RIVERS STATE: A TEST OF TRUE LEADERSHIP AND POLITICAL WISDOM
Politics has always been a battlefield of interests, alliances and power struggles. However, in every contest, the true mark of leadership is the ability to prioritize the people’s welfare over personal ambition. History has shown that political clashes are inevitable, but wise leaders ensure that the state does not suffer in the process.
Take, for instance, the well-documented rift between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his successor, Udom Emmanuel. Despite their differences, Akpabio did not allow Akwa Ibom State to suffer. The interests of the state were paramount, and governance continued. Even today, their political battle lingers, yet Akwa Ibom remains intact and thriving.
Similarly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu once had a fierce political fallout with his godson, former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Yet, he did not burn down Lagos, nor did he cripple the state’s progress. Instead, he strategically mobilized his political structure to unseat Ambode through the ballot in the next election cycle. The state remained stable, governance continued, and the people’s interests were safeguarded.
Fast forward to Rivers State, where a similar test of leadership is unfolding. The political tussle against Governor Siminalayi Fubara has escalated beyond personal grievances, threatening the very fabric of the state. It is no secret that this crisis is being orchestrated by former Governor Nyesom Wike, whose grip on the state’s political structure is diminishing. It is crucial for President Tinubu to be wary of those who manipulate narratives for their own selfish gains. These individuals attempt to tie the President’s political interests to the chaos in Rivers State, pushing for actions that could destabilize governance.
This scenario bears striking resemblance to the biblical account in 1 Kings 3:16-28, where King Solomon was confronted with a dispute between two women claiming to be the mother of a living child. In his wisdom, Solomon proposed to divide the child in two, knowing that the real mother would rather give up her child than see it destroyed. True to his expectation, the genuine mother pleaded for the child’s life, proving her selflessness.
Applying this analogy to Rivers State, those pushing for extreme measures such as impeachment, allocation seizure and political sabotage resemble the woman willing to see the child (Rivers State) torn apart. They care little about the state’s stability, so long as their ambitions are met.
On the other hand, Governor Sim Fubara has demonstrated the wisdom and patience of a true leader. His mantra, #RiversFirst, is not just a slogan but a reflection of his commitment to the state’s well-being. He remains focused on governance, refusing to let political battles derail his vision for Rivers people.
The way the Presidency handles this crisis will define its legacy. King Solomon’s wisdom in resolving the dispute won him the respect of Israel and proved his capacity to govern justly. Likewise, President Tinubu has a rare opportunity to showcase statesmanship by ensuring a fair resolution that upholds democracy and protects the interests of Rivers people. The world is watching, and history will remember.
All parties must rethink, rescind certain decisions, and allow democracy to thrive. Against all odds, Governor Sim Fubara will complete his mandate, because the people stand with him, and the truth cannot be drowned by political noise.