The growing political crisis in Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara is allegedly functioning with a three-member House of Assembly led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo instead of the 27 lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule, has deeply alarmed former Governor Nyesom Wike. The validity, operation, and future of the state’s legislative processes have all been hotly debated in light of this extremely unusual circumstance.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
In a video interview shared by Symfoni TV, Wike addressed allegations that the 27 lawmakers in question had defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). While Wike neither confirmed nor denied the claims of defection, he sharply criticized the notion that a small group of just three lawmakers could be entrusted with representing the legislative needs of a state as populous and complex as Rivers. He described this development as a dangerous precedent that threatens the very foundation of democracy in Nigeria.
“You said those 27 people defected. Assuming, though not conceding, that those 27 people defected, you sit down and tell me one person is a Speaker and two are members, and they are the ones doing law for a state,” Wike remarked. “And everybody sits down discussing that they [the 27 lawmakers] defected. I say it is not my business; it is Nigeria’s democracy. Tomorrow, it will be one person.”
Wike’s remarks highlight a broader issue of deteriorating democratic norms and processes. He warned that allowing such irregularities to persist could set a dangerous precedent, paving the way for extreme scenarios where governance becomes concentrated in the hands of a single individual or an unrepresentative few. He emphasized the critical importance of inclusivity, fair representation, and adherence to democratic principles in governance, calling for immediate efforts to restore balance and stability in Rivers State’s political system.
The ongoing situation has brought into sharp focus the divisions within Rivers State’s political framework. Allegations of party defections, legislative dysfunction, and factionalism have fueled a climate of uncertainty, leaving many observers questioning the state’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and democratic integrity. Wike’s criticisms have drawn significant public attention to the implications of this crisis, with concerns mounting over its potential to disrupt governance and undermine public trust in the state’s leadership.
Beyond the immediate crisis, Wike’s comments reflect a growing frustration with the erosion of democratic structures in Nigeria. He called for a comprehensive reevaluation of the practices and systems that allow such irregularities to take root, urging stakeholders to recognize the broader implications of their actions. According to Wike, the disregard for proper representation and the concentration of legislative authority in the hands of a few undermine the essence of democracy and set a perilous tone for the country’s future.
As this political saga unfolds, analysts and stakeholders alike are calling for urgent interventions to restore normalcy in the Rivers State legislature. Many are emphasizing the need for decisive action to ensure that proper legislative processes are reinstated, fostering transparency, accountability, and fair representation. Addressing these concerns, they argue, is not only vital for Rivers State but also for the stability and credibility of Nigeria’s democratic system as a whole.
Wike’s warning serves as a critical reminder of the dangers posed by political crises that go unchecked. His call for inclusivity and the protection of democratic norms resonates with broader concerns about governance and leadership across Nigeria. As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes remain on Rivers State, with the hope that meaningful steps will be taken to restore trust, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard democracy for the people of the state and the nation at large.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
