cc: mynd44, lalasticlala

Righthussle:
You didn't learn any lesson about betrayal.

What I learned from this crisis :

1. The fact that someone answers "sir" and "yes sir" to everything you say when you are above him doesn't mean he's loyal to you.

You're mistaken. This point was captured in the third paragraph "underestimate nobody."

Recent weeks in Rivers State haven't lacked abundant political drama that can inspire Nollywood directors to production. While Rivers indigenes, residents, the media are preoccupied with former governor and FCT minister Nyesom Wike's offenses and Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s defenses and vice-versa, mine are the timeless lessons unobvious to onlookers. These truths can rescue you today or tomorrow.

First, don't overestimate your influence. Wike assumed being a two-term Rivers State governor with access to great wealth and spearheading Fubara to power justified micromanaging him. Appointing personal aides and commissioners for his successor was frivolous. Irrespective of how infinitesimal or immense your power in a place, beware of its temporariness and step back when your reign is over. Thinking you can be as influential off a seat as you were on it is unrealistic without the occupant's permission. It diminishes your influence left and pushes you towards oblivion.

Second, underestimate nobody. Wike misinterpreted Fubara's quiet demeanor as docility. That your subordinate(s) is a man or woman of few words, obedient, zealous, and loyal is no incentive to toy with them. Human nature's self-preservation instinct can make the most agreeable or amenable persons fight back when you oppress them. Believe everybody is capable of good and evil, loyalty and disloyalty. Manifestation of either could be or not be of your making. Fubara's resistance flabbergasted Wike. Expect the best and prepare for the worst from people. Surprises are no luxury.

Lastly, greed can demystify you. Wike's influential place in Government House Port-Harcourt after leaving office was uncontested. Then came loud whispers of expected monthly remittances in billions of naira. This was ill-thought, covetous, and unsustainable. Wike should have known powers of a sitting governor can cease such largesse and neutralize any roadblock. Wanting and adding more than enough subtracts what you have, and multiplies your misfortunes. It draws you closer to ruin. Ambitiousness varies from greediness. Ambition recognizes humane limits, greed doesn't. Greed ensures you're crushed to powder. This answers why former Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha's political career dimmed. Insignificance awaits.


©Kelechi O. Naze (KON),
Socio-political Analyst.