THE NIGERIAN political landscape seems to reward those who can craft compelling lies and manipulate public opinion. That is why I have observed severally on this platform that the greatest asset of a Nigerian politician is his or her lie-ability – the ability to make lies look real, to deceive unwary people, play them against one another.
If this is the standard, then newcomers would need training in deceit to navigate the system effectively. The cutthroat nature of politics, driven by ambition and self-interest, breeds distrust among politicians. Due to this mistrust, outgoing governors sometimes appoint neutral and inexperienced individuals who lack ambition and aren’t well-versed in the tactics of dirty politics.
The quarrels between Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara was driven by personal interests rather than the welfare of the people or democratic advancement. This pattern is consistent with the history of crisis in Sub-Sahara Africa, where ideological differences rarely fuel conflicts. Instead, material and structural factors like greed, power struggles, and resource control often spark and sustain crises.
Sometimes states’ Accountants General like Akinwunmi Ambode , Sim Fubara are preferred to help cover some obfuscating financial tracks. These appointees are chosen precisely because they’re not entrenched in the system, reducing the risk of power struggles and manipulation. It is believed that political neophytes are easier to be dealt with if they dare want to be seen.
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Governor Sim Fubara has been reinstated to his office, completely conquered, humbled and politically colonialised. If he succeeds in completing his tenure, he may not get a second term. The political hawks in Rivers State, ably supported by their friends at Abuja have proved to him that a bloody non-politician like him cannot defy or defile the cult of professional politicians. He may face challenges in asserting his influence, potentially impacting his chances of governing well.
Nyesom Wike, wielded considerable influence as a politician on ground during his tenure. No one in Rivers State or Abuja dare do to him what was done to Governor Fubara. An attempt to rob Chibuike Amechi of victory in 2007 was met with stiff resistance, and as a versatile politician who understands the game, he was able to reclaim his mandate. He wouldn’t have if he was a newcomer.
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When it was time for Tinubu to step down in 2007, he deliberately blocked seasoned politicians like Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Jimi Agbaje, Femi Pedro, and Mrs. Akerele-Bucknor from succeeding him. Instead, he chose less experienced candidates who would be more pliable. Given Nyesom Wike’s own tactics, it’s plausible that he’s taken a page from Tinubu’s playbook.
We shouldn’t be in a hurry to forget that Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode learned the hard way that challenging Bola Tinubu’s authority came with consequences. When they attempted to assert their independence, they were swiftly brought in line. Tinubu’s strategy has been to empower inexperienced politicians, making it easier for him to maintain control.
In Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole chose Godwin Obaseki, a non-politician, over experienced politicians like Ize-Iyamu. Similarly, in Enugu State, Jim Nwobodo, a veteran politician, brought in Dr Chimaroke Nnamani, a medical practitioner with no prior political experience, to lead in 1999. This pattern has repeated itself in many states.
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While Bola Tinubu’s strategy of backing non-politicians has worked for him in Lagos, its success in other contexts is less certain. Only time will tell if Nyesom Wike’s similar approach will yield the desired results.”
After a dramatic turn of events, Sim Fubara is back in office, but the question on everyone’s mind is: who’s really calling the shots? Has he returned with a newfound sense of purpose or is he merely a puppet on strings? Given the current state of our politics, a better future seems uncertain.
If democracy truly means accountability, serving the people, and providing essential services like security, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, then disagreements between leaders should centre around these issues. In the case of Nyesom Wike and Sim Fubara, if their differences stem from concerns about delivering democratic dividends to the people, it would be a welcome development, potentially driving positive change in Rivers State.
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The quarrels between Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara was driven by personal interests rather than the welfare of the people or democratic advancement. This pattern is consistent with the history of crisis in Sub-Sahara Africa, where ideological differences rarely fuel conflicts. Instead, material and structural factors like greed, power struggles, and resource control often spark and sustain crises.
In Nigeria, economic, power, and resource greed frequently underlie political instability. Our leaders often prioritise personal gain over public service, treating the state as a means to accumulate wealth and influence. This is evident in Nyesom Wike’s recent claim that he sponsored all political officeholders in Rivers State, implying ownership of the state’s political landscape.
After a dramatic turn of events, Sim Fubara is back in office, but the question on everyone’s mind is: who’s really calling the shots? Has he returned with a newfound sense of purpose or is he merely a puppet on strings? Given the current state of our politics, a better future seems uncertain.
This sentiment was echoed at the Dr. Jonathan Goodluck Foundation’s democracy dialogue in Accra, Ghana, where speakers highlighted Nigeria’s democratic decline. They noted that the system prioritises elite interests over public welfare, allowing leaders to exploit state resources for personal gain without accountability.
