Opinion

Of Murderers and Society

Published

16 years ago

May 26, 2010

The saying, “this is more than be careful” needs to be applied now in State considering the spates of cold blooded murders that have been experienced recently in the State. The hired assassins or criminal gangsters are at it again not just stealing but are blood thirsty. And therefore, anyone who came their way in the process had either been maimed or out-rightly murdered in the most devilish manners. This is a very disturbing scenario. The people of the State, especially Port Harcourt, just heaved a sigh of relief from the superior military firing power from the Creek Boys’ following repeated appeals from both local and international communities and organizations, especially the proclamation of amnesty by the late President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Umaru Yar’Adua for the sake of Niger Delta Socio-political and economic interest.

Thank God, the boys agreed to suspend their agitation for resource control but kept watching eyes on how the federal government of Nigeria and other players in the politics of oil and gas in the region will respond to the yearnings of the people. And the region’s long years of neglects, which they and the people of the region wanted to correct without further delay.

Let me quickly say that the bizarre killing in Rivers State is awful and therefore unacceptable. As a people and government, we must all come out against the dastardly act because the perpetrators of the heinous crimes are not spirits that descended from space to cruelly offend our sensibilities.

The spate of these murders is numerous. For instance, Ambassador Ignatius Ajuru, former Secretary to Rivers State government was murdered while returning from Abia State sometimes last year. The Royal Highness of Akpor Kingdom joined his ancestors through an untimely death caused by hired murderers right in his native home in Ozuoba. The Chief Security Officer to the Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt was a victim of brutal murder attack; Hon. Nsiegbe, a serving member of the Rivers State House of Assembly was also murdered in the street of Port Harcourt.; Mr. Cyril Amadi, an American nationalised citizen and a decent businessman residing in the United States of America on his return home to enjoy 2010 Easter holiday with his family was assassinated along Eliozu, near Aluu, his native home by unknown gunmen after robbing him of his belongings. It is saddening that Cyril Amadi after spending fourteen (14) hours or more in an aircraft from the USA without crashing should end up dying in his own home.

Amadi was murdered in a such manner that seems to defy the fact that the killers have hearts and if they do, whether their hearts have the section that gives any iota of value to human beings. He was assassinated in April 2010. On 181h May, 2010, one Dr. Chinda, a medical expert, from Ogbakiri community in Rivers State was murdered in cold blood too. WHAT IS THE MATTER? Indeed, some other persons might or have been murdered that I do not know because it has become a recurring decimal.

Murderers are on the prowl in Rivers State. Permit me therefore to ask just one question for now. Why are the Ikwerre ethnic nationalities prime targets of dastard murders in the present Rivers State of recent? It became a matter of concern because the victims as we can see are all Ikwerre sons. These murdered sons of Ikwerre land are not just ordinary citizens, but people of proven worth, stakeholders in our collective quest for a better society and having sound academic credentials. Why must the devilish spirit called murder pay unwelcoming visit to Ikwerre land this time? Why are the murders specific? Is there a vendetta? It is not that the victims should have been spread across the State to douse any eyebrows, no! The death of anyone whether big or small and of course from any part of the State or Country is important and should .be the concern of all, but curiosity plays out in the present situation.

Another thing that worries me to the ‘pit of my tommy’ is that relatives of the slained are equally placed on death threat list of these merchants of violent crime against humanity. Having succeeded to kill Mr. Cyril Amadi, the murderers are posing faceless threats through telephone calls to Dr. Godspower C. Amadi, the younger brother to late Cyril Amadi. He has been threatened to the point that, he (Dr. Amadi) has resolved to call for Police protection through the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State.

Another worrisome thing is that, in all these murders, there has not been an investigation that produces the killers of these innocent persons. Only few persons are sometimes arrested, questioned and afterward released on bail and that is all may hear about the case.

I believe that if our security agencies can thoroughly investigate these murders and the culprits made to dance the music of the law sternly and stiffly, it will deter this obnoxious criminal act. As it has been observed over the time, the fact remains that people are being killed by some others because the law enforcement agencies are unable to arrest. and prosecute the killers. This is one reason why some people still believe that they could murder someone and nothing will happen to them, which has given rise to the spates of heinous murders unhindered in our society.

