Opinion

Emohua Political Equation: Matters Arising

Published

16 years ago

July 2, 2010

Partisan politics in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State remains one of the most peaceful in the entire state, particularly in the Ikwerre ethnic nationality. Special tribute must be paid to the leader of Emohua Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Andrew Uchendu.

Hon Uchendu, the member representing Ikwerre/Emohua Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives has been the fulcrum with which Emohua politics revolves. For one thing, the first indigenous Managing Director of Risonpalm Limited, has maintained sharing formula between the constituents of the LGA.

The LGA is majorly peopled by two distinct groups: the Rio and Ishimbam groups. The communities in each of the groups have similarities in their dialects but all subsumes under the Ikwerre language. Most importantly, both the Rio and Ishimbam are large enough to own their local government councils. It is against this backdrop, that Emohua LGA has developed a harmonious sharing formula.

Chief Uchendu has always maintained that preference would be given to communities that have not produced the chairman of Emohua LGA to ensure harmonious zoning system. That is why communities that have never had occupied the chairmanship of the council may heave a sigh of relief. There is no doubt, whatsoever that Uchendu, would remember those communities in order to sustain the formula that had been put in place in the LGA for quite a time.

But interestingly, the elective positions in Emohua doesn’t only consist of the chairmanship position. There is the House of Assembly seat as well as the House of Representatives seat which is often alternated between the two LGAs.

However, the odds favour communities like Egbeda and Ubimini in the present scheme of things, especially as none of them has produced the chairman of the LGA via a general election.

Again, if the zoning formula is anything to go by, these two communities have never been given a chance to occupy an elective position both at the LGA level or the state level.

It is only, Ubimini that has served at the caretaker level. Hon. Allen Nmah, the present PDP chairman in Emohua, who hails from Ubimini had once served as the caretaker committee chairman of Emohua council. Kudos to the Ubimini community, especially as Nmah remains till date, the PDP Chairman. Interestingly, however, Ubimini used to be ruled by the Nye-Nwe-Ali Egbeda/Ubimini communities, who hailed from Egbeda. But the small community seemed to have grown tremendously in politics since the demise of His Royal Highness J. A. Didia. They have a ward to themselves, PDP chairman, former caretaker chairman, among others. Ubimini has been playing Brother Jacob to Egbeda, which Egbeda has become a sort of Esau.

But not to worry, Ubimini may not be the problem of Egbeda as they are the closest neighbour. One thing is certain, in the game of politics; it is a game of numbers. It is for a greater majority of the people. Except otherwise, where majoritarian politics holds sway, the odds favour Egbeda.

Egbeda is decidedly the largest single Ikwerre community. Consequently, it is a community that ought to be wooed by different parties.

But in the present political dispensation, Egbeda is the most maligned among all the communities in Ikwerre ethnic nationality. Workers of iniquity have continually portrayed Egbeda as anti-Amaechi. Pathetically, Egbeda has not done anything to underscore the allegations. The game plan is to totally sideline Egbeda throughout the tenure of Governor Chibuike Amaechi, who is their son.

The question is why should Egbeda be anti-Governor Amaechi who is their kinsman? The allegation doesn’t really make sense. It is blatantly nonsensical. Fine enough, Governor Amaechi’s mother hails from Obohia in Egbeda community. Besides, Governor Amaechi had spent holiday in Egbeda as a boy. I am sure that the Governor remembers his kinsmen whom he spent time with in the good old days. He might not find it easy to forget his friends in Egbeda.

One thing is sure, those who have tried to exacerbate rift between the Governor and his kinsmen through blackmail would obviously not erase the fact that he forever remains the kinsman of Egbeda people, even when he leaves politics. The truth is certainly hard to bear. There is, no doubt, that some Egbeda persons are followers of Celestine Omehia till date. A preponderance of people remained loyal to Governor Amaechi, while he fought his battle at the Supreme Court. There is no community that supported Governor Amaechi enbloc. One wonders why Egbeda people should be worse for it for following Omehia.

