“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” observed Lord Acton. The great George Orwell famously noted that “no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it.” These timeless insights perfectly frame the current political theatre in Rivers State, where the friction between past and present administrations has reached a fever pitch. Today, let’s reflect on the struggle for the soul of Rivers State and the clash between the immovable and the unstoppable.
Do you know that Rivers State has become the ultimate testing ground for political resilience in Nigeria, as the fierce rivalry between former Governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara continues to redefine the limits of power? While Wike has long been perceived as an indomitable force with a vast network of connections and a legendary “tough-talk” persona, his successor, Fubara, seems to have surprised critics by maintaining a calm, soft-spoken exterior while systematically dismantling the structures of his predecessor’s influence. While the feud started as a disagreement between a godfather and a godson over loyalty issues, it has evolved into a full-scale constitutional and administrative standoff that saw a 2025 state of emergency and now a 2026 impeachment crisis. The sheer intensity of this battle suggests a paradox where an immovable political structure meets an unstoppable quest for executive independence, leaving the state’s governance in a possible precarious state of limbo. As billions in potential investments might have evaporated while critical infrastructure projects stall, the question of who “wins” becomes increasingly murky, especially when the machinery of the state may be used as a personal chessboard. The tactical maneuvering of Fubara, who might have recently gained the favour of President Tinubu and the support of several APC governors despite his PDP roots, shows a politician who has mastered the terrain far more effectively than his “godfather” ever anticipated.
So, enhance your capacity to see beyond the high-stakes drama of elite personalities and recognize that the true soul of a state lies in the well-being of its citizens, not the ego of its rulers. Let the current drama remind us that a human being is a human being and no matter how powerful he or she may perceive self, there are limits to what he or she can do. While we await the drama to end, it is time for the people of Rivers State to demand accountability that transcends the Wike-Fubara feud, ensuring that the state’s vast resources are utilized for development rather than being drained by the costs of political litigation and loyalty contests. It is time to cultivate a deeper understanding of how these power dynamics affect their daily life – from the quality of roads to the stability of the local economy – and refuse to be mere spectators in a game where the public is the ultimate loser. There is the need to engage with civil society, question the motives behind every legislative deadlock, and advocate for a system where governance is not held hostage by the whims of a few powerful individuals. The current impasse, characterized by a divided House of Assembly and a stalled 2026 budget, serves as a stark reminder that when “two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” By shifting the focus from individual supremacy to institutional integrity, the Rivers people can empower themselves to reclaim the narrative of their state. Let’s drive the awareness that true political maturity involves moving past the era of “godfatherism” and towards a future where the governor’s office serves the mandate of the electorate rather than the dictates of a predecessor or the parochial interest of the governor and/or his cronies.
As you step out each day, remember that the resilience of a people is often tested most in times of great political upheaval. The outcome of this struggle remains uncertain, yet the enduring strength of the Rivers people will ultimately determine the state’s trajectory. May we look forward to a time when the pursuit of peace finally outweighs the hunger for absolute control or the pursuit of who contests or wins the next election. And for those exploring the current feud to fight each other, never forget that in politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies and so think of how you plan to mend any relationship you destroy today if Wike and Fubara reconcile tomorrow.
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Esang Esitikot is a professor of occupational health and safety, a COREN-registered chemical engineer, public affairs analyst, UN Ambassador for Peace, certified management consultant, World Safety Organization Ambassador, recognized Environmental Ambassador, marriage counsellor, youth mentor, reviewer for international research journals and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He is a manager in the oil and gas industry and was recognized by Highstone Global University, USA as the occupational health and safety personality of 2024. He can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only) or email (esitikot@gmail.com).
