IRRESPECTIVE of the outcome of the re-run elections that took place in Rivers State this past weekend, it is going to be a win win situation for the people. That is, if they all agree to accept whatever happens in good faith and decide to put the overall interest of the state above personal and petty sentiments.

They have fought themselves to standstill, in the manner of mutually assured destruction (MAD), the Nyesom Wike versus Rotimi Amaechi’s camp, no side was ready to lose an inch of space and at the end each side got rewarded one way or the other.

The Wike camp got the state and the Amaechi side got the federal government, stalemate. For those who have continued to find fault with the supreme court judgment in favour of Wike, I would want them imagine what the political structure of the country today will look like with Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Abia and Taraba states in the hands of the APC ruling party. We will simply be running a one party state federation with all of its attendant consequences.

Instead, we should commend the supreme court judges for their courage, forthrightness, and commitment to justice in the land. I have always maintained that if you are effectively on ground you cannot be rigged out- see Lagos and Abia state in 2007 elections. Whether the decision was reached through real jurisprudencial reasoning or logic or whether through the doctrine of necessity, it was a good one for the nation and helped to bring the necessary balance to the present political dispensation.

Having said that, the question then is; what is in it for the people of Rivers state? The role of a vibrant opposition in the success of any political administration cannot be over emphasised. It is the watchdog, the monitor and the alternate in waiting should the incumbent falter. It keeps the incumbent in check and enhances transparency. If the right check and balance are properly applied, the monstrosity of corruption will be put in check and we will be close to an ideal democratic situation. That is the advantage that the present situation in River state confer on the people, but, the question remains; will the warring parties sheath their sword and work for the overall interest of the River state people irrespective of tribe or party?

Or, will they choose to dig deeper into their trenches and continue the battle since both sides are adequately funded? It will be to the overall interest of the people of Rivers state to pursue the option of peace for the state and by extension, peace in the Niger Delta region as Rivers state is a key link. If there is peace in Rivers state, it will extend to other parts of the region. Amaechi is today the Minister in charge of transport in the federal republic of Nigeria, Dakuku Peterside is now the helmsman at NIMASA, while Ibim Semenitari holds sway at the NDDC.

These three can use their influence positively for the development of Rivers state. Nyesom Wike is governor of the state that is one of the highest revenue earning. It takes a lot of resources to effect the kind of battle that the two camps are engaged in, if they truly have the people and value of the over all interest of Rivers state, they should sheath their sword and use the resources for the benefit of the people. If they truly love the people, it is time to show it.

As DG NIMASA, Dakuku must ensure that the benefits that has accrued to the Niger Delta people from the previous government are sustained; in the areas of employment generation for youths and infrastructure already in place. For example, the Maritime university project in Delta state that has reached advance stage of take off. He should immediately set up a working committee to fashion out a viable option out for the project.

It must not be  allowed to die as it will benefit the people of the whole Niger Delta and beyond. We cannot over emphasise the numerous benefits that the people of the region and beyond will enjoy if the project is sustained. If the federal government is showing reluctance in moving ahead, Dakuku can work in conjunction with the state governments in the region like, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and others.

The benefits go beyond politics and the legacies will spotlight his role in the whole set up. That is how politics is played. Once elections are over, everyone goes out to rebuild and help the system to move forward. That way, you will have real messages for your people when you are campaigning for election next time. The same thing applies to Ibim Semenitari of the NDDC, it is time to put politics aside and focus on the job. It is only the impact on the job that can guarantee future success in politics.

For Amaechi, several federal government projects are crying for attention like the railway and waterways. If Amaechi concentrates on his job, he will perform, the problem is the politics. The acrimonies must stop for the sake of the innocent and free spirited people of Rivers state.

Wike is the governor and magnanimity in victory is a virtue in leadership. Lives have been lost needlessly because of the unending battles with the opposition, he should ensure that peace reigns in the land by dousing unnecessary political tensions.

The elections are over, it is time to work for the people and allow them to enjoy the benefits of democracy, let all parties work now and leave politics for later.

On the whole, it is  a win-win situation for the Rivers people and it is important for the contending parties to realise this.

Mr.  Sunny Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.