Opinion

Northern Governors’ Agitation For More Derivation Funds

Published

14 years ago

March 12, 2012

As part of the desire to bring you up to date with burning issues through our Innovative Products, PUBLIC OPINION, a Free Speech template aimed at synthesising the unedited views of our esteemed readers as a feedback mechanism, debuts, today, with the public fielding opinions on the vexed proposal by the Northern Governors’ Forum for a new revenue allocation formula in favour of the North. Excerpts.

Mrs Zell Igweze,

Pharmacist

You know there are three tiers of revenue distribution: local government, state government and Federal Government. They are even getting so much. It is not judicious.

The first thing is that we have to sit down and talk about how Nigeria should go. Until we come to that, nobody should be agitating. If we sit down, we then ask what is this formula, what is this revenue? Okay oil, which are the states where we get these things. Who gives us ten or twenty barrels? These are the basis.

What are you producing? On what basis are you making local government or is it based on population? Who will get more?

You can’t base it on land mass, you can only base it on population. Who are you going to develop with your money? We are talking of individuals. If they have to give a local government N2billion, you are looking at the number of children who go to school, you are looking at the number of teachers you have to pay in the local government. Can you now give it to nama because they are grazing on the field. It should not be on land mass.

The North naturally has a lot of land mass and they are not densely populated. So let us start with census. There are so many things wrong with Nigeria. Until we sit down and decide how to do certain things as a country, because it is when we sit down, we can decide how to do certain things. Let them leave it as it is now. Because when they begin to agitate, some people will begin to be angry.

If I am from an oil producing state, I will get very angry. You know there are so many contending issues. I can’t come from here and in the North you are trying to slaughter me as a goat and you are talking about revenue formula. What are you sharing? Is it two countries, if you are asking me to go back to my state. They should take what they have there. Let’s take what we have here, to be able to cater for people who are coming back.

So, what I am saying to the northern governors is that in those days they used to say Northern Arewa because they had the military power behind them, they were having it easy. Now, although we are running a democracy that is not fully democratized, it will not work. I don’t believe in the Nigerian census. Lagos State is more populated than Kano. These are the issues. Goodluck Elebiri,

Civil Servant

For long, they have been ruling this country. All our wealth from the Niger Delta is sent to that place for their development. Now our own son is there and want to help this side to enjoy the benefits of their resources, they are now agitating for something that is not relevant.

If they want to enjoy derivation, they should also allow the government to tap from their solid mineral resources. Because to my own understanding, I believe that even this Boko Haram thing is being sponsored by most of these northern leaders so that government will not tap into their own mineral resources. Because I believe that this present government wants a situation where if they are tapping from this side we should also tap from the North. When the northerners discovered that we want to tap from their side, they began to sponsor Boko Haram, so that they will stop us from coming to tap from them.

What they are agitating for is illegal and unjustified. They don’t have any moral justification for what they are asking for.

If they are saying that the resources belong to the whole country, yes we agree. The host communities should also benefit because they are suffering, especially from oil exploration. Their means of livelihood: fishing and farming, have been destroyed, and they want to use the resources to develop the communities. Why are they angry?

It is proper for the Federal Government to give states more money for development. But our problem: will the states justify the money that is given to them? Some states may justify it, other states may not. But they should be given more money.

Mina Jamabo,

Civil Servant

In terms of this revenue allocation thing, you know during the groundnut pyramid and the cocoa days in the northern and western Nigeria, derivation revenue was 100 per cent then. But with the inception of oil and gas that came out from the Niger Delta, it now seems as if we are starting from the beginning. You know asking from three per cent to 13 per cent, and uptill now, even 50 per cent is not good enough for the Niger Delta because that is where the resources come from and the terrain is difficult. They have not satisfied the yearnings of the Niger Delta and they are now asking for a revenue increase.

