Wike Speaks On Good Governance: It Is Also About My Stomach

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said good governance should extend beyond the provision of physical infrastructure such as roads, stressing that the welfare and interests of the people should also be considered.

Wike made the remarks on Friday while speaking with leaders and stakeholders of the Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The former Rivers State governor said he had earlier told the chairman of Akpor that good governance should not be measured only by road construction, adding that his statement was intended to emphasise the broader meaning of governance.

“I said it today in Akpor. I told the current Akpor chairman that good governance is not only roads; good governance is also my stomach,” Wike said.

He further explained that occupying the position of council chairman was not solely about the individual holding the office but about representing the interests of the wider community.

Wike made the remarks while discussing Solomon Eke, a former chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, whom he said had once received his political support but later took a different political position during Wike’s first tenure as Rivers State governor.

During the gathering, Wike called Eke forward and referred to him as “my boy,” indicating that their previous political differences had not completely severed their relationship.

The minister recalled that he had worked to support Eke’s emergence as council chairman and said he had previously warned him about political developments surrounding his activities.

Despite the disagreement, Wike said Eke should not be abandoned, maintaining that political differences should not necessarily erase longstanding relationships.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Wike’s comments have drawn attention because of his unusual reference to his “stomach” while explaining his view of what good governance should encompass.