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The Chaos We Created

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The elections of 2019 have come and gone; justice has prevailed as the resolute and unmistakable voice of Rivers people through the democratic instrument of the ballot box has been upheld; glory be to God. How social commentators, academics and historians will treat the episode will unfold in time.
As we nurse our wounds from the harrowing experiences, there is the need for us to ask ourselves certain questions; questions that would enable us burrow beneath the observable outcomes of the experiences with the objective of learning lessons and guarding against an encore. This piece seeks to point out how the people of Rivers State individually and collectively primed and ratcheted Rt. Honourable Rotimi Amaechi to heat up the Rivers State political firmament unnecessarily. Restated metaphorically, the paper pries into how we seeded and precipitated the vicious thunderstorm and torrential rains that pounded us so hard they almost consumed us.
Ab initio, Amaechi was taught that the way to the apex of the superstructures of public office is by destabilizing the system. Since his entry and meteoric rise in politics was through undermining participatory democracy, he was psychologically primed and ratcheted to fatigue and enfeeble the system at every rung of the ladder. So, he naturally has no respect and regards whatsoever for the processes and procedures of government; resultantly, this reflected in his attitude, behaviour and actions. Generally, such individuals never have the neuro-physiological experience of being satisfied with their situation, body or mind no matter how lofty and comfortable; this is the mindset of insatiability. And for any individual who is in this state of mind, life is a string of battles in an endless war; here, we see the explanation for the war songs at the soapbox of a peaceful process.
If we objectively search our minds and conscience, we would agree that the truth is that in our collective docility and resultant gullibility, we watched as the doors of Rivers State judiciary were shut for eighteen months and the legal profession went into comatose; as a result, our sons of the learned profession turned their cars into kabukabu and there was talk of some on the other side of the gender hedgerow sojourning at the Magdalene Lanes and Red Light Districts of metropolitan Nigeria as a survivalist mechanism. While many marriages caved in under the weight of the situation, some of the learned gentlemen died out of frustration and depression. We also watched helplessly as the mace morphed from an instrument of law to an implement of war; in the process, the legislature was thoroughly brutalized, cowed and forced to hold its proceedings and sessions in the kitchen of the executive arm of government while Baron de Montesquieu turned in silent rage in his grave.
Furthering on our docility and collective responsibility for the experience, I would ask: how many well-meaning Rivers men and women reached out to Amaechi to appeal or call him to order? What about Ogbako Ikwerre? We may never know the answer to these questions, but this is part of our problems. At about 9.30pm on Saturday, March 2, 2019, I saw the portraits of Minister Amaechi and Governor Wike hanging side-by-side on the walls of the international wing of Port Harcourt International Airport. Moved by the irony of the harmony between them on the wall, I sent a WhatsApp message to Amaechi in which I addressed him as Rotimi, bemoaned the dangerous effects of his line of action, demanded that he should stop forthwith and reminded him that “there’s life after public office.” Interestingly, he replied shortly. Impressed by the civility and humility of his replying, I wrote again addressing him this time as Rt. Honourable. I thanked him for replying but expressed dissatisfaction with the noncommittal essence of his response; then I reiterated my position and suggested that “if there is any way I can be of use in the [proposed peace] process please let me know.” He did not reply to this. The point here is that by replying me, Amaechi demonstrated a human side and humility; therefore, if many well-meaning people he knows, especially those who knew him in his humble days, had reached out to him, addressed him the way he used to be addressed before he became powerful and said certain hard truths to him, he may have had a rethink and spared us the bad experience.
To all and sundry, I would say thus: humility is a virtue and a reflection of inner strength, not weakness. As we navigate the turbulent waters of life, we should learn to know when to stop in whatever line of action we are taking; life after office can be warm or frigid depending on our actions and inactions while in office. Therefore, we must learn to be circumspect and encourage people around us to tell us the gospel truth, no matter the circumstance. In our public and private lives, we should engage the services of a “devil’s advocate.” This is usually very beneficial; it is entrenched in US corporate governance and, incidentally, it is part of the Nigerian culture of traditional governance. Even in the household, there is always the need for someone, wife, husband or child to be able to look us in the eyes and tell us certain hard truths. What are the lessons learnable from this episode? We should all be conscious of when the clouds commence gathering and procure umbrellas so we are not beaten by the rain. We all watched the storm gather without buying umbrellas; resultantly, we were stressed beyond limits and lost many innocent lives during the vicious thunderstorm and torrential rain. Never again should we subject ourselves to such harrowing experience; never.
In summation and the point of lesson, when you take someone who never held any employment in a formal organization, you maneuver the judiciary and legislature and hoist him on a State as number three citizen; and thereafter, in total disregard for the “vote and be voted for” requirement of the electoral laws, you use the apex body of the judiciary to hoist him on the State as the Chief Executive Officer, you have succeeded in exploding his pituitary and thus creating a superman, a Frankenstein monster that would have no regard whatsoever for participatory democracy, the processes and procedures of the institutions of government and rule of law. The gospel truth we must tell ourselves is that through our actions and inactions, we collectively created the chaos we experienced in 2019 elections; and that is the lesson to learn if we intend to avoid an encore.
Dr Osai is a lecturer at the Rivers State University, P.H.

