Editorial
Jonathan And That NDDC Probe Report
President Goodluck Jonathan, last week said he would eradicate corruption, ensure probity and accountability in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) when he received the report on activities of the commission in Abuja. Jonathan’s position was informed by the startling revelations from the Presidential Monitoring Committee’s report on NDDC.
The report indicted officials of the commission for indulging in unjustifiable variation of contract sums, abandonment of projects and other sharp practices. It said that between 2005 and 2011 NDDC engaged incompetent contractors, approved and executed projects outside its statutory scope in Cross River, Edo and Rivers States.
In addition to the reports from the three states, feedback on 1,510 projects compiled in six other oil producing states by the committee depicts an even more dreadful can of worms. The Tide can now recall the systemic decay in NDDC that made the commission a shame of the region. Owing to persistent crises and corruption, President Jonathan said he would reform the commission to generate people-oriented projects
It is indeed sad that rather than count their blessings, twelve years after the inception the NDDC, oil producing states have recorded more economic and environmental woes. From one internal conflict to the other, the NDDC itself, had become a looting centre where principal officers, tear themselves up. Indeed their passion for self-service far outweighed the organisation’s interest.
Unfortunately, officials of the commission portray the commission as a mere contract awarding agency. It is for this disconnect from the original dream that abuses happened and then the Presidential Committee under the leadership of Mr Steve Orosanya was formed to audit contract awards, among other things.
At the end of its exercise, the former head of the commission, Mr Chibuzor Ugwuoha was sacked. Incidentally, the Presidential Committee led by Chief Isaac Jemide merely justified Orosanya’s report.
Even so, it beats our imagination that officials of the commission could be so callous. We remember the former boss of the commission, Ambassador Samuel Edem who was alleged to have spent N1 billion on witchcraft and N270 million on rituals to remain in office.
While we salute the courage of the panels for being able to unearth the rot in the commission we urge the present leadership to ensure probity and accountability as well as position the commission for quality service to the people of the Niger Delta. On the other hand, the Federal Government must implement recommendations of the panel if any progress is to be recorded. Indicted officials should be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others, even as past leaders of the commission should not be spared.
But we are worried that some officials under the present regime refused access to some information needed by the committee. This not only amounts to presenting oneself as an accomplice but also suggests that the officer would do more and this is unacceptable.
A situation where principal officers brazenly violate the Act establishing the commission should not be tolerated any longer, especially in contract awards. Indeed the Federal Government should seize this opportunity to reposition and redirect the NDDC to face functions as an interventionist agency for the Niger Delta people and not to compete with State and local governments in catering for people already being taken care of in the cities.
We expect that those areas that the panel was denied access would also be called up with a view to uncovering more abuses in the system. The Federal Government must be seen to be committed to transforming the NDDC with a view to making it directly impact on the long neglected people of the Niger Delta.
Clearly, the NDDC may have failed the nation and the region in particular, but to fail to implement the probe report is to legitimise corruption, impunity and acts of lawlessness in the commission.
Editorial
Rivers’ Retirees: Matters Arising

