Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, will after May 29, 2023, begin to play advisory role for the people of the state.
The governor, who contested for the presidential ticket of the PDP but lost to Atiku Abubakar, had while speaking recently declared that he was not interested in taking up any ministerial appointment after leaving office.
Wike’s close ally, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke, told LEADERSHIP Sunday in Port Harcourt, that the governor’s performance in eight years have earned him a lot of respect from across the country and endeared him to Rivers people.
Nwuke said: “Governor Wike has performed creditably well and this has attracted a lot of respect for him from across the country. Rivers people love him.
“After handing over as governor on May 29, 2023, Governor Wike will be there to offer advise on good governance to political office holders and other people.”
Likewise, Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba state has said eventhough he lost his ambition to represent the people of Taraba south at the National Assembly, he still remains active in the state politics.
Ishaku stated that he is ready to provide possible solutions for his successor if needed, though he would not want to be featured as a front runner of the administration.
The governor who spoke through his Special Advicer on Media and Publicity, Bala Dan-Habu said he was aware that the incoming administration would need him for better and successful development of the state. He promised to be available for such opportunities.
On his chances of contesting for the next coming elections come 2027, the governor said it depends on devine decisions from God.
Habu could not ascertain if the governor petitioned the recent outcome of the recent election where he lost his bid to represent the people of Taraba south at the national assembly.
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State was named Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in the twilight of former Governor Godswill Akpabio’s administration at the exit of Obong Umana Okon Umana.
Emmanuel would eventually emerge the next governor two years later. The governor who himself is now leaving office after eight years has repeatedly expressed his passion and admiration as a professional banker, saying he would return to the business after his stint at the helm of the state’s political top job.
The former Executive Director at Zenith Bank, Emmanuel, had been quoted repeatedly as saying the only things he would pick on his May 29 exit date, would be his laptop and iPad; the only items he came in with.
“I didn’t come to government with anything, rather than my laptop and iPad, and I will leave with them at the end of my tenure,” he was quoted as saying during media interactions.
LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that even when speculations were rife that he would play a last minute joker by using Executive powers to corner the Eket, Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District seat as parting compensation like other governors, the outgoing governor had toed the path of peace and allowed the zoning arrangement to subsist over his personal interest.
The Special Assistant (SA) to the Governor in – charge of Documentation, Mr. Essien Ndueso, said that “the Governor has never left anyone in doubt as to where he would be after his eventful tenure. He has repeatedly said he would leave the Government House with his laptop and iPad, to return to the banking system.”