Rivers State Political Turmoil: The Exodus, Godfatherism, and the Battle for Democratic Integrity!
Ezenwa Opara
CIPR UK- Accredited PR Practitioner: Media Professional & Strategic Communication Maven: Committed To Professional Excellence & Continuous Growth.
In a seismic shift this morning, 27 out of 32 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly defected from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), raising alarms about the state's democratic integrity.
The pervasive influence of "godfatherism" in Nigerian politics, an undue control that distorts power dynamics, lies at the heart of this unsettling development. This erosion of democratic values strikes at the essence of governance. In a true democracy, leaders are accountable to the people, and power should originate from the electorate. However, the shadowy influence of political godfathers subverts this process, stifling the people's voice.
The mass defection os some elected representatives of the people of Rivers State underscores a critical juncture demanding scrutiny. Whether propelled by EXTERNAL pressures or PERSONAL motives, this erosion of democratic values imperils the foundations of governance. It is urgent for citizens of Rivers State,opinion holders, civil society, and the media to unite in safeguarding democratic principles in Rivers State.
Only through collective action can the state rebuild trust in its democratic institutions, paving the way for a more transparent and accountable political future.
Ezenwa Opara
Monday, December 11, 2023