It must be pointed out that many politicians and their in Egbede groups did not flirt with the K-12 political camp, yet the entire community was maligned as been loyal to Omehia. What about the leaders of Ikwerre Youth Movement (IYM) and their followers in Egbeda. Most importantly, staunch IYM members like Mr. Bright Ikonwa, who remained loyal to Amaechi, while he fought his battle at the Supreme Court.

Throughout the Supreme Court matter, Mr. Bright Ikonwa continued to be the pillar of IYM in Egbeda. His contributions to the sustenance of the IYM have been phenomenal. Ikonwa has often demonstrated his love for Governor Amaechi in different ways. There is no gainsaying that thousands of youths belong to IYM in Egbeda.

On the other hand, there are other faithful members of the IYM group in Egbeda. The incumbent Vice Chairman of Emohua LGA, Hon Enyie Friday Enyie, has also contributed his quota to the growing number of IYM faithfuls.

Another prominent faithful is Mr. Chinedu Ikonwa, who has also done his beat in the political camp. The list is endless. The truth of the matter is that politics is a game of interest; those who followed Omehia in Egbeda were able to produce a commissioner, despite the brevity of the tenure.

Governor Amaechi should be rest assured that Egbeda people are surely supportive of his administration but he cannot get hundred per cent support from Egbeda just as he cannot get the same from Ubima, his native home. That, ofcourse, is the beauty of politics

In politics, there is no permanent enemy, but permanent interest. It must be appreciated that even the Egbeda people who supported Omehia could be adjudged the best friends of Amaechi because they midwifed Amaechi’s victory.

According to the Supreme Court decision, Omehia had not been Governor in the eyes of the law but an agent of Amaechi. An undisclosed principal is still liable for the acts of his agents. The Supreme Court decision couldn’t have been realized if the PDP had lost.

Consequently, those who sweated in the heat of the sun at Akinima and the remotest parts of the state to ensure victory for the PDP deserve kudos because you cannot put something on nothing. The Bible says “everything worketh for good to them that love God and are called according to his purpose”.

Again, what an Egbeda man wants is that his participation in politics should be able to yield fruits. Nevertheless, I urge the indefatigable governor of the state to discountenance the allegations making the rounds that Egbeda hates him. The peddlers of the rumours are interested in marginalising Egbeda throughout the tenure of the incumbent governor.

Another question that agitates the minds of right-thinking persons is why should Egbeda hate their own son, who is capable of drawing development to the area.

Surprisingly, however, the same person was never hated when he spent holidays in Egbeda as a boy.

As the clock ticks towards 2011 general elections, there is, no doubt, that the workers of iniquity may be at their game again. But Egbeda people would remain resolute in their political participation and in their avowed determination to support the present administration in the state.

While the followers of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi in Egbeda continue to do their beat in support of the present administration, they should be rest assured that the politics of blackmail against Egbeda would not last forever. Virtue has its own reward.

Chidi Enyie

Opinion

Policy Intervention: More Than Administrative Reform

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”This policy intervention proves that education reform is not just about administration, but about restoring dignity, equity, and integrity to the learning process.”

On September 24, 2025, the article” A Growing Emergency: How Marked-Up Textbooks Are Sabotaging Nigeria’s School Children”, written by King Onunwo, was published in The Tide Newspaper. In the said article, the writer expressed pains in what he viewed as ‘a silent but damaging practice’ taking root in homes across Nigeria, one that threatens the academic future of millions of children in primary and secondary schools. From the paintings of the writer, this seemingly minor convenience where older siblings complete their homeworks directly inside their school textbooks, may seem harmless on the surface. On the contrary, it is creating a dangerous ripple effect. What used to be a normal practice—siblings reusing textbooks year after year to ease the financial burden on families—has now turned into a nightmare. The writer could best describe its impact in our educational system as a stumbling block for students, and a ticking time bomb for the education system and to say the least, a source of distress for countless parents.

The core message of the article is that writing homework and classwork inside textbooks has evolved from a harmless household habit into a national educational crisis that is quietly undermining learning outcomes in Nigeria. Specifically, the article argues that: marked-up textbooks sabotage learning by denying younger students the opportunity to think independently, practice problem-solving, and engage meaningfully with lessons. Economic hardship has normalized textbook reuse, but misuse has turned a cost-saving strategy into an educational disadvantage. The problem is systemic, not merely individual, reflecting failures in policy enforcement, public awareness, and educational support structures. Hence, government’s intervention is urgently required, including regulations, awareness campaigns, textbook audits, penalties, and subsidized writing materials.

Violation of education equity was also fingered as children are academically punished due to circumstances beyond their control—birth order and family income. King Onunwo opined that small oversights can cause large-scale damage, and ignoring such “minor” issues threatens Nigeria’s broader educational goals. Ultimately, he called for a national textbook integrity policy to protect learning materials and ensure fairness in education. Deductively, the writer ‘s feelings and emotional tone conveyed a deep concern and alarm, repeatedly framing the issue as a “growing emergency,” “ticking time bomb,” and “quiet academic crisis.” which signals a genuine fear that the problem if unchecked, may have irreversible consequences.

The writer ‘s tone is outrightly that of an advocate, not a neutral observer, speaking with a strong sense of justice, emphasizing on education as a right, meaning that children should not be academically disadvantaged by family circumstances, hence, the need for society to protect educational tools.The repeated calls for “immediate,” “urgent,” and “no time to waste” action showed impatience with delays and excuses. The writer believes every academic term lost worsens the damage. It is not just about textbooks—it is about educational dignity, equality, and systemic responsibility. The closing metaphor (“the handwriting is on the wall”) reinforces the writer’s belief that the consequences are already visible and that failure to act would be inexcusable. By responding decisively to growing concerns around the misuse and rising cost of learning materials, the Federal Government has demonstrated that thoughtful advocacy still matters—and that public interest writing can indeed influence policy in meaningful ways.

The recently unveiled education policy banning disposable workbooks and mandating the use of durable, reusable textbooks is a commendable step in the right direction. It directly addresses the very issues raised by King Onunwo and other concerned writers and parents who have long warned about the silent damage being done to Nigeria’s school children through poorly designed textbook practices and unchecked misuse of learning materials. For years, families—especially those with multiple children—have struggled under the weight of repeated textbook purchases. Worse still, the culture of writing directly into textbooks turned what should have been reusable learning tools into single-use items, sabotaging younger siblings who inherited books already filled with answers, errors, and confusion. The new policy does not merely reduce costs; it restores the integrity of textbooks as reference materials meant to guide thinking, not replace it.

By insisting on standardized, high-quality textbooks designed to last four to six years, the government has effectively validated the core argument of education advocates: that sustainability, affordability, and quality learning are deeply interconnected. The decision to prohibit the bundling of disposable workbooks—often used as a commercial tactic to force annual purchases—is particularly laudable. It signals a shift away from profit-driven educational practices toward child-centered learning. Equally important is the policy’s emphasis on strengthening assessment and quality assurance for instructional materials. This tackles another long-standing problem: superficial textbook revisions that compel parents to buy “new editions” without meaningful improvements in content. Such practices have eroded trust in the system and placed unnecessary financial strain on households already stretched thin.

Beyond textbooks, the introduction of a uniform academic calendar and the rationalization of graduation ceremonies show a broader sensitivity to the hidden costs of schooling. These reforms recognize that education expenses are not limited to fees alone but are compounded by traditions and inconsistencies that quietly drain family resources. This policy intervention is more than administrative reform; it is proof that government can listen, reflect, and act when issues are clearly articulated and grounded in lived realities. It affirms the value of public-interest writing as a bridge between citizens’ experiences and policy action.While implementation and enforcement will be the true test, the direction is encouraging. Parents, teachers, and school administrators must now play their part to ensure that these reforms translate into real change in classrooms across the country.

