Opinion
Kemi Adeosun And The NYSC Saga
Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has been in the eye of the storm over her exemption certificate from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). As a result, pressures have persisted calling for her response or immediate removal from office by President Muhammadu Buhari over forgery. From arguments in some quarters, the NYSC exemption certificate Adeosun presented wouldn’t have been genuinely issued at such a time she was below the stipulated age for exemption among other complex issues and the critics therefore tagged it fake, and demanded for her prosecution like others facing corruption charges. The federal government consequently, ordered a thorough investigation by the relevant bodies.
No doubt, the calls for investigations are a step in the right direction but for her distractions or removal from office, the timing is precariously wide of the mark. A finance minister that may rarely be sleeping at nights due to the sensitive nature of her job and the ministry that is the brainbox of the economy deserve no distraction as frivolous as the NYSC exemption issues. If the forgery is substantiated by the investigations, it is condemnable but inadequate to constitute distractions while she is in office. Professionally, the portfolio requires optimum concentration.
The alleged forgery ideally should have been dealt with during her screening by the Senate and not while engaged with sensitive responsibilities for the nation, hence, a pre-appointment issue. The essence of screening is to deal with such subtle issues prior to assigning portfolios and responsibilities to nominees. And irrefutably, the office of finance minister is all-encompassing that any distractions may cost the nation enormously, and therefore irrational to expect such an official to abandon her duties to be running after who signed or who didn’t sign the exemption certificate for her. Most likely, the uproars, asking Adeosun to divide her concentration over mere NYSC certificate are not abreast of challenges the portfolio demands or possibly want the economy crumbled at all costs.
The most absurd in the story is that the controversy wasn’t that she falsely claimed to have participated in the scheme, as she rightly admitted that she didn’t and the certificate equally indicated so but probably from a purported wrong source. Assuming the certification is related to her professional career or even as low as secondary school certificate, the hullabaloos will make good sense. Inarguably, the nation presently cannot afford to be ascribing such importance to trivial issues at the detriment of economic growth. Finance minister is not an office that can be subjected to partisanship or frolicsome issues. Again, it will be height of expensive jokes to fire Adeosun over mere NYSC exemption certification and notice later that an international organization hired her as witnessed in the past.
At this critical time of restructuring with its concomitant effects, what the populaces should focus attention on is the minister’s competence which is not in doubt. Adeosun is evidently sound and dependable. Unequivocally, she knows her onions. Nigerians should rather celebrate such a proficient figure, expediently fetched to fill the vacuum Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iwealla left during her tenure which convincingly shows that Nigerian women are up and doing, and can truly, productively manage key responsibilities and compete with, if not surpass counterparts around the world.
By implications, whatever be the case should wait till after her office except where issues are related to abuse of office. Crimes do not have expiry dates. At the moment, paramount to the nation is people-oriented policies that can impact positively on the vulnerable masses languishing in penury. Government should pragmatically focus on issues that can eradicate poverty and protracted miseries. Any other things can wait except looting, diversion of public funds and insecurity. Gradually, we will get to other corrupt practices like NYSC certification, claiming attendance while absent even during lectures, acquiring driver’s licenses without practical training, admissions without JAMB’s outlined scores, among others that have thrived fantastically over the years in the country.
An occupant of a house on inferno doesn’t go after rats, says an adage. This is the appropriate illustration of the controversy. Citizens are restless, looking forward to see costs of living become affordable and health care facilities available particularly to the helpless ratios. Masses want to see radical job creations that can cater for over 100,000 graduates that pass out yearly from 152 accredited universities across the nation. People earnestly look forward to a highly stimulated and friendly economy that can boost small-and-medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). These should be the focal points of those in governments alongside oppositions, and not on frivolities or inconsequentialities.
From experience, political parties will always reign and fizzle away some day. National Party of Nigeria (NPN), Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) among others in their time brawled and reigned. Lastly, they all disappeared. But Nigeria remains. Hitherto, PDP reigned, cruised closely two decades but presently peeping from afar. Thus, politics must be friendly, impactful and chivalrous. Allotting enormous time and energy on mere NYSC exemption certificate; not even a discharge certificate which implies that the holder at least, reconnoitered new environs, attempted how to climb trees or mountains, or ran with luggage on the head, leaves much to be desired especially without putting the sensitive nature of the office in question into consideration for national interest.
For example, some years ago, the then President of the United States of America, Bill Clinton, had a messy episode, grievous and sufficient for his impeachment but Americans prudently, objectively disregarded it in their best interests and moved on. That is nationalism in reality. Frankly-speaking, the do-or-die politics in Nigeria is indeed worrisome and despicable. Thus, while opposition, scheming and politicking are encouraged as conventional norms for universal suffrage, the interest of the nation must essentially, always be given its rightful prominent position.
Umegboro is a public affairs analyst.
Carl Umegboro
Opinion
Restoring Order, Delivering Good Governance
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Opinion
Checking Herdsmen Rampage
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
Opinion
Is Nigeria Democratic Nation?
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.
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