Opinion

Rivers: As Light Of Peace Shines

Published

10 years ago

December 9, 2015

The Holy Bible in John 1: 5 declares : “And the light
shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” That is the case of Rivers State where the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, represents light and the APC represents darkness.
The choices we make define our direction and our philosophy. The Rivers State APC last Monday clearly made a choice to remain in the dark with their decision to exemplify their false procession with an all black outfit. In their quest to politicise the security of lives and property in the state, the Rivers State APC exposed their unpopularity and general rejection by the peace-loving people of the state.
The Black Day political rally brought to the fore the ill-motive of the Rivers State APC and the fact that the defeated political party is not on ground in the state. Without doubt, the APC is less than five percent in the political and social equation of the state.
To show the unpopularity of the Rivers State APC, the Party had to rely on the importation of over 1000 policemen and more than 300 soldiers and other security agencies for their three thousand hired supporters to march for a distance less than a kilometre. This short march from APC State Secretariat in Old GRA to Polo Club by the APC, was tantamount to a police parade as the policemen competed with the few APC supporters in terms of number.
Indeed, it became clear that the APC chose black as their preferred colour because they wanted to camouflage in the overwhelming presence of policemen. They hid their black failure in their ugly colour.
The case of the Rivers PDP and other non-governmental organisations who marched for peace on Friday in Port Harcourt indicate that the state is still dominated by men and women of goodwill who have Rivers State at heart. It proved that those who believe in progress and development outnumber those who are devilishly inclined and steeped in darkness. Light dispels darkness at all times. Darkness bows to light, irrespective of the weight of the lies and propaganda.
To show that Rivers State is PDP, the people of Rivers State numbering over 50,000 marched peacefully on Friday for over 10 kilometres. The peace march started from the PDP State Secretariat at the foot of the old GRA on Aba Road to the Rivers State College of Arts and Science on Rumuola Road. It was a celebration of peace and the values of Rivers people built on development and the respect for human lives and constituted authority.
It was a carnival of the people’s preference for Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the leader chosen by the majority and ordained by God to transform the state. The Friday people’s peace march further exposed to the world the lies of the Rivers State APC and her leaders.
While the people marched freely with minimal security presence, the Rivers State APC hired boys trekked for less than a kilometre with maximum security because they feared the wrath of the people who made their choices during the general elections without any form of violence.
The Friday peace march in Rivers State was extremely successful because it was from the people to the nation and the world. It was a statement of fact. As the peace march moved on the popular Aba Road, other citizens keyed into the celebration of the virtues of the state.
Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah, captured the essence of the march when he declared that the people of the state will remain practitioners of peace irrespective of the antics of the defeated APC. He urged the people to continue to stand for peace, despite the propaganda and lies of the APC. Obuah said that the calls by the APC for state of emergency to be declared in the state shows their desperation to truncate peace in the state.
Member representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, Mr Kingsley Chinda, exposed the fraudulent persons hired by the APC to make false testimonies during their unfortunate Black Monday campaign rally. He listed the address of the APC member and the name of his 10-year old child who is still alive, pointing out that it was regrettable that the said hired hand claimed his son died before the election.
Rivers State PDP Secretary, Walter Ibibia, described the APC State Chairman, Davies Ikanya, as a man who promotes disunity in the state because he believes only in pecuniary issues.
It is disheartening that the Rivers State APC and her governorship candidate have allowed the desperation for power through the back door to derail their sense of political reasoning and respect for the rule of law. These men remote controlled by external forces, are bent on destroying the very fabric of peace in the state in order to justify the lies they propagate on their sponsored media platforms. Like always, the Rivers people on Friday in Port Harcourt sent the right message of peace and development to the world.
Governor Wike represents the present and future of Rivers State, hence the people voted overwhelmingly for him on April 11 and 12. They made that choice in substantial compliance with the law and under a peaceful atmosphere that pervaded the state. The people streamed out to declare that they cannot be tampered with via vain propaganda and unnecessary drama.
Like Governor Wike told the national leadership of the Labour Party when they visited him recently, he is committed to peace, security and development of Rivers State and Nigeria. A politician and statesman of note, Governor Wike declared that the elections are over, hence all political parties and politicians should put aside their personal interest to allow good governance for the good of the people.
Governor Wike has the spirit of peace and development. This spirit has been transmitted to all his supporters and admirers, who have regards for human lives and property. They are on ground and have no reason to engender violence.
Rivers State remains the home of peace, light, development and implementation of people oriented programmes under the leadership of the people-endorsed Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. No black evil machinations by leaders of darkness will shake the resolve of the people to stand by their governor. The very best under the present dispensation. The voice of the people is the voice of God.
Nwakaudu is Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media.

Simeon Nwakaudu

Opinion

Trans-Kalabari Road: Work In Progress

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”This Dream project is one of the best things that have happened to the people and residents of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas in recent times.”

This is the concluding part of this story featured in our last edition.

