In Rivers State politics, some godfathers never stop calling the shots. Former Governor Rotimi Amaechi unleashed a scathing critique of his successor, Nyesom Wike, during an Arise TV interview, dismissing claims that Wike made him governor and asserting his former subordinate remains "politically junior." The exchange reveals how Nigerian political elders reduce independent leaders back to "boys", turning men into boys whenever hierarchy feels threatened.
When political godfathers refuse to recognize their proteges as equals, they attempt to strip away hard-earned political manhood through dismissive language and patronizing attitudes.
- Hierarchical assertion, as Amaechi claims, he "hired" Wike and supervised him as chief of staff
- Credit denial rejecting Wike's role in his governorship, crediting God, former governor Odili, and the Rivers people instead
- Legacy complaints criticizing the destruction of his projects and infrastructure during Wike's tenure
- Federal criticism blasting INEC leadership and questioning the Tinubu government's priorities and opposition treatment
- Maturity challenge describing Wike as lacking leadership maturity while positioning himself as the senior figure
The feud illustrates how Nigerian political godfathers turn men into boys through language, refusing to acknowledge that their former subordinates have earned independent political standing.
Men to boys reductions in Nigerian politics serve to maintain hierarchy and control. Amaechi's dismissive references to supervising Wike and refusing to "join issues with children" exemplify how senior politicians use condescending language to diminish rivals' legitimacy.
