Opinion
Jonathan And 2011: God Is Against Opposition
“So that whoever resists the authorities opposes what Godhas established, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.”(Rom. 13:1, ISV) “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God”. Moses also said, “you will know that it was the LORD when He gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because He has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD.”(Ex.16:8). The growing opposition against the candidature of President Goodluck Jonathan from within Peoples Democratic Party in one hand and from a cross section of core North on the other is a testimony to God’s approval of his candidature. The reasons for the opposition and gang up point to the fact that President Jonathan is God’s appointed leader to lead Nigeria, this time.
Take a look at the emergence of President Jonathan as president. He never contested for election. It was divine intervention, without which he couldn’t have been there. The major domineering ethnic groups in Nigeria would not have allowed him to assume office as president, if they have their way. God, in his providence never allowed any sectional, tribal and religious sentiment to zone or allocate the office to them. In the same way, God has decided that President Goodluck Jonathan will be the candidate of PDP and win 2011 election as president in spite of the opposition and gang up. This is attested to by the Scriptures cited above.
Jonathan government and candidature is God instituted authority, that anyone who opposes his candidature opposes God and invites God’s judgment. God is in control of the affairs of Nigeria. It is not the private zonal arrangement of neither PDP nor Nigerian Constitution that is at stake but the destiny of the people of Nigeria. Only the sovereign God determines and He has decided the leadership to be executed by President Jonathan for the welfare and progress of this nation. That God is in control and He is against opposition to His instituted leadership is seen from how God dethroned the opposition of Satan in Heaven (see Rev. 12 and Isa. 28). In the Bible, God hates opposition to His rule and anyone who stands in the way of His chosen leader, He destroyed or removed (see Numb. 16, Ex. 16).
Let more people come out to contest. Let the gang up go on. Let the tribal warlords and religious bigots continue to manipulate and use Boko Haram or the military, they cannot stop God’s plans to have President Jonathan elected president come 2011. Some of these opposers will not live to witness the swearing in because God’s judgment will take them out of the way before then.(Ps. 33:10-11, Isa. 14:24-27).
Why l think Jonathan is God’s choice and would win the election come 2011 is based on the Christian philosophy and exhortation of the Scriptures. The Nehemiah example suffice that all obstacles and opposition will give way in due time under God. Nehemiah 4:9-11. “But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the labourers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.” Also our enemies said, “Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.”
When you have a project to do or a mission to accomplish, how do you view obstacles and opposition? Do you see insurmountable barriers forcing you to quit, or do you see hurdles challenging you to jump and keep going? In his project to rebuild the wall around the city of Jerusalem, Nehemiah was faced with a number of obstacles and significant enemy opposition. If we had been in Nehemiah’s sandals, many of us would have thrown in the towel because of the obstacles and opposition. Some of us would even have concluded that God had “closed the door,” because the obstacles and opposition seemed so great. But Nehemiah did not quit. He saw the obstacles and opposition as hurdles to be overcome in order to complete God’s work.
Every type of obstacle and every form of opposition that Nehemiah faced in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem is an illustration from God’s Word of the obstacles and opposition that we can expect to face as Christians. When we become involved in serving the Lord and “building the walls” of personal or corporate Christian testimony, we will definitely face obstacles and opposition. The steps that Nehemiah took in overcoming the roadblocks that he faced are recorded by the Holy Spirit so that we can learn and follow God’s methods for defeating the enemy. How will God come in if there are no obstacles and opposition from within and without PDP?
2011 is a defining moment for God to show Himself strong on behalf of the Christians in Nigeria. The election shall be peaceful. The elections shall be free, fair and transparent. All those planning evil shall fail. For once God shall reign in the affairs of the Nigerian people. It did happen in time of Nehemiah: Nehemiah 4:7 “ But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the men of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it.” Sanballat was governor of Samaria, the region just north of Judea, where Jerusalem was located.
Perhaps, Sanballat had hopes of becoming governor of Judah as well; however, the arrival of Nehemiah spoiled his plans. We first read about Sanballat and Tobiah in chapter 2 when Nehemiah first arrived in Jerusalem. They opposed him from the very beginning!
There are several possible reasons why Sanballat and Tobiah, who were government officials of nearby Samaria, were so disturbed by the arrival of Nehemiah and his small group of exiles. The first possibility is because in the past, the exiles had refused to accept help from the Samaritans and it had caused a bad relationship between the two (Ezra 1 and 2). The second possibility could be that Nehemiah was not like the other exiles. He was the King’s personal assistant. He was cup bearer of the King. They knew that Nehemiah had the approval of the King to build and fortify Jerusalem. If anyone could rebuild Jerusalem, Nehemiah could! The rebuilding of Jerusalem was a threat to the authority of the Samaritan officials who had been in charge since the exile of Judah.
Another possibility of why these men opposed Nehemiah and his work could be that Nehemiah’s group was the third group to return from exile. The population was increasing as more and more exiles returned and this made Sanballat and Tobiah angry. They did not want the exiles to return and take back the land because this was a threat to their secure positions. Why do these northerners and a section of Nigerians oppose Jonathan’s candidature? It is not far from what happened in Nehemiah’s days. President Jonathan represents God’s favour and development of Nigeria.
The responses of Nehemiah’s leadership to opposition should be the principle and practice of Jonathan’s campaign team now. Through prayer and Godly dedication and determination, Nehemiah overcame the obstacles associated with obtaining the necessary permission and royal visas. Perhaps, he even had to overcome the opposition of family and friends in Persia: “Listen, Nehemiah, God has blessed you and placed you high in the ranks of the Persian emperor’s cabinet! It’s more important for you to keep your position right here in Susa! Those lazy Jews in Jerusalem should take care of their own broken-down walls!” Be prepared! These kinds of general obstacles and opposition are normal—they “go with the territory” of just about any job you decide to do for the Lord. When we become involved in serving the Lord and “building the wall” of Christian testimony in any way, we will probably face scorn and derision in one form or another. Have you ever been laughed at for using the Bible as an authoritative resource for daily living? Have you ever been ridiculed for trusting in God? Have you ever been called a “country bumpkin” for believing in creation? Expect to be mocked as a Christian—its part of the enemy’s strategy!
How did Nehemiah deal with the derision and contempt of the enemy? He prayed specifically about the problem—and he continued to build (4:4-5). President Jonathan should ignore the opposition, pray and go on leading. Govern, don’t play politics with governance, you will succeed. Stay blessed.
Akpogena resides in Port Harcourt.
Lewis Akpogena
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.
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