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 siege 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
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