By Austin Ogwuda
A group known as One Rivers Initiative (ORI) has cautioned against the alleged indulgence of President Bola Tinubu’s government in playing politics with public welfare, which is the fundamental purpose of governance.
It particularly referred to the cessation of allocations to Rivers State capable of attracting severe repercussions.
This was contained in a press statement today (Monday) obtained by The Townhall titled ‘PRESIDENT TINUBU, NIGERIANS AND THE ELASTICITY OF SUFFERING’ signed by its Coordinator, Chief Victor Ebipabo Gurubo.
It reads in full:
ONE RIVERS INITIATIVE (ORI)
PRESS STATEMENTPRESIDENT TINUBU, NIGERIANS, AND THE ELASTICITY OF SUFFERING
The One Rivers Initiative (ORI) has taken it upon itself to consistently comment on the governance of Nigeria under President Ahmed Bola Tinubu—a governance that, in our view, lacks empathy, operates with impunity, and favours nepotism. We do this with the hope that history will vindicate those who stand for justice.
For the first time in Nigeria’s history, the nation is seemingly governed as a business empire where citizens are treated as commodities to be bartered in a survival-of-the-fittest philosophy. Tragically, the weak are suffering daily under the pro-elite economic policies championed by President Tinubu. Rather than considering the critiques of these policies from the media, ethnic organizations, civil society groups, and the general populace, the government finds solace in commendations from the World Bank and the IMF. It is disheartening to see them feast on praise from these Bretton Woods institutions while disregarding the genuine concerns and pain of Nigerians—the very people in whose trust they hold power.
The ORI is also deeply troubled by developments within the Nigerian judiciary, which is often regarded as the last hope of the common man. Nigeria has rarely seen such blatant manipulation of the judiciary—not even during the infamous “my hands are tied” pronouncement by Justice Sowemimo in Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s treason trial. Today, the judiciary seems increasingly compromised.
One example is the situation in Rivers State, where judicial processes appear manipulated to favour Minister Nyesom Wike. The ORI notes that the disputes between Minister Wike and Governor Fubara are civil matters, yet they are receiving unprecedented expedited hearings. We struggle to understand what makes these matters so exceptional that the entire judicial apparatus must seemingly be put on hold to address them.
The recent Federal High Court decision ordering the Federal Government to halt allocations to the Rivers State Government is particularly troubling. This ruling not only invites anarchy but directly contradicts a Supreme Court decision that the Federal Government cannot withhold allocations to states. Ironically, President Tinubu, as a former governor, once benefited from this Supreme Court ruling in a similar case against President Obasanjo.
The cessation of allocations to Rivers State, beyond any political agendas, will have severe repercussions, including further suffering for the people and accelerated decay of already deteriorating infrastructure. Why play politics with public welfare, which is the fundamental purpose of governance?
It is also difficult to comprehend how a President who assumed office with the image of a democrat has so openly undermined democratic institutions, from the judiciary to the National Assembly, which is increasingly perceived as a mere “rubber stamp.”
Under President Tinubu’s leadership, merit and nobility seem to have been stripped from the civil service, military, and even the police. Impunity reigns, while nepotism thrives.
This administration treats the public sector as a personal business enterprise. Nigerians are burdened with heavy taxes, yet infrastructure remains inadequate. Moreover, critical economic sectors—including finance, the blue economy, and solid minerals—have been concentrated in the hands of the President’s ethnic group.
The ORI cautions the President against testing the patience of Nigerians beyond its limit. If pushed to the wall, even the most patient will resist. A word is enough for the wise.
Chief Victor Ebipabo Gurubo,
COORDINATOR
