Opinion
Politicians As Oppressors
Two days ago, a radio
presenter called for peoples’ reaction to a recent statement by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, that Nigerian politicians use religion and ethnicity to oppress, divide the people. Expectedly, many agreed with the Vice President while some did not. A particular caller who supported the statement was able to link most of the crisis we have had and still have in the country to the selfishness of some politicians who in a bid to attain political and other selfish ends cause division among the people under the cover of religion and ethnicity.
Indeed the level of hatred among people of different ethnic and religious groups today is very alarming, no thanks to our political leaders who over the years have sown seeds of discord in Nigerians. Through their incitement of one ethnic group against another, citizens no longer see themselves as collective Nigerians anymore. Each time one goes to the social media and sees how people abuse one another in defense of politicians from their ethnic or religious group, it makes one wonder what the future holds for the nation.
In many civilized countries, people criticize government policies and even the leaders when necessary but in our country, whoever criticizes the President, the Governor or any of their policies is branded a disloyal citizen, an enemy of the nation or the state. Giving support to a candidate from another ethnic group is regarded as a betrayal. And that is why opinion leaders, statesmen and people who are expected to champion the interest of the masses keep mum even in the face of bad leadership. Thanks to people like the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo , who since he left office has not failed to speak out whenever he perceives that things are going wrong in the country. His recent outburst against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is still causing some ripples. Some people say he had the opportunity to make the country better during his period as the leader of the country but failed to utilize it so he should remain silent. But the truth is that we need people like Obasanjo who will help in checking the excesses of our politicians before they disintegrate the country due to their greed.
It is high time Nigerians realized that our politicians do not mean well for the people. Otherwise, they will not instigate communities to be at constant war with each other, killing themselves while they and their families are safe either in Abuja or overseas. Can we count how many lives have been lost in the country particularly in Rivers State due to alleged politically motivated crisis that had engulfed the state for many months? What of uncountable valuable properties and farm products destroyed because we are fighting for people who the moment they emerge victorious forget about their constituencies and the people that fought for them? The March 19 rerun elections in the state is by the corner and politicians are now at the peak of their divisive game, telling a Tai man that he is not an Ogoni man, that an Etche woman is not Ikwere and so on, all for their own gain.
Some analysts have observed that the poor leadership experienced in the country since independence is somehow the fault of the citizens who constantly make ethnic and religious considerations paramount in determining who leads them not minding whether they are suitable or not. We know that a particular person does not fit into a position but merely because he is from the same ethnic group with us or attends the same church with us we vote him in and in the end he makes our lives a living hell.
One therefore thinks that it is high time we began to play mature, policy based politics devoid of ethnic or religious sentiments. Our slogan should change from “vote an Igbo man, vote a Yoruba man, vote a Hausa man” to “Let the right person who will give quality leadership emerge”
However, this will continue to be a mere wish as long as the winner takes it all syndrome currently in place in the country and other practices that tend to make some ethic groups feel marginalized and alienated are not adequately addressed. A situation where some ethnic groups feel they are born to rule while others are meant to be ruled will only promote ethnic and religious diversification instead of unity and love. It is a natural tendency for people to desire that their own people will be in positions of authority so as to attract developmental projects to the localities , especially when previous occupants of those positions neglected them and focused on their own areas alone.
Again, we will cease being divided along religious and ethnic lines by the politicians those in authority regard all the people under their authority as important and act likewise. There is definitely no way people can be persuaded not to tow ethnic and religious lines when issues that concern them are not given attention while those that concern the ethnic or religious group of those in authority are acted upon promptly.
So in as much as one agrees with the Vice President everybody in the nation irrespective of tribe, tongue or religion should come together and join hands with President Mohammadu Buhari’s led administration to tackle the numerous challenges facing the country. There is need for the leaders both at the federal, state and local government levels to give us quality leadership such that will give people of all ethnic groups and religions a sense of belonging.
Calista Ezeaku
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.