The immediate past governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, was met with the loudest ovation during the swearing-in ceremony of ministers-designate at the banquet hall of the presidential villa. The event compere, Ajuri Ngelale, introduced Wike as the “minister-designate from the great Rivers state,” which caused a deafening applause and raucous laughter in the hall. Wike tried to suppress a smile as he acknowledged the warm reception….CONTINUE READING
Behind Wike, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi led the cheerleaders as the minister-designate took a bow while his citation was being read. Wike’s reaction after taking his oath of office also elicited more laughter from the audience. He held President Bola Tinubu‘s hand for an extended period, and both men beamed into the cameras. Wike’s confident and unusual manner of walking to his seat further entertained the crowd.
The noise in the hall was eventually subdued when Ngelale requested for quietude with his baritone voice through the microphone. President Tinubu appointed Wike, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the minister of the federal capital territory (FCT). Wike had been one of the 48 ministerial nominees screened by the senate.
Wike, a Rivers-born politician, reportedly worked against his party’s standard bearer, Atiku Abubakar, in the presidential election held on February 25. He was part of the group of five governors known as the “G5” who advocated for the presidency to return to the south after former President Muhammadu Buhari‘s two terms in office. The governors based their decision on equity, justice, fairness, and a rotational arrangement.
Despite being from the opposition party, Wike formed a rapport with President-elect Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains during the election period and afterwards. Wike invited Tinubu to Rivers state to inaugurate infrastructure projects and frequently visited the presidential villa for meetings with the President and members of the kitchen cabinet as Tinubu prepared for governance.
Currently, Wike is a member of the PDP campaign council in preparation for off-cycle elections in Imo, Rivers, and Kogi.
Key Takeaway
– Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers state, received a standing ovation during the swearing-in ceremony of ministers-designate.
– Wike’s introduction as “minister-designate from the great Rivers state” prompted loud applause and laughter in the hall.
– He formed relationships with President Bola Tinubu and All Progressives Congress (APC) members during the election and post-election period.
– Despite being a member of the opposition party, Wike was appointed as the minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) by President Tinubu.
– Wike is currently a member of the PDP campaign council for upcoming off-cycle elections in Imo, Rivers, and Kogi….CONTINUE READING
