Folarin Kehinde

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezemuo Wike means many things to different people. Among Ndigbo, Wike is mostly seen as a villain or someone who denied their son Peter Gregory Obi the opportunity to be elected Nigerian President in 2022. Most Igbos hold the view that Wike is anti-Igbo. But is Wike anti-Igbo? Did he save the southeast region from what could have been a devastating infiltration by a ruthless invading terrorist group, disguised as herdsmen? The answer is capital and loudest YES. Hard to believe, you’d say!

It is hardly known in most quarters that Wike saved Southeast Nigeria from a devastating planned infiltration of that axis by a terrorist group, disguised as herdsmen. The personality of Wike reminds me that villains have their virtues too. He is no saint, but he is definitely not the demon many brand him.

Those who know Wike know he wears the face of a Lion; roars, and acts like one. He is a man who has defeated the pangs of fear. Some would even say Wike has many things in common with Donald Trump – Blunt, assertive, impetuous, stubborn and untamed when he sets out on a mission. He loves those he loves and would do everything to protect them. Wike’s assertiveness has earned him fewer friends and more enemies, perhaps. Within the political space, Wike could be said and rightly too to be the most misconstrued political figure in Nigeria today. Amid threats and opposition, the man Wike talks tough; hardly apologetic. He remains defiant.

As an Igbo man, I can say that Barr. Nyesom Wike deserves his flowers from the Igbos if only they knew the role he played during the infamous tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Former President Muhammadu Buhari hated Wike for a reason. That reason was the fact that Wike was a huge hindrance to a mission that had been planned and sealed for execution. During President Muhammadu Buhari’s era, the invading killer-herdsmen have mapped out their infiltration strategy. The plan was to do whatever that could be done to hasten an unholy occupation of the Southeast and South-South Regions. South West was relatively safer, partly because the stakeholders of the region knew the plan and made adequate conventional and nonconventional arrangements to secure that region.

Furthermore, the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari was made possible through the efforts of key political figures from South West, particularly President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. That largely guaranteed the Southwest safety.
Benue State was targeted as a feasible route for this infiltration. What did Wike do? Wike hurriedly formed a strong alliance with former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and the then Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. This alliance was majorly to counter the planned infiltration cum occupation of the target regions (South East and South-South). A move that Samuel Ortom is still bearing the brunt to date.
Unlike Benue and Enugu States, Rivers State enjoyed better revenue inflow. Wike made available all the necessary resources that were needed in that subtle war of infiltration. Wike was the lone oak tree that defied the raging storm at that moment. Wike may be a villain, but his vision, political flexibility and behind-the-scenes activities are great political virtues that cannot be overlooked by any political pundit.

Ndigbo, need I say again, Wike deserves his flowers from us. Villains have their virtues too!

Light Shedrack is an international business ideation specialist and good governance advocate. He can be reached via: lightsheddie26@gmail.com