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OPINION: Bridle your tongue oga Wike to continue enjoying Grace.

Published

1 month ago

September 22, 2026

BY VICTORIA NGOZI IKEANO
victoriangozii@gmail.com 08033077519.

There is no shadow of doubt that current federal capital territory minister who is also immediate past two-term governor of the oil rich Rivers state and former minister of state education, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike performs creditably well in any position he finds himself. As governor he was named ‘Mr. Projects’ by no less a personality than then vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. And now Nigeria’s current number one citizen, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly named him as his ‘best minister’. Wike who began his political career as Chairman of his native local government council (Obiakpor) can proudly bear these honours as invaluable political credits for his claim to higher political portfolios. Having been a governor and minister, I suppose the next higher political ladder is vice president. He can even stake a claim to the presidency. Based on his competence in delivering on jobs assigned to him, one can say that Wike is a fit and proper person for any higher position. However, he has a drawback which would prove to be his undoing unless he bestirs himself with determination to tame it, uproot it and burn it off. This is a friendly advice borne out of my best wishes for him.

That drawback that he is nurturing (after a noticeable brief lull) and which is festering to a monster that may consume him if not boldly tackled is his caustic tongue that he lets go often, at the first temptation. Wike’s intemperate language had strained his relationship with some former PDP governors, notably then Governors David Umahi (Ebonyi) and Ben Ayade (Cross River). Both confessed that they decamped from PDP to APC {during Buhari’s administration} because of then Governor Wike’s coarse attitude. Even current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio as chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with headquarters in Wike’s state (Port Harcourt, Rivers state) was once tongue lashed by him. Governor Wike’s legendary battle with the ruling APC government of Buhari for which he somehow prides himself for not having slept in Abuja for most of his tenure is well documented, He was often represented in most official engagements in Abuja involving the federal government rather than attend himself. During COVID pandemic the Rivers helmsman said that Rivers’ share of bags of rice donated to all states as palliative was contaminated. This was rather uncharitable because he was implying knowingly or unknowingly that the federal government wanted to poison Rivers’ citizens. Haba! He did not spare royal fathers. At a meeting with members of the State’s Traditional Rulers’ Council in Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike spoke to them in a condescending manner. These are people that should be held in high esteem by all. His errant disposition made people to label him “Emperor”

By all means you can disagree with anyone, an institution, a higher authority or your colleagues but decorum, the true humanity in each of us demands that we do so with respect without indecent, coarse language that disparage the other person. Wike had an opportunity to be a changed person in the run up to the 2023 general elections but he let the opportunity slip by and succumbed to temptation. Recall that then Governor Wike had vied for the PDP 2023 presidential ticket along with Atiku Abubakar and others, sure that he was in a pole position to win. But the tables turned and the former vice president carried the day; though Wike attributed his loss to last minute decision of one of the aspirants to withdraw from the race and simultaneously rallying his supports to vote for Alhaji Atiku. Then came the time for Waziri to pick a running mate. PDP chieftains recommended three names from which to choose, namely, Governor Wike of Rivers state, Governor Okowa of Delta state and Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state. As is the norm the PDP presidential flag bearer was expected to select the runner up in the primary as the party’s vice presidential candidate, that is, Wike. Instead Alhaji Atiku chose Okowa. He was overlooked, thus losing both the presidential primary and vice presidential slot. PDP insiders attributed his losses to his lack of necessary consideration for his fellow human beings. According to them Wike is generally seen as being talkative, arrogant, undisciplined (in that he often cannot control his emotions), quick to anger, abusive, insulting and the like. Apparently Governor Wike would have felt disappointed, pained that generality of his own party members view him in that light. Thereafter he took a break and went to Turkey for a deserved rest. Such a beautiful environment devoid of loiters and hangers on was a good place for him to do some introspections, reflect on his experiences at that primary election and to resolve to change how majority of Nigerians view him. And for quite a while after being appointed FCT minister Wike evinced some kind of low profile, all was quiet at his end so to speak.

