Editorial

Saving Rivers From Political Crisis

Published

2 years ago

November 20, 2023

The ongoing political happenings in Rivers State have unfortunately brought the state into the public eye for dis
reputable reasons. The situation escalated to hazardous levels when the state House of Assembly was ravaged by a devastating fire, displaying an unacceptable level of daredevilry.
We denounce this act of arson and implore the security operatives to swiftly identify and bring to justice those responsible for this criminal action. It disgracefully violates the sanctity of the legislative institution.
Trouble began last Monday when 24 legislators, led by Speaker, Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule, who was allegedly impeached, and loyal to Nyesom Wike, attempted to suspend the Majority Leader of the House, Rt Hon Edison Ehie, for undisclosed reasons. The lawmakers were also alleged to have perfected plots to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for another set of undisclosed reasons.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when 26 of the lawmakers who initially sought to impeach Fubara, changed their position. They held a plenary session same day in Port Harcourt during which they suspended Martin Amaewhule and the Deputy Speaker, Hon Dumle Maol, and immediately elected Ehie as the new speaker before adjourning indefinitely, citing the fire that destroyed the Hallowed Chamber of the House, and the festing political crisis.
Indeed, the daring attempt to impeach the governor by certain members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, just five months into his tenure, is no doubt, a concerning development that does not serve the best interest of Rivers people. This move has the potential to impede the peace and advancement of the state, which is detrimental to the overall welfare of its citizens. We reprobate the role of security agents in this matter, and urge them to exercise caution and impartiality when dealing with political cases and actors.
We say so because in 2013, a similar situation unfolded when five lawmakers attempted to impeach former Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, but their efforts were unsuccessful. This political turmoil reached its peak when the focus shifted to the state House of Assembly, resulting in a chaotic scene. A free-for-all broke out as an attempt was made to impeach the Speaker, Hon. Otelemaba Amachree. Unfortunately, the Leader of the House, Hon Michael Chinda, and Amaewhule, sustained injuries during the altercation. Of course, police’s lack of neutrality was evident when they allowed certain legislators access to the Assembly building for the impeachment proceedings. That drama did not place the state and its people in good light.
This is why we insist that law enforcement agents must remain loyal to the Chief Security Officer and Governor of the state, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and his administration as well as the people of the state, at all times, without being influenced by political actors. Using water cannons and teargas canisters on the governor is unacceptable. It shows utter disrespect to the Office of the Governor. We, therefore, insist that the officers responsible for these actions should be identified and appropriately sanctioned.
Fubara should be provided the opportunity to govern the state under the mandate freely given to him by the people. Those who are pushing for his impeachment should provide concrete evidence of his alleged offences to Rivers people and the Nigerian public. We are aware that even the opposition, which normally would have taken advantage of the drama to criticise the government, condemned, in its entirety, the attempted removal of a governor that has shown commitment to provide good governance and service to the people.
Since taking office on May 29, 2023, Fubara has proven himself to be a capable leader, satisfying the needs and desires of the people. He has taken positive steps such as lifting the promotion embargo for civil servants, paying salaries and pensions of workers and retirees, rehabilitating abandoned State Secretariat Complex and reviving the Civil Service Week, making moves to revive the moribund Songhai Integrated Farms, and conducting numerous employment exercises, among others.
Up to this point, the administration under his leadership has demonstrated unwavering determination and made consistent advancements, successfully upholding each ambitious pledge made throughout the campaigns, even in the face of economic difficulties. He placed a top priority on the safety of the populace and effectively worked with security agencies to sustain a tranquil and secure atmosphere for individuals, businesses, and assets. He has continued to consolidate progress and complete infrastructure projects inherited from the previous administration in fulfilment of the Consolidation and Continuity mantra of his new Rivers Vision government. It would be prudent for those advocating for his ouster to re-evaluate their stance.
We appreciate President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the Rivers State political crisis, as he has urged all parties to cease hostilities. Tinubu must act fast and avert the unfolding catastrophe in the state in the interest of his administration, the nation’s democracy, and the country at large. We also commend the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially its governors forum for stepping in and addressing the issue. They must work towards resolving the matter. We are also aware of the intervention of Niger Delta Elders’ Forum in the interest of peace.
We urge stakeholders and elders in the state to pursue peace, setting aside any biases or loyalties towards individuals involved in the crisis. The declaration by the Rivers PDP Elders Forum, as reported by a national newspaper, aligning themselves with the former governor on this matter is regrettable and premature. What is truly needed to end this ticking time bomb is a fair and just approach, devoid of any political favouritism. Let us remember that our goal is to achieve lasting peace, and it is through unprejudiced actions and decisions that we can attain this objective.
Those who give ethnic colouration to the face-off in the state must discontinue. No one should attempt to bestow an ethnic dimension on this issue, as it can only lead to further division and conflict. No one should exploit this dispute for political or tribal gains. Instead, we should focus on a speedy return to normalcy in our government and legislative processes for the benefit of our citizens and the business community.
Rivers people deserve commendation for standing to protect the interest of the state. Their unwavering support for the governor, particularly during this critical period, is desirable. They should continue their backing for the governor, because he was popularly elected, and has not disappointed the electorate. They need to reject violence but stand firm against any form of intimidation. The state will suffer, if we, the people, cannot back the governor because whatever happens to him will affect the peace and governance of the state. Rivers State is a collective entity, and it is everyone’s duty to uphold democracy within its borders.
Parties involved in the current imbroglio should, therefore, put down their swords and adhere to the interim injunction issued by Justice O. Ben-Whyte of the Rivers State High Court in Isiokpo as well as the one issued by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. These court orders mark the latest development in the ongoing political drama. Rivers people have already endured numerous political crises, and we must prevent the state from descending into its dark past, which could have dire consequences not only for the stability of the region but also for the national economy.
Let us work together to ensure a peaceful resolution and avoid further turmoil. The governor’s apology on November 3 to the people of the state for the avoidable crisis is a necessary step forward. It shows his humility, wisdom, and peaceful disposition, in spite of the fact that the Constitution has bestowed immunity on him as the Chief Executive Officer and Number One Citizen of the state.
This is our stand!

