Business

RSG’s New Approach To Crime:What The People Say

Published

10 years ago

July 4, 2016

Last week, the Rivers State Government took the
war against kidnapping, cultism and other crimes to a new level by demolishing properties allegedly owned by some kidnappers.
Earlier, Governor Nyesom Wike had offered amnesty to kidnappers and cultists who would submit their arms to security agencies and commit themselves to honest living.
How do Rivers people view this approach to war against crime? Our correspondent, Calista Ezeaku, sought opinions of the public on the burning issue. Our photographer, Ken Nwuieh captured their images
Mr. Martin Nsidebe Philip – Transporters
I think the decision by the Governor to grant amnesty to kidnappers and cultists is a welcome development. Even in the eyes of God, when a sinner repents and comes back to God, God receives him and forgives him. So the governor forgiving the repentant criminals is a good thing. I also think the governor took a right step by demolishing the properties of the criminals because when there is no place for them to hide, they will run away, or they will repent.
Captain Dogood David – Sailor
If Governor Wike is willing to grant them amnesty, that is a good thing for them and I believe that will reduce the high rate of crime in the State. Even in the sea where we work, the crime is on a daily rise. There is no rest of mind for the people that travel by sea. Everybody is scared. Just last Monday, some boats were robbed in the sea. So if the governor is bringing such idea, I think that will be the best thing for them and for all of us.
If the governor is sincere about the amnesty, I believe that will lure the criminals to come out and turn a new leaf because they are human beings. You know some of them are born criminals, but some of them got into it because of hunger, poverty, unemployment. So the amnesty will help this set of people to stop living bad lives and be useful to themselves.
However, I do not think it was proper for the properties of these criminals to be demolished. Since the governor has granted them amnesty, he should first of all see the response of these boys to the amnesty move. If they refuse to turn a new leaf, and continue perpetuating crime, then he can now demolish heir properties. So I will advice that the governor should wait for a little while and see whether the bad boys will turn a new leaf before he goes after them drastically.
Mr. Gab Gbaarabe – Politician
I think in the real sense, the killings in Rivers State is getting out of hand, to the extent that some people are now packing away from the State. People are packing from the rural areas to township. Getting to township, the same problem exists. So, I don’t know exactly what we are going to do. But you see, the governor is trying. The man is really trying. Two, three months ago, the crime rate was very high but now, I think the situation is coming down. But to me, I don’t love the idea of granting amnesty to the criminals. What about the people who are not making any trouble? They will find ways to start their own trouble so that they will benefit from the government too. I don’t love that. The best thing to do is to carry along all these youths, because if you have something doing, I don’t think you can think of anything bad. But when you are idle, you are susceptible to all manner of temptation.
This is Rivers State; we have a lot of things to do here. We have a lot of companies. So the best thing is to provide jobs for these youths. Empower them. If you go to the rural areas you will know that people are suffering because of this hard time. Some of them are even snatching handsets. A handset that the owner bought for N50,000.00, they wouldn’t mind selling it for N500.00.
On the issue of demolishing buildings belonging to kidnappers, I don’t think that is a nice idea because they are going to do the worse. When you drive them away from where they were living, they are going to do the worse. You drive them away, they will go and settle some other place and reorganize themselves.
So, I’m not in support of that action. The best thing is to call all these boys and empower them. Recently, the governor is trying in fighting crime but he should try more. You don’t need to pet all these criminals. He should empower them. And the police should support the governor by doing the right thing, carry out their duties professionally. A situation where a known criminal is arrested with arms, taken to the police station only for the police to grant him bail for highest N50,000.00, does not help matters. And that’s why people say the police helps in promoting crime.
Rev. Austin Benson – Business man
I believe granting amnesty to kidnappers and other criminals that have been making the state hellish is a nice thing. If government can do it, it will reduce the level of criminalities in the state. I believe the amnesty will make these bad boys to stop their evil ways and begin to do good. I also want to commend the governor for taking the bold step in demolishing the properties of these criminals which had been serving as their hideout. I believe that will reduce crime in the state. I therefore, want to appeal to all those involved in kidnapping, killing and all that, to make use of the golden opportunity being given to them by the governor. They should come out, dialogue with the government and use the amnesty programme to re-organise themselves in the right direction. But the amnesty should not be for only the criminals. Let it extend to all the people that are unemployed. Attention should not be paid on criminals alone. The good ones should also benefit.

