Politics
Rivers crisis: Elder statesman, Wali weighs political sponsorship, governance
Godfatherism has become a prominent feature of Nigeria’s political landscape, with influential political figures, often described as “godfathers,” exerting significant control over who emerges as leaders at state and national levels.
While many Nigerians view the practice as a setback to democratic development, arguing that political godsons prioritise the interests of their benefactors over those of the electorate, others maintain that godfatherism is a common political phenomenon not only in Nigeria but across democracies worldwide.
In recent times, disagreements between political godfathers and their protégés, particularly sitting governors, have triggered political tensions in several states, including Rivers State.
Speaking on the issue, an elder statesman in Rivers State, Kingsley Wenenda Wali, said godfatherism is not inherently harmful to politics, noting that political success is rarely achieved without collective support.
In an interview with DAILY POST correspondent, Wali argued that political sponsorship exists in democracies around the world and can yield positive outcomes when driven by sincerity, honesty, and commitment to the public interest.
Addressing the political situation in Rivers State, which many observers attribute to godfatherism and its perceived impact on governance and development, Wali said the central issue is not the existence of godfathers but the intentions of those who influence the emergence of political leaders.
He said, “I don’t agree with that. In politics all over the world, there are people who get things done on behalf of people.
“The issue is not godfatherism; the issue is about the intention of the godfather, the intention of the system that threw up somebody in politics.
“If they are sincere, if they are honest, if they are altruistic. Somebody can just come on his own steam and then become a nuisance.”
He maintained that the practice can coexist with good governance, depending largely on the motives of both the godfather and the beneficiary, adding that no individual can single-handedly win elections or govern effectively without support.
On claims that Abia State Governor, Alex Otti’s performance is due to the absence of a godfather, Wali said the governor’s achievements are primarily the result of a clear development agenda rather than a lack of political backing.
He added that it would be unrealistic to assume that Governor Otti operates without advice or support, whether visible or not.
“Alex, I’m sure, had people who prepared the table for him. They might not be known, they might not be very visible, they might not be very forceful like you have in Rivers State or Lagos, but there are people, I’m very certain.
“There are people that he goes to, to say, look, okay, fine, how are we going, how are we doing, how are we progressing, and all of that,” he noted.
Referencing debates around Lagos State, he said godfatherism remained the same regardless of location, and outcomes depend largely on the intentions of those shaping the political process.
“I don’t want to get into that, but the point is that you cannot justify godfatherism in Lagos because of what Tinubu did over the years, what they claim Tinubu did over the years, and now condemn it in Rivers State.
“Godfatherism is godfatherism. It depends on the intention of the people who are involved in that process.
“So if Tinubu worked in Lagos or Lagos is functioning because of, you know, the design of the godfather, okay, fine.
“The most I know about politics is that you can’t do it alone. You can’t do it alone. People have to be there to prop you,” he added.
Wali expressed hope that Rivers State will eventually have a leader who prioritises development and good governance over political rivalry and power struggles.
“Don’t forget that Abia was where we are now. We had governors in Abia State who didn’t care about the people of Abia State, but somebody comes and says enough is enough and he’s making a difference.
“Let’s just hope that someday, some guy will come and decide to say let’s move away from this whole nonsense and put Rivers State on the path of progress.”
His comments come amid a deepening political crisis in Rivers State following the fallout between former governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a situation widely believed to be affecting governance and performance in the state.
