Opinion
Still On Petroleum Subsidy
There seems to be a cold war in Nigeria now between some political class in support of the Federal government proposed plan to remove petroleum subsidy, the masses, and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), is like trying to remove a venom from a cobra snake without any protection.
The reminiscence of this type of controversy reminded us of the days of the IMF loan debate during the former military President Ibrahim Banangida regime where Nigerian views were discarded for personal aggrandizement.
Presently, the subject matter of the hullabaloo is the purported removal of subsidy by the federal government. This quagmire may be like the University strike.
Subsidy is a form of protectionism or financial support given to individual or group of business people to assist them to subsidize the price of an item or product for the benefit of all. Unfortunately, there had been a strong bond between the federal government and the independent petroleum marketers with unnecessary confidentiality in this importation of fuel making Nigerians to be very skeptical on the financial assistance to the Petroleum marketers.
For sometime now, importers of fuel, kerosence and diesel have enjoyed huge some of money from the federal government in the name of subsidy. They had formed cartel and can hold the country to ransom because the importation of petroleum product is not liberalize just like cement, sugar, bulding materials and others crucial items left in the hand of government loyalist.
In truism, Thomas Wolsey introduced subsidy to England in 1513, and it was aimed at supporting an enterprise regarded as being in the public interest. It is a fact that all over the world, the basic reason for the formation of government is for the welfare of the people and Nigeria will not run contrary to such celebrated view even through they have fail us many time. Government will therefore continue on it social services and circumvent form any business entrepreneurship because of the very corrupt tendencies in our political leaders.
Following the shocking revelation of corruption in Nigeria one might find it every difficult to believe that the federal government uses $4.5bn annually as ol subsidy. The whooping figure as no explanation as to who get what and why, it a mere assumption and Nigerians should not accept it without a proper probe. Nigerians should know how much money is shared among the Independent marketers and why. Because there are powerful forces in Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) and some to government representative who are feeding fat on this fuel importation. The implication is that this importation of petroleum product is a private business and not a public one. If so, why should the government not use if federal might and remove all of the encumbrances hindering the markets?
Furthermore, there must be a clear understanding and demarcation between liberalization, deregulation, privatization and removal of subsidy because the political class take delight in inventing political terminology that mean opposite of what they say. We must therefore be vigilant and careful not to be poison by their philosophies and propaganda.
Any additional pump price above N70 per. Litre is exploition and suicidal of the masses. In the days of President Olusegun Obansanjo, public companies were sold to his “Political Associate” in the name of privatization to the detrment of the public and we are yet to benefit. Nigerian retirees are the worst scenario as they are been tormented by the same government they served.
Recently, the Minister of Petroleum Dr. Railwanu Lukeman has stated in London during an interview that the four refineries in Nigeria will soon work because there is some maintenance presently taking place now, the question is why is the hurry to remove subsidy since importation will soon stop or reduced. We should not forget in a hurry how former President Obansajo and former Senate Deputy President Ibrahim Mantu joint venture on palliative measure during the constant increase in fuel price ended.
In the area of good governance, whether at federal, state or local government level, one will be astonish that the government is not implementing the budget item by item and these has given room to mismanagement of our resources. Few months now to the end of year and some ministries and government agencies are yet to receive any money from their expected budget estimate, how would the government explain this. While others will return huge some of what they call unspent money back to government some of the monies will lost in transit that is why we need transparency in the system of governance to transform the society.
In fact, deregulation is not the removal of subsidy as it currently presented by some government media. Opposing the dreaded deregulation, the Central bank governor, Mr. Lamido Sanusi has warned that even the deregulation will increase the infation rate in the country for now. The campaign by the federal government for the removal of subsidy is deceptive, camouflage and a time bomb and this will increase price of fuel. May be President Yaradua is dancing the drumbeat of another person. In the business of Petroleum every body make gain.
Can the Nigerian government make bold to say that they are not making profit?
From all indication, there will be a great calamity if the subsidy is remove hastily because the nation will stagnates, everyone will be effected and every sector of the economy will rot. The government must wake from it slumber to know that every new national energy policy must begin not with investment, but with the truth. Countries of the world whether developed or developing nation are using subsidy as a tool for greater welfare of the people.
The N70 billion naira injected to the textile industry by the federal government was form of subsidy too. No doubt, the removal of subsidy at this material time will cause panic, commotion and the Seven Point Agenda of President Umaru Musa Yaradua will be like a mirage. This situation may be regrettable and degenerate into the ritualistic strike often encouraged by government.
Equally, a decision like removal of subsidy can ginger the public against the winning party making opposition party to take power gradually since 2011 is just within the conrner. Those sugarcoated mouth pushing for removal of subsidy are enemies to the majority of Nigerians.
Apparently, the Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has cautioned the government on the dangers of subsidy for now. If the only tangible reason given for the removal of subsidy is based on freight charges, port charges, cost in insurance and cost of bridging, the question is, who collect all these charges on behave of the federal government. It means that the N640 billion subsidies paid in a single year is rhetoric, unrealistic and fraudulent.
On the issue of deregulation, government can make law on building of mini refineries as a prerequisite for a new prospecting company to do business here.
Even in the United States of America, there are divergent views on subsidy and most time debate and public opinion are use to buttress their point to support the poor masses.
Interestingly, American government had extended subsidy into other areas like, housing, agriculture, transportation, education and railroad among others.
Another very important area on the subject matter, if Nigerians fail to reject this Orchestrated plans to impoverish the masses posterity will not forgive us.
We therefore call the elites, students bodies, the Nigerian Labour Congress, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Civil Society Organisation, Religious Organisations and others to advice the federal government on the dangers of removal of subsidy which has nothing to do with deregulation and liberalization. By all ramification we are not a poor country and should benefit all the goodies of crude oil.
While countries like Ghana and South Africa is improving the quality of life of their citizens and practicing true democracy and politics most Nigerians politicians are interested in poli-thiefs.
Pius Dukor writes from Port Harcourt.
Pius Dukor
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
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.
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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