Beyond dispute, Nigerian democracy is a nascent and fledgling one, an emerging one that is struggling in the claws of challenges to spread its tentacles and gain firm grounds. As an emerging contemporary writer, I have resolved, come what may to explore the truth in my course of writing even if it hurts to do so thereby throwing prejudice, sentiment and bias to the wind.

No sane Nigerian would keep mute and subscribe to the political imbroglio in Rivers state that has in no small measure threaten the downfall of democracy, instilled pain in many hearts, and ultimately demoralized the confidence that the electorates have reposed in political leaders.

Beyond dispute, Nigerian democracy is a nascent and fledgling one, an emerging one that is struggling in the claws of challenges to spread its tentacles and gain firm grounds. As an emerging contemporary writer, I have resolved, come what may to explore the truth in my course of writing even if it hurts to do so thereby throwing prejudice, sentiment and bias to the wind.

No sane Nigerian would keep mute and subscribe to the political imbroglio in Rivers state that has in no small measure threaten the downfall of democracy, instilled pain in many hearts, and ultimately demoralized the confidence that the electorates have reposed in political leaders.

I was particularly shocked to the core and could not contain the pain that had ravaged me after watching the bloody fisticuff that transpired on the floor of the Rivers state house of assembly by honorable members who are ideally hoped to justify the mandate given to them by the electorates and strive to leave indelible footprints in the sands of history. It was a day that decorum was thrown to the wind thereby given impetus to the monster of lawlessness to reign supreme. It was indeed a day that some political leaders showed to the whole world their acute integrity deficit. It was a fracas that was greeted by condemnations from all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria. While some called it utter foolishness and great disappointment, others tagged it shameful and betray of trust. It was all in an attempt by five legislators loyal to Minister of state for education Hon Nyesom Wike to impeach the speaker of the house and suspend some legislators loyal to Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

It is never in my agenda and tradition to cast aspersions and throw salvos at people. However, I try as much as possible with courage, rectitude and resolve to condemn retrogressive developments in order to proffer productive solutions that would pave way for peaceful co-existence, deepening and solidification of democracy. It is unfortunate and highly regrettable that some pseudo-democrats are creating molehill out of the mountain over a matter than can be amicably resolved. Some hoodlums in the name of protest are also aggravating the already dense crisis atmosphere.

What pained me most was the fact that when the crisis was brewing, a legislator who wore white attire that depicts peace was the one using the sacred mace of the house as a weapon of warfare to inflict injury on other lawmakers. What an irony! The legislator that was terribly injured by his foes was flown abroad for urgent medical treatment. Again, another issue that raises eye brows was the involvement of police officers in the fracas. A Police officer was seen kicking a member of the house while other police agents stood still without making efforts to defuse the bloody brawl. That smacks of unprofessionalism and flagrant abuse of police power.

Well! The deed has been done and the mistake has already been made. Rivers state is in hysteria and disarray and this singular burning issue is hampering development and the economic progress of the state. All the forces behind the crisis must recollect themselves, think twice, and engage in true reconciliation and fence mending for the overall good of Rivers people whether the forces are in the Federal Government or state, or even outside the shores of Nigeria, nobody is above the law and we cannot continually fold our arms and see trouble makers instigate and fuel anarchy in our land. We will however continue to rise in togetherness to defend democracy and stimulate the progress of our dear country. Pastors, Imams, elders, youths, women and children must all pray fervently without ceasing for Nigeria to be freed from the deadly claws and machinations of some leaders that are not in anyway interested in public order and stability. Rivers state quagmire is a bad omen and a minus for democracy. It is a dangerous signal that 2015 elections would be marred and embroiled in unnecessary squabbles. God forbid anyway! We must not play politics and ping pong with national security. The onus indeed lies on Nigerians to embrace desirable change for sustainable national development. Let there be peace.

by Dapar Satmak Alexander

Dapar Satmak is a mass communication student of the University of Jos, he writes for ViewPointNigeria from Jos, Plateau state.

He can be reached at the following email address: daparsatmak@yahoo.com

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Rivers political crisis: A minus for democracy by Dapar Satmak Alexander