Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and immediate past Governor of Rivers State, once commanded significant respect as a formidable figure in Nigerian politics. From his days as a Minister of State for Education under President Goodluck Jonathan, Wike’s rise to prominence was meteoric, marked by his spirited defiance of political intimidation and a reputation as a champion of the people. However, in a dramatic reversal, Wike now finds himself estranged from the very principles that defined his earlier political career—integrity, dignity, and service to the common good.
The Rise of a Political Maverick
Wike’s ascension to the governorship of Rivers State in 2015 was no small feat. The political machinery of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside the influential backing of the then-First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, propelled him into office. This victory came at a critical time when the opposition, led by his predecessor Rotimi Amaechi, defected to the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC). Wike’s resilience and doggedness ensured that Rivers State remained a PDP stronghold, even in the face of military intimidation and political subterfuge.
As governor, he garnered admiration for his confrontational yet effective leadership style. Wike stood firm against perceived injustices, notably resisting the alleged authoritarian tendencies of the Muhammadu Buhari administration during the 2019 general elections. His image as a “Rock of Gibraltar” solidified his reputation as a defender of democratic principles.
The Fall from Grace
By 2023, however, the trajectory of Wike’s political career began to take a troubling turn. His bid for the PDP presidential ticket ended in disappointment, with Atiku Abubakar emerging as the party’s candidate. Despite pledging to respect the outcome of the primaries, Wike’s subsequent actions betrayed this commitment. Rather than supporting the PDP, he openly worked against the party, diverting the resources and influence of Rivers State to bolster Bola Tinubu’s presidential campaign.
This act of defiance earned him a ministerial appointment in Tinubu’s cabinet as FCT Minister—a role in which Wike has adopted an authoritarian posture, much to the dismay of his former supporters. Allegations of land seizures targeting the less privileged, favoritism in land allocations, and controversial policies have cast him in an unflattering light. The man once celebrated as a defender of the common man is now seen as an oppressor, wielding power to enrich the elite while disregarding the plight of ordinary citizens.
Undermining Governance and the PDP
Beyond his tenure in Rivers State, Wike’s actions have continued to reverberate negatively on Nigeria’s political landscape. His strained relationship with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has been characterized by federal interference aimed at undermining the state’s administration. Meanwhile, his presence within the PDP has become a source of discord. Despite refusing to formally leave the party, Wike has remained a divisive figure, creating an atmosphere of acrimony that weakens the opposition’s effectiveness.
Within the Tinubu administration, Wike has proven to be more of a liability than an asset. His controversial policies and public conduct have added to the administration’s woes, amplifying public discontent at a time when Nigerians are grappling with the economic and social challenges of a new government.
A Troubling Legacy
One of Wike’s most contentious actions as FCT Minister has been the allocation of housing to judges, allegedly at the behest of the President. While ostensibly intended to support the judiciary, this move raises serious ethical and constitutional questions about the separation of powers. Critics argue that such gifts compromise judicial independence, echoing concerns raised during Wike’s tenure as governor when he was accused of using similar tactics to co-opt the judiciary in Rivers State.
A Call for Reflection
The Nyesom Wike of today stands in stark contrast to the bold and principled leader he once was. His descent into what many perceive as political opportunism and autocratic tendencies is both disappointing and instructive. It serves as a cautionary tale of how power, when unchecked, can erode the values that elevate leaders to prominence in the first place.
For Wike, the time has come for introspection. If he fails to recalibrate and return to the ideals that once endeared him to Nigerians, his political legacy risks being overshadowed by controversy and betrayal. History will judge him harshly if he does not reclaim the moral compass that once guided his political journey.
Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray is a Journalist,
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Truth Live News Int’l and a Socio-Political Activist writes from London, England!