Opinion

Is Receiving A Gift Crime In Nigeria?

Published

10 years ago

March 14, 2016

On Tuesday February 23,
2016, as a law abiding citizen, Prince Uche Secondus, Deputy National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), respectfully honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.
At the EFCC, he was confronted with the allegation of receiving vehicles from one Mr.Jide Omokore of Atlantic Energy Ltd. On the strength of this allegation, the EFCCdetained Prince Secondus for eight days, more than the constitutionally required two days or 48 hours without trial in a court of competent jurisdiction.
If one may ask, if a private businessman who is not under investigation at the time gives one a gift, how is that an economic crime against the state?
What is even more worrisome, while in custody after asking Prince Secondus to fulfill very stringent bail conditions which he duly complied, the EFCC refused to either grant him administrative bail immediately or charge him to court of competent jurisdiction as the law requires, but instead kept him in detention for eight days.
This action of the EFCC amounted to a flagrant abuse of Prince Secondus’s fundamental human rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. If one may ask, what economic crime did Prince Secondus commit against the Nigerian state to warrant his arrest and detention for eight days without being charged to court by the EFCC, other than being a foremost member of the main opposition party, the PDP.
What is more, at the time he received the said vehicles, was Prince Secondus occupying a position in government? Similarly, did he receive the vehicles from a government official that his failure to declare and hand them in at the end of the last administration amounted to intent to defraud the state, hence his arrest and detention by the government anti-corruption agency?
Against the above backdrop, one views Prince Secondus’s arrest and incarceration for eight days on thrump-up allegations without trial in a court of competent jurisdiction as serious abuse of power by agents of the ruling party, which all well-meaning Nigerians must rise up and fight this descent to impunity.
On regaining freedom after eight gruesome days in EFCC dungeon, Prince Secondus issued a statement in which he described his ordeal as part of the grand plot by the ruling APC to eliminate and silence him and other leading members of the opposition with the aim of totally decimating the main opposition party, the PDP.
Indeed, if the evidence that the General Buhari’s administration is on vengeance and witchhunt mission of political opponents and members of the opposition as epitomized by Prince Secondus’s EFCC experienceis true, then the power Nigerians freely gave the APC on March 28, 2015 to steer the democratic ship of state from troubled waters is grossly being abused.
Besides, we learnt that the EFCC asked Prince Secondus to refund the sum of N310 million being the cost of the vehicles to the coffers of government. In asking for the monetisation of the vehicles to government, one may ask, were the vehicles in question collected on behalf of government for the EFCC to ask for their cash refund? Therefore, for the EFCC to ask for cash from Prince Secondus for vehicles he got as an independent man implies that there are lots more to his arrest and detention for eight days without being charged to court than the vehicles.
Therefore, one is compelled to believe that he, Prince Secondus was made to suffer because of political vendetta orchestrated by certain persons in the ruling party who are not comfortable with his political profile and antecedent in the past few months that he led the PDP as acting National Chairman to successive victories both in some re-run elections and judicial cases at the Supreme Court. Hence,there is every reason to believe that the APC led Federal Government moved by the need to decimate the PDP must have seen Prince Secondus as a political ‘iroko tree’ that must be cut down in order to successfully plot its way through the thick Nigeria’s political forest.
As the events of the past few months have shown, one is constrained to view the anti-corruption mantra of the ruling APC General Buhari’s administration as smoke screen to divert public attention from the obvious directionless and cluelessness in the management of the nation’s seriously doldrumatised economy. This explains the desperation to lump and haul the few remaining prominent actors of the opposition into jail and smear them with unfounded allegation of corruption.
If one may ask, when is receiving a car gift from a private business organization or an individual who prior to the time was not under any investigation an economic crime against the state to warrant the incarceration of private individuals in a democracy?
Can the APC, as Nigeria’s ‘moral political standard bearer’ tell Nigerians in all sincerity that none of its chieftains either in government today or in times past ever received any gift from individuals, corporate entities, and even government agencies? In case they think the people may have forgotten so soon, the memory of Rivers people is still very fresh on how the resources of the State were alleged to have been plundered and used to fund the party right from inception till its ascendency to the Villa. Has the eagle eye of the EFCC still not seen the billions of Rivers people money alleged to have been diverted to fund the APC at the expense of school fees and bursary allowances for state sponsored school children both overseas and local, and salaries of poor civil servants, health workers, teachers and other categories of public servants including pensioners that were not paid for many months prior to May 29, 2015.What has the anti-graft body done to help the state now in dire financial straits recover its looted resources?
Against the above backdrop, for the APC led government of General Buhari’s effort to rid the polity of corruption to be acclaimed a success, it must investigate and bring to book all those across the different political divide who used their privileged positions for partisan and self-aggrandizement. If this is not done, the current efforts at fighting corruption in which only members of the opposition PDP are being investigated, arrested and detained without trial will amount to selective justice and flagrant abuse of power.
If the EFCC feels that Prince Secondus has done anything that amounted to infringement against the law, he should have been charged to a court of competent jurisdiction within the stipulated constitutional required time of 48 hours from time of his arrest which by his detention for eight days government had violated. Anything short is unacceptable, undemocratic, unconstitutional and dictatorial, and an invitation to anarchy which all Nigerians irrespective of partisan affiliation must resist for the sake of our hard won democracy.
Nigerians must rise up against the rebirth of dictatorship and disregard for due process, whereby people are framed and bundled into prison on thrumped-up charges as was prevalent during the hay days of the military junta. As a people who value their hard earned political freedom and rule of law, Nigerians must resist any attempt by the APC led government of General Buhari to reincarnate the David-West treatment, who in 1986 as Petroleum Minister based on thrumped-up charges of receiving a gift of wristwatch and taking a cup of tea offered by the then Saudi Oil Minister was jailed six months by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.
Da-Wariboko, a journalist, writes from Port Harcourt.

