Tinubu as a Desperate Transactional President And Wike as his Enforcer-in-Chief Constitute A Clear and Present Danger to Nigeria’s Democracy

March 18, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

Bola Tinubu’s emergence as the President of Nigeria and his relationship with Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the FCT poses a significant existential threat to Nigeria’s democracy. This is so because Tinubu has always been a transactional person focused on wealth and political power. He and Wike have found themselves as inseparable buddies because like Tinubu Wike is also focused on wealth and political power. Tinubu’s political trajectory, particularly during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, reveals a pattern of turning the public office into a personal enterprise, treating the state as a cash cow and ATM for himself, his family, and his cronies.
This transactional approach to governance, which prioritizes wealth
accumulation and power consolidation over public welfare, is a global
phenomenon with devastating consequences. In Nigeria, Tinubu’s
leadership style mirrors the self-serving tendencies seen in leaders like
Donald Trump, whose policies often favored the wealthy elite at the
expense of the broader populace.
In recent times, Tinubu’s political maneuvers have become increasingly
alarming. His alliance with Nyesom Wike is a calculated attempt to
extend his influence and intimidate political opponents leading up to the
2027 elections. Wike, now serving as Tinubu’s proxy, has been
instrumental in destabilizing 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 prioritizing 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.
”Judges should, on no account, dance to the music played by politicians
because that will completely destroy their role as independent umpires
in the judicial process. Let no Judge flirt with politicians in the
performance of their constitutional adjudicatory functions.”- Niki Tobi,
JSC
The Ijaw people in Rivers State are in distress. They have appealed to
President Tinubu to intervene and urge Wike to stop his destructive
actions in Kalabari land. Make no mistake—obviously, Tinubu is unlikely
to take any action against Wike, who seems intent on ousting Governor
Fubara and potentially harming Rivers State in the process. The
reasoning behind this is straightforward: Tinubu is the one playing the
drum to which Wike is dancing and orchestrating the situation that he is
navigating. The entire plan appears to have been devised by Tinubu, the
transactional leader.
The judiciary, which is meant to serve as a check on executive excesses,
has become dangerously compromised. Allegations of bribery, executive
interference, and the abandonment of legal precedents have eroded
public trust in the judicial system. Recent Supreme Court rulings,
particularly one in Rivers State and others related to elections have been
widely criticized as misapplications of justice. The judiciary has,
unfortunately, been reduced to a mere rubber stamp institution. Their
recent judgment regarding the twenty-seven members who defected
from their party clearly indicates that the Supreme Court has become a
“Supreme Curse.” The appointment of compliant judges and the
executive’s control over judicial funding have further undermined the
independence of the judiciary, leaving Nigerians with little faith in the
rule of law.
The consequences of this systemic failure are dire. The erosion of trust
in democratic institutions has led to a rise in vigilantism, social unrest,
and economic stagnation. Investors are wary of committing resources to
a country where the justice system is perceived as corrupt and
unreliable. The failure of the courts to protect the rights of ordinary
citizens exacerbates inequality and fuels discontent, creating a volatile
environment that threatens Nigeria’s stability.
To address these challenges, comprehensive reforms are urgently
needed. The judiciary must be insulated from political interference, with
increased funding, improved training for judicial personnel, and greater
transparency in its operations. Civil society, the media, and the
international community must hold leaders accountable and demand
good governance. Nigerians must also remain vigilant, resisting attempts
to undermine democracy through peaceful protests, advocacy, and civic
engagement.
Tinubu’s transactional leadership, characterized by cronyism and self
interest, represents a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s democracy.
His alliance with a figure like Wike exemplifies the corrosive impact of
godfatherism on governance. If left unchecked, this trend could lead to
the complete collapse of democratic institutions, leaving Nigeria in a
state of perpetual crisis.
The time to act is now. Nigerians must unite to demand accountability,
transparency, and justice. YOU SHOULD NOT CONTINUE TO TOLERATE
AN ADMINISTRATION THAT HAS THROWN AWAY THE RULEBOOK.
NIGERIANS, PARTICULARLY THE PEOPLE OF RIVERS STATE MUST
ACTIVELY RESIST THE CAPTURE OF RIVERS STATE NOW. By standing
together and resisting the forces of corruption and impunity, we can
reclaim our democracy and build a more just and equitable society for
future generations. The stakes are high, and the future of Nigeria
depends on the choices we make today.
“A slave who does not fight for his freedom and who refuses to rise
against bondage will always remain a slave”- Frederick Douglas July 5,
1852.
Lloyd F. Ukwu, Esquire
President /CEO of NADECO USA
www.nadeco.us
nadecoamerica@gmail.com