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Engaging The Cultists …The Rivers Example

Published

10 years ago

July 4, 2016

On New Year eve, amidst the familiar fire works in disobedience of regular Police warning, gunmen, suspected to be cultists invaded Marine Base. By the time residents realized that the bangs were gun-shots and made distress call to the Police, two bodies were found lifeless in a pool of their own blood.
One was later identified as an enemy ‘combatant’, while the second was a driver with the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, on official duty that had nothing to do with cultists and their activities. He was caught up in the cross-fire, an innocent death.
That incident is only one of several examples of collateral damages to cult-related violence, senseless bloodletting and incessant warfare for either supremacy or reprisal. Infact, many innocent citizens have paid the supreme price, without necessarily being partakers of the orgy of violence known to cult gangs.
On the last count, some local government areas in Rivers State were invaded by competing cult groups, leaving behind every such attack, dead bodies, among them innocent defenceless men, women and children.
Most of these cult gangs are so heavily armed that they can take-over and run a community to the utter helplessness of local authorities. In some communities, they are governments unto themselves and impose all manner of sanctions for disobedience. Where there are sources of ready funds from either state, federal and or oil production activities, the rivalry among such cult groups is often fiercest.
The history of the armed gangs is traceable to many sponsors, key among them are politicians who most often were said to have armed them as alternative security men and thugs, during elections, with promises of heaven on earth.
These young men were very often abandoned by such benefactors afterwards without any effort to retrieve their weaponry. And so, like the monster that outgrows his master, the cult groups become danger not only to their masters but also to society from which they must feed.
The warfare is also very deadly where two or more such groups are domiciled in the same locality and one seen to be favoured by public institutions against others. In such rivalries, the ambition of each group is usually to instill fear and force obedience from ordinary people. At other times, efforts are made to enlarge membership through forced initiations.
By such brute force, they enforce their own laws and order and eventually earn phoney legitimacy from among the populace who out of fear become subservient. At such times, rival groups also stockpile arms to dislodge the status quo, and the cycle continues.
Such is the near-frequent recourse to violence. Some of them are also accused of complicity in the incessant cases of kidnap in the state and elsewhere, with inexplicable ransom-demands that eventually make the trade a lucrative pastime. But kidnapping is not the only indiscretion often ascribed to such groups. Some of their members it is said are also believed to be into robberies of different kinds.
What is astonishing is that it is believed that the Police indeed know the leaders and even members of such groups. They also know their hide-outs and could indeed engage them to a stand-still.
But to the Police, such confrontation would be futile without the required political will of the government in power. This is because, without such needed assurances, such Police officers would merely endanger their jobs and or lives, because it is often difficult to know the support base of such cultists.
One could be arrested one day, only to get an ‘order from above’ to release such ‘innocent citizen’ only for such suspect to mock the Police men and loudly celebrate his freedom.
For such reasons, even some policemen, it was once alleged, also ‘blend’ a term commonly used to mean ‘initiation’ to enjoy the protection of a powerful cult.
Curiously, many citizens believe that the strength of the Police can only be noticed, when there is a police casualty in cross-fire. Police search, in such instances, is often very thorough, decisive and committed. At such times, the consideration of possible assailant’s powerful backers and a political will to back-up their reaction to their own dead ones, do not count. It is indeed in such an instance when it is best to find the best in policemen.
Aside from that, even the Police is often helpless. That is why the resolve of Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to partner the State Police Command in taking the anti-crime war to the cult groups is most noteworthy.
After the initial raid of cult havens in Obio/Akpor Local government Area, Governor Wike’s own LGA, where buildings of cult-gangs and kidnappers were demolished and land, recovered for public use, the Governor’s battle continued at the weekend, with a raid of similar cult havens at Eagle Island, in Port Harcourt City.
Joined by the new State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo, Governor Wike personally supervised the demolition of two alleged deadly cultists’ camps, one of them located behind the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the other one simply called Andoni Camp.
Like that in Obio/Akpor, Governor Wike announced that a Police Station will be built at the camp behind the Church while a community hospital will replace the Andoni Camp. Addressing the security afterwards, Wike assured that the demolition of cultists’ hide-outs will continue until innocent citizens know peace and sleep with both eyes closed.
The security action is coming after Governor Wike had appealed to the youth involved in crime, to denounce their trade, embrace peace and be granted amnesty. Governor Wike assured that such repentant cultists and criminals would be re-integrated into the civil society through programmes that would reform and make them better and dependable citizens.
It is not known, how many such persons heeded the governor’s call and hand of friendship. What is known is that the level of cult activities could no longer be treated with levity.
At these times of economic downturn; when, states are doing everything humanly possible to attract direct foreign investments, the fortunes of the state cannot be left at the mercy of cultists, whose orgy of violence naturally creates insecurity that could scare away such foreigners and local investors alike.
Rivers is second only to Lagos in internally generated revenue. That underscores the relative peace enjoyed by companies who live and do business in the state. That success cannot be sacrificed for cult-induced violence that daily put Rivers on the front pages of newspapers as insecure.
The joint Government/Police action is also to make a point to trouble-makers that they are not welcome at the forthcoming rerun elections planned for the state. They are only welcome as civil citizens and voters, not as hired thugs and or weapon wielding alternate security to politicians.
So far, the public seems convinced that the war against crime and criminals enjoys the required political will, with the direct involvement and participation of the State Governor in all the raids on cultists’ hide-outs and subsequent demolition. Also welcome, are the choices of public projects already earmarked to replace the demolished property. Institutions like community hospitals and police stations would without doubt help meet the health needs of the people and also guarantee law and order in the affected communities.
My agony is that it is still unclear if there would not be ‘order-from-above’ to immediately release suspected cultists in Police custody, in a clime where, bail of a murder accused is made an issue before a higher court, obviously for political reasons. Methinks more issues than necessary are being politicised these days and that should be checked, if we are not to record more innocent deaths in cross-fire, like the fate that befell, The Tide’s driver, on New Year eve.
Soye Wilson Jamabo