I do not want to say that government should do something to curb this unfriendly sting because as I can see, government seems to be hand-tied or is it failing in one of its important obligations to the people to provide security of lives and property? I said earlier that the killers are in our midst. They are not devious – strange beings who hit and disappear’. These murderers who are painting a scary security situation in Rivers State and elsewhere in Nigeria are living and doing things among us in our communities, premises, streets and road.

Let us all rise to the occasion, search for these merchants of deaths and report them to the appropriate authorities. Ensure to follow up your report to see that such a person or persons are brought to book. I mean we need to reinvigorate community policing because in those days, it was very difficult and in rare case had we heard someone was murdered in his own community without knowing the murderers. What has happened to the traditional means of tracing the paths of murderers or thieves who stole or killed in the community?

Let my Ikwerre brothers and sisters accept my deepest condolences for the loss of their illustrious sons. But, let us find out the killers in our midst. Let us not wait for government. Let us do our own part in the investigation. Report the murderers and thieves in your midst so that we can sleep with our two eyes closed.

Gbarabe resides in Port Harcourt.

Godwin Gbarabe

Opinion

Kudos Gov Fubara

Published

1 week ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Please permit me to use this medium to appreciate our able governor, Siminalayi Fubara for the inauguration of the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road in Ahoada-East Local Government Area. This inauguration marks a significant milestone in the history of our communities and deserves commendation. We, the people of Ozochi, are particularly happy because this project has brought long-awaited relief after years of isolation and hardship.

The expression of our traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Eze Prince Ike Ehie, JP, during the inauguration captured the joy of our people. He said, “our isolation is over.” That reflects the profound impact of this road on daily life, economic activities, and social integration of the people of Ozochi and other neighbouring communities. The road will no doubt ease transportation, improve access to markets and healthcare, and strengthen links between Ahoada, Omoku, and other parts of Rivers State.

The people of Ahoada, Omoku, and indeed Rivers State as a whole are grateful to our dear governor for this laudable achievement and wish him many more successful years in office. We pray that God endows him with more wisdom and strength to continue to pilot the affairs of the state for the benefit of all. As citizens, we should rally behind the governor and support his development agenda. Our politicians and stakeholders should embrace peace and cooperation, as no meaningful progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of conflict. Sustainable development in the state can only thrive where peace prevails.

Samuel Ebiye

Opinion

… And It Came To Pass

Published

1 week ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Quote:“Leadership is not measured by how hard one strikes back, but by how steady one remains under provocation.”

Tell it in Rivers State, publish it in the streets of Port Harcourt, so the daughters of the State could rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph and know that Fubara is not vindictive”. And it came to pass that Rivers State emerged from one of the most delicate chapters in its political journey, the period of emergency rule that spanned from March 18 to September 18, 2025. It was a season that tested institutions, strained loyalties, and exposed the fragile balance between power and principle. During that time, the suspended Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara DSSRS, was widely believed to have suffered not only political setbacks but personal betrayal, allegedly from some top civil servants within the state apparatus. These were individuals expected to uphold neutrality and professionalism, yet were accused in public opinion of taking sides against the very government they served.

As the emergency rule ended and Governor Fubara resumed office, expectations were shaped less by policy and more by emotion. Many assumed that revenge would quietly find expression through governance. The loudest suspicion centered on the 2025 Christmas bonus of ?100,000 traditionally paid to each worker. The thinking was simple and cynical: a wounded governor would surely withhold goodwill. Some voices even mocked workers openly hoping that the governor would refuse to pay the bonus. To them, denial of the bonus would serve as proof of political strength and justified retaliation. In reality, such thinking revealed a troubling desire to see governance reduced to personal vendetta. Yet, it came to pass, the governor chose a path that confounded suspicion. Against all expectations, the 2025 Christmas bonus was paid.