They are not really truthful about it. Because they create nothing. All the groundnut pyramid in the days when groundnut was very vital, they really utilized to develop the northern Nigeria. Now, they are still using the oil and gas revenue coming from the Niger Delta to develop the North.

To me, that is okay for them than asking for more. If they are asking for more, they should give Niger Delta well above 50 per cent so that they too can ask for additional resources.

That is the way I see it.

For you to use what is here to develop the North, I think Nigeria has tried. They try and find a way to develop the Niger Delta. Because in the Niger Delta, our lives, our fishes in the river, every thing is polluted. For us to cover up what we have lost in that sector, I think it will take us over five decades. So, they should not say their revenue should be increased for now. Whatever increment should start from the Niger Delta.

I will advise the northern governors to go into other areas than oil. Because we know the North produces the food Nigeria eats today. So, whatever they want, they could be given agricultural loans to boost farming so that the groundnut era could come back again. The cocoa era could come back. Let us not just talk about revenue from oil alone. They should look for other sectors to develop.

Mr. Enyize Nwokugha,

Civil Servant

This their oil something. How can they give northerners our resources? We are the people that have the oil, and we are not gaining anything from it. I don’t know. How northerners go talk say make them no pay us derivation money? (sic).

Mr. Akekue Michael,

Retired Civil Servant

What I have to say is that whatever the southern governors demand is right because the oil is derived from our area. We are supposed to have a reasonable percentage of whatever benefit that may be accruing from that oil.

I am of the opinion that the states should have taken more because we have much to do within the states, especially considering the geographical consideration of the area. They even benefit more than what we benefit from here. I am of the opinion that whatever they are agitating for is not necessary. The North should depend on their groundnut for additional revenue.

Prince Jasy,

Civil Servant

Whatever you decide that is what you will take. Lion share na him you go take (sic). I am of the opinion that we take lion share. A stranger will not take more than the owner. They, the northern governors, should exploit their resources for more revenue.

Opinion

Kudos Gov Fubara

Published

1 week 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

Opinion

… And It Came To Pass

Published

1 week ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Quote:“Leadership is not measured by how hard one strikes back, but by how steady one remains under provocation.”

Tell it in Rivers State, publish it in the streets of Port Harcourt, so the daughters of the State could rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph and know that Fubara is not vindictive”. And it came to pass that Rivers State emerged from one of the most delicate chapters in its political journey, the period of emergency rule that spanned from March 18 to September 18, 2025. It was a season that tested institutions, strained loyalties, and exposed the fragile balance between power and principle. During that time, the suspended Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara DSSRS, was widely believed to have suffered not only political setbacks but personal betrayal, allegedly from some top civil servants within the state apparatus. These were individuals expected to uphold neutrality and professionalism, yet were accused in public opinion of taking sides against the very government they served.

As the emergency rule ended and Governor Fubara resumed office, expectations were shaped less by policy and more by emotion. Many assumed that revenge would quietly find expression through governance. The loudest suspicion centered on the 2025 Christmas bonus of ?100,000 traditionally paid to each worker. The thinking was simple and cynical: a wounded governor would surely withhold goodwill. Some voices even mocked workers openly hoping that the governor would refuse to pay the bonus. To them, denial of the bonus would serve as proof of political strength and justified retaliation. In reality, such thinking revealed a troubling desire to see governance reduced to personal vendetta. Yet, it came to pass, the governor chose a path that confounded suspicion. Against all expectations, the 2025 Christmas bonus was paid.

That single decision quietly but firmly reframed the narrative. It showed a leader focused on governance rather than grudges, on institutional continuity rather than emotional satisfaction. The payment was not a favor, nor was it a concession; it was a statement that public administration must rise above personal injury. By honoring the bonus, Governor Fubara demonstrated that leadership is not measured by how hard one strikes back, but by how steady one remains under provocation. He made it clear that workers’ welfare would not become collateral damage in political disagreements. This action also served as a moral rebuke to those who celebrated division and hoped for punishment. Governance is not validated by the suffering of workers, nor is leadership strengthened by withholding entitlements. At the same time, the issue of alleged sycophancy and betrayal within the civil service cannot be brushed aside. If proven, such conduct deserves firm, lawful, and institutional correction. Civil servants are bound by duty to the state, not to political conspiracies or shifting loyalties.

