Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON, born on December 13, 1967, is a prominent Nigerian politician and lawyer who served as the governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023. He hails from Rumuepirikom in Obio-Akpor, Rivers State, and is a member of the People’s Democratic Party. Wike pursued his education at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology.
Wike’s political journey began when he was elected as the Executive Chairman of Obio Akpor Local Government Area, where he served two terms from 1999 to 2007. Later on, he held the position of Minister of State for Education, initially appointed on July 14, 2011. Subsequently, he assumed the role of Acting Minister of Education after the removal of Mrs. Ruqqayatu. However, he resigned from this post before completing his term to pursue the governorship of Rivers State. Viola Onwuliri succeeded him in that position.
During the gubernatorial elections held on April 11, Wike emerged as the governor of Rivers State, defeating his opponents Dakuku Peterside of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Tonye Princewill of the Labour Party.
In March 2022, Wike made a significant announcement, declaring his candidacy for the office of the president of Nigeria under the People’s Democratic Party for the 2023 General Election. However, he faced defeat in the party’s primaries, losing to Atiku Abubakar, who secured 371 votes, while Wike obtained 237 votes, securing the position of the first runner-up. The People’s Democratic Party presidential election primary took place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on May 28 and 29, 2022.
Education Life
Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON completed his secondary education at Government Secondary School Eneka in Obiakpor, Rivers State, where he successfully sat for his O’level exams. He then pursued higher education at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUT), where he obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree. Following his undergraduate studies, Wike proceeded to Law School in 1997 to further enhance his legal knowledge and qualifications.
In addition to his law degree, Wike holds a Master of Arts degree in Political and Administrative Studies, which he earned from RSUT. His academic achievements have played a significant role in shaping his career as a lawyer and politician in Nigeria.
Marriage Life
Nyesom Wike is married to a lovely woman and has three children. Jordan, Joaquin, and Jazmyne are the children of Nyesom Wike and his wife, Eberechi Wike.
Political Career
Ezenwo Nyesom Wike’s political journey began in 1999 when he assumed the role of Executive Chairman of Obio Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State. He served in this position until 2007, successfully securing re-election in 2003 for a second term. Following his tenure as the local government chairman, Wike’s capabilities and dedication were recognized, leading to his appointment as the chief of staff to the governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, in 2007.
Continuing his ascent in politics, Wike’s expertise and contributions were further acknowledged when he was appointed as the Minister of State for Education in July 2011 by President Goodluck Jonathan. Due to his commendable performance in this role, he was subsequently promoted to the position of Federal Minister of Education in September 2013.
However, driven by his desire to serve his home state, Rivers State, Wike made the decision to step down as Federal Minister. His purpose was to contest in the 2015 gubernatorial elections in Rivers State. With a commitment to contributing to the progress and development of his state, he embarked on his journey to become the governor of Rivers State, thus transitioning from his national role to focus on the interests of his constituents.
2019 Gubernatorial Re-election
INEC officially declared Nyesom Wike as the winner of the Rivers State governorship polls on Wednesday, April 3, 2019, following the suspension of the process for a brief period.[23][24] Subsequently, on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, Wike was sworn in and took his oath of office at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, marking the commencement of his second term as the governor of Rivers State.[25] During his inauguration speech, he emphasized his commitment to prioritize the interests and well-being of the people of Rivers State.
Moving forward, in May 2022, Wike participated in the contest for the People’s Democratic Party presidential ticket. Despite his efforts, he was not successful, as Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s presidential candidate. However, Wike remained active in supporting his party’s candidates and threw his support behind Sim Fubara as the PDP governorship candidate in Rivers State.
