By Chico Mies The confrontation between Leonidas and Xerxes in 300 and the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State share striking thematic similarities, particularly in the struggle between power and resistance. Leonidas’ quote: “The world will know that a free man stood against a tyrant. That few stood against many. And before this battle was over, even a god-king can bleed.” resonates deeply with the current standoff in Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara finds himself at odds with the federal authority following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency. The Tyrant vs. The Free Man In 300, Xerxes presents himself as an all-powerful ruler, demanding submission from Leonidas and the Spartans. Similarly, Tinubu’s imposition of emergency rule can be interpreted as an assertion of supreme federal power over Rivers State, challenging its autonomy. Fubara, like Leonidas, stands as a figure of defiance, resisting what he and his supporters perceive ...
By Chico Mies Nyesom Wike responded on Saturday to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, characterizing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election as a habitual loser . Atiku criticized Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, regarding the recent local government elections in the state. The Action Peoples Party (APP) secured 22 out of the 23 local government chairmanship positions in this election, which Atiku interpreted as an indication of Wike's lack of support from the populace. However, in response, Wike pointed out that Atiku, having run as the PDP candidate in the presidential elections of 2019 and 2023 and faced defeat, has similarly been rejected by the Nigerian electorate. “ We have never participated in local government elections. Did we contest the Rivers Local Government election? Did we submit a nomination form? I have heard Atiku Abubakar claim, "Oh, they have rejected me in R...