Opinion
Wike’s Traducers Owe Him Understanding
Steadily stamping his persona into mandatory reckoning by Nigerians in political leadership conversations, Nyesom Wike – Governor of Rivers State qualifies as a study in how to make things work in the country. In the course of his run in public office he has carved for himself an image that once he sets his mind on a venture, one can as well wait for him at its end point to reap the designated dividends. At least, so he has proven in his five-year tenure, as the chief executive of the oil rich state. From the terrain of political strategy, to campaign rhetoric as well as delivery of programmes and projects being the dividends of democracy, testimonials of his dexterity in enterprise have given his name a household spread across the country.
If nothing else, the string of completed infrastructural projects across Rivers State, and Wike’s dramatic outing in the recent gubernatorial polls in Edo State which accentuated his asset value for Nigeria’s politics, are there for even the blind to see. The latter dispensation accounts for the restructuring of the political map of the country whereby the entire South South geopolitical bloc of Nigeria is now a PDP territory.
The foregoing narrative of his track record projects him as a knight in shining armour which even the leading lights in the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) could not resist admiring, leading to the shower of accolades on him by at least two of them, for remarkable efforts in execution of infrastructural projects from start to finish, and on schedule. The first instance was from Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on February 13, 2017, after inspecting a series of projects conceived, executed and completed by Wike, and in the course of which the former christened the governor as ‘Mr. Projects’. According to Osinbajo then “I think he deserves the title ‘Mr. Projects’… he is indeed ‘Mr Projects’”.
The second shower of praises on him from a top gun of APC came barely a fortnight ago – this time by Raji Fashola, Minister of Works and Housing while commissioning the newly completed state-of-the-art Rebisi Flyover in Port Harcourt, which has redefined traffic flow at the location ordinarily referred to as Garrison Junction. While commissioning the flyover bridge, Fashola had commended Wike and expressed satisfaction with the urban renewal programme of the governor, even in the face of extremely challenging circumstances.
Without prejudice to whatever achievements that have been recorded in any APC state across the country, it is significant that not only have such accolades come from the APC to an opposition PDP Governor, but they serve as a message to Wike’s critics and detractors who may have sworn to see nothing positive in his gubernatorial enterprise. As a corollary to the foregoing, Wike’s feat did not come without some personal cost in terms of strident criticisms by coach potato critics, as well as bare-faced detraction from factors whose fixation borders on nothing beyond mischief against his interests; not minding what impact such anti-Wike disposition will have on the people of the state.
Perhaps one of the strongest points for the criticisms remains the choice of the administration to execute six flyover projects at the same time, in preference to several other ventures competing for attention from the government. Just as well, the argument against the flyovers failed to take cognizance of the fact that these projects constitute the ever critical solution to the multi-point traffic gridlocks along the entire length of the strategic Aba Road in Port Harcourt. For the benefit of doubting Thomases, the relief from traffic congestion at the now completed and commissioned Rebisi Flyover location alone, more than justifies the government’s commitment to the execution of the entire remodeling of the strategic Aba Road in Port Harcourt, which the flyovers are intended to achieve.
Also missing from the criticism is the fact that at a total cost of less than N60 billion for the six flyovers, they provide a more budget-friendly and utilitarian alternative to the white elephant project that is the ill-conceived and now failed Mono Rail Project, launched by the immediate past administration of Chibuike Amaechi, now Minister of Transportation, and which had gulped a whopping sum of at least N200 billion, before its ill-fated sojourn into its present state of stalemate. Ostensibly, enjoying a lesser mention for now is the fact that the entire complement of flyovers is being executed for less than N60 billion which is a mere fraction of N200 billion that went down the drain over the Mono Rail scam. This is not to mention the less edifying aspects of the Mono Rail project such as its limitation in reach – having been designated to run from Lagos Bus Stop to Rumuola Junction (a shorter distance than the entire length of the Port Harcourt -Aba Road), as well as the little considered challenges associated with erratic nature of public supply of steady electricity for such a high tech facility.
Meanwhile, it is also not surprising that Wike’s successes in his avant-garde approach to governance which is inspired by the unique circumstances of Rivers State in contemporary Nigeria’s political terrain, has attracted attacks on him simply for ‘shaking tables’, (a Nigerian parlance for making your case in violation of what the suppressive status quo demands of you).
Painfully the ‘Bring Wike Down’ lobby is also active right in Rivers State under the very nose of the Governor, with the playout of deconstructing him in every step he takes. With the Governor’s recent pronouncement of subsequent steps to be taken by his administration to drive the urban renewal agenda for Port Harcourt and the rest of the state, especially with respect to uncontrolled nuisance of outdoor trading, and shanty business operations, he may likely step on toes, and be confronted by the attendant outcry over the process – noble as the objectives may be. That is where he needs courage to press on in restoring the long vanishing ambience of Port Harcourt as Nigeria’s Garden City. In this respect, well-meaning Nigerians are rooting for understanding and sympathy by the public with the Wike administration as imperative. For as the cliché goes, you do not make an omelette without breaking eggs. So Wike cannot succeed without taming the run-away state of disorder, in some parts of the state.
Daminabo wrote from Port Harcourt.
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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