Dax George Kelly’s Political Somersault: A Chief’s Shameful Betrayal of History and Democracy
By all standards of political discourse, Dax George Kelly’s recent remarks about Wike’s role in Rivers politics can only be described as an embarrassing blunder, a misguided attempt at rewriting history to please his political overlord. His assertion that Nyesom Wike made it possible for an Ijaw son to become governor of Rivers State is not only absurd but a slap in the face of democratic principles and the collective will of Rivers people.
For a man who parades himself as a Kalabari chief, Kelly’s comments reveal a deep-seated servility that should make any self-respecting Rivers indigene cringe. It is either that he is suffering from a chronic case of selective amnesia or he is deliberately engaging in historical revisionism to remain in the good graces of his political benefactor. Either way, his words are nothing short of disgraceful.
Let’s get one thing clear: democracy is not the property of any single individual. It is a system of governance built on the participation of numerous people and their votes. The emergence of Siminalayi Fubara as Governor of Rivers State was not the handiwork of Wike alone. It was the result of a complex interplay of political forces, party dynamics, and, most importantly, the votes of the people.
But in Kelly’s mind, democracy appears to be nothing more than a ceremonial baton that Wike passes to whomever he pleases. This warped understanding of governance explains why Kelly, in his desperation to remain relevant in the corridors of power, would shamelessly proclaim Wike as the sole architect of an Ijaw governorship in Rivers State.
If we are to follow Kelly’s logic, then democracy ceases to be about the people and becomes a private enterprise controlled by a single individual. Such a thought process is not only laughable but dangerous, as it attempts to erase the collective efforts of the electorate in favor of a dictatorial narrative.
I earlier described Wike’s visit to Abalama as a mere spectacle—nothing more than a master reminding his boy of his place in the grand scheme of political servitude. And I stand by that.
The entire drama was staged to achieve one purpose: to reinforce the idea that Kelly, despite whatever title he bears, remains nothing more than a subordinate in the grand hierarchy of Wike’s political empire. The fawning, the praise-singing, and the desperate attempt to credit Wike for an outcome that belongs to the people all point to the kind of servitude that has long plagued Nigerian politics.
But the most shocking part of the spectacle was Kelly’s assertion that Ijaw is merely a “fraction in the Niger Delta region.” One must wonder whether he spoke out of ignorance or sheer desperation to impress his master.
The Ijaw people are not a fraction; they are a dominant force in the Niger Delta. To hear such nonsense from someone who claims to be a Kalabari chief is both shameful and insulting. Does George Kelly not know the history of the Ijaw struggle? Has he forgotten the sacrifices of Isaac Boro and other Ijaw sons who laid down their lives for the Niger Delta cause? Or does he now believe that his political allegiance is more important than his own people?
This level of betrayal is the height of political prostitution. It is one thing to be loyal to a benefactor; it is another thing entirely to sell out your people just to gain favor. By dismissing Ijaw as a mere fraction, Kelly has shown that his title as a chief is nothing more than a decorative ornament bought with looted funds.
One cannot help but wonder what exactly influenced Kelly’s outburst. Was it the intoxicating effect of political greed? Was he under the influence of something more potent than reason? His words reek of a man who, in his bid to remain politically relevant, is willing to spew the most ridiculous nonsense, even if it means making a fool of himself.
It is clear that Kelly’s so-called wisdom has been clouded by the toxic fumes of Wike’s political influence. His utterances suggest that he sees his role not as a representative of his people but as an errand boy for his political master. But even errand boys should have the decency to respect history and truth.
The likes of George Kelly should bury their heads in shame. A chief, by definition, is supposed to be a custodian of history and tradition, a defender of his people’s heritage. But Kelly has proven to be nothing more than a political lackey, willing to distort history for a plate of political crumbs.
Let it be known that Rivers people will not allow one man’s desperation to rewrite history. Democracy belongs to the people, not to Wike. The Ijaw struggle is a historical reality, not a mere fraction. And no amount of political servitude will change that.
George Kelly’s remarks will go down in history as one of the most embarrassing displays of sycophancy in Rivers politics. But perhaps that is his legacy—to be remembered not as a leader, but as a man who sold his voice, his honor, and his history for the price of political favor. Dax George Kelly your benefactor Wike never made Chief Rufus Ada George governor. Go back to yourvcivic lesson about the history of Rivers politics.
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