Rivers @59: Progress Through Tough Times

Today, May 27, marks the 59th anniversary of the creation of Rivers State by former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon. The creation of the state in 1967 represented a defining moment in Nigeria’s political evolution and a crucial victory for minority groups seeking recognition, inclusion, and self-determination within the federation. It also challenged the dominance of the old regional structure made up of the Northern, Western, Eastern, and Mid-Western regions.

The decision to create 12 states remains one of the boldest and most far-reaching policies of the military era. It reflected the growing desire among Nigerians for greater autonomy and a more balanced political arrangement. One of Gowon’s principal objectives was to ease fears of regional domination and foster national unity by establishing six states in the North and six in the South, thereby creating a more equitable federal structure.

The original 12 states were North-Western, North-Eastern, Kano, North-Central, Benue-Plateau, Kwara, Western, Lagos, Mid-Western, Rivers, South-Eastern, and East-Central states. Over time, these federating units expanded into the present 36-state structure, giving even greater significance to the historic state creation exercise initiated in 1967.

Before announcing the creation of the new states, Gowon consulted widely with leaders from different regions of the country in a bid to strengthen national cohesion and avert further instability. In the former Eastern Region, agitation for the creation of the Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers (COR) State had become increasingly intense, while in the North, demands from the Middle Belt movement reflected widespread dissatisfaction with the prevailing regional arrangement.

The struggle for the creation of the old Rivers State, now divided into Rivers State and Bayelsa State, began as far back as 1939 and reached its climax in 1967. At the time, the area was administered as part of the Eastern Provinces, with headquarters in Enugu. The region later became the Eastern Region of Nigeria, dominated politically by the Igbo ethnic nationality, alongside several minority groups including the Ijaw, Ibibio, Efik, Anang, Ogoja, Ikwerre, Ibani, Ekpeye, Engenni, Ogba, Kalabari, Nembe, and Ogoni peoples.

Popularly known as the Treasure Base of the Nation, Rivers State occupies a strategic place in the Niger Delta region. The state’s rich human and natural resources, coupled with the resilience and hospitality of its people, have continued to distinguish it nationally. The creation of the state fulfilled the aspirations of its founding fathers, who had long decried the marginalisation of minority ethnic groups within the former Eastern Region.

Since its creation, the state has been led by a succession of military and civilian administrations that have shaped its political and socio-economic development. Military administrators and governors have included Alfred Papapriye Diete-Spiff, Zamani Lekwot, Suleiman Saidu, Anthony Ukpo, Ernest Adeleye, Godwin Abbe, Fidelis Oyakhilome, Dauda Musa Komo, Musa Shehu, and Sam Ewang.

Civilian administrations have equally played vital roles in the advancement of the state. Democratic leaders such as Rufus Ada George, Peter Odili, Rotimi Amaechi, Nyesom Wike, and the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara, have all contributed in varying degrees to the state’s development. Key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political leaders, technocrats, youth groups, and elder statesmen such as Harold Dappa-Biriye, also played notable roles in shaping the political history and identity of the state.

From the creation of Bayelsa State in October 1996 to important investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and human capital development, Rivers State has steadily evolved into one of Nigeria’s most influential states. Its relevance in national politics, contribution to the oil and gas sector, and growing presence in entertainment and commerce continue to reinforce its strategic importance within the federation.

Perhaps apart from the pioneering years of the state, few administrations have altered the physical landscape of Rivers State as extensively as the current government. Through urban renewal projects, rehabilitation of state-owned facilities, expansion of road networks, and ongoing infrastructural development across various communities, the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sought to address longstanding developmental challenges while pursuing the aspirations of the state’s founding fathers.

The government’s infrastructure drive has particularly improved connectivity in previously inaccessible riverine areas. Communities in Bonny, Andoni, and neighbouring areas are now linked more effectively to the state capital through road projects, while the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road is expected to open up more economic opportunities for the Kalabari Kingdom and adjoining settlements. The Port Harcourt Ring Road is ongoing as well. These projects have the potential to stimulate commerce, improve mobility, and create new urban centres across the state.

As Rivers State celebrates its 59th anniversary, the political class must seize the moment to reflect deeply on the values that inspired the struggle for state creation. The success of that struggle was made possible because political leaders, traditional rulers, youths, and community stakeholders united around a common purpose rooted in sacrifice, solidarity, and service to the collective good.

Sadly, the famed Rivers spirit of unity and selfless commitment appears to have diminished over the years, replaced in some quarters by bitterness, division, political greed, and unhealthy rivalries. Such tendencies threaten public peace and undermine the progress that generations of Rivers people worked tirelessly to achieve. There is therefore an urgent need for leaders at every level to embrace dialogue, tolerance, and statesmanship in the interest of the state’s continued stability and prosperity.

The sacrifices of the founding fathers should never be forgotten. Their courage, persistence, and activism laid the foundation for the creation of Rivers State and secured a stronger voice for minority groups within Nigeria. Present and future generations must preserve those ideals by pursuing lawful, peaceful, and constructive means of resolving disagreements, recognising that violence and conflict only weaken the bonds that unite the people.

The philosophy behind the creation of Rivers State was rooted in the pursuit of justice, fairness, and equitable representation within the Nigerian federation. Nearly six decades later, questions remain about how fully those aspirations have been realised. Nevertheless, the enduring relevance of the founding vision serves as a reminder that the values of unity, inclusion, and collective progress must continue to guide the state’s development.

As Rivers people commemorate this important milestone, there is every reason to celebrate the resilience, achievements, and enduring spirit of the state. The occasion should inspire renewed commitment among government, indigenes, residents, and stakeholders to build a peaceful, secure, and prosperous society where opportunities abound and future generations can thrive.