- Key Insight: Elder statesman Asukewe Ikoawaji believes the Rivers crisis is a “family matter” within the political class.
- Root Cause: Internal disputes within a specific political bloc, not broader state issues.
- Impact: Ikoawaji claims businesses are running smoothly, questioning the involvement of ordinary Rivers people.
- Broader Issue: Overbearing influence of governors on party affairs and succession.
- Neutral Stance: Ikoawaji emphasizes his loyalty to the people of Rivers, not individual politicians.
Rivers Crisis: Political Family Drama or State Emergency?
Veteran Rivers State elder statesman, Asukewe Ikoawaji, has stirred the pot by describing the ongoing political face-off between Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a mere “family matter” within the political class. According to him, it has little to do with the good people of Rivers State. In an interview with ARISE News, Ikoawaji boldly dismissed claims that the crisis reflects the will or concerns of Rivers elders or the general populace.
“This matter has nothing to do with Rivers State. It has nothing to do with the elders either. It is a political family problem. Every political family has a problem,” he stated firmly.
The Inside Scoop: A Political Family Affair
Ikoawaji elaborated that since 1999, the governorship of Rivers State has been passed around within a particular political group, to which both Wike and Fubara belong. He claims their inability to resolve internal disagreements has dragged others into the fray.
“If they had chosen to settle this matter like a family matter, there would not be any issue,” he asserted. “Today, if you come to Rivers State, businesses are going on well. Everything is running smoothly. So where did the Rivers people come into this matter? That is the question many people are asking.”
Governors and Godfathers: The Real Problem?
Ikoawaji pointed out that similar crises often arise from the excessive influence of governors over party matters, particularly in choosing their successors. He noted the weakness of political parties in curbing this trend.
“In Nigeria, every governor wants to know who he is handing over to. The party is too weak to stop this. When there’s a crisis, they refuse to resolve it,” he explained. He also addressed Wike’s self-proclaimed role as Fubara’s political godfather, suggesting Wike has failed in that paternal duty.
Party Politics: PDP’s Role in the Chaos
Ikoawaji also commented on the controversial defection of lawmakers from the PDP to the APC, a matter eventually settled in the courts. He criticized the PDP for not taking decisive action against members who visibly defected.
“If you look at the PDP constitution, once a man defects, the party should disown him. But up to the day of the Supreme Court judgement, the PDP never openly disowned those people. Yes, they were seen carrying APC cards on TV and the internet, but did the PDP act as it should? No.”
“To be honest, all this problem was caused by the PDP,” he concluded.
Neutral Ground: Standing with the People
When asked about his allegiance, Ikoawaji made it clear he remains neutral.
“I am not on the side of Wike or Fubara. I am on the side of Rivers people. Both of them belong to one political family, but Rivers people are not all in that family.”
Avoiding a State of Emergency: Averting Bloodshed
Addressing calls for a state of emergency during the height of the crisis, Ikoawaji expressed concerns about potential violence. He praised President Tinubu’s intervention as a means to prevent bloodshed, despite criticisms that the president overstepped his bounds.
Ikoawaji also highlighted a shift in the crisis, suggesting it’s no longer just about Wike and Fubara but a broader institutional breakdown. He pointed to the issue of a “sole administrator who is not sitting in Rivers State as an elected governor,” without providing further details.
Wike’s PDP Status: Still a Member?
Finally, Ikoawaji addressed Wike’s status within the PDP, stating that there is no formal evidence of defection. According to Ikoawaji, Wike himself claims to have received a letter from the PDP, suggesting he remains a member.
“So as a politician, I can tell you that Wike is still in the PDP, and I challenge anyone in the PDP to say otherwise.”
What’s Next for Rivers State?
The political drama in Rivers State continues to unfold, with key players navigating complex alliances and disputes. Whether it’s a family matter or a state emergency, the people of Rivers State are watching closely.
Disclaimer:This article is based on the statements and opinions of Asukewe Ikoawaji as reported by ARISE News. Further developments and perspectives may emerge as the situation evolves.
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