- Wike made this statement during his screening before the red chamber on July 31, 2023
- He expressed confidence in his abilities and promised to be a dedicated and competent member of the government
Former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would be pleased with his nomination as a minister in the cabinet.
During his screening before the red chamber on Monday, July 31, 2023, Wike conveyed his assurance of being a dedicated and competent member of the government.
He said, “I thank Mr President for nominating me. I believe, knowing how hungry Mr President is to solving 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.”
In his speech, he stated that during his tenure as governor, he initiated and completed numerous projects to strengthen the state’s infrastructure and encouraged politicians from both parties to commission them.
He said, ”As governor, everybody will attest to it that I changed the landscape of Port Harcourt. It’s on record. In four years, I constructed 9 Flyovers.”
”These things can be achieved if you are committed if you have passion for the job.”
Wike was asked to take a “bow and go” after reading his brief profile and following an appeal by Senator Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers).
Speaking on the incident, Senate President Godswill Akpabio explained why the Senate did not grill.
Akpabio said Wike was not thoroughly grilled because the Senate had his records, having formerly served as a minister.