Category: Nigerian Tribune

THE current national discourse on establishing a dual policing system in Nigeria marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to confront decades of security challenges. Legislative progress toward constitutional change reflects a broad recognition that the over-centralised Nigeria Police Force has struggled to address the essentially local nature of contemporary threats, including banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and communal violence. Yet decentralisation alone will prove inadequate unless accompanied by a decisive shift from ‘policing the community’ to genuine policing through the community, and unless traditional institutions are deliberately integrated into the emerging framework. Scholarly analysis has long distinguished reactive, externally imposed policing from collaborative models that prioritise inclusion, shared intelligence, and mutual accountability. International experience supplies instructive precedents.

Japan’s koban system embeds small teams of officers in neighbourhood police boxes, where regular foot patrols, household visits, and continuous dialogue foster cultural familiarity and reciprocal trust. This sustained local presence has underpinned Japan’s low crime rates and has been adapted, with measurable gains, in Singapore and parts of Latin America. In the United Kingdom, for example, neighbourhood policing teams, rooted in Peelian principles of consent, combine visible local officers with problem-solving partnerships. Evaluations consistently record reductions in perceived disorder, enhanced legitimacy, and improved public confidence when teams are properly resourced and focused on community-identified priorities. Comparable results appear in Canadian and Dutch arrangements that emphasise decentralised accountability and multi-agency collaboration. These successful frameworks share structural features that Nigeria can productively adapt: prolonged local deployment rather than frequent rotation, formal mechanisms for citizen participation, linguistic and cultural competence, and institutional safeguards against politicisation.

Within the Nigerian context, an additional indigenous resource should be seriously considered. Traditional rulers and their institutions retain considerable moral authority and intimate knowledge of their domains. Earlier research on electoral violence demonstrated that contemporary security measures and media advocacy have frequently failed precisely because they lack the mentoring capacity and social legitimacy that traditional institutions uniquely possess. The same logic applies to broader security governance. A reconstituted state-police architecture should therefore incorporate traditional rulers as integral partners rather than peripheral advisors. They can perform a mentoring function, sensitising subjects to the costs of violence and cultivating norms of peaceful conduct, while contributing to an ‘indirect homeland security system’ that channels grassroots intelligence through established community channels. Their moral authority further enables them to withhold recognition and honours from perpetrators and sponsors of insecurity and other forms of violence in their domains and to call such actors publicly to order. Community Policing Forums at local-government level should therefore formally include traditional leaders alongside women’s groups, youth organisations, and religious figures, with a view to institutionalising the partnership that successful models elsewhere have found workable and indispensable.

Nigeria’s proposed dual policing system is not merely pragmatic; it is consistent with the logic of federalism. Federalism requires that powers and responsibilities be distributed among federating entities according to the scale at which problems arise and solutions can most effectively be delivered. Security challenges in Nigeria are predominantly local in origin and manifestation. Assigning primary responsibility for ordinary policing to the states, while embedding community and traditional institutions within that structure, aligns functional authority with territorial and cultural proximity. It completes the federal bargain by ensuring that the sphere closest to the citizen, both governmental and traditional, is empowered to protect life and property, subject to national standards and coordination on matters that genuinely transcend state boundaries.

In conclusion, the creation of a dual policing system in Nigeria offers a historic opportunity to correct the structural disconnection that has long undermined the country’s security architecture. This opportunity requires more than just constitutional devolution. It demands the embedding of community-oriented principles drawn from proven international practice and the deliberate harnessing of traditional institutions’ residual legitimacy and local knowledge. Only through such a synthesis can the security architecture being proposed acquire the link of trust, effectiveness, and sustainability.

Dr Braimah is Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Science, Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Thursday presented cheques totalling ?2,317,177,094.00 to 2,971 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of deceased police officers under the Group Life Assurance, Group Personal Accident and IGP Family Welfare Schemes.

The beneficiaries comprise families of police personnel who died in service and were covered under the 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 insurance policy years.

The payments also included outstanding balances recovered from insurance companies following earlier partial settlements.

Speaking at the solemn presentation ceremony held at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, the IGP described the exercise as more than the disbursement of financial benefits, noting that it represented the institutional responsibility owed to families of officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to Nigeria.

He stressed that while no financial benefit could replace a lost loved one, the payments provided practical support and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to their families.

The IGP noted that police personnel continue to operate in a highly challenging security environment, with officers making significant sacrifices in the line of duty across the country.

He assured the families of fallen officers that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to recognising their sacrifices and exploring legitimate avenues of support for their welfare and that of their dependants.

