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Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s boisterous political bulldozer, has proven time and again that no one does hypocrisy quite like him. From his tyrannical reign as governor of Rivers State to his current antics as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Wike’s political journey has been an endless display of double standards, inflated ego, and a disturbing penchant for high-handedness.
In Rivers State, Wike ran the show with an iron fist masquerading as democratic governance. His tenure was marked by grandiose projects and ostentatious ribbon-cutting ceremonies, all while crushing dissent with the fervor of an overzealous despot. Anyone who dared to challenge Wike’s supreme authority was swiftly branded an enemy of progress. Yet, despite the theatrics, Rivers State remained plagued by the same systemic issues—poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment—that predated his administration.
Wike’s hypocrisy shines brightest when he extols his so-called “developmental strides.” Sure, he built flyovers and grand edifices, but at what cost? Rivers residents were taxed to the bone, with no clear plan for wealth redistribution or economic empowerment. While Wike basked in self-congratulatory glory, ordinary citizens struggled to make ends meet, their voices drowned out by the deafening noise of his PR machinery. To add insult to injury, Wike’s government was notorious for sidelining political opponents and using state apparatus to suppress dissent. The media was often warned to tread lightly, and activists quickly learned that criticizing Wike came with serious repercussions.
Fast forward to Wike’s new role as FCT Minister, and the theatrics have only escalated. His self-appointed mission to “sanitize” Abuja reeks of irony. Here is a man who, as governor, tolerated open defiance of planning laws in Rivers State, now parading as the city’s ultimate disciplinarian. The demolitions in Abuja have become his latest obsession—a wrecking ball swinging indiscriminately through the city, displacing residents and businesses without adequate compensation or resettlement plans.
Wike’s justification? “Rules must be followed.” This mantra would be admirable if Wike had consistently adhered to it in his political career. But alas, his record suggests otherwise. Under Wike’s governorship, zoning laws were bent, contracts were awarded opaquely, and party loyalty often trumped merit in public appointments. His newfound love for “rule of law” is as believable as a cat preaching vegetarianism.
And let’s not forget his political somersaults. A man who spent years attacking the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with unrivaled venom is now their most ardent cheerleader. During the Rivers governorship race, Wike positioned himself as the quintessential People’s Democratic Party (PDP) loyalist, fiercely opposing the APC’s policies. But after PDP lost the presidency, Wike’s allegiance shifted faster than a chameleon on a rainbow. His recent appointment by the APC-led government has solidified his place in Nigeria’s Hall of Hypocritical Fame.
Read also: Forgive His Utterances – Nyesom Wike’s Kinsmen Beg Odili
Take, for instance, Wike’s attempts to rebrand himself as the face of anti-corruption. As FCT Minister, he promises transparency and accountability while conveniently forgetting his own scandals. The Rivers State treasury under Wike was shrouded in opacity, with multiple allegations of mismanaged funds and inflated contracts. Yet, like a magician deflecting attention, Wike skillfully spins his narrative, painting himself as a saint among sinners.
Let’s talk numbers. Rivers State, despite its oil wealth, ranked among Nigeria’s most impoverished states during Wike’s tenure. A 2022 report by the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that over 60% of the population lived below the poverty line, a clear contrast to Wike’s grand claims of economic progress. Meanwhile, Abuja’s real estate market has become a casualty of Wike’s demolition spree, with investors pulling back due to fears of arbitrary policies. Wike’s actions have left many questioning whether he is more interested in enforcing rules or making a show of power.
Wike’s abrasive leadership style has alienated allies and opponents alike. His tenure as FCT Minister has been marked by unilateral decisions, with little consultation or regard for stakeholders. Civil servants in Abuja now tread on eggshells, wary of Wike’s wrath. Even Tinubu, his new political benefactor, may soon find Wike’s penchant for drama exhausting.
Perhaps the most tragicomic aspect of Wike’s political career is his unshakable belief in his own mythos. He sees himself as a “strongman” leader, a protector of the masses, and a no-nonsense enforcer. In reality, Wike is a politician who thrives on bluster, wielding power not to uplift the people but to inflate his ego. His rule is one of noise, not substance—a cacophony of self-aggrandizement that drowns out the cries for justice and equity.
In conclusion, Nyesom Wike’s hypocrisy and high-handedness are a masterclass in the art of political posturing. Whether as Rivers State governor or FCT Minister, his legacy is one of contradictions: development without inclusivity, enforcement without fairness, and loyalty without consistency. Wike’s reign, both past and present, is a reminder that Nigerian politics remains a theater of absurdity, where the loudest voices often mask the most glaring failures.