Biobele Da-Wariboko

Opinion

Empowering Youth Through Agriculture

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”While job seeking youths should continuously acquire skills and explore opportunities within their immediate environment as well as in the global space through the use of digital platforms, government, corporate/ multinational organizations or the organised private sector should generate skills and provide the enabling environment for skills acquisition, through adequate funding and resettlement packages that will provide sustainable economic life for beneficiaries”.

The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, recently urged youths in the Rivers State to take advantage of the vast opportunities available to become employers of labour and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the State. Governor Fubara noted that global trends increasingly favour entrepreneurship and innovation, and said that youths in Rivers State must not be left behind in harnessing these opportunities. The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, made this known while declaring open the 2026 Job Fair organised by the Rivers State Government in partnership with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in Port Harcourt. The Governor acknowledged the responsibility of government to create jobs for its teeming youth population but noted that it is unrealistic to absorb all job seekers into the civil service.

“As a government, we recognise our duty to provide employment opportunities for our teeming youths. However, we also understand that not all youths can be accommodated within the civil service. This underscores the need to encourage entrepreneurship across diverse sectors and to partner with other stakeholders, including the youths themselves, so they can transition from being job seekers to employers of labour,” he said. It is necessary to State that Governor Fubara has not only stated the obvious but was committed to drive youth entrepreneurship towards their self-reliance and the economic development of the State It is not news that developed economies of the world are skilled driven economies. The private sector also remains the highest employer of labour in private sector driven or capitalist economy though it is also the responsibility of government to create job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youth population in Nigeria which has the highest youth unemployed population in the subSahara Africa.

