In a recent interview with ARISE NEWS, legal practitioner Inibehe Effiong expressed concern over the political landscape in Rivers State, describing the state’s former governor, Nyesom Wike, as suffering from a “Chronic God Complex.”
Effiong attributed this alleged complex to Wike’s intolerance of dissent during his eight-year tenure as governor.
According to Effiong, the current political unrest, particularly involving the appointment of Fubara as governor, reflects the consequences of tolerating dictatorial leadership in Nigeria.
“Wike is suffering from what I call Chronic God complex. He has assumed the position of God and as long as he is concerned, Fubara has committed political apostacy, having renounced his political God, Wike sees it as suicidal. This is the price that Nigerians have to pay for having tolerance for dictators.
“Wike was a governor for eight years. He did not tolerate descent, He did not accept contrary views, nobody could talk to him, nobody could make suggestions to Wike as Governor and then after eight years, you made Fubara governor, whether by hook or crook, whether legitimately or otherwise and you still want to dictate.
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He also said the political issues in the state might only be resolved by the court, if only it (court) is given total dependence.
“This will, from the way I see it, likely be resolved through the court. Quite sadly too, I’m not sure if the court will be given the dependence to resolve this issue properly. There is a political dimension and there is also a legal dimension to it.”
He emphasized that Wike’s attempt to maintain control even after his term has ended may only find resolution through the courts, provided they are given the necessary independence.
Effiong also criticized the recent passage of the Rivers State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill by the Amaewhule-led faction. He argued that the bill primarily serves the interests of the faction rather than addressing the needs of the Rivers people.
“The other faction saying they have passed their own bill; I took interest in the bills they have passed. One has financial autonomy for themselves, the second is a legal government. This still shows the politics they are playing. These bills do not necessarily have to do with the Rivers people.
“They are trying to solidify their structure in quotes and their own interest. I am calling for this drama to end. Wike should put an end to this. He had a free hand. He wants to be the jagaban and Nigerians should not have tolerance for things like this.”
Another lawyer, Fred Nzeakor, echoed these sentiments, deeming the current situation in Rivers State as “civilian dictatorship” rather than a functioning democracy.
Nzeakor urged the elders of Rivers State to promote brotherly love and address the ongoing political challenges to prevent potential escalation into fatal conflicts.
“I think it is very embarrassing that democracy is in a coma in Rivers State. What we are seeing cannot be described as democracy but can be described as civilian dictatorship and it’s so embarrassing. Instead of sowing brotherly love, what you are seeing is brotherly brutality.
“The elders of Rivers State need to go back and teach the young ones brotherly love instead of what we are seeing in the state. Very deliberate efforts must be made to begin to solve these challenges in the state.
“As we speak, what is happening between Wike and Fubara, today is political issues, tomorrow it has gone to destruction and the next, it may become fatal. The next stage will be the stage of fatality and when it comes to the stage of fatality, vengeance will come in and that becomes a difficult thing to handle. All these shenanigans will continue till we restructure this country,” he added.