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The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the fire incident on the Trans-Niger Delta Pipeline, assuring residents of safety, and two suspects have been arrested accordingly, as reported by the Nigerian Tribune.
The arrest of the two suspects seems highly reactive. Those individuals had been threatening to disrupt the pipelines and destabilize the Nigerian economy if any attempt was made to impeach Governor Fubara. One would have expected security agents to double their presence and deploy resources, including drones and military helicopters, as a proactive measure to prevent the threat from materializing. However, no such measures appear to have been taken.
The next step will likely involve investigations and probes, but it is feared that nothing substantial will come of it. This is unacceptable, as our security agencies should be proactive. We appreciate their efforts, but they should not be caught off guard given the threats made by self-determination and ethnic groups in the media.
My take on the political crisis in Rivers State, which is escalating into economic sabotage with the latest explosion, is that both Chief Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara are to blame. Neither is blameless, and neither is fighting for the people’s interests but rather for personal aggrandizement, political power struggles, and control of state resources. The sooner their supporters realize this, the sooner they will find peace and lay down their arms.
It is natural for Wike to want to exert his political influence over Governor Fubara, given that he brought him to power. However, it is up to Governor Fubara to manage the crisis with maturity, patience, diplomacy, resilience, and endurance. Unfortunately, he has failed to do so despite being in office for less than three years.
Politicians should be readers, and every worthy politician should have read Robert Greene’s “The 48 Laws of Power.” The first law, “Never Outshine the Master,” aptly describes the situation between Fubara and Wike. This law emphasizes making those above you feel superior by avoiding displays of talent that might inspire fear or insecurity. If you inadvertently outshine your master, it can lead to backlash, so it’s crucial to manage your visibility and flatter your superiors discreetly.
Other laws from the book also apply to this situation:
Law 2: Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends, Learn How to Use Enemies: Fubara’s reliance on Wike’s political structure backfired as many remained loyal to Wike, leaving Fubara isolated.
Law 5: So Much Depends on Reputation – Guard It With Your Life: The public conflict damaged Fubara’s reputation, making him appear weak and reactive.
Law 12: Use Selective Honesty and Generosity to Disarm Your Victim: Fubara’s selective honesty in accepting peace pacts while undermining Wike’s moves can be seen as an attempt to disarm his opponents.
Law 15: Crush Your Enemy Totally: Fubara’s partial conflict with Wike’s camp allowed Wike loyalists to remain in power and fight back.
Law 19: Know Who You’re Dealing With – Do Not Offend the Wrong Person: Fubara underestimated Wike’s influence and power, leading to direct confrontation instead of careful diplomacy.
Law 47: Do Not Go Past the Mark You Aimed For; In Victory, Learn When to Stop: Fubara’s aggressive moves provoked resistance, highlighting the need for gradual consolidation of power.
Similarly, Law 1 affects Wike by highlighting the risks of nurturing a protégé who eventually surpasses him. If Wike allowed Fubara to grow too powerful, it could undermine his own authority and security. Wike’s influence and control over Rivers State politics are crucial to maintaining his power base. If Fubara were to outshine Wike, it could lead to a loss of reputation and authority for Wike, making him vulnerable to political challenges.
Additionally, Law 19 suggests that Wike perhaps did not know Fubara deeply as he thought, and should have carefully assessed Fubara’s ambitions and loyalty before elevating him. This law emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of those you work with to avoid future conflicts. Wike’s ability to manage his relationships and maintain power dynamics is essential to his political survival.
In all, the fight between these two political giants is a clash of titans, and when elephants fight, the grass suffers. That’s why I have been warning the politicians’ supporters and political operatives to tread softly, as no family members of these politicians will be affected if social miscreants begin burning houses and destroying public and individual properties. It is still the citizens of Rivers State who will bear the brunt.
On the threat of pipeline disruption or bombing, security agencies should have deployed their resources to protect oil facilities in the Niger Delta immediately after this crisis began. They should not have waited until the explosion occurred before acting. This reactive approach is unprofessional and raises questions about their intelligence gathering.
Now, regarding who should settle the score: As the late literary icon Professor Chinua Achebe said, “Things fall apart, the center cannot hold.” Ijaw leaders recently met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the matter, and he politely asked them to resolve the crisis, suggesting that charity begins at home. The president had previously called the two leaders to a peace meeting, but they failed to resolve their differences.
Now that the pipeline has exploded, who is to blame? Wike? Tinubu? Fubara? The best course of action is for the two leaders to call their supporters to order, to stop polluting their environment in their own interests, the state’s interest, and Nigeria’s interest as a whole. The supporters should also know that whatever happens in this conflict, it is their families who will bear the brunt, not Wike’s or Fubara’s families. Forewarned is forearmed, and a word is enough for the wise.
KEHINDE ADEGOKE
18th March, 2025
