Opinion

2015 Polls Shift: People React

Published

11 years ago

February 23, 2015

The Chairman of the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, had penultimate Saturday, announced change of the dates of the country’s planned general elections.
Expectedly, this has elicited diverse reactions from different people both within and outside the country. Our Chief correspondent, Calista Ezeaku spoke with some of these people. Our photographer, Ken Donatus captured their images.

Godwin Nnadozie
Pastor
The postponement of the election is a welcome development; I’m in support of it because of the reasons given by INEC. One of the reasons is the issue of the distribution of PVC and insecurity in the north. I support it. It will help us to prepare adequately. Those people who have not gotten their PVCs will go and get them so that nobody should be disenfranchised and at the end of the day, I believe that God will help us to have a wonderful election.
I listened to President Gooduck Jonathan during his last presidential media chat and he was able to address the issue of insecurity in the North East
He gave us hope and assurance that within this six weeks something will be done and elections will be conducted.

A photographer
I like the postponement of the elections because in this area we don’t have voters card. But the question now is, if the voters’ cards are not available till the new date of the election, what will happen? We don’t have voters card here going by what we have now, there is no way President Jonathan will win, if we don’t have voters card in this area. Whether you like it or not majority of votes for Jonathan will come from this area. Some people in the north will vote for him but the bulk of his vote will come from this part of the country and if the people here do not have voters card how is he going to win?
President Jonathan has assured Nigeria that elections must hold on the rescheduled dates but let us still be praying that he might win because northerners work in unity. In this area, even though we claim we love Goodluck, most of us are reluctant to collect the voters card. We are not interested.
Again, there is this argument that Boko Haram challenges has been with us for up to three years and since we were not able to deal with it within these years how can we deal with it in six weeks?
But no one can really tell why military Chiefs asked for the postponement. May be they had serious information. May be they fore saw situations where the election would have led to serious bloodshed in the country and decided to avert it. So I encourage people to use this opportunity to go and get their voters card so that we can vote for the right persons.
Dr Green Iheanacho-Lecturer / Political Scientist
The election postponement has very wide implications nationally and internationally. First of all internationally, it gives the impression that Nigeria is yet to organise herself to make effective arrangement to conduct elections. When the election will eventually come, if it is not transparent enough to international standard, it will be taken that the anormalies that may be noticed were the reasons for the postponement. And nationally it disturbs the process and progress of the elections and the electioneering campaigns.
With allegations and counter allegations of intimidation, impunity and all that, coming now to be capped with the postponement, it is an indictment on the federal government that all that have been said about their unseriousness and lackadaisical approach to the elections may be taken to be true.
So, eventually it will take a lot on the part of the federal government to redeem its image internationally and also to prove its sincerity and commitment to a free and transparent election when the postponed date comes around.
The reasons given for the postponement are not cogent because those reasons have been with us all along. We are talking of security reasons, Boko Haram has been with us for not less than three years. If we think Boko Haram is a serious threat that can affect national programmes and polices then we should have adequately addressed it before this time. Every other issue has been made of no effect by INEC’s declaration that they are fit and ready to conduct the election. So every other reasons has been defeated by that idea from INEC.
If INEC as alleged, has been rammed into agreeing with the postponement when it declared that it was ready and the outcome of the elections are not internationally certified or seen to be free and transparent then it confirms the adage that a witch-bird cried in the night and in the morning a baby died.
So, we are saying that Nigeria should give INEC the openness, the obvious co-operation that will make it conduct the election without interference. The postponent as I said earlier is not a welcome development for political development in Nigeria and also for the international reputation of Nigeria. It doesn’t speak well of the development of politics and everything that has to do with the instrument of democracy for Nigeria to suddenly come and within a space of two weeks, postpone a scheduled election.
In other countries, materials would have been put at positions where they would be used at electoral time before that two weeks. But as it is now, such materials are now open for manipulation, fraud and counter cheating. So it doesn’t speak well for the electoral process in Nigeria. It is a very wrong decision. We should allow democracy to flourish in Nigeria.
We should grow and grow democracy.
We are not under a military or dictatorial government where impunity and personal interests will be allowed to reign supreme and have their sway. We have had this stint of democracy for a number of donkey years that should have made us an example in Africa. We shouldn’t be allowing other African countries – South, Africa, Ghana, and even Liberia to be taking the glory of good governance in Africa. We should show growth and development in politics.

