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Tag: Nyesom Wike

  • No budgetary provision for lecturers’ salary arrears, says ministry

    No budgetary provision for lecturers’ salary arrears, says ministry

    The attempt by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Education to resolve the dispute between the Academic Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Federal Government experienced hiccups yesterday.

    The Ministry of Education told the committee that the salary arrears of polytechnic workers, one of the demands of the striking lecturers, were not captured in the 2014 budget.

    The Permanent Secretary, Mr. McJohn Nwaobiala, who represented Minister of Education Nyesom Wike, said the Federal Government will release the white paper on the visitation panel to federal polytechnics in two weeks.

    He said: “In this year’s budget, we do not have a provision for settling the arrears. The minister requested for a special budgetary intervention to enable us settle the arrears. I cannot say that I will or that the ministry will release these funds in April or July. What I can say is that the minister needs to consult with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SG) and Minister of Labour on how we can get the funds.”

    On the white paper, he said: “It contains issues specific to each polytechnic and there are issues that are generic. It is for the government to say whether it endorses or rejects the recommendations. I assure you that the white paper will be released soon and when that is done, the next problem will be how to pay the arrears.”

    Nwaobiala said the long strike occurred because ASUP refused the government’s proposal on how the arrears would be paid, adding: “ASUP rejected that proposal officially in writing. On the day the minister wrote to the President that they had reached an agreement, before we were informed that ASUP rejected the proposal.

    “The Head of Service gave approval in 2013 and details of how we got the over N22 billion was only gotten this year. I believe that was an opportunity that was lost. If they had accepted March and September payment, we would have worked very hard to ensure that it was implemented.”

    On the allegation by ASUP President Chibuzo Asumogha that the government refused to implement the union’s condensed four-point demand, which would have led to the re-opening of polytechnics, he said the white paper had not been passed from the office of the SGF.

    The Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Aminu Suleiman, said the Federal Government cannot give lack of funds as an excuse for not paying salary arrears.

    He urged both parties to negotiate and end the strike.

     

  • Police teargas ASUP, COEASU members in Abuja

    Police teargas ASUP, COEASU members in Abuja

    Unions seek end to 10-month strike
    •Wogu promises Jonathan’s intervention

    The police disrupted yesterday in Abuja a peaceful protest by members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) with teargas.

    The police used teargas and water to disperse the protesters, who were calling for government’s resolution of their demands and 10-month strike.

    The unions began their march at 9am at the main car park of the Federal Secretariat. They marched to the Ministry of Education, carrying placards with various inscriptions.

    The protesters called for the sack of the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike.

    Attempts to get the minister or a senior official of the ministry were futile.

    Security operatives, especially the police, barricaded the entrance to the ministry to prevent the protesters from entering.

    They disallowed the unions from going ahead with the protest. But the unions insisted that the action was their civic right.

    After waiting for a while without a positive response from the ministry, the unions’ leaders, alongside those of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), became agitated.

    ASUP President Chibuzor Asomugha said the union would push the government to resolve the lingering crisis.

    He said nobody could intimidate ASUP.

    Asomugha said: “Is it right that somebody would spend five years to get an HND (Higher National Diploma) and when he wants to go to the university, they make him a second year student? If the government is sensitive and it means its transformation (agenda), then it should start transforming the Education sector.”

    COEASU President Asagha Nkoro corroborated Asomugha’s statement.

    He said: “The Federal Government should arise and solve the problems of COEASU and ASUP so that they can go back to school. Since December 18, 2013, when COEASU declared its strike, the Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, has never called us for any meeting. He is calming that he has met with us.

    “We challenge Wike to tell us the date and where he met with COEASU and the letter that conveyed that meeting.

    “The truth is that their children are not schooling in the country. It is the children of the poor that are here. Most of these students are not even sure of a job after school.

    “We are calling on President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene. How can this be happening for over 10 months and nothing has been done? But if there is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally, he will be there. He got to that position by the power of God.”

    NLC President, who was represented by the Assistant Secretary, Industrial Relations, Nuhu Toro, said: “We are with you in this struggle. If it means to mobilise all workers for this cause, we will. We will stand by you until the right thing is done.”

