An old video clip featuring former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has resurfaced on social media, reigniting discussions about the pervasive issue of godfatherism in Nigerian politics.
This video comes amid the controversy surrounding Wike and his successor Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and the perceived rebellion against godfatherism between the duo.
In the clip, Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, campaigned against the godfather syndrome that he claimed plagued several states in the country, particularly, Lagos State.
In the footage, Wike emphatically stated that the influence of godfathers would not be tolerated in Rivers State. He pointedly remarked that while such a system may prevail in places like Lagos State, it would not be allowed to take root in Rivers.
“It may happen in Lagos State but it cannot happen in Rivers, we are quite different. As a governor, I will come and go and I can’t stop it.
“The day that my tenure ends, by the grace of God, I will go. When you are thinking about what is happening in Lagos State, we will do it here, it may be difficult.
“You can’t continue to say that you must be a godfather of a state. That is the problem and it is not possible,” he said
Watch the video below: