Opinion
Lessons From Recession
Recession has to do with a “period of time during which there is less trade, business activity and wealth than usual.” But definition is not as important as the reality anyone can see on the ground or the lessons anyone can learn from the phenomenon. Usually, recession is the “passing away” of an old but unpleasant, opportunistic past characterized by predatory tendencies and propensities.
Truly, the experiences which Nigerians are passing through currently, have their origins in activities that date back to 50 years ago. Visible results of several under-the-table activities were the crisis in Western Region of Nigeria 1963-1965, culminating in military intervention in Nigeria’s political history. Without going into little-known aspects of what happened in 1965/66, the Nigerian Civil War 1967 – 1970, was another issue having something to do with the current recession.
There are certain things one would not say about the unfortunate past, but there are plausible evidence that nature has a mechanism for redressing past reckless human activities. Scientists would tell us that the cells in human body regenerate and replace themselves on a septimal basis, such that in every seven years, a total replacement takes place. Thus, we can talk about an “Iron Law of Movement” just like political scientists talk about an Iron Law of Oligarchy.
Whether we know it or not and whether we believe it or not, life is not without definite laws; it seeks neither our permission nor renders any apology to anyone, as it operates and goes about its functions. So, the current recession in Nigeria is by no means an accident, neither can anyone or any authority engineer it away by any legislation. The laws must have their “pound of flesh”, or those who broke them must mend or break.
Recession is indeed the tip of an ice-berg as well as a distant, early warning phenomenon, demanding that people should read and interprete the “hand-writing on the wall”. There is no doubt that a number of people had committed unspeakable atrocities in the past whose re-visiting consequences culminate in what we call recession. The biting effects manifest more visibly in the economic and political domains, but individuals must be shaken up from a state of lethargy.
Like the passing away of an unpleasant past, recession has a time span as well as a message, while economists and political scientists may use several theories to predict the duration or time span of a recession, the “message” goes beyond economic and political permutations. The message-bundle which recession drops at our door-steps as individuals and as a nation demands that we learn the following lessons.
Population control: Large families, including polygamous ones, definitely find it hard to cope with the challenges that recession has thrown up. It is pathetic to see what many mothers, particularly single mothers, do to their children. Does anybody need to preach family planning to any couple?
Unmerciful waste of resources: Does the fact that “each Nigerian Senator gets emoluments estimated to be four times the salary of the President of America,” translate into Nigerian politicians being four times as productive and patriotic as their American counterparts?
Forced awakening: Rising incidents of fraud, insecurity, mendacity and shenanigans are not merely survival strategies employed by unscrupulous people, but they are wake-up calls forcing everybody to be cautious and on the alert in their dealings with everybody else. Since the weak are usually pushed to the wall in a predatory society, do we not see rising aggressiveness and militancy among those who had been oppressed and cheated for too long in the past?
Re-discovery and repositioning: The change mantra that is a current political jingle, is quite indicative of the fact that people are re-discovering and repositioning themselves. This gambit is not only meant to discover and cross over to where the grass is greener (like politicians do), but it also involves a re-examination and re-evaluation of value orientations. House wives are not only discovering that they had married the wrong men, but some of them are also finding how to add value to their lives and to make ends meet, without looking at any-body’s face.
Value-added opium: Religion and personal salvation are important issues in a depressing economy. Religious activities not only serve as anti-depressant therapy and aphrodisiac, but religious leaders have also learnt to add value to their economic status. People have been known to “sow seed” with their cars, houses, gratuity and even children are often given as gifts to the church. Private jets are not meant for the politicians and business tycoons alone!
Break-down of family bonds: Extended family culture and the burdens connected with it is passing away. Who would want to feed and cater for many relatives when one is “laid off” from job? With “Single Treasury Account” and BVN, which sugar daddy would buy a car for a 19-year-old ward?
Amirize writes from Port Harcourt.
e-mail:Bamirize@yahoo.com
Bright Amirize
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.