Wike Questions 24-Year Political Legacy of Former Rivers Leader in Evo Kingdom

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has questioned the political legacy of a former Rivers State leader who spent 24 years in top government positions.

Wike made the statement during an interactive session with leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Speaking at the meeting, Wike said leadership should be measured not only by positions held but also by people empowered and projects and institutions left behind for the community.

He said some politicians become unwilling to support the emergence of new leaders after attaining political power themselves.

According to him, someone was Speaker of the House of Assembly for eight years, Governor for eight years, and Minister for eight years, making it 24 years in top leadership positions. He challenged residents to point to tangible projects and political empowerment the person attracted to Evo Kingdom or Rivers State in all those years.

The minister contrasted this with his own record, saying he could identify projects he attracted to Rivers State during his time as Minister of State for Education.

He also said he no longer has personal political ambitions, having served as governor and minister. He added that his priority now is to contribute to the development of his people and support sustainable leadership.

He said after all, what does he want that God has not given to him, adding that the only thing he asks from God today is long life.

Wike further warned against building political structures around individuals. He argued that leadership should produce successors capable of continuing existing programmes after a leader leaves office.

He asked what kind of leadership is left behind to continue where a leader stopped.

The FCT Minister also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu and said he remained committed to building a leadership structure based on continuity rather than personal control.

Political leaders and traditional rulers at the meeting, including Eze Temple Ejekwu and President of the Evo Assembly, Elder Peter Chinwo, expressed support for Wike and assured him of their backing for President Tinubu and other candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition.