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Task Before Rivers Golden Jubilee Committee

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9 years ago

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By virtue of Decree Number 4 of 1967, the Federal Military Government of Yakubu Gowon created a 12-state structure to replace the hitherto existing four regions. The creation of the 12 states was also contained in a national broadcast on 27th May 1967. Out of the 12 States six states were created from the north and another six from the south. Rivers was one of the states created with Port Harcourt as its headquarters. It is worthy of note that Rivers State was part of the defunct Eastern Region of Nigeria.

One thing is clear: the inclusion of Rivers in the 12 state structure did not happen on the platter of gold. Rivers was truly created out of the age-long demand by the founding fathers of the state involved in the Rivers State Movement. In other words, the creation of Rivers was not an act of benevolence.

In fact, writing on State Movement, Ben Naanen (2002) pages 339 to 350 in Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa and Abi Derefa~a in a book entitled: The Land and People of Rivers State: Eastern Niger Delta, explained that the struggle for ethnic hegemony in Nigeria referred to as ethnic nationalism has been linked to the formation of Pan-ethnic unions from the 1920s.

Professor Ben Naanen, concluded thus: “although, these ethnic movements were founded as cultural and welfare associations, they quickly assumed a political character when party politics emerged in Nigeria.

For instance, Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) founded in 1949 transformed to a political party in 1951 while the Egbe Omo Oduduwa established in 1945 constituted the nucleus of the Action Group and so was the case of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroon NCNC inaugurated in 1944 while Igbo Union in Lagos was at the same time the major source of support.

It is no exaggeration that this gradual growth of ethnic politics became a source of worry to minority groups including Rivers people and Calabar Ogoja Rivers State Movement.

This may not be unconnected with the springing up of the Ijaw dominated body called Rivers People’s League of 1941 whereas non-Ijaw groups notable among them were the Ogoni, Ekpeye, Ikwere- Etche and Abua groups sprang up within the same period.

It is on record that the first attempt at the creation of Rivers State came to limelight when the Rivers province was created in 1947 made up of Ahoada, Brass, Degema and Ogoni with Port Harcourt as headquarters. However, all this is history now.

Probably what is most important in the modem history of agitation for the creation of Rivers State was the collective effort of the founding fathers represented by the famous Rivers State memorandum.

It is common knowledge that the Rivers State memorandum was presented to the Head of State at the time, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, by the Rivers Leaders of Thought and was signed by S.N Dikibo, Chairman, Mr. E.N. Kobani, representing Ogoni Division, Dr I..J.M. Fiberesima representing Degema Division, R.P.G Okara Brass Division, Mr. G.B.C Otoka (Opobo Division) and N. Nwonodi for Ahoada and Port Harcourt Divisions.

Besides these signatories, other prominent names associated with the creation of the state were Chief D. Davies Manuel, Chief Harold Dappa Biriye, E.J A Oriji, W.O.Briggs who later defected to Calabar Ogoja and Rivers Movement and much later Captain Elechi Amadi joined before assisting the Nigerian Army to liberate Port Harcourt during the civil war.

It is also on record that on hearing of the new but strong romance between Rivers leaders of thought and the Head of State, the Governor of the defunct Eastern Region, Chukwu Emeka Odumegu Ojukwu, invited another set of leaders of the state movement on September 2, 1966 asking them to give up creation of Rivers and instead promised a province of Port Harcourt and urged them to support Biafra project.

It is for this reason many hold the view that among other factors, Rivers was created to polarize the struggle for Biafra and gained support of the old Rivers people. Be that as it may, Rivers has been created and will be 50 years on 27th May 2017.

Governor Nyesom Wike has set up the Rivers State Golden Jubilee Committee comprising about one hundred and fifty-one members while a renowned quantity surveyor and builder, Chief Ferdinard Alabraba, and legal luminary, O.C.J. Okocha are to serve as chairman and alternate chairman respectively.

The members who cut across all spheres of human endeavor, comprise distinguished Nigerians from within and outside the state who do business in the state.

Governor Wike, during the inauguration, stated categorically that the terms of reference include among other things to organise a month-long memorable celebration to mark the Golden Jubilee of the creation of Rivers State, to identify, seek support, collaborate with corporate organizations and individuals for a successful celebration and to determine categories of awards and also recommend persons from within and outside the state to be honored. This, no doubt, is a sensitive task that requires not only funds but wisdom and inclusiveness. raIl stakeholders, to achieve set objectives.

