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The Thin Line Between Wike And Whiskey By Adeshina Oyetayo

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As the governor of Nigeria’s oil-rich Rivers State, life is bound to be bright and beautiful, and bubbly. If you are now predisposed to epicurean pleasures like Governor Nyesom Wike, bingeing daily on the
most expensive bourbon or champagne or cognac should not raise any eyebrow, no?

This must be Governor Wike’s response to the mass hysteria that heralded a viral picture of him, in company with Ayo Fayose, his social and political collaborator and former governor of Ekiti State—regally placed on a table before them was a bottle of Dalmore whiskey. Different commentators lampooned the governor for the brazen display of the whiskey especially those who remembered that in the wake of the presidential election, Wike had gleefully told a stunned nation that he was drinking a 40-year-old whiskey whilst his party members were protesting their electoral loss.

Indeed, some days after Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC was declared winner of the February 25 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the People’s Democratic
Party, PDP, led leaders and members of the party in a protest march to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Abuja, stating that the election was marred with irregularities.

Wike, typically, took potshots at everybody involved with the rally. He said, “As they were protesting, I just sat down and I took one 40-year-old whiskey. I called some of my friends ‘o boy, sit down. Make una sit down open 40 years. Then I put on television, see as dem dey do marching. They have become labour union, they have become students union ‘all we are saying…’ chai. You are saying what? What are you saying? That you have taken over the role of students’ union, aluta continua. That is what the party has become, aluta continua.”

Ironically, the protest was held around 11 am on Monday when rational and responsible people were at work and a dutiful and serious-minded governor was expected to be in his office attending to state matters. But, not Governor Wike. It was whiskey-o-clock on Monday morning.

Phrank Shaibu, a spokesperson for Atiku, addressed this in a strident statement. Shaibu advised the governor to stay off alcohol because it had “affected his voice and demeanour,” adding, “Governor Wike says he was drinking whiskey during the protest at 11:30 am on a Monday. This reveals the sort of man he is – a dipsomaniac who abandons his official duties on Monday morning to binge on whiskey.”

Aside from the shock and surprise that he was drinking on a Monday morning when his party had just lost a presidential election; the price of the drink threw many people completely off balance. Dalmore
whiskies tend to be on the upper end of ‘premium’, and well outside the price range of average whiskey drinkers. The ‘40year’ that Wike announced that he was drinking cost a princely $9, 500. In naira, that’s slightly over a gasp-inducing N9 million per bottle.

In retrospect, there might be a semblance of truth in what Wike’s predecessor and the immediate past former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, alleged during electioneering that the governor spends
N50m on alcohol every week. Of course, the majority of those who read the report thought that it was not only incredulous and near impossible but that it must be borne out of envy, malice, and their long-drawn animosity towards each other. Amaechi and Wike are known to be sworn enemies, stemming from the former’s opposition to the latter’s aspiration to succeed him as Rivers State governor before the 2015 election. Before their bitter fallout, Wike served as Chief of Staff to then Governor Amaechi. So, they know each other intimately.

During one of his stumps for the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Tonye Cole, in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni local government area of the state, Amaechi was quoted as saying, “The person Wike buys alcohol from said Wike spends N50million every week on alcohol. The primary school we built is N112 million. It means that in two weeks, Wike has drank one primary school. When Wike talks, it is alcohol that is talking. And he’s so shameless about it. Wike told the whole world on live TV that he was drinking a very expensive 40-year-old whiskey in the morning.”

Even if many are not privy to the budget for the governor’s drinks, the viral picture puts paid to all doubts. Indeed, the worst kind of enemy has to be a friend that you have been through the trenches together, who knows your weaknesses and strengths and best-kept secrets. Amaechi knows Wike like the back of his palm. And there is a correlation between what Amaechi, an accustomed teetotaller, said about his former buddy’s utterances and the effect of alcohol, especially the type Wike fancies. Amid intense revelry, whiskey loosens the tongue and helps drop the reveller’s guard; and if you are not adept at controlling it, what the drinker utters will be unbridled and, sometimes, regrettable.

Though modesty and decorum are not exactly Wike’s strong suit, there must have been a regular, potent trigger behind some of the most absurd tales and tantrums, soundbites, and tabloid headlines that he treated Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to in the run-up to the last general election. Governor Wike takes the cake for being the undisputed protagonist in the series of macabre dramas that happened
during and after electioneering. The story of how he lost the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, presidential primaries to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who also overlooked him for the running mate slot, preferring Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, is well documented. Also well-known is how he and his G-5 cohorts polarised the party.

Every other day, he had something to say about his party and those who ‘betrayed’ him, particularly, Iyorchia Ayu, the suspended national chairman of the party. Wike unravelled as something like a court
jester, a sore loser, and an absolutist lacking prudence and perspicacity. In many quarters, it was alleged that his unguarded, crude, and intemperate persona contributed to why he lost the PDP VP slot to Okowa.

