By Thomas Peretu and Mallam Candido Ibrahim Mairiga
The recent political spectacle involving Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has left many of his supporters bewildered and disappointed.
The governor, who spent months locked in a bitter political battle with his predecessor and benefactor, Nyesom Wike, has now publicly returned to the very political family he once resisted, declaring himself a member of Wike’s Rainbow Coalition and urging his followers to do the same. Are you surprised at the turn of events? I am not. Afte all, it’s been said that in politics there are no permanent friends but permanent interests. This, withoutbdoubtnis a demonstration of self preservation. Someone once said, it is better to be in the vortex of power than be an onlookers. That argumemet may be subjected to philosophical reasoning. Whether it will stand the test of logical scrutiny is a different ball game.
Politics is often described as the art of compromise. Reconciliation is not a sin. In fact, peace is preferable to endless conflict. But there is a profound difference between reconciliation based on principle and surrender born out of political necessity.
Fubara built a movement around resistance. Thousands of Rivers people stood with him through uncertainty because they believed they were defending the independence of their governor and the dignity of their state.
Many paid political prices for that loyalty. To suddenly abandon that struggle without a convincing explanation leaves those followers feeling not merely disappointed, but abandoned.
Leadership is ultimately a covenant of trust. Followers do not merely support a leader because he occupies an office; they invest their hopes, convictions, and sometimes their personal fortunes in him. When that trust is broken without consultation or explanation, the injury extends beyond politics. It becomes a moral issue.
History teaches that political victories purchased at the expense of credibility are often temporary. Offices may be retained, alliances may be rebuilt, but trust is much harder to recover. Once followers begin to doubt the firmness of a leader’s convictions, every future declaration is received with suspicion.
This incident also offers an important lesson to politicians. Never mobilise citizens into a political battle unless you are prepared to stand with them to the end. If circumstances compel a change of direction, carry your supporters along honestly. Explain the reasons. Respect the sacrifices they made on your behalf. Nothing destroys political capital faster than leaving loyal followers stranded at the battlefield while the commander negotiates peace alone.
Perhaps Governor Fubara concluded that reconciliation was necessary for the stability of Rivers State. If so, history may judge that decision kindly. But history will also ask whether the process honoured those who believed in him when the future was uncertain.
Political survival is important, but character is more enduring than office. Positions come and go; reputation remains.
The enduring lesson is simple: leadership without fidelity eventually loses its moral authority. Prudence is a virtue, but prudence without courage becomes mere expediency.
A leader may recover political power after retreat, but recovering the confidence of disappointed followers is a far more difficult journey. I hope someone is learning. History has a way of recording the events of our lives. You probably may need to learn from late Pa Jakande after his outing with General Abacha. History can be cruel to those caught on the wrong side of events, especially events that shape history. Good luck. Fubara.
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