Opinion
Women Emancipation: A Possibility?
Feminism, equal rights, women emancipation, equality “ between man and woman etc. have been critically associated with women’s agitation for absolute parity between the man and the woman, between the husband and his wife. The idea of woman emancipation has been inextricably tied to the purported sense of freedom of independence of self identity and of self-worth. This has engendered so heated an argument that there is now a great divide between those who opine for retainance of the status-quo and those who are saying that the women should be given exactly what she craves oblivious, of course, of the dire consequences of the later adoption.
Well, the struggle has gained so much ground and its recognition has soared tremendously over the years. The platform for action a veritable document from the 1995 Fourth International Conference of Women in Beijing, China, popularly known as Beijing Conference, has summarised women’s demand. These hues and cries of its adoption is all over the world and countries have actually begun its adoption at different levels. The PFA requested that 30 per cent of positions be reserved for women all over the world. Though, the document did not state in clear terms what it meant by positions in government and how the 30 per cent reservation can be achieved but the cries and prayers of the document is being heeded globally. But it would have been better if the idea was made explicit enough. For instance, what does it mean to reserve 30 per cent of positions in government? Does it refer to appointive or elective positions – ministerial, commissioner, directors of government ministries and parastatals elective positions such as president, governor, national assembly, states houses of assembly, councillorship, members of local government council- LGA chairman. Again, what is the proper definition of the idea of reservation? For instance for elective positions does it mean that when elections are being organised, 30% of offices in what category should be left unfilled and kept aside for women whether or not they contest such offices or even if they contest and fail, still such offices be reserved for them? If the later be the case then it means that even for elective positions, women should be appointed and men elected.
We want to ask if this is enough for the women to grant them the self worth, self identity, self esteem and freedom they crave?
We want to say that for the women to be fully independent of men, the following suggestions should be heeded and taken seriously.
Firstly, the women should change the nature that made them women; that is to say, they should do away with everything about them that makes them women – the breast, the womb, the vagina etc.
Secondly, the women cannot be independent of men when they are still wives. A wife is an assistant position by nature. As long as a woman gets married to a man, the man continues to be a lord. The idea of the woman being on her own will help her so much to be independent for then she can go out and come in at will and do whatever she so desires without molestation. I t is also favourable to the women to have a society of women. This is because in their own society, they will imbibe a culture pro their demand because, staying in this plural society they cannot achieve their aim as most cultures and traditions in the motley of societies all over the world are frontally anti women independence.
Women being in their own singular society will also help them evolve a religion pro their intention as most religions in the world today are anti-women emancipation.
Already, every feminist apostle is not and cannot be a christian or even a Moslem as the Bible and the Koran are replete with scriptures that oppose feminism.
How can a woman be independent when she is tied to the man, dependent on him for virtually everything? How can woman emancipation thrive in societies whose cultures and traditions are as old as man in his environment or how can a woman fend and depend on herself when her very nature is womanish; when her breast and vargina makes her undetectable from the man. But the woman’s choice to continue or desist from her planned unslaught should also consider what God says about them; that is, the mind of God about them. This is because God Himself is a man and will directly Himself oppose them. It is also important for the woman to think of it. Do they love the present society, the union and co-operation between the man and the woman? If they do, they should also remember that the world is still struggling with how Eve misled her husband which brought mankind suffering and impending doom. What they are about doing is worse to the Eden treason and both men and God will not be happy about it.
Let us sound this warning here, that those who are at the hem of affairs who are being infatuated by the woman’s catty syndrome should be warned. That they allow the devil to use them to make man hold the short end of stick is highly regrettable. God will not forgive all those who shall be party to such arrangement. God who made the woman wants her to follow man silently, sheepishly and you the man because you are at the hem say the woman should be brought to the fore. Implications of such actions are grave and no man, I repeat, no man, can run away from God’s wrought. Let us think twice; had I known is a lazy man’s apology.
Until the above advice is heeded by the women, their struggle shall continue to be a farce and shall end as mere stridulations.
Eddy 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.
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