Editorial
Bravo! Rivers Turns 54
On May 27, 1967, the dreams, earnest yearnings and several years of sustained struggle for freedom to determine and pursue their social, economic, political and cultural aspirations by the people of the tributaries of the lower Niger within the context of the Nigerian Federation saw the light of day. Indeed, exactly 54 years today, Rivers State was proclaimed into existence by a military Decree 14 of 1967. And since then, the state has grown in leaps and bounds in all facets of human industry while contributing its quota to the welfare, wellbeing and prosperity of the nation economically, socially, politically and otherwise.
On this occasion, therefore, The Tide believes that Rivers people have sufficient reason to celebrate and to thank God for the journey so far, while trusting Him for more grace to attain greater and loftier heights. There is no denying the fact that the state is yet to rise up to the full stature of all it can be but the reality is that it has achieved much against the odds within the period of its existence.
Its inception in 1967, therefore, was seen as liberating Niger Delta people who since the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 had suffered untold hardship in the Nigerian federation.
In more sense than one, Rivers State in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, is unique. Popularly known as the Treasure Base of Nigeria, the state’s uniqueness is not without basis or justification. The abundance of human and natural resources coupled with the hospitality of its people, among other considerations, make the state to stand out shoulder high among its contemporaries.
Its proclamation by Gowon as a distinct and unique state was, indeed, a realization of the vision of the founding fathers of the state, who over several decades, lamented the obvious marginalization by the dominant ethnic groups in the Nigerian project, particularly the Ibos, who co-habited the then Eastern region with its capital in Enugu.
Beginning with the young Navy Commander Alfred Papapriye Diete-Spiff’s in 1967 to the present administration of Governor Nyesom Wike, successive administrations, both military and civilian alike, have made notable contributions to make the state the enviable one it is today. From the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996 to the exponential growth in the education sector, human capital development, infrastructural revolution, health sector development, national political relevance, active participation in global economic renaissance and bold presence on the world entertainment stage, Rivers State can indeed be said to have come of age.
Perhaps except for the period of the pioneer administration, at no other time in history has the state experienced so great a level of transformation of the landscape of the state as is being realized under the present administration. From extensive urban renewal effort that has seen the rebuilding of state-owned assets and city roads to meet present day needs and the construction of nearly 10 new fly overs, to the massive road infrastructure being built in all parts of the state, the Wike administration is truly working hard to realise the objectives of the founding fathers of the state.
It is worthy of note that by the effort of the state government, Bonny and Opobo have been made accessible to the state capital by road while the same fortune is soon to be enjoyed by erstwhile disconnected people of Kalabari Kingdom through the construction of the Trans-Kalabari Road. By the same token, a bold and courageous move has been initiated to create more urban centresin Rivers State through the siting of campuses of the Rivers State University in Etche, Ahoada and Emohua.
However, as we celebrate the giant strides attained and the progress made so far, we must not lose sight of the evil forces of annexation, domination, subjugation, oppression and suppression that are once again raring their ugly heads today. The present threat posed by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their allied secessionist elements to the unity, peace and stability of the state calls for a spirited concerted resistance by all Rivers people so as to preserve the gains made so far as a state and as a people.
To this end, Rivers people of all persuations, be it political or tribal affiliation, must rally round the governor who has sounded the warning that the state won’t succumb to any secessionist agenda. With security formations and personnel being brutally attacked and mindlessly murdered on Rivers soil, there can be no greater threat to the very existence of the state and the return of our people to slavery, servitude and frustration. Never have we had it so bad and nothing must be left to chance in dealing with this danger with a view to protecting, preserving and promoting our heritage.
The political class in the state in particular, must use this occasion of the 54th anniversary of the creation of the state to reflect and resolve to eschew bitterness, rancour and acrimony in their contention for political power and leadership over the people.
It must be noted that the struggle for the creation of Rivers State achieved the desired results because, among other things, the Rivers political elite, traditional rulers and the youth of the time shared a rare and uncommon sense of oneness, purpose, selflessness and indeed drive for service to fatherland. More than any other time in our history, the need to re-enact and revive the values, sentiments, philosophies and spirit that formed the driving force of the founding fathers to victory is now.
Evidently, that widely acclaimed Rivers spirit of love and commitment to selfless service have waned significantly, leaving in their stead, threat to public peace activated by political greed, selfishness and unguided quest for personal and sectional aggrandisement far and above love for the state. The clarion call is, therefore, for leaders at all strata and sectors of the state to introspect and purge themselves of all tendencies that are inimical to the all overall development and prosperity of the state.
