Opinion
Lessons From Gadafi’s Death
The Bible says in Ecc. 3:1-9; “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die …”what profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboreth?”
The journey of man begins the first day of his birth. On 29th of October, 2011, President Moamar Gaddafi who reused to step down like his counterparts in Egupt and Tunisia was killed like a dangerous beast by the same people he ruled with high-handedness. He was given opportunity by the Libyan Transitional Council to surrender but he thought he was insurmountable. Nobody, no matter his or her position in life is more than his citizens.
Our leaders must learn to rule without coercing their people to obey them. Today Gaddafi has died. He was a dictator who did not want to listen to the opinion of his people. There are leaders like Gaffafi hiding amongst us. And some of them might look at Gaddafi as a coward. But the truth is that in the presence of a tyrant nobody grumbles and goes scot free. In Libya, Gaddafi was the government.
Though he executed some meaningful projects that made Libyans to enjoy their economy to some extent, but his long stay in power caused his downfall.
Dictatorship as a style of government does not make a dictator popular. Everything on earth has an end. Most human leaders think of themselves and forget to know that without the people they are nothing. Would the end of Gaddafi and dictatorship teach leaders of the world a lesson? Our leaders must learn to rule for their citizens to celebrate their death. The death of Colonel Gaddafi was greeted with high level of jubilation across Libya. Everyone must learn from the death of Gaddafi. All the popularity of Gaddafi has soured. Leadership is not about how it is defined but about how it is exercised by those in positions of leadership.
According to the Bible, there is a time for everything. There was a time Gaddafi was a liberator but was later seen as a dictator who had no love for his people. The rise and all of Gaddafi is a story that humanity should learn from. Leaders should not allow the sweetness of power to intoxicate them to do the contrary. The leaders in Africa who inherit their countries as their personal properties should think twice. It was obvious that Gaddafi was a great threat to Libyans.
Gaddafi’s international reputation was diffle with his dictatorial and tyrannical tendencies. Let the Libyan Transitional council rebuild Libya destroyed by internal aggression. Thus, change is an element of development. Any leader who sees himself as the ultimate is a dictator and a killer of his people.
Some African leaders who manipulate their lawmakers to review the constitution to their continuous stay in power should think twice.
Gaddafi ruled forty two years as president of Libya. It was said to note that Gaddafi was grooming his children to take over from him. It is common to note that some African leaders weaken their citizens in order to remain in power till the day of their death. Today, the family of Gaddafi has been torn to pieces. It is an unpleasant consequence. The raging wave of violence across the world today is as a result of some leaders who want to die in power.
In Bahrain, remain and for instance, about twenty doctors were sentenced to several years of imprisonment for treating protesters who were wounded in the course of protesting against the Bahraini government. That was an action of a dictator. Dictators are everywhere. Those who support dictators to maltreat their citizens should learn from what has happened to pro- Gaddafi loyalist in Libya.
Leaders are not for terror. But some leaders have made themselves terror to their people. They Libyan people with the aid of North Atlantic Treaty organization (NATO) have overcome dictatorship in the land of Libya. It is also a huge lesson for other citizens of the world who are oppressed by their leaders to learn how to rise for freedom. Any leader who makes himself a threat to his people shall be pulled down. African leaders as a matter of fact must look beyond the present state of things. Most African leaders clinch to power in order to dictate to their citizens; and in the end amass unquanitiiable wealth.
The Gaddafi’s episode would run through many generations. The revolution has gradually come to an end. World leaders are not left out in the celebration of the death of Gaddafi. How would his descendants who are left behind feel? It is time for leaders to refrain from becoming dictators.
The principles of Gaddafi’s leadership must be done away with to avoid revolution. There is need for political leaders to practice democratic principles in their countries.
Today while majority are celebrating his fall and death, few are also mourning his death. He was a dictator who had so many strategies to get his perceived enemies. I reiterate that world leaders, especially African leaders should learn more from the death of Colonel Gaddafi who was shot in broad day light in sirte his home.
There is a great need for leaders to have the fear of God while ruling their people. Therefore, time has come for leaders to live by example. The death of Gaddafi is a lesson for humanity.
Frank Ogwuonuonu a public affairs analyst, resides Port Harcourt.
Frank Ene Awaji Ogwuonuonu
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.
-
Sports3 days ago
Nigerian Athletes Serving Doping Bans
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
Ex-IYC President Lampoons Atiku’s Presidential Ambition … Declares It Negative Impact On N’Delta
-
News3 days ago
Tinubu Never Stopped 5-year Visa For U S. Citizens – Presidency ?
-
Featured3 days ago
INEC To Unveil New Party Registration Portal As Applications Hit 129
-
Business3 days ago
Industry Leaders Defend Local Content, … Rally Behind NCDMB
-
News3 days ago
KENPOLY Appoints Abalubu As Ag. Registrar
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
C’River Focused On Youth Empowerment – Commissioner
-
News3 days ago
UN Warns Floods May Unleash Toxic Chemicals, Pose Risk To Elderly, Ecosystems