Mrs Celine Eli – Teacher
In as much as I am worried about the growing crime rate in the state, I do not think granting amnesty to the criminals will bring a lasting solution to the problem. Take for instance the federal government’s amnesty to Niger Delta militants. Has it solved the problem of militancy and agitation in the region? I don’t think so. Rather, a few people, both militants and non-militants used the programme to enrich themselves while the region remains in its pitiable condition. Today, we hear about another militant group called Niger Delta Avengers. They have been blowing up pipelines and causing all sorts of havoc in the region.
So amnesty is not the way out. I mean, we should stop parting criminals at the back all the time. What about the good people, how do you encourage them to remain good? Some of these boys have killed many people, kidnapped many, tortured them, and caused them all manner of psychological trauma; some of them have raped many women and all that. Do you just receive them with a hand shake and tell them to “go and sin no more?” Do you think all the people they have hurt will be pleased with that and be happy seeing them roam freely on the streets and in their communities? I believe we have laws in this country and whoever commits crime must be made to face the consequences of his or her action. That will serve as a deterrent to others.
Having said that, I also think government should take a step further, by getting to the root of these problems. Many of these young ones were used and dumped by politicians during past elections, a lot of them are jobless. Many years after graduating from universities, they could find no job, yet the harsh economic situation of the country keeps biting very hard. So, some of these issues must be addressed and government devices ways of caring for our youths and making them more useful. Otherwise, what we see today might just be a tip of the iceberg.
On the issue of demolishing the properties of criminals, I am not comfortable with that at all. In the first place, we were not told that these people have been arrested, prosecuted and found guilty by competent courts. I think, in as much as drastic measures should be taken to rid the state of criminals, it should be done in accordance with the law. Actions that could make the state seem lawless or make people term the fight against criminals a political vendetta should be avoided as much as possible.
Mrs Paulina Hillary – Businesswoman
I think the amnesty is a good idea because it will make the bad boys to stop all the bad, bad things they do. It will help them repent from their evil ways and become useful to themselves, their parents and the society at large.
Going ahead to demolish these properties was also good because that will really make them know that government is after them. No reasonable person will sit down, fold his hands while his enemy overruns his house. These criminals are enemies of the people and government and Governor Nyesom Wike had said that any of them who does not want to allow him sleep will also not sleep. So it is good as the governor is giving them fire for fire. Any of them who does not want to be caught up in the battle should repent and embrace the amnesty programme.

Business

Association Seeks Intervention to Save Domestic Airlines

Published

4 days ago

August 10, 2026

The Tide

The Vice Chairman of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and Chairman of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the nation’s aviation industry, warning that several domestic airlines may cease operations if the current challenges confronting the sector are not addressed.

Onyema gave the warning at the public presentation of the book, Pathways, Pilgrimage and Destiny: The Biography of Alhaji Muneer Bankole, held in Lagos and was obtained in Port Harcourt, at the weekend.

He described the aviation industry as being highly capital-intensive with relatively low financial returns, stressing that domestic airline operators are grappling with severe economic pressures that threaten their continued existence.

According to him, the industry has reached a critical stage and requires immediate government intervention to avert the collapse of many indigenous carriers.

Onyema warned that unless decisive measures are taken within the next 30 days, several Nigerian airlines could be forced to shut down their operations due to the harsh operating environment.

He also cautioned aviation labour unions against any planned picketing of airlines over the alleged non-remittance of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge, saying such action could disrupt flight operations across the country.

The Air Peace Chairman maintained that if any airline was singled out for industrial action, other domestic operators would stand in solidarity, arguing that labour unions should not be used as instruments for resolving debt-related disputes between airlines and government agencies.

He lamented that more than 50 Nigerian airlines had folded over the years despite the success of many of their promoters in other sectors of the economy, attributing the trend to the difficult business environment in the aviation industry.

While reaffirming the commitment of airline operators to support government revenue generation, Onyema stressed that policies capable of crippling airline operations should be reviewed in the interest of the sector.

He noted that a thriving aviation industry remains critical to national economic growth, employment generation and improved connectivity across the country.

The AON Vice Chairman urged the Federal Government to engage relevant stakeholders and adopt sustainable measures that would strengthen the operational capacity and financial stability of indigenous airlines.

He expressed optimism that with timely policy support and constructive engagement between government and industry stakeholders, the nation’s aviation sector would overcome its current challenges and continue to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

King Onunwor

Business

CBN Reforms Impact Consumers As Dollar Card Spending Limits Rise

Published

4 days ago

August 10, 2026

The Tide

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) foreign exchange reforms are beginning to deliver tangible benefits to consumers, as banks expand international spending limits on naira cards amid improved liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

The new limit represents a sharp increase from the $6,000 quarterly cap introduced in November 2025 and is 20-times higher than the $1,000 quarterly limit announced in July 2025.

The move comes as analysts point to a more liquid foreign exchange market following reforms introduced by the CBN over the past three years.

“This reflects the improved liquidity in the foreign exchange market. It also shows the focus of banks in maximising income from card payments,” said Ayokunle Olubunmi, head of Financial Institutions Ratings at Agusto & Co.

Muda Yusuf, chief executive officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), said the increase in card spending limits reflects the significant improvement in liquidity and confidence in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.

“It’s an indication that the liquidity in the foreign exchange market has improved significantly and we can see that from the stability of the exchange rate. We can also see that reflected in our foreign reserves. All of these things reflect the level of confidence,” Yusuf said.

According to him, businesses and individuals are no longer under pressure to obtain foreign exchange for legitimate transactions, unlike in the past when access to dollars was constrained.

