Opinion
Lessons From The Restructuring Debacle
Nigerians are yet to recover from the chagrin and disappointment of how the National Assembly finally annihilated the agitations for true federalism arising from the quest for devolution of power to the federating units or restructuring of the present political arrangement called Nigeria.
But considering our present political setting and make-up, it could be myopic to expect the contrary.
First, the current political gerrymandering that gives the Northern part of the country more political seats and states than the South-South, South- East and the western parts of the country, is a major hindrance to the realization of any meaningful constitutional changes. Our present political structure is like a polygamous family forced to live together under the same roof at the mercies and dictates of the head of the house.The consequences include: the tendencies for ungodly scheming, mutual suspicion and uneven administration of resources.
There is bound to be tension in a situation where about 70 percent of the oil blocs in the country is vested in the hands of people from a section of the country. Imagine where some States have eight or 23 local government areas, whereas another State in the same country enjoys 40 LGAs with the attendant benefit from federal allocation of resources.
The point here is that our system has been fashioned and tailored to favour the political and economic interest of the North than other sections of the country. And this will remain so as long as we continue to operate our present Constitution.
The autocratic Land Use Act of 1998, for instance, is not the spirit of a federal system of government. This contraption was draconically designed to make the ruler have an unhindered access and despotically control the oil resources from the South.
Secondly, the unfavourable official posture of the All Progressives Congress (APC) towards restructuring is sad and unfortunate. Apart from the lonely voice of the former Vice President, Abubakar Atiku, the ruling APC, including even the party stakeholders in the South East like the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, are opposed to restructuring despite the fact that it was one of the party’s manifestoes through which it won the 2015 presidential elections.
Thirdly, there seems to be a strong suspicion that if true federalism is allowed, States may become economically independent and politically powerful which may provide an easy road for the eventual realization of the mounting agitation for secession or disintegration of Nigeria into regional confederation.
In June, this year, I was flabbergasted to hear an APC chieftain in Rivers State expressing his sentiments against restructuring on the ground that it will reduce the powers and probably unfettered control of the APC-led Federal Government over his State governor, who is a PDP governor. Perhaps, this APC stalwart would have had a contrary view if his party is in power at the State level.
It quickly dawned on me that most politicians would always pursue self-seeking interest and not necessarily the general opinion of the masses whom they pretend to represent. But, how can one mortgage the economic future of his State because of party politics? How long shall we continue to promote political slavery in the name of national politics?
This has been the bane of Nigerian politics and in particular, Rivers politics. The political mantra seems to be, “it is either I win, or we destroy or make the system unworkable for the ruling party”.
A nation is supposed to be bound by a common desire to live together willingly for common aspiration, culture and mutual interest. But in Nigeria, ours is a “forced marriage” or the congregation of “strange bed fellows” since its amalgamation in 1914 by the colonial masters.
Through many years of military rulership, Nigeria has been managed or mismanaged for over three decades by dictatorian leaders, with a good number of them from the Northern part of the country. This period was characterised by a culture of marginalization, economic exploitation and unfair distribution of the “national cake”.
The temptation to hold on to power led to nepotism and religious bigotry. This ugly trend was inherited by the political class and has tenaciously characterized our national politics.
Surprisingly, the agitation for the return of power to the North was sponsored by some Niger Delta sons who believed that the true ‘brother’ must come from the North as we saw in the APC campaign in Rivers State during the general elections in 2015. I still remember the slogan: “who is your brother”? by the campaign Director of the APC. Today, that question is still begging for answers.
Jonathan may not have done much to the expectation of his ethnic “brothers”, but he did so much to keep Nigeria as one, especially in his federal appointments and spread of projects.
Apart from willingly conceding defeat and saving Nigeria from another civil war, I am aware of the success of the railway project, agriculture, youth empowerment, investment in the power sector, (which is dropping under this current dispensation), and the ‘Almajiri’ schools, among others.
Notably, the introduction of the ‘Almajiri’ school was a bold initiative under the supervision of the then Minister of State for Education, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike to bridge the educational gap between the North and the South, especially in the wake of the security crises in the North East.
If Jonathan, a Niger Deltan, could do so much for the North, it is expedient by laws of reciprocity for President Muhammadu Buhari to do same and even outdo his predecessor in project execution in the South South. This is the only way we can truly understand the theory of brotherhood outside one’s geographical place of birth or ethnic affiliation.
Back home, notwithstanding the cynical criticisms and sentiments of political opponents, I believe that the quest by the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to transform Port Harcourt, the State capital, to its enviable and befitting status as the economic hub and investors’ haven of Nigeria through massive infrastructural revolution and development is heart-warming
I am sure that Governor Wike is in a hurry to leave behind worthy legacies for posterity; hence, his extra ordinary passion for project execution which has earned him the appellation ‘Mr.Projects’ from the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
Indeed, the terrifying infrastructural decay and unprecedented level of abandoned projects inherited by the present administration in the State requires such an aggressive approach, bearing in mind that time is of great essence. The Federal Government can emulate the uncommon style and passion of Governor Wike to ensure that project execution is vigorously and expeditiously pursued and executed within a time frame, having in mind that repeated blame game and political promises without fulfillment are no more attractive gimmicks for winning future elections.
I believe that Wike’s all inclusive style of leadership has dismantled ethnic barriers in the State, which has been the main reason for sectional agitations in Nigeria today.
By all standards, considering its socio-economic importance as the nation’s largest oil producing State, Rivers State deserves a dignified face-lift and federal presence like Lagos and Abuja. Ironically, the reverse has been the case due to its disadvantaged minority political position which has led to its marginalization and exploitation, even though she remains the goose that lays the golden egg.
Damgbor is a director with the Rivers State Civil Service.
Paul Damgbor
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.
-
Sports4 days ago
Oyibu predicts success for Team Nigeria at Athletics Championships
-
News4 days ago
Presidency Faults US Visa Restrictions On Nigerians, Demands Fair Treatment
-
Politics4 days ago
PDP Still Formidable Ahead 2027 – Nat’l Youth Leader
-
Niger Delta4 days ago
Commissioner Explains Oborevwori’s Retirement Age Extentoon For Associate Profs
-
Politics4 days ago
Civic Duty, Not Politics Necessitated My Engagement With Abacha – Obi
-
Women4 days ago
What To Know About Fufu, Loi Loi
-
Sports4 days ago
Former Champion Seeks Title Defence At Para Table Tennis Tourney
-
Rivers4 days ago
Don Sues For Leadership Assessment Centre In IAUE