Entertainment
Nigeria: The Journey To Civil Rule
The destiny of Nigeria as an independent state, certainly is influenced by the manner of its conception and creation. As a product of colonial and imperialistic adventure, Nigeria’s attempt to evolve a definite and enduring pattern of socio-political existence had been wavering and shallow.
The Nation, perhaps, survives on an ethnocentric platform, where the only bond is a false claim to federalism, whereas every ethnic group give their first loyalty to their various ethnic sentiments.
There had however been calls by the stakeholders for a Sovereign National Conference where the various component units that make up the country will discuss the basis of their corporate existence, but such calls had remained a pipe dream.
Proponents of Sovereign National Conference like the Nobel laureate and literary icon, Prof Wole Soyinka and foremost nationalist, Pa Anthony Enahoro, had insisted that only a Sovereign National Conference that can settle the problems of Nigeria.
In their view, those who are anti Sovereign National Conference are the beneficiaries of a skewed political system that will not want to let Nigeria out of the hook of their grand political deception.
Nigeria had, to a large extent, has also been a victim of party politics.
At independence, Nigeria adopted parliamentary system of government, an indigenous version of the westmister model practiced in Britain, its former colonial overlord. But the parliamentary system was truncated by the military through a coup de’ tat.
The aftermath was series of bloody revolutions including a civil war that threatened the very existence and foundation of the country. The military’s contemptuous seizure of power in the country was stamped on the self righteous notion that the politicians are corrupt.
With the prevailing ethos of the ruling military class operating as a tiny cabal from a dominant part of the country, the minority groups where placed permanently at a disadvantaged position as mere spectators in the game of power.
This compounded the knotty problems of complex relationships in the country.
But passing years often take with them the burdens and struggles of a nation, and sometimes providence plays the ultimate role in shaping the ideals of a country.
With the advent of democratic rule in 1999, Nigerians are begging to keep faith with democracy and obviate the pains of yester years.
Some Nigerians who spoke with The Weekend Tide on the strides of the country on certain critical areas of the economy were ambivalent in their assessment.
Lenu Kpagi, an Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, (retired) thanked God for keeping the country united over the past 50 years.
Kpagi who had a bias for qualitative educational development of the country, decried the high premium placed on paper qualification in the country which had encouraged sharp practices in the education sector in a desperate bid to acquire certificates.
Kpagi recalled that in those days, when students fail exams they worked hard to remedy their deficiencies. Such zeal for hard work, he noted, had disappeared from the educational system as students do not want to learn but want to cut corners to acquire certificates.
He said parents were culpable in the act as some parents go any length to aid and abet their wards to acquire certificates without merit.
“Everybody want to have a certificate so that they can access important positions, especially in government. Some parents bribe teachers to assist their children in getting certificates.
Kpagi who is an educationist and founder of Zina Academy however stated that their was remarkable improvement in terms of internet facilities and modern technologies compared to the past.
The weekend Tide also spoke with some civil society groups.
Adebayo Samuel, strategy coordinator of the Development Partnership International, a civil society organisation, expressed concern over the electoral process in the country.
He said Nigerians should stand firm and expressed their franchise without intimidation as that was the only way of whipping the erring system to line.
He regretted that inspite of glaring inconsistencies in the electoral system, the National Assembly was reluctant to institute the needed reforms.
Rita Kigbara, of the stakeholders Democracy Network, said there was need for a strong civil society presence to put things under check. She said civil society participation in Nigeria was still dismal and need to be re-invigorated.
She hinted that blind materialism had beclouded the reasoning of Nigerian law makers to the extent that they are less concerned about stabilising the polity through practical reform programme.
She called on the president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan to restore the hope of Nigerians by exerting strict supervision of the various agencies and machineries of government to be proactive and make expectations of Nigerians a reality.
Dr Chime Onumba, a safety management expert and academic, said there was nothing to celebrate.
According to him, Nigeria’s political system is a mockery of democracy, as critical issues such as resource control, economic manpower and, electricity are yet to be addressed.
He noted that the tyranny of mere will had blinded the conscience of the political leaders of the country and they are only concerned about what they can milk out of the system.
To him, the violence in various parts of the country which had claimed innocent lives is an epitome of a decadent society.
On political reforms, he said it was totally, wrong and unacceptable for the North to claim exclusive right to governance. He also kicked against the idea of restriction of movements on election days, stating that it was a deliberate plot to cow the electorates to submission of the political whims and caprices of the wielders of power.
He blamed the numerous problems of the country on politicians whom, he accused of dubiously manipulating the system and exploiting the citizenry.
Dr Onumbu also called for higher remuneration for University lecturers and civil servants, which, according to him, are the highest victim of hyper inflation in the country.