The lack of job opportunities, caused partly by the Federal Government’s apathy to job creation, the lack of adequate supervision of job opportunities economic programmes, lack of employable skills by many youths in the country have conspired to heighten the attendant challenges of unemployment. The challenges which include, “Japa” syndrome (travelling abroad for greener pastures), that characterises the labour market and poses threat to the nation’s critical sector, especially the health and medical sector; astronomical increase in the crime rate and a loss of interest in education. While job seeking youths should continuously acquire skills and explore opportunities within their immediate environment as well as in the global space through the use of digital platforms, government, corporate/ multinational organizations or the organised private sector should generate skills and provide the enabling environment for skills acquisition, through adequate funding and resettlement packages that will provide sustainable economic life for beneficiaries.

While commending the Rivers State Government led by the People First Governor, Sir Siminilayi Fubara for initiating “various training and capacity-building programmes in areas such as ICT and artificial intelligence, oil and gas, maritime, and the blue economy, among others”, it is note-worthy that the labour market is dynamic and shaped by industry-specific demands, technological advancements, management practices and other emerging factors. So another sector the Federal, State and Local Governments should encourage youths to explore and harness the abounding potentials, in my considered view, is Agriculture. Agriculture remains a veritable solution to hunger, inflation, and food Insecurity that ravages the country. No doubt, the Nigeria’s arable landmass is grossly under-utilised and under-exploited.

In recent times, Nigerians have voiced their concerns about the persistent challenges of hunger, inflation, and the general increase in prices of goods and commodities. These issues not only affect the livelihoods of individuals and families but also pose significant threats to food security and economic stability in the country. The United Nations estimated that more than 25 million people in Nigeria could face food insecurity this year—a 47% increase from the 17 million people already at risk of going hungry, mainly due to ongoing insecurity, protracted conflicts, and rising food prices. An estimated two million children under five are likely to be pushed into acute malnutrition. (Reliefweb ,2023). In response, Nigeria declared a state of emergency on food insecurity, recognizing the urgent need to tackle food shortages, stabilize rising prices, and protect farmers facing violence from armed groups. However, without addressing the insecurity challenges, farmers will continue to struggle to feed their families and boost food production.

In addition, parts of northwest and northeast Nigeria have experienced changes in rainfall patterns making less water available for crop production. These climate change events have resulted in droughts and land degradations; presenting challenges for local communities and leading to significant impact on food security. In light of these daunting challenges, it is imperative to address the intricate interplay between insecurity and agricultural productivity. Nigeria can work toward ensuring food security, reducing poverty, and fostering sustainable economic growth in its vital agricultural sector. In this article, I suggest solutions that could enhance agricultural production and ensure that every state scales its agricultural production to a level where it can cater to 60% of the population.

This is feasible and achievable if government at all levels are intentional driving the development of the agricultural sector which was the major economic mainstay of the Country before the crude oil was struck in commercial quantity and consequently became the nation’s monolithic revenue source. Government should revive the moribund Graduate Farmers Scheme and the Rivers State School-to-Land agricultural programmes to operate concurrently with other skills acquisition and development programmes. There should be a consideration for investment in mechanized farming and arable land allocation. State and local governments should play a pivotal role in promoting mechanized farming and providing arable land for farming in communities. Additionally, allocating arable land enables small holder farmers to expand their operations and contribute to food security at the grassroots level.

Nigeria can unlock the potential of its agricultural sector to address the pressing needs of its population and achieve sustainable development. Policymakers and stakeholders must heed Akande’s recommendations and take decisive action to ensure a food-secure future for all Nigerians.

By: Igbiki Benibo

Opinion

Of Protests And Need For Dialogue

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Quote:“.Across Abuja, Anambra, and Lagos, a common thread emerges: a disconnect between authority and empathy. Government actions may follow policy logic, but citizens respond from lived experience, fear, and frustration. When these realities collide without dialogue, the streets become the arena of engagement”

It was a turbulent week in the country, highlighting the widening gap between government intentions and public perception. From Abuja to Anambra and Lagos, citizens poured into the streets not just over specific grievances but in frustration with governance that often appears heavy-handed, confrontational, or insufficiently humane. While authorities may genuinely act in the public interest, their methods sometimes aggravate tensions rather than resolve them.

