ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), USA chapter, has tasked the people of Rivers State to stand united against the influence of Nyesom Wike, President Bola Tinubu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This was as NADECO pointedly said that the proposed agreement read out by President Tinubu should be resisted and rejected by the people, adding that Governor Fubara must be made to serve the people of Rivers State and not the interests of Wike or Tinubu.
It urged Governor Fubara to be cautious not to allow himself to be manipulated by Tinubu, stressing that the agreement is one-sided, leaving Governor Fubara exposed to the plots of Wike, while strengthening his adversaries.
NADECO USA specifically said that the proposed terms, particularly the return of power levers to Wike’s control, do not guarantee a favorable political future for Governor Fubara.
It therefore canvassed resistance against external manipulation, stressing that the preservation of Rivers State autonomy remain paramount.
It explained that the leadership crisis in Rivers State transcends tribal and ethnic divides but, revolved around the people uniting against the perceived tyranny of one individual who sees himself as an emperor.
NADECO USA particularly said that the struggle is a battle between good and evil, democracy versus anti-democratic principles, and the pursuit of good governance against political machinations and godfatherism.
This was as it castigated the role of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in resolving the crisis which it noted was questionable, adding that instead of internal resolution, it was perplexing that individuals like President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were involved in inviting Fubara and Wike to Abuja.
The NADECO USA statement which was signed by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade David Adenakan, noted the willingness of Governor Fubara to engage with President Tinubu and the APC which it said raised concerns about his independence and the sincerity of the PDP’s internal conflict resolution efforts.
It said; “Literally, it is as if Governor Fubara willingly presented his neck on the chopping board for Wike, Tinubu, and APC to chop off.
“Wike is destroying PDP in Rivers State for the benefit of Tinubu and APC. Tinubu is tutoring Wike on godfatherism and how to bankrupt Rivers State. It is therefore an irony that Fubara goes to Tinubu and the APC to resolve a PDP matter.
“Both Tinubu and Wike are fomenting the crisis because they are the ultimate beneficiaries of the outcome. Consequently, National Democratic Coalition (NADECO USA) condemns the unfolding events in Rivers State orchestrated by the former governor of Rivers State and now Minister of FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, and calls for the settlement by Tinubu to be rejected outright in order for Good Governance and the Rule of Law to Prevail,” it said.
NADECO USA specifically said that the recent tumultuous political events in Rivers State, particularly the escalating conflict between former Governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Sim Fubara, bring to mind Socrates’ prophetic words on democracy.
The statement further stated; “Socrates, around 470-399 B.C., foresaw a grim future for democracy, asserting that it would crumble under the weight of accommodating Thieves and Fraudsters and the Rise of a Worse Dictatorship with dubious intentions.
“Thieves and fraudsters, seeking important government roles, would exploit the democratic system to attain positions of authority. Socrates warned that when individuals with criminal and malevolent motives democratically ascend to power, the result would be a more oppressive dictatorship than what might be experienced under traditional forms of governance like monarchy or oligarchy.
“As we witness the unfolding political drama in Rivers State, Socrates’ ancient insights resonate with a disconcerting relevance. The clash between Wike and Fubara serves as a contemporary illustration of the challenges democracy faces when confronted by individuals with less-than- scrupulous intentions.
“The cautionary words of Socrates encourage reflection on the potential pitfalls of democratic systems when not safeguarded against manipulation by those who seek power for nefarious purposes.
“The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO USA) expresses deep concern over the unfolding political turmoil in Rivers State, Nigeria, where the former governor, Nyesom Wike was allegedly orchestrating and telegraphing the impeachment of the sitting governor, Sir Sim Fubara, from Abuja,” it said.
“NADECO USA, an advocate for democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, firmly believes in the importance of upholding these principles for the benefit of the people of Rivers State. The organization is deeply troubled by the potential ramifications of Mr. Wike’s actions, which could escalate ethnic tensions between the Ijaws and the Ikwerres in the Niger Delta region and, by extension, the entire nation.
“Political agreements of this nature are capable of destroying our democracy as they carry significant implications and consequences.
“So, Mr. Bola Tinubu is now a court of law where political parties can resolve their differences. By implication, Tinubu has overruled a subsisting injunction issued by a court of competent jurisdiction in Port Harcourt.
“Stakeholders and the public must voice their concerns and opinions to uphold transparency and accountability in this matter. NADECO shares the deep concerns of millions of Nigerians in general and the people of Rivers State regarding the terms and potential implications of the so-called agreement.
“NADECO maintains that the agreement is undoubtedly coercive and intimidating, and as such, advocates for its outright rejection.