    The unions also marched to the Ministry of Labour and Productivity where the minister, Emeka Wogu, assured that President Jonathan had intervened in their case.

    The minister said the unions’ issues with the government would soon be resolved.

    He urged the unions’ leaders to meet with him after the protest for further discussion on how to end the lingering strike.

    Wogu said: “I came out to you as a Nigerian. I want to reassure you that even last night, your grievances were discussed with the leadership of your unions. We are almost there. I want to commend your patience and perseverance. You have done it the best way without disrupting anything.

    “Why I came out is because I was told to tell you that we are almost there. The government has not been silent over the months. What is important is that I am bringing you a message from the highest point. That I came here shows you that we are not running away from the problem.

    “I want to reassure you that the current government, under the leadership of President Jonathan, has directed me to come and speak to you and tell you the truth, and the truth is that we are almost there. I know that you want us to hurry up and conclude. I want to reassure you that immediately we leave here, I will go with your leaders to my office so that we conclude this issue. I have the authority. I am speaking to you for the first time. Or, have I disappointed you before? If not, then give me this opportunity now.”

    The unions’ members were marching to the National Assembly to submit their protest letter to the lawmakers when the police started firing teargas and spraying water on them.

    The police warned the protesters not to go near the National Assembly.

  • Wike: I’m committed to resolving ASUP, COEASU strike

    Wike: I’m committed to resolving ASUP, COEASU strike

    The Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, has said the ministry will resolve the 10-month strike by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU).

    Wike said the Federal Government had met over 90 per cent of the unions’ demands.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Supervising Minister of Education, Simeon Nwakaudu, said the minister also announced that the committee on bridging the gap between HND and first degree holders will be inaugurated next week with the Permanent Secretary in the ministry as its chairman.

    The minister alluded to reports on the unions that they had accepted Federal Government’s offer to settle the CONTISS 15 arrears in two instalments.

    He said the unions should officially communicate their position to the ministry for immediate action.

    Wike added that with the progress attained after series of negotiations between the Federal Ministry of Education, the Federal Ministry of Labour and the unions, the strikes would be resolved soon.

    The minister urged the unions to call off their strike and resume academic work in the interest of the nation.

  • ‘Why we are against Wike’s ambition’

    ‘Why we are against Wike’s ambition’

    The Pan Rivers Alliance, a group of indigenes of riverine areas of Rivers State, has said it is against the governorship ambition of the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, because the upland part of the state has led it for about 16 years.

    The group, in an advertorial published yesterday in this newspaper, said Wike’s ambition would hurt the riverine people.

    The statement by Sir Elemchukwu Ogbowu, Lolo T. Ibineye and Capt Sowaribi Tolofari condemned the attempt by friends of the Supervising Minister of Education” to usurp the political leadership of the Senatorial District on the pages of newspapers and use same for a purported endorsement of Nyesom Wike as governor”.

    The statement reads: ”We could have ignored this so-called vote of confidence and endorsement had they done so on behalf of themselves and themselves alone, as they are absolutely at liberty to endorse Nyesom Wike for whatever it is worth. After all, they known where their bread is being buttered.

    “The Pan Rivers Alliance hereby restates its position that consequent upon the 2007-2015 (eight years) occupation of the governorship position by the Ikwerre, the generality of Rivers people, including Ikwerres, know that the next governor of Rivers State should in fairness shift to another ethnic group in the state that has not produced governor.

    “The Minister of Sports, Dr Tammy Danagogo, could not have spoken for Kalabari or Rivers West Senatorial District when he cautions against zoning of the governorship. This is because his (Dangogo’s) appointment as a Minister from the “Riverine” area of Rivers State was done in the spirit of federal character and zoning. His appointment complemented that of Barr Nyesom Wike from the “Upland” area of Rivers State.

    “We, therefore, call on the these misguided few to retrace their footsteps and stop the make-believe endorsement of Nyesom Wike. We call on them to support the popular desire of Rivers people to ensure the emergence of the next governor from either Kalabari, Andoni, Ibani (Opobo/Bonny), Eleme, Ndoki, Ekeye, Ogba, Engeni, Abua, Ogual, Etche/Omuma or Okrika.”

