Opinion
Rekindling The Spirit Of Patriotism
Patriotism is defined as the love someone has for his or her country and willingness to defend it. And a patriot is a person who loves their country and who is ready to defend it against an enemy. Yes, watching and seeing the happenings in Nigeria one would conclude that there is no spirit of patriotism. When there is the spirit of patriotism in our country things will be better. Where are the patriots who have made sacrifices for the existence of our dear country? Is there any benefit of patriotism in Nigeria? Is government at all levels, taking note of the efforts of patriots in Nigeria?
When patriotism is swept under the carpet in a country, chaos and corruption take over the system of governance. When patriotism is caged, disunity, underdevelopment, bribery and corruption are let loose to intimidate the few patriots around the country. Nigeria as a nation is suffering from unpatriotism on the part of its citizens.
When a patriot is molested in broad day light as a common criminal by agents of those in authority, what do you think will happen in such a society? There will be increase in social vices which would in turn endanger the progress of governance in the nation. Patriots are worried about the state of affairs in Nigeria. It is instructive that the first stanza of our national anthem begins with this: “Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey”. How can Nigerians be patriotic when the few patriots are not given due attention by the government?
History does not forget to inform the people of past events, no matter the suppression by the present circumstances. Inventors, discoverers, authors, scientists whose works help other parts of the world are given national or international honours from their countries of origin just as the prostitute. Rehab who hid the two spies from being killed by her people was honoured by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua.
On Monday night, 23rd April, 2012, precisely at 9:00pm, I was dumbfounded while listening to a programme on Silverbird Television (STV). The programme called Head to Head was anchored by Mr. Victor Ayara and the guest was one Mr. Umoren Etim, a former customs officer. It was pathetic and heart breaking listening to Mr. Umoren Etim. This man was the person who aided the arrest of Charles Taylor, the former president of Liberia who committed war crimes against his people. According to him, when he stopped the car taking Charles Taylor out in a border town in Maidugiri, he was offered a huge sum of $450,000.00 (Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars) by Charles Taylor to let him escape from Nigeria. Mr. Umoren Etim turned down the offer which was mind blowing. It is very rare for a Nigerian to reject such huge amount of bribe. But a Nigerian in this modern age rejected such offer that would have made him a millionaire over night.
Indeed, by then in 2006, Nigeria was facing international condemnation for aiding and shielding Charles Taylor in Calabar, Nigeria. The international media beamed their search light on Nigeria. Mr. Umoren Etim, the uncelebrated national hero who frustrated the smart effort by Charles Taylor was embarrassed. It was reported that Charles Taylor told Mr. Umoren Etim, the unknown patriot, “Take this money and save your job; for there are people in authority who are aware of this’. Mr. Umoren Etim remained adamant and ignored the threat, and immediately made his arrest public. And suddenly, there was conspiracy to embarrass the patriot who loved the country and removed Nigeria’s name from international shame. The only national “award” given to him was a sack letter in 2006. It is unfair. Today, Mr. Umoren Etim is suffering for the good work he had done for lifting Nigeria’s name from the mud. He has reportedly not received any benefit from the Nigerian Customs Service and the Nigerian government.
And everyday we hear jingles on radios and televisions soliciting patriotism from Nigerians. Is it good to disgrace a hero who has performed extraordinarily? That alone kills the spirit of patriotism which we are yearning for as a nation. If the few Nigerians who are patriotic are treated like armed robbers, what will be the fate of intending patriots. Mr. Umoren Etim deserves a national honour in Nigeria and reinstatement from the Nigerian Custom Service.
When one artist, Idris Abulkareem released a song entitled “Nigeria Jagajaga” the Nigerian government did not waste time to ban the song. And in the song the artiste made reference to Charles Taylor hiding in Calabar. Taiwo Akiwonmi, the man who designed the national flag was not honoured as Nigerian hero. But in some other nations of the world, the history of the country would be incomplete without mentioning the designer of their national flag.
The issue is that the way government treats the courageous patriots makes others to join the crowd. It is not helping our economic and political system. Those who squander public treasuries are celebrated in Nigeria and red carpet is put for their home coming. That is why Nigerians are afraid to cooperate with security agencies in the country when they offer ransom to aid the arrest of criminal elements. And again Nigeria as a country stands the chances of losing man power to other nations of the world. How can Nigerians support government to succeed in fighting corruption when the corrupt officials are celebrated and public party is organised for their release from short prison term? We need to change as a people.
It is time for government to build trust by encouraging patriots who have shown patriotism in the face of huge bribery that would have changed their entire lives for life. I know there are patriots and there will be patriots who will serve humanity without minding the ill treatment from those who should appreciate them. That is why we can easily observe poor maintenance culture in the country. That is why somebody can have the guts to vandalise public facilities and go scot free without arrest.
But for how long shall we continue in this obnoxious practice as a nation? This is the only time we have as a nation to promote patriotism. Let us not kill the spirit of patriotism that we earnestly need in Nigeria as never before. Patriotism will go a long way in eradicating corruption that is seen as a monster ravaging purposeful development of our nation. Help the patriots who support and render selfless services to the nation.
Ogwuonuonu resides in Port Harcourt.
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.
-
Business2 days ago
PH Women Plan Alternative Stew, Shun Tomato High Prices
-
Foods/Drinks2 days ago
What To Know About Your Menu
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Ex-IYC President Lampoons Atiku’s Presidential Ambition … Declares It Negative Impact On N’Delta
-
News2 days ago
Tinubu Never Stopped 5-year Visa For U S. Citizens – Presidency ?
-
Featured2 days ago
INEC To Unveil New Party Registration Portal As Applications Hit 129
-
Business2 days ago
Industry Leaders Defend Local Content, … Rally Behind NCDMB
-
Sports2 days ago
Nigerian Athletes Serving Doping Bans
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
C’River Focused On Youth Empowerment – Commissioner