Opinion
The Spreading Bug Of Nuremberg
He who travels to eat his ancestral yam in a foreign country, should be ready for the wrath of Dike, the warrior of the seven seas and seven mountains – Chinua Achebe
Located in a temperate region six hours north of Igboland, Germany does not grow yam, neither does it grow palm trees from which palm oil is extracted to serve as the grease and natural culinary companion of yam; same goes for every country in Europe. The prophecy in Achebe’s averment of more than a score years played out in a daylight melodrama when Senator Ikechukwu Ekweremadu ventured into the enterprise of “eating his ancestral yam in [Germany]” and came face to face with “the wrath of Dike the warrior” in the historic city of Nuremberg.
With a population of more than half a million, Nuremberg is the second largest city of the German Federal State of Bavaria after its capital Munich and the 14th largest city in Germany. History books tell us that it was in this city that the perpetrators of heinous crimes during Second World War were confronted with their crimes and were punished. Fast-track to today, it is an uncanny coincidence that it was in this same city that Ekweremadu was confronted with his alleged docility or duplicity regarding the state of affairs in Nigeria when he went clad in apparel on which the Nigerian Coat of Arms was blazoned. If Ekweremadu intended to show off or intimidate the audience with his apparel of Coat of Arms or for whatever reason, the joke was on him. The embarrassment of being violently rejected by his kinsmen is something that will haunt his conscience forever if he has one; sadly, conscience is a rarity amongst his ilk that are generally smitten with empathy deficit disorder (EDD).
Granted that prior to the experience of Ekweremadu, an Ivorian Minister had suffered the same fate, albeit more violently, in Paris and that the then ailing President Buhari had been picketed and heckled out of London and, more recently, in Tokyo, Japan, the incident at Nuremberg has elicited reactions that have brought such actions to the front burner of national and international discourse on governance and responsible government with special reference to Africa. Reacting to this, Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO), Germany, issued a press release condemning the act as “criminal and barbaric.” In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Rosalyn Dressman and General Secretary, Femi Awoniyi, NIDOG decried what it referred to as a “reprehensible and contemptible act.” While disassociating itself from what it referred to as “despicable and uncivilized behavior,” NIDOG, however, noted that “the current state of insecurity that pervades many parts of Nigeria is a source of deep worry amongst Nigerians in the Diaspora.”
On the other side of the divide, what is trending in the social media is overwhelming applause for the Nigerians in the Diaspora who dared express themselves in the manner that is considered democratically unconventional. Luckily for the group in Nuremberg, such political protests are tolerated in Germany and other democratic polyarchies of the West. In consonance with this line of thought, the Nelson Mandela Human Rights Association has called for a travel ban on Senators and other Nigerian public officers. Speaking on behalf of the association, Frederic Odorige bemoaned a situation where Nigerian Senators earn more than the President of the United States of America yet foot drag to increase national minimum wage to a paltry N30,000.00, which has very minimal value in the commodity markets of Nigeria. Either way, Nigerians deserve, desire and now demand better performance from government, especially in the area of security and infrastructure. While those that live within the jurisdiction of the Federal Republic of Nigeria may not be able to express themselves in the manner witnessed in Nuremberg, Nigerians in democratic polyarchies across the world utilize the privileges of those liberal societies in expressing opinions that are now brazenly suppressed in Nigeria. Conversely, heckling and being plastered with rotten eggs and tomatoes and even being grabbed and dumped into a giant waste bin are part of the democratic culture of the polyarchies of the West; they come with the job.
Germany is a democratic polyarchy; in such societies, citizens and residents alike have the freedom of association and expression within the limits of the law. It is reported that Africans in the diaspora remitted about N50bn in 2018 and out of this figure Nigerians remitted N28.7bn; these remittances reflect the love Nigerians have if not for the country but for members of their families. In European and American societies, it is only through hard work that people earn money and the system is there for you by way of social security in times of need. Therefore, in remitting money home, which is a denial and sacrifice, it becomes frustrating to know that the remittances are necessitated by a dysfunctional system that is insensitive to the needs of the people. Realizing that the system is dysfunctional because authority figures brazenly misappropriate public funds, it becomes very irritating to see one of those authority figures travel overseas to celebrate new yam festival. Now, knowing that Nigerian Senators exploited the loopholes in Nigerian laws and the docility of the citizens and legislated humongous sums in salary for themselves while rejecting a bill that called for N30,000.00 minimum wage, would certainly enrage people who live in people-sensitive societies like Europe and America. It becomes a natural reaction to picket and heckle a person in the position of Ekweremadu.
Demonstrations, pickets etc. are generally planned to be peaceful; however, the phenomenon of de-individuation (also known as hivemind) easily infiltrates the process and it turns violent; this may be the case with the incident at Nuremberg. The lesson to learn from that experience and the spreading bug of Nuremberg is that authority figures should realize that if Nigerians at home, in their characteristic docility, are not watching and cannot express themselves in far-reaching manners, the average Nigerian in the diaspora incensed enough with the situation at home, would take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself to express himself or herself. What this calls for is for authority figures to do what is right before God and man.
The bottom line is that authority figures should morph from exploiting the loopholes and weaknesses of the rule of law and the docility of Nigerians and opt for rule of love towards inclusiveness in society and sustainable development. This requires creating the enabling economic environment that would greatly accelerate economic activities and lead to the reversal of brain drain. That way, the push factors that drive Nigerians into economic exile, migration or the advent of voluntary slavery will abate. Along with it will come courteous treatment for Nigerian dignitaries and public officers outside the shores of Nigeria. This is the panacea for the way forward in Nigeria; otherwise, once Nigerians break from their docility and inertia, the age of innocence will be history and, like what obtains in the Diaspora, the bug of Nuremberg will touch down on Nigerian soil.
Dr Osai is a lecturer in Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
Jason Osai
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.
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