Editorial

WIKE: THE EMERGING CHAMPION OF THE SOUTH SOUTH REGION

Published

5 years ago

September 21, 2020

By Paulinus Nsirim

Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, went to the ancient city of Benin, saw and faced the agents of a siege , conquered the godfather. But he was also quick to give credit to all those who joined him in the battle to accomplish the sweet victory and reclaim Edo State for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)and bring all the States in the Region under the protection of the Umbrella.

Speaking at the post-election victory press conference, in his capacity as the Chairman, PDP National Campaign Council for the Edo State Governorship polls, Governor Wike said: “I want to particularly thank my colleagues, the Governors of Delta State, Oyo State and all other persons who served in the National Campaign Council. We succeeded working as a team.

“Let me also thank the Governor of Edo State. He gave us the necessary support that has led to this victory. Also, we thank all those who worked in the campaign train in Edo State. We also appreciate the Media for the positive coverage of the election”.

Indeed, it is no longer in contention, that Governor Wike has transformed into an iconic political phenomenon, so much so that the ebullient Dino Melaye has already dubbed him “the National Governor”; a title which is sure to gain traction and national appeal in the coming weeks and months.

For many discerning political watchers and Nigerians, the Edo State Governorship election was without doubt, Governor Wike’s election. From the very onset, he midwifed the peace and reconciliation process that led to admission of Governor Obaseki into the PDP family and his eventual emergence as the party’s flag bearer in the just concluded Edo State Governorship election.

First, as a national leader who understands the dignity of the office of a duly elected Governor of every State, he chastised the Nigeria Governors Forum for failing to speak up and protect a fellow Governor, Godwin Obaseki, though belonging to the Opposition Party.

In fact, some leaders of his own party demeaned his office, embarrassed and humiliated him, as he ran from pillar to post, seeking allies and support in his battle to retain his Party’s Governorship ticket for the Edo guber polls, against a godfather who wanted him out at all cost.

Then, as a true patriot and Party man, whose overriding objective has always been to achieve and restore the PDP to its pride of place as the number one Party in the country, Governor Wike, recognized the bountiful dividends of embracing Governor Obaseki into the family.

He also became the matrix and torch bearer in the reconciliation and harmonization of all conflicting and contentious interests in the resolution of the party’s Guber ticket candidate. He brokered peace, addressed disputes and concerns satisfactorily and ensured that all interests were accommodated.

The overwhelming success of his intervention was displayed, when all the PDP Guber aspirants not only withdrew their intentions, but admirably lined up behind Governor Obaseki on the podium, as he received his flag of nomination from the Party, to contest the Governorship election, as the PDP candidate.

This singular achievement left the Opposition completely speechless, broke the first leg of their politically unstable table and eventually led to the ignoble sacking of their national chairman and erstwhile godfather of Edo politics.

Against the backdrop of this resounding political accomplishment, the appointment of Governor Wike as the PDP National Campaign Council Chairman for the Edo election, became inevitable. The magnitude of the challenge was enormous, given the extraordinary circumstances and the lingering affiliations that still defined Governor Obaseki’s membership and emergence in the PDP.

This, coupled with the fearsome prospect of ‘Federal might’ which the Opposition was poised to deploy in the election, would have cowed a lesser, lily livered man, but Governor Wike was the man for the job and embraced the challenge with open arms.

Needless to say that from the moment he was announced as the PDP National Campaign Council Chairman for the Edo State Election, a vicious campaign to discredit him, by those who knew the overwhelming influence and authority his involvement in such a critical position would have on the overall election and especially on the good people of Edo state, commenced with the aid of some gullible media outlets, who would sooner learn to their chagrin, that the Rivers State Governor was not a man to trifle with.

Governor Wike also systematically embarked on a robust, well structured media charm offensive himself, highlighted by a series of selected prime time television interviews, where he quite adeptly deployed the platform to succinctly and unequivocally set the tone and mindset that would eventually shape and determine the outcome of the Edo Guber elections.

