Opinion
Government And Pensioners’ Welfare
Payment of pension allowance to eligible retirees from the civil service and other corporate establishments which began in an American Express Company in 1875 and the Balthimore Ohio Railand in 1880 was later introduced to colonial Nigeria along with other countries worldwide soon after it was boosted by an American Labour Relations Board in 1948.
The conditions for eligibility for pension by an employee include full-time employment leading to attainment of a prescribed minimum or maximum length of service, whichever is applicable; retirement age and an unblemished record of service. Topical among the retirement benefits are lump-sum payment of gratuity, followed by regular and unfettered payment of monthly pension and a free medical care programme. Like their immediate past British predecessors in office, the succeeding and subsequent indigenous federal and state rulers in post-colonial Nigeria kept faith with promptitude and regularity in the payment of pension to retirees who were, and are still generally referred to as ‘senior citizens’. The contributions to the development of the country by the retirees were thus acknowledged and appreciated.
In later years, however, the federal rulers began to dance to a different and negative tune due to corruption, ineptitude and mismanagement. Retirees, particularly the core federal and state pensioners with federal share which is paid by the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, began to languish for prompt, regular and unfettered payment of their gratuity and monthly pension since June, 2003. Their legitimate cries continued to fall on the deaf ears of the rulers. Many of them died of resultant hardship and starvation.
Disappointingly, most of the rulers in the states of the federation have joined in dancing to the negative tune.
The cruel treatment of the pensioners is based on perception by the rulers that as the ‘senior citizens’ are no longer in active service, they cannot be mobilised for industrial show-down with the government by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners which is seen as a toothless bull dog and that the Nigeria Labour Congress too, will never come to the rescue.
Like the various industrial unions of which civil servants are members, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, too, of which the ‘senior citizens are members, is affiliated to the Nigeria Labour Congress. It is ipso-facto statutorily obligatory and instructive for the Congress, being an umbrella labour union, to initiate and spearhead negotiations with the government over the latter’s statutory obligations, including upward review of pension allowance that is payable, to the senior citizen, and to mobilise the country’s workforce for industrial show-down with the government for, and on behalf of the pensioners if, and when negotiations reach deadlock, just as it does for, and on behalf of the civil servants from time to time.
It stands to reason that the congress would also thus be ensuring a better and more re-assured future for civil servants of today who are apprehensive of ‘Life-After-Retirement’ in view of the agony of senior citizens.The The prevailing relationship whereby the Nigeria Labour Congress is non- chalant, stands aloof from, and plays a neutral role in the Nigeria Union of Pensioners’ tussle with the government, for an end to the pathetic plight of the senior citizens makes mockery of the union’s affiliation to the Congress.
It is a scandalous failure of past and present leadership of the Congress.
However, it was in order to sensitize the public to the pathetic plight of the pensioners that the erstwhile president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomole who is the present Executive Governor of Edo State, conceptualized the setting aside of 11th December, each year as NATIONAL PENSIONERS’ DAY by the Nigeria Labour Congress.
The veteran labour leader conceived the idea way back in 1999, and pronounced it during the labour union’s quadrennial delegates’ conference in Ibadan. The maiden edition of the Nigeria Pensioners’ Day was marked in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on 11th December, 2002. The occasion was graced by the presence of, among others, labour activists led by Comrade Adams Oshiomole himself. Thereafter, the day is celebrated each year by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in Abuja and in all the state capitals of the federation with moral and financial support by tho Nigeria Labour Congress.
During each celebration, all public and private sectors industrial unions and other well wishers come together and openly express solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and its members. The union intimates general public with the desires, aspirations, expectations and the problems of the civil pensioners. It also presents its charter of demands to the three tiers of government, namely: the federal, the state and the local governments to enable them come up with aggressive policies that would address the challenges of the Senior Citizens.
Atuboyedia resides in Port Harcourt.
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.
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