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2023: Why Nyesom Wike is the Beautiful Bride

Published

4 years ago

July 2, 2022

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, is neither the presidential candidate nor presidential running mate of any party as far as the 2023 general elections are concerned, but the amiable governor has since the presidential primaries of the various political parties become a one man consultative assembly to all parties eyeing the presidential seat. His Port Harcourt home has in the last couple of days played host to major presidential candidates and or their cronies. Though not much of their discussions are in the public domain, it is believed that they are not unconnected to the 2023 elections.

Recall that Wike lost the presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on May 28/29, 2022 at the Velodrome of the MKO Abiola Stadium to eventual flagbearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, coming a distant second. However, the turn of events proved that Wike may likely emerge as the running mate of Atiku, but after a few days when the former Vice President announced his running mate, Wike was not on the list. Reports have so far shown he was shortchanged. The governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, was chosen instead. Ever since, Wike has maintained a dignified silence, creating panic in the PDP camp, and giving leverage to other parties to seek his ‘hand in marriage’. And that prompted the pilgrimages to Port Harcourt of prominent party men and presidential candidates.

The rising profile of Wike prompted a now denied report that the Rivers governor visited the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in France. The report, which has now been proved false, emanated from the Special Adviser to Lagos State governor on drainages, Mr. Joe Igbokwe. The official has since taken down the tweet, making Nigerians wonder where he got the information from.

Tinubu’s spokesperson, Tunde Rahman, said on Friday, that Tinubu did not meet Wike in France, describing Igbokwe’s reports as “fake news”.

Rahman’s statement read, “We have seen a viral social media post made by one of the chieftains of All Progressives Congress in Lagos State and media reports emanating from same about a supposed meeting in France between APC Presidential Standard-bearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.

“It has become imperative to set the record straight. Although Asiwaju Tinubu is presently in France, he didn’t have any meeting with Governor Wike whether in that country or anywhere whatsoever.

“This, however, does not detract from the fact that the APC presidential candidate holds Governor Wike in high esteem…,” the statement said.

Before the debunked report that the Rivers governor met with Tinubu, Wike’s had been seen entertaining some opposition politicians.

The governor had on June 24 hosted the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Port Harcourt. He visited in company of a former governor of Ekiti State and former presidential aspirant, Mr. Ayodele Fayose.

The visit occurred a day after the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, visited Wike, sparking speculations about their intentions and the Rivers governor’s plans.

Though Wike has refused to speak publicly since he lost the running mate slot to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, his recent meetings with political bigwigs have strengthened speculations that he may leave the PDP.

But the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku, was the first to visit the governor, in a fence mending effort after the Abuja primaries in Abuja. His visit was followed by the governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi before others followed suit.

While politicians search for allies in comrades, who can galvanise the masses to their sides, Wike is not only good at galvanising the crowd, he is known to walk his talk in performance, and that, to an extent, explains why political bigwigs are going head over heels to practically sign him on.

Wike’s ability to conduct a presidential aspiration campaign during the primaries, giving Atiku a close fight, and only losing owing the last minute withdrawal of Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, had made the party bigwigs and opposition parties understand that the former Minister of Education is capable of combining talk with verifiable action. The withdrawal had somehow disarranged the equilibrium, giving Atiku a last minute victory.

Again, as the race for the running gathered momentum, Wike’s influence among members of the committee set to decide the party’s presidential running mate, made 14 out of the 17-member committee to vote in favour of Wike against Okowa. How Atiku settled for Okowa against overwhelming majority has remained a subject of discourse.

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, while speaking speaking with Arise TV on a live interview, revealed that some governors are unhappy with Atiku, asking the flagbearer to reach out to Wike as he is seen as a pillar in the party.

Ortom noted Wike’s invincibility, saying that “Currently, Nobody in the party has contributed more for the party to move forward than Wike. If Atiku was not going to honour the decision of the committee, he should have called Wike earlier and informed him. He didn’t do that. You can’t do things anyhow and expect us to be happy.”

In a ditch effort to return to the good books of Wike, Atiku stressed via his official twitter handle that efforts were being made to resolve the grievances of party members.

“The Peoples Democratic Party will remain united. Focus on our actions. We are taking action to address the feelings of all party members. The unity in our community is my priority. Our resolve to unify Nigeria starts in our party and moves to the community, then on to society.

“Every governor, legislator, and other elected officials produced by our party, and party members and loyalists, are much loved and respected by me. When they speak, I listen. I do not only listen. Appropriate actions have been taken, are being taken, and will continue to be advanced,” he tweeted.

