By Nehru Odeh
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is a journalist’s delight. Ever since he shot to the limelight on his emergence as Governor of Rivers State, he has always been in the news for one reason or another. And he is always a fodder not just for street conversations but also for very serious debates and arguments.
However, his popularity, which to some bordered on notoriety, heightened following the parting of ways between him and the current governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara. And as the battle for the 2027 elections heats up, there is no sign in the clouds that his popularity will ever wane, for the godfather indeed never sleeps.
Now, Wike is in the news again. However, not over his many fights with his political enemies or his confrontation with the naval officer, this time, because of his unique artistic moustache, which stands as two bridges underneath his nose. And he has been trending for the past few days, as netizens seek to find answers to a troubling question: what does Wike’s moustache signify?
That question, funny as it may seem, did not come out of the blue. The moustache has always been a notable character – if not a protagonist – in world history, whether in politics, entertainment, or fashion. And it says many things about the person who dons it. The fact that it is even listed on Wikipedia underscores its importance and role in popular culture.
A moustache is a signifier. It means many things. It also means different things to many people. Traditionally, it symbolizes masculinity, virility, and strength. It has often served as a mark of maturity, wisdom, or high social status throughout history. It has been used to represent military discipline, honour, and authority, while in modern contexts, it represents men’s health awareness and personal style.
However, throughout history, peculiar moustaches have been associated with many celebrities, powerful politicians, and leaders. Those politicians and leaders wielded so much influence and power that their moustaches became their trademark signature.
Sometimes those moustaches have carved out their own identities to such an extent that they signify power, authoritarianism, and influence. Such powerful individuals include Adolf Hitler, Theodore Roosevelt, Josef Stalin, Lord Frederick Lugard, and Benito Mussolini, to mention a few.
Other notable figures in the arts, scientific, and entertainment world who wore peculiar moustaches include Charlie Chaplin, Salvador Dali, Albert Einstein, Tom Selleck, and Hulk Hogan.
Wike’s moustache has indeed earned him the right to be included among the array of unforgettable moustaches in history. He has earned it by the way it sits neatly and confidently as two bridges under his nose.
Wike himself has also given recognition to his moustache by virtue of his show of bravado and the enormous power and influence he wields not just as a political godfather in Rivers politics but also as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Little wonder, the moustache now signifies authority, power, influence, ruggedness, and stubborn determination.
Perhaps that explains the reason Wike and his moustache have been trending on several social media platforms. A single question about what Wike moustache signifies has triggered a legion of reactions. Netizens have given the moustache all kinds of names that bordered on the ludicrous, the bizarre and the grotesque. Reacting to the question about the significance of his moustache, many gave it all sorts of symbolism, which makes one reel with laughter.
James Horlarmyde, for instance, says, “It’s called the Wicked Uncle. “Mazzy Chizzy desrcibed it as Man Pass Man. Rotnnen Lepgak describes it as “Wickedness.” Solomon Terra says, “Idia Amin of Abuja.” Oluwadamilare Ibrahim calls it “Charlie Chaplin”. Lizzy Obogor describes it as “If you do for me, I do for you.”
The epithets go on and on, with variations, depending on which angle each individual sees him. But the questions are: how did Wike’s moustache become so associated with him that he is now known with a certain trait? Why does Wike’s moustache represent a certain unique quality that he has? Which comes first – Is it Wike or his moustache?
Still, the only thing stopping Wike from belonging to the pantheon of the gods, men who have made their marks not only in global history but also ruled with an iron hand, is that he hasn’t become the president of his country. He possesses all the qualities of the aforementioned legendary figures.
And he is determined to be the president of this country someday. And when that day comes, he will now beat his chest and say he belongs to the pantheon of the gods. But for now, let’s keep our fingers crossed, as his moustache gains further notoriety.