Nyesom Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers state, received significant applause during the swearing-in of ministers-designate at the presidential villa.
During the introduction by Ajuri Ngelale, the event’s compere and special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Wike was hailed as the “minister-designate from the great Rivers state.”
Wike’s introduction led to a burst of applause and laughter in the hall, and he couldn’t hide a smile.
Yahaya Bello, the governor of Kogi, was among the cheerleaders behind Wike, and the audience erupted in more laughter as Wike took a bow while his citation was being read.
After taking his oath of office, Wike’s interaction with President Bola Tinubu drew more laughter, as they shook hands for an extended moment, grinning into the cameras.
Wike’s somewhat cocky and unusual walk to his seat also sparked laughter, until Ngelale’s strong voice called for calm.
President Tinubu has appointed Wike, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).
Wike was one of the 48 ministerial nominees screened by the senate.