Featured

2027: Be Politically Neutral, Fubara Tasks Traditional Rulers

Published

1 day ago

October 30, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged traditional rulers in the State to maintain neutrality, ensure fairness and uphold peace in their domains as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Fubara gave the charge on Wednesday while declaring open the 126th, 127th and 128th Combined Quarterly Meeting of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, in Port Harcourt.

The governor said the primary function of traditional rulers is to administer justice and ensure fairness, saying their conduct must not lead to division and unmanageable crises.

“Let me therefore, request, if that is the right word to use, that please, as we are entering into this political season actively, everyone should ensure that your conduct promoted peace in your place. Your actions should not be what would lead to the division and multiple crisis that we cannot manage as a government.

“I think with that, we can all live as one and we can also continue to make this progress that we are trying with all our mind, our body and our soul, to ensure that we deliver to our dear State,” he said.

Fubara urged the royal fathers to abide by the oath and constitution they swore to before ascending their respective stools, in the interest of stability and progress of the State.

He also enjoined them to set aside individual sentiments and place the interest of Rivers State above personal considerations, noting that this principle has guided his own day-to-day governance of the State.

“I want to enjoin everyone to keep aside issues of individual sentiments and ensure that the interest of our state supersedes whatever thing that we have in our mind. This is not just what I’m saying here, it is what I’ve also practiced and displayed in my day-to-day life in the governance of our dear State,” he said.

On the appeal for improved welfare for traditional rulers, the governor clarified that the delay in actualising some of the requests they made in the past was not from the government but from the inability of the Council to put its house in order.

Fubara explained that the issue of stipends paid to the traditional rulers by the local government councils, was a statutory benefit provided for in the constitution and not what a state governor can change by mere verbal pronouncements.

He assured that he remains a man of his word and will fulfill his promises to the traditional rulers before leaving office, next year.

He reaffirmed his respect for the traditional institution as custodians of culture and the closest link to the people, thanking them for their prayers and support.

The governor urged the royal fathers to ensure that the combined quarterly meeting featured fruitful deliberations that will strengthen peace and development in the State.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu Wodo, expressed profound gratitude to the State Government for its efforts in maintaining a cordial relationship with the traditional institution.

Wodo highlighted the importance of traditional rulers in conflict resolution, noting that their closeness to the people places them in a strategic position to mediate in disputes involving chieftaincy matters, family disputes and land ownership in their respective communities.

The royal father drew the attention of the State Government to some challenges affecting the performance of the traditional institution, particularly the lack of official utility vehicles and logistical support needed to discharge its responsibilities effectively.

He also appealed for improved monthly stipends and better welfare provisions to reflect prevailing economic realities.

Featured

Tinubu Jets To S’Arabia For Lesser Hajj …Unveils Free Healthcare For Pensioners

Published

1 day ago

October 30, 2026

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu yesterday departed Abuja for Makkah in Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah (lesser Hajj), an Islamic spiritual exercise involving a pilgrimage to the holy city.

The Airbus A330-200 carrying the president took off at 2:20 pm local time, yesterday.

Tinubu was seen off at the airport by the Governors of Kwara, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Borno, Babagana Zulum; Kaduna, Uba Sani; Sokoto, Ahmad Aliyu; Jigawa, Umar Namadi; and Yobe, Mai Mala Buni.

