Opinion

That Controversial Petroleum Subsidy

Published

16 years ago

November 9, 2009

There seems to be a cold war in Nigeria now between some political class in support of the federal government proposed plan to remove petroleum subsidy, the masses, and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), is trying to remove a venom from a cobra snake without any protection. The reminiscence of this type of controversy reminded us of the days of the IMF loan debate during the former military President Ibrahim Babangida regime where Nigerian views were discarded for personal aggrandizement. Presently, the subject matter of the hullabaloo is the purported removal of subsidy by the federal government. This quagmire may be like the university strike. Subsidy is a form of protectionism or financial support given to individual or group of business people to assist them to subsidize the price of an item or product for the benefit of all. Unfortunately, there had been a strong bond between the federal government and the independent petroleum marketers with unnecessary confidentiality in this importation of fuel making Nigerians to be very skeptical on the financial assistance to the petroleum marketers. For sometime now, importers of fuel, kerosene and diesel have enjoyed huge some of money from the federal government in the name of subsidy. They had formed cartel and can hold the country to ransom because the importation of petroleum product is not liberalized just like cement, sugar, bulding materials and other crucial items left in the hand of government loyalist. In truism, Thomas Wolsey introduced subsidy to England in 1513, and it was aimed at supporting an enterprise regarded as being in the public interest. It is a fact that all over the world, the basic reason for the formation of government is for the welfare of the people and Nigeria will not run contrary to such celebrated view even though they have failed us many time. Government will therefore continue on its social services and circumvent form any business entrepreneurship because of the very corrupt tendencies in our political leaders. Following the shocking revelation of corruption in Nigeria one might find it very difficult to believe that the federal government uses $4.5bn annually as oil subsidy. The whooping figure has no explanation as to who gets what and why, it is a mere assumption and Nigerians should not accept it without a proper probe. Nigerians should know how much money is shared among the independent marketers and why. Because there are powerful forces in Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) and some top government representatives who are feeding fat on this fuel importation. The implication is that this importation of petroleum product is a private business and not a public one. If so, why should the government not use its federal might and remove all of the encumbrances hindering the markets? Furthermore, there must be a clear understanding and demarcation between liberalization, deregulation, privatization and removal of subsidy because the political class takes delight in inventing political terminology that means opposite of what they say. We must therefore be vigilant and careful not to be poison by their philosophies and propaganda. Any additional pump price above N70 per litre is exploitation and suicidal of the masses. In the days of President Olusegun Obasanjo, public companies were sold to his “Political Associate” in the name of privatization to the detriment of the public and we are yet to benefit. Nigerian retirees are the worst scenario as they are being tormented by the same government they served. Recently, the Minister of Petroleum, Dr. Rilwanu Lukeman has stated in London during an interview that the four refineries in Nigeria will soon work because there is maintenance presently taking place now, the question is, why is the hurry to remove subsidy since importation will soon stop or reduce? We should not forget in a hurry how former President Obasanjo and former Senate Deputy President, Ibrahim Mantu joint venture on palliative measure during the constant increase in fuel price ended. In the area of good governance, whether at federal, state or local government level, one will be astonished that the government is not implementing the budget item by item and these has given room to mismanagement of our resources. Few months now to the end of year and some ministries and government agencies are yet to receive any money from their expected budget estimate, how would the government explain this? While others will return huge some of what they call unspent money back to government, some of the monies will be lost in transit, that is why we need transparency in the system of governance to transform the society. In fact, deregulation is not the removal of subsidy as it is currently presented by some government media. Opposing the dreaded deregulation, the Central Bank governor, Mr. Lamido Sanusi has warned that even the deregulation will increase the inflation rate in the country for now. The campaign by the federal government for the removal of subsidy is deceptive, camouflage and a time bomb and this will increase price of fuel. May be President Yar’Adua is dancing the drumbeat of another person. In the business of petroleum every body makes gain. Can the Nigerian government make bold to say that they are not making profit? From all indication, there will be a great calamity if the subsidy is removed hastily because the nation will stagnate, everyone will be effected and every sector of the economy will rot. The government must wake from its slumber to know that every new national energy policy must begin not with investment, but with the truth. Countries of the world, whether developed or developing nations are using subsidy as a tool for greater welfare of the people. The N70 billion naira injected into the textile industry by the federal government was form of subsidy too. No doubt, the removal of subsidy at this material time will cause panic, commotion and the Seven-Point Agenda of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua will be like a mirage. This situation may be regrettable and degenerate into the ritualistic strike often encouraged by government. Equally, a decision like removal of subsidy can ginger the public against the winning party making opposition party to take power gradually since 2011 is just within the corner. Those sugarcoated mouth pushing for removal of subsidy are enemies to the majority of Nigerians. Apparently, the Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have cautioned the government on the dangers of subsidy for now. If the only tangible reason given for the removal of subsidy is based on freight charges, port charges, cost in insurance and cost of bridging, the question is, who collect all these charges on behalf of the federal government. It means that the N640 billion subsidies paid in a single year is rhetoric, unrealistic and fraudulent. On the issue of deregulation, government can make law on building of mini refineries as a prerequisite for a new prospecting company to do business here. Pius Dukor writes from Port Harcourt. Pius Dukor

