How Goodluck Jonathan failed Fubara
Former President Goodluck Jonathan played an important role in the political scene of Rivers State, fostering relationships with the immediate past and current governors, Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara.
Jonathan’s involvement has been important in shaping the state’s governance, from his support of Wike’s political ascent to his recent backing of Fubara during this political tensions.
Jonathan’s political mentorship significantly influenced Nyesom Wike’s career, appointing him as Minister of State for Education during his presidency. This appointment served as a stepping stone for Wike’s subsequent election as Governor of Rivers State.
However, over time, their relationship experienced strain, which led to political realignments within the state. In contrast, Jonathan has shown unshaken support for Siminalayi Fubara, particularly during the periods of political discord between Fubara and Wike. This support displayed Jonathan’s commitment to ensuring stable governance in Rivers State.
Amid the tensions between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, Jonathan pushed for collaboration and unity. During the inauguration of the Trans-Kalabari Road, he touched on the need for both leaders to work together for the state’s development, stating, “In the case of Rivers, Honourable Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Sim Fubara must work together to develop the land and people of Rivers State. The tension will not help us.” Instead of calling out Wike, this appeal by Jonathan’s concern diplomacy as opposed to open criticism which many other leaders and Nigerians have come to see as a weakness in him.
Despite his supportive stance, Jonathan’s influence appeared limited in protecting Governor Fubara from subsequent political challenges. His relationship with the suspended governor wasn’t enough to shield him from the political humiliation most people didn’t see coming. President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly for six months.
Also, Jonathan refrained from publicly criticizing Wike’s political maneuvers or President Tinubu’s drastic measure in Rivers State. He never partook in publicly calling out Wike for his unnecessary interference in the politics of Rivers State.
Also, when Fubara was suspended, he didn’t make it a show of solidarity to publicly condemn President Tinubu’s actions against Fubara. His calls for unity and collaboration, while emphasizing the need for peace, did not extend to public criticism of the actions leading to the state’s political instability.
Finally, while leaders like Peter Obi, Atiku, and other prominent persons made moves to publicly condemn the President Tinubu’s stance, Jonathan didn’t mobilise other leaders or heads of state to collectively condemn Governor Fubara’s suspension.
This absence of a public stance from past national leaders may have contributed to lack of support for Governor Fubara. However, former President Jonathan’s lack of noticeable actions, and his inability to use his influence as a former leader to protect someone that can be regarded as his mentee greatly contributed to Governor Fubara’s humiliation.
Credit/ Reliant Nigeria News