The accretion of these perceptions made many conclude that Wike should be nowhere near public office. Yet, Wike had been in the corridors of power since he left law school in 1997. An only-in-Nigeria kind of
political success story, he was appointed the executive chairman of Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State in 1999 and was in office till 2007. He was subsequently appointed the Chief of Staff to
Amaechi and served for four years. In 2011, former President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him the Minister of State for Education. Wike became a substantive Minister a while later. He resigned in 2014 to
contest the governorship of Rivers State and won. Now in the twilight of his second term, a shot at the presidency left him with egg on the face.

Consequently, that devastating loss made him change from one of Nigeria’s best-performing governors to a cautionary tale whose utterances belie his divine political trajectory and successes. But, warts and all, whiskey or no, Wike has achieved a lot in his political career, and he would prefer that Nigerians cut him some slack for his indulgences. His second term as governor ends on May 29. Luckily, he succeeded in installing one of his loyalists, Siminalayi Fubara, as the next governor of Rivers State. This means Governor Wike will not lack his favourite expensive whiskeys for some time to come. After all, one good ‘round’ deserves another.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @shynewriter

BIG STORY

BREAKING: CAF Slams Libya $50,000 Fine, Awards Super Eagles 3 Points

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a $50,000 fine on Libya over the “inhumane treatment” inflicted on the Nigerian national team, while awarding the Super Eagles three points and three goals.

This was revealed by Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, in a post on his X handle on Saturday.

The decision follows CAF’s investigation into Libya’s maltreatment of the Super Eagles upon their arrival in the North African nation for the return leg of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“CAF awards three points and three goals to Nigeria. Libya fined $50,000.

“Plane was diverted 300km from scheduled airport even when the pilot told them he was low on fuel.

“One step closer to our target AFCON 2025,” Troost-Ekong wrote.

 

More to come…

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BIG STORY

Court Gives Herbert Wigwe’s Cousin 8-Days Ultimatum To Explain Interest In Deceased Banker’s Estate

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The Lagos State High Court Probate Registry has given Christian Wigwe an ultimatum to explain his interest in the estate of his cousin, the late Herbert Wigwe, former group managing director and CEO of Access Bank.

Christian had lodged a caveat on behalf of Shyngle Wigwe, the father of the deceased, apparently to contest the estate’s distribution as specified in the late banker’s will.

A caveat is a formal written notice filed with the probate registry, challenging the validity of a deceased person’s will to halt estate administration until the matter is resolved. By filing the caveat, Christian aims to prevent the estate’s administration from proceeding without notification.

In a document dated 21 October, the Lagos probate registry issued a legal notice, giving the caveator, Christian, an eight-day ultimatum upon service to explain his interest in the estate of the late Herbert Wigwe.

“The Lagos State High Court Probate Registry setting forth what interest you have in the Estate of the above-named deceased, Late Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe of No. 11 Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos, contrary to the interest of the party at whose instance this warning is issued,” the notice reads.

The notice calls on Christian to respond and assert his interest in the estate of his deceased cousin. If he fails to respond within the given timeframe, he risks losing the opportunity to contest the probate process.

“If you have no contrary interest but wish to show cause against the sealing of a grant to such a party to issue and serve a Summons for direction by the Registrar of the said registry.

“And take notice that in default of your so doing the Court may proceed to issue a grant of Probate or Administration in the said Estate notwithstanding your Caveat,” the probate legal notice read.

The notice was issued at the instance of Uchechukwu Wigwe, the appointed personal representative of the estate under the deceased’s will dated 9 July 2013.

This requires Christian to appear at the Court Probate Registry to explain his interest in his late cousin’s estate.

Background

Christian Wigwe, the deceased’s cousin, in an affidavit dated 7 October and filed at the Lagos State High Court Probate Registry, accused Herbert Wigwe’s partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede of assuming a role meant for the deceased’s father, Shyngle Wigwe.

There have been recent controversies within the Wigwe family regarding the deceased’s estate.

Reports on several online platforms indicated that Herbert’s father, Shyngle Wigwe, is allegedly at the center of a dispute over the distribution of his late son’s estate.

Christian reportedly filed a caveat to challenge the proposed distribution.

However, a statement signed by a family member, Emeka Wigwe, refuted these allegations, calling the reports “false and grossly misleading.” The statement emphasized the well-being and unity of the family and stated that no family member had sought 20 percent of the deceased’s estate.

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BIG STORY

A Life Of Purpose And Leadership: Celebrating The Legacy Of AFRIMA’s Vice President, Modupe Temitope Dada

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Late Modupe Temitope Oriyomi Ige Dada will forever be remembered as a beacon of selflessness, compassion, and dedication. She lived a life of purpose, both professionally and personally. As a highly accomplished investment banking professional with over two decades of experience, Modupe touched countless lives through her work and her enduring spirit of service.

She was a woman of remarkable grace, strength, and immeasurable faith. Modupe was not only a dedicated professional but also a loving and caring wife, a nurturing mother, and a source of compassion for many.

