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By Nonso Udochukwu

Rivers state, fondly called “Treasure Base” has been in the news these past weeks. For the bad reasons if one may add. Conventional and social media, online platforms, and the electronic media have consistently reported different, various “updates” and “breaking news” about Rivers. Few days back, the writer did a panoramic-drive on TV channels and news blogs across the continent, and was shocked that Rivers was trending in Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. Sadly, the visibility of Rivers on these national and continental news portals, for wrong reasons has refused to subside. The avoidable political tension has turned Rivers to theatre of the absurd. The raging political storm has led to the formation of two groups; Fubara camp, and Wike team.

The Rivers connodrum has raised emergency analysts, experts, and strategists. Many make strident and strong commentaries like they know it all. Some make befuddling and ferocious statements with no proof. Few keep regurgitating old, unconvincing, and baseless lines. These obnoxious and irresponsible comments and opinions are doing more damage to the already tensed situation. Majority of these “arm-chair critics” and “famous analysts” who criss-cross TV channels and Radio stations in frightening flights, are not from Rivers. They have no stake nor affinity with the oil-rich state. They are dabbling on the Rivers issue for pecuniary gains and advance personal or group scores. Few who are from Rivers, joined the bandwagon to explore financial benefits. For the former group with no stakes in Rivers, they will continue to make statements that will further deepen the political inferno.

Unlike these characters and charlatans, the writer has stakes in Rivers. A bonafide indigene of Imo state, from Ngor Okpala LGA; Umuneke Ngor to be precise. By the way, my community and LGA shares boundary with Etche LGA in Rivers state. As a result of geographic proximity, ethnic similarity and linguistic commonality, the two LGAs have inter-twined relationship in various ways. Marriages, businesses, education, trade and commerce are some of these. The writer, aside having friends; from childhood is married to an Etche woman. As a proud in-law, and stakeholder in Rivers, one is appalled and worried with the unfortunate political crisis that has engulfed the state. It is a classic case of privatized interests that has become publicized disagreement and troubles. Somehow, due to the political struggle, Rivers is experiencing “mooted development.” If allowed to fester, Rivers may join the infamous list of states that have medals of no-growth and no-development. True, proper, and unbiased Rivers indigenes are disillusioned, perplexed, and hurt with what has transpired between Wike and Fubara.

The rift between “father and son” that has now gone overboard is most unfortunate. Not holding brief for Wike, but it is an undeniable fact that God used him to play commanding, and path-finding roles in the public service career and brief but successful political-life of Fubara. It is public knowledge that Fubara has being a core-confidant of Wike since 1999. From Obio-Akpor LGA to the Government House, Fubara has being a constant fixture with Wike. Suddenly the bubble bursted. The two cannot see eyeball to eyeball. What went wrong? How did the “mentor-mentee” relationship gone awry?

Curiously, respected Elders and Leaders who should have quenched the political inferno have not only thrown their “thinking caps” into the sea but shamelessly joined the orchestra of hate, trouble, and confusion. They and some stakeholders know the real issue but decided to look the other way, churning out disparaging and irresponsible comments that calls to questions their status, wisdom, and knowledge. It is disheartening and sickening that they continually make bare-faced lies as they keep shifting the goalpost in the political strife. With no modicum of shame, many are deliberately making insidious and incorrect statements, and mischievous falsehood to confuse Rivers indigenes and Nigerians. Some have now elevated propaganda, deceit, and zero-truth to unexplainable heights. They bandy unimaginable tales in their immoral and despicable agenda to hoodwink people.

As a seasoned chronicler of events, one recalls that at the infancy-stage of the political feud, these Rivers Elders and Leaders, Fubara’s “die-hard” loyalists and “coterie of new-lovers” passionately called for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention. The call was strident, consistent, and ceaseless. Their plea and appeal almost became subtle blackmail and political subterfuge. Tinubu acceded and intervened after much cajoling and prodding by these mischievous characters. Suddenly the music has changed. This group of people are speaking new tongues. One wonders the reason(s) for such immediate volte-face. Few hours after Tinubu’s intervention which produced the 8-point “Resolution” there has been surreptitious and clandestine attempts to “poo-pooh” it. Shamefully, Elders and Leaders are falling over one another to vilify and demonize Tinubu’s noble, and altruistic intervention. From “guests appearances” on radio stations and TV channels to “solidarity protests” by nebulous groups, it has been consistent attacks on the “Resolutions” mutually agreed by both parties.

However, any discerning and analytical mind that has institutional memories can conclude that each, and every of these “solidarity actions and activities” if not checked, are landmines that may ease Fubara into political descent. It is shocking that after the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joseph Johnson, dismissed insinuations that Fubara was made to sign the “Resolutions” under duress, these characters are still crying blue murder. It has been a circus of approbation and reprobation.

More humorous is the threat and lose-talk credited to Boma Goodhead, representative of Asari-Toru Federal constituency at the House of Representatives. The “new found political-romance” between her and Fubara after allegedly making plethora of disdainful, and disparaging, and disrespectful comments about Fubara, in recent times speaks volumes about the moral and psychological make-up of the average Nigerian politician. That Boma has decided to work against Wike who few months back had to plead and make concessions to stakeholders in Asari-Toru federal constituency who vehemently opposed her third-term aspiration, gives different perspectives to gratitude and loyalty. More intriguing is that Boma and her main female challenger for the PDP ticket are now “inseparable” friends courtesy of Fubara’s political predicament.

