Among the who is who in the Nigeria’s political circle who graced the end of 8years tenure of the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, in Portharcourt today, included the Governors of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu, who represented President Bola Tinubu, of Imo State, Hope Nzodinma, of Oyo, Seyi Makinde, of Adamawa, Ahmadu Fintiri.
Others were; the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Fmr Governors of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose and Kayode Fayemi; of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, of Benue, Ortom, of Rivers State, Peter Odili and his wife; amongst others.
Giving his testimony before the Congregation, Wike glorified God for the grace to complete the 8years tenure despite the numerous battles he faced physically and spiritually, confess I ng that he thought he would dead in 2018.
He shared how he survived deadly poison in 2018 December when Doctors diagnosed damage to his kidney, intestine and liver; noting that God miraculously healed him within a week that he was flew out of the country at 12midnight.
As if that was not enough, he narrated that just few months later while preparing for second term campaign, his wife brought a bad news of cancer diagnosis and he decided to pull out of the race.
According to him, being a Governor didn’t certify one free from battle as he explained that people don’t bother about how those in positions of power feel and fair, but just keeping bombarding them with financial requests and different personal burdens.
Wike, who disclosed that he was persuaded to go ahead with the second term bid , however noted that he did the campaign with extra care and caution, refused to visit anyone’s private residence for any post-campaign meetings in the local government areas due to the poison attack as he saw everyone as a suspect.
He noted that to everyone out there, Wike is a strong man, but asserted that he endured all the hard times, saying that part of leadership is not to frighten supporters, hence, the need to appear strong.
According to him, political battle within his party from the top and bottom levels also arose but he surmounted all, “All evil plots against me failed, why won’t I praise God?”, he says.