Editorial

Sad Echoes From Bayelsa

Published

14 years ago

June 22, 2011

The high level of tension generated by the recurring incidents of militancy-related killings in Bayelsa State should, in every ramification, be a source of serious concern to the authorities and stakeholders of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Most recent of this appalling development was the gruesome murder of ex-militant leader and former House of Assembly aspirant in the just-concluded general elections, Albert Ebi, popularly called Commander Ebi.

According to media reports, the ex-militant leader, a native of Okpoama in Brass Local Government Area of the state, was shot dead in Yenagoa while driving in a white Hilux Jeep with Rivers State registration number. He was accompanied by a police orderly and one of his lieutenants, who was also killed by the assailants.

Sadly, the killing of Ebi in the capital city of Bayelsa, brings to three, the number of ex-militant leaders killed mysteriously in about seven months. Among those ex-militants killed within this period was Mr Olali Abogha, popularly known as Commander Areama in Akassa area of Brass Local Government Area in the state.

Though the motive for these killings has remained a mystery, speculations are rife that either the killings might have been carried out by followers of the ex-militant leaders over alleged disagreement on what sources described as illegal deduction on their boys’ allowances, or that the killings were politically motivated.

Whatever the reasons behind these dastardly acts might be, The Tide is worried that the recent killing of Ebi is coming barely a month after a group of former militant leaders under the aegis of “Group of Peacekeeping Ex-Militant Leaders of Bayelsa State” had raised alarm following the manner in which some of them were being cut down.

We regard this ugly trend as a sharp deviation from the original dream and aspirations of the Niger Delta struggle, and the fact that they had risked their lives to attract positive attention to the problems of the region.

The Tide views as unnecessary the growing tension in Bayelsa State, occasioned by the selective murder of ex-militants. The fact that the current President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, comes from Bayelsa State, should be enough reason for that state to pride itself as the centre of peace and political stability in the country.

We believe that the emergence of President Jonathan should douse every tension generated by agitations against marginalisation by the people. Efforts, we advise, should therefore, be geared towards assisting the Federal Government to remedy the issues of under-development through the application of more mature and democratic means.

In this regard, the state government should make extra efforts in support of the Federal Government’s amnesty programmes so as to trulyassist in reforming, rehabilitating and redirecting the energy of these ex-militants to meaningful ventures that would contribute to the development of Bayelsa State.

The Tide thinks that the task of eliminating the tension now pervading the atmosphere in Bayelsa must be willingly undertaken in the belief that the outcome could save a whole generation of youths who could otherwise be lost in the abyss of gangsterism and hopelessness.

We insist that now is the time for all duty bearers in Bayelsa State, and indeed, the Niger Delta region, to take up the challenge of rescuing a potentially lost generation as represented by the ex-militants. Lest we forget that the failure of governance, security and intelligence and societal docility in the past brought about the nightmare of arms proliferation and struggle in the Niger Delta region.

The Tide therefore finds it expedient to advise that the key players in the state’s political scene should avoid making deals with repentant militants or any group of youths that could create a state of lawlessness.

It is of utmost urgency to resound the warning that as Bayelsans move towards conducting gubernatorial elections, no form of actions and inactions should be perpetrated to deter the security/intelligence, law and order and defence services from effectively performing their duties.

A situation where late Ebi, an ex-militant, who was declared wanted by the police for escaping arrest was gunned down while in the company of a police orderly now hospitalised for serious injuries sustained from the bullets of the same assailants, is to say the least, an embarrassment to the nation’s security system.

Instead of engaging the Niger Delta youths in meaningless political banditry, the political class in Bayelsa should strive at evolving youths at various levels and stages so that they can mature into the position of succeeding the present generation of leaders.

We equally call on the Inspector General of Police, to institute a high-level investigation to unearth the brains behind the assignment of a police orderly to the same person hitherto declared wanted by the police.

We are concerned that if stringent measures are not taken now to douse the tension in Bayelsa State, the dimension it would assume in the near future could be unimaginable. Now is the time to nip the situation in the bud.

