Opinion
Still On Our Endangered Milieu
The idea of establishing a University of Environmental Technology in Sakpenwa, Rivers State, by the Federal Government, may not have been a whimsical decision. Rather, it was an act of premonition, in view of foreseeable future trends of human conditions and shape of things to come. Usually, before serious global changes, a few people are permitted to have a glimpse of coming events. Like a farmland under cultivation, the earth is subject to some environmental laws of cosmic metabolism and cyclic periodicity.
Not quite many people saw the distant implications of climate change and global warming whose gradual effects would bring about some stress on human environments. Consequently, a number of conditions which humans had taken as fixed would experience some drastic alterations. One part of the human body where fundamental change would anchor and serve as a control post, would be the human brain. Already brain scientists and researchers are observing some alarming but subtle phenomenon with regards to an enlargement of the frontal lobe of the brain.
The frontal lobe of the brain is the seat of intellectual or sensory perception and the gradual enlargement of that part of the brain did not come by accident. Rather, the intellectual or sensory part of the brain had experienced more demand for its function than the back lobe of the brain whose function has to do with intuitive perception. By a functional law of ecology, the human system adapts to demands or pressure, and then gets external environment and circumstances to reflect and show-case such trends.
That was how a disproportional development of the mechanism of human perception took place, following the ecological law of adaptation. The excessive pressure on the intellectual brain and non-exploration and utilization of the intuitive portion of the brain account for much of human failures. The human volition, as a rudder in the navigation of life’s experiences, moulds human destinies with the fabrics of ecological laws of adaptation. Thus man is the architect of his own destiny and the collective destiny of humanity generally, and also follows the same law of ecological adaptation.
The mechanism of brain-power is not difficult to observe: it is contained in the cliché that what you seek is what you would find. Humans have sought the fruits of intellectual sagacity as the gateway to the issues of life and have invested heavily therein. By the laws of adaptation and competition (survival of the fittest), people with smarter brain-power take the leading position in every environment. Brain-power or intellectual sagacity is, indeed, characterised by brute force, with little or no recourse to the conscience. Power wins!
It can be said that the earth has been ruled for a very long time by macho-men, who can also be called people with smart brain. It can also be said, truly, that a smart brain is a crippled brain, because, a normal brain is one that has a healthy and balanced development. Such balanced development has Value Added Conscience.
Without the value added component of brain development, a smart brain is a crippled brain, because, the development is one-sided. Having separated the functions of the brain into two unequal parts and with no synergy, humans are like servants serving two masters. Neither can they serve the two with equal devotion and loyalty. Based on this sad situation, humans are divided, with a majority as using the sensory medium and a few having some access to intuitive guidance; at least occasionally.
With the foregoing preamble into an emerging field of brain study, observable features of an endangered human environment can briefly be examined. Firstly, women are the first and easier point of poisoning when any environment begins to degenerate. From wearing of long, artificial eye-lashes, to other forms of meretriciousness, the lifestyle and longing of women expose them to some psychic pollutants. Not only do they give in easily to avoidable temptations, but women’s lifestyles also give access to an influx of inferior souls in society.
Social values and orientations incline more towards ostentation and outward show of might and wealth, rather than unassuming lifestyles. In the angle of governance, there is an increase in obtuseness, profligacy and intimidation whereby the masses become more and more alienated from their leaders. Apart from the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few people, there would be an increasing state of decay in the society. Such state of decay can be observed in worsening economic, health and security situations. Yet a few people would be living in obscene opulence in the midst of hunger.
Situations would become so frustrating that a number of people would pray for death. Death wish can be expressed in various ways, including engaging in daring acts of terrorism and suicide attacks. Increasing acts of desperation can result in situations that would become overwhelming to political leaders and law enforcement agencies. One such example is the idea of hiring mercenaries to deal with Boko Haram insurgency. Expectedly, such hired foreign mercenaries would have to be paid heavily by state authorities that hire them. Then what are the sources of finances? Oil!
Reading The Tide Editorial comment of Monday, December 7, 2020, would make anyone weep for a nation where “some states pay N300 million as gratuity, others pay as low as N2.2 million annually as pension” to ex-governors. Does it not indicate an absence of a healthy conscience where “former governors who completed two terms consecutively are entitled to a house each in any location of their choice and in Abuja”? They are also entitled to six new cars every three years, 100 per cent of their basic salary of N7.7 million per annum. Yet, such ex-governors can hold other positions!
It is a crippled rather than a normal brain which can design such remuneration package for political office holders, in a country where over 80% of the people are very poor and hungry. A major feature of an endangered environment is the corrupting influence of the caterpillars of the commonwealth. Those who cannot beat or join them, perish and fade away.
Dr Amirize is a retired lecturer from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
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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