However, justice must never be confused with revenge. The strength of governance lies in correcting wrongs without destroying the system itself. Governor Fubara’s restraint suggested an understanding that the future of Rivers State mattered more than settling scores. For workers, this moment carried an important lesson. Celebration should be rooted in good governance, not in the expectation of another’s downfall. Rejoicing in rumors of denial or punishment undermines the very stability that protects workers’ welfare. Public service thrives where professionalism, mutual respect, and accountability are upheld. Pettiness, gossip, and political scheming only weaken institutions and erode trust. History often remembers leaders not for the crises they inherit, but for the character they display in response. In paying the 2025 Christmas bonus, Governor Fubara chose legacy over impulse, maturity over malice.

And so, it came to pass that focus defeated revenge, governance triumphed over bitterness, and Rivers State was reminded that true leadership is proven when restraint is expected least but delivered most. Beyond the symbolism of the Christmas bonus lies a deeper question about the kind of political culture Rivers State intends to cultivate in the years ahead. Periods of emergency rule, anywhere in the world, often leave behind residues of suspicion, fear, and silent realignments. Institutions do not emerge untouched; individuals recalibrate loyalties, some out of conviction, others out of self-preservation. What distinguishes stable democracies from fragile ones is not the absence of such moments, but the discipline with which leadership manages their aftermath. River.

King Onunwor

Opinion

That Withdrawal of Police Orderlies From VIPs

Published

1 week ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Balancing VIP security with public safety remains a tightrope walk in a country where the majority of citizens are still under-protected.”

The Presidential announcement on the removal of police orderlies from persons in authority and their relations ( Very Important Persons ) last month came as a relief to many Nigerians who felt deprived of one major role of government ; security of lives and property.The higher population of Nigerians missed needed security because the VIPs and the VVIPs kept retinue of Police Officers totalling over 100 ,000 to themselves and their family members as if they are all that matter while some communities under attack of terrorists have no single unit of police station located there in. While many hailed the announcement , some said perhaps the government has just woken up to her major responsibility of securing the lives and property of all citizens while many expressed indifference on the note that it may be one of those pronouncements which come only in words but no action .Many keep their fingers crossed watching how it will play out , how Mr President will go about the implementation of the seemingly dicey policy .

Benjamin Franklin said “well said is better than well done ” It is sufficient today to say that many Nigerians including me are still waiting and watching to see how well and how long this return of the Police service to the ordinary people will go . Wishing hopes will not be crashed , It is note worthy, that the recent complaints by the VIPs of being exposed to attacks may in a way affect the action on implementation. Recently, at Senate plenary , another worrisome angle came up as Senator Abdul Ningi coming through a motion disclosed that he had only one police officer attached to him ( his office ) and that the officer was recalled the week before following Mr President’s directive . Senator Ningi said the withdrawal exposed him to high risks but underscored the angle that while his orderly was recalled , many other politicians , men and women in authority, business concerns foreigners and even children of some VIPs are still enjoying retinue of police protection ( officially attached to them ).

It’s note worthy also that the Deputy Senate President , Distinguished Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session revealed that the leadership of both chambers are already in discussion with President Tinubu on the need to exempt the law makers from the new policy . Senator Ningi may not be wrong . After all he emphasized he is okay provided that the removal of the Police Orderlies be done across board . Senator Barau noted that talks are on over the issue of law makers’ in line with international practice . Further details from the Presidency noted that Presiding officers will retain their police officers , others would have Civil Defense officers ( NSCDC) as orderlies while any other VIP who feels he or she deserves personal police protection should get clearance from his office . In the midst of all issues weighing in on the proper implementation , it becomes necessary to bear in mind that the decision hinges on the realization that Nigeria has peculiar security issues (of kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism.) and that majority of Nigerians are under protected.

