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Who is Wike in Nigeria?

Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, popularly known as Wike, is a Nigerian politician and lawyer who is currently serving as the Governor of Rivers State. He was born on August 24, 1967, in Rumuepirikom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. He attended Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where he earned a degree in Law. He also obtained a post-graduate diploma in Conflict Management from the University of Port Harcourt.

Wike started his political career as a councillor in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in 1999. He was later appointed as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili, in 2003. In 2007, he was elected as the Executive Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area. He was subsequently appointed as the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, in 2011.

In 2013, Wike resigned from his position as Chief of Staff and joined the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He contested and won the PDP gubernatorial primaries for Rivers State in December 2014, and subsequently won the gubernatorial election in April 2015, defeating the incumbent Governor, Rotimi Amaechi's candidate, Dakuku Peterside. He was re-elected in 2019 for a second term in office.

Early Life and Education

Wike was born into the family of Rev. and Mrs. Nlemanya Wike. His father was a teacher, while his mother was a trader. He attended the University of Port Harcourt in 1987, where he studied Political Science. He later transferred to the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where he studied Law and graduated in 1998.

After his graduation, Wike proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, where he obtained his Barrister at Law (BL) degree in 1999. He was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar.

Political Career

As Governor of Rivers State, Wike has been credited with several achievements, including the completion of several road projects, the construction of new hospitals and primary healthcare centres, the renovation of schools, and the provision of basic infrastructure in rural communities. He has also been commended for his efforts in promoting peace and security in the state, particularly in the restive Niger Delta region.

Controversies

Wike's tenure as Governor of Rivers State has been marked by several controversies. One of the most prominent controversies was his decision to demolish several buildings in the state, which he described as illegal structures. The move was widely criticized, with many accusing him of using the demolitions to settle political scores with his opponents.

Achievements

Despite the controversies that have trailed his administration, Wike has been credited with several achievements during his time as Governor of Rivers State. Some of his achievements include:

Infrastructural Development

Wike has embarked on several infrastructural development projects in Rivers State, particularly in the area of road construction. Some of the roads that have been constructed or rehabilitated under his administration include:

The Sakpwenwa-Bori Road
The Rumuokoro Flyover
The Woji-Akpajo Bridge
The Rumuokwurusi-Airport Road
The Elelenwo-Akpajo Road
The Ogbunabali Internal Road
The Igwuruta-Chokocho Road
The Abonnema Ring Road

Education

Wike has also invested heavily in the education sector, particularly in the area of infrastructure development. Some of the schools that have been renovated or reconstructed under his administration include:

Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta
Community Secondary School, Ubima
Community Secondary School, Omuanwa
Government Secondary School, Ogu
Community Secondary School, Eneka
Community Secondary School, Rumuji
Government Secondary School, Abua
Government Secondary School, Okrika

Healthcare

Wike has also made significant investments in the healthcare sector. Some of the hospitals and primary healthcare centres that have been constructed or renovated under his administration include:

The Zonal Hospital, Degema
The Zonal Hospital, Bori
The Zonal Hospital, Omoku
The Zonal Hospital, Etche
The Zonal Hospital, Okrika
The Zonal Hospital, Ahoada
The Zonal Hospital, Isiokpo

Final thoughts

Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is a Nigerian politician and lawyer who is currently serving as the Governor of Rivers State. He has been in politics for over two decades, starting as a councillor in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in 1999. He has served in various capacities in the state government, including as Chief of Staff to two different governors.