While reaffirming welfare as a cardinal priority of his administration, IGP Disu stated that the Force would continue to pursue initiatives aimed at improving personnel welfare, working conditions, healthcare, accommodation and other legitimate benefits due to serving personnel and their families.

He further directed the Force Insurance Unit to intensify sensitisation across commands and formations to ensure that officers and their families were adequately informed about their insurance benefits and the processes for accessing them.

The IGP also commended the Force’s insurance partners for their cooperation and urged them to ensure prompt settlement of legitimate claims, noting that timely insurance payments could serve as a vital lifeline to families that had lost their breadwinners.

In her remarks, the Force Insurance Officer, ACP Lydia Ameh, appreciated the IGP for his support and leadership in prioritising the resolution of outstanding insurance claims and improving access to benefits for police personnel and their families.

She noted that the progress recorded by the Force Insurance Unit in recovering pending entitlements and strengthening claims administration reflected the importance attached to ensuring that eligible beneficiaries received their legitimate benefits.

In addition, she reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to improving the efficiency of the insurance process, intensifying awareness among personnel and safeguarding the interests of police families.

Justice Friday Ogazi of a Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos will on September 9, 2026 deliver ruling on the bail application filed by a Nigerian returnee from Brazil, Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu.

It would be recalled that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), had arraigned Ikechukwu for allegedly smuggling 6.1 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria.

Ikechukwu was dragged before the court on a one-count charge bordering on unlawful importation of narcotics.

Addressing the court, the counsel for the prosecution, Abu Ibrahim, said the defendant was intercepted on June 11, 2026, at Gate 2 of the Arrival Hall, Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos.

Ibrahim further informed the judge that the defendant was arrested during inward clearance of passengers aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The NDLEA equally hinted to the court that the 6.1kg of cocaine was concealed by soaking and immersing the illicit substance in towels and other clothing items to evade detection.

Ibrahim insisted that the offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 11(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

But Ikechukwu pleaded not guilty to the charge, prompting the prosecution to ask the court for a trial date and an order remanding the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.

Meanwhile, the counsel for the defendant, Chief Benson Ndakara, informed Justice Ogazi that he had filed a bail application for his client which had already been served on the prosecution.

But the court could not entertain the bail application due to its tight schedule.

Consequently, Justice Ogazi ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, facility till September 9, 2026, when his bail application will be heard.

The charge reads: ‘That you Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, Male, Adult, Nigerian on or about the 11th June, 2026 at Gate 2 of the Arrival Hall of Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos during the inward clearance of passengers on Ethiopia Airline flight from Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to Lagos without lawful authority imported 6.1 kilograms of Cocaine, a Narcotic Drug immersed/soaked in Towels and other clothing and you thereby committed an act which is an offence contrary to and punishable under section 11(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.’

Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno, has revealed that he once made at least N10 million monthly from his akara and bread business before venturing into politics.

Eno made the disclosure during the state’s monthly covenant prayer service on Tuesday, a video of which began trending on Wednesday.

The governor said he started the business by selling akara and bread, which he packaged as ‘Akara Burger’, before expanding into a coffee shop.

‘We still have that shop there. I started selling Akara and bread. Back then, I was doing Akara Burger. We open the bread and put it inside for you. People going to Exxon Mobil will buy it in the morning and take coffee.

‘We started coffee shop and then they will take it. Every month, that Akara business used to give me nothing less than ?10 million in a month.’

Eno said workers heading to ExxonMobil in the mornings were among the regular customers who patronised the business.

He said the experience taught him valuable lessons about entrepreneurship and the importance of building successful businesses from small beginnings.

The governor’s comment comes months after the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, sparked reactions when she encouraged Nigerians to explore small businesses such as akara and kuli-kuli as part of efforts to improve their livelihoods.

Speaking after a Renewed Hope Initiative meeting with wives of state governors in Abuja in June, the First Lady said such businesses could be started with relatively little capital.

‘We’re trying to give hope, and to start Akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant.’

Her comments attracted criticism on social media, with some Nigerians accusing her of being out of touch with the economic realities facing citizens.

She later defended the initiative, saying the empowerment programme was not limited to akara sellers but also covered tomato sellers, roasted plantain sellers, pepper and vegetable traders.

The First Lady also announced a N100 million intervention for 2,000 petty traders in Jigawa State, with each beneficiary receiving N50,000 to recapitalise their businesses.

President Bola Tinubu subsequently joined the conversation by jokingly referring to his wife as ‘Iya Alakara’ during a Presidential Press Corps Dinner.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a bioengineered chewing gum that could offer a surprisingly simple way to target microbes associated with head and neck cancers.

