Opinion
Solving Problems The Nigerian Way
“The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny … In any people that submit willingly to the daily humiliation of fear, the man dies”. – Wole Soyinka.
A cartoon in a British campus journal which sparked off racial tension some decades ago, depicted a black couple carrying some heavy leads on their heads, walking a lonely, sandy road. A week before that incident a previous cartoon depicted an Ostrich hiding its head in the sand and with an inscription: “Giant of Africa”. Of course, the giant was not the Ostrich, and so, putting the two cartoons together, the interpretation was that the giant of Africa “Solve and address problems and issues by carrying them on the head”.
By implication Nigeria was the target, especially as that incident took place during the era when Rhodesia became Zimbabwe, with a strong Nigerian backing. The sly innuendo arising from the “racist cartoons” was that developed nations address problems and issues using the resources of the head, while blacks, like the ostrich, hide their heads when faced with predicaments. That racial campus clash was addressed quickly and with such maturity that no mention of the incident was heard anywhere else.
Carrying burdens on the head and the ostrich incidents are reminders that our problem-solving strategies as a nation, tend to stand wisdom on its head. Cattle grazing issue is one clear example whereby a specific problem is being diversified and equalization formula would be applied to address private business concern.
It may be considered uncharitable to describe Nigerians as fence-sitters, but, by the antics of Nigerian politicians, Nigerians are regarded and treated exactly as such. The idea is that fence-sitters require brute force, intimidation and bullying to wake them up and tell them what to do. This is why the strategy of “no-work-no-pay” can be used to intimidate striking workers, rather than engage them in dialogue whose agreements would be honoured by all parties. We deny responsibility or find a scapegoat!
The Nigerian public perhaps heard about the theory of “Imperfect Obligation” for the first time in the process of defending the inability of government to fulfil its agreement with university lecturers. As a problem-solving strategy, that theory has become a precedent in addressing labour issues whereby chicanery serves as a handy tool. With such brazen impetus, issues raised and agreements reached in labour matters can be undermined, or denied.
That Nigerians resort to militancy and crude ways in dealing with establishments and individuals can be traced to the lessons they have learned from their governments and state officials. This can also be traced to several years of military rule in Nigeria which contributed towards increasing radicalism among Nigerians. Blustering pays.
An alternative to radicalism as a problem-solving tool is the resort to clever subterfuge and deceit which include the use of corrupt means to get what you want. Nigerians are becoming aware that the first step towards dethronement of terror or tyranny is to deflate its hypocritical self-righteousness. This is why female students can plot to deflate and bring down the pride and status of randy professors. No one is too high that cannot be brought low through plot or calumny.
Since Nigerian politicians would not tolerate undue radicalism, honest dialogue and transparent deals, citizens learn how to break and dethrone those who cannot yield to pressure or peaceful appeals. Learning the art of breaking the strongholds of tyranny is an alternative problem-solving strategy which becomes relevant where democratic ideals are subverted. In a regime that is not people-friendly or one that becomes combative, the rise of a mafia system becomes common.
Growing phenomena of cultism and terrorism in the Nigerian polity are visible evidence of contradictions and anomalies that point towards undemocratic approach to issues. The use of impunity as a strategy to address issues can only suppress rather than solve problems; and when impunity becomes a sub-culture, it produces a corrupting effect in society. Recrimination follows.
Wherever institutional loop-holes abound, they create opportunities for public officials to subvert the ideals of democracy, especially transparency and accountability. Thus political offices become more of gold-mine than opportunity to serve the nation. To lead is to serve, whereby accountability holds a high premium rather than executive lawlessness.
In the words of one Professor Anosike, “the most significant index of underdevelopment of a nation is of the minds of the citizens themselves”. The inner maturity of the citizens tends to be directly proportional to the overall development of the nation itself. Survival and problem-solving strategies devised by citizens derive largely from their perception of how much the government cares about their well-being. There is much venom and sadism in the land.
Dr. Amirize is a retired lecturer, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
Bright Amirize
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.
-
Rivers4 days ago
Don Sues For Leadership Assessment Centre In IAUE
-
Niger Delta4 days ago
Oborevwori Boosts Digitalisation With Ulesson 500 Tablets To Pupils, Students
-
Business4 days ago
Cassava Flour Initiative Revival Can Up Economy By ?255b – COMAFAS
-
Sports4 days ago
Eagles B Players Admit Pressure For CHAN Qualification
-
Niger Delta4 days ago
Don Highlights On The Potential Of Groundwater As Hidden Wealth For Sustainable Future
-
Rivers4 days ago
Group Seeks Prosecution Of Clergy, Others Over Attempted Murder
-
Opinion4 days ago
Restoring Order, Delivering Good Governance
-
Business4 days ago
CRG Partner JR Farms To Plant 30m Coffee Seedlings