Shehu Sani, a former senator from Nigeria, recently tweeted his thoughts on the current political climate in the Rivers State Assembly. His term for the Assembly, a "Bicameral Mamiyota," alludes to an unusual hierarchical arrangement with divided leadership. Sani's message said, "Rivers Assembly has become a Bicameral Mamiyota; the Head is Fubara and the body is Wike."
Two major players in the political landscape of Rivers State—Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike—are brought to light in this figurative analysis. Sani draws a parallel between the current scenario and a fabled two-headed beast, suggesting that both Fubara and Wike continue to have substantial influence, even if Fubara is officially the governor.
Following Wike's tenure as governor (2015–2023) and current position as minister of the federal capital territory in Nigeria, Governor Fubara assumed office in May 2023. It would appear that Wike's reputation for forceful leadership and firm control over state matters from his time in office has endured. The political shadow of Wike continues to cast a long shadow, and his influence over state affairs is still up for debate, even though he has stepped aside.
Sani's portrayal of the Rivers State Assembly as having two heads of state shows that he is worried about Fubara's government's autonomy. This could lead to difficulties in state government and legislation as Wike's influence eclipses that of the incoming governor.
"Bicameral Mamiyota" is an incredibly eye-catching phrase. In legislative bodies, the presence of two chambers is commonly referred to as bicameralism. Sani's interpretation of the phrase is that Fubara and Wike, who are distinct but complementary authorities, reflect diverse but complementary branches of power inside a single organisation.