The Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, recently dismissed concerns over the escalating crisis in Rivers State, sparked by the conflict between current governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. “We ordinary people cry more than the bereaved,” Rev. Kukah remarked, adding, “When politicians fight, don’t get carried away because they will fix their quarrel.”
But how many ordinary people must suffer before politicians resolve their disputes? How many lives and properties must be lost before peace is restored? The highly respected bishop was downplaying a serious issue. This is about political survival and control in Rivers State. With the 2027 elections approaching, the stakes will only get higher, potentially leading to widespread conflict.
If this happens, the blame will rest squarely with President Bola Tinubu. For Tinubu, personal interests and political goals often trump national interest. The current crisis in Rivers State can be traced back to Tinubu’s decision to reward Wike for his role in the last election by appointing him Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. This move gave Wike a platform to disrupt Rivers State politics and undermine the PDP.
Tinubu’s political strategy is self-serving. He has a history of ruthless godfatherism, using state resources to achieve political ends. His disregard for religious equality was evident in his decision to run with a Muslim-Muslim ticket, purely to secure votes. Now, he continues to play religious politics, such as subsidizing Hajj for political gain while ignoring pressing economic issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.
In Rivers State, Tinubu’s interference has exacerbated tensions. By supporting Wike, he has enabled a power struggle that threatens the state’s stability. Wike, much like Tinubu in Lagos, seeks to control Rivers politics from Abuja. But unlike Lagosians, Rivers people are less likely to accept such dominance without resistance.
Recently, the Presidency claimed Tinubu would not take sides in the Rivers conflict. However, he has already influenced a “peace deal” that undermines Fubara’s authority and contradicts constitutional provisions on defections. This deal pressures Fubara to reintegrate disloyal Wike allies and recognize defectors, effectively making him a hostage.
The underlying issue is Tinubu’s 2027 ambitions, using Wike to secure his political future. If Rivers State descends into chaos, Tinubu must be held accountable for prioritizing his political agenda over national stability and governance.