Governorship Feuds: Obaseki Once Threatened to Arrest Oshiomhole, Could Fubara Follow Suit with Wike? -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

In the dynamic and often tumultuous arena of Nigerian politics, power struggles, betrayals, and intricate political intrigues frequently seize the spotlight. The narrative of Edo State’s Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and his once-mentor turned adversary, Adams Oshiomhole, who played a pivotal role in his rise to power, has uncannily found a parallel in the unfolding political drama currently gripping Rivers State. Here, we witness former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike locked in a fierce political tussle with his political protege, Siminalayi Fubara, who Wike himself ushered into office and subsequently succeeded as governor.

As these intense power clashes continue to disrupt the smooth governance of Rivers States, one cannot help but draw parallels and contemplate the question: Could Fubara draw inspiration from Obaseki’s strategic approach and consider taking decisive action to curb the disruptions inflicted upon the state by Wike’s political maneuvers?

The protracted feud between Godwin Obaseki and Adams Oshiomhole in Edo State unfolded as a gripping saga that spanned openly for a few years, commanding the undivided attention of the nation. In the year 2020, Obaseki levied a series of grave accusations against Oshiomhole, who was not only a former governor of Edo State but also held the position of National Chairman within the All Progressives Congress (APC). These allegations encompassed a broad spectrum of transgressions, ranging from Oshiomhole’s persistent disregard for the directives issued by the state government to his alleged involvement in a nefarious plot to destabilize Edo State.

The culmination of this relentless feud manifested in the tumultuous conflict that engulfed the Edo State House of Assembly. This divisive confrontation saw lawmakers firmly aligned with Obaseki on one side and those ardently loyal to Oshiomhole on the other. The Edo State chapter of the APC raised alarm bells, attributing the waves of violence and turmoil plaguing the state to Oshiomhole’s pervasive influence. Their assertion suggested that Oshiomhole’s actions were deliberate in their intent, systematically pushing the state towards the precipice of chaos, with the ominous possibility of a state of emergency being declared.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian politics, a familiar script seems to be unfolding, this time in Rivers State. The stage is set for a power struggle of significant proportions, with Fubara squaring off against the hard-hitting Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja. In this unfolding drama, we witness a recurring disruptive pattern, one that bears an uncanny resemblance to the political turmoil witnessed in Edo State. Divisions among lawmakers, political stakeholders, and supporters are escalating by the day, reminiscent of the Edo scenario.

Much like Obaseki in his time, Fubara now finds himself navigating a perilous political terrain marked by a glaring lack of coherence and support. The Rivers State House of Assembly serves as a mirror reflecting the division that once plagued Edo State’s legislature, as lawmakers align themselves with either Fubara or Wike.

However, what sets Fubara’s predicament apart is the perceived interference of Wike, who wields substantial federal influence as the Minister of the FCT in Abuja. While Wike may not openly issue directives to federal judges or the Inspector General of Police, the people of Rivers State hold a firm belief that his ongoing feud with Fubara has had a palpable impact on various police investigations and court cases in the nation’s capital. This perceived interference from Abuja further compounds the disruption of governance within the state.

Fubara, all your warnings to unnamed detractors against running down Rivers’ economy are not enough. You must be facially bold to call out Wike and the likes of Wike, like Obaseki did constantly to Oshiomhole.

The Fubara administration finds itself navigating a treacherous political path that appears to allow for the influence of figures resembling Wike, which is having detrimental repercussions on the state’s image and various sectors, including business, security, and social life.

In stark contrast to Obaseki, who demonstrated resolute and decisive leadership in his time of political turmoil, Fubara’s apparent hesitation and lack of bold action risk conveying a perception of weakness and ineffectiveness. Such an image is vastly different from the strong and determined leadership that Obaseki embodied during his own challenging period.

When the people hear words from you like, “Whatever we are doing or whoever is sponsoring anything negative is not doing it to the person of Governor Fubara, they are using it to run down the state,” you sound like a man driven by over-gentleness and possible fear. Act now; in fact, you can sue Wike and also ask the people to stand against his interruptions directly and indirectly.

At the heart of this intricate political quagmire lies a fundamental question concerning constitutional boundaries. The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, meticulously delineates the distribution of powers between the federal government and the states. While the president commands executive powers at the federal level, governors exercise analogous powers within their respective states. The Minister of the FCT, an appointee of the president, oversees the capital’s affairs but lacks the authority to meddle in the governance of individual states.

In the unfolding power struggle, the imperative task at hand is the unwavering preservation of the sacrosanct principles of federalism enshrined in our constitution. While Wike’s influence may extend to the federal level,  Fubara and the people of Rivers State remain resolute in their conviction that the autonomy and sovereignty of the state must be inviolable. The constitutional balance of power must be meticulously maintained, ensuring the seamless functioning of governance in Rivers State, even when faced with disruptive challenges.

Fubara, armed with a profound understanding of the constitutional provisions that distinctly delineate the boundaries between state and federal powers, finds himself at a pivotal crossroads. This juncture presents him with a unique opportunity to draw inspiration from the audacious and resolute approach taken by Governor Obaseki in Edo State. Much like Obaseki, who fearlessly championed the autonomy and sovereignty of his state, Fubara possesses the capacity to convey a clear and resounding message not only to Wike but also to influential political figures, such as President Bola Tinubu. This message would serve as an emphatic reminder that Rivers State’s affairs are sacrosanct and should remain impervious to external interference.

