By Dr. Dauda U. Adamu
This article is divided into two major sections: the first focuses on Wike and his accolades, while the second addresses what young Nigerians can learn from his leadership styles. I have realized that Nigerians often overlook the positive contributions of their political leaders, focusing instead on their shortcomings. This tendency can have a discouraging effect on those who strive to make a positive impact. Therefore, I have chosen to adopt a different approach in this article.
All attempts by Arise TV to ridicule Wike culminated when Reuben Abatti asked President Tinubu about sacking his ministers, specifically mentioning Nyesom Wike during the president’s maiden media chat. However, this moment unexpectedly elevated and dignified Wike before the very eyes and ears of Reuben Abatti, much to my excitement. Witnessing this clip allowed me to sleep very peacefully.
The primary reason for writing this article about Wike is to encourage him to continue serving the common people and to empower him to confront the greedy elites who exploit the masses through land grabbing, fraudulent schemes like “Park and Pay,” C of O crimes, and other exploitative practices. Beyond my observations of his actions and words, I was inspired to write this article by the joy I witnessed in the faces of the residents of the FCT.
I have chosen to identify with the Wike style of leadership, regardless of his political affiliation or personal fortunes. Whether he is in power or out of power, whether he is popular or unpopular, his legacy will endure. Wike, a unifying force, demonstrating that collaboration can yield positive outcomes. The wonders of Wike’s leadership will never cease to amaze.
Suppose you suffer from poor infrastructure, inadequate budgeting, and weak administrative governance, I would metaphorically recommend a dose of ‘Wike’ – two times in the morning, two in the afternoon, and two at night. Wike is institution personalized and the term I developed for this is ‘Wikestitution.’ Etymologically, the term is a portmanteau derived from the combination of ‘Wike’ and ‘institution. In countries like Nigeria, where institutional weaknesses and corruption often hinder development, the system of ‘Wikestitution’ becomes relevant for discussion.
‘Wikestitution’ can be defined as a leadership style characterized by a strong emphasis on individual initiative and a people-centric approach. This style embodies key qualities such as intelligence, open-mindedness, strong will, fearlessness, proactiveness, sound financial management, and the ability to learn from past mistakes. Nyesom Wike exemplifies these qualities through his leadership.
Wike is known for his simplicity, firmness, intelligence, hard work, commitment to quality administration, open-mindedness, sensitivity to diversity, loyalty to the people, and boundless energy. While certain individuals may disagree with his specific policies or approaches, it is crucial to acknowledge his significant contributions to the Nigerian leadership landscape, extending beyond his work in Rivers State. Those who overlook these contributions may lack the data, time, or interest to objectively observe his work firsthand, whether through media reports or personal observation.
Therefore, when analyzing protests directed at individuals like Wike, it is essential to critically examine the underlying motivations. These protests may not necessarily be a direct criticism of the individual, but rather a rejection of the ‘Wikestitution’ approach – the application of personal ability and a genuine love for the people to address issues like land grabbing and political betrayal that often plague governance.
I am concerned about how susceptible intelligent Nigerians are to manipulation by entities such as gossip-driven news content creators, self-serving politicians, and financially motivated activists who exploit the media to express their emotional sentiments rather than engage in constructive dialogue.
President Tinubu has implemented several forward-thinking actions and policies for Nigeria, including removing fuel subsidies, increasing local government autonomy, increasing foreign reserves, and tax reforms, and appointing Bar. Nyensome Wike as the minster of the FCT. Although the removal of fuel subsidies came with hardship, the president gave the governors billions of naira and trucks of rice each to cushion the effects, but many did not hear about it. Tax reform is crucial at this juncture. Nigerians must now decide whether to take control of our nation’s destiny or become reliant on external factors such as China, the IMF, or the World Bank. This pivotal decision hinges on our choice between self-reliance through robust taxation or continued dependence on external borrowing.
All Nigerians, regardless of their region, religion, tribe, or political affiliation, must unite to support the President’s success. Our nation’s success is inextricably linked to the success of its leadership. If the President fails, the entire nation, particularly the most vulnerable members of society, will suffer the consequences. I am actively contributing to this effort by reaching out to rural populations through local radio stations.
This article is about Mr. President’s forward-thinking decision to appoint Wike as the FCT Minister. This may disappoint many, but what you are about to read is positive things about Wike. I understand that not everyone will agree with my assessment of Wike, and I am aware that this may have future implications for me from those who prefer a different narrative. However, I have chosen to take this risk. This is not driven by political or financial motives.
