Tietie made the remarks during an interview on Arise News, where he assessed the ongoing political tension in Rivers State and its wider implications for Nigeria’s democratic stability.
According to him, excessive political power concentrated in the hands of one individual, without institutional restraint, often leads to unintended consequences.
In his word: “If the president does not call him to order, he may become the next victim,” Tietie warned, suggesting that unchecked influence can rebound on those who wield it.
The human rights lawyer stressed that no political figure, regardless of status or past achievements, should exercise authority that overshadows constitutional institutions, political parties, or even the presidency.
He argued that democracy thrives on balance, restraint, and respect for established structures, not on personal dominance.
Tietie’s comments come against the backdrop of claims by Wike that he has effectively united members of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State under his political influence.
Those assertions have generated controversy, particularly as leaders of both parties have publicly maintained that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains the recognised political leader of the state.
According to Tietie, political authority in Nigeria is meant to flow through political parties, elected offices, and democratic institutions, not through intimidation or personal networks.
He cautioned that when a single political actor positions himself above party leadership, governors, and formal institutions, it creates instability and erodes democratic norms.
“When politics becomes about one individual rather than institutions, the system becomes fragile,” he said, noting that such situations often breed fear, resentment, and resistance within the political space.
The lawyer also reflected on Rivers State’s history of political crises, recalling how prolonged power struggles in the past resulted in court battles, administrative paralysis, and governance setbacks.
According to him, those periods of uncertainty slowed development and diverted attention away from the needs of ordinary citizens.
“When leaders are consumed by power struggles, it is the people who suffer,” Tietie noted.
“Basic governance is stalled, development projects are delayed, and citizens are left bearing the cost of elite political battles.”
Tietie further argued that the presidency has a responsibility to ensure that political actors within the federal government operate within acceptable boundaries.
He said allowing any minister to exercise overwhelming political influence at the state level could undermine federal cohesion and democratic accountability.
While acknowledging Wike’s political experience and influence, Tietie insisted that such attributes must be exercised with caution and respect for democratic principles.
He warned that history has shown that individuals who accumulate excessive power without restraint often become isolated and vulnerable when political tides shift.
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