An old video of former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has resurfaced on social media, bringing back conversations about his strong opposition to godfatherism in Nigerian politics. In the video, Wike clearly stated that the issue of godfatherism, which affects some states in the country, would not be allowed in Rivers State.

Wike firmly said that while this practice might be common in Lagos State, it had no place in Rivers. His stance during his tenure as governor was that political control by powerful individuals, often referred to as godfathers, should not dictate the leadership of Rivers State. Wike made it clear that he was against any form of political influence where a few individuals control the affairs of the state for their own benefit.

The resurfacing of this video comes at a significant time, as Rivers State is currently experiencing one of its worst political crises. Wike and the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara, are engaged in a fierce battle over control of the state’s political leadership. The power struggle between these two prominent figures has deeply divided the state’s political landscape, with many taking sides in the ongoing conflict.

This renewed focus on Wike’s old statements against godfatherism raises questions about the current situation in Rivers State. The conflict between Wike and Governor Fubara seems to mirror the very issues that Wike once vowed to fight against, bringing the topic of political influence and leadership control back into the spotlight.

“It may happen in Lagos State but it cannot happen in Rivers, we are quite different. As a governor, I will come and go and I can’t stop it.

“The day that my tenure ends, by the grace of God, I will go. When you are thinking that what is happening in Lagos State, we will do it here, it may be difficult.

“You can’t continue to say that you must be a godfather of a state. That is the problem and it is not possible”, he said.

As the crisis unfolds, many wonder how the situation will be resolved and whether Wike’s earlier message against godfatherism will play a role in shaping the future of the state’s politics. Regardless of the outcome, the video has sparked renewed debates about political control and leadership struggles, not only in Rivers but across Nigeria.