Opinion

Machiavellian Politicians In A’Ibom State

Published

15 years ago

July 11, 2010

I will start by reacting to the recent impeachment turned to resignation of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker (who was lucky to be spared) of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Ignatius Edet and Okon Uwah respectively. Their sins, according to the courageous 22 lawmakers, include corruption, fraud, gross misconduct and abuse of office. I would like to know if the actions of the lawmakers would stop at accepting the situation which was created by the intervention of the executive governor or that they would live up to their billing by going ahead to probe and sanction the fraudulent, corrupt actions that they enumerated committed by the former Speaker, Ignatius Edet. If they failed to probe them, then they also stand condemned for condoning things inimical to the masses they represent; it will also show that they (individually) might even be worse than Edet, if given the chance for a shot at the position of Speaker.

In my article in the Daily Sun of Wednesday July 2, 2008, page 9, titled, “Stop Persecuting the 19bokwes”, I stated vividly my fear that the House would find it difficult restricting focus to essential matters of the State, when they inaugurated a mundane Ad-Hoc Committee to verify the issue of a printing machine supplied, installed and in use by state newspaper (Pioneer) for nearly eight years before the existence of the current House of Assembly. Of course, the final outcome of the issue which the state government media and apparatuses were deployed as if it was the only project the government had then on hand, is no more news. The state government was disgraced in the final analysis because it based its action on unfounded and unwarranted vindictive ground. On the streets and market places in Akwa Ibom then were raining curses on the executive and legislative arm of the government for daring to tarnish the integrity and image of our beloved daughter, Christy Essien Igbokwe, MFR, through whom God blessed our Akwa Ibom State with the present tag of ‘oil-producing-state’. It is the tag that has brought about the stupendous wealth now accruing to us and which many people believe is being mismanaged. My assumption on this matter has been proved right with the present happenings in the House of Assembly but I still fear.

My fear was further heightened, and it confused me and other Akwa-Ibomites, when I read two years ago in The Punch newspaper of Thursday August 7, 2008, page 32, that this same House denied an impeachment notice believed to have been earlier served to this same Speaker on the ground of misappropriation of N570 Million (meant for the House) and other ridiculous and ignoble things they listed, but, unfortunately he was still retained. It was reported that the Governor came to his aid by doling out the same amount to the House in order to save then Speaker.

Sadly enough, we are in a nation where the separation of powers between the three arms of government is quietly going extinct. The executive arm of government is in full control of the legislature and judiciary. Reading This Day of Tuesday, May 25, 2010, page 8 and Daily Champion of the same day, page 6, it was reponed that the Akwa-Ibom State’s Governor, Godswill Akpabio, enticed the members of the State’s House of Assembly with financial offer and car gift to reinstate the impeached Speaker. It was also reported that he released their project funds which had piled up since 2008 as a result of bad leadership, all in his quest to return a man who has, since he mounted that sacred position dragged the name of the House and the entire state in the mud. Yes, it could be that they were offered cash and car gift that made them deny the impeachment notice that was earlier served the Speaker, in 2008, as I mentioned in third paragraph. There is more to this than meets an ordinary eye, for a governor to go this far to return a man who had been condemned by all and sundry.

My dear Akwa Ibom people, it is high time we opened our eyes to lies and deceitful nature of government in our state. For how much longer are we going to be brainwashed with empty promises, and non-existing projects by this present administration in Akwa Ibom state. The government had even in a sponsored article first published in the Compass newspaper of Thursday 22″d April, 2010, page 47, written by one Muhammed said to the National Coordinator of Freedom and Democracy in Nigeria claimed to have constructed the Shelter Afrique Estate at Mbiabong (by Attah’s administration), the Ebiye Havens along Udo Udoma Avenue Uyo (by Group Captain Ebiye’s administration), the Akwa Ibom Legislative quarters, the Federal Low Cost Housing (by federal government), the 50 3-bedroom Bungalow in each of the 31 local government areas (by Attah’s administration), etc. I would not have bothered if the article was published in only one newspaper but it found space at later dates in other newspapers Leadership, Nigerian Tribune and The Nation. Many thanks to Akwa-Ibom Citizens Rights Group, for the sponsorship of an advert carried in all the national dailies published between the periods 3rd to 12tl1 May 2010, on Ibom Tropicana project. When Governor Akpabio’s gimmick advert was first carried in Saturday Vanguard of September, 19,2009, I had the premonition that it would join the long list of Akpabio’s media acclaimed but nonexisting projects. Honestly, I have no sentiment attached to this article, I do not know Akpabio in person neither do I have anything personally against him, but we must not allow evil to prevail over good. All the political shenanigans among our politicians in Akwa Ibom must stop at once.