Opinion

Trans-Kalabari Road: Work In Progress

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”This Dream project is one of the best things that have happened to the people and residents of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas in recent times.”

This is the concluding part of this story featured in our last edition.

Good road network helps farmers to convey their agro-allied products to commercial hubs where buyers and sellers meet periodically to transact business. Road network engineers and motivates people resident in unfriendly geographical terrains, like riverine areas, to own property and shuttle home with ease. Some people will prefer living in their own houses in a more serene and nature-blessed communities to living in the city that is fraught with pollution, and other environmental, social and economic hazards. Prior to the cult epidemic that ravaged parts of Rivers State, the Emohuas, Elemes, Ogonis, and Etches were known for rural dwelling. Most public servants from these areas do their official and private transactions from their villages. For them it was comparatively easier to live in the village and engage in a diversified economic endeavours through farming, fishing or other lucrative business without outrageous charges and embarrassment associated with doing business in Port Harcourt, where land is as scarce as the traditional needle.

That is why the decision to construct the Trans-Kalabari Road by the administration of Dr. Peter Odili was one of the best decisions that administration took. When Dr. Odili vacated office as the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi took over and awarded contracts for continuation of the road project which in my considered view is the felt need of the people of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas. Unfortunately, Rt. Hon. Amaechi’s efforts to drive the project was sabotaged by some contractors some of whom are Kalabari people. The main Trans-Kalabari Road is one project that is dear to the people and residents of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas of Rivers State. This is because through the road commuters can easily access several communities in the three local government areas. For instance, the road when completed will enable access to eight of the ten communities in Degema Local Government Area, namely: Bukuma, Tombia, Bakana, Oguruama, Obuama, Usokun, Degema town and the Degema Consulate. It will also link 15 of the 16 communities in Asari Toru Local Government Area. The communities are: Buguma, the local government headquarters, Ido, Abalama, Tema, Sama, Okpo, Ilelema, Ifoko, Tema, Sangama, Krakrama, Omekwe-Ama, Angulama. The road will also connect 14 of 17 wards in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, and other settlements. It is interesting to note that It is faster, and far more convenient and economical for the catchment Communities on the Trans-Kalabari Road network to go to the State Capital than the East West Road. The people of the three local government areas will prefer to work or do their transactions in Port Harcourt from their respective communities to staying in Port Harcourt where the house rent and the general cost of living is astronomically high.

