I woke up this morning with much on my mind concerning my beloved Rivers State.
I wish to share a few personal reflections, especially in light of Governor Siminalaye Fubara’s public declaration yesterday, Wednesday, 22 July 2026, of his return to his political family and his support for Hon. O. K. Chinda, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in Rivers State for the 2027 election.
At the start of the now-concluded political crisis involving Governor Siminalaye Fubara, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, I took a stance that many found unpopular. I stated, without equivocation, that the crisis was unnecessary and strategically unwise. In my considered view, it was not in the Governor’s best interest to engage in an open confrontation with his political benefactor, former Governor Nyesom Wike. I also expressed my belief that such a conflict was unlikely to end in the Governor’s favour.
Consequently, I chose not to join the emotionally charged protests on the streets of Port Harcourt, the barrage of hostile media engagement, or the many other actions, some of which fell far below the standards of responsible public discourse.
I was never hesitant to express my convictions, both in the conventional media and on social media. Those views were not motivated by sentiment or personal interest but by what I genuinely believed was a realistic assessment of the situation.
The consequences were not trivial. I was criticised, vilified, and falsely accused simply because my opinion differed from others’. Someone I had long regarded as a ‘father’ distanced himself from me. Individuals I considered friends withdrew their association with me. In many circles, I became, for all practical purposes, _persona non grata_.
But there are one or two persons I must commend for their admirable attitude towards me during this period. I shall mention them at an appropriate time.
Time, however, has a way of revealing truths that emotions often conceal. Today, the realities are starkly clear for all to see. It is a reminder that popular opinion is not always synonymous with sound judgment. The crowd, no matter how passionate, is not always right.
As I write today, my feelings are not those of personal vindication. Rather, I am deeply saddened by what Rivers State lost through a conflict that, in my opinion, could have been avoided. I feel for Governor Siminalaye Fubara and the opportunities that may have been missed. I also sympathise with the many elders, women, and young people, both within and outside Rivers State, who, driven by resentment, hope, loyalty, or, in some cases, personal interest, became deeply invested in a struggle whose consequences are now clearer than ever.
Permit me to conclude with two personal observations.
First, if you cannot tolerate a contrary opinion on matters of public interest and choose to sever relationships simply because someone disagrees with you, then there is room for greater maturity in valuing democratic discourse.
Second, if you must resort to falsehoods and misrepresentation to gain an advantage over another, you diminish not your opponent, but your own character. Nothing reflects weakness more than the deliberate distortion of truth.
History often teaches lessons that emotions refuse to acknowledge. Wisdom lies in recognising those lessons when they become evident.
With love,
Ken Robinson, fcsi
Author, Communicator, and Social Advocate
Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