Then the outbursts reared their ugly heads. Most telling was his encounter with a young naval officer in uniform guarding a plot of land in Abuja which Wike had gone to inspect. In course of their interaction he barked at the officer to “shut up”. As political activities were gathering momentum, APC national chairman, Nantewe Yilwatda had cause to caution him not to dabble into APC’s internal affairs since he does not belong to their party. In one of his monthly media chats, the minister described Imo state governor Hope Uzodinma and Kwara state governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq as his enemies. He released a bombshell recently. Recall that the Progressive (APC) Governors Forum chaired by Uzodinma had at end of their meeting unanimously resolved that their “members will not participate in, support or endorse any alliance or political arrangement capable of undermining the reelection of Mr. President, weakening the APC or affecting any candidate of the party at all levels”. They were referring to Wike’s ‘Rainbow coalition’ of supporting (voting) for APC candidate at the presidential election and PDP flag bearers for other elections. Minister Wike flew off the handle, describing them as “being smart like 419ners”, that is fraudsters. He added that they are “politically lazy”. These are leaders that hold sway in 32 of the 36 states in Nigeria. By more or less referring to them as scammers and lazy, the minister has diminished their reputation in the eyes of those they govern, Nigerians and even foreigners. And speaking particularly about the Imo governor, he said, “He is lucky I am not in APC because I would not take that nonsense he is doing in APC”. He further maligned Uzodinma when speaking through his senior special assistant on public communication and social media, he said, “Politics is no longer about coming from fourth position to be governor. It is about genuinely mobilizing support and winning elections from the polling units”. I sense that the APC would demand sack of this SSA.

The minister’s penchant for ‘bad mouthing’ people would cost him higher political upliftment if he does not bridle his tongue. Admittedly, some people hail Minister Wike for this his trait. This is understandable because in this world of coarse matter where good and evil dwell side by side you would find kindred spirits for whom sordid behaviours are a kind of elixir. They only lead the person blinded by their flattering unto the road of perdition. Christ admonished us, ‘Let your communication be yea or nay’ for whatever cometh after that is evil. We should carefully weigh our speech/words before uttering ithem because careless talk destroys, engendering disharmony in our environment.

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Gov AbdulRazaq flags off additional 21km road projects, restates commitment to rural devt

Published

1 week ago

October 28, 2026

Our Reporter

We’ve so far completed 650 kilometers roads in Kwara: Gov

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday flagged off the construction of 21-kilometre Oke-Oyi/Lanwa road in Ilorin East and Moro Local Government Areas to improve connectivity, ease transportation, and widen economic opportunities in the affected communities.

The Governor equally flagged off the construction of Oke Ose/Maya Asunlope road which also falls within Ilorin East.

He noted that a road is valuable, not merely because it connects two locations, but because of the people it helps, the businesses it supports, and the opportunities it brings within reach.

“To the people of Moro and Ilorin East Local Government Areas, particularly the residents of Oke-Oyi, Lanwa, Ilala, Onikoko, Budo Isale, Alufa and neighbouring communities, this project is a statement of our commitment to your wellbeing and the future of your communities,” the Governor said in Oke-Oyi amidst excitement and solidarity songs by the residents.

“We understand what this road means for a farmer trying to get produce to market, a trader struggling to move merchandise, or a family making an essential journey.

“With over 650 kilometres of roads completed (excluding the 294km tax credit roads) and additional projects in progress and in the pipeline, we are steadily improving the infrastructure that supports agriculture, commerce, investment, and economic growth.”

At the groundbreaking ceremony at Oke-Ose, AbdulRazaq reiterated his government’s resolve to continually invest in roads and critical infrastructure, believing that economic prosperity does not happen by chance.

“We recognise the transportation difficulties that have affected movement in this area. We understand that behind every difficult journey is a person trying to earn a living, a trader working to sustain a business, a family meeting its daily needs, or a resident trying to get from one place to another,” he said.

Accompanied by the Speaker Kwara State House of Assembly and APC Governorship candidate Rt Hon Salihu Yakubu Danladi, the Governor was received in both communities by the traditional and religious leaders.

Other dignitaries at the event were Kwara House of Assembly member and APC candidate for Ilorin East Constituency, Hon Arinola Lawal; APC State Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Samari; Chairman, Ilorin East LGA, Hon Luqman Agbelere; Chairman, Moro LGA, Hon Mariam Abdulwasiu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties and DG Kwara APC Campaign Council (Central), Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jiddah; Chairman, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Hon Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa; HoR candidate for Ilorin East/Ilorin South Constituency, Hon Abdulquawiy Olododo; and Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon Suleiman Abubakar Sai Kai, among others.

Expressing appreciation, Olododo said the two road projects further demonstrated the commitment of the administration to the development of rural communities.

“For me, today’s occasion is not merely about flagging off a road construction. It is about the opportunities this road will create for our farmers, traders, young people and families whose daily lives depend on better connectivity,” Olododo said.

Baale of Oke-oyi, Mallam Soliu Abdulkadir and Alangua of Oke-mi Mallam Suleiman Ibrahim, in their separate remarks, said the event indicates that the government is committed to rural development, commending the Governor for promoting fairness, inclusion and a stronger government-community relationship.

