Former Lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has criticized the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for declaring Wednesday May 3 as a public holiday in honor of President-elect Bola Tinubu’s two-day visit to the state. Sani, who expressed his disapproval via his verified Twitter handle, described the move as a mark of desperation for favor and accommodation. According to him, the commissioning of projects is a sign of great achievement, but grounding economic, social, and educational activities in the state to celebrate Tinubu’s visit is an indication of groveling for recognition.

Governor Wike had declared the public holiday in honor of Tinubu, who was in the state to commission some projects. The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate had won the state’s election, and Wike’s support was key to Tinubu securing the mandatory 25% of the votes in Rivers State. Tony Okocha, the leader of the Independent Campaign Council in the state, praised the governor’s contribution to Tinubu’s success, commending him for mobilizing human and material resources to achieve the victory.

However, Sani’s criticism of Wike’s decision highlights the significance of the visit and the extent to which such visits can impact economic, social, and educational activities in a state. Sani’s comment raises questions about the legitimacy of such decisions and whether they are in the best interest of the people. The grounding of economic activities for the sake of a political visit can have adverse effects on the people’s livelihoods, especially if such visits are frequent.

Moreover, Sani’s criticism of Wike’s decision may indicate a broader concern about the state of Nigerian politics, where politicians are willing to go to great lengths to secure favors from their colleagues. This development may be an indication that politicians prioritize their interests over the needs of their constituents.

However, it is worth noting that commissioning projects by government officials and other dignitaries is an essential aspect of Nigerian politics, as it signifies progress and development. Still, the excessive celebration of such events and the attendant grounding of economic activities have raised concerns about the effectiveness and efficiency of government policies.