All roads leading to the EUI Events Center along Abacha Road, GRA Port Harcourt, were choked with human and vehicular traffic.
VIPs disembarked from their vehicles and walked the final hundred meters to the expansive venue selected to host the public lecture in honor of a man who can genuinely be described as the pride of his people.
The people arrived flamboyantly dressed, with various women’s groups distinguished by the brilliant colors of the George fabrics, typically reserved for the most important events, indicating the significance of the occasion.
Getting into the hall was a herculean task, but once inside, the first thing that struck attendees was the mammoth crowd. The vast hall was filled, and people searched for standing spaces. The atmosphere radiated joy and happiness as everyone eagerly awaited the arrival of the man of the moment.
They didn’t have to wait long. Just after 10 a.m., the man of the hour, FCT Minister Chief Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, GSSRS, walked in to a great round of applause, accompanied by his son, close friends, and associates.
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Friday, February 13th, marked his 57th birthday, and members of the NEW Associates (NEW, an acronym for Nyesom Ezenwo Wike), an umbrella body of friends and those who shared his vision and political philosophy, celebrated the day with a public lecture titled “Pragmatic Strides of a Visionary Leader and Contemporary Issues of Society,” delivered by House Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.
Welcoming everyone to the event, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Senator George Sekibo, set the stage for what turned out to be an exciting and enlightening occasion. He said, “This occasion is a shared celebration of our history, where we are coming from, our present, what he (Wike) has been to us, and our aspirations. It’s time to unite and honor the legacy of an exceptional leader.”
The chairman of the occasion, Chief OCJ Okocha SAN, described the minister as a superlative performer, stating, “There is nothing you put in his hands that will not be turned to success.” He also shared an anecdote about a woman who, seeing an array of boats, chose to join the one piloted by Nyesom Wike. Even though she had no idea where it was going, she was confident that the pilot knew the way and would not lead her astray.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who arrived with a delegation of distinguished members of the upper chamber, in his remarks laced with humor, described how he nearly lost his way in Abuja because of the changes in road infrastructure initiated by the minister.
He advised politicians to desist from the politics of betrayal and treachery, saying they hinder good succession. He also noted that the appointment of Wike as Minister was no accident but a reward for his hard work. He prayed that the minister would receive as much as he has given to others.
Delivering her goodwill message on behalf of the FCTA and residents of the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Hon. Minister of State, described her principal as a visionary leader and prayed for his long life, good health, and prosperity.
The Peoples Democratic Party was not left out. In their goodwill message, National Vice Chairman (South) Amb. Taofeek Arapaja described Wike as one of the most committed and loyal party leaders, who believes in the politics of fairness, equity, and justice.
The Senate President unveiled a 536-page book titled A Remembrance of the Pragmatic Footprints of a Visionary Leader, which features pictures of the minister’s projects and achievements as governor of Rivers State. The book was distributed to guests, who were excited to receive it.
In his paper, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere lamented that many Nigerian leaders, unfortunately, still think along ethnic, religious, and opportunistic lines. “There is no national philosophy, no national consciousness. We believe that during football, we all come together and support; that is something we can sleep on after the match,” he said.
One of the paper discussants, Mr. Eric Osagie, publisher of This Nigeria newspaper, believed that both leaders and followers come from the same stock and proceeded to extol the virtues of the FCT Minister.
In his very brief remarks, the celebrant, Barrister Nyesom Wike, expressed surprise at the event’s attendance and thanked all his associates who organized it. He also thanked all the attendees, stressing that the day was not meant for political statements or rhetoric, but for celebration.
The event also featured traditional dances from various cultural troupes, and gifts were presented to the elated celebrant.
The joy on Chief Wike’s face was palpable as he made his way out of the hall, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries. A bemused young lady observing it all said she had not seen the minister so relaxed and at peace.
Her friend responded, “What do you expect? He is at home with his people, and he is beloved.”
Anthony Ogunleye is the Director of Press in the Office of the FCT Minister.