To this end, the task before the committee would be to identify and re-enact the first love of the founding fathers of the state which was to create and promote favourable identity of the Rivers man. To achieve this target, the committee must make conscious effort to present an accurate and updated information on the state. Such information should entail demographic details, occupation and culture of the people.

The quest to meet the manpower need of the state informed manpower development through technical and science education and further led to the establishment of the Rivers State College of Science and Technology which transformed to the premier university of science and technology in the country, the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. Better still, technical colleges and craft centres were accorded priority attention but this does not seem to be the case now.

It is worthy of note that strategic media outfits were put in place to engender favourable identity and they include the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, publisher of The Tide Newspaper, Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation comprising Radio Rivers and RSTV.

Interestingly, the government of Commander Alfred Diete Spiff embraced the Rivers Readers Project under the leadership of late Professor Kay Williamson, Professor Emeritus E.J.Alagoa and Professor Erneritus Otonti Nduka to promote writing, teaching and learning in Rivers indigenous languages. The Committee should see the need to mark the celebration with launch of primers in indigenous Rivers languages as there cannot be culture without language.

At this juncture, it may be pertinent to ask the questions what is the state of key state institutions such as Rivers State Museum, Council for Arts and Culture, Library, indigenous crafts and trade centres, public laboratory that can evoke a sense of history?

This is where Governor Nyesom Wike must be commended for conceptualising the Rivers State Golden Jubilee Committee which, no doubt, for once would move the people of the state from party politics to a point of sober reflection and our common humanity and to enable Rivers people focus on the big picture.

As the state plans to organise a golden jubilee celebration in 2017, emphasis should not be on the mere celebration of it with a giant cake but the resolve by the founding fathers to accomplish their dreams and aspirations despite daunting challenges.

The Committee must ensure that parts of the state ceded to other states if any because of petrol politics are recommended to be brought back while the founding fathers, who have not been immortalized be named after road, streets, strategic buildings across the state. It is hoped that such a celebration will not be concentrated in Port Harcourt city alone, but all the 23 local government areas will host components while the grand finale takes place in the state capital.

The Rivers State Golden Jubilee Committee must bring to the front burner how to revive the culture of the Rivers man towards truth, justice, love, forgiveness, hard work against bloodletting and killings so prevalent in our society today.

In other words, preservation of cultural heritage should not be limited to physical properties such as piece of cloth, historical site and art alone.

The committee must know that to whom much is given much is expected.

Sika is Port Harcourt-based journalist and public affairs analyst.

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Opinion

Wike VS Soldier’s Altercation: Matters Arising

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3 days ago

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December 8, 2025

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The events that unfolded in Abuja on Tuesday November 11, 2025 between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike and a detachment of soldiers guarding a disputed property, led by Adams Yerima, a commissioned Naval Officer, may go down as one of the defining images of Nigeria’s democratic contradictions. It was not merely a quarrel over land. It was a confrontation between civil authority and the military legacy that still hovers over our national life.

Nyesom Wike, fiery and fearless as always, was seen on video exchanging words with a uniformed officer who refused to grant him passage to inspect a parcel of land alleged to have been illegally acquired. The minister’s voice rose, his temper flared, and the soldier, too, stood his ground, insisting on his own authority. Around them, aides, security men, and bystanders watched, stunned, as two embodiments of the Nigerian state clashed in the open.

The images spread fast, igniting debates across drawing rooms, beer parlours, and social media platforms. Some hailed Wike for standing up to military arrogance; others scolded him for perceived disrespect to the armed forces. Yet beneath the noise lies a deeper question about what sort of society we are building and whether power in Nigeria truly understands the limits of its own reach.

It is tragic that, more than two decades into civil rule, the relationship between the civilian arm of government and the military remains fragile and poorly understood. The presence of soldiers in a land dispute between private individuals and the city administration is, by all civic standards, an aberration. It recalls a dark era when might was right, and uniforms conferred immunity against accountability.

Wike’s anger, even if fiery, was rooted in a legitimate concern: that no individual, however connected or retired, should deploy the military to protect personal interests. That sentiment echoes the fundamental democratic creed that the law is supreme, not personalities. If his passion overshot decorum, it was perhaps a reflection of a nation weary of impunity.

On the other hand, the soldier in question is a symbol of another truth: that discipline, respect for order, and duty to hierarchy are ingrained in our armed forces. He may have been caught between conflicting instructions one from his superiors, another from a civilian minister exercising his lawful authority. The confusion points not to personal failure but to institutional dysfunction.

It is, therefore, simplistic to turn the incident into a morality play of good versus evil.

*********”**** What happened was an institutional embarrassment. Both men represented facets of the same failing system a polity still learning how to reconcile authority with civility, law with loyalty, and service with restraint.

In fairness, Wike has shown himself as a man of uncommon courage. Whether in Rivers State or at the FCTA, he does not shy away from confrontation. Yet courage without composure often feeds misunderstanding. A public officer must always be the cooler head, even when provoked, because the power of example outweighs the satisfaction of winning an argument.

Conversely, soldiers, too, must be reminded that their uniforms do not place them above civilian oversight. The military exists to defend the nation, not to enforce property claims or intimidate lawful authorities. Their participation in purely civil matters corrodes the image of the institution and erodes public trust.

One cannot overlook the irony: in a country where kidnappers roam highways and bandits sack villages, armed men are posted to guard contested land in the capital. It reflects misplaced priorities and distorted values. The Nigerian soldier, trained to defend sovereignty, should not be drawn into private or bureaucratic tussles.

Sycophancy remains the greatest ailment of our political culture. Many of those who now cheer one side or the other do so not out of conviction but out of convenience. Tomorrow they will switch allegiance. True patriotism lies not in defending personalities but in defending principles. A people enslaved by flattery cannot nurture a culture of justice.

The Nigerian elite must learn to submit to the same laws that govern the poor. When big men fence off public land and use connections to shield their interests, they mock the very constitution they swore to uphold. The FCT, as the mirror of national order, must not become a jungle where only the powerful can build.

The lesson for Wike himself is also clear: power is best exercised with calmness. The weight of his office demands more than bravery; it demands statesmanship. To lead is not merely to command, but to persuade — even those who resist your authority.

Equally, the lesson for the armed forces is that professionalism shines brightest in restraint. Obedience to illegal orders is not loyalty; it is complicity. The soldier who stands on the side of justice protects both his honour and the dignity of his uniform.

The Presidency, too, must see this episode as a wake-up call to clarify institutional boundaries. If soldiers can be drawn into civil enforcement without authorization, then our democracy remains at risk of subtle militarization. The constitution must speak louder than confusion.

The Nigerian public deserves better than spectacles of ego. We crave leaders who rise above emotion and officers who respect civilian supremacy. Our children must not inherit a nation where authority means shouting matches and intimidation in public glare.

Every democracy matures through such tests. What matters is whether we learn the right lessons. The British once had generals who defied parliament; the Americans once fought over states’ rights; Nigeria, too, must pass through her own growing pains but with humility, not hubris.

If the confrontation has stirred discomfort, then perhaps it has done the nation some good. It forces a conversation long overdue: Who truly owns the state — the citizen or the powerful? Can we build a Nigeria where institutions, not individuals, define our destiny?

As the dust settles, both the FCTA and the military hierarchy must conduct impartial investigations. The truth must be established — not to shame anyone, but to restore order. Where laws were broken, consequences must follow. Where misunderstandings occurred, apologies must be offered.

Let the rule of law triumph over the rule of impulse. Let civility triumph over confrontation. Let governance return to the path of dialogue and procedure.

Nigeria cannot continue to oscillate between civilian bravado and military arrogance. Both impulses spring from the same insecurity — the fear of losing control. True leadership lies in the ability to trust institutions to do their work without coercion.

Those who witnessed the clash saw a drama of two gladiators. One in starched khaki, one in well-cut suit. Both proud, both unyielding. But a nation cannot be built on stubbornness; it must be built on understanding. Power, when it meets power, should produce order, not chaos.

We must resist the temptation to glorify temper. Governance is not warfare; it is stewardship. The citizen watches, the world observes, and history records. How we handle moments like this will define our collective maturity.

The confrontation may have ended without violence, but it left deep questions in the national conscience. When men of authority quarrel in the open, institutions tremble. The people, once again, become spectators in a theatre of misplaced pride.

It is time for all who hold office — civilian or military — to remember that they serve under the same flag. That flag is neither khaki nor political colour; it is green-white-green, and it demands humility.

No victor, no vanquish only a lesson for a nation still learning to govern itself with dignity.

