Opinion
Press And Social Responsibilities
The mystery surrounding
the practice of journalism in Africa is guided by the chequered political history of African states and the evolving experiences of the practitioners of the profession. This is because the first African post colonial leaders acquired power through their stiff anti-colonial stand, carried through media activism, an avocation that rattled the colonial overlords and whittled down the influence of imperialism among African countries.
It is obvious that most of these nationalist leaders used the media, especially the print to propagate the cause of the struggle for political emancipation in a rather hostile but promising and prospective political climate.
The defects of colonial rule were persistently exposed on the pages of newspapers owned and managed by the nationalists, as they launched vitriolic campaigns against colonialism and imperialism.
Foremost nationalist, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe had a chain of newspapers, primarily engaged in the fight against colonial activities. Similarly, Kitoye Ajasa, Ernest Ikoli, Herbert Macaulay, Obafemi Awolowo, among others, used media activism as the greatest weapon of unnerving the forces of colonialism.
However, when the nationalists finally gained independence from colonial rule, they realised the potency of the press which they used to truncate the imperialist reign. They became the heroes of independence, and realised that a free and unfettered press had the potency of mobilising the masses to the extent of causing a shift in the power base.
Censureship became the only means of taming the luxuriating influence of the media in mass mobilisation and rousing popular sensitivity. Media practitioners were henceforth faced with constraints aimed at limiting their institutional roles in the entire process of governance.
Despite the role of the media, explicitly spelt out in the constitution, the Nigerian media has been faced with grave challenges in the discharge of its responsibilities.
But the media has not rested on its oars in articulating issues of freedom from constraints, through reforms that will embolden its practitioners in an enabling environment.
Amidst strict regulations by successive Nigerian governments, especially during the military era, the media as the custodian of the conscience of society, had made bold advances in creating public awareness on sensitive issues and raising the political consciousness of the masses.
As the fourth estate of the realm, the media is seen as a neutral arbiter with the moral obligation to check the excesses of the other machineries of government; and by implication journalists are expected to exert an unwinking surveillance over the daily runnings of government.
Such responsibilities however go with a price, and this accounts for why journalists are exposed to harassment, torture and incarceration by state powers. But the press has to justify public trust by remaining conscientious in carrying out its duties.
Nigeria as a multi-ethnic society is prone to the dictates of ethnic bigotry and unhealthy rivalry among the component ethnic nationalities. There are other salient issues that need to be addressed, such as the minority question, imbalances in revenue allocation, federal character, among others. While the President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan has offered a platform through the proposed national conference for Nigerians to work out a stronger prospect of national integration, it is also the responsibility of the media to raise national consciousness by drawing attention to the bumps on the country’s highway to nationhood. Given the precarious nature of the Nigerian state, the media stands a position of rekindling the waning tenets of patriotism by raising awareness on issues, that bind us together, rather than fanning the embers of disintegration. The media must see itself as the custodian of the people’s liberty, the harbingers of hope in the preservation of democratic liberties, and as such should be key partakers in the proposed national conference.
Comparatively, the Nigerian media has not lost touch with its obligation towards the society. While other professions seem to relapse into complacency and indifference towards societal problems, the media has persistently confronted the situation vigorously, exposing the frolics therein. The potency of the Nigerian press was best demonstrated during military rule, when it rattled successive military administrations until the enthronement of democracy in 1999.
The feat was achieved by the media through a formidable alliance with democratic blocks and civil society groups to redeem Nigeria from the claws of military reign. The feat was however not attained without a price as media houses were clamped down and journalists were jailed without trail.
While the media deserves commendation in its efforts towards the restoration of democratic structures in Nigeria, it should also be concerned about the sustenance of the structures put in place. Without dabbling into partisan politics, the media should moderate the political process by holding political office holders responsible to their oath of office.
The media should set the stage for political office seekers to tell the citizenry through media debates what development agenda they have for the people. Most media houses in Nigeria have since the inception of the present democratic disposition in the country set a good precedent in this regard. But unlike other civilised democracies where party manifestoes and ideologies are sacrosanct, debates among political parties and their candidates in Nigeria have been laden with peripherial public gestures and patriotic phrases that end on their lips. There is no indepth commitment on the path of political parties towards achieving ideals that can positively affect the lives of Nigerians.
The porosity of our political system has resulted to a growing penchant on the path of all calibres of people to seek political office with reckless disregard for the attendant responsibilities that go with such positions.
The media sets agenda for the socio-economic development of the country by placing conscience and transience at the expense of deceit and injustice, and rescue the country from its perilous state.
The media must be conscious and live up to its ombudsman role of rousing the sensitivity of the citizenry towards issues of national development and unity.
In carrying out these objectives, the press is expected to derive additional impetus from the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
Some pundits have argued that the law will expose official secrecy and make the institutions of government vulnerable to unfettered infiltration by the press.
There is also a counter postulation that it would strengthen the institutions of government by engendering the tenets of accountability and transparency in governance. This school of thought believes that democracy thrives on free information flow, as the political objective of journalism is to contribute to national unity and participatory democracy. Journalism’s, ethical ideal therefore requires an exercise of a high sense of moral obligation, social responsibility, encompassing self restraint, and neutrality in line with the objectives of development communication, that is the hallmark of democracy.
Taneh Beemene
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.
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