Gov Nyesom Wike Changes The Narratives In Rivers Politics – Chief Okwa Dike

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That common saying that goes thus, “if you cannot beat them, you join them” is no longer possible in Rivers politics. This is due to the level of hatred, anger and the Pull Him Down (PHD) syndrome that exists within the political class. Infact, it became a phenomenon after the current Governor, who was not given any chance by his opponents, swept to power.

In its place, l will advocate that, IF YOU CANNOT BEAT THEM, ALLOW THEM, as a suitable mantra or alternative, especially given that the man, Wike, is like a moving train and no one seems to be able to stop him, not even federal power, with its intimidating forces at its disposal. You try to stop a moving train at your peril. You either get crushed to death or maimed for life.

Having patiently waited for those who overly and passionately indulged in running their mouths, unnecessarily criticising a Governor who had issued several warnings over illegal and criminal activities that went on at a make shift hotel, signed several executive orders, all of which were violated and finally officials who were sent to enforce lawful orders, viciously attacked and fatally wounded before he physically went there to demolish the place.

The question here is, should people just wait for an opportunity to dig for their perceived faults to attack and criticise, but would never pulse for a moment to hail the unprecedented development strides of Governor Wike, as he transforms the city of Port Harcourt forever? It is true that when we celebrate excellence, we encourage good leadership.

One can safely or honestly say, with no fear of contradiction, that no past administration in the State before the current one, whether appointed or elected, ever dared to embark on the types of massive infrastructural projects in the city the way we are seeing it today. It takes a great thinker, an honest leader with both courage, political will and love for his people, like Governor Wike, to summon the courage, to face a stiff opposition associated with passionate anger and hatred demonstrated by a fellow Rivers person, sponsored by the Federal Government, to achieve what is on ground in the State today. For these to happen in just five (5) years he took over the office, is unbelievable.

Why they wont just shut up in defeat and allow him to serve the people he swore to serve, in his own style, remains yet a big shock to close watchers and followers of political trend in the State.

Leadership is not a right per-se, but an instrument of authority given by the people to their prefered and trusted one, to hold in abeyance, to serve them.

One beautiful thing about elective democracy is that every office is tenured or terminal, requiring the occupant to leave at the expiration of the the time allocated. I can go further to say that, Excellency is not a destination, but a journey that must come to an end someday. What matters so much is how you fair and the legacies you leave behind for posterity. Nothing hides.

The legacies left behind by those who had led in the past or leading currently, with the opportunities or mandates of the people, speak volumes of who they are, or what they perceive as the priority that will have direct impact on the entire populace. The so called dividend of democracy, must transcend boundaries of the rich to the poor before it makes sense to me and Governor Wike is doing just that.

It takes being a grassroot politician, with a defined mission and vissionary leadership to know exactly what the people wants at any given time. There’s no doubt that traffic, gridlock or hold ups has been a major source of pains for the Port Harcourt City residents, no matter how they commute. It affects both the economy of the State and the social well being of residents. In less than no time, those problems will be history.

Legacies could be left in the form of motor or monorail, resurfaced existing roads with affordable contractors or in the form of 3 solid flyovers nearing completion in less than a year that work started on them by Julius Berger or having the greater part of the city, which were not accessible before Gov Wike came to power, now opened up while the existing roads which had collapsed in the GRAs, either completely dualised/ transformed or are in the process, with pavements. These are all legacies left and that will be left behind for posterity and the people of the state, whether completed, in use or not.

Where are all those people criticising Gov Wike from all parts of the country, even home boys and even those who neither have any stake in Rivers State nor verified their facts? Talking about those who had to market themselves and their trade or sought afiliation with the unnecessary opposition.

Governor Wike has changed the narrative in Rivers State. From the hitherto campaign rhethorics that were never matched with actions or achievements on ground to exhibiting the height of arrogance that enstranged former close allies. But today, words are matched with action as the old glory of the city is being restored and life time monumental projects erected, things people thought were impossible, being made possible by the peoples’ Governor, Nyesom Wike.

From the way Gov Wike is going, he may wipe some names from the history of leadership in Rivers State. How he’s able to do all these in these very difficult auster times and amidst a deadly pandemic disease, ravaging mankind, are shocking to decent minds.

Those who hated anyone who tried to reason with Gov Wike, despite neither being politician or direct beneficiary, but love the truth when they see it. If they are actually seeing the wonders going on in the state? It is evil to only criticise subjectively, but not rise to hail and encourage good leadership. Too bad.

I call on men and women of goodwill and lovers of excellence to rise in celebration of a true leader, a man they could not beat in battles, but won’t allow to just be there for the people.

Posterity will vindicate the just.

Chief Okwa Dike.
A Political Affairs Analyst