  • We didn’t endorse Wike for governor, says Rivers Ijaw elders

    We didn’t endorse Wike for governor, says Rivers Ijaw elders

    Elders of Ijaws in Rivers State have said they have nothing to do with the endorsement of the Supervising Minister of Education Nyesom Wike for governor in 2015.

    The elders, in an advertorial in this newspaper on their behalf by the Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Leaders of Thought, said it is the turn of the riverine area to lead the state.

    The statement by Prof Dagogo Fubara, Alabo Biekpo Jack, Amaopusenibo Diri, Dr Francis Minimah, Capt Paul Akins, Sunday Paul, Chief John Egongh, Mr Ubokineme Owor and Gilbert Mkparo, said Wike “caused a few self-serving politicians in the two local government areas, ostensibly, to induce the endorsement of his governorship ambition, and cause same to be published and carried in both print and electronic media”.

    The statement added: “This, it was revealed, will be the first of an orchestrated plan by lovers of underdevelopment to plunge the peace loving areas into series of sustaining political upheaval, with the active connivance of outsiders. We shall resist any such attempts at turning the two Local Government Areas into a theatre of war. Andoni, Opobo and Nkoro people are too sophisticated to mortgage their tomorrow for a pot of porridge today. No amount of money can make us sell our right to the Brick House, come 2015.

    “Any political aspirant who feels he or she is worth the salt should come forward through the appropriate and legitimate means, rather than going through the back door to induce lesser minds for endorsement. Need we point to the unarguably fact that endorsement, either way it is obtained,, does not translate to automatic electoral victory?

    “While we do not begrudge any person or group in Andoni, Opobo and Nkoro communities from taking anyu political position, it is our unequivocal stand that such a position should, and must not have the colouration of the majority of the peoplee. The quest for pecuniary benefit by a few selfish polliticians in the area leaves a sour taste in our mouth. Such elements are willing tools in the campaign for the promotion of divisive tendencies. Andoni, Opobo and Nkoro communities had gone through very painful moments of political reclusion, and we do not intend to go back there.

    “In so far as the people of Andoni and Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Areas are concerned, we have either considered, nor approved any Governorship candidate for Rivers State. We therefore call on all discerning, nor approved any Governorship candidate for Rivers State. We therefore call on all discerning minds to discountenance the induced, misleading and deceitful planned endorsement of Chief Nyesom Wike for the exalted office of the Governor of River State.

    “It is instructive here, to state that the people of Andoni and Opobo/Nkoro Local Governments Areas believe in the principle of fairness and politics of inclusion. We believe that having shown and given untainted support and solidarity to other areas and senatorial zones in their period of governance, equity demands that 2015 is the turn of the Riverine Ijaws to take a shot at the governorship of Rivers State. Any act, therefore, that tends to say otherwise, does not represent the true spirit, zeal and drive of the riverine Ijaw Project 2015.”

     

  • Rivers 2015: Kinsmen dump Wike for Ogoni candidate

    Rivers 2015: Kinsmen dump Wike for Ogoni candidate

    Kinsmen of the Supervising Minister of Education Nyesom Wike have dumped him, opting to back an Ogoni candidate for Rivers State governor in next year’s election to ensure fairness, equity and justice.

    The Ikwerre/Etche People’s Forum and non-indigenes in the areas insisted yesterday that an Ogoni ought to be allowed to be Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s successor, so as to give them a sense of belonging.

    They said Ogoni have not been able to produce a governor since the creation of Rivers state out of the defunct Eastern Region on May 27, 1967.

    The group also passed a vote of confidence on Amaechi based on his developmental strides across the 23 LGAs of the state.

    The forum’s President, Emmanuel Amadi, in company with the General Secretary, Dr. Gift Nwiyi, yesterday at a news conference in Port Harcourt, read a six-point communique and later responded to questions from reporters.

    Ikwerre people are of Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, Emohua and Ikwerre Local Government Areas, while Etche ethnic nationality consists of Omuma and Etche LGAs of Rivers state.