 

Jason Osai

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Opinion

Restoring Order, Delivering Good Governance 

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Quote:”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”.

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

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Opinion

Checking Herdsmen Rampage

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Quote:”
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?”
According to reports,   suspected Fulani herdsmen on June 25, 2025 invaded Ueken, the ancestral home of the Tai Kingdom, in the Ogoni Ethnic Nationality of Rivers State and murdered one  Goodluck Dimkpa, a father of one. The attack has reportedly caused panic and led to residents fleeing the community. It also generated coordinated protests from aggrieved Ogoni youths.
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.

On June 13-14, 2025, about 200 adults and children were reported to have been gruesomely murdered and burnt in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, by suspected herdsmen who stormed the community, attacked the innocent people, and wreaked  havoc described as one the deadliest attacks in the Middle Belt of Nigeria, in recent times.Two days before the Yelewata senseless massacre, precisely on June 11, 2025, about 25 people were killed in Makurdi still by people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.
Plateau State, Southern Kaduna and other Middle Belt States have their own tales of woe from the unprovoked attacks by the Fulani herdsmen leading to loss of lives and properties.
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.

In my considered view the Fulani herdsmen whom life means nothing to, have gone too far. The right to life and property are fundamental but the  herdsmen’s invasions violate such inalienable rights of the people.Already Nigeria seems to exist on a precipice with the majority of her about 200 million people groaning in the quagmire of unpopular economic policies, reprehensible democratic practices translating to a gale of decampment to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) which is a tell-tale sign of an imminent one party State, looting of public funds with impunity and barefaced corruption in all sectors of the nation.
Nigerians, therefore, cannot afford to live with the debilitating consequences that the activities of the Fulani herdsmen portend in the face of the trending precarious socio-political and economic challenges. In fact, in all the States like Benue, Borno, Plateau, where incessant herdsmen attacks are frequent, residents live in petrified fear because of the disregard and disrespect for the sanctity of human lives. This fear leads to gross lack of development.
The governors of those States though Chief security officers, seem to be incapacitated, to carry out the primary responsibility of protection of lives and property of their citizens as enshrined in the grand norm. The mayhem caused by herdsmen in many states of Nigeria has left indelible pains in some families and communities, sufficient enough to make the government to control the activities of the herdsmen.
Some of these men who claim to ply their occupation are seen carrying lethal weapons. Which law in Nigeria gives people right to illegally possess weapons? How could the herders publicly carry lethal weapons without security operatives’ arresting and questioning them? The Fulani herdsmen, it’s not out of place to say,  are above the law. Because of their possession of weapons, the herdsmen are licensed to destroy lives, property and crops-the source of livelihood of others, thereby increasing food insecurity, poverty, hunger,  hostility and lack of development.
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? Such nonsense must be made to stop, no matter whose ox is gored. Security operatives should be proactive to check  attempts of Fulani herdsmen to breach the peace. They should arrest and prosecute culprits because Fulani herdsmen who perpetrate  the heinous  acts have always been allowed to go  non reprimanded.
There is need to enhance vigilance and community coordination while residents should be alert,  take necessary precautions and work with traditional rulers, chiefs, youth leaders and local vigilante to stem the ugly trend.
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.
Igbiki Benibo
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Opinion

Is Nigeria Democratic Nation?

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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.

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