would not be distracted by the outbursts of those who are ‘still licking their wounds after losing the September 21 governorship election in the state.’
Putting a lie to the write-up, Okpebholo explained that as a governor-elect, he was not in any official capacity to obtain any loan on behalf of the State.
He said: “I am rather working on how to offset the numerous loans obtained by the outgoing Gov Godwin Obaseki administration without any correlating
development.
Full text of the statement…
Re: Ahead of Inauguration: Akpakomiza signs a $45.21m MoU with a Chinese Bank to build flyovers in Benin City.
Their lies and mischief have no end!
We wish to draw the attention of the general public to the mischievous publication, which speculates that the winner of the 21st November governorship election in Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was in talks with a Chinese agency to obtain a loan of $45.21 million to execute the construction of three flyovers in Benin city.
Ordinarily, we would not have bothered to react to such distractions but since our investigation has revealed that the report was orchestrated by those still licking their wounds from the recent defeat, we are constrained to put the record straight.
The Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on invitation, was in the office of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria in Abuja when the photograph they are now sharing on the internet was taken.
The Governor-elect was not on a mission to sign any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China-Exim Bank for a loan, as dubiously claimed in the said publication.
Understandably, as Governor-elect, Senator Okpebholo is not in any official capacity to obtain any loan on behalf of the State; rather, he is working on how to offset the numerous loans obtained by the outgoing administration without any correlating development.
The Governor-elect, being a realist, will not build his administration on MoUs, and neither will he become another MoU Governor of Edo State.
The agents of the outgoing administration and members of the defeated PDP who are spreading false rumors about the Governor-elect should focus on the transition process, which, in any case, they are working tirelessly to truncate.
The Governor-elect will not take advice from those who have failed and mortgaged the future of the Edo people over the past seven years.
The Governor-elect will not be a looter of public funds as Governor of Edo state; rather, he will judiciously manage the resources that belong to Edo people to develop Edo State.
Instead of resorting to the promotion of lies and falsehoods, we expect the mischief-makers to apologize to the good people of the State while undergoing penance for their atrocities.
We expect them to confess their sins and seek forgiveness from the people of Edo State, whom they have traumatized financially, mentally, and otherwise in the past seven years!
E-Signed:
Godswill Inegbe,
S.A Media to Senator Monday Okpebholo,
October 27, 2024.
Related
The Power of Accepting Your Past – Prudent Ludidi
Today, I want to address something that holds many of us back: our struggle to accept our past. We’ve all found ourselves trapped in cycles of regret, shame, and guilt, replaying mistakes and wishing we could go back. But the reality is, we can’t change what’s already happened. The past, with all its challenges, is a part of us and has shaped who we are today. Refusing to accept it only leads us to reject parts of ourselves.
Accepting our past doesn’t mean dwelling on it. It means acknowledging it, learning from it, and then moving forward with clarity and strength. When we do this, we free ourselves from shame and guilt, forgive both ourselves and others, gain closure, and open doors to peace and confidence.
However, without acceptance, we risk remaining stuck in a cycle of regret and anger, missing out on present moments, and continuing patterns of self-destructive behavior. We may even find ourselves struggling with anxiety and depression, weighed down by what we haven’t come to terms with.
How Do We Begin to Accept Our Past?
1. Practice Self-Compassion – Be kind to yourself, as you would with a friend.
2. Acknowledge Your Feelings – Allow yourself to feel. Don’t suppress or ignore.
3. Reframe Negative Experiences – See them as part of your growth, not just mistakes.
4. Focus on the Present – Let today be your priority, not yesterday.
5. Take Small Steps Toward Healing – Acceptance is a journey. Begin one step at a time.
Remember, your past is a chapter of your story, not the entire book. You are more than your mistakes and regrets. You are unique, talented, and worthy, capable of growth, learning, and change. Accepting your past takes courage, but it’s worth every effort.
When you recognize and honor your experiences, you open yourself up to healing and peace. You’ll start to see your past not as a burden, but as a foundation for a brighter future.
Embrace Your Story
Don’t shy away from your past. Confront it, allow yourself to feel, and learn. You are not alone in carrying scars from your past. Many of us do, but what truly matters is how we choose to live with them. We can let them hold us back, or we can use them as fuel for growth.
Choosing to accept your past makes the present more vibrant and meaningful, filling it with purpose and life. With acceptance, you’ll find a renewed sense of freedom and peace, empowering you to live fully in the present and look forward to the future.
You are strong, resilient, and capable of growth. Let’s commit today to accept our pasts, embrace our scars, and celebrate our imperfections. Let’s start living fully, with our eyes fixed on a brighter future.
Thank you.
