Nigerian Political Class Disconnected from Citizens, Says Senior Advocate
The ongoing crisis in Rivers State has sparked concerns that the country’s political class is prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of citizens. Olisa Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, expressed this sentiment during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today program. He stated that the political turmoil in Rivers State is a clear indication that the political class has no interest in the citizens, as the disputes and power struggles seem to be driven by self-interest rather than a desire to serve the people.
The crisis in Rivers State began with the State Assembly’s initiation of impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. Agbakoba noted that the situation is “toxic” and appears to be a power struggle ahead of the 2027 elections. He questioned the motivations behind the impeachment proceedings, given that Governor Fubara was initially elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) but later defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Agbakoba emphasized that the failure of the government to address pressing issues such as healthcare and poverty is a significant concern. He argued that the political class is more focused on personal interests than on serving the people who elected them. The senior advocate urged the politicians to remember that they were elected to serve the people of Rivers State and to prioritize their needs and interests.
The crisis in Rivers State has significant implications for the country as a whole, highlighting the need for political leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens over personal interests. As Agbakoba noted, the people of Rivers State will be disappointed in the ongoing power struggle, which seems to be driven by self-interest rather than a desire to serve the public good. The situation underscores the need for political leaders to refocus on addressing the pressing issues facing the country and to prioritize the needs and interests of citizens.
