Former Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State, Chief Ola Apena, has said that the crisis in Rivers State is an aftermath of Karma.
The party chieftain made the disclosure in an interview with the Sun, hinting that the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, is having his own turn of problems now in Rivers State.
He explained that the former Rivers State governor was lucky to have been infused into politics as soon as he was done with school but he eventually started using people.
He alleged that Wike wanted to become a godfather and dictate the affairs of the state without considering that godfatherism in politics is about mentoring good followers.
“Thank God Wike is having his turn of problems in Rivers State now. A time will come when somebody who went to fetch hot charcoal with his hands will not have time to exchange words with anybody. So, God will give all of them enough problems that will allow PDP to have peace.
“What I see happening in Rivers State is Karma. One thing is that if God helps you crack your palm kernel, don’t see other people struggling with theirs as lazy. Wike is a very lucky guy because immediately after finishing his university, he was elected as a local government chairman and he began to climb up the ladder and he was using people,” he said.
“Of course, Peter Odili was there as one of the ladders he used. Goodluck Jonathan and his wife were there as the ladder he used but presently, can Jonathan or Odili talk to him? So, this is somebody who is now seeing himself as the Alpha and Omega but it is God who is Alpha and Omega. Let’s wait and see but I see Karma playing out in the state because he thought he could become a godfather and dictate affairs of the state.
Godfatherism is not unethical in politics because Chief Obafemi Awolowo was almost a godfather in his party but he mentored good followers who turned out to be good leaders. People like Lateef Jakande, Bola Ige and Ambrose Alli were some of his mentees. And they were exemplary in their conduct both in office and private lives. But if you are a mentor, assess your mentee very well and place them where they fit in. Some mentees are supposed to be in charge of organizing boys for rallies, they are not meant for public office irrespective of the degree they parade. I think there are lessons to be learnt,” he added.
