Opinion
Do We Need More States?
One way of moving the country forward and accelerating the development of human, material and abundant solid mineral and crude oil and gas resources, some have argued, is by the creation of more States, along with institutionalizing true federalism as hallmark of democracy. The proponents of this line of thought argue that in order to escape from the excessive exploitation and now theft of crude oil, the nation’s major source of revenue, the domination of certain tribes or cultural groups, their own State is inevitable for them to massively exploit their resources and thereby develop at their own pace. They are quick to refer to the success so far recorded in general terms, following the balkanization of the country into 12 States structure in 1967 by the Gowon administration up from the four regional set-up that was in place at independence in October 1960, as the justification for the sustained agitation for more States. They may be correct, yet another school of thought thinks that States’ creation has been more of a curse than a blessing, just like the crude oil in the Niger Delta, because it has stymied the nation’s development in various ways. For instance, when General Gowon created 12 States in 1967, it was to satisfy a political expedient. This much was referred to recently in Abuja by a former minister of Science and Technology, Maj-General Sam Momah (rtd) during the launch of his book titled: “Nigeria Beyond Divorce,” when he said that creation of States at the initial stage was rather politically motivated and used as a strategy to stop Biafra from seceding. Thus, according to him, the clamour for the creation of more States, even in the midst of economic crunch was unnecessary.
He then suggested the restructuring of the country now to avert possible collapse of some States. Gen Momah argued that of the 36 existing States, only Lagos is self-sustaining while the rest depended on hand-outs to pay salaries. He wondered for how long the country should continue to be spoon-feeding the other 35 States, adding that the country could be split into about eight zones with each zone assuming the structure of a State. This, the ex-minister noted would curb the current huge governance expenditure, as well as frustration which had given rise to all sorts of inter-ethnic, sectarian and religious violence that has unfortunately become our lot at the expense of much needed development. Gen. Momah is not alone in this view. The former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku while delivering this year’s third in the quarterly series of life’s testimonies, God In My Life, sponsored by the Torchbearer’s Society of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, (AVMCC), Ikeja, Lagos expressed concern over the state of the country praying that “the nation might be sitting on a key of gunpowder.” Among the looming problems, Anyaoku referred to the Federal Government’s claim that it had made a truce with the Boko Haram, while the leader of the Islamic sect publicly announced that “they have not signed any truce with the infidels,” a situation he said was very critical, yet “our leaders and elites are living in denial of these facts.” But more importantly is the elder statesman’s reference to the structure of Nigeria. According to him, with the present structure, which made the centre very powerful and with primordial sentiment of every tribe wanting to control the centre, the nation cannot develop. He noted that if the nation wished to move forward, the country should return to true federation of six units with each developing at its own pace. This, he said, would nullify the huge expenses of running 36 States, “the structure that is gulping 70 per cent of our resources on just administration,” thus leaving little or nothing to take care of ASUU, decayed infrastructure and proper tackling of the power problem that holds the key to industrialization.
With these suggestions coming from fellow citizens who seem to also desire the best for their country, particularly for the youth who bear the brunt of the level of mis-governance over the time which imprints have left indelible mark in the sands of time, one wonders why some political and cultural groups are hell bent on having more States created even as the stark reality of the dependent nature of the existing ones stares us all in the face. Addressing members of Idoma National Forum (INF) who visited him to register their unhappiness over the rejection of creation of States by the Constitution Review Committee, Senate President, David Mark assured agitators for States creation not to be disillusioned as there is still opportunity to address the issue. Be that as it may, it is significant that about 61 requests for States creation is now before the Senate. Even as it appears that the constitution made it very difficult for new States to be created, the need to ensure that States, as federating units became solvent cannot be glossed over. This could be achieved by encouraging the existing States to independently exploited their resources in the spirit of true federation and so develop at their own peace. In addition to the constitution provisions for State creation, the agitators must provide clues as to how to beat unemployment in the areas they want as States, must enter into an agreement that the new States must not depend on federal government hand outs to survive, in addition, to listing time line for the phasing out of armed robbery, kidnapping and guarantee of uninterrupted electricity supply to the people. That our lawmakers would not subscribe to collapsing the country into six units is understood, but effort at enthroning principles of true federalism should be made to ensure survival of Nigeria.
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.