The popular maxim: “When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers” could best describe the political rift in Rivers State as a result of uncertainty that now beclouds most sectors in the state especially the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council.
The fight many believe is of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is certainly not true as other political parties, institutions, establishments and what have you are suffering from the yet to end tussle.
The absolute powers in the hands of politicians especially those at the helm of affairs is not only intoxicating but undermining the very existence of the society.
The struggle to acquire what is deepening negatively into the society as most political supporters have no decision but living on the fence, poses strong signal of disrespect to constituted authorities.
To many of them the situation in Rivers State is a welcome development, while to some it is uncalled for, because they are those who take pleasure in the dry economy in the state.
The power drunk of those in authority and positions of trust has speedily metamorphosed into not only discretion of certain hallowed places but practice of insolence, where the younger one’s could no longer respect the elders.
We have noticed with dismay the fact that the executive governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and his brother Barr. Onyesom Wike former Chief of Staff, government House and incumbent minister of education for States were like tongue and teeth before the 2011 general election.
But what suddenly shattered them is not yet known to the public as both of them now speak in different languages. Whose report shall we believe?
The speaker laments what he described as ‘callous invasion and desecration of the hallowed chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly’ as well as the sealing off of the Obio-Akpor Local Government Council secretariat.
In same vein, the group loyal to Timothy Nsirim are decrying the sack of their boss, his vice and 17 councillors.
As events unfold, many questions emerge, such as, is the removal dissolution of Obio-Akpor council legal or constitutional and done in the proper manner? Is local government council and its legislative arm not a hallowed institution?
Sad enough, some of the 5 lawmakers of the RSHA who are standing against the removal of Obio-Akpor chairman today were not only present, contributors but supervised the removal of other council chairmen in the state, prior to that of Obio/Akpor. The lawmakers should respect the laws they promulgated.
The manner in which insolence takes over the centre stage of what is rocking the state against the presidency is worrisome and calls for attention.
Local government administration in Rivers State is being handled at the clap of the finger of the State and the question is, if the states are handled, similarly, could that not result to anarchy?
It is our opinion that, irrespective of any differences or similarity not only applicable to Rivers State, the states should accord the federal government its pride of place and respect of an unalloyed loyalty and synergy in the interest of Nigeria.
We also opine that since governance and power are inseparable, the state should as a matter of urgency commence the process of reconciliation with all stakeholders in the party. Some may have been offended at party level and others at government level. This could douse the tension in the polity and offer room for healthy governance.
The time is now and any progressive must follow the sound of the wind.
The wind is blowing fast and what comes after now is unimaginable, but steadfastness is the mark of responsibility.
Let him who has an ear, hear what “The Newswriter” advocates. It is peaceful co-existence, harmony and spirit of statesmanship and sportsmanship. ###
