NADECO Condemns Tinubu’s Intervention In Rivers Crisis, Urges Citizens To Rise Against Tyranny Of One Man

By Frank Oshanugor

The National Democratic Coalition ( NADECO), United States of America chapter has condemned in strong terms the recent peace meeting held at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja to resolve the political crisis between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor Nyesom Wike, now Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a press statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade David Adenakan, NADECO posited that
the crisis in Rivers State transcends tribal and ethnic divides, ostensibly not an issue about upland and riverine or Ikwerre versus Ijaw.

The Coalition declared that “at its core, the conflict revolves around the people of Rivers State uniting against the perceived tyranny of one individual who sees himself as an emperor.
This struggle is a battle between good and evil, democracy versus anti-democratic principles, and the pursuit of good governance against political machinations and godfatherism.

Taking a swipe at the ruling party in Rivers State, NADECO said “the role of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in resolving this crisis is questionable. Instead of internal resolution, it is perplexing that individuals like Mr. Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are involved in inviting Fubara and Wike to Abuja. Governor Fubara’s willingness to engage with Mr. Tinubu and the APC raises concerns about his independence and the sincerity of the PDP’s internal conflict resolution efforts.

“Literally, it is as if Governor Fubara willingly presented his neck on the chopping board for Wike, Tinubu, and APC to chop off. Wike is destroying PDP in Rivers State for the benefit of Tinubu and APC. Tinubu is tutoring Wike on godfatherism and how to bankrupt Rivers State. It is therefore an irony that Fubara goes to Tinubu and the APC to resolve a PDP matter. Both Tinubu and Wike are fomenting the crisis because they are the ultimate beneficiaries of the outcome.”

The Coalition has called of the people of Rivers State “to stand united against the influence of Wike, Tinubu, and the APC” pointing out that the proposed agreement should be rejected, as Governor Fubara serves the people of Rivers State, not the interests of Wike or Tinubu. “The resistance against external manipulation and the preservation of the state’s autonomy are paramount,” the statement added.

The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO USA) has consequently condemned the unfolding events in Rivers State orchestrated by the former governor of Rivers State and now Minister of FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, and has called for the settlement by Tinubu to be rejected outright in order for Good Governance and the Rule of Law to Prevail.

The statement further stated that “NADECO USA needs no introduction as Nigeria’s premier and foremost pro-democracy organization dedicated to promoting democracy, good governance, and the rule of law in Nigeria.

“Comprising individuals committed to the principles of democracy, NADECO USA advocates for the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens. The recent tumultuous political events in Rivers State, particularly the escalating conflict between former Governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Sim Fubara, bring to mind Socrates’ prophetic words on democracy.

“Socrates, around 470-399 B.C., foresaw a grim future for democracy, asserting that it would crumble under the weight of accommodating Thieves and Fraudsters and the Rise of a Worse Dictatorship with dubious intentions.

“Thieves and fraudsters, seeking important government roles, would exploit the democratic system to attain positions of authority. Socrates warned that when individuals with criminal and malevolent motives democratically ascend to power, the result would be a more oppressive dictatorship than what might be experienced under traditional forms of governance like monarchy or oligarchy.

“As we witness the unfolding political drama in Rivers State, Socrates’ ancient insights resonate with a disconcerting relevance. The clash between Wike and Fubara serves as a contemporary illustration of the challenges democracy faces when confronted by individuals with less-than- scrupulous intentions. The cautionary words of Socrates encourage reflection on the potential pitfalls of democratic systems when not safeguarded against manipulation by those who seek power for nefarious purposes.”

NADECO has therefore appealed to the people of Rivers State to Reject the so-called Agreement reached by Wike and Fubara adding that
“political agreements of this nature are capable of destroying our democracy as they carry significant implications and consequences.”

The Coalition wondered if Tinubu is now a court of law where political parties can resolve their differences. “By implication, Tinubu has overruled a subsisting injunction issued by a court of competent jurisdiction in Port Harcourt. Stakeholders and the public must voice their concerns and opinions to uphold transparency and accountability in this matter,” it advised.

“NADECO shares the deep concerns of millions of Nigerians in general and the people of Rivers State regarding the terms and potential implications of the so-called agreement.
It maintains that the agreement is undoubtedly coercive and intimidating, and as such, advocates for its outright rejection.

“Governor Fubara should be cautious not to allow himself to be manipulated by Tinubu. The agreement, as we know, is one-sided, leaving Governor Fubara exposed to the plots of the former governor, Chief Wike, while strengthening his adversaries. The proposed terms, particularly the return of power levers to Wike’s control, do not guarantee a favorable political future for Governor Fubara.”

NADECO has consequently encouraged Governor Fubara to stand firm and “continue with the process of uncoupling and dismantling Wike’s political structures. This would safeguard the interest of the people of Rivers State, give him the freedom to govern and also contribute to the preservation of the democratic values we hold dear.

“The Niger Delta, particularly Rivers State, plays a crucial role as the breadbasket of Nigeria. Any crisis in this region has the potential to escalate quickly, affecting not only the residents of Rivers State but the entire nation. NADECO USA urges all parties involved to prioritize the well-being of the people and the stability of the region.

“Truth be told, Mr. Wike, the immediate past executive governor of Rivers State wants to replicate what Mr. Bola Tinubu did in Lagos State since the return of democracy in 1999. Mr. Wike is a Tinubu wannabe. Period! During his tenure as the governor of Rivers State, he used the state’s resources to intimidate and bully Rivers people into submission.

“Mr. Tinubu who is Wike’s mentor was exactly what Wike is trying to duplicate in Rivers State – a Machiavellian operator who has rigged himself to become the President of a very powerful black nation in the world, while Wike was and still is a belligerent combatant that found his way as a LGA Chairman, Chief of Staff to a governor, double stint minister, of which we must all accept even grudgingly, that he has successfully turned himself to a political terror in the Niger Delta.”