Opinion
Before The Tokunbo Cars Arrive
Since the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan assumed office in May 2009 he had embarked on deliberate policies aimed at making life more meaningful for the ordinary citizens who have been pauperised by anti-people policies of previous administrations. One such development which Nigerians will never forget in a hurry and which has endeared him so much to the people, is the fact of making petroleum products readily available at filling stations, even at festive periods, and at the reach of the rich and humble.
No need to add that the availability of petroleum products is the master stroke that places him ahead of others in the presidential race, especially ahead of those that have been in power either as vice presidents or whatever, not to mention the dramatic improvement in electricity supply across the country since he took over. With his determination to overhaul the nation’s security system and make it more proactive in the protection of lives and property of citizens and guarantee influx of foreign investors to boost the economy, no one is left in doubt that this administration means well for a greater percentage of the populace.
It is in this light that stakeholders are viewing the recent lifting of the ban on the importation of vehicles older than 10 years into the country by this administration.
This decision which was conveyed by the Minister of Finance, Mr. Olusegun Aganga last November indicated that any vehicle manufactured 15 years ago is now free to enter the nation’s sea ports for customs clearance.
In short, a number of other items were said to have been removed from the import prohibition list by Mr. President. The other products are cassava, toothpicks, furniture, textile fabrics, embroidered fabric and made up garments. Besides, the President also approved an import duty of 10 per cent on the vehicles. Following from this policy pronouncement various stakeholders have aired different views as to its economic justification or otherwise. Some have criticised the policy as ill-timed in view of the huge sum of N500 billion recently released to boost the manufacturing sector which they insist needed some protection from cheaper foreign goods. They also contend that the plan could lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for an assortment of old vehicles which are being rejected in other countries on account of emission of dangerous and environmentally unfriendly gases. However, other stakeholders have hailed the policy saying that since Nigeria is the destination of over 90 percent of the vehicles which are imported through other West African ports, there is no point depriving the country of the revenue derivable from import duties on the vehicles.
To support this position, acting chairman, Port Consultative Council, Mr. Kunle Folarin lauded government decision to review the age limit of imported used cars but insisted that the customs duty payable on the old cars be increased. This Folarin argued was necessary to limit the proliferation of broken down vehicles imported into Nigeria.
Corroborating this view, the chairman, Board of Trustees, National Association of Government Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, Mr. Usman Sanusi described the policy as a welcome development which could throw smugglers out of business, adding that it would be better if government would allow more cars to come in instead of losing revenue to neighbouring countries.
All said, the policy is capable of having very wide ranging positive and negative effects on Nigeria’s economy. The country, no doubt, need to diversify its sources of revenue in order to accommodate the myraid of problems now challenging the government, ranging from inadequate funding of educational and health institutions to combating the frighteningly growing incidence of insecurity now pervading the land.
The level of insecurity is heightened by the fact that no day passes without reports over the seizure of arms and ammunitions from the country’s sea ports or from its land borders by security operatives, not even as we believe that some of such illegal cargo must have slipped past security dragnets.
It therefore behoves the security agencies to put their acts together on how to combat the possibility of unscrupulous importers using the leverage of their cargo-ships which would now berth at Nigerian ports, to import more arms and ammunition into the country, particularly in view of the need to ensure free, fair elections in April this year.
This alarm is pertinent if pronouncements of some aspirants, who have vowed to make violent change imperative, because they could perceive their defeat at the polls ahead of time, is anything to go by. Moreover, recent bombing incidents in parts of the country during the yuletide and the New Year celebrations should give every well-meaning Nigerian cause to be worried over security measures being put in place to guarantee safety of the electorate during voters registration exercise and the election proper. Therefore, before we throw our ports open for the old cars to come in, plans must be concluded by the security agencies and port operators to ensure unscrupulous importers do not abuse the opportunity by importing weapons instead of cars, hence the need for more security alertness in the implementation of the new policy on Tokunbo cars.
Thomas Abbey
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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