In a recent turn of event, the name of Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been removed from the administrative block of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council. Wike, who had previously served as the chairman of the council for two terms, saw his name replaced by that of the late Senator Dr. Obi Wali, a prominent Ikwerre leader, politician, and an advocate for minority rights.
The renaming of the administrative building followed a directive issued by the new chairman of the council, Chijioke Ihunwo. The decision came after Ihunwo assumed office and successfully took over the secretariat of the council on October 7, 2024. His assumption of office occurred amidst a period of tension and crisis that had impacted several council secretariats across Rivers State. However, Ihunwo’s leadership brought some stability to the Obio/Akpor council, and his first major decision was to rename the administrative block in honor of a figure he believes to be more deserving.
The building in question is a two-storey, 30-room ultra-modern administrative block, with each room equipped with en-suite facilities. It was constructed under the leadership of Barrister George Ariolu, the immediate past chairman of the council, and was originally named in honor of Nyesom Wike in recognition of his contributions as a two-term chairman of the council from 1999.
Wike’s influence as a political figure in Rivers State has been considerable, culminating in his tenure as Governor of the state and his current role as Minister of the FCT.
However, the new council chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, who had previously served as the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the council for three months, believes that the late Senator Obi Wali’s legacy and contributions to the Ikwerre people and Rivers State are more fitting for such an honor.
Ihunwo, who was elected to his current position on the platform of the Action People’s Party during the most recent election, has been vocal about his admiration for Senator Wali’s role in the political emancipation of the Ikwerre people.
Senator Dr. Obi Wali, born in 1932, was a towering political figure who dedicated his life to championing the rights and interests of the Ikwerre ethnic group in Rivers State.
He was a well-known advocate for the rights of minorities, and his influence extended beyond the Ikwerre people to the broader political landscape of Nigeria. His efforts in securing recognition and political empowerment for the Ikwerre people have earned him deep respect and admiration both within Rivers State and beyond.
As a senator, Obi Wali’s contributions to politics and his advocacy for cultural preservation solidified his place in the hearts of his people.
He became a symbol of the political struggle for minority rights, and his legacy has continued to inspire generations of Ikwerre people.
Recognizing his importance, the Obio/Akpor council’s administrative block has now been renamed in his honor. The late senator’s name will now prominently adorn the building, serving as a lasting tribute to his lifelong contributions and dedication to the political and cultural advancement of his people.
This renaming of the administrative block is not the first public space to bear the late senator’s name. In Port Harcourt, the capital city of Rivers State, the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, located along G. U. Ake Road, stands as a monumental tribute to his legacy.
The conference centre is one of the most iconic government-run event spaces in Rivers State, and it has become a landmark in Port Harcourt, reflecting the respect and admiration that Senator Wali commands even after his passing.
The decision to replace Wike’s name with that of Obi Wali has generated mixed reactions within the local political landscape. While some see it as a justified move that honors a historical figure who fought for the rights of the Ikwerre people.
Others have expressed concern over the removal of Wike’s name, given his contributions to the council and Rivers State at large. However, Ihunwo remains steadfast in his belief that Senator Wali’s legacy, particularly in the realm of political emancipation, makes him more deserving of the honor.
The move also reflects broader efforts within Rivers State to commemorate figures who have played critical roles in the state’s political and social development. Senator Obi Wali’s name is synonymous with the struggle for the recognition of minority rights and the political upliftment of the Ikwerre people, and his memory continues to shape the political consciousness of the region.
As the Obio/Akpor council moves forward under the leadership of Chijioke Ihunwo, the renaming of the administrative block stands as a symbol of the council’s commitment to honoring those who have dedicated their lives to the advancement of the community.
By placing Senator Obi Wali’s name on the building, the council not only pays homage to a key historical figure but also reinforces the importance of recognizing the contributions of those who have worked tirelessly to uplift their people.