    Besides Amadi and Nwiyi, the communique was also signed by Collins Wali (Coordinator of Ikwerre LGA), Uzodimma Nwafor (Etche LGA), Okwu Anokuru (Port Harcourt), Jude Obodo Chukwu (Emohua), Hanachor Amadi (Obio/Akpor) and Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma).

    Amaechi hails from Ubima in Ikwerre LGA, while the Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, is an indigene of Rumueprikom in Obio/Akpor LGA of the state.

    Wike is interested in becoming Rivers governor in 2015, while Amaechi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), declared that he would not allow another Ikwerre person to succeed him.

    The supervising minister of education claimed that he is from Ikwerre South, while Amaechi is from Ikwerre North and qualified to be governor in 2015.

    Ikwerre/Etche people’s forum stated in the communique: “We support the zoning of the next governorship position to the Rivers Southeast Senatorial District (comprising Ogoni’s four LGAs of Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme), particularly to the people of Ogoni, who have not produced even a deputy governor, speaker or chief judge, in order to promote equity, justice and fairplay.”

    The group also stated that its members remained resolute and committed in their support for Amaechi, while urging Rivers people to join hands in prayers with the NGF chairman, to ensure that a candidate who would advance his developmental gains succeed him.

    It also lauded Amaechi and Rivers people for accepting and embracing the All Progressives Congress (APC), while commending the new Rivers Police Commissioner, Tunde Ogunsakin, for acknowledging the status and office of the governor, which it said had brought about peace and security, since Ogunsakin’s assumption of duty.

    The Ikwerre/Etche people’s forum stated that its members were not being sponsored by politicians or any governorship aspirant in the state.

    While speaking on behalf of the non-indigenes in Etche and Ikwerre, Musa Ademola, who hails from Ilorin in Kwara State and has been in Rivers state in the last 30 years, stated that Amaechi had performed well, while an Ogoni should be allowed to succeed him.

    Ademola added that Ogoni people had been marginalised over the years, in spite of the area’s richness in crude oil and gas, while stressing that they should be allowed to produce the next occupant of the Brick House (Government House), Port Harcourt.

    It will be recalled that many Rivers stakeholders are clamouring for upland/riverine dichotomy, in the choice of the next governor of the state, while some persons prefer zoning, based on senatorial districts.

  • 2015: Amaechi, APC are jittery, says Wike

    2015: Amaechi, APC are jittery, says Wike

    •He is a dreamer; we cannot be jittery over a sinking ship – Gov

    The Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, has alleged that the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and his supporters are jittery and afraid.

    He alleged that the governor and his supporters are making efforts to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Wike also accused Amaechi, who is the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), of planting moles in the PDP, stressing that members of the party knew them and their movements.

    The minister who is a former chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt and the Director-general of the Amaechi Campaign Organisation in 2011, described Rivers as a PDP state, while stating that the party will take over the seat of power in Rivers in 2015, from the APC.

    The supervising minister of education spoke yesterday at the Krisdera Stadium, Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area in Orashi Region of Rivers State, where a former governor of the state, Dr. Peter Odili, hails from.

    The event was the first anniversary of the Chief Felix Obuah-led executive of the PDP, which came into office through the judgment of an Abuja High Court on April 15, 2013, which sacked the Chief Godspower Ake-led executive, but being challenged at the Court of Appeal.

    Amaechi, who spoke through the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha, described Wike as a day dreamer; stressing that he (Rivers governor) and his teeming supporters could not be jittery over a sinking PDP ship.

    The NGF chairman also asked the supervising minister of education to resign and declare his governorship ambition, noting that no right-thinking person would leave a place of comfort (APC) for hell (PDP), describing Rivers as an APC state.

    The Rivers governor stated that yesterday’s supposed crowd at the stadium in Omoku, from the 23 LGAs of the state, would not be up to the crowd of APC members in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State.

    Wike, a two-term Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council said: “When the Chairman (Obuah) and his team won on April 15, 2013, they said in the next three weeks, the government would step aside. Today (yesterday), we are one year and they have moved to another party.

    “Instead for them to concentrate on what is happening in their party, they are interested in what is happening in the PDP and they are all making efforts to come back to the party.

