Editorial

Drug Day: Tackling The Scourge

Published

15 years ago

June 25, 2010

The recent International Narcotics Control Strategy report which declared Nigeria as the hub of African narcotics trafficking is to say the least worrisome. The nation is noted to be the centre for most narcotics traffic in Africa and remains one of the highest volume transshipment points for narcotics trade between the Eastern and Western Hemisphere.

Unhealthy studies have equally shown that 65 percent of the heroin seizures of 50 grams or more in British airports came from Nigeria, which was the transit point for 20 percent of all heroins from South-West Asia. Records also show that from 1980 to date, very many Nigerians have been arrested, tried in foreign countries, and languishing in foreign jails for drug trafficking.

Ironically the recent disclosure by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of an alarming increase in the involvement of Nigerians in this illicit drug cartel in the last four years gives credence to other reports and studies. NDLEA Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Giadu last Tuesday, announced the seizure of 871,181.92 kilogrammes of narcotics between 2006 and 2009. He said cannabis was the biggest seizure with 849,867.27 kilogrammes. Cocaine followed with 15,587 kilogrammes; and heroin, 270.04 kilogrammes.

According to the NDLEA boss, 27,628 persons including 26,054 males and 1,574 females, suspected to be dealing in narcotics were arrested within the period. While the agency confiscated 6,021 international passports belonging to drug offenders convicted in the last four years. He gave the figures for convictions for 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 as 1,363, 1,459, 1,712 and 1,487 respectively, totalling 6,021 convictions.

It is based on this very disturbing trend that tomorrow’s annual commemoration of this year’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, in compliance with Resolution 42/112 of the United Nations General Assembly of December 7, 1987, becomes more significant to Nigerians and the Nigerian nation, particularly, taking into consideration the theme of the celebration, “Think Health, Not Drugs”, chosen to raise global awareness on the health implications of drug abuse.

The Tide believes that the theme of this year’s celebration cannot be over-emphasised because illicit drugs, no doubt, are major catalyst responsible for violent crimes in the society. Security of life and property is threatened, economic growth and progress is distorted, peaceful co-existence at family and societal levels is endangered by this anti-social activities.

Illicit drug activities negatively affect our educational system, food security is threatened because land that should be used for food cultivation is used for drug cultivation, health and wellbeing of our citizens are jeopardised, discipline in society is compromised, and political stability is threatened. Above all, respect in the comity of nations is low, and perception at international community will continue to be poor if the drug problem is not addressed.

It is rather sad that despite counter-narcotics efforts by the NDLEA, increasingly, large quantities of drugs find their way through the nation’s land and sea borders. Nigeria’s extensive land borders are poorly patrolled and relevant law enforcement agencies are rife with corruption. Our ports are also poorly managed and plagued by corruption.

Indications are that efforts by the government to tackle the upsurge of illicit drugs through the enactment of Decree Number 48 of January 1990 which established the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDELA) to eliminate the growing, processing, manufacturing, selling, exporting, and trafficking of hard drugs, have failed, and needs reappraisal.

Efforts to eradicate this crime wave, particularly cannabis cultivation should be shifted from the arrest of couriers to the prosecution of controlling members of narcotics and money laundering syndicates. This new drive will fail if not properly funded. This is why we insist that it be well funded and wholistically backed by other government agencies.

We insist that for this level of cooperation to go beyond limited working level contacts, government must, as a matter of urgency and commitment, take concrete steps to resolve the difficult issues of corruption within the system and the impasse on extradition of offenders. Also, the well –crafted legislation enacted in 1995 to control money laundering must be effectively enforced to ensure that proceeds from hard drugs are not moved across the borders of Nigeria.

No gainsaying the fact that the increase in the number of Nigerian drug arrests, seizures and convictions disclosed by the NDLEA portends a sad and hopeless future for the present and coming generations of this country, and therefore demands the commitment of the citizenry in the war against narcotics.

We therefore, join the rest of the world in celebrating the Drug Day, every June 26, believing that when drugs are eradicated from the society, there will be nothing to abuse and traffic. Drug control should not be by words but by action, so we must, as a nation confront this global scourge with the required transparency and sincerity of purpose.