Editorial

Beyond Accessing Bonny By Road

Published

5 hours ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The near completion of the Bonny-Bodo Road by the Federal Government is a remarkable and historic achievement that deserves national commendation. For decades, Bonny Island remained physically isolated from the rest of the state, with residents and businesses forced to rely solely on waterways. Today, that narrative has changed. The road is already in active use, and its immediate effect is evident in the drastic reduction in transportation costs, with local transport fares reported to have dropped by more than 40 per cent in some corridors.

As of December 2025, the 37.9-kilometre Bonny-Bodo Road, comprising 11 strategically engineered bridges, was temporarily opened for daily use between 7 am and 7 pm. The transformational and groundbreaking step has eased transit and marked the first-ever land connection between Bonny Island and other parts of the state. According to transport operators, average travel time has reduced from over two hours by water to less than one hour by road, a change that has immediate economic and social benefits for commuters and businesses alike.

It must be noted that the project spanned many years, surviving policy shifts, funding challenges, and technical hurdles. Its near completion is therefore a reflection of political will. Credit must be given to the Federal Government and particularly to the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, under whose tenure the project has reached fruition. This commendable and steadfast leadership has ensured that a long-standing promise to the people is finally being honoured.

The Bonny-Bodo Road stands as a success story of a tripartite agreement involving the Federal Government, Nigeria LNG Limited as the primary funder, and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc as the constructor. The collaborative and strategic partnership demonstrates how public and private sector synergy can deliver complex infrastructure in difficult terrain. NLNG alone reportedly contributed over 60 per cent of the project funding, underscoring the value of corporate responsibility in national development.

For business owners, the newly constructed road offers a vital turning point. Many traders, investors, and service providers had avoided Bonny because of the risks associated with water travel, including accidents and piracy. With this new land route, access is now safer and more predictable. This liberating and empowering development is expected to stimulate commerce, increase market activity, and attract fresh investments into the area to strengthen the local economy.

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria has stated that the commissioning of the Bonny-Bodo Road will improve national energy logistics and likely lead to a reduction in the price of cooking gas. Nigeria currently spends billions of naira annually on inland water transport inefficiencies. The economically and logistically significant road could reduce distribution costs by up to 20 per cent, a benefit that would be felt directly by households across the country.

The road is expected to be fully commissioned in the first quarter of 2026, with 35 kilometres already reported as fully motorable. This progress reflects assuring and measurable commitment to timely delivery. When completed, the road will support heavy-duty vehicles, enhance supply chain reliability, and further cement Bonny’s role as a critical industrial and maritime hub in the Niger Delta.

This achievement also builds on earlier successes. Opobo has already been connected to land through deliberate government intervention. These efforts show that even the most challenging terrains can be conquered with planning and resolve. Such intentional and visionary actions are redefining infrastructure advancement in riverine areas that were once considered unreachable.

