Talking about him could be likened to the elephant and the blind men. While some see him as a do-and-talk, few see him as garrulous, yet many consider him as a person that attracts attention.
Whatever yardstick one may use, one fact stands him out. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, born on December 13, 1967, is a workaholic that is leaving indelible marks in the sands of time for good. In spite of whatever anyone would say, generally, Wike is known as a performer.
Meanwhile, in the search for someone who has a reputation for project execution and a no-nonsense administrator, the lot fell on the immediate-past governor of Rivers state. President Bola Tinubu appointed Wike as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, on August 16, 2023.
Being the 17th minister of the FCT and the second southerner to hold that position since the creation of the ministry, history beckons on Wike to prove that what he did in Rivers state was not a flash in the pan.
He is the man of the moment that destiny has entrusted the affairs of the seat of the federal government into his hands. If anyone tells him that he would have it easy, then he is living in a fool’s paradise.
Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON is a young man in a haste to make and create history, hence he did not hesitate to tell the world that a new Sheriff has come to town. In his characteristic manner, he hit the ground running, telling all that it is no longer business as usual in the administration of FCT.
All the dogs wagging their tails, scavenging the land and distorting the master plan, needed nobody to tell them that a new broom has come to stay, at least, for the next four years, all things being equal
When it comes to service to the fatherland, age is immaterial; some people are gifted with a Midas touch as to anywhere they find themselves in position of leadership, they excel. They are easily noticed by their humane nature and touching lives positively, irrespective of tribal, religious or political leanings,
Wike is a goal-getter politician that believes any position you find yourself, you put in the best so that posterity might be kind when history is being recalled. The 56-year-old Wike is noted for his commitment to hard work, loyalty to duty in ensuring that those targets are met; a workaholic par excellent.
He is a young man in a hurry but resolute to write his own history. Wike bowed to the overpowering zeal to serve humanity. His strength of character and no-nonsense reputation for getting results make this passionate political cion, an Ikwerre from Rumuepirikom in Obio-Akpor, Rivers state, to prove that success is no respecter of age but favours hard work, tenacity and purpose.
Wike has shown that leaders are born and not made. Today, he is shaking hands with destiny with him leaving a remarkable landmark at the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA. He has slowly but steadily climbed the ladder of success, leaving a trail of remarkable achievements.
To him, success is not accidental, neither is it served a la carte; you have to go for it! Whether you are a man or a woman, young or old, the only thing that separates leaders from others, winners from losers, is their dedication and perseverance in bringing true change into anything they do. And this is what President Tinubu saw in Wike and decided to put him in place to change the narratives and help correct the distortions in the master plan of the FCT.
Within the short span in office as the FCT minister, Wike has shown that he represents a new age of politicians who are deploying their technocratic expertise in formulating innovative policies and taking the responsibility for effecting change in the society.
Wike is a team player; hence he motivates and encourages the people that are passing through his leadership tutelage. He wants success in everything he does and rewards hard work without minding who the person is.
It appears that even in his stride, Wike has already commenced efforts to stamp his feet in history as a man who utilisei his good offices to make a profound difference in the lives of the people.
His workaholic nature and proficiency in accomplishing little tasks earned him numerous privileges of serving in other political offices before now with maximum repute to his resume.
These include as chairman of Obio-Akpor local government in Rivers state; national president of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, where he led all local government councils across the country to commit to effective grassroots development. He also served as the Chief of Staff at Government House, Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers state. He was later appointed minister of state for education in July 2007.
As minister of state for education, Wike carried out meaningful reforms and expanded access to quality basic education for millions of children, including the Special Schools for Girls programme and provision of free textbooks and resource materials nationwide.
Wike has left no one in doubt that a new Sheriff is in town. He has been talking tough and seemed poised to walk his talk. On assumption of duty, Wike revealed his agenda which revolves around restoration of the territory’s master plan, enforcement of land development control, security, health and environment.
He promised to revive the territory’s transportation sector by reintroducing the mass transit buses and clearing the City Centre of motorcycles, popularly called Okada.
He vowed to demolish illegal structures, warning that those who built, where they ought not to, should consider such building giving way to bulldozers; such buildings will have to go.
The fire spitting ex-governor warned that ground rent must be paid or defaulters will face the wrath of the law. Uncompleted buildings will be revoked. He has inaugurated rehabilitation of 135 roads in the City Centre. The mandate secretaries have been given marching orders to join him in making FCT a city of pride.
Indeed, Wike is a young promising leader-in-waiting as history beckons.
Abdul, a journalist, writes from Abuja via [email protected]
