Opinion
Charting Way Forward Through PVC
Nigeria is confronted with several insurmountable and hydra-headed problems more than any other time in our history as a nation since 1960. The prevailing socio-economic challenges are so bleak that people wonder if there is a way out. Our public universities have been closed down since March this year because of the refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari -led Federal Government, to meet her obligation in an agreement reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Students have turned wanderers, Bus conductors, fortuitous drivers, going cap in hand to beg, look frustrated and disappointed, wondering if education is still necessary in a country that less than five per cent of her budget is allocated to education against UN’s stipulation.
Nigeria faces the challenge of globalisation, youth restiveness, unemployment, terrorism, drug addiction, arms proliferation, poverty, diseases, declension of family values, wars and cultism, banditry, terrorism, corruption, inordinate ambitions, drug addiction, materialism and hopeless disposition. Worst of it all, Nigeria is caught in the web of bad governance and people are groaning under an education and economic repressive government. The present administration that is the catalyst of some of the problems that bedevil the nation is helpless and overwhelmed by the monster it has created.
These ugly scenarios evident in our nation, to say the least, are symptomatic of a nation that is at the verge of failure. These vices which are creation of leaders and some the led, pose danger to the survival of our nascent democracy. The veritable option to preclude a major economic, social and educational upheavals and catastrophe and bring back Nigeria to the path of sanity and rectitude is the preparation of the future generation leaders to be able to proffer self-groomed solutions to the challenges that presently bedevil the country. Nigerians should be proactive and dispassionate about the electoral processes, beginning with the registration and obtaining of the permanent voter card (PVC). The Permanent Voter Card gives electoral value to every adult citizen in an adult suffrage voter system. This means it is with the power of the PVC that a failed administration can be ousted or voted out of power in 2023.
It remains the non-violent and seamless process of Great Reformations and Revolution. The apathy that characterises the ongoing registration of voters conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the country leaves much to be desired. Such apathy that thrives on the presumption that “vote does not count” will only translate to the perpetuation and sustenance of bad governance, with the attendant untold hardship and avoidable pains.
The ballot is the people’s power. Every government derives its legitimacy from the people through the exercise of their franchise. If we are apathetic and apolitical, in participating in the ongoing exercise, then we should not expect to have a difference in result and experiences from what we are already going through.
Vote will count if we are proactive to change that will take this country to the place our founding fathers had in mind. Vote was essentially the instrument to determine those who emerged as flag bearers of the political parties at their governorship, presidential and national assembly primaries supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). If the vote does not count, why was the process allegedly monetised or “dollarised”? Aspirants to positions, especially the presidential positions of political parties were said to have bought delegates votes.
This simply implies that the ballot is the power and process for a person to emerge in an elective office. The flawed processes with the consent of men and women who lacked integrity, are self-serving and are unpatriotic to the ideals and vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers, remain the straw that “breaks the camel’s back”.
Apathy and selfishness on the part of some Nigerians, have driven the country to a point of precipice. We must insist on getting it right in 2023 by ensuring that the right candidates are given the electoral mandate to hold the resources of the people in trust. A sure and certain way to achieve this, is to participate in the chain electoral processes; from the registration to the elections proper. Those who are card carrying members of political parties should resist the temptation of compromising free and fair electoral processes by aspirants. The future of Nigeria depends on what we do today. The interest of the generality of Nigerians should not be subsumed under the whim and caprice of a selfish and callous minority.
With the concerted efforts, patriotism, participation in the election processes, Nigeria will find her lost bearing and undoubtedly take her pride of place in the commity of nations. According to the analysis of one of the presidential candidates of one political party, in the forthcoming 2023 General Elections, last year, Nigeria made N970.3 billion from the oil sector, N1.6 trillion from non-oil tax, 2.8 trillion from a cumulative of other sources. In total, Nigeria realised N5.5 trillion in revenue. Of the N5.5 trillion revenue, N4.2 trillion was spent on debts repayment from January to December. What was left after debt servicing was a paltry N1.3 trillion as against a budget of N13.57 trillion. To achieve optimal budgetary performance, the Buhari’s administration had to borrow a whopping N12.27 trillion. This is outrageous and gross mismanagement of commonwealth. The only instrument to drive change that will yield democratic dividends is the Permanent Voters Card. Get it, use it wisely, do not mortgage your future and posterity by succumbing to antics of selfish people. Your PVC is the good Nigeria we clamour for.
By: Igbiki Benibo
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.