Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has revealed the immense difficulties he faced during his tenure as the governor of Rivers State, specifically citing the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari as a period of intense struggle. Wike’s candid remarks shed light on the political machinations that allegedly aimed to impede his progress in Rivers State. He shared these experiences while engaging with members of both the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his governorship.
During his address, Wike alleged that a specific minister from Rivers State actively worked to undermine his administration, creating significant obstacles to his governance efforts. While he chose not to name the individual directly, the context strongly suggests he was referring to Rotimi Amaechi, who held the position of Minister of Transportation in the preceding federal government. Despite these concerted efforts to hinder his progress, Wike emphasized that his administration remained undeterred and resolutely focused on delivering tangible results for the citizens of Rivers State.
When I was governor, the administration of our late President Mohammadu Buhari was hell for me. A minister who is from here, tried to make sure we didn’t move forward but by the grace of God, we were focused and made more impacts. Governance is not just about awarding contracts, it is about relating with people. Anybody can award a contract but the capacity for you to settle issues and meander when there is a problem.
Wike further elaborated on the essence of effective leadership, asserting that it extends far beyond the mere allocation of contracts. He stressed that true governance involves cultivating strong relationships with the populace and possessing the acumen to navigate and resolve complex issues when they arise. This perspective highlights his belief that the capacity to manage interpersonal dynamics and adeptly handle challenges is as crucial as project execution.
The challenges Wike described underscore a common theme in Nigerian politics where federal and state governments, especially when controlled by opposing parties, can experience friction. The alleged obstruction by a state minister could have impacted resource allocation, project approvals, and overall policy implementation, making Wike’s governance in Rivers State a constant battle.
His statement that “we were focused and made more impacts” suggests a narrative of resilience and achievement despite the alleged opposition. This framing aims to position him as a leader who overcame adversity to serve his people effectively, a narrative that could resonate with his audience.
The comparison between the Buhari administration’s impact on his governorship and his current role as FCT Minister offers an interesting contrast. It allows for an exploration of how political dynamics shift and how leadership styles adapt to different environments and political landscapes.
Understanding the political climate of Rivers State during Wike’s governorship is key to fully appreciating the context of his remarks. The state has often been a political battleground, with intense rivalries shaping its governance.
While Wike did not explicitly name his alleged saboteur, the political landscape of Rivers State during the Buhari administration strongly points towards Rotimi Amaechi. Their political rivalry was well-documented and often played out in the public sphere, influencing the state’s political dynamics.
The narrative of overcoming adversity is a powerful one in politics. By framing his time as governor under Buhari as “hell,” Wike is likely aiming to garner sympathy and highlight his perceived strength and determination as a leader.
This revelation also serves to contrast his current position as FCT Minister, suggesting a potentially smoother or at least different set of challenges. It allows him to leverage his past struggles to underscore his experience and capability in his current role.
The reference to “making more impacts” implies that despite the alleged roadblocks, Wike’s administration was still able to achieve significant milestones. This is a crucial part of his narrative, as it moves beyond just complaining about difficulties to showcasing actual accomplishments.
His emphasis on “relating with people” and “settling issues” points to a leadership philosophy that values human connection and problem-solving skills, distinguishing him from leaders who might solely focus on administrative tasks like contract awards.