Mr Kennedy Weede
– Media Practitioner
To me, I want to say that shifting the elections to March and April is not a welcome development.
Before the postponement, Nigerians have prepared to vote candidates of their choice, to vote a credible leader not a miler. You will agree with me that Nigeria is yet to have a leader. Shifting the election has caused a big mayhem in Nigeria. If the military say they are not prepared for the lections, it then means they have failed Nigerians.
Now they have shifted the elections for six weeks, is it now that they will be well equipped to fight insurgency? You see, Nigeria has come of age, let them not be telling us cock and bull stories. Nigeria is bigger than any individual and I stand to be corrected.
The shifting of the elections has a political undertone and I want to say that in this election, let them allow the peoples’ vote to count because Nigerians are ready to vote a leader of their choice.
On the issue of the collection of PVCs, you will agree with me that what our people here want is money, money, money. It is just now that our people to make up for politics. In the north the political awareness had been them. They equip themselves by registering and collecting their PVCs. If INEC says they have distributed 80% of the PVCs in the north, yes don’t blame them. Our people are after money.
If they go to collect the PVCs and the queue is much, they will go back to do their businesses. That is what is causing the problem now.
Our people are interested in money, not election, while in the north they have equipped themselves even before this time to ensure that they elect their own candidate.
I believe Prof Jega is ready to write his name in the Guinness Book of record. Let them allow him to conduct a credible, free election this year, 2015 and Nigerians are ready for change.

Mr Richards Orji – Missionary
I think the postponent is for the good of the nation. What we want is a peaceful and free election. We don’t want where there will be confusion or trouble. So if the postponement will lead to free and fair elections, I believe that is the best for the nation. It is not good to hurry and then run into trouble. It is better we postpone the elections and do things right. Many people had not collected their PVCs before the initial date of the election and had elections been conducted, they wouldn’t have voted. So it is better to postpone the elections so that people will collect their PVCs. And anybody who fails to collect his PVC within this period will no longer blame INEC.

Mrs Pep Iroroh – Psychologist
I think the postponement of the elections was a good decision taken by INEC, so as not to disenfranchise Nigerians. We are all aware that as at the 7th of February when the polls shift was announced, thousands of eligible voters including myself not collected their voters cards. I made every effort to collect it but all was in vain. I went to the centre where I registered several times but was asked to come back because my card was not available.
And the question is, why disenfranchise the electorate if there is any room for extension.
I believe to have free and fair election is to allow any eligible voter the right to get his/her PVC so as to vote their preferred candidates. It would have been very unfair if elections were held on February 14th and 28th because many people would have been disenfranchised and that would have caused a big problem for the country.

Opinion

Policy Intervention: More Than Administrative Reform

Published

5 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”This policy intervention proves that education reform is not just about administration, but about restoring dignity, equity, and integrity to the learning process.”

On September 24, 2025, the article” A Growing Emergency: How Marked-Up Textbooks Are Sabotaging Nigeria’s School Children”, written by King Onunwo, was published in The Tide Newspaper. In the said article, the writer expressed pains in what he viewed as ‘a silent but damaging practice’ taking root in homes across Nigeria, one that threatens the academic future of millions of children in primary and secondary schools. From the paintings of the writer, this seemingly minor convenience where older siblings complete their homeworks directly inside their school textbooks, may seem harmless on the surface. On the contrary, it is creating a dangerous ripple effect. What used to be a normal practice—siblings reusing textbooks year after year to ease the financial burden on families—has now turned into a nightmare. The writer could best describe its impact in our educational system as a stumbling block for students, and a ticking time bomb for the education system and to say the least, a source of distress for countless parents.

