Wike, The Revolutionary Broom In FCT
By Abdul Jelil Adebayo
Talking about him could be likened to the elephant and the blind men. While some see him as a do-and-talk, few see him as garrulous yet many consider him as a person that attracts attention.
Whatever yardstick one may use, one fact stands him out. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, born on 13 December 1967, is a workaholic that is leaving indelible mark in the sand of time for good. In spite of whatever anyone would say, generally he is known as a performer.
Meanwhile in the search for someone who has a reputation for project execution and a no-nonsense administrator, the lot fell on the former governor of Rivers State. President Bola Tinubu appointed Wike as minister of the FCT on 16 August 2023
Being the 17th Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT and the second southerner to hold that position since the creation of the ministry, history beckons on him to prove that what he did in Rivers State was not a flash in the pan.
He is the man of the moment that destiny has entrusted the affairs of the seat of the Federal government into his hands If anyone tells him that he would have it easy, then he is living in a fools paradise.
Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON is a young man in a haste to make and create history, hence he didn’t hesitate to tell the world that a new Sheriff has come to town. In his characteristic manner, he hit the ground running telling all, that it is no longer business as usual in the administration of FCT.
All the dogs wagging their tails, scavenging the land and distorting the master plan needed nobody to tell them that a new broom has come to stay, at least for the next four years all things being equal
When it comes to service to the fatherland, age is immaterial; some people are gifted with a Midas touch as to anywhere they find themselves in position of leadership, they excel. They are easily noticed by their humane nature and touching lives irrespective of tribe or religious leanings
He is a goal-getter politician that believes any position you find yourself, you put in the best so that posterity might be kind when history is being recalled. The 56-year-old Wike is noted for his commitment to hard work, loyalty to duty in ensuring that those targets are met. A workaholic per excellent.
He is a young man in a hurry but resolute to write his own history. he bowed to the overpowering zeal to serve humanity. His strength of character and no-nonsense reputation for getting results has made this passionate political cion, an Ikwerre from Rumuepirikom in Obio-Akpor, Rivers State to prove that success is no respecter of age but favours hard work, tenacity and purpose.
Wike has shown that leaders are born and not made. Today, he is shaking hands with destiny with him leaving a remarkable landmark at the FCTA. He has slowly but steadily climbed the ladder of success leaving a trail of a remarkable achievements on his trail.
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To him, success is not accidental, neither is it served a la carte; you have to go for it! Either you are a man or woman, young or old, the only thing that separates leaders from others, winners from losers, is their dedication and perseverance in bringing true change into anything they do. And this is what President Tinubu saw in Wike and decided to put him in place to change the narratives and help correct distortion in the master plan of the FCT.
Within the short span in office as the FCT minister, Wike has shown that he represents a new age of politicians who are deploying their technocrat expertise in creating innovative policies and taking the responsibility for effecting change in the society.
He is a team player; hence he motivates and encourages the people that are passing through his leadership tutelage. He wants success in everything he does and rewards hard work without minding who the person is.
It appears that even in his stride Wike has already commenced efforts to stamp his feet in history as a man who utilise his office to make a profound difference in the lives of the people.
His workaholic nature and proficiency in accomplishing little tasks has earned him numerous privileges of serving in other political offices before now with maximum repute to his resume.
These include as chairman of Obio-Akpor local government in Rivers State; national president of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON where he led all local government councils across the country to commit to effective grassroots development. He also served as the Chief of Staff at Government House, Port Harcourt. He was later appointed Minister of State Education on July 2007.
As Minister, he carried out meaningful reforms and expanded access to quality basic education for millions of children, including the Special Schools for girls programme and provision of free textbooks and resource materials nationwide.
Wike has left no one in doubt that a new Sherriff is in town. He has been talking tough and seemed poised to work his talk. On assumption he revealed his agenda which revolves around restoration of the Territorys Master Plan, enforcement of land development control, security, health and environmental.
He promised to revive the Territorys transportation sector by reintroducing the mass transit buses and clearing the city Centre of motorcycles popularly called Okada.
He vowed to demolish illegal structures warning that those who built where they ought not to should consider such building giving way to bulldozers., such buildings will have to go.
The fire spitting ex-governor warned that ground rent must be paid or defaulters will face the wrath of the law. Uncompleted buildings will be revoked. He has inaugurated rehabilitation of 135 roads in the city Centre. The mandate secretaries have been given marching orders to join him in making FCT, a city of pride.
Indeed, Wike is a young promising leader in waiting as history beckons.
Abdul is Abuja based journalist, can be reached via [email protected]