As you read this, take a moment to reflect on your journey. What lessons have you learned from your past? Feel free to share your story and inspire others to embrace theirs. Together, we can move forward with strength and hope.
Related
news
Hardship at Its Peak, Lives at Stake: Ajanaku Urges Politicians to Suspend Politics and Support the Peoples
Published
7 days agoon
October 26, 2024
In a fervent appeal to Nigeria’s political class, Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku, prominent businessman, socialite, and Chief Executive of Ajanaku Holdings, has voiced deep concern over the growing humanitarian crisis engulfing the nation. He urged politicians to suspend their political ambitions and refocus on the immediate needs of the Nigerian people, who are grappling with escalating hardship and insecurity.
Speaking candidly to journalists on Friday, Ajanaku attributed the deteriorating situation to misdirection, misplaced priorities and lack of trust in leaders. He emphasized that the solution lies not solely with President Bola Tinubu, but through collective responsibility and support for the government.
He underscored that this hardship, which affects millions across Nigeria, cannot be ignored or brushed aside, as it threatens the very fabric of society.
“Our economic situation is dire,” he said. “Millions of Nigerians are suffering terribly, including the youth and children. The hardship has reached a critical point, and we must act now to save lives and prevent further deterioration of our nation.”
Ajanaku highlighted that the current economic distress cannot be alleviated solely through the actions of President Bola Tinubu, as some have been led to believe. Although he expressed faith in Tinubu’s leadership, he clarified that real change requires collaboration at all levels of government and commitment from state and local leaders who are closer to the people. He pointed out that many federal government policies, though well-intentioned, are designed for long-term impact and thus are insufficient for addressing the urgent needs of those in vulnerable communities.
“While I trust President Tinubu’s capacity to lead Nigeria towards a better future, the immediate needs of our people demand collective action now,” Ajanaku stated. “Local governments must step up and address the suffering in their communities. This isn’t solely the President’s responsibility—it’s a shared duty that requires compassion and urgency.”
He urged politicians to prioritize humanitarian initiatives over political agendas, calling the continued focus on the upcoming 2027 elections “unconscionable” given the current plight of the people. According to Ajanaku, many politicians are preoccupied with campaigns and media appearances, often publicizing token acts of charity that fail to address the depth of the crisis.
“It’s shocking to see politicians rushing to campaign for 2027 when citizens are suffering daily from hunger,” Ajanaku remarked. “Why parade your generosity on social media when people are dying from lack of basic necessities? Genuine giving should be discreet and meaningful, aiming to ease the community’s suffering—not for publicity.”
In his impassioned plea, Ajanaku urged political figures, corporate leaders, and other stakeholders to put aside at least 20 percent of their resources to support those in need within their communities. He expressed confidence that such coordinated efforts would alleviate immediate pressures and enable the federal government to create lasting solutions without being weighed down by widespread poverty and unrest.
Ajanaku also pointed out that despite increased monthly allocations from the federal government to states and local councils, there has been little improvement in the welfare of the masses. He challenged leaders across all tiers of government to be accountable and utilize their resources to bring immediate relief to the people.
“Federal allocations continue to be distributed, and in many cases, they’ve increased,” Ajanaku noted. “There is no excuse for our elected officials and government agencies to stand idle while our people suffer. It’s time for them to act, to wipe the tears from our people’s faces.”
Ajanaku concluded by emphasizing the importance of unity and collective resolve to confront Nigeria’s numerous challenges, from poverty and insurgency to kidnapping and other social vices. He called on all Nigerians, regardless of status, to rise to the occasion, standing together to help the country regain its footing.
“While we trust in President Tinubu’s leadership to steer Nigeria towards a brighter future, let us also unite in a shared mission: to liberate our people from poverty, eradicate social vices, and restore peace in our beloved nation. Long live Nigeria,” Ajanaku said.
As hardship reaches unprecedented levels, Ajanaku’s words resonate as a call to action, urging those in positions of influence to look beyond personal gain and political power, and to prioritize the well-being of the Nigerian people above all else.
Related
Trending
-
Business6 months ago
Maxwell Opara Goofed Says AAS Investors As They Stand By Jesam Michael, Demand For Justice
-
society6 months ago
Alleged Assault In Court: Setting The Record Straight, Jesam Michael is The Victim, Not Maxwell Opara
-
society6 months ago
Exposing The Many Lies Of Wanted Cyber Bully, Dorcas Adeyinka + Her Failed Attempt To Blackmail The Odegbamis
-
Business6 months ago
AAS $87m Theft Case: Abayomi Oluwasesan Remanded In Suleja Prison As Police Arrest Prince Humble, Engineer Oma