At the moment, Wike has kept to himself though feelers coming to The Boss, have hinted that the governor is not happy with the turn of events, and may be considering a defection. It is therefore, common place for every politician, who is really serious about winning the 2023 election to befriend the fierce and outspoken administrator.

Other political stalwarts that have observed pilgrimage at the home of the much sought after political juggernaut include Senate Minority Leader, Philip Aduda and other PDP stakeholders in the state, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoki.

While Wike’s present towering fame continues to create discourse and overwhelming grace in the political circle, it is believed that the governor will positively utilise the outcome for the good of all Nigerians.

Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON, is governor of Nigeria’s ‘treasure base’, Rivers State where he has held sway since May 29, 2015.

An Ikwerre man from Rumuepirikom in Obio-Akpor, Rivers State, Wike was born on December 13, 1963. He is an astute politician, irrepressible lawyer and undaunted hard worker, who is the sixth and current Governor of Rivers State. He is a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party and had his university education at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology after passing through De-General E-Processing Center and Government Secondary School, Eneka at various times.

Wike was appointed Minister of State for Education on July 14, 2011 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He was later upgraded to the status of the Acting Minister of Education, after Mrs Ruqqayatu Ahmed Rufa’i was sacked. He resigned, and was replaced by Viola Onwuliri before finishing his term to campaign for Governor of Rivers State. In 2014, he won the Rivers State People’s Democratic Party primary and chose former Secretary to the State Government Ipalibo Banigo as his running mate for deputy governor.

Wike defeated Dakuku Peterside of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Tonye Princewill of the Labour Party in the April 11 gubernatorial elections to emerge as governor. His election was nullified by the Tribunal and the Appeal Court, but as a child of destiny, the Supreme Court upturned all rulings and returned his mandate.

Again, on April 3, 2019, INEC declared Nyesom Wike winner of Rivers State governorship polls to begin another four years tenure.

A lover of education, Wike made elaborate plans for educational reform. He declared public primary and secondary education free. This he did shortly after he took the oath of office to start his second term, and refused to bulge even as complaints trailed his decision.

In 2019, Wike through the State Ministry of Education announced free registration for participating locals of the state in the annual JAMB examination.

He was considered a superman when he kicked-off the construction of three (3) major flyovers simultaneously in Port Harcourt. The location of the flyovers are at Garrison, Rumoukoro and Artillery. These are all completed today, commissioned and in use.

Wike is married to his beloved wife, Eberechi, a high court justice, and they are blessed with three adorable children.

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2027: Tinubu Wants to Contest Against Himself – Dele Momodu

Published

1 day ago

March 16, 2026

Eric

Former presidential candidate and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has accused Nigerian President Bola Tinubu of attempting to weaken opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, reiterating his earlier warning that the country is finally drifting toward a one-party political system.

Momodu made the remarks during an appearance on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, where he delivered a sweeping critique of the current political landscape and the growing wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to him, democracy thrives on strong opposition parties and competitive elections, but recent political developments suggest the ruling party may be consolidating power in a way that limits meaningful political competition.

“There must be opposition politics. There must be opposition candidates, but Tinubu wants to contest against himself and it doesn’t make sense to me,” Momodu said during the interview.

He argued that the increasing movement of opposition politicians into the ruling party is creating a political environment where viable alternatives to the government are shrinking.

Momodu described the situation as troubling for Nigeria’s democracy, warning that if opposition parties continue to weaken, the country could gradually move toward a one-party system.

“A lot of people are worried that now we have virtually a one-party state. It’s a sad day for democracy in Nigeria,” he said.

The veteran journalist and publisher also suggested that many politicians aligning themselves with the government are motivated more by access to power and resources than genuine political conviction. Addressing the president directly during the interview, Momodu said some of those publicly expressing loyalty to Tinubu may ultimately betray him at the polls.

“A lot of people are deceiving you, Mr President. They are going to collect your money. They know you have a bottomless pit of money. They will collect it, but I doubt if they will vote for you,” he said.

Momodu noted that his criticism of the president was not personal, recalling that he and Tinubu were once allies during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle against military rule.

He said both men were active during the campaign to actualise the June 12, 1993 election won by the late businessman and politician Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

“We were together in exile. He was very active in the struggle against dictatorship,” Momodu said, adding that his views about Tinubu’s leadership style developed over time.

