Rivers State of Trouble

  When elephants lock tusks in a grim encounter, neither the grass beneath their feet nor the cubs behind their seeming immovableness can escape the thuds of their repeated collisions. This is the case for Rivers State which is currently embroiled in a bitter political power struggle between Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminialayi Fubara. This escalating war of words and actions threatens to destabilise the state and derail progress.

The animosity appears deeply rooted. Wike, currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), faces accusations of bullying from Fubara, who himself is under fire for questionable actions during his tenure. Both men seem more interested in settling personal scores than working for the benefit of the state, as many well-intentioned commentators have angrily pointed out.

At first glance, the problem seems to be Fubara’s legitimacy, which is clouded by allegations of circumventing legislative processes and questionable financial practices. But a second glance would inform the observer that his decision to demolish the state parliament building further does not add any pluses to his oath to uphold democratic principles.

Wike, on the other hand, is accused of heavy-handed tactics and intolerance of dissent. Critics argue that his attempts to influence the political landscape through manoeuvres like blocking investigations into his own administration reeked of hypocrisy.

Ultimately, the constant barrage of accusations and counter-accusations seems like a distraction from the real issues facing Rivers State. Don’t citizens deserve better than a political spectacle fueled by vengeance and self-preservation?

A spirit of compromise is desperately needed. Both sides must step back from the brink, acknowledge their mistakes, and prioritise the well-being of the state. Delaying this reconciliation will only lead to further chaos and hinder progress which, some argue, has had its wheels removed since Fubara arrived on the scene, thanks to the drama with Wike and his loyalists.