OPINION: Rivers Political Crisis And the Case For AbdulRazaq’s Leadership Model

By Saddiq Buhari

The ongoing political crisis between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the State House of Assembly is not the first confrontation between the executive and legislative arms of government witnessed in Nigeria.

The country’s political history, particularly since the return to democratic rule in 1999, is replete with conflicts of interest between arms of government at both national and subnational levels.

However, the consequence of these avoidable face-offs is often a slowdown in governance and development. Any state or country where the executive and legislative arms are constantly at each other’s necks is bound to suffer setbacks.

This was evident during the period when the Dr. Bukola Saraki-led Senate had a frosty relationship with the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. That hostility not only embarrassed Nigeria internationally but also stalled development across several sectors.

Since the Rivers political crisis began in 2023, the state has struggled to make visible developmental progress when compared to many of its counterparts.

Indeed, as the popular saying goes, when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. Rather than abating, the crisis has continued to fester, with recent developments suggesting moves by the State House of Assembly to impeach the Governor.

This persistent instability has kept Rivers State in the news for the wrong reasons, diverting attention from governance and service delivery.

This situation brings to mind the contrasting example of Kwara State, where the executive and legislative arms of government enjoy a cordial and cooperative relationship.

Much of the credit for this harmony goes to His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi. Both leaders have collectively chosen development and the overall progress of the state over needless and avoidable political confrontation.

Unsurprisingly, this healthy relationship has unsettled the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has mischievously branded the Danladi-led Assembly a rubber stamp. Such claims ignore the fact that cooperation does not equate to compromise.

Constitutionally, the legislature is empowered to oversee the executive and ensure accountability in the management of public funds, a responsibility the Kwara Assembly continues to discharge. Governor AbdulRazaq’s reputation as a visionary leader and prudent administrator further explains why mutual respect and understanding exist between both arms of government.

Beyond political harmony, the benefits of this cooperation are evident in the tangible achievements recorded across Kwara State. From significant investments in education and healthcare to improvements in infrastructure, sports development, and youth empowerment, the state has enjoyed stability that allows policies to thrive.

This is a clear demonstration that governance flourishes best in an atmosphere of collaboration rather than constant political warfare.

One can only imagine a Kwara State where the executive and legislative arms are locked in prolonged confrontation. The strides recorded in education, infrastructure, sports, and other critical sectors under the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration would likely not have been possible.

Like Rivers State, Kwara could have been dominated by headlines of political strife rather than progress. Such a scenario would undoubtedly delight the opposition but at the expense of the people. Thankfully, the Governor has consistently chosen governance over retrogressive politicking.

However, the aforesaid relationship isn’t institutional, it is largely dependent on the pro-masses and pro-Development leanings of whomever occupies the office of the Governor and Speaker respectively.

Thus, it wouldn’t be out of place to advocate for a continuity of such relationship in the State, as the preparation for the 2027 electioneering exercise, gathers momentum.

With the Governor completing his constitutional guaranteed two terms, which have been phenomenal in all ramifications, one cannot but look towards the direction of a progressive partner, as a worthy successor, who’s guaranteed to not only sustain the cordial and working Executive and Legislative working relationship, but take it a step further.

Saddiq Buhari is the Adviser on Social Investment to Kwara State Governor.