“It also means that citizens and those who use foreign exchange are no longer desperate about foreign exchange usage. Whether you want to use it through your card or access it for international trade, there is no anxiety, there is no pressure and there is no desperation.

All of these things have arisen because the level of confidence in the foreign exchange market and the outlook for the market have been very reassuring,” he said.

Yusuf added that the adjustment of international spending limits by banks demonstrates growing confidence in the sustainability of the foreign exchange market reforms.

“That is why we are seeing all these positive developments around the use of the naira card abroad and the limits that are now being adjusted by banks. It is a very good development and I hope we can sustain it. I am confident we will.”

The increase follows a series of policy changes by the apex bank aimed at deepening the foreign exchange market and improving access to foreign currency for legitimate transactions.

Under the CBN’s Foreign Exchange Manual, Fourth Edition, the maximum tuition fee remittance for Nigerian students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies abroad was raised to $25,000 per semester, from the previous $15,000.

“Payment of tuition fees for undergraduate/postgraduate studies shall be subject to a maximum limit of $25,000.00 per semester,” the Manual states.

The expansion of international card limits also reflects growing confidence among lenders that foreign exchange liquidity has improved enough to support retail dollar transactions.

Speaking recently at the BusinessDay 14th Annual CEO Forum in Lagos, CBN Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the CBN said buying and selling activities now increasingly determine outcomes in the foreign exchange market, unlike in the past when market participants relied heavily on routine Central Bank interventions.

According to Cardoso, Nigeria’s net foreign exchange reserves have risen from just over $3 billion at the start of the reform programme to more than $40 billion, while gross reserves have climbed to about $52 billion, providing stronger confidence for investors and enabling the Central Bank to reserve interventions for periods of market stress rather than day-to-day liquidity management.

The restoration and expansion of international naira card spending limits are increasingly being seen as one of the clearest signs that the benefits of the CBN’s foreign exchange reforms are beginning to reach households, students and businesses making legitimate cross-border payments.

Business

WEC: FG Inaugurates Governing Board … As Nigeria Rejoins Council

Published

4 days ago

August 10, 2026

The Tide

Nigeria has rejoined the World Energy Council (WEC) with the inauguration of a National Member Committee and Governing Board to strengthen the country’s participation in global energy policy and investment discussions.

The Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer, WEC, Dr Angela Wilkinson, disclosed this in a statement, last Thursday.

The Governing Board is chaired by the Chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Ltd., Abdulrazaq Isa, while a former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Ltd., Bala Wunti, will serve as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer.

Other members of the board are Prof. Wumi Iledare, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Mrs Aisha Farida Katagum, Dr Ainojie Irune, Dr Emmanuel Okon, Dr Victor Ekpenyong and Dr Imamuddeen Talba.

The Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer, WEC, Dr Angela Wilkinson, who disclosed this in a statement, last Thursday, said the board comprises of experts in energy policy, regulation, investment, operations, research, technology and enterprise development.

Welcoming Nigeria into the council, Wilkinson said the country’s membership would strengthen its contribution to global energy discourse.

Wilkinson noted that “Nigeria has a significant leadership role to play within the global energy community.

“Nigeria has a significant leadership role, and the Member Committee will help bring that expertise and voice onto the world stage at the Riyadh World Energy Congress in April 2027 and beyond.

“Nigeria’s participation comes at a pivotal time as the country seeks to expand energy access, strengthen energy security, accelerate gas development and mobilise the capital required for industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.

“WEC Nigeria will convene leaders from across the energy ecosystem, apply the WEC’s globally recognised Energy Trilemma framework to Nigeria’s unique context, and promote evidence-based dialogue, practical collaboration and informed policymaking.

“It will also ensure that Nigerian and broader African perspectives contribute meaningfully to global energy conversations,” she said.

Wilkinson expressed confidence that Nigeria would play a significant leadership role at the World Energy Congress scheduled for Riyadh in April 2027 and beyond.

The statement also quoted the Chairman of WEC Nigeria, Isa, as describing the country’s participation as an opportunity to deepen national and African leadership within the global energy community through practical solutions tailored to regional development priorities.

He said the platform would promote collaboration across sectors and attract sustainable investments into Nigeria’s energy sector.

The Chief Executive Officer of WEC Nigeria, Wunti, was quoted in the statement as saying that the council would connect leadership, evidence and investment to build a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system.

“This system will be capable of driving economic growth and shared prosperity.”

According to him, the platform will also connect Nigerian institutions and businesses with international knowledge, technology, partnerships and investment opportunities through the World Energy Council’s global network.

Recall that WEC, founded in 1923, is the world’s oldest independent and impartial community of energy leaders and practitioners, advancing informed, collaborative and practical action across the global energy system.

Nigeria has been a member of the council with the Nigerian National Committee originally approved and established on April 6, 1960 before its re-establishment and expansion this year.

The renewed membership would provide an independent, technology-neutral platform bringing together government, industry, academia, finance and civil society to address Nigeria’s energy security, energy equity and environmental sustainability.