The Trans-Kalabari Road is similarly expected to be completed within the year, opening up vital aisles in the Kalabari axis to road transportation. Once operational, it is projected to serve over 500,000 residents directly. The expansive and inclusive approach to development ensures that growth is not concentrated in urban centres alone but spread across communities.

These projects represent an expanding legacy. By 2027, there will be numerous tangible gains to credit the current administration in Rivers State. Improved mobility, increased trade, and enhanced social cohesion are just a few. This forward-looking and progressive trajectory positions the state as a model for infrastructure-led development in Nigeria.

However, with increased road access comes new security considerations. While sea piracy on waterways may reduce, land-based security challenges could emerge. The government must anticipate and address these risks through effective policing and surveillance. A proactive and balanced security framework will be essential to protect lives and investments along the new highways.

There must also be firm determination to ensure that the road does not come with excessive encumbrances. Issues such as illegal tolling, unregulated settlements, and environmental degradation must be prevented. This disciplined and responsible management will preserve the long-term value of the infrastructure.

Beyond the communities already connected, the state government should extend its vision to other difficult terrains. Oceanic areas such as Kula, Abisse, Idama, Ke, and Bille, among others, should be prioritised. Connecting these communities by road would be equitable and transformative, ensuring that no part of the state is left behind in the march towards development.

If every part of Rivers is linked to land transportation, the blue economy will experience a major boost. Fisheries, tourism, marine services, and coastal trade could collectively contribute billions of naira annually to the state’s economy. This sustainable and wealth-generating potential makes further road expansion not just desirable but necessary.

Editorial

Time For GL 17 In Rivers

Published

1 week ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State is indeed fortunate to be led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whose remarkable and progressive disposition towards workers has distinguished him from his predecessors since the return to democracy in 1999. His approach to governance reflects empathy, balance and a genuine understanding of the civil service as the engine room of development.

Before his assumption of office, civil servants endured eight excruciating years under the immediate past administration of Chief Nyesom Wike, marked by painful stagnation and systematic neglect. Promotions were withheld, gratuities ignored, annual increments denied and employment processes shrouded in opacity, leaving workers demoralised and disillusioned.

Governor Fubara’s emergence, however, brought a decisive and restorative shift. Long overdue promotions were approved to cover lost years, gratuities were paid and continue to be honoured, while the once suspended Christmas bonus was revived after sixteen years, rekindling hope among public servants.

Even more commendable was the transparent employment process, particularly in the education sector, which injected fresh credibility and renewed confidence into government recruitment. These actions clearly signal a leader determined to rebuild trust between the state and its workforce.

In the same spirit of promoting workers’ welfare, it is both logical and timely to urge the governor to implement the Consolidated Grade Level 17 for civil servants in Rivers State. This call is reasonable and justified, given his proven commitment to labour-friendly reforms.

Grade Level 17 represents a modernised and inclusive salary structure where multiple allowances are consolidated into a single enhanced basic salary. This system simplifies remuneration, rewards seniority and aligns pay with responsibility and service delivery.

In states where this structure is operational, directors are rightly placed on Grade Level 17 rather than 16, ensuring equitable recognition and appropriate compensation. Rivers State should not remain an exception to a standard already accepted nationwide.

It is noteworthy that the Federal Government, many states and even local government councils across the country have implemented this policy. As a former civil servant himself, Governor Fubara possesses a personal and practical understanding of its value and necessity.

Rivers State occupies a strategic and influential position in the federation, economically and politically. Implementing Grade Level 17 would significantly boost morale, reinforce loyalty and inspire greater dedication among civil servants.

The argument that Rivers cannot afford this reform is untenable and unconvincing. It is unacceptable for a state with vast resources to trail behind others that are less financially endowed yet have successfully enforced the policy.

One clear advantage of implementing Grade Level 17 is improved motivation and productivity. A valued workforce is invariably a productive workforce, and fair remuneration directly translates into better service delivery.

Another benefit lies in the retention of experienced professionals who might otherwise seek opportunities elsewhere. Stability, continuity, and expertise are preserved when workers feel respected and adequately rewarded.

The reform would also strengthen institutional capacity and governance, creating a resilient and efficient civil service capable of supporting long-term development goals and policy implementation.

Furthermore, the enforcement of Grade Level 17 will promote a fairer and structured career progression system within the civil service. It will correct long-standing anomalies where officers retire without reaching their deserved peak, despite years of diligent service. Such a reform reassures workers that merit, experience, and dedication are ultimately rewarded.

