Opinion
Depression: Doing What Matters
In a search for a Nigerian comedy television programme suitable for the whole family many years ago, the Johnsons family drama was recommended by a friend. I watched it and became hooked. It was just what I wanted, a programme that would bring the family together and make you laugh and forget your problems and sorrows. I never missed any episode. Watching the drama was a period of relaxation for everybody in my house. And one of the most talented of the casts was Emuakpor Johnson (Ada Obande Ameh), the matriarch of the Johnson’s clan. Her passion and ability to interpret her scripts so effortlessly, laced with constant humor was amazing. She brought joy, love and laughter to many families. Some people say she was the reason they watched television.
To think that she was giving us so much joy and happiness while going through serious pains! The series of deaths in her family, culminating in the death of her daughter, her only child, Aladi Godgift, about two years ago, the task of a single parent, and many others, were the burden weighing her down yet she was able to give us first class entertainment. Information abound indicating that the screen diva also battled with depression for many years before giving up the ghost last Sunday at Warri, Delta State. She will surely be greatly missed by many.
One important lesson to be learned from the life and death of Ada is that we should be kind and patient with others. A lot of people in the country are currently going through tough times. Sometimes all you see is their smiles, but you don’t see their struggles. Many are in agony over the death of their loved ones due to the incessant killings going on across the country. Many are living in fear not knowing the next person to be killed in their families, churches and around them generally. Two days ago, I was chatting with a priest over the series of kidnapping and killing of catholic priests lately and he said, “I am living in fear in my country”.
The unabating harsh economic situation in the country, the insensitivity of the leaders over the plight and welfare of the citizens are taking a toll on the people. Many people go to bed without hope of what their children would eat tomorrow, not to talk of how to settle their landlords that are making life a living hell for them. I don’t know how many of us have stopped to wonder about the state of some families where the parents are lecturers in public universities and have not been paid their salaries for five months yet the health, feeding and other needs of their children must be met.
So, being in a group, belonging to a society and some people are not able to meet their financial obligations, don’t go lashing out on them because truly, you don’t know what they are going through. That a friend or neighbour has not been able to pay his children’s school fees and probably has come to you for some financial assistance shouldn’t make you take him to the marketplace. There is no better time to be our brother’s keepers in Nigeria than now, trying as much as possible to be the reason why others smile and have hope just like Ada did until she died. A guest speaker at a recent women’s programme advised mothers to deliberately create time for themselves, once in a while, go to recreational centers or to any restaurant they can afford and “spoil themselves because problems no dey finish”.
In order to be in a sound state of mind to weather the storm in the country presently, we all need to adopt this measure. Come up with ways to be happy and joyful irrespective of whatever is happening around you, because truly, healthy mental health is important. Keep friends that have things in common with you. Buy new things for yourself, travel if you can afford it. Just try and be happy. Having a closer relationship with God can also help.
And that brings us to the question of how we, both as individuals, groups and government , handle mental health issues. There are many stories of how people that present with symptoms of mental health challenges – depression, mood disorder, paranoia and others, are sent to traditional healing homes and religious centers where they are tortured, abused and dehumanised. Some of them are put in chains, force-fed medicine and herbs, whipped constantly and denied food and water.
A family I know, in this day and age, went to the extent of throwing a sewing machine, clothes and other items in a river as directed by a spiritualist as a way of appeasing “a marine spirit” that was presumably responsible for their daughter’s mental health issue. But did that solve the problem? No. Her condition kept deteriorating as they kept running from pillar to post until they were directed to a psychologist who treated her. According to the psychologist, what the girl had was nothing more than depression and after some therapeutic sessions with her, she became better. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. The organisation said that mental health is “more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities,” Emphasising that preserving and restoring mental health is crucial on an individual basis, as well as through different communities and societies across the globe.
Records have it that an estimated 20-30 per cent of our population suffer from one form of mental disorder or another and with the harsh economic realities in the country, the number is likely to increase, hence the need for adequate economic investment in mental health programmes, professionals and facilities. If only we can heed health professionals’ advice and begin to see mental health problems as any other ailment like malaria, stomach pain and others, it will go a long way in addressing the misconceptions regarding mental health. That will invariably change our attitude towards the patients and curtail the stigma, social exclusion and discrimination that occur around people with mental problems.
To achieve that, the media, ministry of health at various levels, medical professionals, NGOs and other stakeholders must join hands in sensitising and educating the citizens on mental health issues. Very importantly, more attention needs to be given to the problem by various governments in the country. An online article, “The time is now: Reforming Nigeria’s outdated health laws”, authored by the Lancet Global Health disclosed that “Nigeria currently faces a global human rights emergency in mental health. Underpinned by poor societal attitudes towards mental illness and inadequate resources, facilities, and mental health staff, figures suggest that approximately 80% of individuals with serious mental health needs in Nigeria cannot access care”.
Adequate attention therefore, needs to be paid on training of more mental health professionals, providing and equipping of more health facilities, especially in the rural areas to cater for this special need as reports have shown that with a population of more than 200 million people, there are fewer than 300 practicing psychiatrists in the country. Many stakeholders and analysts have also harped on the need for strong legislation that will set the standard for psychiatric treatment in the country as the existing law is no longer in tune with current realities.
By: Calista Ezeaku
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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