As the chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council, his appearances at the Party’s state-wide rallies were usually electrifying as he galvanized the teeming crowd with his unique, charismatic, dynamic and dexterous style.

His message resonated powerfully with the people’s expectations and desires. His admonitions telling them what to do on election day were on point. He presented himself as an example and as a leader who will lead from the front. His presence inspired hope, enthusiasm, optimism, courage and conviction in the belief that the will of the people would always triumph over every obstacle and intimidation.

Governor Wike arrived Benin, just like the other leaders of the Opposition Campaign Council, but with his own touchdown the whole atmosphere became abuzz with excitement and a collective sense of identity, existential purpose and historical essence for the Edo people.

Members of the opposition, including those who had earlier arrived Edo for the same assignment as he, were even heard complaining loudly and bitterly that they don’t know what he is doing in the state. They were in panic.

A siege with over 300 armed policemen, complemented with armoured tank and other arsenal was hurriedly placed on his hotel accommodation premises to prevent him from stepping out and when the Inspector General of Police called and told him to leave Edo State that his presence was likely to cause unrest amongst the people, Governor Wike’s response was classic, typical and well reported.

He then followed up his nonplussed stance with the Police IG by holding a World Press Conference at the Hi-Tech PDP Situation Room where he alerted the nation and the International Community of what was going on.

He completely wrong footed the Opposition, as usual and he was always one step ahead. But the most impressive aspect of the strategy was that he appeared with both Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and Chairman of the South South Governor’s Forum, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State who is also chairing the Southwest PDP Campaign Council, as well as other Party leaders.

It was not a one man show but a collective effort of the Party, embodied by a man and leader, who has grown to become the unifier and champion of the South South Region’s political identity.

By virtue of the progressive thinking and pragmatic sacrifices of Governor Wike, the South South Region Governors can now speak loudly and without fear or intimidation, with one united voice.

The objective of bringing all the South South States under one political leadership umbrella has been achieved with this overwhelming success in Edo State.

Over the years, Governor Wike has proved his enduring mettle, as a political tactician beyond doubt. In the PDP, as well as on the political landscape, he has emerged as the referential face of the Party Brand, not only by virtue of his widely reported sterling developmental achievements and legacy infrastructural and other projects, but also for his robust advocacy, articulation, constructive critical observations and uncensored maturity and honesty.

He enjoys a very cordial relationship with his brother governors which has attracted tremendous goodwill to him especially in the national political space, where he has achieved an impressive pedigree and comprehensive acceptance across board.

There is a saying that all politics is local and Governor Wike is a leading disciple of the localization of politics, which not only celebrates the adage that charity begins at home but also promotes the agenda of Rivers first, which goes a long way to explain why he is passionate about the protection of Rivers lives, property and indeed everything Rivers.

No wonder he was welcomed back home in Rivers State, after his exertions in Edo state, by a large, jubilant crowd of Rivers sons and daughters, who had kept vigil and prayed for him, when news filtered in that the police had laid a seige on his hotel.

Rivers people and indeed many who followed the Edo state Governorship elections, heaved a huge sigh of relief to see their darling Governor Wike back home, hale and hearty, to continue his good works in the state.

At a time, when Nigeria is in dire need of patriotic and responsible Citizens and leaders, as our political life evolves, Governor Wike stands tall as one who epitomises the true characteristics of what it takes to be a great leader for his people.

Nsirim is the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Rivers State

Up Next

Between Gov Zulum, Security Agencies, the Terrorists and the mystery Attacks

Don't Miss

As Chibok Girls ‘Resurrect’…

Click to comment

Editorial

TRIBUTE.BABA AHMAD JIDDA: GARLANDS TO THE AGELESS WORKHORSE.

Published

6 days ago

October 1, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Inuwa Bwala
As the favourite of Borno youths between 1998 and 1999, most people thought he was going to be the governor of Borno state. But God had a different design for him.
I had cause to then refer to him as the reluctant bride in Borno’s search for a governor.
That was the time our paths first crossed. Since then, I have kept a tab on him until I was eventually brought into the government, in which he was the virtual engine room.

