On the Frontline With Boma
Let’s be honest, politics in Rivers has never been for the faint-hearted. And right now, with the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the game is on again — and the players aren’t even pretending anymore.
The so-called peace we heard about? Cosmetic. Scratch the surface and you’ll see the cracks. Elders loyal to the FCT Minister and their boys nearly went for each other’s throats at a recent meeting. And what was the fight about? Not the people, not development — but who gets the juiciest appointments.
To them, the calculation is simple: the Minister is the de facto head, so the governor must dance to their drum. But wait — who made them kingmakers?
Isn’t it the governor’s right to decide who he wants to work with? Or are we now running a state where the loudest voice in Abuja chooses who sits in Port Harcourt?
These are the same old questions Rivers people keep asking: what manner of politics is this? And, really, what manner of people are these politicians who reduce public service to personal spoils?
Some are already invoking that phrase popular during Wike’s time as governor: “Enye-deba, Enye-deba” — meaning, a little bit to this side, a little bit to the other. In other words, give every side a slice. That was the style then. But it is difficult to believe that the same persons are running an entirely different programme – self only.. Can this be what Rivers people need now? More balancing acts, or firm leadership? Do they want bullies breathing down their back or men whose hearts are filled with kindness and empathy?.
The irony is that this tug-of-war comes just weeks after that controversial emergency rule ended. Remember that period? It left more scars than healing.
Local government elections were rushed through and, as everyone predicted, factions loyal to the Minister cleared the seats. Was it democracy? Many still call it a sham.
And while at it, key appointments were hurriedly made into boards and parastatals, sealing up control even before Fubara could take a breath.
Now, instead of cooling tempers and giving Rivers people a fresh start, the same old characters are back, jostling for control. Honestly, is this what Rivers deserves?
Why can’t we give the governor a chance? Why can’t we allow him to show whether or not he has what it takes to deliver?
If he succeeds, good for the people. If he fails, history will record it. But at least, let the failure or success be his, not the result of sharks tearing at him.
Let’s not forget: Fubara wasn’t elected by politicians alone. Men and women across all 23 LGAs came out in March 2023 to cast their votes. They weren’t voting for Abuja. They weren’t voting for godfathers. They voted for a governor.
And what do the people want in return? Simple: roads that don’t collapse after the first rain, schools where teachers show up, hospitals where drugs are not a luxury.
But how can that happen if every week there’s another political fight about who controls what?
Peace is not one-sided. It is a collective responsibility. If one side insists on holding the governor hostage, then there is no peace to speak of.
And speaking of peace, let’s talk about another set of players — the permanent secretaries. Supposed to be the backbone of the civil service, right? Supposed to hold the system steady?
Well, during the emergency rule, many of them reportedly did the opposite. Sharp practices? Yes. Inflated contracts? Stories abound. Selective release of funds? Check.
So bad was the situation that Governor Fubara himself had to issue a warning: those who dipped their hands in the jar will be held accountable.
For too long, permanent secretaries in Rivers have behaved like untouchables. But what’s the point of having technocrats if they collude with politicians to wreck the system?
It’s a dangerous mix: sharky politicians on one side, dishonest bureaucrats on the other. And they are caught in between-The people.
The governor has to do more than just talk tough. He must act , and act decisively. If he cannot hold his team together with competence and integrity, then he will spend his years firefighting instead of governing.
Competence without loyalty equals to Sabotage. Loyalty without competence results in Mediocrity. He needs both, and Rivers deserves both.
Because, let’s face it, the ordinary Rivers citizen doesn’t care who gets the Ministry of Works or who chairs which board. They care about whether their children can go to school without sitting on bare floors.
They care about whether potholes swallow cars, whether salaries come on time, whether security is something more than checkpoints.
So why not let the governor focus on that? Why not let him try to write a new story, instead of repeating the tired old cycle of godfathers versus governors?
Rivers State has been here too many times. Each time, it ends with the people shortchanged while the elites toast to their victories.
It doesn’t have to be this way. The question is: will Governor Fubara be allowed to govern, or will the sharks devour Rivers once again?
Yes, some still argue for the “Enye-deba, Enye-deba” approach — a little here, a little there, so that no side feels left out. But how long can we continue like that? Can a state be built on endless sharing formulas instead of sound leadership?
Rivers doesn’t need “Enye-deba” politics anymore. It needs clear vision, firm choices, and leaders who will stand for the people, not just for themselves. If we miss this chance again, the cost will not just be political — it will be generational.
On the Frontline With Boma is published by The Port Harcourt Telegraph Newspaper. Today’s edition ” Sharky Politicians’,Dishonest Permanent Secretaries can be read on page 13 of Monday October 13 th Edition.
