A resurfaced photograph of the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, shielding former President Goodluck Jonathan with an umbrella has triggered a flurry of online commentary, stirring fresh debates over humility, loyalty, and political evolution. The image, which has rapidly gone viral, was recently shared by popular social media personality, Tunde Ednut, on his Instagram page.
The throwback picture captures a moment from Jonathan’s tenure as president, showing Wike—then serving in a subordinate political role—walking beside the former leader, dutifully holding an umbrella over him while other government officials moved alongside. The symbolism of the image has not been lost on many Nigerians who have flooded the comment sections with reflections on how time and political fortune can transform individuals.
Social media users have drawn stark comparisons between Wike’s early political posture and his current stature as a key power broker, not just in Rivers State politics but at the federal level. The phrase “Fear who never collect,” which has now become a trending expression across various platforms, captures the general sentiment about the unpredictability of political ascension and the metamorphosis it often brings.
The viral image emerges at a time when Wike finds himself at the centre of a political storm in Rivers State. The FCT Minister is reportedly embroiled in a bitter rift with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The feud, which has seen a number of state lawmakers and local government officials suspended, continues to deepen, raising concerns about governance stability in the oil-rich state.
Observers have been quick to link the resurfaced photo with the current political drama, seeing it as a reminder of Wike’s political journey and the complexities that come with power. While some have hailed the image as a testament to loyalty and dedication, others interpret it as a sign of the calculated ambition that often characterises Nigeria’s political landscape.
In the midst of the controversy, the photograph has reignited national conversations around loyalty, political growth, and the often unpredictable nature of Nigeria’s power dynamics, especially within the context of shifting alliances and internal party crises.