In Abuja, the strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) brought the capital to a near standstill. Their demands included five months’ unpaid wages, hazard and rural allowances, promotion arrears, welfare packages, pension and National Housing Fund remittances, and training and career progression concerns. These are core labour issues that directly affect workers’ dignity and livelihoods. Efforts to dialogue with the FCT Minister reportedly failed. Even after a court ordered the strike to end, workers persisted, underscoring the depth of discontent. Threats and sanctions only hardened positions.

The FCT crisis shows that industrial peace cannot be enforced through coercion. Dialogue is not weakness; it is recognition that governance is about people. Meeting labour leaders, listening attentively, clarifying grey areas, and agreeing on timelines could restore trust. Honesty and negotiation are far more effective than threats.

In Anambra, protests by Onitsha Main Market traders followed the government’s closure of the market over continued observance of a Monday sit-at-home, linked to separatist agitation. Governor Chukwuma Soludo described compliance as economic sabotage, insisting Anambra cannot operate as a “four-day-a-week economy.” While the governor’s concern is understandable, threats to revoke ownership, seize, or demolish the market risk escalating tensions. Many traders comply out of fear, not ideology. Markets are social ecosystems of families, apprentices, and informal networks; heavy-handed enforcement may worsen resistance. A better approach combines persuasion, dialogue with market leaders, credible security assurances, and gradual confidence-building. Coordinated political engagement with federal authorities could also reduce regional tensions.

In Lagos, protests erupted over demolition of homes in low-income waterfront communities such as Makoko, Owode Onirin, and Oworonshoki. The state defended these actions as necessary for safety, environmental protection, and urban renewal. While objectives are legitimate, demolitions drew criticism for lack of notice, compensation, and humane resettlement. Urban development without regard for human consequences risks appearing elitist and anti-poor. Where demolitions are unavoidable, transparent engagement, fair compensation, and realistic relocation must precede action to maintain public trust and social stability.

Across Abuja, Anambra, and Lagos, a common thread emerges: a disconnect between authority and empathy. Government actions may follow policy logic, but citizens respond from lived experience, fear, and frustration. When these realities collide without dialogue, the streets become the arena of engagement.

Democracy cannot thrive on decrees, threats, or bulldozers alone. Leaders must listen as much as they command, persuade as much as they enforce. Minister Wike should see labour leaders as partners, Governor Soludo must balance firmness with sensitivity, and Lagos authorities should align urban renewal with compassion and justice. Protests are signals of communication failure. Dialogue, caution, and a human face in governance are not optional—they are necessities. Police and security agencies must respect peaceful protest as a constitutional right.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Tackling Noise Pollution in Nigeria

Published

1 week ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Noise pollution is not merely an inconvenience; it is a silent threat to health, dignity, and the right of every Nigerian to live in peace. Worship should uplift the soul, not assault the ears.”

The viral video of former Abia State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Charles Ogbonna, chasing worshippers out of a worship center in Ibeku, Umuahia, with a cutlass sparked widespread outrage—and understandably so. No citizen, regardless of provocation, has the right to threaten others with a weapon. Such behavior is unacceptable in a civilized society and must be condemned. Yet outrage alone does not capture the full picture. Reports indicate that Mr. Ogbonna acted after enduring prolonged and excessive noise from the Umuobasi Town Hall, allegedly used for religious activities, which made life unbearable for residents. A resident, Chinedu, told journalists that the former commissioner stormed the hall around 1 a.m., after hours of blaring noise deprived people of sleep. While self-help was the wrong approach—he should have reported the matter to authorities—this incident highlights a deeper problem:

