A member of the Rivers Elders Forum, Chief Asukewe Ikoawaji has thrown his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention in the protracted political crisis in Rivers State, insisting that governor Siminialayi Fubara remains the undisputed number one citizen and constitutional authority in the State.
Ikoawaji, however, identified party politics as the fault line in the conflict, arguing that the crisis stemmed from a dangerous blurring of political influence and executive authority.
He criticized party officials and political actors who, in his words, had abandoned their constitutional roles and instead sought personal benefits from elected office holders.
Such behavior, he said, had fueled tension between the current administration and the immediate past one led by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Responding to concerns that Tinubu’s intervention signalled a return to “federal might” overpowering state autonomy, Ikoawaji rejected the notion, insisting that political power ultimately rests with the people.
He cited recent electoral outcomes across the country to argue that entrenched political structures could still be overturned by popular will.
Drawing a historical parallel, the Rivers elder recalled Tinubu’s own emergence as president despite early party manoeuvres that appeared to favour other aspirants.
He said that episode underscored the limits of political scheming and the unpredictability of democratic outcomes.
Ikoawaji concluded with a cautionary note to political actors, urging them to avoid assuming absolute control over political destinies.
He reminded leaders that Wike and Fubara rose from modest political beginnings and that humility rather than dominance, was essential for lasting relevance. His comments add to growing public debate over the balance of power, party influence and constitutional authority in Rivers State, as stakeholders await the long term outcome of Tinubu’s peace efforts.