By choosing to follow in Obaseki’s footsteps, Fubara can construct a formidable shield around his government, effectively fortifying it against unwarranted external disruptions and the undue influence wielded by external actors. Just as Obaseki boldly challenged the entrenched political status quo in Edo State, Fubara has the potential to defy the pressures and attempts at destabilization that loom over Rivers State.

Adding to the complexity of the situation are recent developments involving conflicting arrest orders emanating from two distinct courts concerning Hon. Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor. These contradictory directives, one issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja and the other by a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, have cast the legal landscape into a state of utter chaos and confusion.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has, in no uncertain terms, ordered the arrest of Ehie on charges related to the alleged arson at the State House of Assembly. In stark contrast, Justice Sika Aprioku of the Rivers State High Court, in response to a motion ex-parte filed by Ehie, has effectively shielded him from any attempts at arrest by the Nigeria Police Force. The epicenter of this legal tumult, as it appears, lies within the pro-Wike faction entrenched within the State House of Assembly.

The ongoing power struggles witnessed in both Edo (then) and Rivers States today serve as stark cautionary tales, vividly illustrating the dire consequences that ensue when unchecked political turbulence and power plays take center stage. Fubara’s current predicament underscores a fundamental truth—an imperative need to assert and uphold state sovereignty, zealously safeguard the sacred mandate conferred upon him by the people, and steadfastly preserve the constitutionally mandated division between federal and state powers.

In this unfolding political drama, Fubara finds himself standing at a crossroads, faced with a momentous decision that has the potential to shape the future trajectory of Rivers State. He confronts the pivotal choice of either succumbing to external pressures and disruptions or emulating the unwavering resolve demonstrated by Governor Obaseki, firmly asserting the independence and autonomy of Rivers State’s governance. The path he ultimately selects will not merely dictate the contours of the state’s political landscape but will reverberate as a resounding and impactful statement in the annals of Nigerian politics.

Amid these tumultuous times, a profound exploration of the parallels between Edo and Rivers States beckons, evoking somber reflections on the tragic events that unfolded at the Lekki Tollgate during the #EndSARS protests in Lagos State. The inappropriate utilization of federal power to suppress peaceful protests resounded with widespread condemnation and ignited a blaze of public fury. The burgeoning groundswell of support for Fubara in Rivers State hints at the possibility of a comparable response should external disruptions persist.

As we keenly observe the burgeoning mass support in Rivers State, where citizens take to the streets to express unwavering solidarity with Fubara and his government, a note of caution reverberates. Should Wike persist in his disruptive actions, it could inadvertently kindle unprecedented unrest, an upheaval distinct from the #EndSARS protests, where law enforcement and military forces confronted peaceful demonstrators.

With the potential mobilization of over five million individuals onto the streets of Rivers State, the sheer magnitude of public sentiment could overpower any endeavor to suppress it. This could etch a chapter in Nigerian history as #WikeRiversDisruption, an indomitable testament to the people’s resolve to safeguard their government from external interference.

The message resonates with unwavering clarity: Wike must meticulously weigh the potential repercussions of his actions and consider their impact on the people he serves. The citizens of Rivers State have exhibited steadfast support for Fubara and his government, demanding autonomy to govern without external disruptions.

As the political drama continues its unfolding narrative, all stakeholders, including Wike, Fubara, and influential political figures like Tinubu, stand at a pivotal crossroads where the welfare of citizens should occupy the foremost position in their considerations. The people of Rivers State ardently seek a government capable of functioning independently and efficiently, free from the specter of external interference.

The power struggle that unfolded between Obaseki and Oshiomhole in Edo State serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that arise when political leaders become overbearing and prioritize their personal interests over those of the state and its people. Obaseki’s challenge to both Oshiomhole and Tinubu in 2020 was an assertion of state rights and a plea to protect the interests of Edo State and its citizens.

Similarly, Fubara, faced with the disruptions caused by Wike in Rivers State, finds himself at a crossroads where he has the opportunity to stand resolute in defense of state rights. The deployment of federal might to disrupt state affairs can lead to dire consequences for governance and the well-being of the people. Like Obaseki before him, Fubara can convey a strong and unwavering message that Rivers State will not succumb to external interference.

It is of utmost importance for both Wike and influential political figures like Tinubu to recognize and respect the significance of state autonomy and the constitutional boundaries that safeguard it. Rivers State, like any other state in Nigeria, deserves the inherent right to govern itself without the specter of undue external influence looming overhead.

As these intricate political dramas continue to unfold, let us fervently hope that the lessons drawn from Edo State’s experience and the principles of state rights will guide the actions and decisions of all involved parties. Ultimately, it is the people of Rivers State who should be the primary beneficiaries of responsible, accountable, and uninterrupted governance. Wike must heed these lessons, for as the adage goes, “one day is one day.”

In conclusion, this unfolding political saga serves as a poignant lesson in leadership. As Nigeria navigates these turbulent political waters, it is incumbent upon leaders to heed the lessons of history and adhere to the constitution. The disruption of state affairs, whether in Edo or Rivers, serves only to the detriment of the people. Those in positions of power must prioritize governance over power struggles and ensure that the welfare of the citizens remains paramount.

The looming question persists: Could Fubara summon the same audacity as Obaseki and take a resolute stance against the disruption of state affairs? Only time will unveil the path he chooses, but one thing is irrefutable—Rivers State and its people will continue to demand the right to govern without undue interference.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University. John.Oshodi@mail.waldenu.edu