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Restructure Nigeria Now -Oba Nnam Obi,Sen Shehu Sani

Published

9 years ago

July 3, 2017

A former member of the defunct National Political Reform Conference and Pioneer President of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON), Sir Chukumela Nnam-Obi II, says it has become imperative for the Nigerian federation to be restructured for the sake of justice, equity and fairness to engender national growth and development.
In a statement in Port Harcourt yesterday, the two time Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers recalled how the reorganisations of 1967, 1976 and 1996 as well as the excision of the Midwest from the Western region in 1963 underscored the volatility of the internal territorial configuration of the Nigerian federation since the country’s independence in 1960.
He stated that of greater concern are the distributive pressures, sectional anxieties, partisan conflicts, constitutional controversies and institutional dilemma that are interwoven with the issue of’ state reorganisation in the country.
Dr Nnam-Obi II noted that though there are feelings of disenchantment among all tribes and ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, the “case of the mindless marginalization of the minority groups is worse”.
Listing the enormous contributions of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) to the national economy, the monarch who is also the Oba (Eze Ogba) of Ogbaland regretted that the area has had only one ministerial appointment, two ambassadorial slots, no special adviser, no permanent secretary in the Federal Public Service, no Chairmanship of any Federal Government parastatal, no high ranking officer in the military, among others since the inception of the country.
Continued he: “We are not found even in the middle level employment of federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS) just as we are denied jobs and facilities in financial institutions. Our people are slowly but steadily being suffocated out of meaningful existence”.
He said being the highest producer of crude oil and gas in Nigeria, ONELGA deserves a better treatment for sustaining the Nigerian nation and by extension every state and local government area in the country.
The Eze Ogba maintained that the panacea to the developmental challenges and the dilemma of injustice, sectional interest or regionalism, and other perversions on the part of the political class lies in making fundamental social, economic and institutional changes affecting the policies, practices, and the overall management of the federation.
These, according to him, include proper decentralisation and strengthening of democracy through the practice of true federalism, participatory democracy, community empowerment and participation in the exploration, exploitation and management of their natural resources and private sector involvement in national development.
He assured that the Niger Delta will continue to play key roles in the growth and development of the Nigerian nation in so far as there are concerted efforts to improve the environmental and living conditions of the region.
Meanwhile,the Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has thrown his weight behind those calling for the restructuring of the country.
He said that the present situation called for every Nigerian to take the opportunity offered to restructure and redesign Nigeria.
“We should come out with a new master plan that will address the social, economic and political crises that gave birth to some of these agitations.
“We should also use the opportunity to reach out, to strengthen our unity and form a coalition against separatists, who come from the South-East and ultra-nationalist and anarchist who come from northern part of Nigeria.
“This is the time for each and every Nigerian to take position. Nigeria will not and should not be Soviet Union; Nigeria will not be and must not be Yugoslavia, Nigerian should and must not be Sudan.
“There are issues we need to address. this is an opportunity for us to restructure and redesign our country,” Sani said.
Sani, who spoke to newsmen in Kaduna, added, “the moral calling of all men of conscience is to champion the cause of unity and peace. And for people like me, this is my area of calling. Biafran agitators are persons who have forgotten the lessons of history, the country is bigger than individuals, we are one and we should remain one.
“The Igbo ethnic groups have since been able to build themselves economically, and present themselves as Nigerians. Igbos can clearly be found in all the nooks and crannies of this country, and I believe we should be able to separate the few, who want secession from millions, who live among us as Nigerians.
“Any southerner in the North is in the North because he believes in one Nigeria, if he does not believe in one Nigeria, he could have gone back to South-East. We should look at it this way, it is great that we are called giant of Africa because of our size, our population and because of the promise we hold for West Africa and the black race. Secession is not an option, those who want to divide this country should be condemned in totality, and I can understand the anger by some of our people in northern part of Nigeria, but we should not play to the gallery.
“The secessionists should not determine our collective decision or distract what our response should be. If they are for secession, we are for unity. We must protect Igbos that are living in the northern part of Nigeria because they are here to live with us; they are here because they believe in one Nigeria. But Nnamdi Kanu and his Biafran forces are doomed to fail because Nigeria will remain one.
“This is a time to challenge them, combat and nip them in the bud. It is the time in history of this country that we must speak out. I will also say a nation united by force is vulnerable, a nation united by justice is inseparable, that must be our goal.”
Speaking on the need for unity in Kaduna State, Sani explained, “I am opposed to the dropping of these 4,766 district heads, for the very fact that they are very strong instruments of peace and unity. I call on the governor to reverse his decision. There is enough money to pay them.
“In a situation whereby we have a government in Kaduna State that is issuing out contracts to advisers, members of the state House of Assembly and the people in the position of authority, which is contrary to ethics of civil service, in that sense, you know that it is very disgusting to accuse the Peoples Democratic Party, the Ramalan Yero, Makarfi, late Yakowa’s governments of corruption in Kaduna State.
“In Kaduna State, you have public office holders who submit companies to be awarded contracts. We should understand that it is not just about N3billion contract scam, but there are ethics issues concerned, a civil servant is not allowed to be a contractor.
“It is an act of nepotism to send your son, your wife, to do contract directly under your office, it is against the code of conduct, code of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for an elected public office holder to engage in contract, that is very wrong.
“The only persons who are immune to face investigation is the governor and deputy governor of all this persons involved. The governor of the state should follow it up and set up investigation panel to fish out the bad eggs within his government and deal with them.
“If Buhari can drop Babachir as Secretary to the Government of the Federation for giving his own company contracts, Governor Nasir el-Rufai should toe the line by sacking his aides that have exploited their positions in office, and have turned themselves into contractors,” he added.

