Media entrepreneur and public affairs analyst, Etim Etim, has described the political situation in Rivers State as a troubling example of “state capture,” warning that the phenomenon is steadily weakening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Etim stated that if the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who remains a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), could allegedly influence decisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC), including the selection of a governorship candidate, then it represents one of the clearest examples of state capture in Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation.
According to him, Rivers State is not the only state affected, but it offers a vivid illustration of how political influence can overwhelm public institutions and democratic processes.
He argued that, in the future, students of development economics and political science may study Rivers State as a case study on state capture in Nigeria.
Etim further warned that the growing trend of state capture has weakened critical national institutions, including the military, police, judiciary, legislature, civil service and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He added that the erosion of these institutions has negatively affected virtually every sector of national life and partly explains why insecurity and terrorism have persisted despite government efforts.
“The government appears too weak and ineffective in protecting citizens because institutions that should function independently have been compromised,” he said.
Credit: TheCable