As the new Speaker and the reinstated deputy have mounted the troubled seat, I would give my humble advise that they should showcase an outstanding character with moral and religious scruples, so that they would not be tossed about by the cabal that has held the state to ransom from the beginning of this present administration, to unleash inexplicable trauma to innocent dignitaries of the State. They should understand the sacredness of the seat they occupy and should carry out their duties without any fear or favour. In that way, the peace and tranquility AkwaIbom state is noted for would gradually be restored, and posterity would forever be grateful to us all.

Obong Sunday Udoh, wrote from Lagos

Obong Sunday Udoh

Opinion

Kudos Gov Fubara

Published

1 day ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Please permit me to use this medium to appreciate our able governor, Siminalayi Fubara for the inauguration of the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road in Ahoada-East Local Government Area. This inauguration marks a significant milestone in the history of our communities and deserves commendation. We, the people of Ozochi, are particularly happy because this project has brought long-awaited relief after years of isolation and hardship.

The expression of our traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Eze Prince Ike Ehie, JP, during the inauguration captured the joy of our people. He said, “our isolation is over.” That reflects the profound impact of this road on daily life, economic activities, and social integration of the people of Ozochi and other neighbouring communities. The road will no doubt ease transportation, improve access to markets and healthcare, and strengthen links between Ahoada, Omoku, and other parts of Rivers State.

The people of Ahoada, Omoku, and indeed Rivers State as a whole are grateful to our dear governor for this laudable achievement and wish him many more successful years in office. We pray that God endows him with more wisdom and strength to continue to pilot the affairs of the state for the benefit of all. As citizens, we should rally behind the governor and support his development agenda. Our politicians and stakeholders should embrace peace and cooperation, as no meaningful progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of conflict. Sustainable development in the state can only thrive where peace prevails.

Samuel Ebiye

Opinion

… And It Came To Pass

Published

1 day ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Quote:“Leadership is not measured by how hard one strikes back, but by how steady one remains under provocation.”

Tell it in Rivers State, publish it in the streets of Port Harcourt, so the daughters of the State could rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph and know that Fubara is not vindictive”. And it came to pass that Rivers State emerged from one of the most delicate chapters in its political journey, the period of emergency rule that spanned from March 18 to September 18, 2025. It was a season that tested institutions, strained loyalties, and exposed the fragile balance between power and principle. During that time, the suspended Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara DSSRS, was widely believed to have suffered not only political setbacks but personal betrayal, allegedly from some top civil servants within the state apparatus. These were individuals expected to uphold neutrality and professionalism, yet were accused in public opinion of taking sides against the very government they served.

As the emergency rule ended and Governor Fubara resumed office, expectations were shaped less by policy and more by emotion. Many assumed that revenge would quietly find expression through governance. The loudest suspicion centered on the 2025 Christmas bonus of ?100,000 traditionally paid to each worker. The thinking was simple and cynical: a wounded governor would surely withhold goodwill. Some voices even mocked workers openly hoping that the governor would refuse to pay the bonus. To them, denial of the bonus would serve as proof of political strength and justified retaliation. In reality, such thinking revealed a troubling desire to see governance reduced to personal vendetta. Yet, it came to pass, the governor chose a path that confounded suspicion. Against all expectations, the 2025 Christmas bonus was paid.

