Opinion
What Face For PH City?
Across the world, cities have been known to design, build and decorate their important public edifices and other structures in forms and patterns that serve to mark them out from what is generally available. In some cases, such stand-out buildings have become so uniquely iconic that they are selected to be the symbol by which their host cities are easily identified. Call it the Face of the City.
For example, the presence of the Statue of Liberty in the background of any photograph is enough to suggest New York City as the object’s geolocation. The same is true of the White House in Washington, DC; Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco; the sky-piercing Space Needle in Seattle; and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis; all in America.
In Europe, such structures will include the Big Ben clock tower in London; Eiffel Tower in Paris; Brandenberg Gate in Berlin; and Red Square in Moscow.
Elsewhere on the globe, mention will hardly skip the Sydney Opera House in Australia; Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro; Acropolis in Athens; the palatial Taj Mahal in Agra (India); and the Arabian sail-boat shaped Burj Khalifa Hotel (former Burj al Arab) in Dubai; among a few others.
Much as these buildings have been listed for their respective cities, they are by no means the only unique symbols by which some of these beautiful cities can be readily identified in any collection of some panoramic world-city pictures. Given this, therefore, the City of New York can still boast of its concrete jungle of exquisite skyscrapers, the long yellow taxis, and the flag-studded United Nations Headquarters building. Washington will also be wont to showcase its popular Monument and The Pentagon building.
For London, its legendary bridge across River Thames, the red double-decker buses, Westminster parliament building, and the expansive offshore plantation of wind turbines known as the London Array, are some necessary additions.
Now, let’s come back home to Nigeria where there is hardly any human settlement in the class of the cities mentioned above. Expectedly, our examples here will be far less sophisticated and magnificent. They include the National Assembly Complex, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, and Central Bank Headquarters building in Abuja; National Arts Theatre in Lagos; Cocoa House in Ibadan; Tinapa Complex in Calabar; and Abia Tower in Umuahia.
Let me hasten to add that this was probably what the former Imo State Governor and now Senator, Rochas Okorocha, had aimed to achieve with his controversial ‘Aka Chukwu’ monument in Owerri.
In the case of Port Harcourt, it is not clear if any project had ever been purposely conceived, designed and built to serve as the city’s symbolic image. To the best of my knowledge, the closest any previous regime had come to attempting anything in this regard was in the early 1990s when the Rufus Ada-George administration mounted an artwork atop the Point Block building at the State Secretariat Complex.
It was essentially a cast of two giant hands holding up to the sky an equally crafted map of the Old Rivers State in apparent demonstration of the state’s initial slogan — A Dedication To God And The Nation. And, lest it skips me, no one should bother to go looking for this piece of art because it’s long been dismantled.
Even though the city has some architecturally remarkable edifices of its own, among which are Hotel Presidential, NDDC Head Office building, Point Block, the renovated Old Brick House building within the Government House court, and the newly built Pleasure Park, I still think that none of these structures attempts to tell the story of Port Harcourt and its people.
Frankly, my idea of an iconic symbol for the Rivers State capital will have nothing to do with the city’s status as the hub of Nigeria’s petroleum industry. Already, the state’s current official sobriquet — Treasure Base Of The Nation — has taken care of that. Instead, I would prefer to see (on the same Point Block building) the giant sculpture of a fisherman casting his net from a canoe with his feet maintaining that trademark delicate balance that forces the uninitiated observer to cringe while holding their breath.
And, for a tinge of rarity, his canoe should be steered by a woman as only little else can serve to symbolise the increasing role of our women in the daily execution of this manly economic chore.
My insistence on the use of the Point Block is because, apart from its surrounding ambience, the 17-storey building is currently the tallest available and arguably the most visible from more sections of the town. Again, this would also make it easier for fun seekers who may wish to deliberately bomb their photographs with such iconic structure, even from afar.
Whatever is the eventual choice symbol, the government (especially State and PHALGA) should strive to deliberately promote it; even if the task requires displaying close-up pictures of the lucky object on some Welcome and Goodbye billboards at strategic points on the city’s fringes.
Port Harcourt deserves a famous architectural or sculptural landmark. The need to raise one had never been more expedient than now, especially going by the city’s rapidly rising profile as an international community and the ongoing impressive attempt to regenerate the place.
Let us, therefore, ensure that we get an iconic symbol befitting of Nigeria’s Garden City. Something any Rivers person can easily identify in a picture and proudly say, This is Port Harcourt.
By: Ibelema Jumbo
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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