By Austen Akhagbeme
Even with just a day to go, before the expiration of the declared state of emergency in Rivers State by President Tinubu and the subsequent suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, not many people know what to aexpect from the embattled governor on one hand, and the entire political ecosystem in Rivers State on the other.
This owes partly to the opaque nature of our politics and policies, which, more often than not, allow for suspicious outcomes and a lack of confidence in the system among the governed.
Just recently, the outgoing Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has gladly stated that he has fulfilled the mandate given to him by the President to stabilise the state and “return it to full Democratic governance”. This was hinged on his declared ability to “successfully” conduct LG elections in the state and swear in the elected Chairmen across the 23 Councils.
This “feat”, ably supervised by Tinubu’s henchman, Michael Odey, and his Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, was the much-needed vehicle used to stealthily enthrone and consolidate the reign of the APC in the grassroots, before the planned return of a ceremonial reign for Governor Fubara.
The planned capture of Rivers State and its humongous resources, using willing mercenaries like Nyesom Wike by the powers that be has been accomplished. The essence of the whole roforofo fight is completed. The ruling Party has captured the two richest States in Nigeria and is very ready for 2027.
For his mental health, reputation and the peace of his people, Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara must tread with caution, seeing no evil, hearing no evil and speaking no evil. Anything up his sleeve should be sheathed while he enjoys the peace of the graveyard. Tough talk should be reserved for history since he has chosen to reconcile with his persecutors. No one must cry more than the bereaved.
There’s so much to learn in these two years and six months of high-wire politics in Rivers State. So much to learn from the politics of conquest and Godfatherism. So much to take home from the reckless usurpation of the people’s mandate, power, and resources by the whimsical application of State power and executive bravado.
The Rivers people must let Governor Fubara breathe. Let them allow him to work in the best interest of the people by not dragging him into the murky waters of an endless and retrogressive politics of hate, ethnicity and devilish loyalty to political deities as we have witnessed these two and a half years.
Let those who are neither in the APC nor the PDP carry on with their deceptive and destructive politics. The coast is clear now, they can run and even fly as they choose. May they enjoy the type of peace that they have created.