Taneh Beemene
Entertainment
“The Legal Day” 2025: Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Moves to Promote French Via Law
In a bid to promote the French language through law and build bridges between communities the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Nigeria has organized the 2025 edition of “La Journée du Droit” (“The Legal Day”)
The event which took place at Alliance Française auditorium was a civic and linguistic celebration designed to help learners of French Language and young citizens discover the importance of law in everyday life.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event featured interactive quiz sessions, exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa and beyond, pointing out both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
Throughout the day, the event featured interactive quiz sessions exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa, and beyond, highlighting both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging reflection on the rights and responsibilities shared by all citizens and to promote the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect through the French language.
The programme which had two sessions, (Morning and Afternoon session) witnessed the participation of about 150 students from various levels of education. Ranging from the Primary, Secondary, and tertiary institution for an engaging experience of civic and legal concepts.
Schools in attendance included Surebloom International School, Pleroma High School, Casterly Rock Secondary School, and TotalEnergies Port Harcourt School.
The morning sessions saw the Participation of Alliance Française students in an interactive quiz, enhancing their French comprehension while exploring civic notions.
While the Afternoon session had students from the University of Port Harcourt – UNIPORT (French Language and Law Departments), students from the French Department from both Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State University joined in the final rounds of the competition.
According to the director of Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal, all quiz questions were presented in French, then translated into English to ensure full understanding by participants, saying that winners received special prizes, as all attendees took home souvenirs from the educational and convivial event.
Mrs Lacal said that the diplomatic and educational initiative event “La Journée du Droit” (The Legal Day) sought to promote the French language through law, highlight the capacity of law to build bridges between communities and emphasize law as one of the pillars of French diplomacy.
“Through this initiative, the Alliance Française Port Harcourt continues its mission to foster intercultural dialogue, civic awareness, and the learning of French as a language of knowledge, culture, and citizenship,”?she?added.
The Garden City of Rivers State Port Harcourt at the weekend joined other parts of the world to celebrate the World Music Day, 2025, as Alliance Française showcases talents.
The event which is internationally known as Fête de la musique was held at cultural hall of the Alliance Française was a remarkable concert with memorable experience.
The event brought together music lovers, students, Artistes and members of the community For an exciting evening live performances and cultural exchange.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the world Music Day, which was created 1982 in France by the then Minister of culture, Jack Lang, ‘ Fête de la Musique’ is now celebrated in more than 100 countries every 21st June, marking the first day of summer with free concerts and musical showcases in public spaces.
In Port Harcourt, the Alliance Française honoured the tradition by spotlighting four(4) emerging artistes offering a platform to young talents shaping the city’s contemporary scene.
The audience enjoyed an unforgettable moments as they were entertained by the powerful performances from Preach A, who is known for blending fitness culture with spoken words and rhythm.
Also, artiste Emmayany delivering a vibrant fusion of afrobeat and afro pop. A singer, song writer and a performing artiste with a distinct sound.
Others were Amarachy Uko, a sensational singer with passion for soul , R&B, pop music and afrobeat.
While DJ Prospel closed the night with an energetic DJ set that got the entire hall dancing.
Earlier, the Director, Alliance Française, Port Harcourt Mrs Marina Lacal high lighted the mission of the Alliance Française saying that the event was more than a concert.
According to her, the event was put together by the Alliance Française to promote cultural diversity and foster artistic expression by connecting a long standing French tradition with creativity of the local music scene, adding that the event offerers an avenue for dialogue between culture and generations.
She stated that the event is used to promote professional and bring amateur artistes to limelight via the platform of the Alliance Française which is aimed at promoting the French Language through cultural heritage.
She explained that the celebration is also a broader series of Fête de la musique activities organized by the 10 Alliance Française across Nigeria in sync with concerts held in France and around the world simultaneously.
She further noted that the occasion reaffirms the role of Alliance Française as a cultural bridge, one where French heritage meets the pulses of Nigerian youth.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 19 artistes applied to perform at the event in Port Harcourt, but only four got approval for appearance.
The Governor of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Comrade Moses Mabadeje popularly known as Mozy B said that the body has announced plans to implement performance Levy on artistes in the state with effect from 21st June.
This was carried in a statement released to The Tide Entertainment, yesterday by the Deputy Governor of the association, Comrade Abiye Howells.
According to the Governor, the announcement was made by PMAN, the only governing body that regulates the music profession in Nigeria, as authorized by the Government of Nigeria, in line with the Trade Union Act.
He stated that those affected by the Levy include (Non members)bands, groups, Hotels, Bars, lounges, Event Centres, show organizers, promoters and other stakeholders hosting events which feature live music performances within the State.
However, the Levy does not apply to members of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria. (PMAN).
Comrade Moses Mabadeje, explained that this drive is aimed at financing the association and supporting the welfare and interest of musicians as outlined in Article 8 of the PMAN constitution as amended (2023). Consequently, a PMAN task force has been set up to enforce and swing into action to effect this move.
He further said that event organizers, promoters and owners of event centers are expected to comply with this regulation as the Governor has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the association to ensure the successful implementation of the levy and the peaceful co-existence between PMAN and Stockholders.
Nancy Briggs
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