Baba Ahmad Jidda, a seasoned Nigerian diplomat, public servant, and politician , is an awesome personality: anyone will be pleased to work with.
He was almost indispensable in the governance of Borno, which was why he was virtually in every Government, since Ali Modu Sheriff.
But for National call, when he was invited to serve as the Nigerian Ambassador to China, Baba Ahmad Jidda, would have been the ageless public servant to have served his home state Borno Coincidentally born on October 1, 1951, some nine years before independence, Baba Ahmad Jidda is as vast and sophisticated as Nigeria herself.
Often regarded as the golden boy of Marte, one of the Local Government Areas in Northern Borno State, Jidda has had a distinguished career in public service.
A low down on him indicate that, Jidda began his education at Elementary School 1, Marte, and later attended Senior Primary School, Maiduguri, before proceeding to Government College, Maiduguri, for his Higher School Certificate (HSC).
He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1975. He also attended postgraduate programs at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom. Baba Ahmad began as Administrative Officer in the Borno State Civil Service and rose through the ranks to become a Permanent Secretary.
His exceptional performances saw him being elevated as Secretary to the Borno State Government, spanning ten years.
Given his vast knowledge of issues, the then Governor of Borno state, now the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima nick-named Baba Ahmad Jidda the “Institution”.
He was to further stay on, as the SSG, untill the Federal Government sought him out and appointed him as Ambassador of Nigeria to Burkina Faso in 2000 and later the Ambassador to China in 2017.
Jidda was also Special Adviser to the President on National Emergency.
And just when we thought he will be retiring to private life, after his excellent outing in China, which earned him the honour of being the doyen of diplomats in China, Ambassador Jida has again been handed the task of being Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal University of Education, Zaria.
It did not come to many as a surprise that he was confered the National Honour of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) award in 2010 the same year he was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Industrialists and Corporate Administrators.
Jidda has been a recipient of several awards, including the Award of Excellence for Amirul Hajj and a Merit Award for Political and Bureaucratic Excellence.
Those who had the privilege of working with him can attest to the fact that, Baba Ahmad Jidda is a tireless workaholic, with an uncommon talent for solving very difficult assignments. This explains why, he remains the rallying personality for all former cabinet members, who served with Senator Kashim Shettima.
I am aware that, he has been an invaluable asset to the government of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum Nigeria’s leading servant governor.
Happy birthday Your Excellency, Baba Ahmad Jidda, OFR.

Editorial

2025 Press Week: Kwara Gov Tasks Media On Professionalism

Published

2 months ago

August 14, 2025

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Media practitioners in Nigeria have been admonished to always prioritise national interest in their daily reportage of events in order not to plunge the country into an unwarranted turmoil.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq gave the advice in Ilorin, the state capital, on Wednesday evening at the grand finale of the Press Week of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara Council, with the theme “Renewed Hope Agenda: Mid-Term Appraisal of The Tinubu’s Reforms, Success and Prospects”.

Governor AbdulRazaq, who was represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, lauded media practitioners for their patriotism, urging them to maintain their patriotic habit of responsible journalism.

Cautioning that the power of the media to change situations for better should not be undermined, Governor AbdulRazaq specifically applauded members of the Correspondents Chapel for exhibiting professionalism in the discharge of their duties as the watchdog of the society.

The Governor was optimistic that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would eventually make life better for the citizenry, urging continued support to the administration in order to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.

In her keynote address, the Commissioner for Communication, Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, represented by the Director of Information Services, Alhaji Olayinka Salau, said the present administration inherited a government that is having teething problems at the onset,
noting that the introduction of the Renewed Hope Agenda has brought a lot of relief to the populace.

Olukoju said the removal of petroleum subsidy, though very painful, is now yielding fruitful results, adding that the floating of the naira has gone a long way in reshaping the nation’s economy.

