Opinion
Radio Rivers FM At 38
The words of the former Director General of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Sir William Haley, come alive when he declared in a famous lecture at the University of Bristol in 1948 that: “The power of broadcasting, if skillfully used, can move masses of people in a way the printed word cannot and, if used consistently, it can affect the outlook of individuals and nations.”
No doubt, the thought of Sir Haley is in consonance with the vision of the founding fathers of old Rivers State who established Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation (RSBC) with the primary focus of providing favourable identity for Rivers people who were, hitherto, in the defunct Eastern Nigeria region.
Radio Rivers 99.1 FM was established on May 2, 1981. It was the second frequency modulated (FM) radio station in Nigeria; the first being Metro FM (also known as Radio Nigeria Two) established on April 22, 1977 in Lagos.
Record shows that ace broadcaster, Daphini gogo-Abbey signed on the station with the call-signal: Radio Rivers Two FM Stereo.
Young Miss Mambo Tumbowei, now known as Mrs. Elizabeth Odumo, signed on the AM Station on June 1, 1978 at the old NBA Station at 22 William Jumbo Street, Old GRA, Port Harcourt.
One thing is clear; the Radio Rivers AM which by implication means Radio Rivers One took place after the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) was restructured earlier in 1978.
It is on record that during the restructuring, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) emerged following the fussion of NBC Stations in Lagos, Ibadan and Enugu with Broadcasting Corporation of Northern Nigeria (BCNN).
It is also worthy of note that the benefit of the amalgamation was the directive that state governments should take over all NBC stations, equipment and landed property while members of staff were given the liberty to either work in their various states or retain employment with FRCN in Lagos, etc.
RSBC also inherited NBC buildings at William Jumbo, Degema Street and Ozuoba as well as inherited liability which included part payment of retirement benefits of its former NBC staff.
Interestingly, in the original plan of the founding fathers, RSBC was to serve as the umbrella body for both state radio and television – RSBC-TV and Radio Rivers and this is captured in Edict Number 8 of 1973 as the legal instrument governing RSBC.
Late poet and playwright, Gabriel Okara, was appointed the pioneer General Manager of RSBC TV and Radio while Olu Benibo Fubara was the pioneer General Manager of RSBC as Radio Rivers alone.
As Radio Rivers 99.1 FM clocks 38 years, it is necessary to ask the question, where is its precursor, Radio Rivers One? This question is necessary because Radio Rivers AM was largely community radio broadcasting in Rivers indigenous languages which, in turn, promoted Rivers cultures.
In other words, Radio Rivers AM programming was designed to project the rich multi-cultural diversity of Rivers State and, in turn, project the image of the state in good light as well as create favourable identity for Rivers people.
Evidence abounds that Radio Rivers AM had language programmes in Kolokuma, Nembe, Gokana, Khana, Ikwerre, Ekpeye, Okrika, Eleme, Kalabari and Obolo.
An attempt to transfer all Radio Rivers AM programmes to Radio Rivers FM distorted the programming of FM. To this end, the management could not completely carry on a total commercial or community broadcasting.
Worse still, today’s government officials neglect states owned media and embrace private commercial radio stations, even when budgetary allocation is made in the appropriation law every year.
The attitude of present-day government officials patronising private commercial broadcast outfits over public sector radio is rather appalling and, in fact, disrespectful to the vision of the founding fathers’ interest. It was a cheering news during an interface with the media last year when Governor Nyesom Wike promised to revamp ailing media establishments in the state, including radio Rivers.
On this 38th Anniversary of Radio Rivers 99.1FM, Rivers people await resuscitation of their vocal logo, Radio Rivers FM.
In revamping ailing media establishments, particularly radio Rivers FM, emphasis should not be only on physical infrastructure alone but training of personnel.
It would be recalled that under Chief Olu Benibo Fubara as pioneer General Manager of RSBC Radio, Daphini Gogo-Abbey was trained in Chicago USA, Eric Uzoma Radio Netherlands, Jonny Jack, Ineba Briggs, Margaret Ibiye Daighani also trained in Netherlands and Capital Radio London including Elder Goddy William.
Government must restructure state Radio Stations Radio Rivers 99.1 FM and Garden City FM and also consider establishing at least two more radio frequencies and streamline public broadcasting from commercial interest to serve the multi-ethnic needs of the state.
Moreso, there is so much to learn from the growth of Rivers state University.
For instance, the leadership of Commander Alfred Diete-Spiff (rtd) established the Rivers State College of Science and Technology, the administration of Chief Melford Obiene Okilo upgraded it to Rivers State University of Science and Technology in 1980 while Governor Wike has amended its law to make it Rivers State University.
This is the way to go. Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation’s Radio Rivers 99.1 FM, Rivers State Television and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation could be revamped to serve the state better.
Radio Rivers 99.1 FM is 38, Hurray!
Sika wrote in from Radio Rivers FM
Baridorn Sika
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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