Edo Governor Okpebholo Is Right, I Experienced It Too – Obi Notified Me Before Visiting Rivers as Governor, Says Wike

 

Former Rivers State Governor and influential political figure, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at what he describes as the rising culture of political theatrics in Nigeria. Speaking passionately during a live broadcast, Wike expressed disappointment over what he views as disingenuous public behavior by certain presidential hopefuls and political figures.

Wike, currently serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), criticized recent debates and reactions surrounding political courtesy and campaign conduct. He revisited his time as Governor of Rivers State, recalling a visit by then-presidential candidate Peter Obi. According to Wike, Obi respectfully informed him ahead of time about his visit, prompting Wike to provide logistical support, including vehicles, to ensure his safety and smooth movement within the state.

This, Wike emphasized, was not an act of political endorsement but a necessary security measure. “At that level, when a presidential candidate is coming into your state, you must be aware. If anything happens, you the Governor will be blamed. That is just the truth,” he stated.

He warned against misrepresenting such actions as political alignment or support. “People should stop politicking when the truth is being told. If something goes wrong and the candidate didn’t inform the state authorities, it is the Governor who will be accused of being behind it,” Wike argued.

Pointing to ongoing criticisms and what he called performative politics, Wike accused some political actors of staging public shows purely for applause. “This is not a time when a presidential candidate should be carrying trays and serving food. That’s not humility, that’s pretence,” he said. He questioned how sustainable such performances are and challenged the authenticity behind such actions.

Wike didn’t stop at symbolic gestures. He targeted politicians who make promises that defy practical reality, such as pledging to use commercial flights if elected President. “Who told you any security agency will allow a sitting President to board a commercial aircraft? Let’s be serious,” he stated firmly. According to him, such claims are merely meant to deceive a public that enjoys being misled by what he called “wayo politics.”

He urged politicians and Nigerians alike to stop idolizing performative humility and instead focus on candidates who speak hard truths. “Nigerians like people who play them wayo. But when someone comes out with the truth, they get angry,” he added.

His comments were in response to a situation involving another Governor who had advised a political figure to inform him before entering the state. Wike supported that stance wholeheartedly, reiterating that it is about safety and responsibility, not personal animosity or politics. “Governor, you are right. If the man doesn’t want to listen, it’s fine. You’ve done your duty,” he said, offering words of encouragement.

Further into his address, Wike shifted focus to the nature of political discourse and how public perception is manipulated. He lamented that people give platforms to individuals who aren’t sincere and use television appearances as a stage for misleading the public.

He drew attention to what he described as a double standard, asking rhetorically whether certain political figures behaved the same way while holding gubernatorial office. “When he was Governor, was he serving food? But now he wants to impress the people by doing so. Who’s he fooling?” he asked.

Wike also touched on his own political journey and public image, asserting that he remains unfazed by media chatter. “If I wake up and no one is talking about me, I know something is wrong. I keep Nigerians busy,” he joked.

He called on the Governor in question to remain resolute. “Stand firm in whatever decision you have taken. What matters most is the support of your people. If you have that, move ahead,” Wike said.

Closing his remarks, he acknowledged the presence of key political stakeholders, including former governors, deputy governors, and state lawmakers. He reassured the Governor that support is available. “If you need more funds for your work, the Speaker has said it clearly: come for a supplementary, and it will be approved,” he concluded.

Wike’s comments reflect growing tensions in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, where image, security, and sincerity remain tightly interwoven ahead of the next electoral cycle.