By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria)
While there are undoubtedly more pressing issues facing Nigeria and the office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, I couldn’t help but recently ponder Nyesom Wike’s appearance. The former governor of Rivers State, currently aged 56, seems to have aged far beyond his years. His current look suggests someone closer to 76, a stark contrast to the dynamic figure we saw in his earlier years of public service.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not insinuating that Wike has doctored his age. His official birth date remains December 13, 1967. My concern lies elsewhere: how could a man of his status, enjoying the perks of power and wealth, age so dramatically in such a short span? Wike’s rise to political prominence—serving as Rivers State governor from 2015 to 2023, and now as FCT minister—came with significant stress and responsibility, which may well be one of the reasons behind his aged appearance.
There’s an old African proverb that says, “When a child eats what an elder eats, he will suffer what the elders suffer.” Wike’s political life has been nothing short of tumultuous, filled with fierce battles, controversies, and high-stakes decisions that have undoubtedly taken a toll on him, both mentally and physically.
Over the years, his aggressive political style has earned him both allies and enemies. Some have suggested that the burden of these political confrontations is evident in his face. As one social media user put it, “Too much wahala. Person wey say others no go sleep, he too won’t sleep.”
Wike has been a key player in many political power plays, and it seems the weight of these pressures might be manifesting in his appearance. There’s truth to the saying, “After dancing, the waist bears the brunt,” which means all our actions leave their mark on our bodies and minds. For Wike, this mark may be the accelerated aging he’s experiencing.
Stress alone, however, doesn’t fully explain the drastic change. Speculation has run wild online, with some attributing Wike’s rapid aging to other factors, including health issues. For instance, some suggest that his appearance could be linked to underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or insulin resistance. Others go so far as to mention his well-publicized testimony that he survived poisoning by political enemies
Another angle is the lifestyle that comes with power. There have been playful yet pointed comments about how indulging in expensive lifestyles—such as drinking whiskey “older than you”—can contribute to premature aging.
Even though Wike is often seen in luxurious outfits, this wealth doesn’t seem to have protected him from the visible effects of stress and the inevitable wear of time. It’s also worth noting that being in the public eye and facing constant scrutiny can exacerbate how aging is perceived. Wike’s change in appearance was further highlighted when celebrity blogger Tunde Ednut posted side-by-side comparisons of him from eight years ago and today, sparking debate across social media platforms.
Some saw the transformation as a natural result of aging, while others suspected deeper health issues or the heavy burden of his political battles. The verdict from many netizens was clear: “He is aging faster than Nigeria.”
I’m wondering if Wike’s Wike’s rapid aging could be a complex mix of stress, health issues, and the natural wear-and-tear of a hard-hitting political career. His rapid aging reminds us that no amount of money or affluence can fully buffer someone from the ravages of stress, controversy, and the physical demands of high office. Wike’s appearance may indeed reflect the toll of a life lived in constant conflict, where even power and wealth can’t spare the body from showing signs of battle.
Please note that I’m writing this piece out of curiosity and concern, not to create derogatory sentiments. Your honest response would greatly help satisfy my curiosity and that of many others who share this concern.
By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
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