Rivers State: So power must be sweet and intoxicating to those who have it - Tonye Cole

Nigerian entrepreneur and public figure Tonye Cole has raised alarm over the state of politics in Rivers State, describing it as driven by personal interests rather than ideological or party loyalty.

According to an interview on Channels TV on Sunday, July 27, 2025, Cole expressed concern that political actors in the state prioritize self-serving agendas, disregarding party affiliations or principles.

He noted that politicians often align with any group or strategy that advances their personal goals, even if it means destabilizing others or maintaining a foothold in multiple camps.

Cole highlighted that this approach, where actions are taken solely to serve individual interests and retain power, is deeply troubling and dangerous for the state’s political landscape.

He suggested that the pursuit of power in Rivers State has become intoxicating for those who hold it, leading to a culture where ethical governance is sidelined.

In his words, “What river state politics is telling everybody is that forget all of that. Forget the fact, there is nothing like party A, party B, nothing like that. What it is, is that, it is purely about personal interests and where the personal interest can be served. If you can be served with one leg here and one leg there, fine. If you can be served with destroying this one, while I am still here, fine. Just do whatever you like, however you like it, whenever you like it, as long as the interest is served and power is retained. I think that’s very dangerous. It is. I think so. So power must be sweet and intoxicating to those who have it.”