A STORYTELLER SPECIAL; NYESOM WIKE HAS MET HIS MATCH IN SIM FUBARA
By; Al Humphrey Onyanabo
Nyesom Wike loves to have his way. He has had it for so long it has become second nature. He believes he is a super man. He can do what no other has attempted, he can insult anybody and say whatever he likes. Nothing go happen.
As Obi Akpo local government chairman, he ruled over traders and market women and transporters. He had the power of the state in his small corner and he used it maximally. As Minister for State for Education under Goodluck Jonathan, he had a voice, his brother was Governor. The Minister gave him a free hand. He ruled. Later when he became Governor, he was Alfa and Omega. He brought everybody under his wings. He subdued all the godfathers like Dr. Peter Odilli started in Rivers State. He created his own structure. Those who were not with him, were against him. He shut them out completely, no favours, no recognition. He was the new sheriff, you dance to his tune or you go organise your own party with your own band. You can not want reggae when he wants blues. Two masters are never in one ship.
A ship can only accommodate one huge ego. No matter who you are, Wike does not care. Rotimi Amaechi who was Governor before him for eight years saw pepper. Other party leaders were cut to size. He had his game plan. To control the political power structure in Rivers State and call the shots for as long as he has breathe and maybe in the life beyond. Nothing is beyond us humans.
Governor Emeretus indeed. Governorship has become a throne. I just wonder what great Rivers men like Chief Harold Dappa Biriye, Chief Nabo Graham Douglas and Chief Ken Saro-Wiwa all of blessed memory will say.
After 8 years as Governor, he just could not let go. The Constitution allowed him two terms of four years each. Enough time for anyone to purge himself of any inordinate ambition and move on with his life. But not him. He fought and kicked to install Sim Fubara as Governor after him. It would have been nice if he installed Sim and left him to do as he thought proper. But no, guys like Nyesom Wike are control freaks, and in the process, a little humiliation sweetens things up. Too bad.
He also gave him about 85 percent of the commissioners to work with. Wike also had the state legislature in his bag. He bought their nomination forms. He owned them, and they are bound to do his bidding.
But Wike forgets that power is transient. As Governor he could do as he wished, convert anyone and talk them to do his bidding. When you are no more on that seat, the rules are different. Another man can also dangle carrots. Permutations can change. Calculations and theories can be upgraded. Things never remain the same forever.
Wike thought that in tightening the noose around the neck of Sim Fubara, he would make him subservient, afraid to even pee without asking for permission.
Woke failed to realize that God Almighty gave every man a will that is why we can rebel against God and he will not impose his will on us until we feel ready to come back to him. Wike also failed to realize that even for the most docile of men, there is a point you push them and they will revolt and react.
Nyesom Wike in picking Sim Fubara to run for Governor and succeed him had taken time to study him. He had asked for second opinion from members of his kitchen cabinet and they all agreed Sim was the guy. In taking that decision, what was best for Rivers State was not the top consideration. What was primary was the interest of Nyesom Wike.
In Sim, he found a gentleman, soft spoken and meek. A guy who loves to mind his business, enjoy his life in his own way and thank God for how far he has brought him. He did not see him as over ambitious. That word has never crossed the mind of Sim and no soothsayer or prophet had Wike enquired, would have told him that ‘ that small boy will mess you up.’ such is life.
In the past four weeks, Sim Fubara has come into his own, like a true Port Harcourt boy, he has shed the garb of ‘mumurity’ and he is taking charge. I also underestimated his capacity. Looks can be deceptive.
Sim has shown that despite his size, he is a fighter and can not be bullied and intimidated. Wike is shocked to his bones that this ‘small boy’ can change the rules in the middle of the game and have the whole state backing him.
Less than nine months ago, the whole of Rivers State was eating out of his hands. They cheered and laughed at his jokes and sang his songs and echoed after him at public functions in Rivers State. Today, they are singing the praise of Sim Fubara. What will even shock Wike more is that Sim is not dishing out money to buy their support or allegiance. Rivers people are tired of godfathers who run the state like their personal estates. They are tired of slavery. Peter Odilli did as he wished for eight years. Rotimi Amaechi did same for another 8 years. Nyesom Wike followed suit for another 8 years. Each of them controlling power absolutely. They people are saying, enough is enough. They want the playing field to be even where all can be allowed to play under fair and transparent laws and hope to win.
Sim Fubara encapsulates the vision of a new Rivers State, a new beginning. The days of one man calling the shots and raising up a few strong men to rule with him are over. It might not have been inside Sim Fubara to steer the ship along these lines, but we all know sometimes circumstances and destiny push men to take decisions that change the course of history and answer the prayers of the majority.
Nyesom Wike like Rotimi Amaechi and also Peter Odilli have had their days in Rivers State. They ruled and called the shots, now they must leave the scene for fresh blood. The tide has changed. Let them enjoy the memories. Their type of politics is old School. People want developmental politics not one man who believes he knows it all and can not be challenged or corrected. Today, children are telling their parents that they are wrong. How can one man now be bigger than the whole state. How can one man live in Abuja and believe he can pull strings and every body will do his bidding? That time has passed for ever. It might break his heart, he might harbour regrets, but there is nothing that can be done about it. The tide has changed. And hopefully, it’s all going to be for the best for Rivers State. That is my Earnest and sincere prayer.
By; Al Humphrey Onyanabo ( The StoryTeller)
Tel; 2347054674906
Email; Nigeria360online@gmail.com
