Godfatherism Experiment: The Rivers State Situation
Godfatherism is a political matrix where individuals with little or no political influence are brought into power by a supposedly stronger figure, with the understanding that the chosen person will remain loyal to the godfather’s ideals. Often, during the selection process, the godfather may choose the most timid, reserved, and inexperienced of their associates to succeed them, fearing that a more assertive and expressive ally might undermine their influence.
A notable example is the Saraki-Lawal faceoff. For more than 20 years, Olusola Saraki was a major influencer in Kwara State politics. Saraki supported Mohammed Lawal to become governor under the platform of the All People’s Party (APP). However, after Lawal assumed office, disagreements ensued.
Saraki declared Lawal a non-performer and assured journalists in Ilorin that he would soon find a suitable successor, stating, “Lawal’s days are numbered in the state. We thought he was a man of honour, we thought he was a man of integrity. That was why we gave him the mantle of governor. Lawal has deceived us” (Ilorin.info).
The tension led to violent incidents, with supporters of Saraki reportedly attacking public utilities such as the state water corporation and vehicles given on loan by the government. Lawal reacted by denouncing Saraki as his political mentor, stating, “I have been avoiding the situation where I would have to denounce Saraki’s political leadership. But I am disappointed to find out that he is the brain behind the current political violence in Ilorin. I can no longer associate myself with a destroyer of wealth and good legacies” (Ilorin.info).
The conflict caused the destruction of public infrastructure and escalated violence between both camps. Eventually, Lawal lost his re-election bid in 2003 to Bukola Saraki, after losing the support of his godfather, Olusola Saraki.
Other notable examples of godfatherism-related political crises include the Nwobodo-Nnamani quagmire, the Adedibu-Ladoja crisis, and the Uba-Ngige saga.
Currently, a similar scenario is playing out in Rivers State, involving a dispute between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the current Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara. Since Fubara assumed office in 2023, tensions have continued despite intervention from President Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders.
The situation has worsened to the point where the state now operates with two separate legislative assemblies. Wike has advised Governor Fubara to respect court orders, warning that failure to do so could deepen the crisis. “If he respects court orders, he can prevent anarchy and further breakdown of law and order in Rivers,” Wike stated.
Governor Fubara, on the other hand, has vowed to arrest and prosecute those responsible for recent violent incidents, which have left five people dead and many injured, and caused the destruction of Local Government Secretariats worth billions.
This ongoing conflict has thrown Rivers State into unrest, disrupting local operations and raising concerns about prolonged instability.
While godfatherism may be a necessary tool in Nigeria’s monetized electoral system, navigating the fine line between loyalty and legacy remains complex and fraught with challenges.
Ubong Usoro
