Opinion

June 12 At Last!

Published

8 years ago

June 22, 2018

Wednesday, June 6 historic declaration of June 12 as a Democracy Day and the honouring of Late Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of June 12 presidential elections with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), the highest honour in the land and Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), the foremost Nigerian human rights lawyer with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), the second highest honour by President Muhammadu Buhari, is commendable and a welcome development.
It is also an honour to those of us who risked our lives at that volatile and unsafe period of national madness to fight for the revalidation of June 12 and enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.
June 12 presidential election adjudged by the local and international observers as the most credible, freest and fairest election in the electoral history of Nigeria was annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida 25 years ago. Late General Sani Abacha who took over from Babangida as the Military Head of State detained late Chief Abiola for declaring himself the President of Nigeria; an action General Abacha considered as an affront to his government.
These unfortunate developments, however, brought about strong agitation by Nigerian journalists, lawyers, human right activists, pro-democracy groups, all fighting for the release of Abiola from the detention and revalidation of June 12 presidential election won by him.
There was unprecedented tension and agitation in the country. There was confusion, skepticism, hostility and hatred everywhere, even among the military. Many Nigerians were killed, detained and many others relocated abroad to save their lives. There were bloods and tears all over the land. Media houses were closed down. The Military themselves were in disarray, implicating one another. It was the most turbulent time in Nigeria. In fact, the annulment of June 12 was the greatest crime and injustice committed against Nigeria and its people in her quest to attain democracy since independence.
I was a member of NADECO in Abuja . I was arrested at the court premises on the very first day late Abiola was brought to court in Abuja. I was tortured and detained for 12 days. I was charged to court for writing an inciting and seditious article against the Federal Government.
Other campaigners for the release of Abiola were also arrested and arraigned. Their offences were possession of seditious articles and posters with intent to cause public disaffection, criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, rioting and disturbance of public peace.
President Buhari, for whatever reasons and motives, has done well and deserves our encomiums for this singular act. Whether it was self baptism for the sins he committed against democracy when he scuttled and truncated the democratically elected government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari in December 31, 1983, or is he now a born again democrat? All I know is that Buhari has, from this day, deepened himself in the ocean of democracy.
For General Ibrahim Babangida, General Sani Abacha and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, they would remain stigmatized and tainted as June 12 collaborators and obstructors of democracy in Nigeria for that era. It is on record that General Babangida’s government superintended the annulment of June 12 presidential election won by Chief Abiola; General Abacha’s government superintended Abiola’s incarceration and General Abubakar’s government superintended his death.
As for Chief Olusegun Obansanjo, his conscience would continually prick him for his inability to recognize late Abiola as a man who laid the foundation of the House of Democracy he occupied for eight years as President of Nigeria. June 12 would remain a fatal wound in their hearts for life.
What Buhari did on June 12, 2018 was to accord late Chief Abiola a presidential burial and to cloth the naked and forsaken June 12 martyr with national attire as the father of our democracy. Whatever was Buhari’s motive is secondary.
By his death, late Chief MKO Abiola had joined the great men and women of the world who laid down their lives for their countries to move forward. They include late President Abraham Lincoln, late President John F. Kennedy, all of the United States of America, late Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi both from India, late Rev Martin Luther King etc.
People like Nelson Mandela sacrificed his time for his people. He was kept in a solitary confinement for 27 solid good years by the racist government of South Africa. Here in my State, Rivers State, indeed Niger Delta, people like Isaac Adaka Boro, Dr Obi Wali and Ken Saro-Wiwa died for Niger Delta. Today, Niger Delta is relatively free and was on top with Dr Goodluck Jonathan as President of Nigeria for six years.
All these means that for a nation or people to be socially, economically, politically strong, calm and stable, there must be ransome sacrifice of its eminent and distinguished citizens. That was the ransome price and sacrifice late Chief Abiola paid. A price for democracy, liberty and democratic stability. Today, Nigeria is at 18 years of uninterrupted democracy Something we never witnessed before. Courtesy of Abiola’s sacrifice.
It is, therefore, my candid opinion and appeal to the Federal Government, to as well, gazette and engrave the names of the heroes of our democracy on a stone and conspicuously place it in the front of the National Assembly, Abuja for Nigerian children yet unborn to know those who fought for our democracy.
In the same vein the names of the heroes of our independence should also be recognized and engraved on a stone and placed at the Eagle Square. Abuja for all to see.
Furthermore, I want to suggest that the National Assembly building, the heart of democracy, should be renamed after Chief MKO Abiola. It should be known as Moshood Abiola Democracy House . Abiola’s birthday should be proclaimed as National Holiday just as America did to late Rev Martin Luther King. Prof Humphrey Nwosu who conducted the most credible, freest, peaceful and fairest elections in the electoral history of Nigeria should also be honoured with the national award.
Prince Ogbuehi, a June 12 activist, wrote in from Eagle Island, Port Harcourt.

