By GbaramatuVoice Editorial Board
The political turmoil in Rivers State has reached a boiling point, exposing the dangerous grip of godfatherism on Nigeria’s democracy. The question before the people of Rivers State and indeed all Nigerians is this: Did Governor Siminalayi Fubara win the 2023 election to serve the people or to serve one man? The ongoing crisis makes it painfully obvious that former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, still sees Rivers State as his personal estate, refusing to let go even after leaving office.
From the moment Fubara assumed office, his every move has been scrutinized, dictated, and undermined by a political godfather who insists on pulling the strings from Abuja. Rivers State is being held hostage by a battle for control—one that is entirely unnecessary if the principles of democracy and governance are to be respected. A governor is elected to lead, not to serve as a puppet to his predecessor. Wike’s refusal to step aside and allow Fubara to govern in peace is an insult to the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State.
The latest twist in this crisis—the impeachment attempt against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, by 26 lawmakers loyal to Wike—is a well-orchestrated plot to either remove the governor from office or force him into absolute submission. This is not governance. This is not democracy. This is pure political desperation by forces that cannot accept that their time in power has ended.
But this is not just a political fight. It is an attack on the will of the people. The citizens of Rivers State voted for Fubara, not Wike. They voted for progress, not chaos. Yet, instead of focusing on development, infrastructure, and governance, the state has been plunged into a cycle of crisis, blackmail, and political maneuvering.
It is important to remind Wike and his loyalists that Rivers State belongs to the people, not to a single individual. The state is one of the wealthiest in Nigeria, with the second-highest allocation after Lagos, the highest allocation from the 13 percent oil derivation revenue, and the second-largest VAT allocation. With such resources, Rivers should be leading in development, industrialization, and economic growth. Instead, its political leadership is being consumed by one man’s obsession with control.
Enough is enough. Wike must step back and allow Fubara to govern. The people of Rivers did not elect a shadow governor operating from Abuja. They elected Siminalayi Fubara, and he must be allowed to fulfill his mandate without intimidation, sabotage, or political blackmail. If Wike truly cares about the state, he must realize that his interference is causing more harm than good. It is time to move on.
The people of Rivers State must also rise against this injustice. They must refuse to be pawns in a selfish political game. History has shown that no leader, no matter how powerful, can suppress the will of the people forever. Wike must choose whether he wants to be remembered as a statesman who contributed to Rivers’ progress or as a desperate godfather who could not let go.
Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford to continue down this path where former leaders refuse to relinquish power, using every means possible to stay relevant. The Federal Government and all well-meaning Nigerians must condemn this growing trend of political hostage-taking. The Presidency must not stand idly by while Rivers State is turned into a battlefield for ego and personal ambition.
Governor Fubara must be given the space to govern. The people of Rivers deserve peace, stability, and progress—not endless political strife. The time for manipulation and control is over. It is time to let Rivers State breathe.