That single decision quietly but firmly reframed the narrative. It showed a leader focused on governance rather than grudges, on institutional continuity rather than emotional satisfaction. The payment was not a favor, nor was it a concession; it was a statement that public administration must rise above personal injury. By honoring the bonus, Governor Fubara demonstrated that leadership is not measured by how hard one strikes back, but by how steady one remains under provocation. He made it clear that workers’ welfare would not become collateral damage in political disagreements. This action also served as a moral rebuke to those who celebrated division and hoped for punishment. Governance is not validated by the suffering of workers, nor is leadership strengthened by withholding entitlements. At the same time, the issue of alleged sycophancy and betrayal within the civil service cannot be brushed aside. If proven, such conduct deserves firm, lawful, and institutional correction. Civil servants are bound by duty to the state, not to political conspiracies or shifting loyalties.

However, justice must never be confused with revenge. The strength of governance lies in correcting wrongs without destroying the system itself. Governor Fubara’s restraint suggested an understanding that the future of Rivers State mattered more than settling scores. For workers, this moment carried an important lesson. Celebration should be rooted in good governance, not in the expectation of another’s downfall. Rejoicing in rumors of denial or punishment undermines the very stability that protects workers’ welfare. Public service thrives where professionalism, mutual respect, and accountability are upheld. Pettiness, gossip, and political scheming only weaken institutions and erode trust. History often remembers leaders not for the crises they inherit, but for the character they display in response. In paying the 2025 Christmas bonus, Governor Fubara chose legacy over impulse, maturity over malice.

And so, it came to pass that focus defeated revenge, governance triumphed over bitterness, and Rivers State was reminded that true leadership is proven when restraint is expected least but delivered most. Beyond the symbolism of the Christmas bonus lies a deeper question about the kind of political culture Rivers State intends to cultivate in the years ahead. Periods of emergency rule, anywhere in the world, often leave behind residues of suspicion, fear, and silent realignments. Institutions do not emerge untouched; individuals recalibrate loyalties, some out of conviction, others out of self-preservation. What distinguishes stable democracies from fragile ones is not the absence of such moments, but the discipline with which leadership manages their aftermath. River.

King Onunwor

Opinion

That Withdrawal of Police Orderlies From VIPs

Published

1 day ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Balancing VIP security with public safety remains a tightrope walk in a country where the majority of citizens are still under-protected.”

The Presidential announcement on the removal of police orderlies from persons in authority and their relations ( Very Important Persons ) last month came as a relief to many Nigerians who felt deprived of one major role of government ; security of lives and property.The higher population of Nigerians missed needed security because the VIPs and the VVIPs kept retinue of Police Officers totalling over 100 ,000 to themselves and their family members as if they are all that matter while some communities under attack of terrorists have no single unit of police station located there in. While many hailed the announcement , some said perhaps the government has just woken up to her major responsibility of securing the lives and property of all citizens while many expressed indifference on the note that it may be one of those pronouncements which come only in words but no action .Many keep their fingers crossed watching how it will play out , how Mr President will go about the implementation of the seemingly dicey policy .

Benjamin Franklin said “well said is better than well done ” It is sufficient today to say that many Nigerians including me are still waiting and watching to see how well and how long this return of the Police service to the ordinary people will go . Wishing hopes will not be crashed , It is note worthy, that the recent complaints by the VIPs of being exposed to attacks may in a way affect the action on implementation. Recently, at Senate plenary , another worrisome angle came up as Senator Abdul Ningi coming through a motion disclosed that he had only one police officer attached to him ( his office ) and that the officer was recalled the week before following Mr President’s directive . Senator Ningi said the withdrawal exposed him to high risks but underscored the angle that while his orderly was recalled , many other politicians , men and women in authority, business concerns foreigners and even children of some VIPs are still enjoying retinue of police protection ( officially attached to them ).