Victor Tew

Featured

Fubara Reaffirms Commitment To Peace, Development

Published

1 day ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of his administration to peace, unity, security, and inclusive development as Rivers State marked its 59th anniversary, last Wednesday.

In a goodwill message issued on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary, Governor Fubara stated that despite the challenges faced over the years, the people of Rivers State have continued to demonstrate resilience, strength, and an enduring spirit of unity that has sustained the state since its creation.

The Governor noted that the strong bond of brotherhood among the various ethnic nationalities of the state, including the Ijaw, Ikwerre, Ogoni, Etche, Ekpeye, Andoni, Kalabari, and others, remains one of Rivers State’s greatest strengths and a critical foundation for peace, stability, and progress.

He further observed that Rivers State has remained a major driver of Nigeria’s economy for decades, not only because of its abundant oil and gas resources, but also because of the exceptional contributions of its people across diverse sectors including academia, jurisprudence, business, entertainment, public service, and sports.

Governor Fubara assured the people that his administration will continue to prioritize policies and programmes that promote peace, protect lives and property, and expand development across all parts of the state. He emphasized that governance must be people centered and impactful, with equal attention given to every Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor also paid tribute to the elders and founding leaders of the state for preserving the spirit of unity and coexistence over the years, while urging the youths to remain hopeful, responsible, and actively committed to building a greater Rivers State through innovation, hard work, and patriotism.

He equally acknowledged the invaluable role of women in strengthening families, communities, and society, describing them as indispensable partners in the continued growth and stability of the state.

Governor Fubara called on all Rivers people to use the occasion of the anniversary as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, dialogue, and collective progress, stressing that the unity and future of Rivers State must always rise above personal interests and political differences.

Rivers State was created on May 27, 1967, by General Yakubu Gowon.

Editorial

Nigeria’s 27 Years of Civil Rule Journey

Published

1 day ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Nigeria returned to civil rule on May 29, 1999, after several years of military intervention in politics. The transition marked a major turning point in the nation’s history and raised hopes for freedom, stability, economic growth and accountable leadership. Citizens expected that elected governments would strengthen institutions, improve living conditions and unite the country after years of authoritarian rule. Twenty-seven years later, civil rule has survived without interruption, making it the longest uninterrupted civilian administration since independence in 1960.

Since 1999, Nigeria has witnessed six administrations at the federal level. Olusegun Obasanjo governed from 1999 to 2007, followed by Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from 2007 until his death in 2010. Goodluck Jonathan served from 2010 to 2015, while Muhammadu Buhari led the country between 2015 and 2023. Since May 2023, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been in office. Though democracy has remained stable, governance outcomes have produced mixed reactions among Nigerians.

The country has made some notable progress over the past 27 years. Democratic institutions such as the National Assembly, judiciary, political parties and the media have become stronger than they were during military rule. Elections are now regular, though still imperfect. Telecommunications, banking, entertainment and digital technology have expanded greatly. Nigerian youths have also become more politically aware and active. The country’s economy, despite its difficulties, remains one of the largest in Africa.

However, many of the expectations that came with democracy remain unmet. Corruption, unemployment, poverty, insecurity and poor infrastructure continue to trouble the nation. Public confidence in government institutions has weakened over time because many citizens believe political leaders have not done enough to improve their welfare. Ethnic and religious tensions also remain major challenges. While democracy has endured, good governance has not always matched the hopes of the people.

President Tinubu’s administration began with bold economic decisions aimed at reforming the nation’s finances. His government removed fuel subsidy and unified the foreign exchange system. Supporters argue that these measures were necessary to reduce waste and attract investment. The government also increased revenue allocation to states and sought to improve tax administration. Yet the immediate impact has been severe hardship for millions of Nigerians. Inflation, high transport costs and the falling value of the naira have placed enormous pressure on households and businesses.

In education, the Tinubu administration has promised reforms through student loan schemes, support for technical education and efforts to reduce strikes in tertiary institutions. Some progress has been recorded with the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. However, public schools still face poor funding, inadequate facilities and shortage of teachers. Many students continue to struggle with rising school fees and declining quality of education.

The health sector under the current administration has also recorded both efforts and challenges. Government has pledged to improve health insurance coverage. Nevertheless, hospitals across the country still suffer from inadequate equipment, shortage of medical personnel and brain drain as doctors and nurses continue to leave Nigeria for better opportunities abroad. Access to affordable healthcare remains difficult for many rural communities.