We must remind ourselves, especially the political class, that it took selfless sacrifices, personal denials and unrelenting activism from the foundational leaders to achieve for us the state that we now call our own. All must, therefore, embrace peace, tolerance, good brotherliness and seek civil and lawful means to address all grievances and disagreements because strife, violent confrontations and aggressive engagements will only destroy the time-endured bonds of togetherness that have bound our people for years.
This year’s celebration also presents an auspicious moment for Rivers State and her people to ventilate the grievances of the state and the people before the Public Hearing on Constitutional Review organized by the National Assembly,. By some stroke of divine arrangement, the events is scheduled to hold today, May 27 and tomorrow, May 28 with Port Harcourt hosting one of the sittings in the South-South region.
The Tide believes that the opportunity must be taken to register a unified strong Rivers’ voice as regards age long injustices meted on our people by the Nigerian State that had given rise to youth restiveness and its attendant destruction of not only the environment but the very livers of the people as well. All Rivers people must rally round the government to present a common position that will convey the resolution of the state and further the cause of the people regarding fiscal federalism or resource control, devolution of powers, revenue sharing formular, preservation of the environment and sundry issues that would guarantee the safety, security, welfare, wellbeing, prosperity and freedom of our people within the Nigerian federation.
The founding fathers’ relentless struggle to question the imbalance and injustice of the Nigerian federation remains the philosophy behind the creation of the state. Their mission and vision were to ensure that Rivers State gets its pride of place in the geo-political entity called Nigeria. The question till date, however, remains whether that vision has been achieved or not.
As The Tide congratulates and felicitates with the government and people on this momentous occasion of the 54th anniversary of the creation of Rivers State, we wish to underline the need for all hands to be on deck to make the state a habitation of safety, security, peace, prosperity and an unhindered opportunity for the pursuit of happiness for everyone who live and do business in it.
Last Friday, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) destroyed fake, counterfeit and substandard drugs worth over N1 trillion in Awka, the Anambra State capital. Recall that for one month, NAFDAC shut the Onitsha Drug Market, restricting shop owners from coming to the market, barricading it with military personnel, while officials broke into and ransacked shops in search of fake drugs.
NAFDAC’s Zonal Director for South-East, Dr. Martin Iluyomade, revealed some of the drugs destroyed to include Analgin, Tramadol, and various paediatric pharmaceuticals, which had been stored in prohibited areas or were banned by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Iluyomade said the closure and raids of the markets where the drugs were confiscated was in response to public complaints regarding the prevalence of fake, substandard and counterfeit drugs in the South-East.
He said: “Many of these drugs are banned, such as Analgin and certain paediatric medications, and they were stored in places that violate WHO regulations. It is our responsibility to ensure that these products are safe and fit for human consumption. These drugs were transported in a 140-foot truck, valued at over N1trillion, and were supposed to be stored at specific temperatures. However, they were kept in markets that do not meet the required standards.
“The volume of drugs found in these two markets could destabilise the country, and many of these are narcotic drugs associated with criminal activities. People who consume these drugs are not only harming themselves but also using them to commit crimes, which contributes to the growing insecurity in our country.”
Unfortunately, that is the chilling reality of counterfeit drugs, and it is a problem NAFDAC is relentlessly fighting. This dramatic action underscores the monumental scale of the problem and the unwavering commitment of NAFDAC to protect public health. The massive destruction highlights the pervasive nature of the counterfeit drug trade and the resources NAFDAC dedicates to combatting it.
Counterfeit drugs are dangerous, even deadly. They can contain the wrong dosage, the wrong active ingredients, or even harmful substances. Imagine taking a pill you believe will cure your illness, only to find it contains something entirely different – something that could worsen human condition or even kill. That is the terrifying reality of the counterfeit drug market.
The insidious world of counterfeit medications poses a grave threat, as these fake drugs often harbour toxic fillers or entirely different, untested chemicals. The consumption of such substances can trigger a cascade of adverse reactions, varying from minor allergic responses to catastrophic organ failure, leaving vulnerable individuals severely harmed. In this critical battle for public health, NAFDAC stands as our frontline defender.
Through tireless monitoring, rigorous inspections, and decisive action against those who peddle these dangerous fakes, NAFDAC acts as a vital gatekeeper, ensuring the safety and efficacy of the medications we depend on. Supporting NAFDAC’s mission is paramount, as it directly equates to safeguarding the lives and well-being of our Nigerians by preventing the proliferation of these harmful and potentially lethal counterfeit medications.
Given the breadth and criticality of NAFDAC’s mandate – regulating everything from food and drugs to cosmetics and medical devices – it is imperative that the Federal Government bolsters the agency’s resources and capabilities. This monumental task, encompassing the entire lifecycle of regulated products from importation to usage, demands substantial investment in infrastructure, advanced technological tools, and a highly skilled workforce.
Under-resourcing NAFDAC risks compromising its ability to effectively monitor and enforce regulations, potentially leading to substandard or counterfeit products entering the market, with devastating consequences for public health and safety. Therefore, increased funding, enhanced training programmes, and optimised operational systems are essential to fortify the agency’s effectiveness and ensure it can continue to protect the Nigerian populace.
No doubt, NAFDAC currently faces numerous hurdles in fulfilling its mandate. These challenges range from inadequate funding and outdated equipment to a lack of personnel and poor training. Insufficient funding directly translates to limited capacity for effective inspection, testing, and enforcement. Imagine trying to police a vast country with only a handful of officers – the task becomes virtually impossible. This lack of resources allows substandard and even dangerous products to enter the market, posing serious risks to public health.
The Federal Government must prioritise NAFDAC’s needs and take decisive action to support, equip, and empower this vital agency. NAFDAC is a cornerstone of public health in Nigeria and its health and economic well-being depend on its support. By providing financial, technological, and human resources, the government can strengthen the organisation’s capacity to protect Nigerians and contribute to national development. Tinubu’s administration must ensure that NAFDAC had the tools it needs to succeed. The lives of millions depend on it.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s ominous forecast of severe flooding in nine states as the rainy season draws nearer serves as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to environmental disasters. With coastal states like Lagos, Ogun, Delta, and Rivers particularly at risk, the immediate need for proactive mitigation measures cannot be overstated.
This warning demands swift and decisive action from state governments, including the activation of urgent environmental interventions and a concerted effort to encourage citizens residing in flood-prone areas to relocate preemptively. Nigeria’s history is unfortunately punctuated by the devastating impacts of floods, a recurring crisis often compounded by inadequate infrastructure, haphazard urban planning, and a frustratingly slow response to impending threats.
The devastating 2024 floods serve as a stark and traumatic reminder of the catastrophic consequences of neglecting proactive flood management. With over 300 lives lost and more than 1.2 million people impacted across 31 states, the scale of the disaster underscores the urgent need for decisive action.
The UN has allocated $5 million to Nigeria to enhance flood preparedness, aiming to strengthen early warning systems, support emergency response initiatives, and provide relief to vulnerable communities. However, the ultimate responsibility for implementing and maintaining effective flood management strategies lies with Nigerian authorities at all levels, requiring a shift from reactive responses to comprehensive preventative measures.
Nigerian governors should take urgent measures, such as alerting residents in flood-prone areas and removing illegal structures blocking waterways to offer a glimmer of hope. The pervasive complacency across some states remains deeply concerning. This reactive approach, waiting for disaster to strike before responding, has repeatedly resulted in devastating consequences and underscores a critical need for a paradigm shift in flood management plans.
Specifically, in states like Rivers which is surrounded by water, a multi-pronged approach is needed, including strengthening infrastructure, enhancing drainage systems, promoting community engagement, and implementing sustainable land-use planning, while also considering nature-based solutions and early warning systems.
The cyclical nature of flooding in the country is exacerbated by human activities. The dangerous practice of constructing buildings on natural waterways and the rampant issue of indiscriminate waste disposal into drainage systems directly contribute to the problem. These actions obstruct the natural flow of water, leading to overflows and ultimately, the widespread flooding that plagues the nation.
The government’s inaction regarding waste management and environmental upkeep is a significant contributor to the looming environmental crisis. The absence of efficient waste disposal systems, coupled with the lack of environmental projects and proper maintenance of vital drainages and waterways, breeds unsanitary conditions and ecological damage.
This negligence carries a high price, manifesting in public health risks, degraded ecosystems, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. To reverse the trajectory, a comprehensive strategy is paramount. Importantly, regulatory bodies need to step up their enforcement efforts, ensuring strict adherence to environmental regulations and imposing meaningful penalties on those who violate them.
Such measures are vital not only to curb pollution and irresponsible practices but also to send a clear message that environmental accountability will be enforced. There is a pressing need for the government to overhaul waste management systems, ensuring efficient collection and disposal to prevent blockages in drainage channels.
To mitigate future disasters, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) are urged to launch comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about environmental degradation risks and promote personal responsibility in flood prevention. This will empower citizens to adopt sustainable practices, reduce flood risks, and protect vulnerable communities.
The September floodings in Borno State, resulting in the collapse of the Alau Dam, highlighted Nigeria’s vulnerability to disasters. To mitigate the impact, the government and citizens should work together to demolish structures obstructing natural waterways, dredge rivers and canals, and equip emergency response units to act swiftly in case of a flood.