The core message of the article is that writing homework and classwork inside textbooks has evolved from a harmless household habit into a national educational crisis that is quietly undermining learning outcomes in Nigeria. Specifically, the article argues that: marked-up textbooks sabotage learning by denying younger students the opportunity to think independently, practice problem-solving, and engage meaningfully with lessons. Economic hardship has normalized textbook reuse, but misuse has turned a cost-saving strategy into an educational disadvantage. The problem is systemic, not merely individual, reflecting failures in policy enforcement, public awareness, and educational support structures. Hence, government’s intervention is urgently required, including regulations, awareness campaigns, textbook audits, penalties, and subsidized writing materials.

Violation of education equity was also fingered as children are academically punished due to circumstances beyond their control—birth order and family income. King Onunwo opined that small oversights can cause large-scale damage, and ignoring such “minor” issues threatens Nigeria’s broader educational goals. Ultimately, he called for a national textbook integrity policy to protect learning materials and ensure fairness in education. Deductively, the writer ‘s feelings and emotional tone conveyed a deep concern and alarm, repeatedly framing the issue as a “growing emergency,” “ticking time bomb,” and “quiet academic crisis.” which signals a genuine fear that the problem if unchecked, may have irreversible consequences.

The writer ‘s tone is outrightly that of an advocate, not a neutral observer, speaking with a strong sense of justice, emphasizing on education as a right, meaning that children should not be academically disadvantaged by family circumstances, hence, the need for society to protect educational tools.The repeated calls for “immediate,” “urgent,” and “no time to waste” action showed impatience with delays and excuses. The writer believes every academic term lost worsens the damage. It is not just about textbooks—it is about educational dignity, equality, and systemic responsibility. The closing metaphor (“the handwriting is on the wall”) reinforces the writer’s belief that the consequences are already visible and that failure to act would be inexcusable. By responding decisively to growing concerns around the misuse and rising cost of learning materials, the Federal Government has demonstrated that thoughtful advocacy still matters—and that public interest writing can indeed influence policy in meaningful ways.

The recently unveiled education policy banning disposable workbooks and mandating the use of durable, reusable textbooks is a commendable step in the right direction. It directly addresses the very issues raised by King Onunwo and other concerned writers and parents who have long warned about the silent damage being done to Nigeria’s school children through poorly designed textbook practices and unchecked misuse of learning materials. For years, families—especially those with multiple children—have struggled under the weight of repeated textbook purchases. Worse still, the culture of writing directly into textbooks turned what should have been reusable learning tools into single-use items, sabotaging younger siblings who inherited books already filled with answers, errors, and confusion. The new policy does not merely reduce costs; it restores the integrity of textbooks as reference materials meant to guide thinking, not replace it.

By insisting on standardized, high-quality textbooks designed to last four to six years, the government has effectively validated the core argument of education advocates: that sustainability, affordability, and quality learning are deeply interconnected. The decision to prohibit the bundling of disposable workbooks—often used as a commercial tactic to force annual purchases—is particularly laudable. It signals a shift away from profit-driven educational practices toward child-centered learning. Equally important is the policy’s emphasis on strengthening assessment and quality assurance for instructional materials. This tackles another long-standing problem: superficial textbook revisions that compel parents to buy “new editions” without meaningful improvements in content. Such practices have eroded trust in the system and placed unnecessary financial strain on households already stretched thin.

Beyond textbooks, the introduction of a uniform academic calendar and the rationalization of graduation ceremonies show a broader sensitivity to the hidden costs of schooling. These reforms recognize that education expenses are not limited to fees alone but are compounded by traditions and inconsistencies that quietly drain family resources. This policy intervention is more than administrative reform; it is proof that government can listen, reflect, and act when issues are clearly articulated and grounded in lived realities. It affirms the value of public-interest writing as a bridge between citizens’ experiences and policy action.While implementation and enforcement will be the true test, the direction is encouraging. Parents, teachers, and school administrators must now play their part to ensure that these reforms translate into real change in classrooms across the country.

In acknowledging and addressing the concerns raised by writers, educators, and families, the government has taken a vital step toward protecting the learning future of Nigerian children. It is a reminder that when the handwriting on the wall is read early enough, it is still possible to rewrite the story—for the better.However, kudos to Federal Government for the intervention, but it should not end on the table rather should be given accelerated attention in order to ensure full implementation.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Redefining New Year Resolutions

Published

5 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “Transformation begins the moment intention meets action.”