Editorial

Charge Before New Rivers Council Helmsmen

Published

5 days ago

September 29, 2025

The Tide

On the 30th of August, Rivers people trooped out to participate in local government elections conducted across the state. These elections, which produced new chairmen and councillors for the 23 local government areas (LGAs), were organised by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). The exercise has ushered in a new crop of grassroots leaders whose shoulders now bear the responsibility of steering the affairs of their respective councils. With the polls concluded and winners duly announced, the time has come for the newly elected officials to roll up their sleeves and begin the hard work of governance.

According to the results declared by RSIEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured a dominant lead, winning chairmanship seats in 20 of the 23 local government councils, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched the remaining three. This outcome not only reflects the current political dynamics in the state but also places a significant weight of expectation on the shoulders of the APC-led councils to justify the confidence reposed in them by the electorate. It is imperative that political rhetoric now gives way to tangible development, especially at the grassroots level where government is felt most directly.

Following the elections, the successful chairmen were officially sworn into office by the former Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas. The solemn ceremony marked a transition from campaign promises to the reality of public service. With their inauguration complete, the time for celebration has ended; the time for delivery has commenced. The electorate now awaits meaningful action that reflects the hopes and aspirations of the voting public.

As helmsmen of their various LGAs, these leaders must quickly settle down to work. Their constituents expect them to provide direction, formulate policies, and execute programmes that will uplift communities long neglected. The local government tier is closest to the people and, as such, must rise above politicking to meet the everyday needs of the citizenry. It is not enough to occupy office; they must make their impact visibly and positively felt across their domains.

The Supreme Court ruling mandating direct allocation of funds to local governments—although not yet fully implemented—is a welcome development that underscores the autonomy of the third tier of government. Once this is operationalised, the excuses often cited for underperformance will no longer hold water. With funds directly accessed from the Federation Account, council administrations will be better empowered to meet the developmental needs of their localities, if only they manage resources judiciously and prioritise the right projects.

The onus is now on the chairmen to contribute meaningfully to the broader development of Rivers State. The state government cannot and should not be expected to do everything. Local government councils have defined responsibilities—ranging from rural infrastructure, primary healthcare, and basic education to waste management and local security—that must be adequately addressed. It is high time they stopped passing the buck and started acting as the elected leaders they are.

We extend our congratulations to all who emerged victorious in the elections. However, with this victory comes great responsibility. It is no longer about party affiliations or electoral campaigns; it is about governance. The chairmen must launch people-centred projects that will genuinely improve the lives of the rural populace—projects in water supply, road maintenance, school renovation, and youth empowerment, among others. Let their tenure be remembered for its impact, not its slogans.

Central to their mandate should be the welfare of workers. Council employees form the engine room of local governance, and their morale significantly affects service delivery. The new chairmen must ensure regular payment of salaries, staff training, and a conducive working environment. Neglecting this vital aspect will only hinder whatever grand plans they may have for their LGAs.

It is also essential to institute a robust peer review mechanism. The new LG officials should not operate in isolation; rather, they should learn from one another, share ideas, and compete constructively in a bid to outperform each other in service delivery. Healthy competition among council areas will drive innovation and foster accelerated development. Such a system will also help the public identify high-performing councils for emulation.

Given the typically short tenure of council administrations, it is crucial that they focus on projects that are realistic and impactful. Time and resources should not be wasted on white elephant ventures that are neither sustainable nor beneficial to the people. Instead, chairmen should pursue programmes that match their timelines and address immediate community needs.

Peace and security must remain a cardinal objective for all council steersmen. Regardless of who facilitated their election or what political loyalties they hold, they must ensure peace reigns in their areas. Development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of tension and distrust. These leaders must work closely with traditional rulers, youth groups, and civil society organisations to maintain law and order.

A critical understanding must also prevail—that chairmen are leaders of the people, not just leaders of political parties. They must conduct themselves as impartial administrators serving all constituents, irrespective of political affiliations. Additionally, they must work harmoniously with the state governor, who remains the leader of the state. Petty rivalries and political infighting serve no purpose in the development agenda.

Now that the elections are over and governance has begun, it is essential for these chairmen and councillors to adopt an inclusive approach. They must carry everyone along—party members and opposition alike—in their development plans. Creating division or playing favourites will only fracture communities and stall progress. Leadership at the grassroots demands fairness, equity, and a listening ear.

Rivers people have played their part by coming out to vote. The baton has now been passed to the new council helmsmen. They must seize the opportunity to leave lasting legacies in their communities. History will not judge them by the number of rallies they held or the speeches they gave, but by the quality of life they brought to their people. Let them not squander this moment.

