Wisecracks, jokes, laughter as President Buhari commissions police barracks

A crowded audience of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Inspector General of Police, ministers, members of the National Assembly, the acting NDDC administrator and directors, senior police and government officials government, as well as religious and traditional leaders broke into laughter yesterday as governor. Nyesom Wike and Senator Godswill Akpabio publicly exchanged pleasantries during the commissioning of a police barracks in Omagwa, Port Harcourt.

The complex was built and donated by the Niger Delta Development Commission to the Nigerian Police Special Protection Unit.

Ordinary people and members of the community, unaccustomed to such hilarity, could not contain their excitement. Even before the two men stepped onto the podium to make their speeches, I could tell from my privileged position that their conversations were largely filled with lines, and Professor Osinbajo, sitting between them, enjoyed their jokes.

Senator Akapbio started it all off in his speech, saying that although Governor Wike is doing well as governor; he would not recognize him publicly, “because he is not a member of APC.” (Laughs.) Then he added, “I won’t even join the bandwagon of those calling on the governor to join the APC. We already have enough problems in our group. ”(More laughter.)

Shortly after, the governor had his turn. “I thought we came here to commission this wonderful complex. I had no idea that the minister was planning to turn the event into a political arena. (More laughter. Applause.)

The governor had not finished. “I can’t leave a place where I have malaria and will have cancer,” he continued, apparently referring to calls for him to join APC. The audience, led by Vice President Osinbajo, bowed to more laughter.

Governor Wike commended the NDDC for completing the barracks and handing it over to the police. “I don’t know who leaked my secret plans to NDDC. Just seven months ago, I intended to take this place back and finish it. But apparently the Commission got a glimpse of my plan and quickly mobilized contractors to the site, ”he joked.

The Governor congratulated the Commission for the good work done, mainly returning the compliments that its Director General, Mr. Efiong Akwa, had addressed to him in his welcoming remarks.

We thought the jokes were over until Professor Osinbanjo stepped onto the podium to read President Buhari’s speech. “Well,” the vice president began with a smile, “I will eventually settle the controversy between the governor and the minister at a later date…” the crowd yelled.

The executive friendliness broadcast live on national television was a clear indication that despite political differences, our leaders share a fair amount of friendliness. But we ordinary people take our differences to the extreme. It shouldn’t be, ”said a middle-aged man sitting next to me just before the police marching band struck the first note of the national anthem to close the day’s events.