The political drama unfolding in Rivers State did not begin overnight. It is a direct consequence of Nigeria’s long-standing tradition of godfatherism, political patronage, and power struggles that often turn into full-blown crises. The imposition of Siminalayi Fubara as governor and the subsequent fallout with his benefactor, Nyesom Wike, have played out like a familiar script seen across Nigerian politics, most notably in Lagos, where similar power dynamics have persisted for nearly two decades.
The Rise of Fubara and Wike’s Influence
Fubara did not emerge as governor through popular will. He was handpicked and imposed on Rivers people by Wike, who sought a successor that would be loyal and continue his political agenda. The 2023 elections were widely believed to have been manipulated in Wike’s favor, ensuring Fubara’s victory while maintaining Wike’s control over the state from Abuja, where he secured a ministerial appointment under the Bola Tinubu administration.
At the heart of the crisis is the question of loyalty. Wike, like many Nigerian political godfathers, expected absolute control over his protégé. However, history has shown that imposed governors often rebel once they gain access to power. Fubara’s eventual resistance to Wike’s dominance was not unexpected, but the intensity of the fallout has been extraordinary, turning Rivers State into a battleground for political survival.
The Betrayal and Power Play
Once in office, Fubara began to assert independence, triggering a fierce reaction from Wike. The battle lines were drawn, leading to a full-scale war between the governor and his predecessor. Accusations of betrayal flew from both sides, and the state assembly, which was initially loyal to Wike, attempted to impeach Fubara. The governor, in turn, fought back, demolishing the state assembly complex, allegedly empowering and bank-rolling militants, politicla jobbers and local strongmen to counter Wike’s influence.
The situation escalated rapidly. Political players aligned themselves based on personal interests rather than principles. Those who had benefited from Wike’s administration found themselves marginalized under Fubara, while a new group of loyalists emerged to profit from the governor’s hold on power. The fight became less about governance and more about access to state resources.
The Federal Government’s Intervention
The Federal Government, privy to intelligence beyond what is available to the general public, decided to step in before the situation spiraled out of control. Reports of militant activity, threats to oil installations, and growing security concerns played a role in the federal response. The declaration of a state of emergency became an inevitable outcome as tensions escalated and violence loomed.
Despite public outcry, the intervention was not entirely without justification. With both Wike and Fubara unwilling to back down, the state was on the brink of chaos. The FG’s move to neutralize the conflict was strategic, even if unpopular. Many critics view the intervention as a ploy to strengthen Wike’s hand, but others argue that it was necessary to prevent a full-blown crisis.
Comparing Rivers to Lagos
The hypocrisy in public reactions is glaring. In Lagos, godfatherism has thrived for nearly two decades without sparking the same level of national outrage. When the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly was impeached and later reinstated by the so-called godfather, eyebrows were raised, but there was no mass outcry. Had Wike been as revered as some Lagos godfathers, the narrative around Rivers State would have been different.
What makes the Rivers situation unique is Wike’s deep unpopularity. Like Donald Trump, he is one of the most despised political figures in Nigeria, and that hatred influences public opinion. People conveniently ignore how Fubara came to power, focusing instead on his victimhood narrative simply because his adversary is Wike. The emotional bias at play prevents many from seeing the full picture—this is not a battle for democracy or good governance but a struggle for control of Rivers’ vast resources.
The Real Victims
Caught in the crossfire are the people of Rivers State, who are neither beneficiaries of Wike’s old regime nor Fubara’s emerging camp. They bear the brunt of the political warfare, suffering insecurity, economic stagnation, and the hijacking of governance by self-serving politicians.
The truth is, no side in this fight represents genuine progress for Rivers. Those lamenting Fubara’s predicament today are often doing so because their political and financial interests align with his. Had the tables been turned, the same voices would have cheered for his removal.
The Way Forward
Nigeria’s political landscape is plagued by a cycle of godfatherism, betrayal, and power struggles that prioritize personal gain over public good. Until the system changes, Rivers will not be the last state to witness this kind of crisis. The lessons from Lagos and Rivers should force a broader conversation about the role of political godfathers, the integrity of electoral processes, and the urgent need for governance that serves the people rather than political jobbers.
For now, Rivers remains a crime scene where different factions fight over the spoils of power, while the ordinary citizen continues to suffer.
By Hon. Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
Duruebube Uzii na Abosi
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
Leave a comment