Editorial
That FEC’s Decision On Tertiary Institutions

Editorial
Addressing Unruly Behaviours At The Airports

It began as a seemingly minor in- flight disagreement. Comfort Emmason, a passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, reportedly failed to switch off her mobile phone when instructed by the cabin crew. What should have been a routine enforcement of safety regulations spiralled into a physical confrontation, sparking a national debate on the limits of airline authority and the rights of passengers.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) wasted no time in condemning the treatment meted out to Emmason. In a strongly worded statement, the body described the incident as “a flagrant violation of her fundamental human rights” and called for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the airline staff. The NBA stressed that while passengers must adhere to safety rules, such compliance should never be extracted through intimidation, violence, or humiliation.
Following the altercation, Emmason found herself arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court and remanded at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, a location more commonly associated with hardened criminals than with errant passengers. In a surprising turn of events, the Federal Government later dropped all charges against her, citing “overriding public interest” and concerns about due process.
Compounding her woes, Ibom Air initially imposed a lifetime ban preventing her from boarding its aircraft. That ban has now been lifted, following mounting public pressure and calls from rights groups for a more measured approach. The reversal has been welcomed by many as a step towards restoring fairness and proportionality in handling such disputes.
While her refusal to comply with crew instructions was undeniably inappropriate, questions linger about whether the punishment fit the offence. Was the swift escalation from verbal reminder to physical ejection a proportionate response, or an abuse of authority? The incident has reignited debate over how airlines balance safety enforcement with respect for passenger rights.
The Tide unequivocally condemns the brutal and degrading treatment the young Nigerian woman received from the airline’s staff. No regulation, however vital, justifies the use of physical force or the public shaming of a passenger. Such behaviour is antithetical to the principles of customer service, human dignity, and the rule of law.
Emmason’s own defiance warrants reproach. Cabin crew instructions, especially during boarding or take-off preparations, are not mere suggestions; they are safety mandates. Reports suggest she may have been unable to comply because of a malfunctioning power button on her device, but even so, she could have communicated this clearly to the crew. Rules exist to safeguard everyone on board, and passengers must treat them with due seriousness.
Nigerians, whether flying domestically or abroad, would do well to internalise the importance of orderliness in public spaces. Adherence to instructions, patience in queues, and courteous engagement with officials are hallmarks of civilised society. Disregard for these norms not only undermines safety but also projects a damaging image of the nation to the wider world.
The Emmason affair is not an isolated case. Former Edo State Governor and current Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, once found himself grounded after arriving late for an Air Peace flight. Witnesses alleged that he assaulted airline staff and ordered the closure of the terminal’s main entrance. This is hardly the conduct expected of a statesman.
More recently, a Nollywood-worthy episode unfolded at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, involving Fuji icon “King”, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM1. In a viral video, he was seen exchanging heated words with officials after being prevented from boarding an aircraft.
Events took a dangerous turn when the aircraft, moving at near take-off speed, nearly clipped the 68-year-old musician’s head with its wing. Such an occurrence points to a serious breach of airport safety protocols, raising uncomfortable questions about operational discipline at Nigeria’s gateways.
According to accounts circulating online, Wasiu had attempted to board an aircraft while he was carrying an alcoholic drink and refused to relinquish it when challenged. His refusal led to de-boarding, after which the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, imposed a six-month “no-fly” ban, citing “unacceptable” conduct.
It is deeply concerning that individuals of such prominence, including Emmason’s pilot adversary, whose careers have exposed them to some of the most disciplined aviation environments in the world, should exhibit conduct that diminishes the nation’s reputation. True leadership, whether in politics, culture, or professional life, calls for restraint and decorum, all the more when exercised under public scrutiny.
Most egregiously, in Emmason’s case, reports that she was forcibly stripped in public and filmed for online circulation are deeply disturbing. This was an act of humiliation and a gross invasion of privacy, violating her right to dignity and falling short of the standards expected in modern aviation. No person, regardless of the circumstances, should be subjected to such degrading treatment.
Ibom Air must ensure its staff are trained to treat passengers with proper decorum at all times. If Emmason had broken the law, security personnel could have been called in to handle the matter lawfully. Instead, her ordeal turned into a public spectacle. Those responsible for assaulting her should face prosecution, and the airline should be compelled to compensate her. Emmason, for her part, should pursue legal redress to reinforce the principle that justice and civility must prevail in Nigeria’s skies.
-
Sports2 days ago
CAFCL : Rivers United Arrives DR Congo
-
Sports2 days ago
FIFA rankings: S’Eagles drop Position, remain sixth in Africa
-
Sports2 days ago
NNL abolishes playoffs for NPFL promotion
-
Sports2 days ago
NPFL club name Iorfa new GM
-
Sports2 days ago
Kwara Hopeful To Host Confed Cup in Ilorin
-
Sports2 days ago
NSF: Early preparations begin for 2026 National Sports Festival
-
Sports2 days ago
RSG Award Renovation Work At Yakubu Gowon Stadium
-
Sports2 days ago
RSG Pledges To Develop Baseball