Sowore: Tinubu’s Move in Rivers Could Signal the End of Political ‘Godfatherism’ in Nigeria
Human rights activist and RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend elected officials, calling it an abuse of power that mirrors the worst excesses of political ‘godfatherism.’ Speaking on an Arise Television program hosted by Ruth Osime, Sowore suggested that the unfolding crisis might mark the beginning of the end for entrenched political godfathers in Nigeria.
Accusations of Power Abuse and Political Manipulation
Sowore characterized Tinubu’s move as a blatant exercise of authoritarian control, accusing him of leveraging the powers of the presidency to serve personal and political interests.
“What President Bola Tinubu did was characteristic of godfathers who seize absolute control whenever they have the opportunity,” he asserted.
He further argued that the decision to remove elected officials in Rivers State under the pretense of restoring order was not just a display of unchecked power but also a direct violation of democratic principles.
“He’s not just doing it as a godfather; he’s abusing his position as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Sowore emphasized.
The Nexus of Political Godfathers Controlling Nigeria
Sowore went further to highlight what he described as a coordinated conspiracy among Nigeria’s most influential political figures. He claimed that the country’s three arms of government are under the control of three former governors—each wielding disproportionate influence over the nation’s institutions:
President Bola Tinubu (Executive)
Senate President Godswill Akpabio (Legislature)
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike (Judiciary through indirect influence)
“These three individuals have risen through the ranks of impunity and made it to the top, which is why Nigeria is in trouble,” Sowore said.
According to him, their continued dominance in the political system has resulted in the consolidation of power in the hands of a few, thereby weakening democratic institutions and fostering an environment where dissenting voices are systematically silenced.
A Stark Contradiction: Tinubu’s Past and Present Stances
Drawing a sharp contrast between Tinubu’s past stance and his current actions, Sowore recalled how Tinubu, as Lagos State governor, had vehemently opposed the declaration of a state of emergency in Lagos.
“Don’t forget, this same President Tinubu, when he was Lagos State governor, promised the then-President of Nigeria that if he declared a state of emergency in Lagos, it would spell the end of democracy,” Sowore recalled.
“Now, as president, he has done exactly that—exercising absolute power and daring Nigerians to challenge him.”
The Battle for Control Over Nigeria’s Wealthiest States
Sowore was asked whether Nyesom Wike, the former Rivers State governor and current FCT Minister, was attempting to replicate Tinubu’s model of political dominance. In response, he argued that all three political figures—Tinubu, Wike, and Akpabio—are united by a common objective: consolidating control over Nigeria’s wealthiest and most strategic states, particularly Lagos, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.
“What you must understand is that Wike, Tinubu, and Akpabio are all interested in controlling Nigeria’s most lucrative states. Their goal is to hijack resources, silence opposing voices, and consolidate their control,” Sowore explained.
State Capture and the Threat to Nigeria’s Democracy
Sowore warned that what is unfolding in Rivers State is part of a larger pattern of what he described as ‘state capture’—a form of political and economic control where a small elite manipulates state institutions for personal gain.
“This is referred to as state capture. That is what you’re seeing. Tinubu tried it in Lagos just three weeks ago,” he noted, suggesting that similar tactics could be deployed elsewhere in Nigeria.
The Road Ahead: A Looming Political Reckoning?
While the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State has drawn widespread criticism, Sowore believes that this could signal a turning point in Nigeria’s political landscape. He suggested that the very impunity demonstrated by Tinubu and other political godfathers might ultimately lead to their downfall.
“This is very unfortunate, but as you have seen, this might as well be the beginning of the downfall of more godfathers,” he concluded.
As the crisis unfolds, analysts and civil society organizations continue to debate the broader implications of Tinubu’s actions and whether they will lead to meaningful political reforms or further entrench the culture of political dominance by a few elites.
Reference
Sowore: tinubu’s Move in Rivers Could Signal the End of Political ‘Godfatherism’ in Nigeria