Opinion
The Reward Of Patriots
How many Nigerians would, like Indira Ghandhi, say from their hearts: “We would rather starve than sell our national honour?” Your guess is as good as mine. And how many Nigerians in politics or in positions of leadership would not put their parties or ethnic nationalities before the country and self before their parties or ethnic nationalities?
We learn from world history that patriotism remains the foundation stone for the solidarity, integration, survival, growth, and development of any nation. Patriotism is as simple as it is defined in the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of current English, sixth edition. It is: “Love of your country and willingness to defend it.”
History has it that on March 4, 1933, when Franklin Roosevelt assumed the Presidency of the United States of America, the nation’s plight was hopeless. The situation was despairing as a quarter of the nation’s workforce was without any job and sustenance, and over 1.2 million of the people were homeless. Many families had defaulted on their mortgage commitments, and a lot of banks holding the savings of millions of households had failed.
But on assumption of duty, President Roosevelt looked to new sources of talents. He brought to Washington a new breed of government functionaries made up of intellectuals and New York State Social Workers known as the “brain trust,” thereby departing from the old tradition in which government administration was the preserve of political loyalists and cronies, wealthy patricians and businessmen.
With his formidable team, Roosevelt moved aggressively to attack the bank, farm, and unemployment crises. He did not stop there. He moved on to such other areas as industry, social welfare, mortgage financing, rural electrification, culture, and arts.
In a nutshell, within 100 days in office, Roosevelt pushed through the congress 15 major bills and turned the terribly depressed American economy around. This is what it means to serve ones fatherland with patriotic spirit. Propelled by patriotism, a leader takes a method and tries it and as he (Roosevelt) said: “If it fails admit it frankly and try another. But above all try something.”
Today, the wonders of the American economy are manifestations of the patriotic attitudes of the leaders. Never did the wonders fall from heaven like manna. They did not just happen like miracle. The leaders perspired to achieve them.
The truth is that patriotic leaders can change the temper and fortune of their fatherland. Here is another example. Between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Britain was known as a violent nation. Perhaps more violent than today’s developing countries of the world. According to Arthur Lewis in his book Some Aspects of Economic Development: “Anglicans, Puritans, and Catholics were at each others’ throats. One king was executed and another chased off the throne. An observer writing say around the year 1715, after the abortive rebellion of that year, would have described Britain as a violent country where consensus was unthinkable.”
But with the emergence of Sir Robert Walpole, a patriot and compromiser, as its Prime Minister, Britain became a model of a politically stable society on the continent. Sir Walpole worked assiduously to bring peace and harmony to his distracted country by conciliating all the major groups who were fighting one another. His success which lifted Britain to greater heights still remains one of the wonders of patriotism.
As I sat down trying to remember more leaders with outstanding patriotic spirit to further develop this piece, my mind went straight to the living legend, and sage, the South Africa’s first post-apartheid president, Nelson Mandela of this world. Here is a man who underwent 27 years imprisonment and still remained strong in his beliefs in the emancipation of his people. And here is a man who left office voluntarily and peacefully in 1999 after serving one tenure as president. Mandela who is still working tirelessly to reduce poverty, illiteracy, and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), in Africa despite his ripe age will continue to be a hero and a jewel of inestimable value to the human race. His invaluable contributions to the progress of his country represent yet another wonder of patriotism.
As Jonathan’s new ministers settle down to their duties and responsibilities, they should be guided by the good examples of these patriots who we all admire with respect and pride.
If they make their love for Nigeria evident, deep, strong, and true, their footprints will also stand out boldly for ages.
Today, many Nigerians remember Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala as an outstanding Minister of Finance and Foreign Minister, who served the country with patriotism. She led the Nigeria’s reform programme on transparency of government accounts and the quest for debt relief, helping the country to obtain an unprecedented $18 billion write off from the Paris Club. Her patriotism earned her an elevation to the rank of Managing Director of the World Bank where she served before her ministerial appointments in Nigeria.
The new ministers should embrace the challenge immediately. It was the British Labour politician, Arthur Henderson, who said: “The first forty-eight hours decide whether a minister is going to run his office or his office is going to run him.”
Whether the new ministers are men and women whose love for our country soar above their personal interest, time will soon tell.
But suffice it to say that the reward of the patriot is in the service of his fatherland.
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
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.
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.