Opinion
The Leader Rivers People Need
The effects of leadership
style on the people determine the efficiency in performance of a leader to achieve desired results. In varying human society, individuals come together to accomplish certain aims and objectives. Such objectives cannot be done individually but must involve men coming together to accomplish them.
This is why at the end of every election such as the just-concluded 2015 presidential and gubernatorial elections in Nigeria, the acclaimed winners set up their leadership chains which they use to ensure efficient performance in the country or the various states. This also applies to the third tier arm, the local governments. Upon all this, the leadership rests on an individual-the president, governor or chairman.
The leader, therefore, will be looked upon as the one with the ultimate power and authority to control, direct and plan, making sure that the people he is leading obey his instructions so as to achieve set objectives and efficiency in the process. Leadership on the other hand stresses the ability of the leader to exhibit some degree of influence over the followers or the led, with the aim to getting things done. The leader uses the necessary power and authority but what is uppermost is the approach, the style, the strategy or even the technique adopted by the leader. It might be task-oriented or people-oriented to get things done but must be focused on performance and the ability or political will to carry out the expected functions and responsibilities.
In his inaugural address after swearing-in on May 29, 2015, Rivers State Governor, Chief (Barrister) Ezenwo Nyesom Wike declared his government’s agenda of hope. According to him, “Now that we have become victorious and have arrived at the home ward end of our beautiful water-side, it is time to work, to erect landmarks of progress and prosperity. Yes, it is time to deconstruct, reconstruct, rehabilitate and restore the damage inflicted on our common wealth”.
In what he called our blueprint of an agenda of hope, the Governor pledged to offer a New Rivers Vision based on a new thinking, saying ” our goal is to make Rivers State a land of peace and prosperity with boundless opportunities and possibilities. A place where no one is left behind because of his or her station and everyone who works hard can achieve his or her life’s dreams. Please be assured that we are committed to actualising our vision and mission already in the public domain”. This is part of the present government’s promises to Rivers people.
Indeed, and of the truth is that Chief Nyesom Wike I know means every word voiced to the people of Rivers State. Albeit, since human wants are insatiable and the means of satisfying them are limited, it is believed that the leadership of this present administration under Chief Wike will establish a viable platform, knowing that satisfying the wants of Rivers people is inevitable. With his track record when Wike was Chairman of Obio\Akpor Local Government Council for eight years, Chief of Staff, Government House and Minister of State for Education, there is no doubt that he will be able to manage the available resources of the state to give the people what they deserve.
At least the state has the ” factors of production, raw materials, manpower and equipment for production and to achieve performance efficiency”. However, these factors cannot organise themselves without the cooperation of all and sundry.
The task of leadership requires a very experienced personnel who can manage both human, material and financial resources and be able to put all these factors into more efficient use for the achievement of maximum development and empowerment for the citizenry. The leadership style of Chief Wike as the Rivers State chief executive today must involve the mobilisation of the people and planning effectively to unite all the factors (people) to achieve efficiency in governance.
In democratic leadership, political equality, equality before the law, tolerance and compromise as well as equal opportunity are essential ingredients. The right to vote and equal eligibility for political offices are not enough when we talk about political equality. What we consider paramount is economic equality because political equality becomes a myth when individuals do not have the means to compete on an equal footing.
Equality before the law means that in a democratic society, the rule of law is supreme. The high and the mighty, and the low placed; rich or poor; ruler or ruled-all are equal before the law. There must be the spirit of give and take since democracy involves the conception of majority rule, the acquiescence of the minority in the decision of the majority. There must also be the provision of adequate opportunity for the individual to develop his personality, have access to knowledge through a system of state- aided education, security, employment, minimum wage, coupled with fair condition of work, leisure, distribution of wealth, and so on.
The infrastructure development of Rivers State and human capacity revolves around leadership. In fact, it is believed that everything about governance rises and falls around good leadership. The Bible teaches us that without a visionary leader the people perish. In ancient Israel, when God’s people had a good king, all was well with the nation, there was development. But when they had a bad king, things went poorly for everyone (Proverb 29:18).
No leader does the job alone. A good leader inspires his or her followers to get the job done. If he doesn’t, the followers would expect him to do all the job by himself. It is hoped that Governor Wike would work towards the accomplishment or achievement of the set goals through the combined efforts of others. The Governor should be keenly interested in foreign investments to create job opportunities and also be passionate about empowering women, and youths economically, politically and otherwise, and above all, be caring.
The governor’s agenda to provide all season- roads, bridges, canals, jetties and other mass transit infrastructure that the state needs should be equitably done to reciprocate the massive support given him during the election.
As he has said, Rivers State civil and public servants should be made to heave a sigh of relief considering the trauma they have been passing through since the electioneering period till date.
The greatest legacy the people of River State expect from the present government will be the reduction of poverty both at the rural and urban areas. The immediate past administration in the State, although tried in the area of infrastructure development but it impoverished a greater number of the people of the state because the people’s money was grossly mismanaged while workers are owed backlog of salaries and allowances.
Governor Wike recognises the fact that this set of people are the engine rooms of the government, so they should not be left to languish any longer, we appeal.
Shedie Okpara
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.