Good road network helps farmers to convey their agro-allied products to commercial hubs where buyers and sellers meet periodically to transact business. Road network engineers and motivates people resident in unfriendly geographical terrains, like riverine areas, to own property and shuttle home with ease. Some people will prefer living in their own houses in a more serene and nature-blessed communities to living in the city that is fraught with pollution, and other environmental, social and economic hazards. Prior to the cult epidemic that ravaged parts of Rivers State, the Emohuas, Elemes, Ogonis, and Etches were known for rural dwelling. Most public servants from these areas do their official and private transactions from their villages. For them it was comparatively easier to live in the village and engage in a diversified economic endeavours through farming, fishing or other lucrative business without outrageous charges and embarrassment associated with doing business in Port Harcourt, where land is as scarce as the traditional needle.

That is why the decision to construct the Trans-Kalabari Road by the administration of Dr. Peter Odili was one of the best decisions that administration took. When Dr. Odili vacated office as the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi took over and awarded contracts for continuation of the road project which in my considered view is the felt need of the people of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas. Unfortunately, Rt. Hon. Amaechi’s efforts to drive the project was sabotaged by some contractors some of whom are Kalabari people. The main Trans-Kalabari Road is one project that is dear to the people and residents of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas of Rivers State. This is because through the road commuters can easily access several communities in the three local government areas. For instance, the road when completed will enable access to eight of the ten communities in Degema Local Government Area, namely: Bukuma, Tombia, Bakana, Oguruama, Obuama, Usokun, Degema town and the Degema Consulate. It will also link 15 of the 16 communities in Asari Toru Local Government Area. The communities are: Buguma, the local government headquarters, Ido, Abalama, Tema, Sama, Okpo, Ilelema, Ifoko, Tema, Sangama, Krakrama, Omekwe-Ama, Angulama. The road will also connect 14 of 17 wards in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, and other settlements. It is interesting to note that It is faster, and far more convenient and economical for the catchment Communities on the Trans-Kalabari Road network to go to the State Capital than the East West Road. The people of the three local government areas will prefer to work or do their transactions in Port Harcourt from their respective communities to staying in Port Harcourt where the house rent and the general cost of living is astronomically high.

Consequently, development will seamlessly spread to the 28 out of 34 communities of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas. The only Communities that are not linked by the road project are Oporoama in Asari Toru, the Ke and Bille Communities in Degema Local Government Area and the “Oceania” communities of Abissa, Kula, Soku, Idama, Elem Sangama of Akuku Toru Local Government Area. But because of the economic value of the unlinked Communities to Nigeria, (they produce substantial oil and gas in the area), the Federal, State Governments and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), can extend the road network to those areas just as Bonny is linked to Port Harcourt and the Lagos Mainland Bridge is connecting several towns in Lagos and neighbouring States.Kudos to previous administrations who had constructed the Central Group axis.

However, what is said to be the First Phase of the Trans-Kalabari Road project is actually a linkage of the “Central Group” Communities which consists of Krakrama, Angulama, Omekwe. Ama, Omekwe Tari Ama, Ifoko, Tema, Sangama. It is the peripheral of the Trans-Kalabari Road. The completion of the Main Trans Kalabari project will free Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor areas from congestion. It will motivate residents and people of the three local areas to contribute to the development of their Communities. If the Ogonis, Etches, Emohuas, Oyigbos, Okrikas, Elemes can feel comfortable doing business in Port Harcourt from home, residents and people whose communities are linked to Port Harcourt through the Trans-Kalabari Road will no doubt, do likewise. The vast arable virgin land of the Bukuma people can be open for development and sustainable agricultural ventures by Local, State and Federal Government.

It is necessary to recall that the Bukuma community was host to the Federal Government’s Graduate Farmers’ Scheme and the Rivers State Government moribund School-to-Land Scheme under Governor Fidelis Oyakhilome. Bukuma was the only community in Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas that has the capacity to carry those agricultural programmes. However the lack of road to transport farm produce to Port Harcourt and facilitate the movement of the beneficiaries of the scheme who lived in the community which is several miles away from the farms, hampered the sustainability of the programme. The main Trans-Kalabari Road remains the best gift to the people of Degema, Asari Toru, and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas. Kudos to Sir Siminilayi Fubara.

By: Igbiki Benibo

Opinion

That U.S. Capture of Maduro

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Strategic convenience does not nullify sovereignty. Political frustration does not authorise military abduction.”

The first part of this story was published in our last edition.

In Africa and the Middle East, regime change—whether by invasion, proxy warfare, or sanctions—has often left behind fractured states, weakened institutions, and prolonged instability. Washington’s motivations in Venezuela are widely understood: vast oil reserves, alliances with U.S. rivals, and symbolic defiance of American influence in the Western Hemisphere. But none of these reasons confer legal or moral legitimacy. Strategic convenience does not nullify sovereignty. Political frustration does not authorise military abduction. If every powerful nation acted on its grievances in this manner, global chaos would inevitably follow. International law provides mechanisms for accountability. Under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), individuals accused of crimes against humanity or other grave offences are subject to investigation and prosecution through judicial processes.

