Wike promises stellar performance in ministerial role
As the Senate commenced the screening of ministerial nominees on Monday, one notable candidate stood out among the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration’s list – former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.
Surprisingly, Wike, a prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was nominated by President Bola Tinubu to serve as a minister in his cabinet.
Appearing before the red chamber for screening, Wike confidently expressed that President Tinubu would not regret his nomination.
With pride, he highlighted his accomplishments during his tenure as the governor of the oil-rich Niger Delta state from May 2015 to May 2023, emphasizing the successful completion of several infrastructure projects that significantly improved the state’s development.
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Notably, Wike’s dedication to inclusivity was evident, as he invited politicians from various parties to commission these projects.
Wike passionately stressed the importance of commitment and genuine passion for the job, making a pointed remark about some former governors who seek ministerial positions without a true desire to serve the Nigerian people.
“There are so many people who want to be ministers for the sake that ‘I was a governor,’ for the sake that ‘I was a minister,’ but there are those who say, ‘Look, what do I have to offer? Am I committed to this job?'”, Wike eloquently stated during the screening.
With gratitude, the ex-Rivers governor thanked President Tinubu for the nomination and expressed unwavering support for the administration’s commitment to solving the country’s challenges.
“I thank Mr. President for nominating me. I believe, knowing how hungry Mr. President is to solve the problems of Nigeria, we have no choice but to give him that required support. And I can assure you, if I am confirmed in whatever capacity, Mr. President will not regret nominating me,” he confidently asserted.
His appearance and response left an impression on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who attested to Wike’s competence and capacity to deliver effectively in office, leading him to grant Wike the privilege of taking a bow.
As the Senate screened the first batch of ministerial nominees, twenty out of the twenty-eight candidates completed their documentation for the process on Monday, indicating their readiness to serve in the cabinet.
The Senate carried out the screening during the afternoon plenary, following the much-awaited transmission of President Tinubu’s ministerial list to the red chamber last Thursday.
However, a few nominees were unable to complete their documentation as they are currently abroad, but it is expected that they will finalize their submissions soon.