Mallam Ibrahim said his community has been longing for motorable road as far back as 1981, noting that the project is a dream come true.

Spokesman for Oke-Ose community, Alhaji Suleiman Aremu, applauded AbdulRazaq for improving their access to basic infrastructure, pledging their continued support to the APC-led government.

He described Oke-Ose/Maya Asunlope road project as ‘incredibly unique’ in the history of Oke-Ose and adjoining communities.

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Kwara Police Arrest Three Suspected Kidnappers

Published

1 week ago

October 28, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a nine-man kidnapping syndicate allegedly linked to abductions in Oloru, Alapa and Malete communities in the State.

The arrests followed an intelligence-led joint operation involving police personnel and Forest Guards, which also uncovered a suspected kidnappers’ camp in the state.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation began with the arrest of one Aliyu Isiaka at Okolowo, Ilorin, on October 24, 2026.

Isiaka, a resident of Ga’a-Kpapa Village in Moro Local Government Area, was reportedly intercepted by Forest Guards led by Jebrin Adam at about 6pm while allegedly disguising himself in female attire, wearing a hijab and carrying a polythene bag containing assorted charms.

During interrogation, the suspect was reported to have confessed to belonging to a nine-man kidnapping gang led by one Juli, who is said to be from Fulani Camp, Ga’a-Kpapa, and is currently at large.

The police said Isiaka disclosed that he joined the syndicate in August 2026 and had participated in three kidnapping operations in Oloru, Alapa and Malete, where the gang allegedly collected substantial ransom payments.

Acting on information obtained during interrogation, a joint team of police operatives and Forest Guards carried out a targeted operation at the suspected kidnappers’ camp on October 25, leading to the arrest of two additional suspects identified as Seriki and Jebrin.

The three suspects are currently undergoing further investigation and are expected to be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, described the operation as a significant step towards dismantling kidnapping networks and restoring lasting security to vulnerable communities.

Adekimi reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led operations and stronger collaboration with other security agencies to track down criminal elements.

He said the command would sustain its efforts in line with the operational directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to strengthen security and protect residents across the state.

The police urged residents to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending suspected criminals.

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kwara APC HoR candidate, Ajakaye, harps on grassroots sports devt

Published

1 week ago

October 28, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, Dr Rafiu Ajakaye, has declared that grassroots sports development and talent hunts will be given the pride of place, if elected as member of the National Assembly.

Ajakaye noted that the constituency is blessed with talented young people who could excel in various sporting disciplines if provided with adequate facilities, an enabling environment and the necessary support.

The House of Representatives hopeful, who is the immediate past Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq made this known while featuring on Kwara SWAN Sports “Hard Talk” at the Taiwo Awoniyi Sports Media Centre, George Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin.

He explained that the proposed sports development agenda would cover football, table tennis, swimming, athletics and other sporting activities, stressing the need to look beyond football in identifying and nurturing young talents.

He added: “Many gifted athletes remain undiscovered due to inadequate opportunities and support, making grassroots investment essential to building a sustainable sports development.”

Ajakaye commended the State Government for renovating the Offa Stadium, describing the facility as a valuable asset that should be fully utilised to promote sports and discover emerging talents.

“I am proud that Governor Abdulrazaq is doing fantastically in my own constituency, and that is the renovation of the Offa Stadium for the first time in many years. I am seeing that as an asset already,” he said.

He pledged to collaborate with the state government to explore opportunities to expand and maximise the use of sporting facilities in Offa and other parts of the constituency.

The APC candidate also promised to support local governments in participating effectively in state sporting activities, noting that, inadequate funding sometimes prevents some councils from competing optimally.

He noted that engaging in the development of sports and sporting facilities for young athletes would provide them with better opportunities to represent their communities and showcase their abilities at sporting competitions.

Ajakaye emphasised that his proposed sports programme would focus on discovering and developing talents at the grassroots rather than concentrating solely on established professional teams.

He further promised to work with the State Sports Commission to organise talent-hunting programmes across the constituency, providing opportunities for young athletes in football, table tennis, swimming and other sporting disciplines.

The media practitioner said grassroots sports organisers would play a crucial role in the initiative because of their understanding of local talents, existing challenges and the support required to nurture promising athletes.

“These are people who are basically at the grassroots. They know where the challenges are,” he said, pledging to engage them in developing practical solutions to improve sports participation and athlete development.

He added that a well-structured grassroots sports programme could create opportunities for economic empowerment, community development and the emergence of future sporting stars from the constituency.

Ajakaye further remarked that investing in young athletes and providing access to sporting facilities would help establish a stronger foundation for sports development across Ifelodun, Offa and Oyun federal constituency.