Long-term strategies must focus on sustainable urban planning, the construction of dams, and continuous public education on environmental stewardship. Crucially, transparency and accountability of ecological funds are paramount to ensure that allocated resources effectively address the challenges at hand. Nigeria should draw valuable lessons from countries like Denmark and the United States, which have successfully implemented flood mitigation plans.
Increased awareness efforts have already resulted in a noticeable reduction in flood-related incidents in subsequent years, underscoring the efficacy of effective measures. State emergency agencies must collaborate, sharing resources and information to create a unified front against flooding. By embracing a culture of preparedness and environmental consciousness, Nigeria can safeguard its communities and build resilience against future natural disasters.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has exemplified a proactive and resolute approach in steadfastly advancing the agenda of his administration, even in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling, which officially recognised Martins Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This unwavering commitment to governance and developmental progress underscores the Governor’s dedication to fulfilling his responsibilities to the people of Rivers State, regardless of the prevailing political and legal circumstances.
In meticulously orchestrating and initiating a broad spectrum of project inaugurations in multiple locations within Rivers State, Fubara articulates his resolute determination to honour the assurances given to Rivers people. His strategic focus on delivering tangible developmental projects not only highlights his determination to ensure the continued advancement of the state but also reinforces his vision of sustaining infrastructural growth, social welfare improvements, and economic empowerment.
This proactive stance can be viewed as a strategic move to showcase his administration’s competence and dedication to the public. Through the continuation of infrastructure endeavours and social initiatives, Governor Fubara aspires to reinforce public endorsement and effectively handle the complicated political situation resulting from the Supreme Court’s decision. The commissioning events serve as concrete evidence of the government’s initiatives and achievements, highlighting its commitment to progress.
The announcement of the projects generated widespread excitement throughout the state, with residents eagerly anticipating the institution of major infrastructure developments. The completion of these projects signifies an important milestone for the administration, demonstrating its dedication to fulfilling promises and investing in the state’s future. The Governor’s emphasis on the projects’ potential to drive economic growth, improve public services, and enhance overall quality of life, reflects his administration’s focus on delivering tangible benefits to the people.
The commissioning ceremonies are highly publicised events that attract considerable public attention and participation. This underscores the importance of the projects in enhancing the well-being and infrastructure of key areas in Rivers and Bayelsa States. The projects cover a wide range of sectors including housing, firefighting and emergency response, security, healthcare, education, and judiciary welfare, reflecting a comprehensive development approach essential for community progress.
The allocation of resources across various sectors demonstrates a deliberate strategy to address urgent needs and improve residents’ quality of life. In its efforts to foster safer communities, the government focuses on enhancing security and emergency response measures. Additionally, investments in healthcare and education underline a long-term commitment to human capital growth and well-being.
Among the projects scheduled for commissioning by the state government are the Government House Staff Quarters, the State Fire Service Headquarters with firefighting vehicles, the handover of a helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, the Borikiri Fire Service Station, and the construction and furnishing of the palace and residence of the Akpor monarch. These projects address critical infrastructure needs and highlight the government’s dedication to enhancing public services and community welfare.
Other projects include the judges’ quarters, Bori General Hospital, Okrika Grammar School, as well as the furnishing, equipping, and electrification of the Nigerian Law School, Yenagoa Campus, and the Rumuodomaya Fire Service Station along with firefighting vehicles. Each of these projects plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for residents and fostering development across key sectors in the region.
Governor Fubara’s actions speak volumes about his commitment to propelling Rivers State forward. The inauguration of diverse infrastructure projects is a tangible demonstration of his administration’s focus on progress and effective service delivery. This ardent approach extends beyond mere construction; it is a strategic investment in the future. Recall that in December last year, the Governor embarked on a schedule of projects commissioning and flag-offs to advance infrastructure and security across the state.
Through the prioritisation of key industries and allocating resources to essential sectors, the government is laying the groundwork for a more robust and prosperous Rivers State, offering its citizens enhanced opportunities and a higher quality of life. Through these initiatives, Governor Fubara is not just building roads and facilities; he is building trust, fulfilling his promises, and solidifying his leadership as a driver of sustainable development in the state.
The government is clearly committed to improving Rivers State. To say that Governor Fubara is rapidly transforming the state’s landscape with bold development initiatives is simply stating the obvious. In a short period, the Governor has turned the entire state into a vast construction site, with significant projects either underway or already completed — all in spite of the ongoing political challenges.
We join the good people of Rivers State, Nigerians, businesses, and individuals in commending and celebrating the Governor during this remarkable season of project commissioning and inauguration. The projects delivered so far reflect an extraordinary transformation, positioning the state as an attractive destination for investors. This progress stands as a testament to His Excellency’s commitment to leaving Rivers State far better than he found it.