Opinion
New States Creation, A Priority
It was in the news recently that state creation may not be given the prime position it deserves in the ongoing constitution review or amendment at the National Assembly. The Thisday Newspaper report of Wednesday, August 19, 2009, quoted the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Usman Bayero Nafada, to have said that the issue of state creation had been placed on “technical suspension”, as the House has chosen to concentrate on electoral reforms.
Much as I agree with the Hon. Deputy Speaker that the electoral reforms bill should be given expedited attention, which is even long over-due, it must be stated very clearly that non-creation of new states, especially in the South Eastern geo-political region, would amount to perpetuation of injustice and imbalance in our representative democracy. That would be totally unacceptable.
The hallmark of representative democracy, the sort that we propose to be practising in Nigeria is equality of all before the law; which by extension includes the need for equal representation, equal freedom and equal justice. The National Assembly, the highest and most important symbol of law making and people-based-sovereignty in this country is a product of the conglomeration of all elected representatives taken from existing states of the federation. Indeed, the claim to the Federation of Nigeria is on the basis of states coming together from different geopolitical zones; each representing many diverse units of socio-cultural interests.
As presently constituted, the National Assembly has two Chambers, or what is called a bicameral legislature, made up of a Senate and a House of Representatives. The Senate is a 109-seat body with three members from each state and one from the capital region of Abuja and members are elected by popular vote to four-year terms. On its part, the House of Representatives contains 360 seats and the number of seats per state is determined by population; a method which is open to political manipulation. But what stands out from the foregoing is that both the Senate and the House of Representatives derive their members from the number of the existing states of the Federation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
As a carry-over from the military rule which incidentally ‘midwifed’ the promulgation of the present 1999 Constitution, the South Eastern geo-political region presently boasts of only five (States, while all others have six, and even seven states in a particular case. What that means automatically is a form of system based disadvantage in representation against the South East geo-political region. The impact of this has been negatively felt through 1999 till date in the quality of representation that has emerged from the National Assembly towards affairs in the South East.
Things that other geopolitical regions can lobby and achieve by sheer weight of their numbers, the South Eastern zone must kow-tow to the powers s that be, and compromise their positions before favourable hearing may be expected, if at all. Even in Federal appointments, it is very obvious that the South East is short-changed, mainly because names are submitted and selected on the basis of states of the Federation. Indeed, considered properly a reform of the electoral system, without the reform ( call it creation) of the imbalance in states representation, will be like a job done half way. The whole idea behind electoral reform is to guarantee that we run people-based democratic government, where the votes count and the elected representatives equally support a balance of power that instructed our peculiar sub-division into geo-political zones. That balance of power is part of what has sustained our r democracy till date.
Without redressing such political imbalance, as we now have, it means the South East geopolitical zone – would engage in the next nationwide elections knowing already that it will be under-represented at the National Assembly, at the Federal Executive Council, and even across Federal Boards of Corporations and Ministries. One always likes to desist from reading into this sort of situation the much talked about, or much known, marginalisation of the South East, for the simple reason that we should have over-grown such sentiments. But each time and everywhere one looks, it still seems as if the problem of rnarginalisation and orchestrated injustice against sections of this country is very much with us.
The worry is even aggravated when elected representatives, including even the Governors from the South East zone all adopt the ‘sidon-look’ attitude. Why would the Governors not come together and form a powerful lobby group to ensure that their geopolitical zone is not short-changed in such a fundamental and far-reaching manner? Why do they see problems that would have collateral damage and negative impact on their zones, and simply look the other way?
Before now, it was the manipulation of national census to the extent that the South East is now virtually the least populated in the country; and yet South Easterners to the knowledge of every Nigerian, thickly populate all corners of Nigeria. In the allocation of House of Representatives seats, and electoral constituencies, population is the main yardstick; and so it means that which ever zone has succeeded in piling up its numbers would automatically get more representative seats and constituencies. The highly commended posture of Lagos State, which instituted parallel head-count during the last controversial census simply proved how much of manipulation goes into juggling the figures after each head count. Lagos State eventually came out with figures that truly justify the influx of people into the State on daily basis. Today, the revenue base of Lagos State is the envy of even the Federal government.
The question then is for how long would the Governors of South Eastern States, and elected representatives sit and wait for an elusive help to come from outside the zone? How long would they helplessly lament the incident of marginalisation, while resolving, by their present inaction, to do nothing about the situation? Why would someone continue to participate in a game where the rules are programmed, ab initio, to work against him?
Irrespective of the position being taken by the National Assembly towards creation of more states, the South Easterners should rise up to show they have a special case. The issue is really not creation of state per se, but redressing an imbalance; which if not redressed would make nonsense of the outcome of the electoral reform. The South East should as a matter of national importance be given even representation by creation of at least one additional State. It is such a matter of importance to the political welfare of the South East that they should be ready and prepared to boycott future elections if this is not included in the on-going constitutional review.
Unegbe is a legal practitioner in Lagos.
Ikechukwu Unegbe
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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