Wike challenges 24-year political legacy of former Rivers leader
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has raised concerns about the political legacy of a former leader of Rivers State, who held significant government positions for a total of 24 years. During an interactive session with leaders and stakeholders from Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Wike challenged attendees to identify specific projects or instances of political empowerment that the former leader had brought to the community during his tenure.
Wike articulated the belief that effective leadership should not only be assessed by the positions a person has held but also by the impact they have made on their constituents through empowerment and meaningful initiatives. He criticized a tendency among some politicians to impede the rise of new leaders after achieving their own political goals.
“Someone was Speaker of the House of Assembly for eight years, Governor for eight years, and Minister for eight years—that is 24 years in top leadership positions! What can anybody point to that he attracted to Evo Kingdom or Rivers State in all those 24 years? Nothing! Not one single thing!” Wike stated.
The minister contrasted his own record with that of the former leader, indicating that he could cite projects he facilitated in Rivers State during his tenure as Minister of State for Education. He noted that he has moved beyond personal political ambitions after serving as governor and minister. Wike emphasized that his focus now is on contributing to community development and fostering sustainable leadership.
“After all, what do I want that God has not given to me? Nothing! Nothing! Nothing! The only thing I ask from God today is to continue to give me long life,” he added.
Wike further cautioned against the establishment of political structures centered around individuals, arguing that true leadership should cultivate successors capable of sustaining existing programs following a leader’s departure from office.
“What leadership, as you are leaving, what’s the leadership you have kept behind to continue with where you have stopped?” he inquired.
Additionally, Wike reiterated his support for President Bola Tinubu and expressed his commitment to creating a leadership framework rooted in continuity rather than personal dominance.
Participants at the meeting, including traditional ruler Eze Temple Ejekwu and Elder Peter Chinwo, President of the Evo Assembly, voiced their support for Wike and pledged their backing for President Tinubu and other candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition.