When you search for ‘Wike’ or ‘FCT Minister’ on YouTube, the results primarily consist of videos showcasing the Minister’s project flag-off and commissioning ceremonies. Even YouTube, through these search results, seems to endorse the titles given to the Minister, such as ‘Wike is Working’ and ‘Mr. Project.’ Ultimately, Wike’s greatest joy stems from witnessing the happiness of the people he serves.
Before this, Mr. President described Wike as a man who provided purposeful leadership in a time of trial. Hon Member Abuja South Abdulrahman described Wike as “Wike is working; Wike is balancing.” I want to add one ‘MBATH ‘, meaning, Wike is ’Making Bola Ahmed Tinubu Happy.’ The chairman of Bwari Area Council, Dr. John, refers to Wike as the “embodiment of the Renewed Hope Agenda.’ The Senate president, Godwill Akpabio, once called Wike ‘Governor Emeritus.’
I agree with one of the speakers during the Wike 60th birthday lecture that “followership has to be able to galvanize leadership to action.” I therefore chose to write and celebrate Wike as my way of galvanizing Wike not into action but into ‘further’ actions. When you see hardworking people, stand by them no matter the cost. I do not mind losing anything because I chose to celebrate Wike today, whom I have never met.
During his 60th birthday lecture in Port Harcourt, Wike received great accolades from friends and associates. The FCT Minister of State mentioned that she wishes the Minister a long life so she can continue to learn from him. I agreed with one of the speakers who said, Wike’s ‘heart is in his work, and his work is in his heart.’ As chairman of the occasion for the 60th birthday of Nyesom Wike, OCJ Okocha, described Wike as a ‘superlative performer,’ while Senate President Godswill Akpabio refers to Wike’s activities as the ‘Wike magic.’ The Abaji Chairman once referred to Wike as a source of inspiration. His coming as the FCT minister was described as the ‘Man with an eagle-like coming’ – always leaving a mark.
Okocha made the most exciting and realistic comment about Wike which every person would love to receive: ‘There is nothing good in his hand that he cannot turn into success.’ Okocha further cited a conversation he had with an Okrika woman who said to him about Wike that if she were by the waterside with many boats and inquired about their sailors, she would be ready to enter the one they say is piloted by Wike even if she did not know its destination and mission because she believes the named sailor knows where he is heading to and the mission of the journey.
Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, during the same occasion of Wike’s 60th birthday lecture, says “In Nigeria where leadership is often defined as rhetoric rather than results”, Wike has distinguished himself as, “a beacon of pragmatic action intertwined with visionary foresight.” He describes Wike as “one of most Nigerian courageous, innovative, focused, performance-driven-visionary leaders” and the “cornerstone of infrastructure development.”
Okocha further describes Wike as someone whom many do not understand, while those who cannot perform like him become envious. He emphasizes Wike’s passion for ‘pooling up the weak,’ highlighting his overwhelming generosity and remarkable toughness. Wike, Okocha asserts, is a detribalized Nigerian who believes in exploring innovative solutions to overcome challenges.
The Minister of Justice of the Federation describes Wike as “Mr. Project Plus Plus Plus.” He says that whether you like him or not, Wike is a performer and a crusader of finished projects at the Federal Executive Council, and a lover of taste. Wike makes us have hope. Dr. Kanu Agabi, SAN, a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federal Government, described Wike as a man who “thinks big, who plans big, and who executes his big plans.” Agabi once stated that it is men like Wike who give people hope. He was very hopeful in Wike and thanked him for the good things he would do going into the future. Even with that, Agabi maintained that Wike cannot be thanked enough. He went further to describe Wike as someone with a vision and who is decisive.
The Indigenous people of the FCT, who have long suffered from neglect and marginalization, have seen a new dawn under Tinubu (president) and Wike (FCT Minister) administrations. Wike was presented with the indigene letter of Kwali Area Council and given the Indigenous name “Shengasa” – meaning “heaven shares opportunity.” Wike is considered a gift to the FCT by God. The kind of institutional system that Wike’s style of leadership represents is what I term “Wikestitution.” I write today to help youth learn from this leadership style.
Wike/Wikestitution: lessons for the Nigerian Youths
A key element of the ‘Wike magic’ in addressing the FCT’s abandoned project syndrome involves a significant shift in budgetary allocation. This entails increasing capital expenditure from 30% to 70% of the budget, simultaneously reducing recurrent spending from 70% to 30%. If people enjoy smoother commutes on good roads in Abuja today, it’s partly due to the positive impact of a revised budgetary allocation. Furthermore, this approach emphasizes linking projects directly to Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and conducting frequent site visits to monitor progress.