Also present were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri, alongside other government officials.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had revealed this in a statement signed Wednesday titled ‘President Tinubu departs Abuja for Makkah to pray for the nation.’

According to the statement, the visit will afford the President an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion, and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability, and continued progress.

“While in Makkah, President Tinubu will perform the religious rites associated with Umrah, seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people,” the statement said.

Before departing Abuja, Tinubu commissioned some equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for its operations at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The President is expected to return to the country next week after completing the spiritual exercise.

Thursday’s visit to Makkah marks the second time Tinubu is performing Umrah since assuming office.

The President had previously visited the holy city in November 2023, shortly after the Saudi-African Summit held in Riyadh, where he also prayed for divine guidance in leading Nigeria.

The trip to Saudi Arabia is the latest in a series of foreign engagements by the President since he was sworn in on May 29, 2023.

Tinubu has visited more than 30 countries in over 50 unique and recurrent trips.

They include countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, including France, the United Kingdom, the United States, China, India, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Senegal, and several others, on a combination of bilateral, multilateral, and diplomatic assignments.

Meanwhile, Tinubu has unveiled PenCare, a national healthcare initiative designed to provide free medical services to pensioners, beginning with low-income retirees.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the opening of the National Pension Week in Abuja, yesterday, said the initiative formed part of his administration’s welfare package for senior citizens.

PenCare is designed as a national retiree well-being programme aimed at improving access to essential healthcare, particularly for pensioners with limited financial resources.

In his address, themed “Pensions for All: Building a Secure Future Together,” the President said a strong pension system was both a social protection necessity and a pillar of economic transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the pension system could also mobilise long-term domestic savings, deepen financial markets and support productive investments.

Tinubu described pensions as an obligation to workers who had served the country, rather than a favour from the government.

“A pension is not a favour granted by Government. It is a wage earned, deferred and held in trust. It is a promise. And this Administration has resolved that the promise will be kept,” he said.

He added that the success of the pension system should be measured by the security and dignity it provided retirees, rather than the volume of funds accumulated.

“Above all, no Nigerian who has served this nation will be forgotten in retirement. Nigeria will keep faith with those who kept faith with Nigeria,” he said.

The President said his administration had taken steps to restore dignity, security and value to the Contributory Pension Scheme.

He also said he had approved a N758 billion Federal Government Pension Bond to settle accrued pension rights and strengthen the Pension Protection Fund.

“That was not an accounting exercise. It was an act of restitution to Nigerians who served their country and were made to wait for what they had earned,” Tinubu said.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Omolola Oloworaran, has insisted that the June 30, 2027 deadline for pension fund administrators and custodians to complete their recapitalisation remains unchanged.

Oloworaran said the exercise was necessary to strengthen institutions responsible for safeguarding the retirement savings of millions of Nigerian workers.

“We are not changing our minds. The industry must move beyond the growth in pension assets to building institutions strong enough to safeguard the savings of millions of Nigerian workers.

“Size is what we have achieved. Strength is what we now demand,” she said.

Featured

No Child Should Be Denied Access to Education – Fubara

Published

2 weeks ago

October 16, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has called on stakeholders, community leaders, parents and relevant education authorities to intensify efforts to identify and enrol out-of-school children across Nigeria, stressing that every child deserves access to quality and inclusive education.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara made the call, yesterday, during the regional campaign on engaging community structures to promote the enrolment of out-of-school children and the regional flag-off of the 2026/2027 enrolment drive for southern states, held in Port Harcourt.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma, Governor Fubara reaffirmed that education remains a fundamental pillar of sustainable development and emphasised the need to ensure that no child is left behind because of economic hardship, social background or other barriers to schooling.

He noted that expanding access to education was essential to promoting sustainable development, social inclusion and equal opportunities, enabling children to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

The governor urged participating states and communities to translate their commitments into concrete and measurable actions by reaching vulnerable children, strengthening community engagement and encouraging parents and guardians to make their children’s education a priority.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to initiatives aimed at expanding access to education, particularly for children excluded from formal schooling.

“Rivers State remains committed to supporting initiatives that expand access to inclusive and quality education, particularly for vulnerable children who may have missed the opportunity to attend formal schools,” Fubara stressed.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, described the growing number of out-of-school children as one of the major challenges confronting the education sector.

She called for a collective and collaborative approach among governments, communities, parents and other stakeholders to address the problem, stressing the need to ensure that no Nigerian child is denied the fundamental right to education.

The programme was organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission in collaboration with the Rivers State Government, as part of efforts to strengthen community participation and promote school enrolment across the southern states for the 2026/2027 academic session.