By every definition, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is a man configured by God to serve his people in Rivers State and the entire humanity. He is a man blessed by God with the rare qualities of human kindness, love for all, passion for development and commitment to good governance and the rule of law.
He is a politician, lawyer and administrator who has grown through a dint of hardwork and God’s mercies to be a blessing to this generation.
From the very day that Nyesom Ezenwo Wike joined partisan politics, his goal has always been to improve the living condition of the people. Every political opportunity availed Governor Wike has been used positively.
This explains his popularity and acceptance as the people know that with Wike they are sure of delivery laced with compassion.
As local government chairman, Wike was the very best in the country as he embarked on quality development projects that impacted positively on the lives of his people. Years after he left that local government area, no other chairman has marched his record.
As Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike made the people his focus. It was Wike who sustained the administration till he left. He served as the only human face to that administration. When he left for higher calling, the administration collapsed like a pack of cards.
When Wike emerged on the national scene, he changed the narrative at the Federal Ministry of Education. He brought life into a stagnated sector, brought new insights and transformed the entire sector.
As a lover of the less privileged, he redefined the Almajiri Education Programme, leaving behind signposts of love and kindness for the neglected street children of the North. He consolidated on the Girl-Child Education programme, touching the lives of the long-suffering female children in different parts of the country.
For the children traders in the South-East and South south, Governor Wike introduced the special vocational schools. Majority of his interventions at this level were aimed at those who ordinarily could not help themselves. Today, the Federal Government Colleges have again become attractive to parents. People now struggle for admission into these schools. Before Wike got there, the schools were allowed to rot.
Now as Governor of Rivers State, Wike has proved the people right. He has shown that he is a governor for the people of the state. Governor Wike is now Nigeria’s outstanding leader who is delivering while others are giving excuses. He is the governor who is showing his colleagues the way by prudent management of state resources.
Wike has lifted Rivers State beyond the imagination of his supporters and even his opponents . Rather than politicise development, he has carried everyone along. He has stood with the people every step of the way.
His birthday today (December 13) shows that a people-focused leader whose actions have reinvented Rivers State. Today, Rivers people from all ethnic, religious, political and economic divide have praised Wike’s commitment to their welfare. The traditional and social media space have been ‘jammed ‘ as Rivers people and Nigerians are working hard to celebrate Wike’s birthday.
Celebrating Wike on his birthday is a celebration of the call to service. It is a celebration necessary to encourage the younger generation to embrace service, despite the challenges in our society. It is a pointer to the fact that there are people-focused politicians who believe in the fundamental goals of development and mass welfare.
This is the time slated by God and approved by the people for Governor Wike to do what he knows best, work for people. His approval rating from the people who voted him is soaring by the day, that is what matters. Wike understands that the voice of the people is the voice of God. Little wonder, he is committed to serving the people, while his opponents serve godfathers.
Celebrate Wike, celebrate service. He has created a New Rivers State he will consolidate on the gains of his outstanding service to the people. Rivers is New.
Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.
