By Azimeye Idodo
On April 14, 2022, the governor of Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike, one of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP aspirant for the presidential ticket, visited Benin City, Edo State capital.
His visit was in continuation of his campaign, preparatory to the party’s presidential primaries next May.
Characteristics of the oil rich state chief executive, Wike jettisoned established protocol and refused to pay the customary courtesy visit to his Edo State counterpart, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
The Edo Government House was conspicuously missing from Wike’s itinerary during his one-day visit. He paid royal visit to His Majesty, Oba Ewuare II and also met with PDP delegates in the expansive home of late Chief Tony Anenih.
Unlike Mr. Peter Obi, Aminu Tambuwal, Bala Muhammed and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who stopped over at the government house, Wike decided to take the unfamiliar route.
Unfortunately for Wike, his poor decision has further raised more questions about his abilty to lead a polarized country like Nigeria.
Wike may have lost the rare opportunity to demonstrate his statecraft and diplomacy.
By avoiding the PDP Secretariat and Government House, Wike’s action can be misconstrued as fueling the divide in Edo State.
His action is also tantamount to working against the effort of Governor Samuel Ioraer Ortom peace committee, set up by the national chairman, Prof Iyorcha Ayu to find lasting peace in Edo State PDP.
The media reports that, “Wike shunned the Edo State government house” while in the state, will certainly diminish his profile. It’s also a Public Relation disaster by his handlers.
His failure also, to visit the state party secretariat, is also capable of labeling him as an active member in the PDP intra battle for supremacy.
Azimeye Idodo, writes from Auchi, Edo State.