    “If they are coming back to the party, they must come in a proper way. Anybody that wants to follow the window, we will throw him out through the window. I urge you to continue to work for the PDP. I urge you to continue to remain steadfast, because you cannot achieve what you want to achieve, without commitment and sacrifice.”

    He added, “What is important to us is how PDP will take back the seat of Government House, Port Harcourt in 2015. Let Amaechi not rush. Let him take it calmly. Let him take it easy. He has been telling various stories to different people and groups. All those people he has planted in PDP. We are aware. We know them and we know their movements.

    “They are saying it is the turn of this and that. Come to the party. The party will tell you the war canoe house it is going. Come and participate in the affairs of the party, in order to be waxing stronger.”

    The supervising minister of education also stated that anybody who was committed to the affairs of the PDP, who believed in the party, would make sacrifice, reiterating that members of the PDP were one family, which he claimed was why APC members were afraid.

    He said there must be a party first, for people to say they wanted to vie, while urging all the members of the PDP in the state to come together and work for the party.

    Wike said: “When the time comes for who will be here and who will be there, we shall all sit down and take a collective decision. We have one common enemy, which by the grace of God, we shall chase them out of Government House, Port Harcourt come 2015.

    “The former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, has expressed his support for all of you, for what you are doing and that the next time this opportunity comes, he will be with you.”

    He added, “Our assignment is to mobilise. Knowing full well that somebody has challenged us, saying he gave PDP two million votes and that he is going to deny President Goodluck Jonathan the two million votes. Let us not dissipate our energy. The only work we have to do is to make sure all of us mobilise, have sleepless nights and to be sure that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan emerges as the presidential candidate of the PDP and thereafter wins the general election come 2015.”

    The supervising minister of education also disclosed that President Jonathan would be in Port Harcourt for the Southsouth Unity Rally of the PDP on May 3, while pleading with members of the party to conduct themselves well.

    The Rivers State Chairman of the PDP, in his welcome address earlier, noted that the road in the last one year had been characterised with some challenges and obstacles, but still with some inspiring moments, with the challenges and obstacles surmounted through the support of the members of the PDP and their dedication to the party.

    Obuah said: “Let me restate my resolve to give equal opportunity and a level playing field to every party member to express his or her political rights, as we approach the 2015 general elections, irrespective of social status, height and body weight, ethnic background, religious affiliation or colour.”

    The Rivers PDP chairman also urged members of the party in the state to work for and support the re-election of President Jonathan in 2015.

     

  • 50th anniversary: College honours Babalola, Tinubu, others

    50th anniversary: College honours Babalola, Tinubu, others

    Adeyemi College of Education (ACE), Ondo Town is preparing to mark its golden jubilee with a host of events and awards programmes.

    They include a special convocation for awards of NCE, degrees and presentation of prizes and fellowships to eminent Nigerians.

    The recipients are the Minister of Communication and Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, Legal luminary and founder, Afe Babalola University, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), the Director-General, National Teachers Institute, Dr Aminu Ladan Sharehu and the Chairman, Pacesetters Groups of School, Abuja, Kenneth Imansuangbon.

    Besides the inauguration of projects by the Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike and the public presentation of a festschrift in honour of the Provost, Prof Adeyemi Idowu, there will be recognition of the benefactors of the college.

    The benefactors include Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State; Odunwo of Ondo Kingdom, High Chief Sir Olabanji Akingbule; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Registrar of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, Prof ‘Dibu Ojerinde and former member of House of Representative, Dr. Tayo Fawehinmi

    Other activities to mark the anniversary which will commence on May 2, include special Jumaat Service and interdenominational service on May 4 at the Christ Chapel Interdenominational church; press conference to be addressed by the Chairman, Governing Council, Ambassador John Musa, May 5; , book launch to be chaired by Senator Oluremi Tinubu; oratory skill competition and convocation play.anniversary walk from the college to the Osemawe’s palace, alumni week, student week and exhibitions by the Departments of Home Economics and the Fine and Applied Arts.

    Prof Kabiru Isyaku, from Bayero Univeristy will deliver the special anniversary lecture titled: Teachers and quality of education: 50 years after Ashby Report on May 19.

    Highlights of other activities are football match between ACE and O.A.U team

    The celebration will be rounded up on May 23 and 25 with Jumat and thanksgiving services.

