Reject Godfatherism, Support Fubara, NADECO Urges Rivers Residents

Reject Godfatherism, Support Fubara, NADECO Urges Rivers ResidentsThe group firmly opposed any attempt to establish godfatherism in Nigeria and Rivers State.The pro-democracy group’s statement comes amidst the ongoing conflict involving Fubara, his predecessor Nyesom Wike, and factional members of the state House of Assembly.

In a statement by its President, Llyod Ukwu, NADECO emphasized, “Godfatherism, a harmful practice where powerful individuals manipulate the political landscape by selecting less influential candidates to serve their interests, poses a severe threat to democracy, transparency, and the rule of law.

NADECO USA highlighted the severe consequences of allowing such practices in Nigeria, particularly in Rivers State. These include circumventing term limits, perpetuating power imbalances, and protecting individuals with questionable pasts from accountability.

“Globally, the term ‘godfather’ evokes images of the movie ‘The Godfather’ and the criminal underworld of the Gambino, Lucchese, Genovese, Bonanno, and Colombo crime families.

“In Nigeria, however, the scourge of godfatherism and gangsterism has severely impacted the people by undermining the benefits of democracy.

The group urged the people of Rivers to reject efforts to impose godfatherism upon them,

Encouraging the people of Rivers to support Fubara and reject those attempting to establish godfatherism, NADECO USA warned of “the serious consequences of yielding to such political schemes, which threaten to erode societal values and endanger Nigeria’s democratic progress.”

The statement continued: “Godfatherism must be eradicated not only in Rivers State but throughout the entire country and within our political and administrative systems. These corrupt practices enhance the financial power of godfathers by creating numerous issues in our politics and administration.

This issue must be addressed directly because such funds are used to place their protégés in various government positions. The harmful effects of godfatherism are evident, as seen in the erosion of electoral integrity, the suppression of dissent, and the consolidation of power among a select few.