My Reasons For Appointing 200,000 Political Aides – Wike

The Rivers State government was charged yesterday when Governor Nyesom Wike quadrupled the number of Special Assistants, SAs, he had just hired to handle political unit affairs.

Wike declared a jump from 100,000 to 200,000 as he officially welcomed the second batch of new SAs from the Rivers East Senatorial District at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area.

There were hints yesterday that the 359 Constituency and Local Government Area Liaison Officers’ salaries will remain at N50,000 while the newly hired 200,000 Units SAs will earn a monthly stipend of N30,000.

This means that Rivers would give the appointees N42.127 billion between now and May 29, 2023, when Wike’s term will expire.

The appointments elicited criticisms from the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Rescue Movement, NRM, and Niger Delta Peace Coalition among others.

Why I appointed more SAs — Wike

Defending the development, the Governor said: “My mail box almost crashed. People are sending text messages saying ‘why are you leaving us alone, the job is too much. This number cannot do the work’.
“Therefore, a lot of Rivers people are volunteering to be part of this work. And I can announce to you today, we have increased the number from 100,000 to 200,000.”

Wike directed all political leaders of the various Local Government Areas to return home to search out trustworthy folks they consider can help Rivers retain its prime position in the comity of states.
He said even if so much has been done, his administration is not taking its remaining time for granted, emphasizing that these SAs on Political Units Affairs were being engaged to help his administration finish well.
“It is me who is appointing. It is me who wears the shoe that knows where it pinches. It is not you outside because you are not part of government. I know what it takes and I know these people will help me. Now that I am finishing, I want to finish very well.”