     

  • ‘Next Rivers governor must be from riverine areas’

    ‘Next Rivers governor must be from riverine areas’

    The Pan Rivers Alliance, the umbrella body of socio-political organisations in Rivers State, has said the next governor must come from the riverside area.

    The group, in an advertorial, condemned a statement credited to First Lady Patience Jonathan, endorsing Supervising Minister of Education Nyesom Wike as the next governor.

    It said Wike is not qualified to lead the state since he is from the upland, which has been ruling since inception.

    The group added that for fairness the next governor must be from the riverine areas, such as Andoni, Opobo, Okrika, Nkoro and Kalabari.

    The group said Rivers people will resist any attempt to impose Wike on them. It added that it is insulting to say Rivers people are not thinking riverine after 16 years of being led by upland and eight years of Ikwerre.

    The statement reads: “The Pan Rivers Alliance insists that the ongoing debate about which ethnic group should produce the next governor is a testimony to the fact that most Rivers people accept the need for equitable rotation of political offices.

    “We want to say that quite a number of Rivers communities have adopted zoning. This has helped to maintain fairness and cordial co-existence.

    “The Pan Rivers Alliance recalls in keeping with the spirit of zoning and fairness, Rivers people with the overwhelming support of the ‘Riverine’ voted for Dr Peter Odili from a minority ‘upland’ community of Ndoni in 1999 and 2003. The governorship shifted to Ikwerre ethnic group in 2007. A position the Ikwerre has occupied till date.”

    On the alleged endorsement of Wike, the group said: “The Pan Rivers Alliance considers as an aberration the description of Nyesom Wike as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader in River State.

    “It is worrisome that a junior minister should be addressed a party leader in a state where there are founding leaders, such as Dr Peter Odili, Dr Ombo Isokrari, Chief Victor Odili, Prince Uche Secondus and Dr. Tammy Danagogo.

    “It is even more disturbing that Wike is called leader of the PDP because according to the statement he ‘enjoys the followership of the people of Rivers State and that is why the First Lady is solidly behind Nyesom Wike’.

  • Dame Patience and Nyesom Wike’s guber ambition

    Dame Patience and Nyesom Wike’s guber ambition

    THE Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, is the First Family’s battering ram in Rivers State. In the past few months, especially in alliance with the erstwhile police commissioner in the state, Mbu Joseph Mbu, Mr Wike made himself eagerly available to carry out the First Family’s bidding in ruffling, nay, singeing, the feathers of Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Mr Wike, it must be admitted, carried out his tasks with the utmost servility and aplomb. He ranted, raved and poked his fingers angrily in the eyes of the governor, while rhapsodising the feats and accomplishments of President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife.

    Now is payback time for the officious junior minister, perhaps the reward he schemed for all along, the kind of quid pro quo his fawning, ingratiating mind is used to. Responding to allegations of meddlesomeness in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) affairs in Rivers, Dame Patience Jonathan, through his press secretary, denied an omnibus agenda to impose PDP governorship candidates in some states, but acknowledged she had always supported Mr Wike whom she described as popular. Said Dame Patience’s press secretary: “In the case of Rivers State, the First Lady wishes to state categorically that the Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, is the leader of PDP in Rivers State and he enjoys the followership of the people of the state. The First Lady is solidly behind Chief Wike. The people of Rivers State are also solidly behind Chief Wike and are prepared to follow him…It is also imperative to state that the First Lady is always with the people and will continue to go with the wish and expectations of the people.”

    Political pundits need not wander far afield in their analyses of Rivers State’s PDP selection processes for the 2015 elections: Dame Patience intends to have her way in addition to having her say. And given the uniquely brusque nature of candidate selection in the PDP, such as were witnessed recently in Ekiti and Osun States, the process will be backed fully by presidential power and resources. Indeed, where Dame Patience goes, there her husband will be. Virtue, as Samuel Richardson indicates in his novel Pamela, has its reward. Looking at Mr Wike’s infamous politics, so does vice, as Henry Fielding juxtaposed in his parody Joseph Andrews, and more succinctly in his picaresque novel The History of Tom Jones.