Opinion
Zoning And LG Elections
There is no doubt that local government elections are important in the political history of Nigeria. This is because it marks a turning point in the development of the country.
One major issue that cannot be overlooked is that local government councils are the third tier level of government after the state and federal governments. Its existence became very imperative in 1976 when the then military Head of State, Gen Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd) and his second-in-command, late Gen Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, took a far-reaching decision to create that form of government. Their aim was to establish a system of government that allows for closer interaction and interface with the grassroots, and a cadre of leaders, with root in the communities, who would better understand and appreciate the challenges of rural development, and tackle them at that level, without necessarily going the whole hub of attracting state and federal government attention, for all problems.
Since then, the rural dwellers have been feeling the presence of government in virtually all aspects of life, including employment and empowerment of the teeming populace at the countryside. It was essentially for this reason that the Federal Government has often increased budgetary allocations to the local government administration.
This is to enable the elected council chairmen and their councilors to strategically address the developmental needs of the grassroots, as spelt out in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In fact, the mandates given the elected leader at the local government level by the people are geared towards making life comfortable for the rural folks in order to justify the huge responsibilities placed on their shoulders by not just the Constitution but the electorate.
According to Karl Marx, he greatest social scientist of our time, “to raise the peasant to the position of the ruling class is to win the battle of democracy.” To underscore the significance of this maxim, and bring it to bear on our local environment, the whole essence of government and democracy, all the political parties, opinion leaders and stakeholders in the local government areas of Rivers State, and most other states in Nigeria, came together, and agreed on the principle of zoning as a way of ensuring good governance, equal and equitable representation, and spread of development across all sections of the communities and local governments.
This, indeed, has resulted in the zoning of the chairmanship and councillorship positions among the various communities in the local government areas to avoid unnecessary controversies arising from cheating, marginalisation, domination, suppression, and other antics used by political heavyweights to sideline less privileged or endowed communities in the control of the resources of the local governments.
In Rivers State, for instance, this system of government has been in place for a long time, thereby making it possible for most communities to enjoy the dividends of democracy. It has created political leaders in communities where none would have emerged without any such strategy in place.
Apart from that, the zoning formula has also brought about competition amongst the elected council officials as most of them strive to do better than the others in the running of the councils. Even development projects are now spread across the communities to give all the people a sense of belonging. Perhaps, the result of this is the fact that some of the local governments that observe and respect the zoning principle have had more peace, stability and development than others who have flagrantly abused the zoning formula.
Of course, the concept of zoning, if strictly followed and adhered to by all the local government areas, would reduce frequent frictions and cases of electoral violence, because those whose turn it is to produce the next council chairman will wash their eyes thoroughly and present credible, mature and qualified candidates to run for elective offices during local government polls.
But the question now is: Has this zoning principle been fully applied in the emergence of candidates for tomorrow’s local government elections in all the political parties? Are we sure that cases of imposition of candidates did not rear its ugly head again this time around? Are we sure that only credible candidates that are incorruptible, have exemplary leadership qualities, and are above sectional interest are chosen to contest for the plum jobs at the third tiers of government?
As the local government elections slated for Saturday, May 21, draws to a decisive moment, there are already complaints of violation of the zoning principle in the election of candidates during the recently concluded party primaries. Even the screening of party candidates by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has raised tension amongst some political parties and leaders, some whom have already complained of attempts to undermine their candidates’’ chances of scaling the hurdles set forth by the state elections umpire.
Talking of the zoning arrangement, it is already clear that some of the candidates contesting in tomorrow’s elections are sponsored by old politicians, or better still, money bags, who still play the game of godfatherism. If the last series of elections in April for National Assembly, president, governors/state Houses of Assembly are anything to go by, these politicians who have failed to play by the rules of the game should allow the RSIEC borrow a leaf from the present Independent National Electoral Commission headed by Prof Mohammed Attahiru Jega, which has exhibited zero tolerance for any form of rigging and malpractice.
The so-called godfathers, who had messed up the system in the past, have now staged a come back with their clique, putting finishing touches on how to truncate the zoning method, and cause confusion in most local governments of the state. But given the feelers from the last local government administrations across the state, and the abysmal performance of majority of the chairmen, it is incumbent on Rivers people to look inwards, and carefully elect credible people of their choice to run the affairs of the local governments, irrespective of party leanings.
Security agencies and their operatives should ensure that they are on top of the situation to avoid break down of law and order, chaos and anarchy. Already, the state Commissioner of Police, Suleiman Abbah, has warned trouble makers to stay clear of polling centres tomorrow, as the more than 20,000 security personnel deployed to manage the polls have been placed on red alert to deal decisively with anyone caught violating the electoral laws.
In addition to that, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi had earlier given an assurance that votes must count this time around, and that the electorate’s rights would be respected. I think the only way to guarantee sustainable democracy and development in the polity is for stakeholders to respect the laws of the land, conduct themselves in an orderly fashion, and allow the electorate to decide who governs them at the local government level. It is only when the people are allowed to freely decide their faith and destiny would peace and democracy rule the state, and indeed, the nation.
Nwauwa, a public affairs analyst, writes from Port Harcourt.
Magnus Nwauwa
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
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.
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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