Tests using the specially engineered gum on oral samples from patients found that it reduced HPV levels by up to 93% and nearly eliminated two bacteria linked to head and neck cancer in laboratory tests.

The treatment delivers targeted biological agents directly in the mouth, potentially tackling cancer-associated viruses and bacteria without destroying the microbial communities that help keep the mouth healthy.

Maintaining beneficial bacteria in the mouth is increasingly recognised as important to both oral and overall health. Some cancer treatments can disrupt this microbial balance.

The research, led by Henry Daniell of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine, was published in Scientific Reports. The researchers said the findings could eventually support the development of a more accessible treatment that works alongside existing cancer therapies.

However, the experiments were conducted using oral samples from patients rather than testing whether the gum can prevent or treat cancer in people. Clinical trials will be needed to establish its safety and effectiveness.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is a common cancer affecting tissues in the mouth and throat. The disease can be aggressive, particularly when diagnosed at a later stage, and treatment remains challenging for many patients.

The new research builds on earlier work involving chewing gum made from lablab beans, sometimes referred to as bean gum. The gum contains FRIL, a naturally occurring antiviral protein.

Researchers tested the gum against three microbes associated with head and neck cancer: HPV, the virus responsible for many oropharyngeal cancers, and the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum).

HPV levels fell by 93% in saliva samples and by 80% in oral-rinse samples after exposure to the gum extract.

The researchers then modified the gum by adding protegrin, an antimicrobial peptide capable of killing harmful bacteria. A single dose reduced levels of P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum to almost undetectable levels in the tests.

Daniell said the increase in HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers, together with the association between P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum infections and poorer outcomes in some oral cancer patients, highlights the need for new approaches.

According to the researchers, the technology could eventually serve as an additional treatment alongside existing cancer therapies or as a preventive approach aimed at reducing infection or transmission among people at risk.

Its delivery method could also make the treatment relatively simple and accessible if it eventually proves safe and effective in clinical trials.

The Osun State Election Violence Victims Relief Committee has begun the verification of more than 300 claims filed by residents who alleged that they suffered various forms of loss during violence associated with the August 15 governorship election.

The exercise, which commenced on Thursday at the State House of Assembly, is aimed at identifying genuine victims eligible to benefit from the N500 million relief fund established by the state government.

The 10-member committee, chaired by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, was constituted by Governor Ademola Adeleke following his victory in the election to examine claims arising from election-related violence and supervise the disbursement of relief to qualified victims.

At the verification session, claimants were invited to present their accounts before the committee, alongside documents and other evidence capable of establishing the circumstances and extent of their alleged losses.

Egbedun said the committee would ensure that the exercise was conducted with fairness and transparency, stressing that the government’s intervention must ultimately reach people who genuinely suffered as a result of the violence.

He urged applicants to provide truthful information and relevant supporting documents, assuring them that each claim would be considered on its merits.

‘On behalf of the committee, I assure all genuine victims that their cases will receive the attention they deserve.

‘We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the relief process is credible, just and meaningful,’ he said.

One of the cases presented before the committee was that of Ajayi Tolulope, whose husband, Ajayi Rogba, was allegedly killed in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area, ahead of the election.

In an emotional testimony, Tolulope alleged that her husband was attacked by armed men who arrived in a Sienna vehicle.

‘We saw a Sienna with two occupants, each holding two guns. They fired four shots,’ she told the committee.

She said her husband was wearing an Accord Party cap when he was killed, adding that his death had created serious hardship for the family.

According to her, Rogba, a practising herbalist, was survived by his parents, while five children were being catered for by the family, including two of her children, one child of his second wife and two of his younger siblings.

Tolulope further alleged that her husband had been repeatedly trailed after he declined an invitation to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The committee is expected to continue its verification and cross-examination of claimants before determining those whose applications meet the criteria for payment from the N500 million relief fund.

Two young women from the same household have died after a residential building collapsed in the Goron Dutse community of Kano at about 2:00 am.

The incident occurred behind the WRECA area of Goron Dutse, throwing residents and members of the victims’ family into grief.

One of the victims was reportedly a 20-year-old woman who was said to be preparing for her forthcoming wedding, according to residents.

Eyewitnesses said the sudden collapse woke residents from sleep, prompting neighbours to rush to the scene and attempt to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble.

The residents reportedly used their bare hands and simple tools to remove the debris in a frantic effort to save the victims.

However, the rescue operation ended in tragedy when the two women were eventually recovered dead.