Her life was defined by her deep commitment to relationships—whether as a friend, colleague, or family member. She had an innate ability to connect with others, always extending a helping hand, a listening ear, or comforting words to those around her.

As a wife, Mrs Dada embodied the true essence of love, submissiveness, and partnership. She was a supportive spouse, standing beside her husband, Mike Dada, in every endeavour. Mike Dada is the President and Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in partnership with the African Union, a global music award institution and the Managing Director of PRM Africa Marketing and Communication Limited as well as a lawyer and techpreneur.

Her home was built on a foundation of mutual respect, love, and faith. Modupe’s commitment to her family was steadfast, and she played an important role in nurturing and guiding her children, instilling in them the same values of love, service, and compassion that she lived by.

Known as a perfomer,Modupe excelled as a banking expert, recognized for her strategic leadership and operational excellence. At the time of her passing, she was serving as the Branch Manager at Fidelity Bank PLC, a position she assumed in September 2024. In a short period, she demonstrated her exceptional talent for turning around loss-making branches into profit-generating entities, a skill she had developed throughout her distinguished career.

Modupe’s journey began humbly as journalist with the Nigerian Tribune. After a brief stint as a Marketing Manager at My Phone Nigeria Ltd and serving as the Protocol Manager for the All Africa Games (COJA’03) in Abuja, she ventured into the banking sector. Her banking career started at the now-defunct Pacific Bank Ltd as a Customer Service Officer from 2004 to 2005.

In October 2005, Modupe became a cash officer at Unity Bank Plc, where she supervised the daily activities of cashiers and ensured compliance with cash limits.

Her operational expertise led to her promotion in December 2009 to Head of Operations at Unity Bank Plc, a position she held until March 2012. In this role, she ensured sufficient cash was available in the vault, managed cash limits for cashiers, and collaborated closely with commercial and consumer banking teams to develop value-chain marketing strategies for potential clients.

In February 2013, Modupe joined Keystone Bank Limited as a relationship manager for commercial banking. She played a vital role in formulating and implementing strategies for acquiring and retaining accounts across various sectors. Her efforts helped the branch achieve established goals and consistently meet performance targets.

Her dedication and outstanding performance resulted in her appointment as Branch Manager of Commercial Banking at Keystone Bank in October 2013, a position she held until June 2024. During her tenure, she demonstrated remarkable leadership by transforming two loss-making branches into profitable ones within just three months. She led initiatives to increase deposit positions, created quality risk assets, and provided overall team leadership to ensure the branch consistently met its financial targets.

In June 2024, Modupe was appointed as Sector Head for Private Banking (UHNI) at Keystone Bank, where she managed relationships with ultra-high-net-worth individual clients, offering customized financial solutions tailored to their unique needs.

She held this role before later joining Fidelity Bank PLC, where she served until her passing.

Her leadership was not solely about achieving numbers; it focused on fostering a culture of efficiency, team collaboration, and effective risk management. Under her stewardship, branches that were once struggling flourished, and her team thrived under her guidance.

Beyond her professional achievements,like her husband, Mrs. Dada was a lifelong learner. She earned an MBA in Marketing from Lead City University, along with a Postgraduate Diploma from Lagos State University. Her academic journey also included an HND in Mass Communication from The Polytechnic Ibadan,an OND from Ogun State Polytechnic, complemented by numerous professional certifications. Modupe’s relentless pursuit of knowledge led her to complete the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School and the Associate Chartered Banker Programme at the same institution. She is also an Associate Chartered Banker (ACIB).She was expected to conclude her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program in November 2024 before she passed on in October 2024.

She held certifications in Money Laundering Prevention & Compliance, the Terrorism Finance Act, Export Trade Training on Learning Management Systems (LMS), Cluster Compliance Training on the CBN Dollarization Policy, and Customer Due Diligence in Digital Banking, among others.

Mrs. Dada was more than just a leader; she was also a mentor, a team player, and a resilient goal-getter. Her strong communication skills, high sense of fashion,creative thinking, and global business mindset endeared her to both colleagues and clients. She was passionate about excellence and driven by the desire to contribute to the well-being of others.

Outside of banking, Modupe found joy in reading, traveling, fashion,helping others and learning. Her curious mind was always exploring new ideas and ways to improve both herself and her environment. She embodied grace, good character,resilience, and determination—qualities that made her an inspiration to many who crossed her path.

Not only was she an exemplary professional, but she was also a devoted lover of Christ who served God passionately throughout her life. Her faith guided her actions, decisions, and relationships, consistently embodying Christian values both at home and in her career.

Born on May 5, 1976, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Modupe took great pride in her roots. Her passing is a profound loss to all who knew her, but her legacy will live on through the institutions she helped build, the people she mentored, and the countless lives she touched throughout her career.

As we remember, Modupe Temitope Dada nee Baruwa, we honour not only her contributions to the banking industry but also her spirit of excellence, compassion, and dedication to making a difference. She was, and will always remain, a shining example of what it means to lead with purpose, integrity, and heart.

May her soul rest in peace.

 

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