In acknowledging and addressing the concerns raised by writers, educators, and families, the government has taken a vital step toward protecting the learning future of Nigerian children. It is a reminder that when the handwriting on the wall is read early enough, it is still possible to rewrite the story—for the better.However, kudos to Federal Government for the intervention, but it should not end on the table rather should be given accelerated attention in order to ensure full implementation.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Redefining New Year Resolutions

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “Transformation begins the moment intention meets action.”

At the dawn of a new year and throughout its early days, millions of people across the globe make promises to themselves—to improve, to grow, and to transform. The New Year carries a unique sense of renewal, hope, and possibility. It offers a clean slate on which aspirations are rewritten and goals are redefined. But beyond the excitement and optimism lies an important question: what truly gives power to these resolutions, and how can they be sustained to positively impact individuals, families, and teams?

New Year resolutions emerge from different platforms, perspectives, and points of need. For many, the focus is personal growth—acquiring new skills, practicing mindfulness, improving physical health, or cultivating emotional resilience. Others prioritize relationships, seeking to strengthen bonds with family and friends, heal broken connections, or build new ones. Career development also ranks high, with goals such as professional advancement, job transitions, skill enhancement, or entrepreneurship. Financial stability—saving money, paying off debt, investing wisely—remains a major concern, while some individuals turn to creativity, exploring new hobbies, talents, or artistic pursuits.

Regardless of the resolution, a clear roadmap is essential. Transformation begins with reflection—understanding personal values, clarifying what truly matters, and identifying the change one desires to see. This process often involves shedding unproductive habits and mindsets to create room for growth. Setting specific and achievable goals, then breaking them into manageable tasks, increases the likelihood of success. Equally important is establishing an accountability system—whether through self-monitoring, trusted partners, or structured reviews—to sustain commitment over time.

New Year resolutions embody the power of intentional living. They allow individuals and groups to pause, evaluate past actions, and consciously chart a new course. When intentions are clearly defined, it becomes easier to identify growth areas, develop a realistic plan, maintain motivation, cultivate healthy habits, and strengthen relationships. Setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—ensures that resolutions are practical and purposeful rather than vague aspirations. In addition, prioritizing self-care enables the mind, body, and soul to function optimally, providing the stamina needed for long-term success.

Many resolutions require learning something new—whether acquiring professional skills, developing hobbies, or broadening intellectual capacity. For personal growth, this may include learning a new language, reading more books, or gaining knowledge that enhances competence and confidence. Involving family members in shared goals strengthens bonds and encourages collective responsibility. Regular family activities, open communication, shared meals, and intentional time together help instill values such as kindness, empathy, discipline, and accountability.

Career-focused resolutions may involve enrolling in online courses or certification programs, improving digital literacy, or networking with professionals in the same field. Financial growth requires discipline—creating and adhering to a budget, building a savings plan, investing wisely, and paying off debt systematically. When creativity or leisure is the focus, starting a journal or blog, learning an instrument, engaging in arts and crafts, or pursuing writing can be both fulfilling and therapeutic.

For families and teams, resolutions foster unity and shared purpose. When goals are collectively set and pursued, they promote collaboration, trust, and mutual support. Teams that align their resolutions with shared values experience improved productivity, morale, and accountability. Clear communication, regular progress reviews, and celebrating small wins reinforce commitment and sustain momentum throughout the year.

However, common pitfalls must be avoided. Unrealistic expectations often lead to discouragement and failure; goals should be challenging yet attainable. A lack of planning or strategy undermines even the best intentions, while poor accountability increases the risk of giving up prematurely. To make resolutions stick, it is important to track progress using journals, planners, or digital tools; celebrate milestones; remain patient with setbacks; and review goals periodically to adjust when necessary.

As the year unfolds, may our goals, hopes, and resolutions inspire meaningful change. Resolutions are not merely seasonal rituals—they are journeys of growth and discipline. With intentional planning, focused action, and collective effort, individuals, families, and teams can thrive, transform, and make lasting strides toward a better future.

By: Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi

Opinion

Trans-Kalabari Road: Work In Progress

Published

1 week 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