Neighbours described one of the victims as gentle and cheerful, saying she had been looking forward to her wedding.

‘We did everything we could to rescue them, but it was too late. The entire neighbourhood is in shock,’ a resident who participated in the rescue operation told our correspondent.

By Thursday morning, mourners had gathered at the victims’ family home, where grief, tears and prayers replaced preparations for what was expected to be a period of celebration.

The cause of the building collapse was not immediately known at the time of filing this report.

There was also no official statement from the Kano State Fire Service, the police, or any other relevant authority on the incident or the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has declared that it will place every naira spent on government procurement under tighter digital scrutiny, with its electronic government procurement (e-GP) system set to automate key processes, reduce manual intervention, and enable real-time monitoring of public expenditure.

Director-General of the BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the Procurement Reforms Conference 2026, jointly organised by the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association of Nigeria (BAVCCA) and the public procurement agency.

Representing BPP Director, Civil Infrastructure, Engineer Nasiru Bello Adedokun, described the initiative as ‘one of the most ambitious procurement modernisation programmes in Nigeria’s history’, aimed at making public procurement more transparent, efficient and responsive to national development needs.

‘The future of procurement is digital,’ he said, explaining that the e-GP system would ‘strengthen audit trails, improve transparency, facilitate real-time monitoring and generate reliable procurement data for evidence-based decision-making.’

‘This is not simply digitalisation; it is a transformation,’ he added.

The BPP boss said the reform would also be supported by the National Online Compliance and Oversight Platform (NOKOPO), designed to strengthen compliance tracking and ensure that procurement rules are implemented rather than merely documented.

‘The objective is straightforward: to ensure that government rules are not merely written but implemented; to move from compliance on paper to compliance in practice; and to ensure that public resources consistently deliver measurable value to citizens,’ Adedokun said.

He said the Bureau was also using its Nigerian First Policy to make public procurement a driver of local production, job creation and industrial growth, while expanding affirmative procurement initiatives for MSMEs, women-owned businesses, youth-led enterprises and other underrepresented groups.

‘Government spending must not merely purchase products and services. It must create opportunities. It must strengthen indigenous industries. It must retain value within our economy,’ he said.

Adedokun urged bloggers, vloggers and other content creators to use their platforms to deepen public understanding and scrutiny of government procurement.

‘You are no longer mere observers; you are drivers of public discourse. You are amplifiers of information. You are partners in accountability,’ he said.

He urged the media community to help Nigerians understand ‘not only what government spends, but why it spends, how it spends and what value those expenditures generate.’

Backing the reforms, BAVCCA President, Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, said stronger citizen monitoring and responsible digital-media engagement could help ensure that procurement reforms translate into greater public confidence.

Chukwunyere said content creators had a responsibility to provide accurate and balanced information while helping citizens understand how public resources were being deployed.

‘As bloggers, vloggers and content creators, we recognise the enormous influence of digital media in shaping public understanding,’ he said.

‘Our responsibility is not simply to publish information, but to ensure that information is accurate, balanced and responsibly presented.’

He called for stronger collaboration among the BPP, media, civil society organisations and digital content creators to promote procurement education, public awareness and responsible monitoring.

While commending Adedokun for what he described as ‘remarkable achievements’ within a short period, Chukwunyere identified capacity gaps, resistance to change, bid manipulation, data challenges and weak enforcement as issues that must be addressed for the reforms to deliver sustainable results.

‘Our objective should therefore be simple: to move from reform to implementation, from implementation to measurable results, and from results to public confidence,’ he said.

He added that public procurement should be viewed beyond contracts and procedures because the management of public resources directly affects infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and other areas of national development.

African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said the exit of global ride-hailing company Uber from Nigeria, alongside the shutdown or scaling down of operations by several major companies, reflects growing concerns over the country’s business operating environment.

The party, in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the development exposed a gap between government claims of economic progress and the realities confronting businesses and citizens.

The ADC noted that while the Federal Government had celebrated a marginal 0.2 percentage-point improvement in Gross Domestic Product, GDP, many businesses continued to face mounting operational challenges, while households struggled with rising living costs.

‘Certainly, a 0.2% growth does not reflect the economic pressure that Nigerians are experiencing,’ the party said, adding that poverty remained a major concern, with an estimated 140 million Nigerians affected.

The opposition party challenged the government to explain how the reported GDP growth had translated into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians, including workers, businesses grappling with high energy costs and families facing rising household expenses.