That single decision quietly but firmly reframed the narrative. It showed a leader focused on governance rather than grudges, on institutional continuity rather than emotional satisfaction. The payment was not a favor, nor was it a concession; it was a statement that public administration must rise above personal injury. By honoring the bonus, Governor Fubara demonstrated that leadership is not measured by how hard one strikes back, but by how steady one remains under provocation. He made it clear that workers’ welfare would not become collateral damage in political disagreements. This action also served as a moral rebuke to those who celebrated division and hoped for punishment. Governance is not validated by the suffering of workers, nor is leadership strengthened by withholding entitlements. At the same time, the issue of alleged sycophancy and betrayal within the civil service cannot be brushed aside. If proven, such conduct deserves firm, lawful, and institutional correction. Civil servants are bound by duty to the state, not to political conspiracies or shifting loyalties.

However, justice must never be confused with revenge. The strength of governance lies in correcting wrongs without destroying the system itself. Governor Fubara’s restraint suggested an understanding that the future of Rivers State mattered more than settling scores. For workers, this moment carried an important lesson. Celebration should be rooted in good governance, not in the expectation of another’s downfall. Rejoicing in rumors of denial or punishment undermines the very stability that protects workers’ welfare. Public service thrives where professionalism, mutual respect, and accountability are upheld. Pettiness, gossip, and political scheming only weaken institutions and erode trust. History often remembers leaders not for the crises they inherit, but for the character they display in response. In paying the 2025 Christmas bonus, Governor Fubara chose legacy over impulse, maturity over malice.

And so, it came to pass that focus defeated revenge, governance triumphed over bitterness, and Rivers State was reminded that true leadership is proven when restraint is expected least but delivered most. Beyond the symbolism of the Christmas bonus lies a deeper question about the kind of political culture Rivers State intends to cultivate in the years ahead. Periods of emergency rule, anywhere in the world, often leave behind residues of suspicion, fear, and silent realignments. Institutions do not emerge untouched; individuals recalibrate loyalties, some out of conviction, others out of self-preservation. What distinguishes stable democracies from fragile ones is not the absence of such moments, but the discipline with which leadership manages their aftermath. River.

King Onunwor

Opinion

That Withdrawal of Police Orderlies From VIPs

Published

1 week ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Balancing VIP security with public safety remains a tightrope walk in a country where the majority of citizens are still under-protected.”

The Presidential announcement on the removal of police orderlies from persons in authority and their relations ( Very Important Persons ) last month came as a relief to many Nigerians who felt deprived of one major role of government ; security of lives and property.The higher population of Nigerians missed needed security because the VIPs and the VVIPs kept retinue of Police Officers totalling over 100 ,000 to themselves and their family members as if they are all that matter while some communities under attack of terrorists have no single unit of police station located there in. While many hailed the announcement , some said perhaps the government has just woken up to her major responsibility of securing the lives and property of all citizens while many expressed indifference on the note that it may be one of those pronouncements which come only in words but no action .Many keep their fingers crossed watching how it will play out , how Mr President will go about the implementation of the seemingly dicey policy .

Benjamin Franklin said “well said is better than well done ” It is sufficient today to say that many Nigerians including me are still waiting and watching to see how well and how long this return of the Police service to the ordinary people will go . Wishing hopes will not be crashed , It is note worthy, that the recent complaints by the VIPs of being exposed to attacks may in a way affect the action on implementation. Recently, at Senate plenary , another worrisome angle came up as Senator Abdul Ningi coming through a motion disclosed that he had only one police officer attached to him ( his office ) and that the officer was recalled the week before following Mr President’s directive . Senator Ningi said the withdrawal exposed him to high risks but underscored the angle that while his orderly was recalled , many other politicians , men and women in authority, business concerns foreigners and even children of some VIPs are still enjoying retinue of police protection ( officially attached to them ).

