By Humphrey Ukeaja, Abuja
Politics, as the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle once observed, is the art of the possible. Yet, in Rivers State, the art of politics has taken on a life of its own, morphing into a high-stakes drama where power, ambition, and governance collide. At the center of this unfolding saga are two men: Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the de facto political godfather of Rivers State, and Governor Sim Fubara, his anointed successor, who now finds himself at odds with his benefactor. The recent threats of impeachment and Wike’s bold declaration that “heaven will not fall” if Fubara is removed have thrown the state into a political maelstrom, raising questions about the future of governance in Nigeria’s oil-rich heartland.
Niccolò Machiavelli, the Renaissance political theorist, famously argued that the ends often justify the means in politics. In The Prince, he posited that a ruler must be both a lion and a fox—strong enough to intimidate and cunning enough to outmaneuver opponents. Nyesom Wike, a man often described as a political bulldozer, seems to embody this Machiavellian ideal. As FCT Minister, he oversees the affairs of Abuja while maintaining an iron grip on Rivers State politics, earning him the moniker of a “double governor.” His ability to wield power across two spheres is a testament to his political acumen, but it also raises questions about the sustainability of such dominance.
Governor Sim Fubara, once seen as Wike’s loyal protégé, now finds himself in the eye of the storm. While Wike’s threats of impeachment have drawn widespread criticism, it would be unfair to place the blame solely on the FCT Minister. Fubara’s leadership has also come under scrutiny, with accusations of missteps and a failure to fully assert his authority. As John Locke, the Enlightenment thinker, argued, governance is a social contract between the ruler and the ruled. If Fubara has faltered in fulfilling his end of the bargain, it is only natural that questions about his tenure would arise.
That said, the timing and tone of Wike’s threats raise concerns about the motives behind the impeachment move. Is this a genuine attempt to hold Fubara accountable, or is it a power play designed to reassert Wike’s dominance? The answer may lie somewhere in between. Politics, after all, is rarely black and white.
The Yoruba have a saying: “When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” In Rivers State, the “grass” is the ordinary citizen—the fisherman in Bonny, the trader in Port Harcourt, the farmer in Ahoada. These are the people who bear the brunt of political instability. Rivers State is a region blessed with immense natural resources, yet its people continue to grapple with poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment. The ongoing political crisis threatens to exacerbate these challenges, diverting attention from pressing issues like infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
The current crisis in Rivers State is a reminder that power, while intoxicating, comes with immense responsibility. Both Wike and Fubara must recognize that their actions have far-reaching consequences. Wike’s assertion that “heaven will not fall” if Fubara is impeached may be technically true, but it ignores the broader implications of such an action. Impeachment is not just a legal process; it is a political statement that can either strengthen or weaken the fabric of governance.
As the Hausa proverb says, “Peace is the father of prosperity.” Without peace, Rivers State cannot hope to achieve its full potential. It is time for both men to step back from the brink and embrace dialogue over discord. The Akan people have a saying: “One head does not go into council.” Rivers State needs leaders who can collaborate, compromise, and prioritize the common good.
The political drama unfolding in Rivers State is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the fragility of power. Nyesom Wike and Sim Fubara must recognize that their actions today will shape the future of Rivers State for generations to come. While Wike’s political prowess cannot be denied, his recent moves risk alienating the very people whose support he needs. Similarly, Fubara must rise to the occasion and demonstrate the leadership qualities that earned him the governorship in the first place.
As another proverb reminds us, “When the drumbeat changes, the dance must adapt.” The people of Rivers State deserve leaders who can adapt to the changing times, putting the interests of the state above personal ambitions. The future of Rivers State hangs in balance. Let us hope that its leaders choose the path of wisdom, for the sake of the people they serve.
Humphrey Ukeaja is a political analyst and writer based in Abuja, with a keen interest in governance and public policy.