Likewise, extradition treaties, mutual legal assistance agreements, and Interpol mechanisms exist to ensure accountability while respecting due process. These frameworks were designed precisely to prevent unilateral enforcement of “justice” by military force. The most profound consequence of America’s action may not be in Caracas, but in the precedent it sets. If the world accepts that a superpower can unilaterally depose another country’s president, then the foundation of the international system is weakened. Sovereignty becomes conditional—no longer a right, but a privilege tolerated at the discretion of the powerful. Going forward, if another country invades its neighbour, will the United States retain the moral authority to impose sanctions or demand restraint? Some analysts already warn that parallels between Russia’s actions in Ukraine and America’s conduct in Venezuela risk further eroding global norms. Selective adherence to international law breeds cynicism and accelerates the drift toward a world governed by force rather than rules.

Power—military, economic, or political—should serve human progress and collective well-being, not domination and destruction. For African nations, many of which emerged from colonial rule through bitter struggle, this precedent is especially alarming. Sovereignty is not an abstract legal concept; it is a hard-won shield against external domination. Any erosion of that principle anywhere weakens it everywhere. Africa’s painful history of foreign interference makes this lesson especially urgent. For me, the real issue is not whether Nicolás Maduro is a good or bad leader. That judgment belongs, first and foremost, to the Venezuelan people. The larger issue is whether the international system still operates on law—or has quietly reverted to hierarchy. If America insists it is defending global order, it must ask itself a difficult question: can an order survive when its most powerful guardian feels entitled to violate it? Until that question is answered honestly, the capture of a foreign president will remain not a triumph of justice, but a troubling symbol of a world drifting from law toward force.

If the United States felt so strongly about the allegations of terrorism, drug trafficking against Maduro, were there no other lawful options? Judicial accountability, diplomacy, regional mediation, and multilateral pressure may be slow and imperfect, but they reflect respect for international law and sovereign equality. Military seizure is a blunt instrument. It humiliates institutions, radicalizes populations, and hardens resistance. It may remove a leader, but it rarely resolves the underlying crisis. History teaches that military interventions seldom result in stable democratic outcomes. More often, they breed resentment, resistance, and long-term instability. For the sake of global order and the rule of law, the United States should reconsider this path and recommit to diplomacy, legal cooperation, and respect for the sovereign equality of states. Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly described the invasion of Venezuela as “unlawful and unwise,” warning that such actions “do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable.” Her words reflect a growing recognition, even within the United States, that force without legitimacy undermines both moral authority and global stability.

Should what happened in Venezuela serve as a wake-up call for corrupt African leaders who undermine the people’s right to choose their leaders? The answer is yes. The capture of Maduro should alarm African leaders who manipulate elections, weaken institutions, suppress opposition, undermine citizens’ rights, or cling to power at all costs. Venezuela faced widespread criticism over disputed elections and repression long before this episode, and that context shaped how the world reacted. This does not justify foreign military intervention, but it highlights an uncomfortable truth: prolonged democratic decay isolates nations and invites external pressure—from sanctions to diplomatic censure. Global opinion matters, and legitimacy at home strengthens sovereignty abroad. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and several African leaders have rightly condemned the events in Venezuela, invoking the principles of sovereignty and non-interference enshrined in international and regional law.

Beyond condemnation, however, African leaders must look inward. The continent’s future cannot be built on repression, constitutional manipulation, and personal greed. Leadership must reflect the will of the people, not desperation for power. Two days ago, a social commentator on a radio station argued that Trump’s action—though condemnable—demonstrates how far a leader can go for his country’s interest. According to this view, he did not intervene in Venezuela for personal enrichment, but to strengthen his nation. In stark contrast, many African leaders plunder their own countries. They siphon public resources, impose crushing taxes and harmful policies, and leave their citizens poorer—all for selfish gain. That contradiction is the deeper lesson Africa must confront.True sovereignty is protected not only by international law, but by accountable leadership at home.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Kudos Gov Fubara

Published

2 weeks ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Please permit me to use this medium to appreciate our able governor, Siminalayi Fubara for the inauguration of the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road in Ahoada-East Local Government Area. This inauguration marks a significant milestone in the history of our communities and deserves commendation. We, the people of Ozochi, are particularly happy because this project has brought long-awaited relief after years of isolation and hardship.

The expression of our traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Eze Prince Ike Ehie, JP, during the inauguration captured the joy of our people. He said, “our isolation is over.” That reflects the profound impact of this road on daily life, economic activities, and social integration of the people of Ozochi and other neighbouring communities. The road will no doubt ease transportation, improve access to markets and healthcare, and strengthen links between Ahoada, Omoku, and other parts of Rivers State.

The people of Ahoada, Omoku, and indeed Rivers State as a whole are grateful to our dear governor for this laudable achievement and wish him many more successful years in office. We pray that God endows him with more wisdom and strength to continue to pilot the affairs of the state for the benefit of all. As citizens, we should rally behind the governor and support his development agenda. Our politicians and stakeholders should embrace peace and cooperation, as no meaningful progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of conflict. Sustainable development in the state can only thrive where peace prevails.

Samuel Ebiye