“When two elephants engage in a brawl,it is the grass within that bares the brunt” - African Proverb

By Aluu Vincent

The crisis in Rivers State, Nigeria, between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, is a classic example of the African proverb, "when two elephants fight, the grass suffers." The tussle between the two political heavyweights has thrown the state into turmoil, with the people of Rivers State caught in the middle

The crisis began with the political succession of 2023, when Wike handpicked Fubara as his successor. However, their relationship turned sour, and Wike's involvement in the crisis has been significant. The majority of the 27 lawmakers, allegedly loyal to Wike, endorsed an impeachment notice against Governor Fubara. The judiciary has been drawn into the crisis, with multiple court orders and counter-orders issued. Many are of the opinion that , a former Council Chairman, Chief of Staff, former education minister and two term governor, is banking on his position as a federal Minister and closeness to President Bola Tinubu to stampede Fubara into doing his bidding. Others are of the view that Fubara, a seasoned technocrat and former Accountant general during the Wike administration, may be quiet and one who counts his words but is not a push over since the constitution confers on him enormous power and war cheat.

The intervention of President Bola Tinubu brought relief as Fubara stooped low, accept all points in the communique that followed, withdrew cases in court, allowed his factional speaker to resign,allowed the now sacked 27 lawmakers to return to their duty post and reinstated commissioners loyal to Wike who resigned as a result of the crisis. Fubara did all these humiliatingly ye the Wike camp were not satisfied and spoils for war. This triggered and escalated the crisis to what it is today.

The Chairmen of the Local Government areas joined Wike in the fight by refusing to vacate office even when their tenure had elapsed. They rely on an amended version of the Local government law passed by the sacked 27 lawmakers. A court judgment nullifying the amendment did not assuage the cancerous ego of the ousted chairmen who spoiled for way few days ago insisting they won’t vacate office. It took a determined Governor Fubara to wield the big stick, ordered the Head of Service of each local government to take over reins of power.The very net day, he appointed caretaker committee chairmen and members to hold sway and ordered the state electoral commission to immediately commence process for local government elections.

As though that was not enough, the Governor held a security council meeting and requested that security be beefed up to forestall breakdown of law and order, the main intent of the Wike camp. This plan was made public when the Apc in the state issued a state statement requesting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Countering the claims of the APC, Governor Fubara, the Chief Security Officer of the state, has emphasised that the State and its people are enjoying an enduring atmosphere of peace to promote sustainable development, fast-paced investments and accelerated economic growth. He said the recent negative narrative that portrays the State as immersed in crisis with disrupted peace is untrue, misguided and was the handiwork of mischief makers.

He stated: "And to also tell Nigerians that Rivers State is peaceful. You can see that we are moving about inspecting projects as against what you see on the screens of your television sets that police are everywhere, that we don't move about anymore, and that Rivers State is under siege. "We are not under siege. Our State is free and peaceful. If at all there is any problem in any part of the State, I know quite well that Nigerians know where the problem is coming from, not from us," he clarified.

The situation highlights the dangers of godfatherism and the need for caution in the way politicians exert their influence. The crisis raises questions about the integrity of democracy in Nigeria and the role of the judiciary in resolving political disputes. The people of Rivers State deserve better than to be held hostage by the political ambitions of a few individuals.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for a ceasefire, saying the escalation of the political tension is inimical to progress. He emphasized that the protracted crisis could hamper the development of Rivers and destabilize the Niger Delta region, with spiral effects on the country. Other well meaning Nigerians have lent their voices on the need for both parties to go the path of peace in the overall interest of the Rivers people.

Let me quickly add that the implications and consequence of the Wike versus Fubara tussle include political instability leading to a volatile political environment, undermining the stability of the state government and threatening the democratic process, economic consequences which has already affected the state's economy, with investors becoming wary of investing in a politically unstable environment.

The conflict has led to increased security concerns, with reports of violence and intimidation which may snowball into a humanitarian with innocent citizens caught in the middle, may result in damage to public infrastructure, reversing the gains made by the state. Apart from the Judiciary being undermined via political patronage, the crisis has undermined tthe legislature severely.For months now, the business of lawmaking has been grounded,the people are not represented while the governor now relies on makeshift arrangements to get the government business going. This Is not only anti democratic but portends grave danger if not nipped in the bud. Equally instructive is the fact that crisis has eroded public trust in government and political leaders, has diverted resources away from critical areas, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development thus hindering the development of Rivers State and the Niger Delta region. There is the palpable fear as alluded to by former President Goodluck Jonathan that the crisis has implications for national security, stability, and democracy, with potential spill-over effects on other states reminiscent of the wild wild west crisis in the 1960s. Another dire threat of this conflict is the likelihood of Fubara taking erratic actions and decisions based on impulse in an attempt to target Wike or his supporters. Such actions may not augur well with the development, peace, progress and stability of the state.

The dire consequences of the Wike versus Fubara tussle underscore the need for urgent resolution and a return to peaceful democratic governance in Rivers State. It is for this reason that President Bola Tinubu should not be seen as taking sides but should rather call his appointee, Nyesom Wike to order. Undermining ,disparaging and denigrating the office of a sitting governor by Tinubu’s Ministers without him publicly cautioning his appointee clearly shows support for the act and an act of collusion. Mr President shock man up, declare his stance in the matter and follow it up with affirmative actions.

To ensure a return to normalcy in Rivers State, Governor Fubara should as a matter of urgency sue for peace, engage in dialogue where necessary, stay focus on governance, create room for reconciliation and healing, ensure the safety and security of citizens, addressing violence and intimidation, foster a spirit of cooperation and inclusivity, involving all stakeholders in the governance process, listen to and address the concerns of all parties, including Wike's supporters, show courage, empathy, and vision, inspiring confidence in his leadership.

Wike on his path is a great Rivers leader who should understand that life is in times and seasons.He should know that his time as governor has passed and should give Governor Fubara a breathing space. He seems to be suffering from self induced amnesia to have forgotten so soon how he became governor and chased his predecessor Rotimi Amaechi out of Rivers state. Wike needs to be reminded that Rivers is not his personal estate where he issues orders like a Garrison Commander. If he truly loves Rivers people as he claims to, he should give peace a chance, call his barking dogs to order, seek support for Fubara to succeed and contribute his quota as Federal Minister. Wike should tame his loquaciousness and conduct himself in a manner befitting of him.

Let me submit by stating that the Wike versus Fubara tussle is a classic example of the destructive nature of political conflicts. The people of Rivers State are the ones suffering, and it is time for the two elephants to sheath their swords and work towards a peaceful resolution. The development of Rivers State and the stability of Nigeria's democracy depend on it and is too important to be sacrificed on the altar of ego and personal interest. As stitch in time saves nine.

Comr Vincent Aluu, a policy scientist, public affairs analyst and Journalist, contributes this piece from the serene caves of Obohia Ndoki,Abia state,08036688375