Opinion
Dealing With Earth-Bound Phenomenon
William Blake, in The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, says, “without contraries is no progression” . An irrepressible energy of life urges everything in creation to manifest, show its true nature and choose towards progression or retrogression. Species which do not possess a free will, fare better in this process than humans do. Progression or retrogression stipulates the exercise of personal volition in the process of the urge to advance from infancy to maturity, wherein the nature of choices made among contraries becomes a decisive factor. For purposes of guidance and avoidance of pitfalls, humans are endowed with appropriate facilities.
Unfortunately, agents of human socialisation and education, including parents and states as well as the “tortuousness of the human brain”, confound the simplicity of life, by various means. Thus in the process of growth from infancy to adulthood and maturity, humans encounter snares, doctrines and rules in which individuals get entangled, as in a spiders web of prohibitions and hypocrisy. Natural facilities for the education and guidance of man became distorted.
Earthbound phenomenon is one of the results that arise from human failures and non-diligent utilisation of the natural facilities provided for the guidance and education of every human being. For example, earthbound phenomenon can arise from a preacher telling a large congregation that “there is nothing like reincarnation”. It is better for parents, teachers and preachers to leave those who long for true knowledge alone than to give them information that are not true.
To say that “the sins of the fathers revenge themselves unto the third and fourth generation”, means that the wrong information or education given by fathers, guardians, teachers, etc, can take up to three or four generations to be corrected. A child misled by a father through some wrong information or an unguarded statement, would remain chained to such a father until opportunity to correct such error comes, which can take up to three or four generations. As it is with passing on of wrong information to a young person who reposes trust in a guardian or teacher, so also it is with a person doing a deliberate wrong or injury to another.
Therefore, earthbound phenomenon has to do with the irrepressible energy of life urging that imbalances caused anywhere by anyone, must be atoned for and balanced, which demands being held down in the environment of the act. To block or undermine the life chances of individuals through malicious or wrong advice, teaching or information, carries a burden which can endure for several generations with the people so connected being bound together even when the issues that created such bondage are long forgotten.
Earthbound phenomenon can arise from simple act of negligence such as passing wrong information, and serious acts of criminality such as murder and looting of a nation’s wealth. More importantly what binds a human soul to earthly environment is largely refusal to change for the better, from previous state of gross impunity. Such state of gross impunity and heavy yoke always arises from becoming enslaved to some orgies and propensities which engender gross depravity. Seriously aspiring souls soon detach from the earth.
Any society, nation or environment overwhelmed by persistent instability, violence and increasing criminality, is a society where there are large numbers of earthbound souls. Either such souls are longing for opportunities to take some revenge for the wrongs which they had suffered, or are eager to see drastic changes for the better. But in every case, earthbound souls are usually souls in serious torments. Thus social unrests and political violence can become short cuts to spiritual liberation, for such souls longing for vengeance and for the living who continue to engage in acts of gross irresponsibility. Terrors of hard and distressing times can engender penitence.
In the case of Nigeria at the moment, evidence supports the fact that events and experiences since 1960, have not produced sufficient impetus for really desirable changes. Considering the horrors of the Civil War, 1967-1971 and experience thereafter, not much has changed in the attitude and inner life for collective Nigerians. On the contrary, acts of injustices and impunity have so increased that victims of gross injustices seek for vengeance, rather than continue to endure more acts of injustice.
What many people fail to take into account is the fact that the working of the wheel of nemesis confounds human wisdom and perception. In most cases, the apparent wrong which people suffer in the hands of other people, can arise as a penalty for distant and long-forgotten injuries inflicted on others which demand atonement. Moreover, ignorance about the working of the irrepressible energy and laws of life, make it difficult for people to be able to know when they are forced to make atonements.
The phenomenon of being confined to the earth for many generations as a result of burdens of guilts, arises largely as a result of an individual making no effort to reduce such burdens through penitence and a change for the better. Such situation of being tied and confined to the earth for errors that must be accounted for, arises from many factors, which include a denial of the fact about repeated earth-lives. Earthbound souls take on body of flesh and blood several times, as an opportunity to atone for existing guilts, and then detach themselves from the earth.
Through exposures to various conditions of life on earth and through diligent use of the free will, individuals encounter the contraries necessary for progression. Experiences in life become useful means of progression if individuals are able to absorb and integrate the lessons inherent in every experience, no matter its nature. To describe life on earth as a battle means that progression comes about through individuals grappling with forces of various kinds, including truth and falsehood. It is only through victory in the encounters with contraries, that progression can come about.
Victory in life’s battle can only come when individuals are able to develop the ability to make sound and independent personal judgements. This would include the ability to weigh and evaluate issues and challenges so that an independent judgement can arise from such scrutiny. Many people allow themselves to be led astray by glib talkers, even when they have the means of being guided inwardly. Those who seek to inform and teach others should examine themselves seriously first. Willful acts, negligences and indulgences avenge themselves. We must go back to where we had erred and put things right again!
By: Bright Amirize
Dr Amirize is a retired lecturer in the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
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.
-
Sports3 days ago
Eagles B Players Admit Pressure For CHAN Qualification
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
Don Highlights On The Potential Of Groundwater As Hidden Wealth For Sustainable Future
-
Rivers3 days ago
Group Seeks Prosecution Of Clergy, Others Over Attempted Murder
-
Opinion3 days ago
Restoring Order, Delivering Good Governance
-
Business3 days ago
CRG Partner JR Farms To Plant 30m Coffee Seedlings
-
Foods/Drinks3 days ago
What To Know About Your Menu
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
NDLEA Intercepts 584.171kg Hard Drugs In Bayelsa … Arrests 559 Suspects
-
Rivers3 days ago
Four Internet Fraudstars Get Different Jail Terms In PH