By outdoor-nature-child.com There’s a significant upheaval happening in Rivers State, and at the center of it all seems to be Nyesom Wike, the former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Wike has been known for his brash confidence, once declaring that any politician from elsewhere who attempts to support Governor Sim Fubara—his chosen successor—would face dire consequences. His bold claims include asserting that no politician in Nigeria today can rival him.
Just last week, Wike reiterated his influence during a gathering with Ijaw leaders, who are from Fubara’s region, asserting that he still effectively controls Rivers State. This interaction led Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to plead with Wike not to unleash chaos in his own state. Even Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum, acknowledged Wike’s position as the Godfather of Niger Delta politics.
In an ironic twist reminiscent of Percy Shelley’s “Ozymandias,” October 5 marked a pivotal moment for Wike, as Fubara—who rose to power under Wike’s guidance—decided he’d had enough of Wike’s dictatorial grasp. This was the day Fubara, once merely Wike’s protégé, aimed to assert his own authority and break free from his Godfather’s shadow. It’s evident in Nigerian politics that Godfathers don’t remain untouchable forever, and for Fubara, the answer to Wike’s overwhelming influence became a form of political rebellion.
Wike has never been shy about his pivotal role in bringing Fubara into office under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Fubara previously served as Wike’s Chief Accountant from 2020 to 2022, making Wike instrumental in his ascent. He actively endorsed Fubara, financed his campaign, and assured the electorate that Fubara would be their next Governor. However, this led to complications—the political landscape shifted when Wike, now in a ministerial role with the rival All Progressives Congress (APC), continued to exert control within Rivers State. In defending his actions, Wike seemed unapologetic about straddling two political realities, pushing his agenda in both his home state and at the national level.
Critics argue that Wike had almost total control over Fubara’s administration, with many appointees being his allies, leaving Fubara in a position where he felt monitored and manipulated. Frustrated by the dynamics, Fubara, facing humiliation and constraints, eventually broke his silence in May 2024, declaring that “The Jungle Has Matured.” This marked a transformation for him—from the once submissive protégé to a leader ready to stand against the tide.
As Fubara took charge, he began to assert his independence, initiating inquiry into Wike’s past administration and taking steps to remove Wike’s loyalists from key positions. He boldly confronted members of the House of Assembly, gaining support from local communities who believed he deserved his chance to govern.
On October 5, local council elections were held across 23 local areas in Rivers State, marked by significant tensions. Leading up to the election, loyalists of Wike from both PDP and APC protested, and even the PDP opted to boycott the elections, raising questions about the legitimacy of the process. Despite legal challenges and chaotic conditions, Fubara insisted on proceeding with the elections based on a Supreme Court ruling that reinforced the importance of democratically elected officials.
The elections ultimately saw Fubara’s proxy party, the Action Peoples Party (APP), claim victory in 22 out of the 23 local government areas, while other parties split the remaining seats. This prompted immediate swearing-in of the newly elected officials, as Fubara declared that desperate times call for desperate measures.
The key takeaways from these events paint a transformative picture for Rivers State politics. First, Fubara has successfully transitioned from Wike’s godson to a new political power broker. This shift echoes the age-old wisdom that sons often inherit the roles of their fathers. Wike’s earlier strategies have come back to haunt him, as the political landscape he once controlled has shifted.
Furthermore, Wike’s threats of chaos have become a reality in Rivers State, with violence reported on election day. There’s a palpable fear among residents regarding instability and lawlessness as various groups clash over the outcome. The local police’s failure to secure the elections raised serious concerns about their role in maintaining order.
Looking ahead, it’s essential for President Tinubu to rein in the escalating tensions among the key players in Rivers politics and ensure the state does not descend into chaos. Both Wike and Fubara need to recognize the stakes at hand—without peace in Rivers, political consequences will follow.
Finally, a systemic overhaul of the local council election process is overdue. The outcomes across various states reveal a troubling trend where governance is merely an extension of the ruling party’s will, leading to the same parties repeatedly taking control without genuine democratic engagement. As Rivers navigates this complex political terrain, it’s clear that a reevaluation of the electoral process is essential to foster true democracy.