Rivers State Deeping Political Crisis in 2023

The present conflict in our beloved Rivers State is insatiable greed for personal power by the former maximum leader Nyesom Wike in politics, the immediate past Governor who ran a one man show but God in his infinite mercy is always on the good side of the Ijaw people, the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria. The Wakirike ( Okrika) people the aboriginal of Hakoti Kiri or Parakot (Port Harcourt) name locally called by the Wakirike -Ijaw people of the Eastern Ijaw of the South South Nigeria, in recent time called Niger Delta region.

The presentation of Governor Fubara who a product of the ‘Emperor’ collegiate in Mile 4 Ada George fortress as an anointed sole Governorship candidate of the state ruling Peoples Democratic Party PDP prior to the 2023 general election against the wish of most of the political class is meant to underdevelop and sideline the Wakirike people of the state by political enemies then at the saddle of power to skim out the aboriginal because of Hakoti Kiri politics of ownership.

I just thank God for what is happening in Rivers state is for the emancipation of the people. No person or group of persons saw this coming, even the anointed prophet of God didn't. God refuse to reveal this to any carnal Man; indeed "The Lord works in a mysterious ways" in the Holy Bible Isaiah 55:8-9. "Godfatherism” locally called Oga at the Top isn’t a good practice for democracy, and wicked entitlement enterprises is what have been actively promoting by a powerful strongman in the western part of our country’s politics since 1999, but River’s state is quite difference scenarios. We continue to wait on God Almighty and see how all this ends, the present war of word between Godfather and his beloved Godson is a great lesson for all and possible solutions to the crisis.

Did you know that the fear of bigger Wakirike , Andoni and Kalabari Ijaw (Ijo) clans, that is why he brought Governor Sim Fubara who is from the smaller coastal part of the Rivers Ijaw ethnic group , hoping he will greatly influence him in government day to day activities, but just three month of Fubara’s governance as an old adage says, Man proposes, God disposes meaning People or Man can make plans; God determines how things will turn out.

Many Rivers people have been saying it for years, both privately and in public, that the Wike’s political structure would have to adapt to modern democratic guiding beliefs, which he failed to adapt but dictatorial approach, now has caused deeping River’s political crisis on October 30, 2023, when the present Governor Siminialayi Fubara refused to abide to Godfatherism and swift moved by some lawmakers loyal to immediate past Governor to impeach him from saddle.

For all his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic process since its inception 1999, the State has faced numerous political crisis. The legacy of ex-Governor Wike will be better saved if he stops getting involved in every selection process and allows contests and processes to be free and fair. Nigeria’s democratic process can only improve if the internal party democratic process is free, transparent, and fair, with party membership open and attractive to the best who may disagree with the leaders of the party. It will be a shame for all his contributions, for Governor Wike to leave the public with the image of the Lord of a brotherhood.

Have said in my previous comments on Port Harcourt based Radio Station Nigeria Info 92:3FM that power is transient, so the former local Emperor he would not be facing the political battle of his life if he allows the present, Governor to freely administer the leadership authority of state without interference. That’s why the people stood with the present, Governor Fubara (Ibifubara) meaning Goodluck in Ibani dialect of the Eastern Ijaw language. The ordinary citizenry of the state and especially River’s people do not like governors or political appointees, check the beneficiaries imposed by the former Governor are cronies and disciples, is now for the benefit of the few and economy of Rivers state revolves within the same ruling elite for the past eight years, is highly worrisome and threat to democratic values. The general assertion that Governor Wike Nyesom is behind Fubara’s travails are true. The Wike Clampdown on Fubara is highly condemn by all patriotic Nigerians. Many are sympathetic to him particularly his own ethnic group Ijaw the fourth largest group in Nigeria

The politics of ‘godfatherism’, is a wicked approach. Fairness in the distribution and allocation of Oil rich Rivers State motto known as the Treasure Base of the nation’s economy resources, for all who contribute to state should now be the priority of our political leaders, it should cut cross party, ethnic and ideological lines. Its worrisome that the political crisis in Rivers State if not genuinely tackle or deals with, will had far-reaching impacts on the Country’s economy and region. Overtime, the current political situation, will lead to a decline in foreign investment and unrest in restive Niger Delta where little stability is been enjoyed.

The political crisis in Rivers State has been caused by a combination of factors, including political marginalization of the Riverine Ijaws in nine Local Government Areas in Rivers since 1999, corruption, and weak institutions, mostly the judiciary has been a bane to our democracy, with frequent interference by the politicians.

The country’s political parties, mostly ruling All Progressive APC and the main opposition party Peoples Democratic Party PDP, former ruling Party from 1999 -2015 have been focused on personal enrichment rather than the welfare of the People, leading to a lack of mutual trust in the political system for the stability and development.

The country’s needs to quicky strengthen its institutions, including the weak judiciary, to ensure accountability and the political parties need to focus on the people, repeat rather than personal gains by putting the electorates into perpetual poverty.

For me, not all that Wike have done is bad, even with his faults. Yes, I can still point to some progress in his governance to people.

Nyesom Wike leaves behind a significant legacy in Rivers State especially on how he sited one sided developmental projects in his own Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, he once administered as Local Government Chairman and started his political venture.

I personally, am thankful and proud of his legacy for the rebuilding of my Alma Mater Government Secondary School Ogu, headquarter of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area a dominant Wakirike -Ijaw Town.

That, the entire school buildings were demolished, apart from the (one single building for then class five) by his own kinsman former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amechi of his reign of bad governance. Secondly, the classification of Ogu Town kingship stool by the Rivers State government into First Class Traditional ruler status.

But too much hotheaded and need for power can give rise to several conflicts which are nasty and merely displeasing and should be resisted by all if not it will derail the democratic government. It is never too late for Wike to stop his so-called political structure according to him from falling into disarray because of pride and failure to remember that there is life outside power, not to follow the bad precedent of an average sit tight African leader that will never quit power voluntarily and enjoy great ovation, as well as legacy by the electorates, the peoples he governed.

Finally, calls for a peaceful resolution to the crisis and need for a democratic and transparent political process, with free and fair in subsequent general elections.

JINBOBARAYE KARIBO-NELSON, JP, SCIPM, FECRMI is a Social Commentator, freelance writer, and Security Analyst, an Alumnus of University of Port Harcourt, a registered member of many professional organizations such as, Fellow of Emergency, Crisis and Risk Management Institute of Nigeria, Senior Member Chartered Institute of Public Management Nigeria, Nigerian Legion, International NGO Safety and Security Association (INSSA), United States Institute of Peace (USIP). He also, an Elder of Ijaw Youth Council Eastern Zone and member of Wakirike National Congress (WNC) in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Nigeria writes from Ogu Town, Rivers State, Port Harcourt via [email protected], www.karibonelson.com