Take a look at the exploits of Bola Tinubu, the domino trails of the politics of Olusegun Obasanjo, the thrilling courage of Atiku Abubakar or even the riveting politics, resoluteness and resilience of Nyesom Wike. Examine the Machiavellian antics of Ibrahim Babangida, the valve and onions in the bullish tendencies of Arthur Eze, the inspiring thrusts and fortress of James Ibori, the dynamo and single mindedness in the strides of Ayo Fayose, and the poise, pulsation and bulwark grace of Bukola Saraki. Not even the adroitness of T Y Danjuma can be put down. They all wear their strange beauty like war paints. They are “hands-on” conquerors, bold, feared, hard to diminish, each in his purpose.
10. Wike![]()
Rivers State Governor, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has had a no love lost relationship with the Federal Government since his victory in the 2015 general elections. And he has won all his court cases. Many people had thought that Wike, who contested the governorship of the state on the platform of the PDP, had robbed the APC of victory in the state with the support of the Federal Government, which was then controlled by the PDP. But events of the last two years do not corroborate such view.
The courts had nullified virtually all national and state elections conducted in the state in 2015. Although he succeeded in upturning the judgment of Court of Appeal nullifying his election at the Supreme Court and retaining his mandate, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had to conduct fresh elections into the vacated seats as ordered by the lower courts.
To the former Minister of State for Education, the fresh elections served the purpose of proving himself as a grassroots politician who is loved by his people and dispelling the speculation that the 2015 election was rigged in his favour. The APC only managed to win a few seats amid intimidating federal support, proving as many people had argued that he was the brain behind the electoral victories recorded by the Minister of Transport and former governor of the state, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, while steering the affairs of the state. Wike has indeed distinguished himself as an outstanding administrator, leader and politician. To the opposition in Rivers State, the fear of Wike is the beginning of political wisdom.