By; King Onunwor

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Opinion

Ndifon’s  Verdict and University Power Reform

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2 weeks ago

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November 24, 2025

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Quote:”But beyond the courtroom victory lies a pressing question: What next? How do we ensure that Nigerian universities no longer serve as hunting grounds for predatory academics? How do we guarantee that students—especially young women—can pursue education without fear of victimization?”
The conviction of Professor Cyril Ndifon, suspended Dean of Law at the University of Calabar, to five years in prison by the Federal High Court Abuja, provided a rare moment of relief amid the week’s troubling national events. Beyond punishing one individual, the judgment signaled that accountability—especially regarding sexual harassment and abuse of power in Nigerian higher institutions—may finally be gaining traction. For years, many students, especially young women, have quietly endured intimidation, coercion, and the misuse of academic privilege. Reports and surveys have consistently shown the depth of this problem. A 2018 World Bank survey estimated that 70% of female graduates had faced some form of sexual harassment in school, while a Nigerian study recorded sexual violence as the most common form of gender-based violence on campuses.
Ndifon’s case has therefore become symbolic—challenging the belief that powerful academics can act with impunity. Justice James Omotosho’s ruling went beyond the conviction; it exposed the systemic rot that enables abuse. His description of Ndifon as a predator highlighted how institutions fail when they lack strong, independent structures for accountability. Although the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, many similar cases never reach court because victims remain afraid, discouraged, or convinced that the system will not protect them. A major difference in this case was that a government agency fulfilled its responsibility rather than letting the matter fade, as often happens with campus scandals. Too often, allegations arise but internal committees stall, victims lose hope, and the accused quietly escape consequences.
This time, however, the judiciary refused to allow such evasion. The court’s decision to center the victims and dismiss attempts to discredit them set an important precedent at a time when survivors are often blamed or pressured into silence. Yet the bigger question remains: What next? How can Nigerian universities become safe spaces where students, particularly young women, can pursue education without fear? First, reporting systems must be overhauled. Traditional structures—where complaints pass through heads of departments or deans—are inadequate, especially when senior officers are the accused. Independent, gender-sensitive complaint bodies are essential. Some institutions, such as the University of Ibadan and Godfrey Okoye University, have already taken steps by establishing gender-mainstreaming units. Other universities must follow suit, ensuring confidentiality, protection from backlash, and transparent investigations.
Second, proven cases of harassment must attract real consequences—not quiet transfers or administrative warnings. Sexual exploitation is not a mere disciplinary issue; it is a crime and should be promptly escalated to law-enforcement agencies. Treating criminal behaviour as an internal matter only emboldens perpetrators. Third, students must feel safe to speak up. As a senior lecturer at the University of Abuja advised, silence fuels impunity. Students need to believe that justice is attainable and that they will be supported. This requires consistent sensitization efforts by student unions, civil society groups, gender advocacy organizations, and ministries of women affairs. New students, in particular, need early guidance to understand their rights and available support systems. The recent approval of the Sexual Harassment of Students (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2025, prescribing up to 14 years imprisonment for educators convicted of harassment, is a step in the right direction.
Quick presidential assent and domestication by states will strengthen legal protection. As Nelson Mandela said, “A society that fails to protect its women cannot claim to be civilized.” This principle must guide Nigeria’s legislative and institutional reforms. The legal profession has its own soul-searching to do. Law faculties are expected to model ethics and justice. When a senior law academic betrays these values, the damage extends beyond the victims—it undermines confidence in both higher education and the justice system. The judiciary’s firm stance in this case therefore reinforces the idea that the law exists to protect the vulnerable, not shield the powerful. Yet, this moment should not end with celebration alone; it must ignite a broader institutional awakening. Universities must begin to review their staff appraisal systems to include behavioural ethics, not just academic output.
Governing councils should strengthen oversight mechanisms and ensure that disciplinary processes are free from internal politics. Alumni associations and parents’ forums can also play a monitoring role, demanding higher standards of conduct from staff and administrators. Importantly, the government must provide universities with the financial and technical support needed to establish functional gender desks, counselling units, and digital reporting platforms. Only when all stakeholders take ownership of the problem can lasting reform be achieved. Professor Ndifon’s sentencing represents justice for one victim, but it must inspire justice for many more. It should mark the beginning of a nationwide resolve to reclaim Nigerian universities from those who misuse authority. The future of education in this country must be shaped by knowledge, dignity, and integrity—not fear or manipulation. The judgment is a call to action: to build campuses where students are safe, where lecturers are held accountable, and where power is exercised with responsibility. Only then can Nigeria truly claim to be nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
By: Calista Ezeaku
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Opinion

