In Rivers, Democracy Is Government Of Wike, By His Godsons And For His Dictatorial Tendencies (OPINION)

By Isaac Asabor

Democracy, in its truest essence, is a system of government where power resides with the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives. It is a political framework that ensures checks and balances, promotes inclusivity, and fosters a government accountable to its citizens. However, in Rivers State, the democratic process has been manipulated, twisted, and effectively redefined by one man: Nyesom Wike. The former governor, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has succeeded in turning democracy on its head, making it a tool for personal vendetta, political domination, and self-serving interests.

In Rivers State today, it is not the people who dictate the course of governance, but Wike. His grip on the state is so tight that even as he is no longer the governor, he continues to pull the strings, deciding who gets what, when, and how. It is as if Rivers has become his personal fiefdom, where his wish is the command of the powers that be, both at the state and federal levels, to the detriment of the people he once swore to serve.

In fact, the political turmoil in Rivers State is not accidental; it is a direct consequence of Wike’s overbearing influence on the government and governance of the state. Having handpicked Siminalayi Fubara as his successor, Wike expected absolute loyalty, not to the people of Rivers, but to himself. When Fubara showed signs of asserting his independence, Wike deployed every weapon in his arsenal to ensure that the governor remained under his control.

One of the most glaring instances of Wike’s dictatorial tendencies was the political crisis that erupted in the state assembly. At Wike’s behest, the House of Assembly, dominated by his loyalists, attempted to impeach Governor Fubara. The reason? The governor dared to take steps that were not pre-approved by Wike. This move, though unsuccessful, further exposed the deep-rooted autocracy that Wike has planted within the state’s political structure.

It was not enough that he installed a successor; he also ensured that his loyalists occupied key positions in the state legislature and executive arms. In doing so, he created a puppet regime where decisions are made, not in Government House, Port Harcourt, but in Wike’s personal residence. The autonomy of governance in Rivers State has been eroded, replaced by an oligarchy where Wike rules through his proxies.

Beyond the tussle between Fubara and Wike, there is a broader concern: the erosion of public trust in democratic institutions. Rivers people have seen how elected officials are manipulated, how the judiciary is pressured, and how democracy is no longer about the people but about Wike’s dictates. The extent of this manipulation extends beyond politics into economic and social governance, where major contracts and government projects still bear his imprint.

If Wike’s overbearing influence were confined to Rivers State, it would have been a local issue, albeit a troubling one. However, his reach extends far beyond. As the FCT Minister, Wike has become a political juggernaut with substantial influence at the federal level. This has given him the audacity to act with impunity, knowing that he has the backing of those in Abuja.

It is telling that despite the clear signs of political instability in Rivers State, the federal government has chosen to turn a blind eye. This suggests that Wike is not just a powerful politician in Rivers but a key player in the power dynamics at the national level. His relationship with President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has further emboldened him, allowing him to operate unchecked.

It is this federal backing that makes Wike’s political maneuverings even more dangerous. He is not just dictating governance in Rivers but is also influencing how political conflicts are resolved. His influence over security agencies ensures that state matters are handled in his favor, often at the expense of the people’s will.

There are growing concerns that Rivers is merely a testing ground for Wike’s broader political ambitions. Could he be eyeing a higher office? Is his control over Rivers a means to secure stronger alliances that will serve his future aspirations? The implications of his federal backing stretch far beyond the state and could define the political landscape for years to come.

For the people of Rivers, Wike’s continued dominance in state affairs is nothing short of a betrayal. When he was governor, he projected himself as a man of the people, a leader who stood against oppression. However, his post-governorship actions have revealed that he was merely laying the groundwork for his personal political empire.

Democracy should serve the interests of the people, not an individual. Yet, in Rivers, governance is about Wike, what he wants, who he wants in power, and how he wants things done. This is a complete perversion of democratic ideals. His actions have created a hostile political environment where governance is not about service delivery but about loyalty to one man.

The failure of democracy in Rivers is not just about Wike’s overbearing influence; it is also about the cowardice of those who should stand up against him. The state assembly, which should serve as a check on executive excesses, has been reduced to a rubber stamp. Many legislators are more concerned about their political survival than about the people they represent. As a result, Wike’s grip on power remains unchallenged, his dictatorial tendencies unchecked.

Reasoned from the backdrop of the foregoing shenanigans, it is not an exaggeration to opine in this context that the people of Rivers deserve better. They deserve a government that is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people, not one that revolves around the whims and caprices of one man. The democratic institutions in the state must be reclaimed from the grip of political godfathers and restored to serve the interests of the people.

Now suspended Governor Fubara must find the courage to govern independently when he returns to power by the grace of God. While political godfatherism is not new in Nigerian politics, there comes a time when a leader must break free and establish his own legacy. Fubara must choose between serving the people who elected him or remaining a mere extension of Wike’s political ambition.

Furthermore, civil society organizations, opposition parties, and concerned citizens must rise against this undemocratic dominance. The international community, media, and other stakeholders should not remain silent as one man continues to hold an entire state hostage.

The judiciary also has a role to play. It must act as an independent arbiter, ensuring that political disputes are settled within the framework of the law and not through the dictates of one individual. If Rivers must progress, the rule of law must take precedence over the rule of Wike.

Without a doubt, Wike has turned the essence of democracy on its head in Rivers State. He has ensured that governance revolves around his dictates, making the state a theatre for his political drama. His wish is the command of the powers that be, both at the state and federal levels, to the detriment of Rivers people.

Democracy should not be about the rule of one man; it should be about the collective will of the people. The time has come for Rivers to reclaim its democracy, for governance to be about service, and for the people’s interests to take center stage. Until this happens, Rivers State will continue to be a political playground for Wike’s ambitions, rather than a land where democracy truly thrives.