Consequently, development will seamlessly spread to the 28 out of 34 communities of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas. The only Communities that are not linked by the road project are Oporoama in Asari Toru, the Ke and Bille Communities in Degema Local Government Area and the “Oceania” communities of Abissa, Kula, Soku, Idama, Elem Sangama of Akuku Toru Local Government Area. But because of the economic value of the unlinked Communities to Nigeria, (they produce substantial oil and gas in the area), the Federal, State Governments and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), can extend the road network to those areas just as Bonny is linked to Port Harcourt and the Lagos Mainland Bridge is connecting several towns in Lagos and neighbouring States.Kudos to previous administrations who had constructed the Central Group axis.

However, what is said to be the First Phase of the Trans-Kalabari Road project is actually a linkage of the “Central Group” Communities which consists of Krakrama, Angulama, Omekwe. Ama, Omekwe Tari Ama, Ifoko, Tema, Sangama. It is the peripheral of the Trans-Kalabari Road. The completion of the Main Trans Kalabari project will free Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor areas from congestion. It will motivate residents and people of the three local areas to contribute to the development of their Communities. If the Ogonis, Etches, Emohuas, Oyigbos, Okrikas, Elemes can feel comfortable doing business in Port Harcourt from home, residents and people whose communities are linked to Port Harcourt through the Trans-Kalabari Road will no doubt, do likewise. The vast arable virgin land of the Bukuma people can be open for development and sustainable agricultural ventures by Local, State and Federal Government.

It is necessary to recall that the Bukuma community was host to the Federal Government’s Graduate Farmers’ Scheme and the Rivers State Government moribund School-to-Land Scheme under Governor Fidelis Oyakhilome. Bukuma was the only community in Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas that has the capacity to carry those agricultural programmes. However the lack of road to transport farm produce to Port Harcourt and facilitate the movement of the beneficiaries of the scheme who lived in the community which is several miles away from the farms, hampered the sustainability of the programme. The main Trans-Kalabari Road remains the best gift to the people of Degema, Asari Toru, and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas. Kudos to Sir Siminilayi Fubara.

By: Igbiki Benibo

Opinion

That U.S. Capture of Maduro

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Strategic convenience does not nullify sovereignty. Political frustration does not authorise military abduction.”

The first part of this story was published in our last edition.

In Africa and the Middle East, regime change—whether by invasion, proxy warfare, or sanctions—has often left behind fractured states, weakened institutions, and prolonged instability. Washington’s motivations in Venezuela are widely understood: vast oil reserves, alliances with U.S. rivals, and symbolic defiance of American influence in the Western Hemisphere. But none of these reasons confer legal or moral legitimacy. Strategic convenience does not nullify sovereignty. Political frustration does not authorise military abduction. If every powerful nation acted on its grievances in this manner, global chaos would inevitably follow. International law provides mechanisms for accountability. Under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), individuals accused of crimes against humanity or other grave offences are subject to investigation and prosecution through judicial processes.

Likewise, extradition treaties, mutual legal assistance agreements, and Interpol mechanisms exist to ensure accountability while respecting due process. These frameworks were designed precisely to prevent unilateral enforcement of “justice” by military force. The most profound consequence of America’s action may not be in Caracas, but in the precedent it sets. If the world accepts that a superpower can unilaterally depose another country’s president, then the foundation of the international system is weakened. Sovereignty becomes conditional—no longer a right, but a privilege tolerated at the discretion of the powerful. Going forward, if another country invades its neighbour, will the United States retain the moral authority to impose sanctions or demand restraint? Some analysts already warn that parallels between Russia’s actions in Ukraine and America’s conduct in Venezuela risk further eroding global norms. Selective adherence to international law breeds cynicism and accelerates the drift toward a world governed by force rather than rules.

