Opinion
In Need Of History Teachers
I wish to to congratulate
the Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi on his recent decision to employ about ten thousand teachers and non-teachers to equip the education sector with enough man power. Certainly, when this is done, it would bridge the gap between free quality education and Rivers people as well as portray the Amaechi Government as an education-friendly one. However, I also wish to draw the good attention of our amiable and award winning Governor to one crucial area of need as he is determined to employ more manpower in the education sector. This is History which has been neglected and abandoned over the years in our secondary school system as a teaching subject, especially in this technological or computer age where science subjects are the be-all and the end-all.
History is ubiquitous, and everyone and everything have a history. For this reason, History has been variously defined by various scholars, including practising historians. Generally, History, as an academic subject, is viewed as the study of past important events, to appreciate the present and plan for the future. Unfortunately, the study and teaching of History has not been accorded its pride of place in the scheme of things. According to Obaro Ikume, Emeritus Professor of History and one time Chairman of Historical Society of Nigeria, HSN, “Nigeria is the only country known to me that deliberately decided that the history of its people must not be taught to its people! In the last twenty odd years, our children were hardly taught Nigerian History at the primary or secondary school”. This assessment is most pronounced in Rivers state secondary schools where most students are denied of the existence of History as one of the academic subjects due to lack of trained History teachers.
Worse still, the educated proprietors of privately owned schools and principals of public/government schools do not seem to see the need for History to be taught and learnt in their schools. Available evidence at my disposal indicates that in most of these schools, the administrators campaigned against the offering of History as a teaching subject. They queried, what will the study and teaching of History offer the students in this computer age?” The practice is to encourage students to offer Government instead of History. Obviously, this misinformed action has denied their learners the opportunity of knowing their past which is very important to the development of the children and the country.
Obviously, the abandonment of History which ostensibly arose due to gross ignorance and misinformation about the nitty-gritty of the subject matter of History has led to many avoidable mistakes in our development. It is instructive to note that most of our challenges today in the nation building project in a democratic dispensation emanate from our poor grasp of History as a concept. As Daniels (1972:6) reminds us “History is the memory of human group experience, if it is forgotten or ignored, we cease in that measure to be human… historical events have created the basic human groupings – countries, religious classes and all loyalties that are attached to these. History is a source of inspiration as it holds up to us the tradition and the glory, the clashing passions and theroic exploits of past generations.
History deserves to be studied … without History, we have no knowledge of who we are or how we came to be. We come to be like victims of collective amnesia, groping in the dark of our identity…” through History, a nation which wishes to develop sees the need for solidarity and identity so provided as a necessary ingredient for national consciousness which ultimately becomes the hallmark for nation building.
Infact, “a nation that does not know its history is fated to repeat”.
It needs to be stressed also that History occupies an important place, in the education of the young ones. Whitehead (1959) perceptibly notes “If education is to sit a child for life the, the present is the outcome of the ideals, conflicts, stresses, pressures, accidents, and intentions of the past and that to understand the society one lives one needed a knowledge of its historical development”. The Newton Report (1963) luminously adds that “a man who is ignorant of the society in which he lives, who knows nothing of his place in the world and has not thought about his place in it, is not a free man even though he has a vote”. To properly situate man in his milieu and to enable him give back to the society as a functional member, the teaching of History is expedient.
It is instructive to point up that History from the outset has been used as the main mirror in which the society sees itself for reappraisal, re-examination and revalidation. History, the “Queen of the Arts’ and ‘the Ambassador of humanities’ as variously described has been a veritable tool for organising and understanding man’s society the world over. History makes room for identity, settles conflicts, offers citizenship education, helps in the intellectual development. Of the citizens/leaders, provides hindsight for policy makers, gives one a sense of international value, provision of information and research as well as provide the very tap root that prevents our culture from being blown away by the wind of technology sweeping across the globe.
N-ue (2001) in his monumental work entitled the, “Utility of History and Historical Scholarship” discloses that History is necessary in a town before an avoidable mistake will occur. He stresses that the people of Niger Delta scornfully look at an individual who displays gross sense of ignorance of their much cherished local or community history. Such people are dubbed Nee Saanee, meaning a stranger. A cliché in Sogho (Ogoni) oral tradition says Nee Saanee, na sua bana mani, thismeans it is only a stranger in the community who does not know its loo. This is similar to the Ijo tradition which states that Ama nimighabo/Dudu Ogono, which literally means “A stranger in town walks over hallowed graves”. Alagoa (2006:37) sharply observes that it is only a stranger that could be assumed to be ignorant. The consequences of such ignorance is the descration of taboos, such as walking over graves, which the Ijo described as Nondo (ie.e non-human). Nondo is a severe case of loss of humanity.
From the above, it is historically plausible to deduce that a stranger showed this sense of negligence of the ethos, custom and tradition of the land due to lack of historical knowledge. Thus, the study and teaching of Nigerian history is crucial especially in this era of globalization when our culure is threatened.
To be continued.
Samuel wrote from Port Harcourt.
N-ue, UeBari Samuel
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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