Laolu Akande, a former presidential aide, has voiced his disappointment with Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State.
Despite hailing Wike as the second most influential politician in Nigeria, Akande expressed regret over Wike’s apparent failure to effectively manage his endorsed successor.
The political crisis in Rivers State has escalated this week, marked by the demolition of the State House of Assembly Complex and the defection of 27 assembly members loyal to Wike to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This upheaval comes despite President Bola Tinubu’s attempt to mediate between Wike and his political protégé, Governor Fubara.
Speaking on Channels Television, Akande remarked on the disappointing situation in Rivers State. He highlighted Wike’s once-praised reputation as a dynamic and effective leader, known as “Mr. Project.” Akande stressed the necessity for Wike, now holding a prominent political position, to handle himself with grace and manage expectations appropriately.
He said, “What is happening in Rivers State is very disappointing. Look, a lot of people had deep respect for the FCT Minister …you can easily see that Wike was the kind of guy that got it done and he got the reputation.”
“He was called Mr. Project and all that. There’s quite a bit of political regard that you’ve to give to Wike. I think in this country today, after the President, Nyesom Wike is the most prominent politician.
“So, when somebody has attained that level of political relevance, it means you really have to carry yourself with a lot of grace, with a lot of measured management of the expectations around you.
“It is disappointing that the FCT Minister is not managing his own anointed governor and the responsibility is more on him than the governor. Wike is the senior partner in this matter and it is not good for him,” he added.