Opinion
Police Brutality And Democracy
Precisely 69 years ago, the Nigeria Police Force was established with the primary objective for safety of life, security of property and maintenance of law and order in the civil society. The police constable in those days were only armed with a baton, which of course commanded dignity and respect, by the entire citizenry. Frankly, the constable were honest in the discharge of their civic responsibility and thus brought honour to the nation.
In recent times however, due to crime wave increase in the society and in order to squarely combat the crime situation, members of the Nigeria Police were equipped with more sophisticated weapons.
The dehumanization art of the law enforcement agency to the citizenry is a mockery to a democratic society. In our contemporary environment, the practice of democracy is still at base despite its existence for the past ten years. In fact, the situation is still tottering and suffering psychological, sociological, political, cultural and mental retardation. It is appalling that the word democracy has been abused arbitrarily in our contemporary society. In normal circumstances, democracy simply means government of the people by the people and for the people.
In other words, democracy also depicts government that encourages and allows the rights of citizenship such as freedom of speech and expression of opinion, assertion of the rule of law, society that there is equal treatment of each citizen without class discrimination. Furthermore, citizens should not be treated like aliens. Here at home, citizens are becoming aliens in a democratic system of government with reference to police dehumanization to the common Nigerians on the street. The law enforcement agent has become ravening wolves in sheep’s clothing. Besides fighting the hoodlums in the society, the police have turned their trigger against the innocent citizens.
For instance, extortion from the motorists under compulsion with the sophisticated ammunition at their disposal. Without twisting words, the motorists are grossly and indiscriminately terrorized on the streets of the metropolis and on the highways especially at odd hours of the day in pretence of checking the validity of particulars. Instead of safety of life and property, the scene has metamorphosed into extortion of property, elimination of life and dehumanization of fellow citizens.
On account of eye witness on Tuesday, 10th March, 2009 a commercial bus conductor plying Agip road within the Port Harcourt metropolis, sighted the uniformed men afar and closed the door of the vehicle. However, the uniformed men had already noticed the drama as they stopped the bus at the Estate checkpoint and they ordered all passengers to alight from the vehicle. Although, the passengers that have not reached their parting point, pleaded with the law enforcement agency to allow the driver take them to Agip Bus Stop, requesting that one of them could accompany the bus and later negotiate with the defaulting conductor according to their judgement. The policemen, who could not listen to the passengers, started beating an innocent passenger with the butts of the gun in their arm, which might have resulted to accidental discharge. In fact, the particular passenger was highly humiliated in the public for just no cause. And when enquiry was made why such inhuman treatment meted to the young man, one of the police officer responded that the gun was to be used on man.
At this juncture one could imagine the degree of assault on a bonafide citizen of the land. In the same vein, another bus driver who dropped passengers at a designated bus stop and door closed was also harassed as the bus was moving to the next stop at Mgbuoshimini junction. Considering the situation of events, the police are no friendlier to the society, but have become enemies like cat and dog.
Herein, one is compelled to posit that of what relevance is the operation of a democratic system of governance in our country Nigeria where the view or voice of the common man could be treated with ignominy and abject negligence. The commoners are really roasting in the hands of the uniformed men (the police) especially the motorists that ply the roads. It is obvious that one could hardly differentiate the ugly characteristics of the men of the underworld from the activities exhibited by the law enforcement agency in the society.
The police should not disguise themselves in the military uniform to cause heinous crimes against the citizenry, rather they should realise that they are serving the nation in a civil administrative organisation and not in autocratic, dictatorial and tyrannical system of government. Therefore, they should apply prudence in dealing with the populace. These inhuman arts could be attributed to lack of adequate and appropriate mental, psychological, cultural and religious development of the individual, which would serve as a check and balance of behavioural output in the society. The society is becoming hostile for the fact that the ingredients that constitute a democratic and civil administration has been punctured through treacherous leaders and unscrupulous implementation by insincere elements, hence we lack adequate and dynamic free and democratic society; a just and egalitarian society, a united strong and self reliant nation; a great and dynamic economy and a land full of bright and opportunities for all citizens.
Conclusively, it behooves one to humbly beckon on the Inspector-General of Police Ogbonna Onovo, the Federal and State Commands to organise further training and re-retraining for the uniformed agency, to curb some of these menace in the force. All citizens are custodians of the law and would not allow any ridiculous behaviour that would amount to deface the integrity of the endeared police force. It is high time we comprehend the full meaning of democracy.
Ominyanwa resides in Port Harcourt.
Goddy 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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