‘The structure I built must not be broken’, appears to be one statement popular with President Bola Tinubu and Nyesom Wike.
You see, ‘Godfatherism’ has over the years become an integral part of Nigerians’ politics.
Despite the widespread dangers associated with ‘Godfatherism’, Nigerian politicians, especially those who are desperate to taste power have continued to patronise this evil.
The structure of ‘Godfatherism’ in Nigerian politics has placed so many high-profile politicians in various powerful positions, hence, young politicians now hunt for political ‘Godfathers’ the same way they hunt for votes.
In fact, in most cases, the efforts pumped into getting a Godfather is more than the efforts these politicians put to gather votes.
The reason is because they believe more in the powers of their Godfathers instead of the power of the electorates in a democratic setting.
Wike Vs Fubara
Deals are made behind closed doors with strict secrecy. However, from time to time, same politicians who had gone underground to make numerous deals pop up engaging in fierce battles, with the most recent setting off between Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara in Rivers State.
Also Read: Rivers Crisis: ‘Why We Shot At Governor Fubara’ — Police
In the recent days, residents of Port Harcourt have witnessed a whole new level of chaos and violence.
For many, Fubara included, the battle was one that could be settled easily. But with an impeachment process in motion, he needed to act fast.
One therefore cannot begin to imagine the length of Wike’s political powers in the State.
Well, to many, it is not surprising, after all, he was the one that put him there. As a result, removing him won’t be a difficult task for a man like Wike.
Pure Politics
As many try hard to wrap their heads around the whole drama which has now become a national issue, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has said his rift with Sim Fubara, was purely politics.
Wike is a politician that believes in interest and over time he has built his entire political career on this simple principle.
“Agreement is agreement”, that is one of Wike’s favorite quotes and not even Fubara would make him back down on it.
Now, despite President Tinubu’s intervention, the former Governor has vowed that Fubara cannot destroy what he describes as “political structure”.
Permit us to drag your attention to a pressing issue that has remained unnoticed amidst this whole chaos.
Gadfatherism
As the drama began to unfold in Rivers, it sparked numerous reactions from Nigerians on social media, in the markets, bars and offices.
It was in the scene of one of these arguments that a commentator asked a question.
Is Wike to Rivers what Tinubu is to Lagos? The man had asked.
Immediately this question dropped, the entire bar was struck with silence as everyone began to ponder.
Tinubu’s political strength in Lagos and in fact Nigeria at large cannot be underestimated.
Reports of him being a political Godfather to many politicians in Lagos has found a settling spot on the internet. In fact, it has become a usual article for readers.
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With the fallout between Wike and Fubara, one cannot begin to imagine how many Tinubu or Wike exist in Nigeria today.
Political Structure
Wike was addressing journalists in Abuja while issues about him demanding ₦20 billion and awarding contracts to himself were widely speculated.
The former Governor of Rivers State wondered where Fubara was when he was fighting.
He says he is unbothered about the accusations being peddled against him in the ongoing crisis.
The minister vowed to remain politically relevant and maintain his structure.
But people say government is a continuum and no individual should try to usurp the place of the government. But for Wike, his structure must stand.
According to Wike, “if I Demand ₦20 billion every month and even award all the contracts to myself, that’s politics.
“Where was he when I was fighting?
“I have to be politically relevant, and I must maintain my political structure. I can’t allow anybody to cut me out immediately.
“If you like accuse me all you like, I won’t have a sleepless night because the right thing must be done”.
The big question now is, what will President Bola Tinubu do now that Wike has rejected his intervention?
Let us not forget that Tinubu and Wike had reached an agreement on the future of Wike’s political relevance when they met in Port Harcourt before the presidential election of 2023.
He played a major role in Tinubu’s victory in his state.
Afterwards, the reward time came, and Tinubu brought him in as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Now, however, there appears to be a desire to also wield pollical powers residing in Wike’s heart.
Will Tinubu allow him to have a field day in the Rivers State where Nigeria’s money sits or call him to order? Time shall tell.
