Opinion
Renaissance As Self-Preservation Impetus
The striving to find a meaning in one’s life is the primary motivational force in man – Viktor Frankl.
Viktor Frankl was an Israeli who, while in Nazi concentration camp in Germany in 1932, found the meaning and purpose of life, after severe humiliations, miseries and torture. There usually comes such a turning point in the experiences of individuals; and, for humanity generally, such point of catharsis was described in history as renaissance. Such turning points rarely come during periods of bliss but usually during agonising, trying times. “Born-again” phenomenon is actually a turning point for any individual; a personal renaissance, involving a revival and springing up of primordial feelings which results in emotional catharsis. Surely, in every human being, there is a deep feeling of having lost something vital; a child-like bliss and innocence which has been replaced by the shy duplicity of adult life. Thus, there is always the motivational impetus in everyone to find the point of equilibrium which would bring real meaning to life. It is quite sad that this motivational force in man is often quenched with palliatives and narcotising diversions.
As it is with individuals, so also it is with a nation, whereby people talk about “good, old days” which appear to have been lost or wasted away, in the pursuit of short-lived pleasures. It is true that no one is an island and having nothing to do with others; rather, the ideal situation is that the more we are together, the happier we shall be. However, a healthy relationship is one that applies the principle of selectiveness, but charity for all. While it is human and normal to err, stumble and fall, life also demands that individuals and nations should learn through experiences. Thus the pains and traumas arising from errors and falls can be turned into useful learning experiences and also form vital road maps for a blissful future. Sadly, from various angles, individuals and nations are faced with many trials and temptations, such that no one is wise and strong enough to escape from all pitfalls. This situation calls for vigilance, diligence and use of wit in dealing with fellow human beings and situations.
Renaissance as a self-preservation impetus would mean that individuals and nations should set aside some period for sober reflections and introspection. What the scriptures describe as observing and keeping the Sabbath holy would surely include cultivating the practice of reflection and introspection so as to see in advance possible pitfalls that must be avoided. Whether such practice involves supplications, meditations or organising retreats, conferences and other interactive measures, the important issue is to keep them holy and away from frivolities and insincerity. Renaissance, in a wider sense, should include a large-scale re-examination of life-styles’ activities, procedures, strategies, policies, etc, to ensure that no dereliction is swept under the carpet. Like the concept of the Sabbath or anything considered sacred, comprehensive review and evaluation of past activities, should be an opportunity to apply justice as a vital pillar of stability. Without such honest application of the principle of justice, hardly would any enterprise prosper and work effectively.
The concept of self-preservation demands that any threat to life and human well-being must not be condoned, taken lightly or allowed to get worse. It is a common but sad experience that threats to life and human well-being usually come from ill-disposed persons or groups. It is for this reason that nations have armed and security forces, for the purposes of protecting themselves from external aggression as well as internal sabotage. Threats from various quarters cannot be ruled out in human settings, but they are meant to be contained and warded off, and if needs be, appropriate penalty applied. Theories of Libido and Mortido would tell us that these two vital forces in humans are meant to promote and enhance the preservation of the individual and humanity generally. When human beings use force and aggression to fight against threats to life, it is the force of Mortido that is at work. The purpose is to ward off threats and preserve life through self-defence.
We can see the force of Mortido at work in the Isreaeli-Hamas conflicts, in such a degree that questions abuses of power. But it would be a risk to allow abuse of power go unchecked. People are more conversant with Libido as having to do with the expression of love, care and compassion for one another. But Libido can also be abused to the extent that provision meant for human well-being and preservation can also be turned to the opposite. Like in everything else, excesses and wrong uses of what are meant to preserve life, can bring results that are detrimental to human well-being. Thus, when pleasure or enjoyment degenerates to a state capable of becoming a threat to life or social stability, then there comes a need for a check. What accounts for abuses and wrong applications of what are provided for the preservation of life includes lack of self-control on the part of individuals. Such lack of self-control also arises from many factors which include ignorance. Renaissance as a self-preservation impetus also includes revisiting areas of personal deficiencies for the purpose of correcting them and learning some lessons from past errors.
To be free from errors of the past would demand having to pay back debts and mend derelictions, to restore good health that would bring about a clear standing which is necessary for freedom. Current situation in Nigeria definitely calls for an urgent re-evaluation of everything, so as to steer away from further degeneration. Neither should there be any denial that we have erred grievously in many ways. Sadly, it is the helpless masses who bear the brunts of political and economic abuses caused largely by unexemplary leadership. Ancient ritual practice of getting a scapegoat to bear collective guilt through a cleansing process, cannot make any sense, because, vicarious atonement does not reflect true justice. Rather, each individual must atone for his errors and guilts, without passing them on to anyone. A situation where the Nigerian masses hear about abuses of power, of large-scale looting of the nations’ wealth and unmerciful spending of public funds while huge debts are hanging on the nation, surely these constitute serious threats to life and social stability. The time has come for political leaders to find what gives real meaning to the existence of this nation. Neither money nor power is the real issue.
Bright Amirize
Dr Amirize is a retired lecturer from 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.