Prince Ike Ogbuehi

Opinion

Kudos Gov Fubara

Published

3 days 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

Opinion

… And It Came To Pass

Published

3 days ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Quote:“Leadership is not measured by how hard one strikes back, but by how steady one remains under provocation.”

Tell it in Rivers State, publish it in the streets of Port Harcourt, so the daughters of the State could rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph and know that Fubara is not vindictive”. And it came to pass that Rivers State emerged from one of the most delicate chapters in its political journey, the period of emergency rule that spanned from March 18 to September 18, 2025. It was a season that tested institutions, strained loyalties, and exposed the fragile balance between power and principle. During that time, the suspended Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara DSSRS, was widely believed to have suffered not only political setbacks but personal betrayal, allegedly from some top civil servants within the state apparatus. These were individuals expected to uphold neutrality and professionalism, yet were accused in public opinion of taking sides against the very government they served.

As the emergency rule ended and Governor Fubara resumed office, expectations were shaped less by policy and more by emotion. Many assumed that revenge would quietly find expression through governance. The loudest suspicion centered on the 2025 Christmas bonus of ?100,000 traditionally paid to each worker. The thinking was simple and cynical: a wounded governor would surely withhold goodwill. Some voices even mocked workers openly hoping that the governor would refuse to pay the bonus. To them, denial of the bonus would serve as proof of political strength and justified retaliation. In reality, such thinking revealed a troubling desire to see governance reduced to personal vendetta. Yet, it came to pass, the governor chose a path that confounded suspicion. Against all expectations, the 2025 Christmas bonus was paid.

That single decision quietly but firmly reframed the narrative. It showed a leader focused on governance rather than grudges, on institutional continuity rather than emotional satisfaction. The payment was not a favor, nor was it a concession; it was a statement that public administration must rise above personal injury. By honoring the bonus, Governor Fubara demonstrated that leadership is not measured by how hard one strikes back, but by how steady one remains under provocation. He made it clear that workers’ welfare would not become collateral damage in political disagreements. This action also served as a moral rebuke to those who celebrated division and hoped for punishment. Governance is not validated by the suffering of workers, nor is leadership strengthened by withholding entitlements. At the same time, the issue of alleged sycophancy and betrayal within the civil service cannot be brushed aside. If proven, such conduct deserves firm, lawful, and institutional correction. Civil servants are bound by duty to the state, not to political conspiracies or shifting loyalties.

However, justice must never be confused with revenge. The strength of governance lies in correcting wrongs without destroying the system itself. Governor Fubara’s restraint suggested an understanding that the future of Rivers State mattered more than settling scores. For workers, this moment carried an important lesson. Celebration should be rooted in good governance, not in the expectation of another’s downfall. Rejoicing in rumors of denial or punishment undermines the very stability that protects workers’ welfare. Public service thrives where professionalism, mutual respect, and accountability are upheld. Pettiness, gossip, and political scheming only weaken institutions and erode trust. History often remembers leaders not for the crises they inherit, but for the character they display in response. In paying the 2025 Christmas bonus, Governor Fubara chose legacy over impulse, maturity over malice.

And so, it came to pass that focus defeated revenge, governance triumphed over bitterness, and Rivers State was reminded that true leadership is proven when restraint is expected least but delivered most. Beyond the symbolism of the Christmas bonus lies a deeper question about the kind of political culture Rivers State intends to cultivate in the years ahead. Periods of emergency rule, anywhere in the world, often leave behind residues of suspicion, fear, and silent realignments. Institutions do not emerge untouched; individuals recalibrate loyalties, some out of conviction, others out of self-preservation. What distinguishes stable democracies from fragile ones is not the absence of such moments, but the discipline with which leadership manages their aftermath. River.

King Onunwor

Opinion

That Withdrawal of Police Orderlies From VIPs

Published

3 days ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Balancing VIP security with public safety remains a tightrope walk in a country where the majority of citizens are still under-protected.”

The Presidential announcement on the removal of police orderlies from persons in authority and their relations ( Very Important Persons ) last month came as a relief to many Nigerians who felt deprived of one major role of government ; security of lives and property.The higher population of Nigerians missed needed security because the VIPs and the VVIPs kept retinue of Police Officers totalling over 100 ,000 to themselves and their family members as if they are all that matter while some communities under attack of terrorists have no single unit of police station located there in. While many hailed the announcement , some said perhaps the government has just woken up to her major responsibility of securing the lives and property of all citizens while many expressed indifference on the note that it may be one of those pronouncements which come only in words but no action .Many keep their fingers crossed watching how it will play out , how Mr President will go about the implementation of the seemingly dicey policy .

