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