Opinion
Shun Oil Gloom
The current disagreement between Rivers and Bayelsa States over the ownership of oil wells is understandable if viewed in terms of the quantum of revenue that accrues to a state on account of the number of oil wells embedded in its bowels by nature. The situation is made more difficult now by the fact that neither of the major gladiators, being the chief executives of the respectives states or their agents, is expected to step back for the other, except if reason prevails.
To do otherwise would be misconstrued by their constituents as a sign of weakness or acceptance that the opposing side has better claim to the object of dispute. In as much as we do not doubt the ability of the governors to protect their citizens and their belongings within the areas under their control, the issue at stake in this case, the demarcation of the boundary between Degema Division in Rivers State and Brass Division in Bayelsa transcends all that, if our long standing relationship which predates the creation of states is taken into consideration. As such no one is expected to go into a frenzy and concoct actions which backlash may not be in the interest of the greater number of citizens of the oil bearing cammunities in question. Thus, one was alarmed when it was reported that at a recent security meeting, the Bayelsa State government directed security chiefs to tighten security in communities sharing boarders with Rivers State.
During the meeting the state security council was reported to have mapped out areas susceptible to attack and resolved to buy more gun boats to improve surveillance on the affected areas. Good idea to secure ones territory, but against which invading forces is Bayelsa building up gun boats at a time when the effect of the floods which ravaged the state and elsewhere is still taking its toll on the people. It is regreatable that this crisis was thrown up by the recent release of the 12th edition of the administrative map of Nigeria by the National Boundary Commission (NBC).
This development which is said to have favoured Bayelsa State, purports to cede some oil wells hitherto in Rivers territory, to it. The KalabariS in Akuku-Toru Local Government and the Rivers State Government have since challenged this ceding of what they described as their territory to Bayelsa. More important is the allegation that revenue accruing from the disputed fields may have been paid to Bayelsa in error, even as the issue of the demarcation of the boundary between the Kalabaris and the Nembe’s of Bayelsa, is a subject in Court. While the pronouncement of the Supreme Court is being awaited there is need for the states’ Chief Executives to exeecise caution in what they do or neglect to do in this very volatile issue which could defy settlement till they leave office. It is instructive that the scarce resources of both states be deployed to areas where they are needed most including attempts at curbing the growing incidence of illegal oil refining and theft in the creeks and rivers of the Niger Delta. The incidence of oil theft has become so rampant that the Rivers State government has, in its bid to checkmate the menace, which seems to have defied the skills of security operatives, ordered surveillance helicopters to track the miscreants whose activities has robbed the country of trillions of naira in the past of few years.
In fact, only recently the SPDC shut down the Imo River Trunkline on its Eastern operations after it found several crude theft points on the facility, a development which has denied the government the benefit of 25,000 barrels of crude per day.
It is quite disturbing that this crude oil theft is perpetrated right in the presence, and in some cases with tacit connivance of those detailed to protect the oil facilities by the Nigerian government. A visit to Marine Base in Port Harcourt and coastal towns like Bonny will reveal broad day light crude oil theft that is now a passtime of relatives and friends of security operatives posted to checkmate the incidence. Despite the devastation to the ecosystem which this deplorable action unleashes on the environment with dire consequences to the means of livelihood of people of the Niger Delta nothing in concrete terms, is being done to stop it because some untouchables may be involved.
The efforts and resources of the governments of Rivers and Bayelsa States should be harnessed to check this menace which is their duty to handle with the vigour it demands. The beating of war drums over oil wells at this point in our history may not be in our interest even as I sympathise with the government of Rivers State which now appears to be at the losing end with 49 of its oil wells recently ceded to Imo and now 70 to Bayelsa.
The advise of the governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff that amicable solution should be found to this age-long dispute should be taken with all seriousness. Any precipitate action by any person or group of persons from both sides of the divide in this dispute that could lead to bloodshed must be jettisoned. Beefing up security in border areas between Rivers and Bayelsa is tantamount to inciting the youth of both areas. They should be careful not to lay down their lives for an issue that would outlive them, otherwise let a referendum be carried out to decipher where the people in the disputed areas want to belong.
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.