Benjamin Franklin said “well said is better than well done ” It is sufficient today to say that many Nigerians including me are still waiting and watching to see how well and how long this return of the Police service to the ordinary people will go . Wishing hopes will not be crashed , It is note worthy, that the recent complaints by the VIPs of being exposed to attacks may in a way affect the action on implementation. Recently, at Senate plenary , another worrisome angle came up as Senator Abdul Ningi coming through a motion disclosed that he had only one police officer attached to him ( his office ) and that the officer was recalled the week before following Mr President’s directive . Senator Ningi said the withdrawal exposed him to high risks but underscored the angle that while his orderly was recalled , many other politicians , men and women in authority, business concerns foreigners and even children of some VIPs are still enjoying retinue of police protection ( officially attached to them ).

It’s note worthy also that the Deputy Senate President , Distinguished Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session revealed that the leadership of both chambers are already in discussion with President Tinubu on the need to exempt the law makers from the new policy . Senator Ningi may not be wrong . After all he emphasized he is okay provided that the removal of the Police Orderlies be done across board . Senator Barau noted that talks are on over the issue of law makers’ in line with international practice . Further details from the Presidency noted that Presiding officers will retain their police officers , others would have Civil Defense officers ( NSCDC) as orderlies while any other VIP who feels he or she deserves personal police protection should get clearance from his office . In the midst of all issues weighing in on the proper implementation , it becomes necessary to bear in mind that the decision hinges on the realization that Nigeria has peculiar security issues (of kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism.) and that majority of Nigerians are under protected.

More so, that if well implemented, Police officers will focus on core duties; even as 30,000 new police officers are to recruited to enhance security .That implementation must be made in a way that leaves no room.for selective treatment loss of confidence and controversies. Looking at previous attempts of implementation of this policy gives faint hope as several attempts consistently failed . Former IGPs like Tafa Balogun (2003), Ogbonnaya Onovo (2009), and Ibrahim Idris (2018) tried the policy but all failed due to political resistance from various angles. All the failed attempts were tied to lack of political will mostly due to the fact that the directives came from police chiefs, not the president. Selective Enforcement was another killer to the policy as partial implementation met resistance and later reversal . Egbetokun (2023) and Adamu (2020) saw minimal impact.

Further more entrenched corruption in the system saw Politicians and VIPs quietly regain police escorts due to ‘transactional economics”and pressure. Worse still the mindset of the police officers withdrawn didn’t help the policy Underpaid police prioritize VIP duties for extra benefits. Many wish President Tinubu’s move can break this cycle. As at today, he still insists the move is non-negotiable while stressing collaboration with states to upgrade training facilities. As citizens look forward to success of the policy without undue exposure of both sides, balancing VIP security with public safety remains a tightrope walk. Talk fades ; action echoes. How the Presidency implements this policy. has much to tell on the governments stand on national / community security , choice of priority and the ability to stand uncomprised . The known goal is clear: The outcome is not yet certain. Fingers crossed , we await . Definitely , time will tell.

By: Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi.

s State stood at such a crossroads in September 2025. The temptation to rule with a long memory and a heavy hand was real. Yet, the choice made signaled a preference for healing over hardening. Leadership after crisis demands more than administrative competence; it requires moral clarity.

Governor Fubara’s decision reminded the state that authority is not best exercised through silent punishment or selective generosity. Rather, it is strengthened when rules remain rules, irrespective of personal injury. By keeping faith with workers, the government preserved an essential firewall between politics and public service. That firewall, once breached, turns governance into a battlefield where livelihoods become weapons. Rivers State narrowly avoided that descent. In doing so, it affirmed that institutions must outlive tempers, and governance must not mirror the bitterness of political seasons. This moment also invites sober introspection within the civil service itself. Allegations of partisanship, if left unresolved, corrode professionalism and weaken public confidence. A civil service that drifts into political camps loses its moral authority and operational effectiveness.

Therefore, reform, where necessary, should be guided by due process, transparency, and institutional review—not whispers, witch-hunts, or mob verdicts. Accountability strengthens systems when it is fair; it destroys them when it is arbitrary. The restraint shown by the executive places a corresponding burden on administrative leadership to restore discipline, neutrality, and pride in public service. For the wider political class and the commentariat, the episode serves as a caution against normalizing cruelty as strategy. The eagerness with which some anticipated workers’ suffering revealed a dangerous appetite for scorched-earth politics. When governance becomes a spectator sport where pain is cheered and deprivation is weaponized, society inches toward moral exhaustion. Rivers State has seen enough turbulence to know that stability is not sustained by triumphalism, but by restraint.

The lesson is simple yet profound: power is fleeting, but institutions endure; leaders pass, but precedents remain. In the end, the payment of the 2025 Christmas bonus was more than a fiscal act—it was a civic statement. It told workers they were not expendable. It told political actors that revenge would not be policy. And it told the state that maturity in leadership is not weakness, but strength under control. In a climate where many expected fire, restraint prevailed; where bitterness was predicted, balance emerged. Thus, Rivers State was offered a rare reminder that governance, at its best, is an act of discipline, and leadership, at its highest, is the courage to rise above provocation.