Power—military, economic, or political—should serve human progress and collective well-being, not domination and destruction. For African nations, many of which emerged from colonial rule through bitter struggle, this precedent is especially alarming. Sovereignty is not an abstract legal concept; it is a hard-won shield against external domination. Any erosion of that principle anywhere weakens it everywhere. Africa’s painful history of foreign interference makes this lesson especially urgent. For me, the real issue is not whether Nicolás Maduro is a good or bad leader. That judgment belongs, first and foremost, to the Venezuelan people. The larger issue is whether the international system still operates on law—or has quietly reverted to hierarchy. If America insists it is defending global order, it must ask itself a difficult question: can an order survive when its most powerful guardian feels entitled to violate it? Until that question is answered honestly, the capture of a foreign president will remain not a triumph of justice, but a troubling symbol of a world drifting from law toward force.

If the United States felt so strongly about the allegations of terrorism, drug trafficking against Maduro, were there no other lawful options? Judicial accountability, diplomacy, regional mediation, and multilateral pressure may be slow and imperfect, but they reflect respect for international law and sovereign equality. Military seizure is a blunt instrument. It humiliates institutions, radicalizes populations, and hardens resistance. It may remove a leader, but it rarely resolves the underlying crisis. History teaches that military interventions seldom result in stable democratic outcomes. More often, they breed resentment, resistance, and long-term instability. For the sake of global order and the rule of law, the United States should reconsider this path and recommit to diplomacy, legal cooperation, and respect for the sovereign equality of states. Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly described the invasion of Venezuela as “unlawful and unwise,” warning that such actions “do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable.” Her words reflect a growing recognition, even within the United States, that force without legitimacy undermines both moral authority and global stability.

Should what happened in Venezuela serve as a wake-up call for corrupt African leaders who undermine the people’s right to choose their leaders? The answer is yes. The capture of Maduro should alarm African leaders who manipulate elections, weaken institutions, suppress opposition, undermine citizens’ rights, or cling to power at all costs. Venezuela faced widespread criticism over disputed elections and repression long before this episode, and that context shaped how the world reacted. This does not justify foreign military intervention, but it highlights an uncomfortable truth: prolonged democratic decay isolates nations and invites external pressure—from sanctions to diplomatic censure. Global opinion matters, and legitimacy at home strengthens sovereignty abroad. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and several African leaders have rightly condemned the events in Venezuela, invoking the principles of sovereignty and non-interference enshrined in international and regional law.

Beyond condemnation, however, African leaders must look inward. The continent’s future cannot be built on repression, constitutional manipulation, and personal greed. Leadership must reflect the will of the people, not desperation for power. Two days ago, a social commentator on a radio station argued that Trump’s action—though condemnable—demonstrates how far a leader can go for his country’s interest. According to this view, he did not intervene in Venezuela for personal enrichment, but to strengthen his nation. In stark contrast, many African leaders plunder their own countries. They siphon public resources, impose crushing taxes and harmful policies, and leave their citizens poorer—all for selfish gain. That contradiction is the deeper lesson Africa must confront.True sovereignty is protected not only by international law, but by accountable leadership at home.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Kudos Gov Fubara

Published

2 weeks ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Please permit me to use this medium to appreciate our able governor, Siminalayi Fubara for the inauguration of the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road in Ahoada-East Local Government Area. This inauguration marks a significant milestone in the history of our communities and deserves commendation. We, the people of Ozochi, are particularly happy because this project has brought long-awaited relief after years of isolation and hardship.

The expression of our traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Eze Prince Ike Ehie, JP, during the inauguration captured the joy of our people. He said, “our isolation is over.” That reflects the profound impact of this road on daily life, economic activities, and social integration of the people of Ozochi and other neighbouring communities. The road will no doubt ease transportation, improve access to markets and healthcare, and strengthen links between Ahoada, Omoku, and other parts of Rivers State.

The people of Ahoada, Omoku, and indeed Rivers State as a whole are grateful to our dear governor for this laudable achievement and wish him many more successful years in office. We pray that God endows him with more wisdom and strength to continue to pilot the affairs of the state for the benefit of all. As citizens, we should rally behind the governor and support his development agenda. Our politicians and stakeholders should embrace peace and cooperation, as no meaningful progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of conflict. Sustainable development in the state can only thrive where peace prevails.

Samuel Ebiye