By Barisi Thompson, Port Harcourt
Rivers State is a land of diversity. From the creeks of Bonny and Opobo to the urban expanse of Port Harcourt and the rich farmland of Ogoni, the state is blessed with people, cultures and resources that stand out in the federation. Yet, over the years, that same diversity has often been manipulated to sow division, pit communities against each other and fracture the political soul of the state.
Now more than ever, there is an urgent task before us: to rebuild unity in Rivers. The past few months have tested the foundations of our shared identity. Political tensions, disputes over power and differing allegiances have pulled at the seams of our collective fabric. But the truth remains unshaken: we are one state, one people. And our progress depends on how quickly and deliberately we return to this understanding.
It is important to recognise that the division we see is not new. For decades, the narrative in Rivers has been one of competing interests, marginalised zones and zero sum political battles. From the fight over resources to the politics of appointments and elections, the sense of shared destiny has sometimes been replaced by mutual suspicion. The results have not only been damaging to our politics but also to our development.
Yet, history also tells us that Rivers people have always found ways to come together when it matters. During moments of natural disaster, we have seen neighbours help neighbours, regardless of ethnicity or political belief. During the golden era of Port Harcourt as the Garden City, citizens worked in harmony, building communities rooted in trust and enterprise. These moments remind us of who we truly are when we are not being told to look at each other with suspicion.
The tenure of Sole Administrator Ibok Ette Ibas, though temporary, has provided a unique opportunity to reflect on and reframe the issue of unity. Coming into office at a time when the state was deeply divided, both politically and institutionally, Ibas faced the daunting task of not only restoring governance but also soothing public sentiment. He did not come in with loud proclamations or combative posturing. Instead, he quietly began the process of reconnecting the state to its most urgent needs: service delivery, infrastructure repair and dignity for the forgotten.
From paying off longstanding pension arrears to revitalising critical public services, his administration has demonstrated that governance works best when it is focused on people, not power. And through this people first approach, the Sole Administrator has modelled a path back to unity: shared responsibility, equal respect and a commitment to fairness.
The lesson is clear. Unity in Rivers will not come by decree or political alliance alone. It will come when governance becomes genuinely inclusive, when no part of the state feels left behind and when the people themselves reclaim their voice in determining the future. Unity requires more than speeches; it requires action that reinforces the idea that everyone matters.
Rebuilding unity also means addressing the grievances that have festered for too long. In some parts of the state, there are legitimate concerns about resource distribution, job opportunities and representation. In others, the sense of cultural erasure or neglect has led to growing distrust. These are not challenges that can be ignored or silenced. They must be heard, understood and met with responsive leadership.
One of the most effective ways to do this is through decentralised engagement. Town hall meetings, grassroots consultations, community led initiatives: these are platforms where citizens not only speak but are also heard. During the emergency administration, town halls were held across all three senatorial districts. These forums allowed ordinary citizens to speak directly to government and offer feedback without fear. That spirit must be sustained and scaled up by future administrations.
Equally important is the role of the media and public discourse. For too long, the loudest voices have been those of division: talk shows that thrive on conflict, social media campaigns that weaponise misinformation and opinion leaders who gain relevance by stoking tensions. If we are to build unity, we must elevate voices that speak to our shared dreams, not just our divided past. We need storytellers who highlight what unites us: our families, our aspirations, our culture and our future.
The youth of Rivers State also have a major role to play. As the most connected and energetic demographic, they can either be the drivers of renewed unity or the victims of manipulated division. We must invest in youth platforms that promote dialogue, digital literacy, civic participation and creative expression. Unity among our young people is the most sustainable foundation for long term peace.
Religious and traditional leaders must not be left out either. These institutions hold deep influence across communities. Their support for reconciliation, truth telling and moral leadership is indispensable. At a time when the state needs healing, these leaders must be seen and heard, reminding their followers of our common humanity.
And finally, there must be justice. Unity is strongest when it is rooted in fairness. Those who feel wronged must have avenues for redress. Systems must work. Laws must be respected. Opportunities must not be the preserve of a few. As the emergency administration winds down and Rivers prepares for the return of constitutional leadership, this principle must be the cornerstone of transition: justice for all, not power for a few.
The work of unity is not easy. It is slow, deliberate and often thankless. But it is the only path to a truly prosperous Rivers State. Our oil and gas cannot be the only things that unite us on paper. Our real wealth lies in our people: diverse, resilient and full of potential. When we see each other as partners rather than rivals, as brothers and sisters rather than competitors, then and only then will we begin to unlock the greatness that Rivers is capable of.
Ibok Ette Ibas has shown what it means to focus on the big picture, to govern without bitterness and to put Rivers first. Let those who come after him learn from this example. Let them know that unity is not a campaign slogan. It is a governance imperative.
One state. One people. That is not just an aspiration. It is our identity. And the time to reclaim it is now.