As Nigeria’s Insecurity Rings Alarm

Published

2 weeks ago

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November 24, 2025

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Quote:”President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria a Country of Special Concern and further threats to intervene in countries experiencing religious persecution reflect a growing international concern regarding Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.”
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed an alarming evolution of insecurity that threatens not only the stability of the nation but also the broader West African region. Bandit attacks on schools, farms, mosques, and Christian worship centers have become distressingly commonplace, painting a grim picture of a country under siege from multiple fronts. The rise of kidnappings for ransom, coupled with the persistent threat of terrorism from groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, has ignited fears among communities and hampered economic activities. As neighboring Sahel countries grapple with coups and the spread of extremist ideologies, Nigeria finds itself at a precarious crossroads that demands urgent attention and action.
According to media tally, about 2,496 students have been abducted in 92 school attacks since the Chibok saga of 2014. And prompted by recent incidents in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger states, where hundreds of pupils were abducted, state governments across northern Nigeria are shutting down, or relocating schools. Even the federal government last week, via the Federal Ministry of Education hastily ordered principals of 41 unity schools across northern Nigeria, to shut-down.The increasing frequency and audacity of bandit attacks highlight a troubling trend in Nigeria’s security landscape. Schools, once seen as sanctuaries for learning, have become targets for kidnappers seeking to exploit vulnerable students. These attacks not only disrupt education but also instill fear in families, leading to mass withdrawals from schools. Should we raise a generation of children deprived of their right to education?
Similarly, farms and places of worship have not been spared. Communities that once thrived on agriculture and faith, now live in constant dread of violent incursions. The targeted killings of Christians and attacks on mosques further exacerbate religious tensions, threatening to disrupt the social fabric that holds Nigeria together.The situation is compounded by the unsettling developments in the Sahel region, where coups and the rise of jihadist groups have created a volatile environment. The spillover effects of this instability are palpable in Nigeria, as extremist ideologies proliferate and armed groups gain confidence. The porous borders of the region facilitate the movement of militants and weapons, making it increasingly difficult for Nigerian authorities to contain the threats. As Nigeria struggles to secure its territory, the consequences of failure become more pronounced, with the potential for a broader regional crisis looming on the horizon.
President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria a Country of Special Concern and further threats to intervene in countries experiencing religious persecution reflect a growing international concern regarding Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
While such attention can bring much-needed awareness to the plight of affected communities, it also underscores a significant truth: the responsibility for addressing these challenges ultimately lies with the Nigerian government. The inaction and apparent inability to protect citizens from violence and ensure justice for victims send a troubling message about the state’s commitment to safeguarding its populace. The economic ramifications of this evolving insecurity are dire. Foreign investment, a critical driver of economic growth, is deterred by the pervasive violence and instability.
 Investors are wary of committing resources to a country where the risk of loss is heightened by kidnappings and attacks on businesses.Additionally, agricultural production suffers as farmers abandon their lands, fearing for their safety. The recent upsurge in insecurity coincides with a crucial harvest season, when farmers need to recoup investment to finance the next round. A decline in harvests this year would reverse recent gains of recovery in food production and exacerbate poverty, further straining the nation’s resources. Socially, the implications of failing to tackle insecurity are profound. Mistrust in government institutions grows as citizens witness a lack of effective response to violence and crime. This erosion of faith can lead to civil unrests, as frustrated populations demand accountability and action.
Moreover, the vulnerability of young people in conflict-affected areas increases the risk of radicalization, as they seek identity and purpose in extremist movements that exploit their disillusionment. The South-East crisis is peculiar in this regard. The evolving insecurity in Nigeria is not merely a national crisis; it poses a significant threat to regional stability and international interests. The convergence of banditry, terrorism, and political instability in the Sahel creates a complex security environment that requires a coordinated response. The Nigerian government, in partnership with regional allies and international partners, must adopt a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of insecurity, strengthens law enforcement, and fosters community resilience.
It’s time Nigerians address all regional grievances with reconciliation and empathy, rather than with coercion. As citizens, civil society, and international stakeholders, it is crucial to advocate for effective policies that prioritize security, justice, development and inclusiveness. A collective effort is needed to ensure a safer, more stable future for Nigeria and the West African region. Ultimately, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. The path forward demands decisive action to restore security, rebuild trust, and ensure that all citizens can live without fear. The time for complacency has passed; the stakes are too high, and the consequences of inaction are too grave. A collective effort is essential to navigate this challenging landscape and forge a safer, more stable future for Nigeria and the West African region.
By: Joseph Nwankwor
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