It’s note worthy also that the Deputy Senate President , Distinguished Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session revealed that the leadership of both chambers are already in discussion with President Tinubu on the need to exempt the law makers from the new policy . Senator Ningi may not be wrong . After all he emphasized he is okay provided that the removal of the Police Orderlies be done across board . Senator Barau noted that talks are on over the issue of law makers’ in line with international practice . Further details from the Presidency noted that Presiding officers will retain their police officers , others would have Civil Defense officers ( NSCDC) as orderlies while any other VIP who feels he or she deserves personal police protection should get clearance from his office . In the midst of all issues weighing in on the proper implementation , it becomes necessary to bear in mind that the decision hinges on the realization that Nigeria has peculiar security issues (of kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism.) and that majority of Nigerians are under protected.

More so, that if well implemented, Police officers will focus on core duties; even as 30,000 new police officers are to recruited to enhance security .That implementation must be made in a way that leaves no room.for selective treatment loss of confidence and controversies. Looking at previous attempts of implementation of this policy gives faint hope as several attempts consistently failed . Former IGPs like Tafa Balogun (2003), Ogbonnaya Onovo (2009), and Ibrahim Idris (2018) tried the policy but all failed due to political resistance from various angles. All the failed attempts were tied to lack of political will mostly due to the fact that the directives came from police chiefs, not the president. Selective Enforcement was another killer to the policy as partial implementation met resistance and later reversal . Egbetokun (2023) and Adamu (2020) saw minimal impact.

Further more entrenched corruption in the system saw Politicians and VIPs quietly regain police escorts due to ‘transactional economics”and pressure. Worse still the mindset of the police officers withdrawn didn’t help the policy Underpaid police prioritize VIP duties for extra benefits. Many wish President Tinubu’s move can break this cycle. As at today, he still insists the move is non-negotiable while stressing collaboration with states to upgrade training facilities. As citizens look forward to success of the policy without undue exposure of both sides, balancing VIP security with public safety remains a tightrope walk. Talk fades ; action echoes. How the Presidency implements this policy. has much to tell on the governments stand on national / community security , choice of priority and the ability to stand uncomprised . The known goal is clear: The outcome is not yet certain. Fingers crossed , we await . Definitely , time will tell.

By: Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi.

s State stood at such a crossroads in September 2025. The temptation to rule with a long memory and a heavy hand was real. Yet, the choice made signaled a preference for healing over hardening. Leadership after crisis demands more than administrative competence; it requires moral clarity.

Governor Fubara’s decision reminded the state that authority is not best exercised through silent punishment or selective generosity. Rather, it is strengthened when rules remain rules, irrespective of personal injury. By keeping faith with workers, the government preserved an essential firewall between politics and public service. That firewall, once breached, turns governance into a battlefield where livelihoods become weapons. Rivers State narrowly avoided that descent. In doing so, it affirmed that institutions must outlive tempers, and governance must not mirror the bitterness of political seasons. This moment also invites sober introspection within the civil service itself. Allegations of partisanship, if left unresolved, corrode professionalism and weaken public confidence. A civil service that drifts into political camps loses its moral authority and operational effectiveness.

Therefore, reform, where necessary, should be guided by due process, transparency, and institutional review—not whispers, witch-hunts, or mob verdicts. Accountability strengthens systems when it is fair; it destroys them when it is arbitrary. The restraint shown by the executive places a corresponding burden on administrative leadership to restore discipline, neutrality, and pride in public service. For the wider political class and the commentariat, the episode serves as a caution against normalizing cruelty as strategy. The eagerness with which some anticipated workers’ suffering revealed a dangerous appetite for scorched-earth politics. When governance becomes a spectator sport where pain is cheered and deprivation is weaponized, society inches toward moral exhaustion. Rivers State has seen enough turbulence to know that stability is not sustained by triumphalism, but by restraint.

The lesson is simple yet profound: power is fleeting, but institutions endure; leaders pass, but precedents remain. In the end, the payment of the 2025 Christmas bonus was more than a fiscal act—it was a civic statement. It told workers they were not expendable. It told political actors that revenge would not be policy. And it told the state that maturity in leadership is not weakness, but strength under control. In a climate where many expected fire, restraint prevailed; where bitterness was predicted, balance emerged. Thus, Rivers State was offered a rare reminder that governance, at its best, is an act of discipline, and leadership, at its highest, is the courage to rise above provocation.