Nigeria’s culture of unchecked noise pollution and the failure of authorities to protect citizens’ right to peace, rest, and a healthy environment. When legitimate complaints are ignored, frustration builds—sometimes with dangerous consequences. Noise pollution in Nigeria is pervasive. Worship centers, commercial activities, motor parks, roadside traders, and private generators create an environment of relentless noise. So normalized is this that many Nigerians feel powerless to act. This culture of indifference—trampling on the right to quiet in the name of worship, celebration, or business—must end. Noise is not a minor inconvenience. It is a serious environmental and public health hazard. Medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to excessive noise can cause hearing loss, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, anxiety, and other psychological conditions

. The British Medical Bulletin notes that constant noise triggers stress responses that may lead to illness. Sleep deprivation—a common consequence—reduces productivity, undermines emotional stability, and worsens overall wellbeing. In a country already struggling with health challenges, noise pollution quietly compounds the problem. So what are Nigerian authorities doing? The truth is: the laws exist but enforcement is weak. Section 22 of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Act, 2007 empowers NESREA to regulate noise from industrial, commercial, domestic, recreational, and transport sources. Violations can attract fines or imprisonment. Likewise, the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2009 clearly define permissible noise levels across residential, commercial, and industrial zones.

The problem is not the absence of laws—it is the absence of will. Many citizens are unaware of their rights or where to report violations. Regulatory agencies are often underfunded, poorly equipped, and hesitant to act, particularly when influential religious or commercial interests are involved. The Umuahia incident is a textbook example of institutional failure: when lawful channels fail repeatedly, some individuals take the law into their own hands. Enforcement must be firm, consistent, and impartial. Environmental agencies need funding, modern noise-monitoring equipment, and trained personnel capable of responding swiftly. Laws must apply to all—churches, mosques, clubs, hotels, and individuals alike. There have been rare instances of decisive action. A decade ago, the Lagos State Government sealed 53 churches, mosques, and hotels for noise violations, following complaints from residents.

In October 2025, Lagos again sealed several establishments over excessive noise. Yet, such crackdowns are often temporary. Churches and mosques continue to dominate neighborhoods with blaring loudspeakers, making sleep a luxury during week-long vigils or pre-dawn sermons. For the elderly, the sick, and those who work long hours, this is more than an annoyance—it is harmful. Compared to many developed countries, Nigeria’s situation is embarrassing. Elsewhere, worship is associated with calm, reflection, and serenity. Noise levels are strictly regulated, and places of worship are often soundproofed. The question arises: is God in Nigeria hard of hearing, or has shouting simply become the default mode of expression?The rapid proliferation of worship centers has worsened the problem. Many spring up indiscriminately in high-density areas, markets, and private compounds, with little regard for zoning laws or environmental standards.

This neglect undermines productivity, social harmony, and quality of life. Noise pollution is a silent threat, eroding health and dignity in ways that often go unnoticed. Decisive action is urgently needed. Agencies must be strengthened, insulated from political and religious pressure, and empowered to enforce laws consistently. Offenders must face consequences regardless of influence. Public enlightenment is equally crucial: many Nigerians are unaware that excessive noise is harmful or that they have a legal right to quiet enjoyment of their environment. Sustained education through media, schools, and community forums can shift attitudes. Religious leaders, in particular, must understand that consideration for neighbors is not an attack on faith but a moral responsibility. Soundproofing standards for worship centers and entertainment venues should be adopted nationwide.

Worship should uplift the soul, not assault the ears. Freedom of religion and expression must coexist with responsibility and respect for others. Noise is an inevitable part of urban life, but chaos is not. Nigeria cannot continue as a society where “anything goes.” Psychologists argue that education, stricter enforcement, and changes in personal habits can make a significant difference. If citizens are empowered to demand accountability and authorities act decisively, Nigeria can become a healthier, more livable society.

The Umuahia incident should serve as a wake-up call—not just about individual misconduct but about systemic failure. Protecting citizens from noise pollution is not merely about silence; it is about dignity, health, and the right to live in peace.

By: Calista Ezeaku