As Rivers State prepares for the end of its six-month emergency rule, Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress, has reflected on the political lessons learned during the period.
In an interview on Arise TV, he remarked: “Whoever was on the other hand to fight him has seen that power can never be absolute,” stressing that the prolonged standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his rivals has exposed the dangers of political overreach.
Okaba said the suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and the state assembly created a governance vacuum that resulted in economic stagnation, stalled projects, and weakened democratic representation. He described the era as a “dark chapter” that eroded grassroots accountability and left citizens without effective leadership.
However, he argued that both Fubara and his opponents have gained valuable insights. According to him, Fubara has “learnt a lot of lessons” about trust and political alliances, while those who opposed him have realized that the struggle for absolute control only deepens divisions.
With Fubara returning to office today, September 18, Okaba called for reconciliation and inclusive governance, urging the governor to focus on stability, unity, and development. He noted that the coming months will be critical in rebuilding trust and delivering people-oriented projects
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