Opinion
A Nation In Leadership Trauma
The ill health of Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is currently undergoing medical treatment at Sauai Arabia should not create dichotomy and disintegration amongst Nigerians particularly the Northern brethren. There is the wise adage that experience is the best teacher.
It could be recalled that soon after the attainment of independence in 1960, things began to fall apart as a result of greed and egocentricism at the dawn of 1964 which marked the genesis of rulership of the uniformed men in Nigeria for over thirty years with three years civil disorder in-between i.e. 1967- January 12, 1970 the duration of the Nigerian Civil War.
Evidently, it is in this democratic dispensation in the political history of the nation that office of the Vice-President has come to the son of Niger Delta region precisely from Bayelsa State of Nigeria in the personality of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, a renowned university don. What a pride to the Niger Deltans and the entire Nigeria citizenry that such a rare gem is the second in command of the government at the Federa Capital Territory (Abuja).
Prior 1960, Nigeria was in two separate entities known as Northern and Southern Protectorates in conjunction with the colonial administrators, the two protectorates were unified or amalgamated which begat what we have today as a sovereign nation called Nigeria. A British colonial master, Sir Freerick Lord Lugard in 1914, championed that amalgamation. Notably, since the amalgamation syndrome, the Niger Delta has been languishing and suffering in silence under the tyrannical and dictatorial leadership of the Northerners in the spirit of one indivisible entity, Nigeria. Statistically, over eighty-five per cent of the Northerners have been in the helms of affairs, while the products that boost the economy of the nation, which they are controlling at will, emanate from the bonafide soil of the Southern Protectorate, invariably known as the Niger Delta region.
The Niger Deltans has been under socio-economic and political suppression all these while. Without hesitation, it is crystal clear that the huge mineral resources which is the main based of the nation’s sustainability, is coming from the Niger Delta region with particular attention to Ogba ethnic geographical axis of ONELGA of Rivers State of Nigeria where crude oil and gas are being daily explored and exploited in quantities to service the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLGN) at the Bonny Terminals as well as the Eleme Petrochemical Nigeria Limited (EPNL) respectively.
Suddenly, on November 10, 1995 the world Human Rights Activist – General Sani Abacha’s military regime for the simple fact that they asked for systematic benevolence and justice for the common interest of the Niger Deltans silenced Kenule Saro-Wiwa and other prominent personalities of the Niger Delta region to the great beyond.
Biologically, Nigeria is almost fifty (50) years of age both physically, socially, politically, religiously, economically, culturally, traditionally, athletically, philosophically, psychologically and what have you. In fact, Nigeria is a mature sovereign nation and, of course, being classified amongst the developing nations of the global environment.
What captured one’s interest is that Nigeria is also the giant of the continent of Africa, operating a Presidential system of government borrowing a leaf from the United States of America (USA). Even in the educational domain, over sixty-five percent of the populace are literate individuals, moreover as educational institutions are scattered all over the nooks and crannies across board. Basically, this is a true assessment and evaluation.
However, it is disheartening to observe the reasoning and methodology of some well-placed and meaningful Nigerians over an infinitesimal issue such as the illness of President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua who is away in Saudi Arabia to take care of himself. It is obvious that sickness is on the natural phenomenons which awaits every mortal beings dwelling on the surface of this contaminated planet earth.
Therefore, it should not be a matter for acute debate to the point of urging the President to resign his political portfolio while still breathing. It was more injurious when some Northern cabals have ganged up to stop the Vice-President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan from Presidential participation in his capacity and wish him resign.
Certainly, in a Publication in The Weekend Tide of Saturday, December 5, 2009 the following assertions were: “for fear that he may step into shoes of the President as provided for in the 1999 Constitution.” The Weekend Tide further learnt that “powerful Northern groups like the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Dr. Olusola Saraki-led Northern Union (CU) had met.” It was reported “that these groups are not favourably disposed to seeing Jonathan’s possibly stepping into the President’s shoes since he is not from North and would stop at nothing in ensuring that he does not succeed.” These excerpts are made under the caption: Security Beefs-Up Around Jonathan.
Similarly, at the front page of a local tabloid of the Niger Delta December 7-13,2009 it was captioned: Niger Delta Militants Threaten Secession if … Herein, the Joint Revolutionary Council, an umbrella body of all militant groups in the Niger Delta lamented the alleged pressure on the Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan to resign. According to them “We therefore condemn any attempt to undermine him or question his ability and capacity for service to the country and loyalty to President Yar’Adua. “For too long, dubious northern cabals have continued to exploit the ignorance of Southern politics to sow divisions and create anarchy, that time is over. “We will continue to watch the evolving process.” Recently, there are jubilations over the gallant wisdom of Mr. President for the restoration of peace in the Niger Delta through the medium of Amnesty of which the President was highly lauded both within and outside the global community. Although, the Federal Government is not relenting its effort for total combat with militancy and kidnapping syndrome in the Nigerian environment.
Summarily, it does not mean that because the President is sick the nation’s affairs should crumble which may be tantamount to no trustworthy personnel in the system. Of course, this project a negative picture of a nation filled with milk and honey like the Land of Canaan to the wider society. If Mr President is sick, the posit: Is Jonathan also sick? Nigerians should not create room for any confusion in one indivisible entity. The main focus should be to get involve in a prayer network for the President’s quick recovery while the Vice-President pilots the affairs of the nation for he is not incapacitated. We should remember that democracy is still on course!
“How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places. How are the mighty fallen … “ 2nd Samuel 1 vs 25,27. Enough of Niger Delta assaults!
Ominyanwa is a Public Affairs Analyst, RSUST, Port Harcourt.
G.N. Ominyanwa
Opinion
Restoring Order, Delivering Good Governance
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Opinion
Checking Herdsmen Rampage
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
Opinion
Is Nigeria Democratic Nation?
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.
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