Opinion
Hazards In Bonny Marine Transport System
There are basically three means of transportation worldwide; these include: road, marine and air transport. These means of transport facilitates the movement of persons and conveyance of goods and services from one location to another, without which, human activity would have been be very difficult, if not impossible to carry out. Hence the importance of a viable, effective and reliable transport system in any society cannot be overemphasised.
The aforementioned means of transport though differ in terms of their safety, convenience and speed but all share one thing in common namely – hazards.
The extent of hazards associated with each of these means of transport is relative to, among others, the strict adherence to the prevailing safety rules and regulations by the transport operators, worthiness or otherwise of the vehicle, boat, or aircraft.
Over the years, the marine or water transport has been the only mode of transport used by the people of Bonny and its inhabitants to access the state capital for either business or official purposes.
It is disheartening to note that in spite of the strategic place Bonny occupy in the nation’s economy, it is the only Local Government in Rivers State yet to be linked by road to the state capital.
It is worthy of note that in the past, Bonny was the nerve-centre for trade and commerce; being a coastal town, it provided an important sea port which facilitated the shipment of goods and services to and from the hinterlands.
Presently, Bonny Island is the terminal for the nation’s crude oil and gas; thus playing host to several major oil and gas exploration companies namely NLNG, Shell, Exxon Mobil, etc, as well as other subsidiary oil and gas service companies.
The presence of these multinationals in Bonny has transformed it into a cosmopolitan town — with its attendant high cost of living; yet it is the most neglected Local Government, in terms of absence of road link to other parts of the country.
It is worrisome to note that the hazards and inconveniences which passengers plying the Bonny- Port Harcourt Sea route in open Speed Boats are exposed to, leaves much to be desired.
Passengers travel everyday under the pressure of harsh and turbulent tidal waves – brought about by the closeness of the Bonny River to the Atlantic Ocean.
The lives of passengers are always at the mercy of the boat drivers; most of whom do not adhere to marine safety rules and regulations; they drive recklessly, use old. and worn-out engines, overload above the capacity of the boats/engines, among others; without any iota of courtesy to their passengers.
This situation had resulted in several boat mishaps; thereby causing loss of lives and properties.
This is besides the activities of sea pirates, who attack and rob innocent passengers of their money and other valuables – even some of them die in the process.
These and many more are the traumatic experiences the people of Bonny and its inhabitants go through daily as a result of the only transport means to and from the Island.
The foregoing scenario, therefore, calls for serious concern on the lingering continuation and completion of the Bonny-Bodo Federal Road Project.
The 36-kilometre Bonny-Bodo road project which had been on the drawing board since 1995 during the Babangida administration, was awarded to Gino Construction Company Limited in 2002, and for over 10 years now, the project had suffered serious setbacks – which had been attributed to under-funding, community disagreements, poor performance and incapacity of the contractor handling the work.
So far no meaningful progress has been made on the road project. The Federal Government had on several occasions promised that work will soon commence on the project before the end of this year, but all to no avail.
Sometime in July last year, the Minister of Works, Architect Mike Onolememen disclosed to the delegation of Ogoni Council of Traditional Rulers that the Federal Government would revoke major road projects contract which had been abandoned for over 10 years, including the Bonny- Bodo Road, when they visited him in his office in Abuja.
The Minister equally informed the delegation that the proposed revocation of the contract on the road project was necessitated in view of the economic importance of the Bonny-Bodo Road and being the only access to Bonny Island, that government considered it one of its priority projects to be completed in line with the “road sector transformation agenda” of government.
He further informed the Ogoni people that all the controversies militating against the continuation of the project had been resolved and assured them that hence forth the project would be properly monitored, funded and completed within the stipulated time.
In the same vein, the Minister of State for Works, Mr. Bashir Yuguda, had also in February this year, made similar promises while inspecting the road project. The same assurance was also given when a delegation of the Executive Management Team of the NLNG — led by its Managing Director, Mr. Babs Omotowa, visited the Minister of Works in his office on the lingering Bonny- Bodo Road Project.
Given the level of neglect and seeming insincerity of the Federal Government on the non- tulfillment of its promises with regards to the lingering Bonny-Bodo road project, it does appear that government lack the political will to execute the project to a logical end – unmindful of the enormous socio-economic benefits that would accrue from the road project when completed.
There is no gainsaying the fact that the Bonny-Bodo road during the construction phase, would create employment opportunity to our restive youths, especially those who the road project site criss-cross their communities. Similarly, the project when completed would attract business investors from other states across the country and beyond; particularly to Bonny, which till date has been inaccessible by road. Thus boosting the nation’s economy for the common good.
Going by the envisaged socio-economic importance of the Bonny-Bodo road project to the nation’s economy, it is very imperative for the Federal Government, National Assembly and Rivers State House of Assembly to expedite action at ensuring the unhindered continuation and completion of the road project. This could be achieved through a conscientious and pre- determined effort; by appropriating and releasing the requisite funds well enough-to sustain and complete the project at record time.
Again, if it is established that the construction company handling the project presently is incompetent, the Federal Government reserves the right to revoke the contract and re-award it to a more competent construction company, which will do a solid and thorough job and should be able to deliver on time.
Traditional rulers, youths and other stakeholders of the host communities also have important role to play; by creating the enabling environment for peace, security and co-operation – all of which are necessary ingredients for the company to carry out its job uninterrupted.
The effort made so far by the Ogoni Council of Traditional Rulers and the Management Team of the NLNG in this direction is quite commendable. It is expected that the Bonny Council of Traditional Rulers should also follow suit, by sending a delegation to the Federal Government, to press further for the continuation and completion of the Bonny-Bodo road project.
To this end, therefore, the Federal Government through this medium, is called upon to please, appreciate the plight of the good people of Bonny, by rising to the occasion and taking urgent steps towards the continuation and completion of the road project– which had lingered for decades. When this is done, no doubt, would give them a great relief from the hazards associated with marine transport system.
Fombo residents in Port Harcourt.
Iyeowuna Alfred Fombo
Opinion
Restoring Order, Delivering Good Governance
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
Opinion
Checking Herdsmen Rampage
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.
Opinion
Is Nigeria Democratic Nation?
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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