ETIM ETIM: RIVERS A CLEAR EXAMPLE OF STATE CAPTURE IN NIGERIA
ABUJA, NIGERIA – MAY 22, 2026
Political analyst and public affairs commentator, Etim Etim, has described Rivers State as a glaring example of state capture in Nigeria, warning that the phenomenon has continued to weaken critical national institutions and undermine governance across the country.
Etim made the remarks while reacting to recent political developments in Rivers State, particularly allegations of external influence in the internal affairs of political parties.
According to him, if the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who remains a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), could influence decisions made by the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including the choice of a governorship candidate, it would represent one of the clearest examples of state capture in the current political dispensation.
He stated that Rivers State is not the only state affected by such political dominance, but noted that it remains a strong illustrative example of how powerful political actors can allegedly exert overwhelming influence over institutions and governance structures.
Etim further argued that future scholars of development economics and politics may study Rivers State as a case study of state capture in doctoral research and academic discourse.
He maintained that over the years, state capture has contributed to the weakening of strategic institutions such as the military, police, judiciary, legislature, civil service, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, the negative effects of state capture have spread across virtually every aspect of national life, contributing to governance challenges and insecurity in the country.
Etim added that the persistence of terrorism and the perceived inability of government institutions to adequately protect citizens are among the consequences of weakened institutions caused by entrenched political influence and systemic capture.
