Nyesom Wike (born December 13, 1967) is a prominent Nigerian politician and lawyer, currently serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory since August 2023. He previously held the position of Governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, where he was known for his significant contributions to the state’s development and governance.
Early Life and Education
Wike hails from Rumuepirikom in Obio-Akpor, Rivers State. He attended Government Secondary School Eneka, where he completed his O’level exams before pursuing higher education at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUT). He earned a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1997 and later a Master of Arts in Political and Administrative Studies from RSUT.
Political Career
Wike’s political career began when he was elected as the two-term Executive Chairman of Obio Akpor Local Government Area from 1999 to 2007. In July 2011, he was appointed Minister of State for Education by President Goodluck Jonathan, later serving as the Acting Minister of Education until he resigned to campaign for the governorship of Rivers State.
In the 2015 gubernatorial elections, Wike emerged victorious, defeating Dakuku Peterside of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Tonye Princewill of the Labour Party. He was re-elected in 2019, with the Independent National Electoral Commission declaring him the winner of the governorship elections. Throughout his tenure, Wike focused on improving education, infrastructure, and healthcare in Rivers State.
In March 2022, he announced his candidacy for the presidency under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) but finished as the first runner-up in the primaries. He was later appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory by President Bola Tinubu.
Achievements and Reforms
As governor, Wike implemented reforms that made primary and secondary education free in Rivers State. He also initiated free registration for students taking the JAMB exam. Wike championed women’s rights, signing a law to enhance property inheritance rights for women in 2022.
Personal Life
Nyesom Wike is married and has three children. He is recognized for his dedication to public service and commitment to improving the lives of the people in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
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