In an exclusive and candid conversation, Alhaji Adebisi Olopoeyan, a distinguished stalwart of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, shares his astute observations and insightful analysis of the escalating crisis in Rivers State, the role of national leaders in perpetuating or resolving the conflict, and the far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
As a respected actor in the Nigerian political space, Alhaji Olopoeyan’s perspectives offer a nuanced understanding of the complex issues at play, and his thoughts on the way forward provide valuable insights for stakeholders and citizens alike.
ExExcerpts
_Qsn: Let’s begin with your reaction to the Rivers State crisis. Is it ethically fair to expect Governor Fubara to be 100% loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike?
Asn: No, it’s not fair. As the saying goes, “Independence remains independence.” We should stop attributing Fubara’s candidacy as the Governor of Rivers State solely to Wike. God alone was behind his attainment. Wike was merely a medium to that height.
In fact, this isn’t the first time someone’s success has been facilitated by another person. Governor Fayemi, for instance, paved the way for the current Governor of Ekiti State, Oyebanji. There’s been no reported tussle or misalignment between them, even in Oyebanji’s third year as the Governor.
Similarly, former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has been supportive of his successor, who shielded him during his Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) trial.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was instrumental in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s ascension to power through the CPC and AC party merger. Throughout Buhari’s eight-year rule, there was no reported rancor between them. So, why should Wike expect absolute loyalty from Fubara? All I can say about Wike is that his actions are driven by greed.
Wike’s past roles as local government council boss, state governor, minister of state, and chief of staff in Rivers State have not earned him the right to dictate Fubara’s actions. The military administrator’s takeover of the Fubara-led administration will likely undermine democracy in Rivers State. Military rule is alien to democracy, and Wike’s actions may have alienated him from his supporters.
President Tinubu’s failure to intervene in the crisis has exacerbated the situation. As someone who has less experience in age and wealth compared to Tinubu, I believe the president should have acted sooner.
_Qsn: Is the emergency rule declaration in Rivers State lawful? What’s your view on Governor Similayi Fubara’s suspension?
Answer: President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not lawful. During his tenure, President Olusegun Obasanjo did not declare emergency rule in Lagos State, despite the tensions. The emergency rule during Obasanjo’s administration was not related to political crises.
Wike’s actions as a member of the PDP have not been fair to the party. The suspended governor, Fubara, is a bonafide member of the PDP. The political crisis in Rivers has unfolded in various ways, including the lawmakers’ initial declaration of defection, which they later refuted. The Supreme Court ruling compelled Fubara to re-present the 2025 budget before the lawmakers, but he was unable to do so.
I firmly believe that the declaration of a state of emergency has a hidden agenda. The votes in Rivers State are already compromised, and any attempt to rig the elections will be catastrophic. Wike’s support for the present administration stems from his appointment as minister in the Federal Capital Territory, which has created a rift between him and Fubara.
_Qsn: The Rivers lawmakers and National Assembly have backed the emergency rule decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Doesn’t this imply that payment was involved?
Answer: Not necessarily. The House of Representatives members are human, and we cannot conclude that they were all paid for their consensus. However, many of these lawmakers were poor before their election, which made them defend their interests against the popular interest.
The Senate did not debate the bill, and it was never put to action. Akpabio and Abass led the self-interest, which was not in the best interest of the people. This may lead to bad governance and leadership, as they misrepresented the majority of Nigerians.
Qtn: Is it true that Seyi Tinubu functions as the vice president in some parts of the country?
Ans: Never, I do not believe it. The son of the president won’t function as the vice president. The vice president remains officially in office. The son of the president only does his part. One of the reasons I told you earlier that the Bola Tinubu administration is politics-focused, not governance-focused, is because of instances like this.
_Qtn: El-Rufai, Atiku, and others have formed an alliance ahead of 2027. Has Atiku exited the PDP?_
Ans: Each person will make their way forward. Atiku is still a PDP member. El-Rufai announced his move out of APC. Fayemi has never announced his defection. The said coalition becomes a reality when there is a televised press conference on their rumored defection. The unconfirmed alliance does not move me at all.
In conclusion, Alhaji Adebisi Olopoeyan’s insights offer a nuanced perspective on the complexities of Nigerian politics. As the country navigates the challenges ahead, citizens need to remain informed, engaged, and committed to promoting the values of democracy and good governance.
The ongoing crisis in Rivers State serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and the dangers of unchecked power. As the nation moves forward, it is crucial to prioritize the interests of the people over the interests of those in power corridors.
Ultimately, the future of Nigerian democracy depends on the ability of its leadership to put the needs of the nation above their own interests. As Alhaji Olopoeyan emphasized, “We must demand more from our leaders and work towards building a more just and equitable society for all.
...For the latest news update, Subscribe to our Whatsapp Channel (Click Here) and join our Telegram Update Group (Click Here)
You can also advertise your Product and Services on our page for more patronage
Contact us today by sending your Stories, Articles, Events, and Eyewitness Reports for publications as well as products and services for advertisement to westerndailies2018@gmail.com or WhatsApp (+2348058448531) for more information
