There’s a growing tension in Rivers State, and at the heart of this political upheaval is Nyesom Wike, the former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Over the years, Wike has made bold claims, asserting that no politician in Nigeria can match his stature. He’s even threatened those who dare to support the current Governor, Sim Fubara—who he positioned as his successor. Just a week ago, at a gathering of Ijaw leaders, Wike reiterated his unwavering belief that he still holds control over Rivers State. This prompted Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to express concern about possible repercussions in his own state.
Wike’s standing as a political godfather was reinforced by Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum, who openly acknowledged Wike’s influence in Niger Delta politics. One might wonder if Wike has ever read Percy Shelley’s “Ozymandias,” but recent developments certainly echo that tale. A key moment occurred on October 5th during the local government elections in Rivers State. On that day, Sim Fubara, who Wike had once guided into power, chose to step out from Wike’s shadow and assert his own authority, signaling a significant shift in the political landscape.
It’s important to note that Wike has always been upfront about his role in Fubara’s ascendancy; he was the one who secured Fubara’s nomination and funded his campaign. However, this arrangement seemed insufficient for Wike, who appeared determined to maintain control over Rivers State, allegedly handpicking most of the political appointees in Fubara’s administration. This led to widespread dissatisfaction among Fubara’s supporters who felt Wike was undermining their governor, treating him more like a pawn than a leader.
As pressure built, Fubara found his voice in May 2024, declaring, “The Jungle Has Matured.” His frustration with Wike’s continued dominance was palpable. Suddenly, the once-timid protégé began to stand up for himself, unveiling plans to investigate Wike’s previous administration and dismissing officials who had been spying on him. The political climate in Rivers was becoming increasingly polarized, with factions forming behind both Wike and Fubara, each side ready for retaliation.
On October 5, during the local elections, the situation reached a boiling point. Wike’s loyalists took to the streets in protest, and even members of his own party, the PDP, boycotted the elections. Despite a landscape fraught with court disputes, conflicting rulings, and police hesitance to provide security, Fubara remained steadfast. The elections proceeded, resulting in a shocking victory for Fubara’s proxy party, the Action Peoples Party (APP), which captured 22 out of 23 local councils.
This newfound role for Fubara is akin to a political father figure, showcasing a reversal where the son ultimately surpasses the father. This shift in power dynamics serves as poetic retribution; Wike’s own strategies have come back to haunt him, leading to the consequences of his prior actions.
However, as Wike once warned of chaos should anyone interfere with Rivers State politics, the chaos has now erupted in his own backyard. The elections were marred by violence, raising serious questions about the region’s stability. In the aftermath, various local councils faced destruction as angry groups vented their frustrations, further complicated by police inaction.
This raises an urgent question: what steps will be taken to restore order in Rivers State? President Tinubu has called for a stronger police presence to address the chaos but must go further by mediating between the conflicted parties and tackling broader concerns regarding the electoral process. History reminds us that Nigeria has faced political turmoil stemming from unchecked power struggles, making it essential for leaders to prevent Rivers State from descending into a larger crisis.
Additionally, the judiciary’s role cannot be ignored. Conflicting court orders that restricted law enforcement from carrying out their constitutional duties severely undermined the electoral process. Moving forward, there’s an urgent need to reconsider the local council election procedures that currently favor the ruling party, resulting in predictable outcomes.
In these uncertain times, the people of Rivers State have made their desires clear—they seek a political system that genuinely reflects their will, free from the burdens of past political maneuvering.