As of January 19th, 2025, less than two years after taking office, Minister Wike has already signed over 7000 Certificates of Occupancy for landowners in the FCT, a remarkable achievement considering that previous administrations issued a comparable number over thirteen years. This demonstrates that the ‘Wike’s working’ accolade extends beyond capital projects and encompasses efficient administrative duties. Nigerian youth and future leaders must learn from this.
Criminals do not thrive in environments where Wike is in power. He firmly believes that a true leader must be deeply connected to their constituents. Even while serving as Minister of Education under former President Goodluck Jonathan and residing in the FCT, he visited Rivers State weekly to maintain close ties with his people.
Wike is renowned for his exceptional teamwork. To fulfill President Tinubu’s vision of operationalizing the Abuja Metro line, he effectively collaborated with the CBN, Ministry of Finance, and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, successfully securing $30 million to complete the project. This example serves as a powerful lesson for young people: the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving significant goals. What I want the youths to learn from this is the spirit of teamwork. For the Area Council Chairmen, Governor Wike frequently inquires, ‘In what areas can I provide support?’ This proactive approach has led to significant achievements.
Wike effectively addressed the issue of land-grabbing by investigating the legitimacy of companies claiming to be real estate developers. Wike discovered that many of these companies were not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, confirming their illegal activities. It’s crucial to understand that some protests directed at the FCT administration may not necessarily be a reflection of dissatisfaction with Wike’s leadership, but rather a response to his efforts to curb illegal land-grabbing activities by these unregistered entities
Unfortunately, Nigerians often fail to acknowledge the realities of the “underworld,” and political, religious, or tribal biases can easily sway public perception against individuals who truly act in our best interests. Nigerian youths should cultivate a critical thinking mindset and diligently investigate issues before forming opinions. Wike is not merely an office-bound politician; he is a hands-on leader who actively engages in project monitoring. His dedication to on-site inspections directly resulted in the award of the Kpai road contract.
Wike’s principles include strict adherence to contract terms and building confidence in contractors by ensuring timely and complete payments. Wike effectively ended the ‘variation’ nightmare for contractors. He has zero tolerance for the word ‘variation’ from contractors. Most of those with whom Wike has issues are not poor people. Think about it. Nigerian youths must understand that this is necessary if they truly want to serve the common people.
Wike dislikes keeping people waiting and dislikes attending occasions late. Nigerian youths must learn to be punctual. Before Wike rose to prominence in Nigeria, Nigerian youths had been indoctrinated with the myth that truth-telling and politics were incompatible. Wike has shattered this myth, forcing the promoters of this falsehood to retreat. Wike boldly speaks his truth and continues to excel in the Nigerian political arena beyond those who merely pretend with their stances.
Wike has provided a new paradigm for addressing protest in Nigeria: dialogue. We have been led to believe that protest or revolution is the only answer to Nigerian problems, but Wike and the Abuja youths have demystified this myth. Towards the October 5th, 2024 protest, the youths of Abuja approached Wike and informed him that they would not participate. Instead, they requested that he empower them. As a promise-keeper, Wike, with the generous approval of Mr. President, allocated N10 billion for the empowerment of the FCT youths. However, he included the caveat that employment programs must be practically utilized, rather than simply attending conferences. It is now left for the Abuja youths to prove they have what it takes to be empowered.
Wike gets rid of the bad eggs that work against the interests of the people and the administration’s desire for people-oriented projects. Wike changed several directors of land for going against the people. He is always happy whenever he goes to the rural areas. He believes that leadership demands sacrifice and the ability to galvanize others. He describes himself as a realist.
The only thing that reminds many rural dwellers in Nigeria of the government’s presence is one or two government employees living in their community. Wike changed this perspective and narrative. He introduced a system where rural dwellers are reminded of the existence of government not necessarily through a few staff in the communities whom they see riding their bikes or walking to work every day, but through projects.
Wike’s “flag off” ceremonies serve a dual purpose: to ensure the reality of the road project and to verify the contractor’s capability by sending someone to inspect their equipment. He boycotts presumed conspirators. Wike believes that politics is a covenant between those elected and those who elected them. Accountability is the watchword. Wike believes that uncompleted projects will make people hate the government.
Wike like dancing and singing but only on two occasions—after attaining a victory or accomplishing a job for the masses. So, if you want to see Wike dance, attend his Thanksgiving service or his project commission events and maybe political rallies. Wike has fostered job creation in the FCT, including opportunities for YouTubers in Abuja. These content creators showcase the city’s beauty and generate income through monetized channels. May God bless you Wike and keep you be the power of His name! Amen!
Dr. Dauda U. Adamu writes from USA
