Opinion
Nigerians, Whither Our Patriotism?

Patriotism means the love
for one’s country and the willingness to defend it. It rekindles in human the spirit to live for his country, make sacrifice and protect its values, ideologies, and even die for it if necessary. The under-development of any country could be attributed to lack of patriotism among its citizens as most people lack the ingredients of patriotism towards their nation and do not bother about contributing to its development.
In Nigeria, many people are not committed to the unity, peace and development of the country. For instance, kidnappers, corrupt persons, money launderers, terrorists, militants who destroy the source of the nation’s economy and other criminally minded individuals can not claim to be patriotic. This is because their activities constitute threat to the nation and impact negatively on the nation’s economy. In short, their activities constitute a clog to the wheel of the nations’ progress.
A patriotic Nigerian thinks of the unity, peace, development, progress and growth of the country. He seeks consensuses in nation-building and sustainable development; he keys into the quest for a peaceful Nigeria and joins hands with government to work for the overall development of the nation. Therefore, it is imperative that every patriotic citizen must love his or her country, and work twowards its development and not to embark on negative activities like oil pipeline vandalisation, illegal bunkering and other acts that are detrimental to the growth of the country.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan at a national summit and rally for peace, unity and development, organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja, sometimes last year, said those seeking the disintegration of Nigeria were “lazy politicians seeking to be kings in tiny islands”.
According to him, those fanning the ember of disconnect between the political class, the government and the masses, causing underdevelopment , indulging in corrupt practices, anti-masses policies, among others, are unpatriotic Nigerians.
Jonathan’s assertion is not far from the truth. Without patriotism, there will be no unity of purpose. It is the unity that binds all ethnic nationalities together and promotes peace, security and meaningful development. Nigeria has the potentials to facilitate development but the citizens and leaders lack the patriotism and political will to fast-track development.
Peace and unity of purpose is the only platform for actualizing the dream of producing good leaders for the country. It is only the patriotic, credible and God-fearing leaders with political will who can drive the development of a country. It is those personalities that can restore the confidence of the people in the polity and enthrone justice and peace in the country.
Patriotism encourages peaceful co-existence among people and peace cannot be achieved with force. It must be a collective decision or agreement for the people to live together in peace and keep the country peaceful. Therefore, there is the need for an elaborate peace campaign, civic education and proper sensitization of Nigerians across the country on critical issues of peace and development.
One challenge we have as a country is that our leaders are not trying to sow the seed of patriotism that is worthy of emulation by their followers. This derails accelerated development, peace and unity in the country.
Our national policies have set the targets for broadband penetration in all sectors of the economy but the leaders and actors lack the capacity to achieve the lofty goals. It has, therefore, become imperative that a proper and feasible plan be articulated and a machinery put in place by government to develop the strategy and road-map towards socio-economic growth of the country.
Hardwork and dedication to duty are hallmarks of patriotism, it leads to high productivity and efficient service delivery. It is important, therefore, that government at all levels and stakeholders should intensify efforts in sensitising the people on the need to imbibe the spirit of patriotism which will engender peace, unity and development of the country.
Patriotic individuals promote economic growth. For example, in the United States of America, the wife of the Governor of Maine, Ann LePage, recently took a summer job as a waitress in a restaurant to supplement her family’s income. The 58 year-old woman cheerfully declared that she enjoys her restaurant job and loves meeting and serving customers. Her husband, Governor Paul, a Republican, is the lowest-paid governor in USA with an annual salary of $70,000.
Ann, according to report, does not tell customers who she is unless they recognize her.
She said: “Because of who I am and who I’m married to, I want to work extra hard just to show that I can do a good job”.
Ann and her husband have an average lifestyle by local standards and can relate to the financial challenges many of their constituents go through. This is patriotism at work. Nigerian politicians and their family members should learn from this couple. Our leaders should make patriotism a priority in government policies as it is the life wire of any economy in the world.
It is important for the government to pay more attention to the development, of the culture of patriotism. This would facilitate development, peace and unity in the country and eradicate corruption and other social vices.
Patriotism is the bedrock of development, peace and unity of any nation. Patriotism is particularly required now that the government is trying to liberate its people from the shackles of poverty, unemployment, insecurity and corruption.
Nigeria, I believe, will witness tremendous growth if both the leaders and their followers are ready to sacrifice for the country. If all of us had been patriotic since Nigeria gained independence, Nigeria wouldn’t have been in its pitiable state today.
But it is not too late for us to reposition the country for better. All it requires is patriotism from us.
Shedie Okpara
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.