FROM RIVERS OF POLITICAL WARS TO TREASURE BASE

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BOLAJI AFOLABI

CONFESSION. Privileged to have worked in Nigeria’s legislature for over a decade, the writer had some measure of relationships with a few indigenes of Rivers State. In diverse interactions with a handful of lawmakers and legislative aides, one had some basic knowledge and understanding of the attributes of the average Rivers man. Bold, courageous, intelligent, and street-wise. However, their passion and commitment to the development of the State clearly stands out – easily noticeable in any discussion. Oftentimes, matters of good governance and development of the state (from the federal) are painstakingly canvassed and pursued by the lawmakers, just as their support staff – at any forum or platform – enlighten colleagues from other states.

Sometime in 2023, misunderstanding crept into the political class of the oil-rich state; which by the way, is one of the top-three contributors to national economy. Within weeks and months, it grew in dimensions that it birthed cracks and divisions. Within the passage of time, two groups emerged as a result of the political inferno. Sadly, Elders in the state – who were expected to intervene, and stop the raging storm – became interested parties, as they joined the fray by pitching tents with either of the Groups. The political crisis snowballed deeper as it became the main subject in national discourse.

In lightening speed, it assumed national focus and a matter of concern to many people across the country. Given the strategic position of Rivers, some people reasoned that the crisis may have effects on national revenue and development. However, for some others, they preferred the political crisis to fester; for pecuniary and related reasons. Individuals, groups, and associations became permanent fixtures on the print, electronic, and social media. Arguing for and against either sides, Nigerians watched as analysts and experts occupied the media space to out-wit and out-shine one another with “informed dissection of the crisis” – often jaundiced and biased. In the heat of the political tension, a few federal lawmakers, who were allegedly procured offered interventions that were described as cynical and comical.

However, it should be mentioned that, while the political crisis gained notoriety in the media space, some people used the same platforms to solicit for reconciliation and forgiveness as precursor for peace, unity, and development in the state. They refused to join the crowd, whose comments and positions – made out of ignorance, limited information, or deliberate misapplication of facts – became arsenals for the perpetuation of the crisis. Given the writer’s ‘attachment’ to the state – since the first visit sometime in the mid 1990s when Lt. Col. Dauda Musa Komo was the Military Administrator – it became imperative to support the position of this non-aligned group whose main objective was cessation of the crisis, and return to camaraderie. In three different interventions, which were widely published in some media platforms, the writer warned about the likely consequences of the crisis, its potential effects on governance and leadership, as well as the need for the gladiators to embrace reconciliation for the development of the state.

On December 25, 2023 in “Rescuing Fubara From Imminent Political Descent” the writer cautioned that, “Fubara may not be discerning enough to know that those encouraging him to take rigid positions may only be digging his ‘political grave’ …… these actions may throw the state into further tensions, and the Federal Government may declare state of emergency in Rivers.” Also, in “Rivers, Fubara, Wike, And The Way Forward” published October 2025, the writer admonished that, “it has become necessary for the two Groups to sort and resolve their differences in the interest of the people of Rivers…Fubara should go back to his political roots…Wike should welcome him back to the political family; where he truly belongs.”

Indeed, the postulation referred to above, happened, as Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, (Rtd) became the Administrator on March 18, 2025 – for 6 months, as a result of a state of emergency pronounced by President Bola Tinubu. Thankfully, Fubara re-assumed office September 18, 2025, after the expiration of the emergency status. Thereafter, there were encouraging reports and stories of efforts by Fubara, Wike, and loyalists to explore the new development for genuine reconciliation. This, did not bode with some people within and without the state; for whatever reasons. At every stage of the processes for lasting peace, varied messages of doubts, negative aspersions, and propaganda were spinned. Salacious tales, imaginary stories, and unsubstantiated scenarios were coupled and circulated regularly in the media discrediting the peace initiatives, towards igniting another round of crisis.

Unfazed by the activities of nay-sayers, the Rivers political gladiators embarked on numerous fence-mending and confidence-building consultations across the state. Mindful of the need to achieve their objective; before the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 Elections, the meetings were all-inclusive. Individuals, groups, associations, and other persuasions in the entire 23 LGAs and 319 Wards participated in the peace processes. Again, these drew flaks and criticisms by people who allegedly profited from the earlier crisis. Convinced that the peace initiative would fall flat, the ‘professional analysts’ went to town with talks about Fubara’s political alliance with one or two parties. Hoping that the falsehood would fly, they predicted that, because he has not shown commitment to the peace talks, Fubara would not be part of any campaign activities that involves the political family.

October 27, will be a day to be remembered by many politicians, and people of Rivers. It was the day that many questions and puzzles were answered. Wild views, propaganda, innuendoes, and mudslinging about the Rivers matter; particularly post-state of emergency were crushed. Contrary to the conjectures and calculations of some people, events at the “Unveiling Of Candidates” for the January/February elections did not give any semblance of acrimony. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike attended the event – their body languages did not show any negative signs, as they frequently had discussions while the programme went on. Also in attendance were Rep. Kingsley Chinda, APC Governorship candidate; Leaders of about 6 parties; National and State Assembly candidates, and many others.

There were many high points of the event, but, in many ways the speech and handing-over of flags to candidates by Fubara was remarkable. His comments that, “I’m happy to be with this family – I’m back to the family, with all of my heart, soul, and body….I assure of my unflinching support for President Bola Tinubu; my successor, by the Grace of God, O. K. Chinda; and other candidates of the Rainbow Coalition,” generated tremendous applause and tumultuous enthusiasm from the huge crowd at the occasion. Speaking on behalf of the other candidates, Chinda eulogized Wike for bringing Rivers together as a Group that has changed “the politics of Rivers State – no more politics of winner takes all,” promising that, “when we are elected, we will run a government for the people that places the interest of Rivers people First.” Wike, further reiterated that, “as a Group, the main purpose is to vote massively for Tinubu in Rivers towards ensuring that he is re-elected, and all candidates of the Coalition win their elections.”

With about 60 days to next year’s general elections, and Fubara now back, fully integrated with his political family, it is expected that purveyors of mudslinging and architects of crisis will seek for other ways to channel their skills. Perhaps, the counsel of a Port Harcourt based civil servant is instructive. “The people of Rivers have had enough from those who fanned the embers of wars between our Leaders. While virtually all who are from here have embraced total peace, we appeal and strongly advise those who are from other parts of the country to stay clear of our politics and state. They may as well go and ignite crisis in their respective states or some other places and people who need their divisive and negative activities.”