This is not merely a financial adjustment but a moral and institutional statement about the value Rivers State places on its workforce. By approving Grade Level 17, Fubara will reaffirm his reputation as a compassionate leader and send a clear message that the welfare of civil servants remains central to his administration’s vision for sustainable governance.

Governor Fubara knows firsthand the harsh realities workers face as salaries struggle to meet basic needs. By the end of 2024, over twenty states had adopted the structure, with more joining, making Rivers’ delay increasingly indefensible.

If implemented, this policy will cement Fubara’s place in history as a visionary reformer whose legacy will endure. When the story of the Rivers State civil service is written, his name will be etched in gold, for it is fundamentally unfair for workers to stagnate endlessly on one grade level when a proven solution lies within reach.

Editorial

For A Prosperous 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

As 2026 begins, Nigeria stands once again at a defining crossroads. The expectations of citizens are high, patience is thin, and the responsibility of leadership has never been more urgent. This year must not be another season of rhetoric; it must be a year of deliberate action that restores confidence in the country and renews hope among the people.

Foremost on the national agenda is security. From terrorism and banditry to kidnapping and communal violence, insecurity continues to erode lives, livelihoods, and national cohesion. Government must strengthen the current fight against insecurity by improving intelligence gathering, equipping security agencies adequately, boosting morale, and deepening cooperation among federal, state, and local authorities.

In this effort, continuous collaboration with strategic partners such as the United States remains crucial. Beyond military support, such partnerships should focus on intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism training, cyber security, and capacity building for law enforcement. Nigeria must leverage international alliances while retaining firm ownership of its security strategy.

Equally pressing is the ailing economy. Inflation, unemployment, and currency instability have placed enormous pressure on households and businesses. 2026 should be the year of hard economic choices—fiscal discipline, support for local production, targeted social protection, and policies that encourage investment, especially in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.

Infrastructural development must also move from promise to performance. Roads, rail, power, ports, and digital infrastructure are not luxuries but foundations of growth. A clear focus on completing ongoing projects, rather than endlessly inaugurating new ones, will signal seriousness and deliver measurable benefits to citizens.

As the nation looks ahead, preparations for the 2027 general elections must begin now. Credible elections are central to democratic stability. Political actors should moderate their conduct, while citizens must be encouraged to engage peacefully and responsibly in the democratic process.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has a special duty in this regard. Early preparations—logistics, voter education, technology upgrades, and staff training—are essential to avoid the familiar last-minute challenges. Transparency and consistency from INEC will go a long way in rebuilding public trust.

In Rivers State, 2026 carries its own weight of expectations. Immediate attention must be paid to preparations for the February bye-elections to fill two vacant seats in the State House of Assembly. INEC, political parties, security agencies, and community leaders must work together to ensure peaceful, credible polls free from intimidation and violence.

Beyond the bye-elections, the state must deliberately cultivate peace as it moves toward the 2027 elections. Rivers has paid a heavy price in the past for political tension and conflict. The lessons are clear: development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of perpetual crisis.

The resurging political crisis in the state must therefore be urgently contained. All stakeholders—across party lines—should put Rivers first, choosing dialogue over confrontation. Institutions must be respected, and the rule of law upheld, to prevent political disagreements from degenerating into instability.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration must remain focused and undistracted. Governance demands clarity of purpose. The people elected this government to deliver results, not to be consumed by endless political battles that divert energy from service delivery.

Security remains paramount at the state level as well. A secure Rivers State will attract investment, protect individuals and communities, and enable economic activity. Strengthening collaboration between state authorities, security agencies, and local communities should be a top priority in 2026.

Job creation, especially for young people, must also take centre stage. Education and healthcare require renewed investment, not just in infrastructure but in quality and access. A healthy, skilled population is the strongest asset any state can possess.

Ultimately, 2026 should be a year of reset for both Nigeria and Rivers State, a year when leaders choose responsibility over rivalry and vision over short-term gain. If security is strengthened, institutions are respected, and the welfare of citizens remains paramount, the foundations for a more stable and prosperous 2027 will have been firmly laid.

The media, civil society, and traditional institutions also have a crucial role to play in 2026. Agenda-setting must go beyond politics to issues of accountability, transparency, and civic responsibility. Citizens must be consistently informed, not inflamed; mobilised, not manipulated. A vigilant public space will help ensure that leaders at both national and state levels remain responsive to the people they serve.

History will judge 2026 by the choices made today. Nigeria and Rivers State cannot afford drift or distraction. What is required is steady leadership, collective responsibility, and an unwavering focus on peace, development, and democratic integrity. If these priorities guide action throughout the year, 2026 can become a turning point rather than another missed opportunity.