Opinion
Still On Muslim-Muslim Ticket
Of all that has been said about the presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Tinubu’s choice of a fellow Muslim as his running mate in next year’s election, the views of the renown Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, stands out.
Speaking during a national television programme, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa listed some costly implications of the Muslim – Muslim ticket thus: others don’t matter. Shows absence of consideration for unity and plurality; desperation and over-ambition. We just want power at all costs and we don’t care what others think or do; we can win the elections without you, especially by other means other than by open ballot; it is a cruel affirmation of supposed superiority complex, that one religion determines electoral victory. That the presidential candidate of the APC is not acceptable to Northern Muslims; that Nigeria is not a secular state but rather being ruled to satisfy certain religious tendencies; that certain political tendencies and interests do not trust others to accommodate them if they are entrusted with power whereas they have been in power and accommodated by others…
Indeed, it is incomprehensible how a political party and an individual that claim to love the country and that are interested in the unity of the country, would go for a president and a vice president of the same religion at this time the country is widely divided along ethnic, sectional and religious lines. How can a person who said he has prepared for over 30 years to be the president of Nigeria and whose aim is to establish just, capable, and compassionate governance for the people of Nigeria close his eyes against equity, justice and fairness in the first national decision he has to make as a future leader? (If he wins)
The incumbent president is a Muslim and should APC win 2023 presidency, Nigeria will be democratically handing over power from one Muslim to another in a multi religious country, meaning that a Muslim will be on the saddle for an unbroken 16years or more going by some speculative plans of some selfish Nigerians and some people see nothing wrong with that?
“All my life, my decisions regarding the team around and supporting me have always been guided by the principles of competence, innovation, compassion, integrity, fairness, and adherence to excellence”, said Tinubu. A familiar rhetoric of Nigeria’s selfish and self-centered leaders who would always relegate religious sentiments when it is convenient for their particular goals. Pray, is it only among the northern Muslims that such competence can be found, not minding the plurality of this country with regards to region, religion and other issues presently?
I doubt if there is any Nigerian that does not know what this is all about. It is all about winning next year’s presidential election. Some APC loyalists call it political dexterity, a smart strategy to clinch the most coveted political position in the land. It is well within the right of Tinubu and APC to choose electoral votes over the wellbeing and unity of Nigeria. In the words of the National President of Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, “There are so many suspicious things going on which point accusing fingers to this government, of being complicit or at least being lenient towards the insurgency which is predominantly of Islamic origin. And for this same political party to now foist a Muslim-Muslim ticket, I think is an unfortunate development.”
As have been asked severally, are Tinubu and Northern Muslims saying that Muslims do not have confidence in northerners and southerners of other religions and cannot vote for them yet they want these people to support and cast their votes for northern Muslims? If a political party in the future decides to toe the current APC’s line and float a Christian-Christian ticket will the Muslims dance at it? Yes, one may agree with the APC presidential candidate and some other analysts that Nigeria being a secular state, according to the constitution, competence, should trump religious, ethnic, sectional considerations in politics; that Nigeria stands to benefit more if responsibilities, duties and offices are assigned to qualified, competent Nigerians, irrespective of their tribe or religion, who are passionate, hard working and have the capacity to deliver on the mandate.
However, these are ideals that we all wish will be the lot of Nigeria one day. But as the situation is currently in the nation where people from a certain part of the country and a certain religion dominate all levels, agencies parastatlals, where they exhibit entitlement mentality with the bogus claim that they have the population and are born to rule; with the pain and agony across the country occasioned by killings, kidnappings and other criminal acts unleashed on Nigerian citizens by Boko Haram, herdsmen militia, ISWAP and other insurgent groups mainly of Islamic origin, it will be suicidal and very insensitive of a person who desires to lead the nation not to put the opinion of the diverse ethnic and religious groups into consideration in whatever actions he takes.
The drafters of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria apparently foresaw the danger of ethnic, regional or religious dominance when in Section 14 (3) (4) they provided for federal character, a principle that was introduced to engender a feeling of inclusiveness, such that all the people that make up the country will have the feeling that they are part of the country. It states: “The composition of the government of the federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that government or in any of its agencies.” The same thing is applicable to the states.
Therefore, as it stands now, what we need in this country is healing and reconciliation. Forcing, legislating oneness in the country or treating some ethnic groups and religions as if their views and interests do not matter will only end up widening the gap and creating more distrust among the citizens. Our leaders and politicians should stop increasing the tension in the land through their selfish acts and speeches.
Nigerians should rise to the call to take back this country from the egocentric politicians who do not mean well for the country and the suffering citizens. The beauty of democracy is that at the end of a political session, the citizens have the opportunity of making a change in the government and electing the right people to lead them. The time is here again. 2023 is by the corner. As the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Mathew Hassan Kukah admonished, “If people feel unhappy with the kind of choices that have been made, that is why we are democrats, you can’t force it. We outsiders cannot force a choice of any candidate. “It is now left for you to look at the choices that have been made. And there is no guarantee that all Christians will vote for Christians and all Muslims will vote for Muslims.”
Whoever believes the Muslim-Muslim APC ticket is not right, be him Christian, Muslim, Northerner or Southerner, should speak through their votes during next year’s election. (Hoping the polls will be free and fair). Nigeria will certainly be great again.
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
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.
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.