At the dawn of a new year and throughout its early days, millions of people across the globe make promises to themselves—to improve, to grow, and to transform. The New Year carries a unique sense of renewal, hope, and possibility. It offers a clean slate on which aspirations are rewritten and goals are redefined. But beyond the excitement and optimism lies an important question: what truly gives power to these resolutions, and how can they be sustained to positively impact individuals, families, and teams?

New Year resolutions emerge from different platforms, perspectives, and points of need. For many, the focus is personal growth—acquiring new skills, practicing mindfulness, improving physical health, or cultivating emotional resilience. Others prioritize relationships, seeking to strengthen bonds with family and friends, heal broken connections, or build new ones. Career development also ranks high, with goals such as professional advancement, job transitions, skill enhancement, or entrepreneurship. Financial stability—saving money, paying off debt, investing wisely—remains a major concern, while some individuals turn to creativity, exploring new hobbies, talents, or artistic pursuits.

Regardless of the resolution, a clear roadmap is essential. Transformation begins with reflection—understanding personal values, clarifying what truly matters, and identifying the change one desires to see. This process often involves shedding unproductive habits and mindsets to create room for growth. Setting specific and achievable goals, then breaking them into manageable tasks, increases the likelihood of success. Equally important is establishing an accountability system—whether through self-monitoring, trusted partners, or structured reviews—to sustain commitment over time.

New Year resolutions embody the power of intentional living. They allow individuals and groups to pause, evaluate past actions, and consciously chart a new course. When intentions are clearly defined, it becomes easier to identify growth areas, develop a realistic plan, maintain motivation, cultivate healthy habits, and strengthen relationships. Setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—ensures that resolutions are practical and purposeful rather than vague aspirations. In addition, prioritizing self-care enables the mind, body, and soul to function optimally, providing the stamina needed for long-term success.

Many resolutions require learning something new—whether acquiring professional skills, developing hobbies, or broadening intellectual capacity. For personal growth, this may include learning a new language, reading more books, or gaining knowledge that enhances competence and confidence. Involving family members in shared goals strengthens bonds and encourages collective responsibility. Regular family activities, open communication, shared meals, and intentional time together help instill values such as kindness, empathy, discipline, and accountability.

Career-focused resolutions may involve enrolling in online courses or certification programs, improving digital literacy, or networking with professionals in the same field. Financial growth requires discipline—creating and adhering to a budget, building a savings plan, investing wisely, and paying off debt systematically. When creativity or leisure is the focus, starting a journal or blog, learning an instrument, engaging in arts and crafts, or pursuing writing can be both fulfilling and therapeutic.

For families and teams, resolutions foster unity and shared purpose. When goals are collectively set and pursued, they promote collaboration, trust, and mutual support. Teams that align their resolutions with shared values experience improved productivity, morale, and accountability. Clear communication, regular progress reviews, and celebrating small wins reinforce commitment and sustain momentum throughout the year.

However, common pitfalls must be avoided. Unrealistic expectations often lead to discouragement and failure; goals should be challenging yet attainable. A lack of planning or strategy undermines even the best intentions, while poor accountability increases the risk of giving up prematurely. To make resolutions stick, it is important to track progress using journals, planners, or digital tools; celebrate milestones; remain patient with setbacks; and review goals periodically to adjust when necessary.

As the year unfolds, may our goals, hopes, and resolutions inspire meaningful change. Resolutions are not merely seasonal rituals—they are journeys of growth and discipline. With intentional planning, focused action, and collective effort, individuals, families, and teams can thrive, transform, and make lasting strides toward a better future.

By: Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi

Opinion

Trans-Kalabari Road: Work In Progress

Published

2 weeks ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”This Dream project is one of the best things that have happened to the people and residents of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas in recent times.”

This is the concluding part of this story featured in our last edition.

