According to NADECO, Tinubu’s alliance with Wike poses a significant existential threat to Nigeria’s democracy. “Tinubu has always been a transactional person focused on wealth and political power,” the group stated.Â
The United States Chapter, National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) has called on Nigerians, particularly the people of Rivers State to actively resist the capture of Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress administration.
Describing President Tinubu as a desperate transactional President who uses Nyesom Wike as his enforcer-in-chief, NADECO mphasised that Nigerians should not continue to tolerate such administration that has thrown away the rulebook.
The pro-democracy group stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday by Lloyd Ukwu, Esq, President /CEO of NADECO USA and titled: “Tinubu as a Desperate Transactional President And Wike as his Enforcer-in-Chief Constitute A Clear and Present Danger to Nigeria’s Democracy.”
According to NADECO, Tinubu’s alliance with Wike poses a significant existential threat to Nigeria’s democracy. “Tinubu has always been a transactional person focused on wealth and political power,” the group stated.
“He and Wike have found themselves as inseparable buddies because like Tinubu, Wike is also focused on wealth and political power.”
NADECO criticised Tinubu’s leadership style, saying it mirrors the self-serving tendencies seen in leaders like Donald Trump.
The group also accused Wike of being instrumental in destabilising Rivers State and undermining Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.
The pro-democracy group warned that Tinubu’s strategy is to test the resolve of Nigerians, push boundaries, and manipulate the political landscape. “However, this short-term gain could have long-term repercussions, further polarising the nation and deepening the crisis of governance,” NADECO said.
According to them, “Wike, now serving as Tinubu’s proxy, has been instrumental in destabilising Rivers State, undermining Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s peaceful administration, and eroding the democratic gains made in the region. This collaboration is not about governance but about consolidating power and resources ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Tinubu’s strategy is clear: he is testing the resolve of Nigerians, pushing boundaries to see how far he can go in manipulating the political landscape. By sowing division and exploiting existing fault lines in Rivers state, he aims to weaken the opposition and strengthen his grip on power.
“However, this short-term gain could have long-term repercussions, further polarizing the nation and deepening the crisis of governance. The unfolding crisis in Rivers State is a microcosm of the broader issues plaguing Nigeria’s democracy. The Rivers State House of Assembly, just like Senator Akpabio’s National Assembly and Justice Kekere-Ekun’s judiciary, has become a willing tool and a battleground for their godfatherism and gangsterism, with Wike acting as Tinubu’s enforcer-in- chief.
“In Lagos State, for example, Tinubu’s influence looms large, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu accused of prioritising the interests of his political godfather over those of the people. This culture of impunity and recklessness undermines democratic institutions and perpetuates a cycle of corruption and underdevelopment.”
NADECO urged Nigerians to unite and demand accountability, transparency, and justice. “You should not continue to tolerate an administration that has thrown away the rulebook,” the group emphasised. “Nigerians, particularly the people of Rivers State, must actively resist the capture of Rivers State now.”
The group expressed concern over the judiciary’s role in the crisis, stating that recent Supreme Court rulings have been widely criticized as misapplications of justice. “The judiciary has, unfortunately, been reduced to a mere rubber stamp institution,” NADECO said.
NADECO also highlighted the Ijaw people’s distress in Rivers State, who have appealed to President Tinubu to intervene and urge Wike to stop his destructive actions in Kalabari land. However, the group doubts Tinubu’s willingness to take action against Wike, given their close relationship.
The pro-democracy group emphasized the importance of comprehensive reforms to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy. “The judiciary must be insulated from political interference, with increased funding, improved training for judicial personnel, and greater transparency in its operations,” NADECO said.
NADECO concluded by quoting Frederick Douglas, who said, “A slave who does not fight for his freedom and who refuses to rise against bondage will always remain a slave.”
The group urged Nigerians to stand together and resist the forces of corruption and impunity to reclaim their democracy and build a more just and equitable society.
The crisis in Rivers State has sparked widespread concern among Nigerians, with many calling for President Tinubu to intervene and restore order.
However, NADECO’s statement suggests that Tinubu’s administration may be complicit in the crisis, and that Nigerians must take action to protect their democracy.
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