With the approval by both the Senate and House of Representatives of the Declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is now obvious that the powers of the Executive and Legislative arms of the Rivers State Government are now vested in an Administrator. The main culprits in this unfortunate development are the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Barrister Nyesom Wike and his erstwhile Accountant General, mentee, anointed successor and now suspended Governor, Mr. Siminilayi Fubara.
I posed the following question to Meta AI:
Why do former political office holders in Nigeria have sharp disagreements with their successors?
The response is as below:
‘Former political office holders in Nigeria often have sharp disagreements with their successors due to various reasons. One major factor is the struggle for power and control. In Nigeria, the relationship between political executives and bureaucrats is often tense, with the former trying to dominate the latter. This power struggle can lead to conflicts between former office holders and their successors.
‘Another reason is the issue of party defection. In Nigeria, it’s common for politicians to switch parties, which can lead to conflicts with their former party members and successors. This party defection can be driven by the desire for state power and personal interests.
‘Additionally, the Nigerian political system is often characterized by a lack of transparency and accountability. This can lead to disagreements over policies, resources, and governance styles between former office holders and their successors.
‘The remuneration packages for political office holders can also be a source of contention. The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) determines the remuneration for political office holders, but there have been issues with the implementation of these packages.
Lastly, personal interests and ego can also play a role in the disagreements between former political office holders and their successors. In a country where politics is often seen as a means to personal enrichment, conflicts can arise when individuals feel their interests are being threatened.’
You hardly ever get into any position of significance without the endorsement of some individuals or groups. The main challenge is how to manage the relationship between you when you get into the office and the persons or groups who supported you.
The question is would Fubara have ever secured the nomination of PDP or have been Governor without the support of a Wike? The success of Fubara as Governor should have been a thing of joy to his former boss, Wike. A war of attrition between both political leaders is most unhelpful, unhealthy and unproductive.
There are many examples where the incumbent has managed the delicate balance between him and the person who paved the way for him to assume power.
- Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Babatunde Raji Fashola in Lagos State
- Kashim Shettima/Babagana Zulum in Borno State
- Bukola Saraki/Abdulfatah Ahmed Kwara State
- Dr Kayode Fayemi/Incumbent Governor BO Oyebanji in Ekiti State
Even as an outsider, I am always highly impressed with the way and manner my very good friend, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundigbe supports his successor as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunshola. A similar scenario plays out here at the University of Ibadan between my humble self and my successor and our current VC Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale.
Irreconcilable differences between leaders are to be avoided before they mutate into major crises which might consume the gladiators and their long term interests whether at institutional or national levels. Let it not be a case of If you Wike me I will Fubara you.
Idowu Olayinka served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan from 2015 to 2020
20th March 2025
