In a candid interview with Africa Independent Television (AIT), Ulasi vividly recounted the scene, describing how Governor Fubara entered Minister Wike’s office with several important documents, signaling the gravity of their discussion. The presence of these files underscored the serious nature of the meeting, but what stood out most for Ulasi was the declaration made by Wike. The former Rivers State governor openly affirmed that Fubara would succeed him in leadership, effectively creating a symbolic handover of power between the two figures. This moment, Ulasi noted, marked a critical turning point for Fubara, as it signaled the beginning of his journey into the leadership of a state rich in resources and influence.
Ulasi, a seasoned political leader himself, recognized the enormity of the responsibility that was being placed on Fubara’s shoulders. He seized the opportunity to offer the new governor some important advice, reflecting on the magnitude of managing a state as wealthy as Rivers. He emphasized the sheer scale of financial resources that would now be under Fubara’s control, hinting at the substantial monthly revenues that flow into the state’s coffers. Rivers, as a leading oil-producing region, enjoys significant financial power within Nigeria, and for Fubara, managing these resources effectively would be both an opportunity and a challenge.
However, Ulasi did not stop at simply acknowledging the wealth of the state. He issued a thoughtful word of caution about the responsibilities that come with power. He warned that leadership, while providing authority and influence, also acts as a magnifying glass for one’s character. This reflection was meant to prepare Fubara for the potential challenges that accompany leadership, suggesting that it is in times of great responsibility that a leader’s true qualities are revealed. Ulasi’s message was clear: leadership is not just about wielding power, but about demonstrating integrity, wisdom, and accountability.
Ulasi’s reflections were not limited to his personal advice for Fubara; he also delved into the broader political dynamics in Rivers State. He drew a parallel between the current situation in Rivers and past political tensions in Anambra State, particularly the well-known conflict between Chris Uba and former Governor Chris Ngige. The Uba-Ngige saga, a bitter struggle between a political godfather and his protégé, remains one of the most famous examples of the power dynamics in Nigerian politics. Ulasi noted that the ongoing political situation in Rivers bears a striking resemblance to this historical conflict, suggesting that Rivers State is currently grappling with similar issues of political influence and control.
By highlighting these parallels, Ulasi painted a picture of cyclical political struggles in Nigeria, where the relationship between those who rise to power and those who help them get there often becomes strained over time. The struggle between godfather and godson, as Ulasi described, is a recurring theme in Nigerian politics, and it reflects the deeper complexities of leadership in the country. For Fubara, this was a warning that his relationship with Wike, and the broader power structures within Rivers, could evolve in unpredictable ways.
In his interview, Ulasi also reflected on the broader lessons that can be drawn from these political dynamics. He emphasized the importance of understanding the complexities of leadership and governance in a country as challenging as Nigeria. True leadership, he argued, is revealed when individuals are placed in positions of power and must navigate the competing demands of governance, political alliances, and public expectations. For Fubara, the path ahead would require not only managing the wealth of Rivers State but also navigating the often turbulent waters of political relationships and expectations.
According to him, “I made one comment to him (Fubara), I said, you know you’re going to run the affairs of one of the richest states in this country, he said, yes sir. And I said, every month you might see about 15 to 20 billion naira under your control.”CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
