OPINION:

WHO IS NYESOM WIKE TO ARROGATE SO MUCH NON-EXISTENT POWERS TO HIMSELF?

IS HE BIGGER THAN CHIEF ADA GEORGE, SIR DR. PETER ODILI AND OTHER RIVERS ELDERS AND LEADERS?

DOES WIKE OWN RIVERS STATE MORE THAN THOSE LEADERS WHO HAVE APPEALED TO HIM TO ALLOW PEACE TO REIGN IN THE STATE?

Beside the fact that Chief Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike was Lord of Motor Parks in Port Harcourt, there is no other record of his sacrifices and contributions either to the creation of Rivers State or in any other areas.

It is therefore sad when Wike shouts and makes noise everywhere as if he was not born by a woman or made relevant by other leaders.

Listening to Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike gives a deceptive impression of a self-made man which is not true.

Senator John Azuka-Mbata his kinsman picked him and sponsored his election as Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State and many thanks to Governor Peter Otunaya Odili who magnanimously gave him the Party Ticket to run for two terms.

Thereafter, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Ameachi appointed him as Chief of Staff and later recommended him for Ministerial appointment.

Based on Amaechi's recommendation, President Goodluck Jonathan then appointed Wike as Minister of State for Education and later as Acting Minister of Education after Wike betrayed his principal the then Minister of Education Prof. Ruqayyah Ahmed Rufa'i. 

Some highly placed persons took Wike to introduce to Chief Asara A. Asara for his blessing. Thereafter, Asara took Wike to Her Excellency Dame Mrs Patience Jonathan to appeal that he should be given the PDP Governorship Ticket. 

Against all odds, pressures and opposition by Ijaw Elders and Leaders, Chief Asara A. Asara and the pro-Wike group were able to prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan to support the Wike Candidacy amidst protest by Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Ameachi the then outgoing Governor and Ijaw Elders and Leaders who wanted power to shift from upland that had retained power from 1999 to 2015 to the riverine.

Many Ijaw youths were killed during the first and second Term Elections of Wike but how did Wike repay Ijaws who have eleven (11) LGAs out of the 23 LGAs in the State who also own well over 65% of the crude oil and gas in the state?

As governor, Wike transformed himself to a maximum dictator, tyrant, draconian ruler, shylock merchant and a political buccaneer.

Wike ruled Rivers State with Martial Law in a Gestapo style like the Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler. He suspended Local Government Area Chairmen at will as if they were his employees. Today, the same shameless Chairmen who lived like slaves under Wike are ranting and making noise everywhere because they have seen a calm, humble and law abiding Governor Fubara.

Before the eyes of Nigerians Wike demolished houses of his perceived political opponents and enemies at will and no one ever questioned his authorities because of his executive rascality, arrogance and intolerance for opposition.

Wike super imposed his cronies, stooges and puppets in all positions without due regard for elders, leaders and other stakeholders in Rivers State.

Wike was never accountable to anyone. He made himself the law and the beginning and the end. His funny and senseless titles are evidences of his high level of rascality and irresponsibility.

He deliberately located all major projects in his area and asked those who were not happy with his tribal sentiments and tendencies to do same when they take over power. 

Wike shutdown and grounded businesses of all members of the opposition and his perceived enemies and no one questioned his authority.

He also impoverished Rivers people especially leaders he suspected could challenge his authority.

If it was possible, he would have used his puppet and rubber stamped Members of the House of Assembly to change the name of Rivers State to 'Wike State'.

It sad and very unfortunate that Wike failed to understand or realize the fact that many leaders had governed Rivers State that was created in 1967 before his recent governance of the state. The earlier he realizes that he is no longer the governor of Rivers State, the better for him.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the International Community on their part should call Wike to order before he plunges Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta region into another round of avoidable crisis.

Wike is not more important than the former governors, former deputy governors, critical stakeholders, leaders and majority of people of Rivers State who are all supporting incumbent Governor Siminalayi Joseph Fubara to succeed. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should not create a negative impression that Wike who has just one vote is more important than the great elders, leaders and majority of Rivers people.


~~~ Most Senior Comrade Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli aka Mirror and Conscience of Society.

• Former National Director of Mobilization and Chairman, Action Committee of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide. 

• Former Acting President

Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide.

• Executive Director

Centre for Peace Advocacy and Social Rehabilitation (CPASR).

• Incumbent National President

Niger Delta Nonviolence Agitators Forum (NDNAF)...