Editorial

No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike

Published

20 hours ago

September 22, 2025

Uchechukwu Okwum

Nigeria’s Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has unveiled a gratuitous proposal to increase the salaries of political and public office holders in the country. This plan seeks to fatten the pay packets of the president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors, and members of the National and State Assemblies. At a time when the nation is struggling to steady its economy, the suggestion that political leaders should be rewarded with more money is not only misplaced but insulting to the sensibilities of the ordinary Nigerian.

What makes the proposal even more opprobrious is the dire economic condition under which citizens currently live. The cost of living crisis has worsened, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of workers, and the naira continues to tumble against foreign currencies. The majority of Nigerians are living hand to mouth, with many unable to afford basic foodstuffs, medical care, and education. Against this backdrop, political office holders, who already enjoy obscene allowances, perks, and privileges, should not even contemplate a salary increase.

It is, therefore, not surprising that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has stepped in to challenge this development. SERAP has filed a lawsuit against the RMAFC to halt the implementation of this salary increment. This resolute move represents a voice of reason and accountability at a time when public anger against political insensitivity is palpable. The group is rightly insisting that the law must serve as a bulwark against impunity.

According to a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the commission has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Although a hearing date remains unconfirmed, the momentous step of seeking judicial redress reflects a determination to hold those in power accountable. SERAP has once again positioned itself as a guardian of public interest by challenging an elite-centric policy.

The case, registered as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1834/2025, specifically asks the court to determine “whether RMAFC’s proposed salary hike for the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria is not unlawful, unconstitutional and inconsistent with the rule of law.” This formidable question goes to the very heart of democratic governance: can those entrusted with public resources decide their own pay rises without violating the constitution and moral order?

In its pleadings, SERAP argues that the proposed hike runs foul of both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the RMAFC Act. By seeking a judicial declaration that such a move is unlawful, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with the rule of law, the group has placed a spotlight on the tension between self-serving leadership and constitutionalism. To trivialise such an issue would be harum-scarum, for the constitution remains the supreme authority guiding governance.

We wholeheartedly commend SERAP for standing firm, while we roundly condemn RMAFC’s selfish proposal. Political office should never be an avenue for financial aggrandisement. Since our leaders often pontificate sacrifice to citizens, urging them to tighten their belts in the face of economic turbulence, the same leaders must embody sacrifice themselves. Anything short of this amounts to double standards and betrayal of trust.

The Nigerian economy is not buoyant enough to shoulder the additional cost of a salary increase for political leaders. Already, lawmakers and executives enjoy allowances that are grossly disproportionate to the national average income. These earnings are sufficient not only for their needs but also their unchecked greed. To even consider further increments under present circumstances is egregious, a slap in the face of ordinary workers whose minimum wage remains grossly insufficient.

Resources earmarked for such frivolities should instead be channelled towards alleviating the suffering of citizens and improving the nation’s productive capacity. According to United Nations statistics, about 62.9 per cent of Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty in 2021, compared to 53.7 per cent in 2017. Similarly, nearly 30.9 per cent of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$2.15 per day. These figures paint a stark picture: Nigeria is a poor country by all measurable standards, and any extra naira diverted to elite pockets deepens this misery.

Besides, the timing of this proposal could not be more inappropriate. At a period when unemployment is soaring, inflation is crippling households, and insecurity continues to devastate communities, the RMAFC has chosen to pursue elite enrichment. It is widely known that Nigeria’s economy is in a parlous state, and public resources should be conserved and wisely invested. Political leaders must show prudence, not profligacy.

Another critical dimension is the national debt profile. According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2025 stood at a staggering N149.39 trillion. External debt obligations also remain heavy, with about US$43 billion outstanding by September 2024. In such a climate of debt-servicing and borrowing to fund budgets, it is irresponsible for political leaders to even table the idea of inflating their salaries further. Debt repayment, not self-reward, should occupy their minds.

This ignoble proposal is insensitive, unnecessary, and profoundly reckless. It should be discarded without further delay. Public office is a trust, not an entitlement to wealth accumulation. Nigerians deserve leaders who will share in their suffering, lead by example, and prioritise the common good over self-indulgence. Anything less represents betrayal of the social contract and undermines the fragile democracy we are striving to build.