Good road network helps farmers to convey their agro-allied products to commercial hubs where buyers and sellers meet periodically to transact business. Road network engineers and motivates people resident in unfriendly geographical terrains, like riverine areas, to own property and shuttle home with ease. Some people will prefer living in their own houses in a more serene and nature-blessed communities to living in the city that is fraught with pollution, and other environmental, social and economic hazards. Prior to the cult epidemic that ravaged parts of Rivers State, the Emohuas, Elemes, Ogonis, and Etches were known for rural dwelling. Most public servants from these areas do their official and private transactions from their villages. For them it was comparatively easier to live in the village and engage in a diversified economic endeavours through farming, fishing or other lucrative business without outrageous charges and embarrassment associated with doing business in Port Harcourt, where land is as scarce as the traditional needle.

That is why the decision to construct the Trans-Kalabari Road by the administration of Dr. Peter Odili was one of the best decisions that administration took. When Dr. Odili vacated office as the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi took over and awarded contracts for continuation of the road project which in my considered view is the felt need of the people of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas. Unfortunately, Rt. Hon. Amaechi’s efforts to drive the project was sabotaged by some contractors some of whom are Kalabari people. The main Trans-Kalabari Road is one project that is dear to the people and residents of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas of Rivers State. This is because through the road commuters can easily access several communities in the three local government areas. For instance, the road when completed will enable access to eight of the ten communities in Degema Local Government Area, namely: Bukuma, Tombia, Bakana, Oguruama, Obuama, Usokun, Degema town and the Degema Consulate. It will also link 15 of the 16 communities in Asari Toru Local Government Area. The communities are: Buguma, the local government headquarters, Ido, Abalama, Tema, Sama, Okpo, Ilelema, Ifoko, Tema, Sangama, Krakrama, Omekwe-Ama, Angulama. The road will also connect 14 of 17 wards in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, and other settlements. It is interesting to note that It is faster, and far more convenient and economical for the catchment Communities on the Trans-Kalabari Road network to go to the State Capital than the East West Road. The people of the three local government areas will prefer to work or do their transactions in Port Harcourt from their respective communities to staying in Port Harcourt where the house rent and the general cost of living is astronomically high.

Consequently, development will seamlessly spread to the 28 out of 34 communities of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas. The only Communities that are not linked by the road project are Oporoama in Asari Toru, the Ke and Bille Communities in Degema Local Government Area and the “Oceania” communities of Abissa, Kula, Soku, Idama, Elem Sangama of Akuku Toru Local Government Area. But because of the economic value of the unlinked Communities to Nigeria, (they produce substantial oil and gas in the area), the Federal, State Governments and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), can extend the road network to those areas just as Bonny is linked to Port Harcourt and the Lagos Mainland Bridge is connecting several towns in Lagos and neighbouring States.Kudos to previous administrations who had constructed the Central Group axis.

However, what is said to be the First Phase of the Trans-Kalabari Road project is actually a linkage of the “Central Group” Communities which consists of Krakrama, Angulama, Omekwe. Ama, Omekwe Tari Ama, Ifoko, Tema, Sangama. It is the peripheral of the Trans-Kalabari Road. The completion of the Main Trans Kalabari project will free Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor areas from congestion. It will motivate residents and people of the three local areas to contribute to the development of their Communities. If the Ogonis, Etches, Emohuas, Oyigbos, Okrikas, Elemes can feel comfortable doing business in Port Harcourt from home, residents and people whose communities are linked to Port Harcourt through the Trans-Kalabari Road will no doubt, do likewise. The vast arable virgin land of the Bukuma people can be open for development and sustainable agricultural ventures by Local, State and Federal Government.

It is necessary to recall that the Bukuma community was host to the Federal Government’s Graduate Farmers’ Scheme and the Rivers State Government moribund School-to-Land Scheme under Governor Fidelis Oyakhilome. Bukuma was the only community in Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas that has the capacity to carry those agricultural programmes. However the lack of road to transport farm produce to Port Harcourt and facilitate the movement of the beneficiaries of the scheme who lived in the community which is several miles away from the farms, hampered the sustainability of the programme. The main Trans-Kalabari Road remains the best gift to the people of Degema, Asari Toru, and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas. Kudos to Sir Siminilayi Fubara.

By: Igbiki Benibo