More so, that if well implemented, Police officers will focus on core duties; even as 30,000 new police officers are to recruited to enhance security .That implementation must be made in a way that leaves no room.for selective treatment loss of confidence and controversies. Looking at previous attempts of implementation of this policy gives faint hope as several attempts consistently failed . Former IGPs like Tafa Balogun (2003), Ogbonnaya Onovo (2009), and Ibrahim Idris (2018) tried the policy but all failed due to political resistance from various angles. All the failed attempts were tied to lack of political will mostly due to the fact that the directives came from police chiefs, not the president. Selective Enforcement was another killer to the policy as partial implementation met resistance and later reversal . Egbetokun (2023) and Adamu (2020) saw minimal impact.

Further more entrenched corruption in the system saw Politicians and VIPs quietly regain police escorts due to ‘transactional economics”and pressure. Worse still the mindset of the police officers withdrawn didn’t help the policy Underpaid police prioritize VIP duties for extra benefits. Many wish President Tinubu’s move can break this cycle. As at today, he still insists the move is non-negotiable while stressing collaboration with states to upgrade training facilities. As citizens look forward to success of the policy without undue exposure of both sides, balancing VIP security with public safety remains a tightrope walk. Talk fades ; action echoes. How the Presidency implements this policy. has much to tell on the governments stand on national / community security , choice of priority and the ability to stand uncomprised . The known goal is clear: The outcome is not yet certain. Fingers crossed , we await . Definitely , time will tell.

By: Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi.

s State stood at such a crossroads in September 2025. The temptation to rule with a long memory and a heavy hand was real. Yet, the choice made signaled a preference for healing over hardening. Leadership after crisis demands more than administrative competence; it requires moral clarity.

Governor Fubara’s decision reminded the state that authority is not best exercised through silent punishment or selective generosity. Rather, it is strengthened when rules remain rules, irrespective of personal injury. By keeping faith with workers, the government preserved an essential firewall between politics and public service. That firewall, once breached, turns governance into a battlefield where livelihoods become weapons. Rivers State narrowly avoided that descent. In doing so, it affirmed that institutions must outlive tempers, and governance must not mirror the bitterness of political seasons. This moment also invites sober introspection within the civil service itself. Allegations of partisanship, if left unresolved, corrode professionalism and weaken public confidence. A civil service that drifts into political camps loses its moral authority and operational effectiveness.

Therefore, reform, where necessary, should be guided by due process, transparency, and institutional review—not whispers, witch-hunts, or mob verdicts. Accountability strengthens systems when it is fair; it destroys them when it is arbitrary. The restraint shown by the executive places a corresponding burden on administrative leadership to restore discipline, neutrality, and pride in public service. For the wider political class and the commentariat, the episode serves as a caution against normalizing cruelty as strategy. The eagerness with which some anticipated workers’ suffering revealed a dangerous appetite for scorched-earth politics. When governance becomes a spectator sport where pain is cheered and deprivation is weaponized, society inches toward moral exhaustion. Rivers State has seen enough turbulence to know that stability is not sustained by triumphalism, but by restraint.

The lesson is simple yet profound: power is fleeting, but institutions endure; leaders pass, but precedents remain. In the end, the payment of the 2025 Christmas bonus was more than a fiscal act—it was a civic statement. It told workers they were not expendable. It told political actors that revenge would not be policy. And it told the state that maturity in leadership is not weakness, but strength under control. In a climate where many expected fire, restraint prevailed; where bitterness was predicted, balance emerged. Thus, Rivers State was offered a rare reminder that governance, at its best, is an act of discipline, and leadership, at its highest, is the courage to rise above provocation.