Opinion

2015: Whose Turn For Brick House?

Published

12 years ago

April 7, 2014

The question anybody reading this narrative might ask is:
“It is whose turnto do what?” The majority response in Rivers State of Nigeria is: It is the turn of the Greater Kalabari Kingdom of the Ijaw Tribe in the Riverine Part of the State to produce the next Executive Governor of Rivers State in the 2015 gubernatorial election.
In the remainder of this discussion, I will present the data and make the argument for the above strong. response, but a few words on our rich ethnic diversity that drives politics in the State is in order.
The six Major Ethnic kingdoms of Rivers State alphabetically are Andoni, Ibani, Ikwerre, Kalabari, Ogoni, and Okrika. From inception, the state has been divided into the riverine and upland region the major ethnic kingdoms of the riverine region are Andoni, Ibani,Kalabari and Okrika while those of the upland regions are, Ikwerre, and Ogoni kingdoms. These constitute the elephants in the room of this discussion, without ignoring all the minor ethnic kingdoms of the state like Ekpeye, Etche, Abua, Engenni, Eleme, Ogba, Nkoro, and Bille to mention but a few.
The genesis of the major ethnic kingdoms of Rivers State taking turns to produce the Executive Governor of the state was the desire for peace in our very ethnically diverse state. This. quest for peace and tranquility was first discussed and implemented in 1979 by the now defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) under the leadership of former Governor, late Chief Melford Okilo. Then in 1998-1999 during the inception of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, the party leadership decided to adopt the same political principles of rotating governorship among the major ethnic kingdoms of the State and senators among the major and minor Ethnic kingdoms that constitute the 7-8 local government areas of each senatorial districts for the same reasons. This was divulged to this writer by the former state party chairman, late Dr. Marshall Harry in December 2001 during a courtesy call at his hotel in Obuama, Degema Local Government Area.
Some may think Rivers State is now in the post-ethnic and tribal neutral times, why drum up these issues again? In reality, a careful review of the recent developmental constructs operationalized in the state. Totally ignored development of the state water-fronts and supports this riverine-upland dynamics. Rivers state is the most ethnically diverse state in Nigeria. The sooner we recognise, embrace, and celebrate our cultural diversity the stronger and unified this state will become. To try to ignore it and only bring it up when it serves our political strategic purpose, will sow the seeds of discord, neglect, and marginalisation in the minds of many ethnicities. If these statements do not still satisfy the skeptics, I will pose the following questions in all levels of our governments to make my point:
*The political regions of Nigeria, how are they partitioned? .. by ethnic borders.
*The local government areas, how were they created? .. for equitable Ethnic representation.
*The National and State Assembly Districts, how were they drawn? .. for equitable ethnic representation also.
*When political appointments are made at the state and federal levels, do we not try to find out if somebody from our ethnicity was included? let’s be honest.
*After the last election, a major organization that serves the interest of the Ikwere kingdom made the argument in a national daily that nobody from their kingdom had ever been appointed a Federal Minister. His Excellency President Goodluck Jonathan responded by appointing one in his current administration (Hon. Nyesom Wike) to their deserve.
This author is trying to unite Rivers State by making sure our ethnic diversity that drive our politics is never politically exploited again to divide us but should be respected and celebrated for the unity of the state.
Coming back to the bone of contention, the common feeling of the greater Kalabari people since the creation of Rivers State in 1967 is that nobody from the kingdom has occupied the office of the Executive Governor of the State. The attempt here is not to cast blame, for there are plenty of them to go around, some of which could have been self-inflicted. The goal now is for all the major and minor ethnic kingdoms of the state to support the election of a Kalabari consensus candidate to become the next Executive Governor of Rivers state and they will in return support other major ethnicities like the Ogoni Kingdom to have their turn.
We must not forget in one of the previous political regimes of Nigeria, Chief Rufus Ada George, from the Okrika kingdom was elected Executive Governor and Dr. Peter Odili was his Deputy Governor.
In the present political dispensation, who fills the top two executive arm positions – The Executive Governor of Rivers State and the Deputy Governor- matters
The occupants of these offices from 1999-2007 were: Executive Governor, Dr Peter Odili (Upland Region) and Deputy Governor, Dr. Gabriel Tobi (lbani kingdom of riverine region).
From 2008 the occupants are Executive Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (lkwerre Kingdom of the upland region) and Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru (Andoni Kingdom of the riverine region).
A careful review of the above evidence supports the argument of the greater Kalabari Kingdom that in spite of their majority and contribution to the development of the state, they have been systematically denied the executive governorship and must not be deprived of the position in the next gubernatorial election. The other fact is, we as a people, have never occupied this executive post in the history of the state.
Consequently, this author calls on all greater Kalabari people first to unite, close ranks, bury their differences wake up from their complacency and work on two goals in the 2015 polls:
*To elect a consensus Kalabari candidate as the next Executive Governor of Rivers State.
·*Re-elect President Goodluck Jonathan to a second term at the national level.
The rallying “Town-Cry” for this endeavor will be a popular song by the great Kalabari son, late Rex Jim Lawson “Enebatea Kalabari Oweni Saki, translated,” The day is dawn Kalabari people, it is time to wake up”.
The project is: “The election of a Kalabari consensus candidate as the next Executive Governor of Rivers State.”
Second, we will later work together again to elect an indigene of the greater Ogoni Kingdom to follow the Kalabari ascension to the governorship, since the sons of Ibani and Andoni kingdoms just occupied the office of the Executive Deputy Governor in the Odili and Amaechi administrations respectively in the current political dispensation. The greater Okrika Kingdom should follow the greater Ogoni Kingdom ascension since former Governor Ada George’s tenure of the executive office was shortlived but was a genuine occupation of “Brick House” that produced results, put the State in the right direction we are still following today, and the last two governors were part of that administration.
The above proposed orderly and peaceful political transition in a state of ethnic diversity like ours is deserving of a broader calculus to involve more of this state’s citizenry .This author will also suggest “A Rivers People’s Constituent Conference” in the next administration akin to the current National Conference in Abuja for the state to try to work out the details of our rotational governorship and other politically appointed positions to avoid what political scientists will christen,”tyranny of the majority.”
We can do it Rivers people and the ball is in our court. Let us not allow anybody with political ambition and greed divide us in our goal of ethnic and cultural unity in Rivers State. The kalabari people must come together now more than ever before to seize this bull by the horn, and show the rest of the state that they are deserving of this honor to serve.
Prof Amonye-Obu writes from New York, United States.

Fons Amonye-Obu

Opinion

Kudos Gov Fubara

Published

19 hours 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

19 hours 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

19 hours 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.