Opinion
Nigeria And Valley Of The Shadow Of Death
There are a lot of works to do. Some people have
found themselves in avoidable circumstances. They no longer care for the welfare of their culture and humanity. They no longer believe that culture and humanity relate to community, but individual. They see their people as ill; they are the only people who are healthy. They see the financially poor as living in the past, while the rich are living in the present.
But we should not be selfish with our individual ideas. We must respect the laws of the sages. We must encourage any person we feel we can help to move forward. The work can be done when we refuse to see each other as a competitor in the world; there are a lot of opportunities that do not warrant competitiveness.
We will never flourish as a country while it is full of friction. We must apply some form of correctness in our democracy, where politics will be seen as contest, and not controversy. The music of politicians should hence be harmony, accountability, equity, transparency, love, rule of law, good governance, and everything good. Albeit, without such quarrels as we are facing in this country, there will never be this tremendous eagerness being expressed by the powers that be to making sure that the country did not hang-up. Therefore, it is time all the skirmishes of bombings and killing stopped.
Some of us who are rich are suffering because of our attitude while some of us who are poor are enjoying because of our attitude, and vis-à-vis. Some of us are where we are today because our thoughts have brought us there, but we have to besiege each other to grow to be true. Let us go naturally with life instead of walking philosophical into anger, revenge, guilt, bitterness and shame. Let us always be happy; this helps us to see the happiness in other people.
Repentance, from the Christian perspective, should not be about going back to Jesus or talking church, but living Christ. You can’t be a Christian whereas arrogance, anger, intolerance, unforgiving heart, ostracism, disobedience, avoiding your offender wife/husband/friend etc still characterize your life.
There are non-Christians whose hearts are meekly, tolerant, accommodating. Christianity is not about reading the LAWS, but practicing the LAWS, which should be per second, not per Sunday or on Holy Days. Education is even dangerous when combined with the practice of the age-long laws, because there are Christians, who are selective in what they practice about Jesus, when any of the Bible laws affect their ego and judgement, because they feel that they are educated and know human rights.
But the laws of the sages are different from human rights. And when you remind them of this, because they have itchy ears, they hate you and call you names. The essence of being a Born Again (in the Christian cosmology) shouldn’t be about giving your life to Christ and merely professing Him as your Lord and personal Saviour, but living your life for Christ and allowing His humanistic laws take eminence in your life.
Being one for Christ requires humility and perseverance, because life on its own is not meant to be rosy all through. And our forbears observed and practiced these natural laws to their fullest. Some people who know these natural laws are potential Christs.
Christ faced difficulties that come with living in the world and He never waned. If your business, income, health, children, friendship, marriage, relationship etc is facing challenges, do not wane. There will always be a ‘valley of the shadow of death’ in the world to climb. When you see this, do not run. If you run while on this valley, you know Christ not, but only talk about Him. The later is the fate of many.
A fool will do everything to flatter himself or herself. Some proud and arrogant people do not know that life is patience. Do you have an open mind and a compassionate heart towards others? Having university degrees or talking religion is not wisdom. When we do not forgive, we are in prison. We don’t have freedom. There is no life in the world without forgiveness. When we think that with our wealth there is no need to respect those we are supposed to respect, what happens if we do not have the wealth again? Humility is the first step to knowing God. The world must have hierarchy. A world without leadership is anarchy.
Let our emotions not take over our reason. Many have gone. Let tears flow like the Mississippi for those whose bell has tolled. May we be protected from bombs and bullets and curses of many. May we not relent in our efforts to building a conscientious country and world.
We must revere nature with fear and trembling. Let our comfort be tortured for peace to reign. We must avoid any form of disasters for mankind. No matter all the trials of this globe, be rest assured that we must overcome because humankind did overcome slavery, world wars, daylight colonialism and all other ancient mathematical mayhem. We must overcome our emotions to grasp with our reasoning hub. We must overcome!
Onwumere, a media consultant, writes from Port Harcourt.
Odimegwu Onwumere
Opinion
Restoring Order, Delivering Good Governance
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
Opinion
Checking Herdsmen Rampage
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.
Opinion
Is Nigeria Democratic Nation?
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.
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