Opinion
As NLC Prepares For Ultimate Strike…
The issue of an increase in the minimum wage of civil servants has lingered for so long. So much that it has called for the need to truly scrutinize what it means, especially in the face of gnawing economic incapacitation and clearly dehumanizing standard of living in Nigeria for the average person, popularly called the “common man”.
There is indeed no doubt that life is becoming extremely unbearable for the common man in Nigeria, considering that on a daily basis it has become increasingly difficult for him to have a good meal a day.
Year in, year out, workers in Nigeria are made to demand for the execution of an agreement, a legal agreement, between them and the government, for the Federal Government to make slight adjustments to the earnings of its workers, in line with economic realities.
Each time, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the umbrella body of workers in the country, resorted to stamping its feet, most times at the expense of some of its leaders being tagged enemies to government and being dealt with accordingly, for any decision to be taken about execution of the agreement.
From all indications, at least, going by the body language of the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, the implementation of the agreed N30,000 minimum wage will end up a mirage, and the NLC will surely embark on the proposed almighty strike in January.
The question that readily comes to the minds of critical thinkers at this juncture over the issue, is why there is so much ado about salary increase for workers who sometimes can hardly boast of N35,000 in their accounts after serving the government for the maximum 35 years, no thanks to economic instability and non-standardization to goods and services in the country.
This is a major truth about the typical civil servant in Nigeria: that if he decides to be a dedicated and meticulous worker in order to serve his country or state to the best of his ability, giving his best in the maximum 35 years, he will be regarded as a failure in life by even the government he has so diligently served, especially going by the attention he gets after retirement: difficulty in payment of his retirement benefits, if it is paid.
At the end of the day, after his otherwise meritorious service to his fatherland, if he does not die fighting for his benefits, he’ll end up not getting it till death comes calling. This is mostly why most retirees die shortly after retirement, because not only are their earnings reduced, they can hardly get such monthly entitlements.
When you place the plight of the civil servant side-by-side with his politician counterpart, it is easy to appreciate who the politician truly is, and what he thinks of the civil servant.
Unlike the civil servant, the politician, at best, aspires to be President of the country and to remain there for the maximum eight years. Of course, before then, he may have occupied several positions. But for the National and State Assemblies and appointments, every other position has a maximum eight years’ time frame to serve.
Within this period, they have several increases in salaries, allowances (most of which are never enjoyed by the civil servant in his entire years of service), and fringe benefits. Such benefits include wardrobe allowance, travelling allowance, changes of official cars almost annually, and even holiday allowance.
This is in the face of sometimes clear deprivation of the leave bonuses and sundry fringe benefits of civil servants by the same government.
Within the reign of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as Governor of Rivers State, and Chairman of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum, for instance, provisions were made for ex-Governors to retire in comfort. Some of the benefits accruable to anyone fortunate to serve as governor (for maximum eight years) include being paid millions of naira as salaries monthly, owning mansions as houses in Abuja and their state of origin, having a change of cars ranging from three to five in stated number of years, etc. All of these are as of right, and MUST be provided by the state.
Meanwhile, part of why the civil servant is tagged lazy is because either his job has been taken over by oftentimes comparatively less qualified politician, or he is seen as not being a politician, and so would demand that due process be followed in handling official matters.
As civil servants in Nigeria prepare to embark on the indirect government-imposed January ultimate strike, therefore, there’s the urgent need for all, including the government, to begin to actually appreciate the plight of the civil servant deliberately imposed by the government.
For, no matter what lies told to civil servants under whatever guise, and no matter how the government seeks to incapacitate the civil servant, it does not remove their knowledge that the government only needs them as chattels to enable it attain self-aggrandizement, not real partners in the progress of the Nigerian Society.
If this is not so, the government needs to redefine who the civil servant is in the development of the Nigerian State. And there’s no better way to do this than giving the civil servant his due, at this point, the pittance in the name of “N30,000.00 minimum wage”, which will not even be enough for him in the present hard times made possible by the same government.
It is, indeed, a wonder that every year, and in all its endeavours, government at all levels seeks to borrow a leaf from the advanced climes on how to develop their country and state. We hear of alliances with foreign companies to develop infrastructures, but the same courtesy is not accorded the workforce. Barely little is done in terms of improving the living standard of the civil servant, at least, not as is done for the politician.
To, therefore, view the proposed January workers strike as anything else but a fight for the ridiculously deprived survival of the civil servant is to state in clear terms that the civil servant in Nigeria has to think of other more aggressive means of demanding for their right and due.
The assumption is, of course, that the government will not allow this to happen by doing the needful, of according to the same or similar benefits as it does the politician. Anything contrary can only portend the worst for the polity and, one way or another, the country will be the worse for it.
Soibi Max-Alalibo
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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