Opinion
Still On Boko Haram Menace
The renewed Boko
Haram insurgency which has reportedly led to the death of no fewer than 350 persons in the last months should give any well thinking individual a cause to worry.
While taking over as the new Chief of Defence Staff in January, Air Mashal Alex Badeh, assured that the military would bring the terrorist activities of the Islamic sect in the country to an end before April this year.
He assured the new Chief of Army Staff, Maj-Gen Kenneth Minimah, who was expected to coordinate the fight against the insurgents that it was possible for his work to be concluded in a short time.
Ironically, one month before the set deadline, we are still faced with daring situations. Instead of the activities of Boko Haram to abate, they seem to be on the increase. If anything, the sect is becoming more audacious, killing innocent people, dispatching many defenceless people, bombing markets, abducting and defiling young girls. Just last week, four communities in Adamawa State were nearly sacked by terrorists armed with rocket-propelled grenades, in an attack that seemed to confirm the claim of the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, during a “Save our sould” visit to Aso Rock, recently that Boko Haram fighters were “better armed and better motivated” than the troops fighting them.
What about the atrocious massacre of pupils of Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, Yobe State on February 25, which left over 40 school children dead?
It is really difficult to understand why the lives of innocent children, should be wasted in such a horrendous manner. What have innocent students got to do with whatever the grievances of the sect are? Just a few years ago, we thought terrorism was something that happened in far away countries. Now we know differently; the threat hangs over us all the time.
As this blood bath continues unabated despite governemnt’s claim of making major strides in defeating Boko Haram, some pertinent questions need to be asked? What does Boko Haram really want? How committed is the military in the war against terrorism in Nigeria? Again, how effective have been the strategies adopted for the fight so far?
It is one thing to give a burial date for Boko Haram as the Chief of Defence Staff did, or to pronounce war on terrorism as the Federal Government had always done, but another to back such fury and promises with sufficient actions. Reacting to the latest Yobe students massacre, the Senate President, David Mark said, “It is also curious that under an emergency rule, when secutiry operatives should be on red alert, this mayhem still persists. Honestly, this calls for soul-searching and I believe the security authorities must rise to this challenge.” Echoing a similar sentiment, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, said, “While we must all join hands to bring this insanity to an end, we must, however, bear in mind that we are running out of excuses in our responsibility to our citizens?
Government and its security agencies are indeed expected to protect lives of Nigerians. This is the fundamental reason of the existence of government. Federal Government should therefore muster the needed political will and deal with the growing trend of terrorism. As long as the perpetrators of these criminal acts and their sponsors go unpunished; as long as we cling unto the un-productive strategies, not even the relocation of the army headquarters to Maiduguri, as proposed by the House of Representatives will quell the brutality.
An end to the bloody mayhem is largely dependent on brilliant strategies and cooperation of every Nigerian, particularly governors, elders, politicians and youths of the mostly affected areas.
One strongly thinks, it is high time northern elders, politicians and eminent people from the North sincerely joined hands with government to salvage the situation.
As the former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili cried out, the crisis in the North East is escalating because the “elders-in-the-land” failed in their responsibilities.
She said, “One of our greatest tragedies in Nigeria is the dearth of elders-in-the-land. We lost them to selfish accumulation of wealth and partisanship… That the elders-in-the-land, especially in the zones of terrorism seem unperturbed while this violence escalates is tragic! It is an abomination. That the Federal Government of Nigeria, States and the elders-in-the-land failed to collaborate to safeguard citizens is the severest erosion of nationalism in our land.”
President Jonathan has committed himself to bringing an end to the atrocities of Boko Haram this year. He has also reminded the sect members that the option of dialogue is still open. That is why the cooperation of governors, traditional and religious leaders and notable people from the North is needed to convince these boys to toe the line of peace and dialogue.
The northerners need not be reminded that the continuous attack on schools will only take the region back educationally and the sooner it is stopped, the better for everyone.
Calista Ezeaku
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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