Opinion
Use And Abuse Of Political Powers
The dream of acquiring political powers in Nigeria has no doubt assumed a dangerous shift. The list of those with a high propensity and desperation to acquire and control political powers now include all manner of personalities; politicians, academics, businessmen, housewives, medicines, sycophants, “agboros”, lunatics among others. The reasons for this psychopathic obsession and unbridled penchant for power is not far-fetched.
It is due to the fact that a political office in Nigeria gives a free hand to the occupant to syphone task payers money with relative ease. It is also the shortest means of bidding farewell to denigrating poverty, as demonstrated through the magical measures through which most weilders of political power rise from asthetic models to become exhibitionist millionaires.
I remember listening keenly to two motor park touts last December, discussing the prospect and fortunes of the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State. Tucked in a heated debate, they openly engrossed their bid to contest for councillorship in their respective wards. Their point of discussion was laden with assurances of victory at the poll based on high profile patronages, and tacit endorsement by their political godfathers. Their conviction however portrayed great ignorance over the point that such positions actually go with responsibilities. They counted on their past roles in previous elections and sealed their conviction that it was time to be rewarded. They also vowed with their blood to dismantle any force that may stand against their ambition. Then I retracted and boarded a vehicle to my destination, to avoid any attention from the touts, and the episode rankled in my memory throughout the journey.
In my reverie, I wondered what was happening to Nigeria’s political future. It dawned on me that the two miscreants may not have opted to test the murky political terrain of the country with such assurance, without an antecedent that is most amenable to the ways of political acquisition and emergence. Their hope of emerging as councilors in the forthcoming election is thus based on affiliation with some apple carts, or the sheer underpinning of some political godfathers whom they have dutifully served or allegedly delivered in previous elections, through the armour of poli-thug violence.
For this class of Political underdogs, wielding the right capacity for managerial and administrative competence is immaterial. Threading the familiar path of the country’s political history, they are rest assured of victory through a well planned power relay under appellations and political concepts such as, zoning, loyalty, party interest among others.
This upsurge in political declivity is an indication that our country is doomed to the loath of crass materialism, with all categories of scoundrels let loose on our society as leaders.
The pre-requisite of securing elective positions is no longer based on ability but affinity to the emerging ruling class, not minding the mental state of the personalities involved, morally depraved persons, and half baked nitwits have been handpicked by political parties to occupy political offices to perpetuate deceit and remit the spoils of such offices to their godfathers at the expense of the masses who are hapless spectators.
With the awesome display of power by political leaders, the citizens can hardly query those in authority and make them accountable for their deeds and misdeeds. The will of the people has been circumscribed by power and the widening gulf that exist between them and their political leaders.
Clad in perpetual servitude and unmitigated poverty, the people act as starving spectators at the stupendous display of opulence and ravishing grandeaur of the political class.
Shakespeare described a man drowning in power as such; “But man, proud man dressed in a little brief authority, most ignorant of what he is most assured, his glassy essence, like an angry ape, plays such fantastic trick before high heavens as makes the angels weep”.
The fleeting pleasure of power if not put under decisive control can blur the vision of governance and render the person in control to be swayed and hulled in the oriental discharge of self gratification as against the collective will of the people. When one acquires power there are always tempting voices and false encomiums that brandish you as the greatest one in the world. But one must be considerate to listen to the one voice that revolts against such meretricious inducement. The first voices are mostly selfish appeals and bloated ego that tend to drive one towards inordinate ambitions and eccentricities.
The latter builds trust and commands the confidence of the populace. According Lord Acton, “power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely”.
It is pertinent to note that most leaders who arrogated too much powers to themselves, and got deluded to sanction the determined will of the people were madvertendly conflagrated in their romance with power.
Abacha, Hitler, Mobutu, Samuel Doe, Bokassa, sadam Hussein, Idi Amin, and most recently Ghadafi, among so many other madmen of history, are case studies.
In the final analysis, power may justly be compared to a great river; while kept within its bound it is both powerful and useful, but when it overflows its banks, it is then too impetous to be put under control. It bears down on the ford and brings destruction and desolation whereever it comes. If this is the nature of power, let us then do our duty like wise compatriots using our utmost case and concern to promote the ideals of social justice and democratic liberties, noting that absolute power belongs to the people.
Taneh Beemene
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.