Despite their shared political history, Momodu said he felt compelled to speak out about what he described as the increasing concentration of power in Nigeria’s political system.

Looking ahead to the next presidential election, Momodu said Tinubu could be defeated if opposition forces unite around a strong coalition candidate. He specifically mentioned former vice-president Atiku Abubakar as a potential contender capable of challenging the ruling party.

According to him, a joint ticket combining Atiku with Peter Obi or Rotimi Amaechi could significantly weaken the ruling party’s chances.

“If we have a combination of Atiku, maybe with Peter Obi, maybe with Rotimi Amaechi, Tinubu will be gone,” he said.

Momodu also insisted that Tinubu is not as politically invincible as many believe, arguing that unpopular incumbents can be defeated through strategic opposition alliances and voter mobilisation.

“It is not that Nigerians are afraid of Tinubu. Tinubu is afraid of Nigerians,” he said.

He further criticised the administration’s performance in several areas, particularly security and economic hardship, noting that many Nigerians are facing difficult living conditions.

“Insecurity is number one. Poverty has quadrupled. The fuel subsidy was removed and the government says more money is coming in, but Nigerians have not seen the effect of it,” he said.

Momodu added that the government should focus on addressing the country’s pressing challenges rather than concentrating on political calculations ahead of the next election.

“The president should focus on solving the problems of Nigerians now instead of thinking about 2027,” he said.

He maintained that Nigeria’s political history shows that governments that concentrate power eventually face resistance from the electorate and insisted that citizens must remain engaged in protecting the country’s democratic system.

“Any citizen who believes that Tinubu does not deserve a second term should come out boldly and oppose him,” Momodu said.

Source: thewhistler.ng

Headline

UK Orders Airspace Restrictions, Road Closures for Tinubu’s State Visit

Published

5 days ago

March 12, 2026

Eric

Authorities in the United Kingdom (UK) have announced temporary airspace restrictions and road closures in Windsor ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s State visit to the country.

Britain’s monarch, King Charles III, will host Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at Windsor Castle on March 18 and 19, 2026.

State visits represent the highest level of diplomatic engagement hosted by the British monarch.

According to Thames Valley Police, extensive security measures will be implemented in Windsor during Tinubu’s state visit, including an expanded airspace exclusion zone and a large-scale policing operation.

The castle already operates under a permanent airspace restriction, but authorities said the exclusion zone will be extended on March 18 between 07:00 and 23:59 GMT.

Police warned that anyone who breaches the restriction will “likely” face arrest.

Security operations will involve search teams, armed units, mounted officers, and road policing officers. Neighbourhood officers and Project Servator teams will also conduct patrols across the town to deter and detect criminal activity while engaging with the public.

Officials added that Windsor’s extensive CCTV network and hostile vehicle mitigation barriers will also be used as part of security arrangements.

Ch Supt Adrian Hall of the joint operations unit said:

“As a force, we have a vast amount of experience in policing royal events in Windsor, and significant planning and preparation have gone into this event.

“We will ensure everyone attending the state visit, including dignitaries, spectators, and members of the public, are kept safe to enjoy the historic occasion.”

Authorities said several road closures and parking restrictions will begin on March 17 ahead of Tinubu’s State visit, warning that motorists may experience temporary disruption on roads in and around Windsor.

Some footways and pedestrian crossings in the town centre will also close periodically between 09:30 and 12:30 on March 17 and 18 for a ceremonial procession.

Headline

False and Misleading: Senator Ireti Kingibe Not Suspended, Says ADC

Published

5 days ago

March 12, 2026

Eric

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has dismissed reports that Senator Ireti Kingibe has been suspended from the party, describing the claims as false and misleading.

Kingibe currently represents the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC is not aware of any decision to suspend the senator and urged the public to ignore the circulating reports.

Abdullahi emphasized that the party has well-defined constitutional procedures for handling allegations involving its members.

“The African Democratic Congress is unaware of any suspension of Senator Ireti Kingibe, the distinguished Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.

He added that as a law-abiding political party, the ADC follows established internal mechanisms when dealing with issues concerning its members rather than addressing such matters through media statements.

“As a law-abiding political party, the ADC has clear constitutional procedures for addressing any allegations involving its members. Such matters are handled through established internal mechanisms, not through press statements,” Abdullahi stated.

The party therefore called on the public and media organizations to disregard the reports of Kingibe’s alleged suspension.

“We therefore urge the public and the media to disregard the reports suggesting that Senator Ireti Kingibe has been suspended by the party, as they are false and misleading,” the statement added.