Editorial

No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike

Published

21 hours ago

September 22, 2025

The Tide

Editorial

Rivers’ Retirees: Matters Arising

Published

2 weeks ago

September 8, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Government deserves commendation for the manner in which it conducted the last biometric exercise for pensioners in the state. For the first time in many years, the verification process was not only efficient but also humane, a development that has brought relief to a category of citizens that often bears the brunt of neglect.

Unlike previous verification exercises that left pensioners exhausted and unattended, the latest exercise set a refreshing precedent. Retirees were given proper and sumptuous meals, and in addition, the government paid the sum of N10,000 into their accounts to cushion their transportation costs. Such gestures go a long way in demonstrating that those who had laboured for the state are not forgotten in their twilight years.

The measure was particularly necessary given that some pensioners had to travel long distances to reach their verification centres. For elderly men and women, such journeys come with physical and financial strain. By recognising these realities and easing the burden, the government has shown that pensioners deserve dignity, not disdain.

Beyond this laudable act of consideration, the authorities must reflect on the very structure of pension verification. The era of compelling retirees to be physically present for routine verification should be reconsidered. With digital tools and innovation, the government can adopt systems that capture and confirm data without the stress of physical assembly. This is crucial for pensioners residing in other states or even abroad.

While we acknowledge the importance of verification in cleaning up pension records, we cannot ignore the darker side of the matter. It is regrettable that some allowances continue to be paid to deceased pensioners, with relatives fraudulently collecting the funds. The latest biometrics, thankfully, exposed some of these sharp practices. The exercise, therefore, is not only about order but also about justice.

We urge families of deceased pensioners to be patriotic enough to inform the government of the deaths of their loved ones. It is deeply shameful that in some instances, individuals attempted to impersonate late pensioners during the biometrics. Such behaviour undermines the spirit of honesty and deprives genuine retirees of their due entitlements.

The exercise also revealed another important area of concern: the health of pensioners. It is reassuring to learn that the state government has reportedly promised to take over the medical treatment of some retirees who arrived for the biometrics in critical condition. This is a step in the right direction. Elderly citizens, after years of service, should have access to special health care facilities in the state. Setting aside hospitals or designated centres for the aged is not just desirable but necessary.

While pension payments in Rivers State have remained consistent, attention must now be directed towards gratuities. Senior citizens deserve to receive their retirement benefits without the bureaucratic hitches that have often marred the process. After years of loyal service, nothing is more demoralising than to see retirees languish for want of their gratuities. Every worker, as Scripture reminds us, is worthy of his wage.

Retirement, in any civilised society, should not be reduced to a sentence of suffering. In dealing with pensioners, government must consistently wear a human face. The humane manner displayed during this verification exercise should not be a one-off. It must become the norm in all dealings with retirees. Measures must continually be put in place to ensure that they do not feel abandoned by the state they served.

One welcome innovation has already been introduced. The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has altered the method of gratuity payment. Pensioners now receive their monies directly into their bank accounts, eliminating the cheque-based system that for years served as fertile ground for corruption. This reform is both pragmatic and forward-looking. Similarly, the implementation of the N32,000 pension harmonisation is also commendable.

Direct payments gratuities ensure transparency and drastically reduce the possibility of diversion of funds. More importantly, they restore confidence in the system and assure pensioners that their entitlements will reach them without interference. In this way, the government has not only safeguarded the process but also upheld the principle of accountability.

Seamless gratuity payment has a ripple effect on the workforce as a whole. When workers are confident that retirement will not plunge them into hardship, the temptation to falsify age in order to remain in service is eliminated. Such reforms, therefore, enhance efficiency, honesty, and productivity in the public service.

In sum, the Rivers State Government has struck a refreshing chord in its handling of pension verification. It has shown empathy, innovation, and accountability. However, the momentum must be sustained, and the focus must shift towards modernising verification methods and prioritising retirees’ welfare in health, gratuity, and dignity.

When retirees are treated with compassion and fairness, the message to those still in service is clear: faithful service to the state will not go unrewarded. The humane verification exercise, though a single event, offers a hopeful glimpse of what governance can look like when people, especially the elderly, are placed at the heart of policy.