It’s note worthy also that the Deputy Senate President , Distinguished Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session revealed that the leadership of both chambers are already in discussion with President Tinubu on the need to exempt the law makers from the new policy . Senator Ningi may not be wrong . After all he emphasized he is okay provided that the removal of the Police Orderlies be done across board . Senator Barau noted that talks are on over the issue of law makers’ in line with international practice . Further details from the Presidency noted that Presiding officers will retain their police officers , others would have Civil Defense officers ( NSCDC) as orderlies while any other VIP who feels he or she deserves personal police protection should get clearance from his office . In the midst of all issues weighing in on the proper implementation , it becomes necessary to bear in mind that the decision hinges on the realization that Nigeria has peculiar security issues (of kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism.) and that majority of Nigerians are under protected.

More so, that if well implemented, Police officers will focus on core duties; even as 30,000 new police officers are to recruited to enhance security .That implementation must be made in a way that leaves no room.for selective treatment loss of confidence and controversies. Looking at previous attempts of implementation of this policy gives faint hope as several attempts consistently failed . Former IGPs like Tafa Balogun (2003), Ogbonnaya Onovo (2009), and Ibrahim Idris (2018) tried the policy but all failed due to political resistance from various angles. All the failed attempts were tied to lack of political will mostly due to the fact that the directives came from police chiefs, not the president. Selective Enforcement was another killer to the policy as partial implementation met resistance and later reversal . Egbetokun (2023) and Adamu (2020) saw minimal impact.

Further more entrenched corruption in the system saw Politicians and VIPs quietly regain police escorts due to ‘transactional economics”and pressure. Worse still the mindset of the police officers withdrawn didn’t help the policy Underpaid police prioritize VIP duties for extra benefits. Many wish President Tinubu’s move can break this cycle. As at today, he still insists the move is non-negotiable while stressing collaboration with states to upgrade training facilities. As citizens look forward to success of the policy without undue exposure of both sides, balancing VIP security with public safety remains a tightrope walk. Talk fades ; action echoes. How the Presidency implements this policy. has much to tell on the governments stand on national / community security , choice of priority and the ability to stand uncomprised . The known goal is clear: The outcome is not yet certain. Fingers crossed , we await . Definitely , time will tell.

By: Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi.

s State stood at such a crossroads in September 2025. The temptation to rule with a long memory and a heavy hand was real. Yet, the choice made signaled a preference for healing over hardening. Leadership after crisis demands more than administrative competence; it requires moral clarity.

Governor Fubara’s decision reminded the state that authority is not best exercised through silent punishment or selective generosity. Rather, it is strengthened when rules remain rules, irrespective of personal injury. By keeping faith with workers, the government preserved an essential firewall between politics and public service. That firewall, once breached, turns governance into a battlefield where livelihoods become weapons. Rivers State narrowly avoided that descent. In doing so, it affirmed that institutions must outlive tempers, and governance must not mirror the bitterness of political seasons. This moment also invites sober introspection within the civil service itself. Allegations of partisanship, if left unresolved, corrode professionalism and weaken public confidence. A civil service that drifts into political camps loses its moral authority and operational effectiveness.

Therefore, reform, where necessary, should be guided by due process, transparency, and institutional review—not whispers, witch-hunts, or mob verdicts. Accountability strengthens systems when it is fair; it destroys them when it is arbitrary. The restraint shown by the executive places a corresponding burden on administrative leadership to restore discipline, neutrality, and pride in public service. For the wider political class and the commentariat, the episode serves as a caution against normalizing cruelty as strategy. The eagerness with which some anticipated workers’ suffering revealed a dangerous appetite for scorched-earth politics. When governance becomes a spectator sport where pain is cheered and deprivation is weaponized, society inches toward moral exhaustion. Rivers State has seen enough turbulence to know that stability is not sustained by triumphalism, but by restraint.

The lesson is simple yet profound: power is fleeting, but institutions endure; leaders pass, but precedents remain. In the end, the payment of the 2025 Christmas bonus was more than a fiscal act—it was a civic statement. It told workers they were not expendable. It told political actors that revenge would not be policy. And it told the state that maturity in leadership is not weakness, but strength under control. In a climate where many expected fire, restraint prevailed; where bitterness was predicted, balance emerged. Thus, Rivers State was offered a rare reminder that governance, at its best, is an act of discipline, and leadership, at its highest, is the courage to rise above provocation.