So many of us have been busy criticising Governor Yesom Wike of Rivers State. I have read the arguments for and against his actions during this Covid-19 lockdown. I understand the entire emotions as most of us have expressed. I have equally watched of a few persons throwing aspersions on this same Governor. I understand all.

In a critical decision making and making a difference in the lives of people, I tried to find a balance in the two opinions, permit me to state that I stand with Governor Yesom Wike.

Most people that know me may possibly think that this is out of character with me, buy character is determined by all persuasions that drive it.

The blunt truth is that I have been a part of the Nigerian political project since 2003 when I was invited home and made the Commisioner for Special Duties then. My motive for leaving all that I was doing in London to join politics remain my belief that we can change our country to the best in the world.

With great enthusiasm and commitment to bring my expertise and knowledge to bear, I discovered sadly that our country is almost impossible to fix.

As sad and as hopeless as I found the situation, I am still persuaded that one day, something drastic will happen, something that will jolt us into the earthly realities facing us.

Our country, full of the best brains that the world can muster in all fields, blessed in natural resources and climate, yet we are languishing in shameful poverty, diseases and lawlessness that cannot be explained. It is a tragedy of unimaginable proportion.

Educated and exposed Nigerians have come and seen our sad state, so many have given up, minding their businesses because there is no probable cure or solution in sight.

Most diaspora Nigerians have come home with so much enthusiasm, to come and develop at home thereby bringing back their expertise, but most have ran back abroad with no plans of ever doing anything with Nigeria or Nigerians.

I know a lot of decent people that are involved in politics, people driven by same motives as mine, yet they feel so helpless and hopeless with the situation on the ground. Nigerian redemption is not the project of one person.

We know how it is with simple things like employment, unemployed graduates abound all over the nation, citizens are busy abusing politicians.

Why do we really think that Nigerian problem is caused by the politicians? Problems in our Nation are caused by very corrupt society that has no respect for rule of law. It is not possible for a bad leader to rule disciplined and organised society, quote me.

A politician understands that life is tough and that the society can only listen to you when you are dishing out, no one asks how you get your money, just bring the cash. The primary reason for elections become irrelevant.
The politician and other top persons recognise that to be safe in a volatile environment like ours, we need security, so we hire police and army that are supposed to be protecting the entire citizens. It is the hallmark of a collapsed society.

We are still on Governor Yesom Wike of Rivers State, so many of us have been cursing and shouting to high heavens, the pure truth is that they can do nothing, except the shouting and cursing.

Governor Wike may not be your ideal man but what is he expected to do under such a situation when there was a clear decision made by the State Executive Council directing everyone on what to do during this period of the pandemic?

Did Governor Yesom Wike show biase in discharging the guidelines as directed by the Executive Council?

Did Wike abuse his position by arresting people that are in their houses?

Is there any evidence that Governor Yesom Wike of Rivers State is pursuing vendetta against his political opponents with Rivers State power instruments?

The hotels that were demolished, were the management aware of the laws put in place by the Government, asking all hotels to stay closed till further notice? If these hotels were closed as the Government directed, would they have been demolished?

We MUST be conscious that in supporting lawlessness, we are encouraging brigandage. How can we build a sane society if people do not obey the laws?

I am aware of the cost sentiments involved as per the vehicles and properties demolished, but the protection of those properties are the prerogatives of the owners, not Governor Wike.

Do not open your hotels and do not go on travels because of the pandemic in our society, what is difficult to understand in this simple instruction?

Governor Wike is the head of Government and Chief Security Officer of Rivers State, he was elected to protect Ndi Rivers State during all seasons, as far as I am concerned, he is doing his job to the core. There comes a time we decide either to perish in cowardice or do the right things to change our society. For how long shall we keep protecting the lawless?

Since this pandemic, there are some leaders, elected, that we have not seen. Their States are in turmoil, they really don’t care, Yesom Wike has been in the front line doing his job, what Ndi Rivers elected him to do. This is no sentiment but to lead, I have always said is not a game for the boys or faint hearted.

The people whose cars were seized have lost their cars, the hoteliers have lost their hotels, as sad as these maybe, they caused it 100%.

I have a friend that told me he was to travel to Rivers State, I simply told him to check well before venturing. I also made it clear that he should not bother in case he runs into any problems with Governor Yesom Wike team, to contact me, because I will not loose sleep for his stupidity if he decides to venture.

In a country today where non issues have taken positions of real issues, in a Country where most have become cowards and prisoners of conscience, we are desperate for a BRAVE and FEARLESS leadership and let us not go too far anymore.

When God is answering the prayers of a Nation, we must be sensitive enough to recognise such. I have never really looked at the direction of Governor Yesom Wike, but now, I recognise him.

For the hopeful Nigerians that want to see a better nation for us and our children, we all must rise and support the like of Yesom Wike of Rivers State to show his courage at the centre, we all will benefit.

If he decides to run for President tomorrow and my party permits me, I will work with absolute commitment with him, because in him, I see the hope for survival for our Nation.

I therefore open up a new campaign for Nigeria, Governor Yesom Wike, please come out for Nigeria, I will persuade my party, the glorious, victorious All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, the party that cares to support you.

My submission.

Thank you all.

Hon. Chinedu Nkwonta
Idengeli na Nawfia
Kpom Nigeria