A Port Harcourt-based author and social advocate, Ken Robinson, has reflected on the political crisis in Rivers State, saying the prolonged rift between Governor Siminalaye Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, inflicted avoidable losses on the state and could have been prevented.
In a statement titled “Reflections on Rivers State: A Few Personal Thoughts,” Robinson said his comments were prompted by Governor Fubara’s public declaration on Wednesday of his return to his political family and his endorsement of Hon. O. K. Chinda, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
Robinson recalled that at the onset of the political crisis involving Fubara, Wike and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, he publicly opposed the Governor’s decision to confront his political benefactor, arguing that the move was unnecessary and strategically unwise.
According to him, he consistently maintained through both traditional and social media that the confrontation was unlikely to end in the Governor’s favour, even as many others backed Fubara’s position.
He said his stance attracted criticism, hostility and false accusations, adding that some long-time associates and friends distanced themselves from him because of his views.
Despite the backlash, Robinson said he remained convinced that his position was based on a realistic assessment of the political situation rather than sentiment or personal interest.
Reflecting on recent developments, he said events had vindicated his earlier concerns but stressed that he derived no satisfaction from the outcome.
Instead, he expressed sadness over what he described as missed opportunities for Rivers State and sympathy for Governor Fubara as well as many residents and supporters who invested emotionally and politically in the conflict.
Robinson said the experience underscored the importance of respecting differing opinions in a democracy, warning against severing relationships over political disagreements.
He also cautioned against the use of falsehoods and deliberate misrepresentation in public discourse, arguing that such actions ultimately undermine the credibility and character of those who employ them.
The social advocate concluded that history often provides lessons which emotions initially obscure, urging political actors and citizens alike to embrace wisdom by recognising those lessons when they become evident.
