Opinion
As Buhari Enters Second Half …

On May 29, 2017, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari commenced its second half of the four-year tenure. Indeed, Nigerians have mixed experiences. The fight against corruption on one side and diversification of the economy on the other side and then, foreign exchange crisis due to unprecedented crash in global crude oil prices.
To a few that superficially voted for the All Progressives Congress (APC), the first half was a drift on account of the hardship in the country. Unfortunately, the deed was already done.
Beyond doubt, it was tough, rough and hard-hitting that having three square meals by some families became a war.
To others, particularly matured minds, it was, and still is a worthy sacrifice, akin to the Biblical Moses and his journey to the promised land. On the way, it became sturdy that some couldn’t sustain it and therefore, lost confidence in Moses. They called him names and requested for reinstatement to former positions.
In other words, giving support to the Federal Government at this critical period is vital vis-à-vis government’s efforts towards restructuring the economy. Reports across most states show various strenuous blueprints towards becoming self-reliant on the same commodities that were hitherto imported . They attest that the change is gradually working.
Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, for instance, recently affirmed that Aba traders now export N1 billion worth of quality leather-shoes to overseas weekly. Verifiably, made-in-Nigeria shoes have indeed moved to the next level; on designs, quality and convenience comparable to foreign shoes.
By implication, the ban placed on some imported goods by the Federal Government, though negatively affected importers, is overtly resuscitating our local industries as well as improving the economy in terms of job creation.
With the new mindset on improving on our local products, if adequate financial facilities can be accessible to genuine indigenous manufacturers towards boosting large scale production, I believe it will, in no distant time, boost the standard of living and the economy.
Ditto for agriculture. Lagos, Ebonyi, Enugu and a host of other states, for example, are waxing very strong in rice production that if the tempo is progressively sustained, the prices may crash below expectations, soon.
In Anambra, Governor Willie Obiano has announced the state’s target to export one million tubers of yam and other vegetables, this year. Suffice it to say that successful diversification to agriculture is yielding results.
Other states are equally working assiduously not to be left out. Recently, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State presented to the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo his action-plans towards boosting agriculture in the state and reiterated his willingness to collaborate with the Federal Government for enhanced productivity.
Incontrovertibly, the medical vacations embarked upon by President Buhari in the United Kingdom which paved way for Osinbajo, the Vice President, to take charge on acting capacity proved one or two remarkable points to the country. First, Professor Osinbajo operates and associates freely with the same states, people and localities that have been no-go areas to President Buhari. The tension in some quarters has since subsided.
By implications, the economy could blossom exceedingly if Nigerians see each other as co-partners in the Nigeria-project.
The second point to decipher is that the adoption of Professor Osinbajo as the running mate to Buhari as well as his engagement to head the economic team is now evidently philosophical. It shows that with Buhari’s political will pooled with Osinbajo’s weath of knowledge and subtlety, the country is settled for giant strides. It now dawns on those that hitherto regarded Osinbajo’s office as redundant, that the office of the Vice President can be made vibrant depending on the occupant.
Imperatively, as the Federal Government works towards fixing the country, the Buhari administration should bear it in mind that some more radical actions are still needed particularly by deploying more competent hands to some of the key sectors.
Every significant transformation will always come with tough times; hence, frivolous allowances of public office holders need to be put to a halt. Such bonanza-packages are too heavy on the economy at the moment if we must achieve speedy resuscitation.
Finally, now that the second half of the Buhari administration has kicked off, appraisal on the cabinet is necessary. Those that made the cabinet list considerably on partisan line which is conventional, should be swapped with more competent hands. In all games, particularly politics, second half is always a decisive moment and no good leader takes it for granted.
In the next two years, dividends of democracy ought to be obvious in the lives of the citizenry putting into consideration all the planning and notable actions embarked upon across the states alongside the Federal Government. Without a doubt, 2019 elections will preoccupy the minds, but there is no better way to strategise for overwhelming victory than meeting the targets of the electorate.
Umegboro, a public affairs analyst, lives in Abuja.
Carl Umegboro
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.
-
Sports2 days ago
Oyibu predicts success for Team Nigeria at Athletics Championships
-
Sports1 day ago
Former Champion Seeks Title Defence At Para Table Tennis Tourney
-
Rivers2 days ago
Don Sues For Leadership Assessment Centre In IAUE
-
Niger Delta1 day ago
Oborevwori Boosts Digitalisation With Ulesson 500 Tablets To Pupils, Students
-
Business1 day ago
Cassava Flour Initiative Revival Can Up Economy By ?255b – COMAFAS
-
Women2 days ago
What To Know About Fufu, Loi Loi
-
Niger Delta1 day ago
Don Highlights On The Potential Of Groundwater As Hidden Wealth For Sustainable Future
-
Rivers2 days ago
Group Seeks Prosecution Of Clergy, Others Over Attempted Murder