Nyesom Wike is bold, tough, courageous, fearless, and brutally frank. Not lily-livered, unlike many politicians you know where he belongs on any issue. That he is assertive, decisive, and clear-headed is stating the obvious. Over the years, he has demonstrated unmistaken gusto, relentless passion, unrestrained fervor, and unflinching determination in all his official duties and political functions. A man that possesses such qualities and characteristics must have a tinge of domineering tendencies. Such personality traits will make the person to want to be in charge of situations. This Wike has, in large dosage. Despite this psychological make-up, or frailties he has nurtured a veritable group that has won many political battles in Rivers from 2015 uptil now. Through his tenacity, focus, and doggedness, God has used Wike as the pathfinder of the political odysseys of many politicians. Through his benevolence and brinkmanship, many politicians have risen from obscurity to state and national prominence. Sim Fubara is one. Plucked from the woods as a fresh Accountant, Wike ensured that he did not only rise through the rungs and got to the peak of his civil service career, but got introduced to politics, at the very top. From reports, Wike weathered dangerous storms to ensure Fubara emerged Governor over and above better qualified and experienced politicians who also sought the office.

Having endured Wike’s “excesses” for over two decades, why the sudden, and swift change in Fubara’s attitude to him. That Fubara, few months into his governorship has embraced people who were not only against his bid but fought Wike relentlessly is the height of political betrayal. Why the shift in loyalty? Why has Fubara decided to abandon the “devil” he knows and consummated friendship with “angels”? Has this been the plan by Fubara for long? Are their “strange women (and men) that have captured his soul and mind? In politics, ingratitude and betrayal are the highest sins. Fubara has committed both.

Perhaps, Fubara needs thorough and comprehensive introspection of all what has happened. He needs to ask himself some pertinent questions. It beats every stretch of human reasoning and moral sensitivity that Fubara is now “dining and wining” with his known adversaries. It is obvious that he is listening to side talks, succumbing to external influences, and dancing to the poisonous melodies of those who don’t wish him well. Fact is, the sincerity and loyalty of his new-found circle of loyalists, fair-weather friends, and shady, hideous associates remains shaky and doubtful.

Governor Sim Fubara, being a new political-starter may not be discerning enough to know that those encouraging him to take rigid positions and rudderless actions are only digging his “political grave.” How do one explain how a Governor carry out actions that are purely undemocratic? Closure of the Assembly Chambers; demolishing the Assembly complex; presenting the state’s Budget to a “4-man” Assembly; signing same, without necessary legislative processes in the presence of the “4-man” Assembly. Perhaps unknown to Fubara, these are veritable grounds for impeachment. Also, there is no way he can exonerate himself from the protest that took place in Port Harcourt last week. That the protesters congregated within the precincts of the Government House, with no resistance from Police and other security agencies further confirms Fubara’s complicity in the protest.

Somebody must strongly advise Fubara that if such actions that may throw the state into further tension continues, it would not be out of place if the Federal Government declares “state of emergency” in Rivers. Recall that similar thing happened in Oyo and Plateau states during Obasanjo administration. If protests and other activities persists, and the Wike Group of “27-majority lawmakers” insists on doing the right thing, or the Federal Government takes necessary steps, Fubara will be the greatest loser. Either impeachment or state of emergency, none will favour him. If it happens, Fubara may just discover that his group of friends, loyalists, and associates would abandon him. Typical of politicians, this group of “yes-men” will not only leave him to groan over his predicament but jump ship by shifting their “loyalty” to the other group.

To avoid going into early political nunc dimitis and national irrelevance, Fubara may we’ll grab the window brokered by Tinubu. He should display courage, and boldness to adhere to the content, spirit, and letters of the “Resolution.” Since he has confirmed signing the document wholeheartedly, Fubara should immediately take necessary actions to fulfill his part of the negotiated agreement. He should put actions to his words that, “no sacrifice is too big for peace in Rivers state.” As a Leader, he should be ready, and prepared to do that for the greatness of the “Treasure Base.” Fubara should realise that Elders and Leaders like Chief Rufus Ada-George, Dr. Peter Odili; past Governors and few others including Chief Uche Secondus, Hon. Beke, Senator Uchendu who are now his “political advisers” have other reasons for supporting him. Their loyalty and support is not driven out of love for Fubara but some other extraneous reasons, hence they keep exerting pressures on him to renege on the “Abuja agreement.” One must reiterate to Fubara that many of these people stood and worked against his aspiration and are now continuing towards leading him to political perdition.

For once, Fubara should put on his “thinking cap” and be truthful to his conscience by expressing gratitude to God using Tinubu as the instrument for his political re-positioning and re-generation. He should embrace Tinubu’s masterful intervention, fulfill his part of the “Abuja agreement” and ensure true, sincere, and irrevocable reconciliation with Wike. Fact is, the Ikwerre-born political tactician whom Fubara fondly calls “my Oga” is the only Leader that is fully committed to his success and political growth and not the retinue of his vicious, selfish and wicked new-lovers who will evaporate when the table turns. Fubara should be sober and sombre in going back to his political roots.

* NONSO UDOCHUKWU, a public affairs commentator writes from Owerri