Opinion
Impact Of Kerosene Scarcity
Kerosene is easily the most handy source of energy for the Nigerian masses. So, whenever the commodity is scarce, that is, out of reach of the poorer segment of the society, on account of its high price, the impact on our lean resources is enormous. This is so as the commodity is currently sold at over 300 per cent of the government approved price of N50 per litre.
As a result, scare resources would be shifted from other areas of need to purchase kerosene, which currently sells at N150.00 a litre. On the other hand, some citizens who patronize firewood are not finding it cheaper either, as sellers have hiked the price with the increased demand. To get up one morning only to purchase kerosene which majority of the households use on daily basis at thrice its price could be quite destabilising. Besides, the government should endeavour to prioritise the supply of kerosene to forestall a situation whereby adulterated kerosene would find its way into the market. Experience had shown that with scarcity, desperate users readily patronize sellers of adulterated but cheaper kerosene which often times causes explosions with devastating results. As a result, providing kerosene at affordable price for use by the lower and middle echeleon of society should be of cardinal concern to all stakeholders. Surely, it would not be in anyone’s interest for the authorities to wait until people are killed in the course of using “brown” kerosene which has flooded the market, before action is taken to salvage the situation. It is in this connection that the discordant tunes exuding from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and other stakeholders becomes important as it seems the latter is not quite on top of the situation as it wants the public to believe. In the wake of this current kerosene scarcity last week, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mr. Austen Oniwon, had given assurances that kerosene scarcity would end in ten days. He made the promise after meeting with the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, (MOMAN). MOMAN comprises, Mobil, Conoil, Total, AP, Mrs Oil and Oando Plc. Reports indicate that was was resolved at the meeting that NNPC would discharge imported kerosene into depots of MOMAN members for distribution nationwide. But this position has been stiffly countered by the Jetty and Tank Farm Owners Association of Nigeria (JEPTFON) and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA, both groups of which comprise the independent petroleum marketers. Their contention is clear. If they are excluded from the distribution of the product, which NNPC plans to restrict to MOMAN members, there would be a disaster. As according to them, the excluded stakeholders control about 80 per cent of infrastructure for efficient reception storage and distribution of Petroleum Products across the country.
If this were so, how does the NNPC expect that the MOMAN would do? The magic, moreover, now that JEPTFON and DAPPMA are accusing NNPC of bias in favour of the major oil marketers. Aside from this however, is the truth NNPC has so far failed to tell,” kerosene users. The problem appears to be in the name of the product which is technically christened, Daul Purpose Kerosene (DPK), which is being diverted to other sales outlets by marketers, preferably the airports where it is sold as aviation fuel (JETAI) at N150 per litre. So, this is the mischief NNPC intends to checkmate by restricting distribution to only MOMAN members? Obviously, with the capitalist motive of profit maximisation, marketers would naturally be attracted to wherever they would make maximum profit, hence their preference for the airports. However, if the product had been available in sufficient quantity, there would be enough for aircrafts and so for other consumers. All put together, it appears that the current kerosene shortage would not abate soon since the product is in high demand by aircraft operators, who use it as aviation fuel. Given this scenario, the NNPC should device more ingenious way of distributing kerosene to ensure it gets to the low income group and middle class citizens who depend so much on it. The restriction of the 30,000 metric tones of kerosene recently imported into the country to only major marketers would not serve the interest of the masses. If NNPC goes ahead with its plan of not carrying other stakeholders along, the latter could devise other means of getting back at the NNPC. At the end of the day, while the groups flex musiles, the suffering of the majority of Nigerians who use kerosene for cooking would be deepening. Besides, with the new administration of hope in place, time has come for us to break whatever jink that makes our refineries either non-functional only functioning at minimal level. If our refineries are made to meet their social responsibility, I believe Nigeria is too big to be talking of kerosene scarcity. Now is the time for the government to act in the peoples’ favour.
Opinion
Restoring Order, Delivering Good Governance
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
Opinion
Checking Herdsmen Rampage
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.
Opinion
Is Nigeria Democratic Nation?
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.
-
News5 days ago
UN Warns Floods May Unleash Toxic Chemicals, Pose Risk To Elderly, Ecosystems
-
Featured5 days ago
INEC To Unveil New Party Registration Portal As Applications Hit 129
-
Business5 days ago
NCDMB Promises Oil Industry Synergy With Safety Boots Firm
-
News5 days ago
Police Rescue Kidnapped Victim As Suspects Escape With Gunshots in Rivers
-
Niger Delta5 days ago
C’River Focused On Youth Empowerment – Commissioner
-
Opinion5 days ago
Get Rid Of Wastes In PH
-
Rivers5 days ago
NSE Members Tasked On National Dev
-
Business5 days ago
Replace Nipa Palms With Mangroove In Ogoni, Group Urges FG, HYPREP