By Thomas Danjuma Abu
Politics is supposed to be about making life better for the people, creating opportunities, and building a future that everyone can thrive in. But when politics becomes a game of violence, destruction, and loss of life, it stops being about development and turns into a tool of regression. Sadly, Rivers State is now caught in the middle of such a dangerous shift.
In the last 24 hours, troubling news has poured in from Rivers following the local government elections and the swearing-in of the newly elected chairmen. What should have been a peaceful democratic process has descended into chaos, with parts of the state turning into a battleground. This makes me think of the saying, *”In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”* The current situation shows just how fragile democracy can be when selfish ambitions overshadow the collective good.
The well-known proverb, *“When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,”* is painfully true in Rivers right now. The political elites, like warring elephants, are clashing over power, and it’s the ordinary people who are suffering. Lives have been disrupted, properties destroyed, and the peace that everyone worked hard to build has been shattered. All because some politicians refuse to accept defeat with dignity.
As economist John Kenneth Galbraith once said, *“Politics is not the art of the possible; it consists in choosing between the disastrous and the unpalatable.”* In Rivers, the situation has gone beyond unpalatable—it’s disastrous. Winning an election should never be seen as a do-or-die affair. Democracy, by its nature, has winners and losers. But true leadership isn’t just about winning—it’s about knowing how to handle defeat with grace. Failing to do so only fuels chaos and drags the state backwards.
The violence we’re seeing doesn’t just put lives at risk; it also undermines the very institutions that are supposed to protect the people. As Abraham Lincoln wisely said, *“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.”* Disputes should be resolved through dialogue and legal channels, not through violence. Those who resort to force send the wrong message—that violence is the solution. But this only leads to more destruction and more pain.
**Where Are the Voices That Matter?**
At a time like this, the silence of some of Rivers State’s most important figures is troubling. Where are the voices of former Governor Peter Odili, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and Sir Celestine Omehia? These men have been at the helm of power and have shaped the state’s political landscape. They cannot stand by and watch as Rivers spirals into chaos.
Their leadership and experience are crucial right now. As the saying goes, *“Leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in your charge.”* Now is the time for these leaders to rise above political rivalries and guide the state toward peace and stability. They have the influence to help broker peace, remind the political actors of their responsibilities, and bring a sense of calm back to the state.
The people of Rivers are waiting to hear from them. What are they saying? *“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,”* said Edmund Burke. If these key figures remain silent, the state risks further descent into chaos. Their intervention could be the difference between prolonged violence and a return to peace.
Political power should never come at the cost of the people’s safety and welfare. As Nelson Mandela wisely said, *“It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger.”* Now is the time for Rivers State’s leaders to step up and steer the state back toward peace, development, and progress.
As Rivers grapples with this turmoil, let cooler heads prevail. Let all stakeholders come together to find a peaceful resolution through dialogue and understanding. Only then can we get back to what politics should really be about: making life better for everyone. *“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind,”* said Mahatma Gandhi. Rivers State must choose reconciliation over retaliation if it is to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for its people.
You can reach Abu via danjumaabu3750@gmail.com or +2348062380296.
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