The recent events unfolding in Rivers State serve as a stark testament to the deplorable state of Nigerian politics, where partisan interests reign supreme at the expense of the public good. The escalating conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has transformed the state into a virtual war zone, threatening the very fabric of democracy.
A Conflict Fueled by Partisan Strife
The underlying cause of this political turmoil stems from the expiration of the three-year tenure of the state’s local government chairmen on June 17th. Despite Governor Fubara’s directive, many of these former officials, emboldened by their allegiance to Wike, attempted to resume their duties, sparking violent confrontations with angry youths.
The political tensions have intensified, with sporadic violence erupting across the state. Last week, a policeman and a vigilante were killed in Eberi Omuma, prompting the police to lock down the local government council secretariats in an attempt to quell the unrest.
Amidst the chaos, 21 out of 23 ex-council bosses led protests in their respective areas, defying the governor’s order to hand over control to heads of local government administration pending fresh elections. The situation reached a dangerous climax when a suspect detonated an explosive device near a hotel where members of the National Assembly were staying, raising fears of a broader escalation of violence.
A Flouting of Democratic Principles
The actions of the ex-council bosses are a blatant disregard for the rule of law. The tenure of their office has expired, and their attempt to cling to power through an invalidated extension by a faction of the state assembly is a clear violation of democratic principles.
The law, as it stands, provides for a three-year term for local government chairpersons. While local governments should ideally be under the purview of states, they currently operate under federal law. This legal framework must be respected, and any attempts to circumvent it must be condemned.
A Call for Intervention
The current situation in Rivers State demands urgent intervention from the Federal Government, the state government, and security agencies. The law must be upheld, and those who seek to undermine it must be held accountable.
Governor Fubara and his political opponents must refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and actions that incite violence. The people of Rivers State deserve peace and stability, not the chaos that has gripped their state.
A Deeper Problem: The Perversion of Local Government
The crisis in Rivers State also highlights a deeper problem with the current state of local government in Nigeria. These entities, which should be the bedrock of grassroots democracy, have been captured by political interests and reduced to mere appendages of state governments.
Local governments ought to be autonomous, deriving their revenue from their own jurisdictions rather than relying on federal allocations. This would empower them to better serve their communities and reduce the potential for corruption and abuse of power.
A Path to Resolution
To resolve the current crisis and prevent future ones, several steps must be taken:
1. The ex-council bosses must immediately vacate their offices and respect the law.
2. The Federal Government and security agencies must ensure that peace is restored and the rule of law is upheld.
3. The state government must conduct fresh local government elections as soon as possible.
4. The legal framework for local government should be reviewed and reformed to enhance their autonomy and accountability.
The people of Rivers State, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve a political system that values the rule of law, respects democratic principles, and promotes the well-being of the people. The current crisis presents an opportunity to reflect on the failures of the past and chart a better course for the future.
Source: Nigerian Tribune