The power sector remains one of Nigeria’s biggest disappointments after nearly three decades of democracy. Despite repeated promises and reforms, electricity supply is still unstable. Businesses and households spend heavily on generators and fuel. The Tinubu administration has introduced policies aimed at decentralising power generation and encouraging investment, but ordinary Nigerians are yet to feel significant improvement in electricity supply.

The rising cost of living has become the greatest concern for many Nigerians today. Food prices, transportation costs and rent have increased sharply. Though the Federal Government introduced palliative programmes and cash transfer initiatives to cushion the effects of reforms, many citizens believe the interventions have been inadequate or poorly distributed. There is growing demand for more effective social protection programmes targeted at vulnerable citizens.

On national security, the government continues to battle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence. Security agencies have recorded some successes in parts of the country, yet insecurity remains widespread. Farmers in many rural communities still face attacks, affecting food production and increasing fear among citizens. Regional stability in West Africa has also become more uncertain due to political crises in neighbouring countries. Nigeria continues to play a leading diplomatic role in the region, but internal security challenges weaken its influence.

In infrastructure and other key sectors, the Tinubu administration has continued several road, rail and housing projects inherited from previous governments. Investments in ports, gas and digital technology have also been encouraged. In agriculture, government has promoted mechanised farming, dry season cultivation and access to credit. Yet food insecurity remains high because insecurity, inflation and poor rural infrastructure continue to affect agricultural productivity. Nigeria still imports many food items despite its vast agricultural potential.

To improve national conditions, the Federal Government must place greater attention on job creation, industrialisation and support for small businesses. More investment is needed in agriculture, healthcare, education and electricity. Anti-corruption institutions should be strengthened while government spending must become more transparent. Leaders must also prioritise national unity and reduce political divisions. Nigerians expect reforms that produce visible improvements in their daily lives, not only policy announcements.

In Rivers State, the 27 years of civilian rule have produced substantial development alongside political tensions. The state has remained economically important because of its oil and gas resources. Different administrations since 1999 have invested in roads, schools, healthcare facilities and urban renewal projects. However, political conflicts and struggles for power have often affected governance and slowed development in parts of the state.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara assumed office in May 2023 amid high expectations and intense political disagreements. In infrastructure, his administration has initiated projects such as massive road construction, bridge rehabilitation and urban development schemes in parts of the state. Ongoing works on major roads and public facilities have been presented as efforts to improve transportation and economic activities. Critics, however, argue that political instability in the state has distracted government’s attention from faster project delivery.

In education and health, the Rivers State Government has continued support for public schools and healthcare centres. Efforts have reportedly been made to improve learning environments and sustain payment of workers’ salaries. In health, there have been interventions in hospitals and primary healthcare services. On security, the administration has worked with security agencies to maintain peace, although political tensions in the state have created uncertainty. In the civil service, workers and pensioners have largely continued to receive salaries, stipends, and welfare support. The state government has also shown interest in agriculture and power development, though these sectors still require stronger investment and clearer long term strategies.

Going forward, Rivers State needs greater political stability to achieve meaningful development. The government should focus more on rural roads, youth employment, agricultural expansion and uninterrupted healthcare services. Investments in independent power projects and industrial development would help attract businesses and reduce unemployment. Above all, political leaders in the state must place the interest of the people above personal or factional battles. Democracy can only succeed when governance delivers peace, development, and hope to ordinary citizens.

Featured

WASSCE: RSG Distributes Science Materials To Secondary Schools

Published

2 weeks ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has distributed science equipment and materials to all senior secondary schools across the state to support students during the ongoing West African Examinations Council exams and to strengthen practical learning.

Flagging off the distribution at the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board premises in Port Harcourt, on Monday, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, said the move demonstrates Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment to improving education standards in the State.

Nwagor said the materials were approved and provided by the state government specifically to boost the teaching and learning of science subjects, describing science education as the foundation for technological advancement, innovation, and national development.

“No society can compete globally without deliberate investment in science and technology,” the Commissioner stated.

He commended the governor for consistently prioritising the education sector by providing tools needed for effective teaching and hands-on learning.

The Commissioner directed principals to ensure that the equipment are used strictly for practical lessons in their schools, warning that any principal or administrator found diverting, hoarding, or selling the materials wil face disciplinary action under public service regulations.

Nwagor also warned against examination malpractice, saying any principal found aiding or encouraging malpractices will be decisively sanctioned.

“We must collectively restore the dignity and credibility of our educational system,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman, Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board, Tony Egwurugwu, urged school heads to make judicious use of the materials for students’ benefit.

He thanked the State Government for providing the resources, and assured that monitoring mechanisms would be put in place to ensure the materials serve their intended purpose.

In his own remarks, a Board Member for Technical Education, Nwisabari Bani Samuel, expressed appreciation to the governor for prioritising education and acknowledged the Commissioner’s role in advancing education development in the State.

He said the distribution covers all senior secondary schools in the State and is intended to improve students’ performance in both internal and external science examinations.

Akujobi Amadi