The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was the guest of honour at a lavish grand reception hosted by the Wakirike Se Nation on Saturday. The event, held in recognition of the Minister’s contributions to the region, became a platform for Wike to reflect on political loyalty, his divine elevation, and the enduring bond between himself and his “founding” supporters.
Addressing the gathered crowd, Wike expressed profound gratitude to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, His Majesty King Ateke Tom, and the people of the Wakirike Kingdom for the prestigious honour. He also extended his appreciation to the Local Government Chairmen of Ogu-Bolo and Okrika, as well as the organising committee chairman, Senator George Sekibo, for their roles in the event’s success.
On Loyalty and “Latter-Day Converts”
In a speech marked by candour, the Minister drew a sharp distinction between his long-term allies and those who have recently joined his political fold. He remarked that those who stood by him in 2014, when his gubernatorial ambitions were first conceived, have remained steadfast.
“All those who worked with me in 2014… have not disappointed me,” Wike stated, adding that others who joined his camp in subsequent years could be regarded as “latter-day converts.”
He highlighted the Wakirike people as a community of trusted allies, recounting a pivotal moment when he served as Minister of State for Education. He recalled asking Boma Iyaye to resign from a state government position to join him in Abuja, a significant risk at a time when the future was uncertain. “Taking that kind of risk was not easy. They agreed they will follow me, and by the special grace of God, they have not disappointed me.”
The “Mirror” Anecdote and Senator Sekibo
The Minister shared a light-hearted yet revealing anecdote regarding Senator George Sekibo’s former gubernatorial aspirations. Wike recounted a night when he telephoned the Senator to question him about distributing money to supporters at his residence.
“Senator George, why are you giving money to people in your house?” Wike recalled asking. “He said, ‘Guy, so you have a mirror to see me in my own house?’ I told him that the ₦200,000 he just gave out would not work.”
According to Wike, Senator Sekibo visited him in Abuja the following day, clarifying that he was no longer interested in the governorship but sought support to return to the Senate, a request Wike facilitated, solidifying a “dependable” alliance that has lasted nearly a decade.
The Appointment of Boma Iyaye
Wike also shed light on the appointment of Chief Boma Iyaye as the Executive Director of Finance and Administration (EDFA) at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He revealed that when President Bola Tinubu notified him that the position had been zoned to Rivers State, he sought divine guidance before recommending Iyaye.
He praised Iyaye for his transformative work in Ogu-Bolo and the wider Wakirike Se Nation, noting that he had used his office to impact his community positively. He also commended the Managing Director of the NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, for fostering a cordial relationship with his team, noting that this unity has distinguished the current board from its predecessors.
“We Are in Charge”
Closing his address, Wike dismissed the notion that intelligence or appearance alone dictated his success. “I am not the most intelligent person… but He [God] knew why He gave me this position.” He urged his supporters to remain confident in his leadership, stating emphatically: “Go home and sleep with your two eyes closed; we are in charge.”
A “Political Creator” and Mentor
Earlier, Chief Boma Iyaye delivered a moving tribute to the Minister, describing him as “beyond a political creator.” Iyaye addressed the controversial concept of “godfatherism,” defining it not as a negative force, but as the role of a mentor who provides a platform for others to rise.
Iyaye noted that Wike’s mentorship has been the cornerstone of his career since 2003, leading to his roles as a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly and a record-setting tenure as Commissioner for Sports (serving in 2007, 2015, and 2017). He expressed deep gratitude to both Minister Wike for the recommendation and the Presidency for the appointment to his current role at the NDDC.
