Opinion
Born To Rule?
Born To Rule is the title of a 180-page book which was published in 1999 by Minerva Press, Atlanta, USA. Author of the book, Major General Jibril Musa Sarki, used a pseudonym to pass on his message concerning various inconsistencies and anomalies in Nigeria’s political and economic arrangements which account for her current plight. Like a controversial old book titled Maria Monk, Born To Rule, being an “awful revelation” by an insider, did not enjoy unrestricted circulation in Nigeria, because of its sensitive message. So, it is likely that many Nigerian elite have not read the book and, besides, there are groups who claim to be born to rule, who may consider the book as an affront to their right or might.
As a fiction written in the form of an autobiography, Born To Rule describes in satirical details Nigeria’s as well as the various characteristics of her ethnic groups. There was a confession by the author: “I was always mindful of the consequences of anyone in authority finding out I had Igbo blood in my veins… I had been warned by my parents…that my hope for future progress in the Army hinges on my place of origin”.
As a student, the author said that he was so dull that he had only one credit pass in the school certification examination. Therefore, to be able to gain admission into the military school, it was necessary for him to become “a Housa boy” which entailed having to change his names. What if Gabriel becomes Jibril, Moses becomes Musa and Sunday becomes Sarki? The author succeeded and has remained General Sarki.
The Nigerian game of survival has to be learned early in life, so that one does not become “mumu” as an adult. Born To Rule as a book, may be described as a fascinating autobiography full of satire, wit, sarcasm and innuendos, pointing out inconsistencies, imbalances, corruptions and shenanigans common in the Nigerian state. Obviously, citizens of a nation adopt such lifestyles and behavioural patterns which would facilitate their survival. Leadership sets the pace and standard, with the political will and courage to do what is right always. Rarely!
The role of the military and the vices which combined to pull down, to a lamentable level, a proud, promising and resourceful African nation, featured prominently in the fictional autobiography. A reader of the work can get quite angry with some of the revelations, if not that the author is a clever writer, capable of hiding his intents in humorous narratives. The style of the author may be compared to Jonathan Swift’s Gullivers Travels, in which national and human aberrations and follies are portrayed in humorous satires.
The 8-chapter book began with the author celebrating his 50th birthday, lavish preparations made for the occasion, the large turnout of guests and the numerous gifts from friends and well-wishers. It was a celebration of success at the age of 50; a success measured in terms of many houses and exotic property acquired at that age; thanks to a successful military career. The General’s birthday celebration was comparable to that of Arthur Nzeribe in London where guests danced on top of sterling currency notes, to show that “the money was there” and that at 29 a young Nigerian drove in the poshest car and lived in the poshest area of London. Great success!
Hear General Sarki’s personal testimony: “As of February 1994 when I turned 50 years, I have had a good modern building in each of the 30 state capitals of Nigeria, apart from a duplex and a big guest house at Abuja…” Gifts at the birthday celebration were over 500 items, with two parcels and three envelopes, one of which came from an oil company. Expectedly, the numerous gift items included expensive household property, a house built in his name on Lekki Island in Lagos, an aircraft and a cheque for the sum of £500,000 sterling by distinguished colleagues.
Born To Rule as a book also portrayed hypocrisies in politics, religion, lifestyles, etc, as prevailing norms whose patrons are the ruling elite. Sarki described how those whose religion forbids alcohol would be served different brands of beer, hot drinks and wines in big and small white kettles, coloured plastic cups and other guises, for social security. Similarly, the worst forms of lechery are practised daily by those who would quickly endorse the stoning to death of those who have fun outside wedlock. Great and honourable hypocrites!
With regards to the history of the Nigerian Civil War, Sarki revealed lots of intrigues, shenanigans and the roles played by foreign powers and individual advisers, which resulted in the outcome of that sad Nigerian experience. For example, proposals made by Northern delegates as means of resolving the issues and to pacify the North, were dropped and disowned, arising from the advice of foreign powers. Same foreign powers and interests advised that as long as population figures are used to determine representation, distribution of resources and political appointments, the North would have an edge.
It was considered expedient that larger population and land mass should serve as bargaining chips if the North would continue to rule over the country. Some humorous comments were added that cattle and cows can boost population permutation and figures. To say that population figures and controversies connected with past census exercises are quite unreliable and constitute veritable sources of distrust in this country, is to put the matter mildly. Large land mass does not always translate to larger populations.
Born To Rule as a fictional book of humour, satire and sarcasm, gives insight into the character of the Nigerian political economy, as well as the mechanism of internal colonialism. The born-to-rule political posture of some section of the country expresses some mindset, as well as how power culture employs force, intimidation, treachery and deceit as vital strategies and instruments of power politics. The danger in letting crude power have a sway in a democracy is that mediocrity would reign supreme. Is competence the goal of politics?
Surely, a thorough perusal of General Sarki’s book would convince the reader that Born To Rule is a work of a genius who does not want to offend or wound directly but provide a mirror to portray the state of the nation. The power game is the crux of the matter and Sarki is intelligent enough to use a pseudonym to tell us the story of his life and experience. He was not born to rule but to tell the truth under a good cover. Congratulations to enigmatic General Jibril Musa Sarki for warning that a nation is in danger where shame vanishes!
Dr. Amirize is a retired lecturer from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
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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