Will Kingsley Kuku Return to Nigeria after Many Years of Hiatus? 

Time heals all wounds, physical, economic, and social. Foremost politician and environmental rights activist, Kingsley Kuku subscribes to this ideology. Therefore, after spending some time away from the limelight, the once-influential man is returning to the public eye. Whether or not he will successfully integrate himself with the powers that be remains a matter of speculation.

Kuku is likely the most sweet-tongued individual in his generation of political figures, having seamlessly transformed his activist passions into matters for the public, resulting in the nation recognising him. As far back as many can remember, Kuku’s distinctiveness did not come from being eloquent, although he is, or being of fervent spirit. Instead, people loved Kuku because he could relate to others, seeing past circumstances to arrive at the core of a thing.

This aspect of the 53-year-old activist enabled him to earn the respect of the founders of the Ijaw Youth Council, where he is recognised today as a pioneering member of the group. This paved the way for his involvement in politics, including his election into the Ondo State House of Assembly where he was made the Chairman of the House Committee on Information.

The peak of Kuku’s political career might have been the Special Advisory role to former President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria on Niger Delta Affairs, or his becoming the chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. However, things got a bit messy and Kuku deliberately left the spotlight.

Today, Kuku looks ready to return. He has started speaking on national issues, the most recent being the health condition of Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu. Even though the latter is now mostly back on his feet, it is on record that Kuku reached out at his time of weakness and offered emotional support.

Perhaps, when Akeredolu is back to the strength of his power, Kuku will be included in his blueprint. Even if Akeredolu forgets, other power players are at least aware that Kuku is still in the game.