Elder Statesman and Ijaw Leader, PA Edwin Clark, shared a story about a past incident involving late President Umaru Yar'Adua, where he was called upon to intervene regarding allegations that Rotimi Amaechi planned to demolish Ateke Tom's house in Rivers State.
According to Clark, President Yar'Adua had asked him to counsel Amaechi against such actions. However, before Clark could step in, Ateke Tom had already relocated to Ajah village in Lagos, where he stayed for an extended period, indicating that Amaechi's plans were already in motion.
Clark referred to this episode as emblematic of the enduring and tumultuous conflicts within Rivers State, which he dubbed "Rivers Politics." He characterized the political environment as one marked by persistent turmoil and irrationality.
In an interview with Punch, Clark recounted, "Yar'Adua sent for me one day and he told me to talk to Amaechi very well because he heard he wanted to destroy Ateke Tom's house. I was on the verge of doing that when Ateke Tom left for Lagos.
He was in Ajah village for a long time. So, there have been problems upon problems in the State. That is why I call it the Rivers Politics. It is a politics of madness and both Wike and Amaewhule were at the forefront of it."
Clark's narrative notes the complexities and challenges of political dynamics in Rivers State, characterized by deep-seated conflicts and confrontations among key political figures. His experience with President Yar'Adua's concern over Amaechi's alleged actions highlights the intense and often turbulent nature of governance and political maneuvering in the region.