Opinion
Efficacy Of Surrendering To God’s Will
One evening in Egbema, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), Rivers State, Nigeria, a thirty-five-year-old father of three, Orisa, ran to his father’s compound drenched in his own blood screaming thus: “Toke, my friend, what wrong did I do to you that you shot me? I give you money every month end. What wrong did I do to you?” He fell in front of his father’s house. Nwalaga rushed out and saw his son writhing in pain in a pool of blood; naturally, he went into shock. Relatives gathered immediately and rushed Orisa to the hospital; he was declared dead on arrival. The bullet hit a major blood vessel resulting in excessive haemorrhage. Orisa was shot by his friend Toke who was a member of one of the dreaded cult groups in the community; this was during the height of the volatility that ravaged the Niger Delta.
For fear of further calamity perpetrated by the rampaging cult groups, Nwalaga instructed that his son be buried immediately in line with the same-day burial tradition of Egbema. At the graveside, Nwalaga was invited to offer a eulogy. Oh so slowly, he gathered a palmful of red earth in his left hand, took what seemed a studied look around as if counting the mourners, looked at the coffin bearing the corpse of his first child and said thus: “Bear me witness oh earth on which I stand, the air I breathe, the water I drink, the sun that shines on humanity! My ancestors, please bear me witness! In our tradition, it is abnormal for a father to offer eulogy at his child’s funeral but here I stand. I don’t know what to say”. He paused momentarily; looking up the sky in tears, he added “Oh God, if what has happened to me is Your will, I accept it wholeheartedly; however, if it is not Your will, I beseech You to do what makes you God.”
At this, he poured the earth into the grave and walked into his house. He wept bitterly till morning light. That morning, the Police visited but Nwalaga refused to make any statement. Firmly believing that he had laid his complaint where it mattered most, which is where he expects justice, he did not want to press charges; not when he is familiar with the shenanigans and the resultant come-today-come-tomorrow associated with the jaundiced justice delivery system in Nigeria. Again, he did not possess the means and energy to confront the deadly Toke, either in the Police, court or community. He had taken his case to the court above the Supreme Court; he was confident he will receive justice, not mere judgement.
The community went into mourning and by the evening, the town crier proclaimed an emergency meeting of village heads and the executives of the community development committee, youths association and women association at the town hall; a fine of one goat and seven tubers of yam for every absentee was decreed. The severity of the penalty for absenteeism was indicative of the seriousness with which the community viewed the case. Since tradition requires him to stay at home for eight days without attending any occasion, Nwalaga sent an emissary to the meeting to inform the community that he disassociated himself and his entire family with whatever measure they planned on taking; furthering that he had left the matter in the hands of God.
Orisa was a peaceful and respectful young man. He had gained employment in an oil company in the community six months earlier following an extended period of unemployment after completing the mandatory one-year National Service. In its relationship with the multinational, which struck oil in the community in 1964, it had been the desire of the community for its sons and daughters to be employed in the well-paying company. Orisa‘s employment was seen as a blessing for the entire community hence, everyone was pained by the tragedy. Two weeks thereafter, Toke was the lone casualty of a cult group supremacy fight; his body was dismembered and scattered on a roadside battleground. Immediately, surviving members of his group wheeled his remains in a wheelbarrow to his father’s house
Standing at the door in an obvious mix of shock and disgust, Toke’s father instructed that his remains should not be brought into his compound and directed that Toke should be taken to the evil forest immediately. There were no burial rights; Toke was buried in a shallow grave. The lesson of this narrative is hinged on the potency of completely surrendering whatever situation one finds oneself to the will of God in prayers. Had the sexagenarian Nwalaga sought revenge either through the judiciary or “jujuciary”, Toke and his group might have unleashed more havoc on his family. Rather, Nwalaga left everything at the feet of God who promptly took over the battle and finished it neatly and completely. Irrespective of modern day derision, newfound aspersions cast and doubts on the spirituality of the Holy Bible, it remains a veritable roadmap for man’s spiritual journey towards oneness with his Source.
What is required is that Holy Books should be studied with the intellect switched on and not read like a novel. “The battle is mine’ says the Lord” (2 Chronicles, 20:15). Nwalaga committed his supplication to God, and He answered swiftly and deftly. Nwalaga did not say his prayers in the tradition of any of the Abrahamic Religions, which are alien religions that constitute the bane of Nigeria’s unity and development; rather, he prayed directly to God without going through any human intermediary; he deferred only to his ancestors and the elements, which are part of the existential realities of man. Most of all, Nwalaga demonstrated absolute belief and confidence in the judgement of God. The essence of this piece is universal; it transcends gender, ethnicity, culture, situation, location and the man-made divisive hedgerows of institutional religion. “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15).
By: Jason Osai
Osai is a Professor of Development Studies, Rivers State University. Port Harcourt.
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.