The Commissioner said the present administration has been able to save a lot of funds through blockage of leakages in different sectors of the economy, pointing out that the transformation in the power sector would soon yield good results to make the populace enjoy.

Olukoju, therefore, urged Nigerians to exercise patience while the reforms embarked upon by the present administration continue to yield results.

In his goodwill message, the Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin, Mr. Kunle Akogun, said the media has tremendously assisted in making job easier for the populace, adding that with the advent of new technology more people are now getting acquainted with the happenings in government corridors.

In his message, the Director General of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies,(MINILS), Comrade Isa Aremu, represented by Mrs Damilola Omole, lauded media professionals for their unwavering commitment to shaping the society, adding that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government has created a veritable platform for improved welfare for Nigerians.

Also speaking, former Commissioner for information in Kwara State, Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin, advised journalists to remain steadfast in the discharge of their responsibilities, urging a
media interaction with the State Governor to enable the administration showcase its achievements.

In his address, the Member representing Edu/Moro and Patigi Federal Constituency of Kwara State in the House of Representatives, Mallam Ahmed Saba, who was represented by Barrister Paul Ajiroba, commended the chapel and media professionals for their contributions in enlightening the public on the activities of government.

He said the media serves as a reawakening platform for both the leaders and the led towards enabling them to provide purposeful leadership.

In his remarks, Member representing Ojomu Balogun Constituency at the state House of Assembly,vDavid Oguniyi, noted that without free journalism, there can be no good development in the society, stressing that the media has been serving as checks and balances in the administration of good governance in the state and the country in general.

In his address, entitled “Six years of Service, One Chapel, One Purpose: Reflections and Renewed Hope”, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of NUJ Kwara State Council, Mallam Abdulhakeem Garba, thanked Almighty God for granting him the opportunity to lead the chapel in the past six years, lauding members’ support for the modest
achievements recorded by his executive.

Mallam Garba assured that media professionals l would continue to do their best in showcasing activities in the society as they unfold.

He appealed to the Kwara State government to organise a media tour for journalists to enable them adequately report developmental projects in rural communities.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Press Week Committee, Mr. Demola Akinyemi, had described the opportunity given to him and other committee members of committee to organise the programme as a rare privilege.

He thanked members, and particularly friends of the chapel who supported the event to achieve a resounding success, urging them not to waver in their support to the chapel.

END

Editorial

Not All Tiv People Are from Benue State

Published

2 months ago

August 13, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

The Tiv people are often mistakenly believed to be exclusively from Benue State, a misconception that has persisted for decades due to deliberate narratives that seek to confine Tiv identity to Benue. This is the origin of the phrase “Tiv from Benue.”

In reality, the Tiv are the single largest ethnic group in the Middle Belt and the fourth largest in Nigeria, with communities spread across several states in what is considered Central Nigeria. Before the creation of Benue State, the Tiv were the largest ethnic group in the old Gongola State—now divided into Adamawa and Taraba States. They were also the largest ethnic group in the former Benue-Plateau State, which was later split into Benue, Kogi, Plateau, and Nasarawa States. Today, Tiv people remain a majority in parts of Taraba and Nasarawa, in addition to their strong presence in Benue.

Beyond the Middle Belt, the Tiv are also one of the largest tribes in Cross River State in Eastern Nigeria.

Internationally, the Akwaya District of Cameroon is dominated by Tiv communities. In that region and beyond, several minority groups have adopted Tiv cultural practices—particularly in dance, cuisine, and traditional attire. This makes the Tiv one of the most widespread ethnic groups in Nigeria and a recognized minority in Cameroon.

A Tiv person is either from West Africa’s Nigeria or Central Africa’s Cameroon. Within Nigeria, the spiritual capital of the Tiv people is located in Kwande, while the official Palace of the Tor Tiv is in Gboko.

If you want, I can also make a more punchy, advocacy-style version that reads like a myth-busting piece. That could be more impactful for public awareness campaigns.