‘When the President and his party say things are getting better, we expect them to tell us what has improved in the lives of Nigerians. They should tell us how much food their GDP growth has put on the tables. They should tell us which bill it has paid,’ the party stated.

The ADC said Uber’s exit from Nigeria after 12 years was an indication of the difficulties confronting businesses in the country, particularly rising energy and transportation costs following the removal of fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira.

‘This is precisely why the ADC Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has proposed the restoration of a targeted fuel subsidy to bring down the cost of fuel, transportation and production,’ the party said.

It also cited a report by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria which, according to the party, indicated that 767 manufacturing companies had shut down or ceased operations, while hundreds more had become distressed since May 2024.

The party also listed Microsoft, Jumia Food, Bolt Food, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi-Aventis, Bayer AG, Procter and Gamble, Unilever and PZ Cussons among companies it said had either shut down or scaled back operations in Nigeria.

‘Therefore, when the President announces that Nigeria has turned the corner, we ask which indicators support that position. If there is confidence in the economy, why are businesses closing shop and moving elsewhere?’ the ADC asked.

The party cited GlaxoSmithKline as an example, saying the pharmaceutical company shut down its manufacturing operations in Nigeria after 50 years.

According to the ADC, every major business exit or downsizing has implications for employment, household income and economic activity.

‘When the APC and its government celebrate even the most negligible shift in GDP numbers as evidence that things are getting better, it contrasts with the reality that many Nigerians are experiencing increased cost of living.

‘Those who had jobs yesterday are not sure how long it will take before their employers close shop, and those earning salaries are struggling even to transport themselves to work,’ the statement added.

The ADC reiterated that its presidential candidate’s proposal to subsidise fuel production costs would help reduce the cost of living, improve business profitability and create jobs across sectors.

In a move to further protect consumers, strengthen legitimate trade, and bolster Nigeria’s economy, Unilever Nigeria Plc has formed a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The partnership establishes a structured framework for collaboration aimed at combating counterfeit and illicit trade, enhancing supply chain visibility, and ensuring that only authentic, verified products are available to consumers throughout Nigeria. Counterfeit products pose serious risks to public health, undermine consumer confidence, distort competition, and diminish government revenue. Every Nigerian consumer deserves assurance that the products they purchase are safe, genuine, and of the expected quality.

This issue is particularly pressing in the beauty and personal care sectors, where counterfeit products can expose consumers to harmful ingredients and erode trust in legitimate brands committed to operating responsibly in Nigeria.

Beyond the scale of the problem, the long-term trust in brands, products, and the overall market system is at stake. Thus, addressing counterfeiting is essential not only for consumer protection but also for maintaining confidence in legitimate trade and investments.

Through this partnership, Unilever Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service will collaborate on sharing intelligence, capacity building, product authentication, inspections, and other initiatives designed to enhance enforcement and protect legitimate businesses.

At the signing ceremony, Tobi Adeniyi, Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc, described the partnership as a crucial milestone in the fight against counterfeiting.

‘Counterfeiting poses a significant threat to public health, businesses, and the broader economy. It undermines consumer trust and creates an uneven playing field for legitimate businesses,’ he said.

‘This partnership reflects our commitment to protecting consumers and preserving market integrity.

‘By combining our expertise in product authentication with the enforcement capabilities of the Nigeria Customs Service, we are taking decisive steps to curb counterfeits and ensure consumers have access to genuine, safe, and high-quality products.’

Adeniyi emphasized that this collaboration highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling complex challenges that affect both businesses and society.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, stated, ‘We are committed to implementing this agreement transparently and professionally, in line with our mandate.

The fight against counterfeiting and other forms of illicit trade cannot be won by one organisation acting alone.

‘Partnerships like this are crucial, as they combine the strengths of both the public and private sectors in pursuit of a common goal.

‘Beyond protecting businesses, this is about safeguarding Nigerian consumers and enhancing their confidence in the products they purchase daily. ‘We are pleased to partner with Unilever Nigeria and look forward to translating this commitment into tangible results that strengthen legitimate trade, support economic growth, and uphold market integrity.’

This Memorandum of Understanding represents a significant advancement in the fight against counterfeiting and illicit trade in Nigeria. By uniting industry expertise and regulatory enforcement, Unilever Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service are establishing a framework for deeper collaboration, stronger intelligence sharing, sustained capacity building, and more effective protection of intellectual property rights.

The true success of this partnership will be reflected in consistent execution and measurable results across ports, border corridors, and supply chains. Ultimately, this collaboration aims to protect consumers, promote fair competition, and create the conditions necessary for legitimate trade and economic growth to thrive.