Editorial

No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike

Published

2 weeks ago

September 22, 2025

The Tide

Nigeria’s Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has unveiled a gratuitous proposal to increase the salaries of political and public office holders in the country. This plan seeks to fatten the pay packets of the president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors, and members of the National and State Assemblies. At a time when the nation is struggling to steady its economy, the suggestion that political leaders should be rewarded with more money is not only misplaced but insulting to the sensibilities of the ordinary Nigerian.

What makes the proposal even more opprobrious is the dire economic condition under which citizens currently live. The cost of living crisis has worsened, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of workers, and the naira continues to tumble against foreign currencies. The majority of Nigerians are living hand to mouth, with many unable to afford basic foodstuffs, medical care, and education. Against this backdrop, political office holders, who already enjoy obscene allowances, perks, and privileges, should not even contemplate a salary increase.

It is, therefore, not surprising that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has stepped in to challenge this development. SERAP has filed a lawsuit against the RMAFC to halt the implementation of this salary increment. This resolute move represents a voice of reason and accountability at a time when public anger against political insensitivity is palpable. The group is rightly insisting that the law must serve as a bulwark against impunity.

According to a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the commission has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Although a hearing date remains unconfirmed, the momentous step of seeking judicial redress reflects a determination to hold those in power accountable. SERAP has once again positioned itself as a guardian of public interest by challenging an elite-centric policy.

The case, registered as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1834/2025, specifically asks the court to determine “whether RMAFC’s proposed salary hike for the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria is not unlawful, unconstitutional and inconsistent with the rule of law.” This formidable question goes to the very heart of democratic governance: can those entrusted with public resources decide their own pay rises without violating the constitution and moral order?

In its pleadings, SERAP argues that the proposed hike runs foul of both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the RMAFC Act. By seeking a judicial declaration that such a move is unlawful, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with the rule of law, the group has placed a spotlight on the tension between self-serving leadership and constitutionalism. To trivialise such an issue would be harum-scarum, for the constitution remains the supreme authority guiding governance.

We wholeheartedly commend SERAP for standing firm, while we roundly condemn RMAFC’s selfish proposal. Political office should never be an avenue for financial aggrandisement. Since our leaders often pontificate sacrifice to citizens, urging them to tighten their belts in the face of economic turbulence, the same leaders must embody sacrifice themselves. Anything short of this amounts to double standards and betrayal of trust.

The Nigerian economy is not buoyant enough to shoulder the additional cost of a salary increase for political leaders. Already, lawmakers and executives enjoy allowances that are grossly disproportionate to the national average income. These earnings are sufficient not only for their needs but also their unchecked greed. To even consider further increments under present circumstances is egregious, a slap in the face of ordinary workers whose minimum wage remains grossly insufficient.

Resources earmarked for such frivolities should instead be channelled towards alleviating the suffering of citizens and improving the nation’s productive capacity. According to United Nations statistics, about 62.9 per cent of Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty in 2021, compared to 53.7 per cent in 2017. Similarly, nearly 30.9 per cent of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$2.15 per day. These figures paint a stark picture: Nigeria is a poor country by all measurable standards, and any extra naira diverted to elite pockets deepens this misery.

Besides, the timing of this proposal could not be more inappropriate. At a period when unemployment is soaring, inflation is crippling households, and insecurity continues to devastate communities, the RMAFC has chosen to pursue elite enrichment. It is widely known that Nigeria’s economy is in a parlous state, and public resources should be conserved and wisely invested. Political leaders must show prudence, not profligacy.

Another critical dimension is the national debt profile. According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2025 stood at a staggering N149.39 trillion. External debt obligations also remain heavy, with about US$43 billion outstanding by September 2024. In such a climate of debt-servicing and borrowing to fund budgets, it is irresponsible for political leaders to even table the idea of inflating their salaries further. Debt repayment, not self-reward, should occupy their minds.

This ignoble proposal is insensitive, unnecessary, and profoundly reckless. It should be discarded without further delay. Public office is a trust, not an entitlement to wealth accumulation. Nigerians deserve leaders who will share in their suffering, lead by example, and prioritise the common good over self-indulgence. Anything less represents betrayal of the social contract and undermines the fragile democracy we are striving to build.