Editorial

That National Security Adviser’s Alert

Published

15 years ago

November 24, 2010

On the 26th of last month, vigilant security operatives discovered 13 containers carrying illegal lethal weapons at the Apapa Port in Lagos. The contents of the containers included rocket propelled grenades, missile launchers, heavy machine guns, bombs and explosives, sophisticated rifles, and automatic weapons, among others. This discovery, in no mean measure, frightened majority of Nigerians to their marrow.

Precisely 16 days after, the State Security Service (SSS) informed Nigerians that the vessel with the illegal arms, actually arrived Tin Can Island Port on July 10 with 371 containers, out of which 83 were discharged at Frano bonded warehouse at Cele-Ijesha in Lagos. The SSS added that 13 of the 83 containers, moved from Frano to AP Molar Terminal, Apapa Port on October 20, were the ones found to be carrying the dangerous weapons. This revelation also exacerbated the fear of insecurity that had enveloped the nation.

But barely one month after the discovery was made, National Security Adviser to the President, Lt-Gen Andrew Owoye Azazi, last weekend in Awka, Anambra State, confirmed the fears of most Nigerians that the worst might not yet be over.

Delivering a paper on National Unity and the Challenges of Internal Security, at the annual lecture series and mini arts exhibition 2010, organised by the Centre for Victims of Extra-Judicial Killings and Turture (CVEKT), with the theme, “Human Rights and National Security: Challenges for Emerging Democracies”, Gen Azazi hinted that the issue of illegal arms proliferation in the country has assumed an alarming proportion.

In the paper presented by Brig-Gen Mohammed Ali, the national security adviser specifically blamed desperate politicians for stockpiling arms and ammunition, saying that politicians have intensified the training of thugs and provision of fake service uniforms in preparation for the 2011 general elections.

For us, these are very serious allegations that heighten our sense of insecurity. And coming from one of the stature of the national security adviser, these concerns should be taken even more seriously because nothing tangible can come out of the planned electioneering process in an atmosphere of insecurity.

However, Azazi will not be the first to raise this alarm. Government had made similar allegations before without any pragmatic step to arrest and prosecute those found culpable. In fact, in the last couple of months, some of the politicians have been accusing one another of plotting to perpetuate security breaches with intent to hijack the political process. This is why Azazi’s alarm requires urgent national attention.

We say so because, a security adviser to a president, we believe, is exposed to all necessary intelligence briefings from various security agencies, and is expected to speak publicly, dully informed of all available facts. Who, for instance, are the politicians? How untouchable are they that security operatives cannot bring them to justice? Most importantly, what has the security agencies done about the information?

The Tide challenges, not just the national security adviser to the president but all security agencies to expose those suspected political arms dealers. This is because unless something drastic is done now to serve as a warning shot for any politician intent on destabilizing the democratic process, all attempts to fashion an effective and efficient election programme will turn to naught.

This position has become even more compelling because very little was heard of previous cases where politicians were accused of importing sophisticated arms, which they deployed to hijack the electoral process, and at the end, unleashed a reign of terror on law-abiding citizens. In fact, it is on record that in the past, many Nigerians had lost their lives, some maimed while others were brazenly intimidated and forced out of the political process by thugs hired and armed by overzealous and desperate politicians, who want to win elections, by either hook or crook.

We cannot allow this ugly scenario to repeat in 2011. If Nigerians tolerated the militarization of the electioneering process in 1999, 2004 and 2007, we think this is the time to say ‘enough is enough’. Perhaps, now is the time to start working towards preventing any kind of security breach that may truncate the current political process.

The Tide insist that the security agencies owe the nation an obligation to quickly arrest any politician confirmed to be stockpiling illegal arms and ammunition, recruiting thugs and procuring fake service uniforms, in preparation for a season of violence during the 2011 elections. Arresting such politicians, their foot soldiers as well as confiscating already procured weapons would no doubt; forestall any violence during and after the planned general elections.

In addition, we challenge the Federal Government to muster the political will to arraign and prosecute those politicians planning to foment trouble during the elections. We make this challenge, believing that in a society where the rule of law reigns, nobody, not even the most successful or popular politician, is a sacred cow.

Beyond that, The Tide reckons that it is only when those who violate the rules of engagement in the political process are swiftly tamed, that the rest of the society can begin to see a ray of hope in their future and those of their children. We say this, convinced that it is only when Nigerians are sure that the political landscape is peaceful and safe, would they volunteer their lives, time and energy on Election Day to cast their votes, which both the government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), have repeatedly assured, must count this time around.

We vehemently advise all security agencies and well-meaning Nigerians to stand up, and resist the temptation of allowing corrupt, evil and mediocre politicians to populate the polity, once again. This is our stand.

Editorial

No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike

Published

23 hours ago

September 22, 2025

Uchechukwu Okwum

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.

Editorial

No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike

Published

24 hours ago

September 22, 2025

The Tide

Editorial

Rivers’ Retirees: Matters Arising

Published

2 weeks ago

September 8, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Government deserves commendation for the manner in which it conducted the last biometric exercise for pensioners in the state. For the first time in many years, the verification process was not only efficient but also humane, a development that has brought relief to a category of citizens that often bears the brunt of neglect.

Unlike previous verification exercises that left pensioners exhausted and unattended, the latest exercise set a refreshing precedent. Retirees were given proper and sumptuous meals, and in addition, the government paid the sum of N10,000 into their accounts to cushion their transportation costs. Such gestures go a long way in demonstrating that those who had laboured for the state are not forgotten in their twilight years.

The measure was particularly necessary given that some pensioners had to travel long distances to reach their verification centres. For elderly men and women, such journeys come with physical and financial strain. By recognising these realities and easing the burden, the government has shown that pensioners deserve dignity, not disdain.

Beyond this laudable act of consideration, the authorities must reflect on the very structure of pension verification. The era of compelling retirees to be physically present for routine verification should be reconsidered. With digital tools and innovation, the government can adopt systems that capture and confirm data without the stress of physical assembly. This is crucial for pensioners residing in other states or even abroad.

While we acknowledge the importance of verification in cleaning up pension records, we cannot ignore the darker side of the matter. It is regrettable that some allowances continue to be paid to deceased pensioners, with relatives fraudulently collecting the funds. The latest biometrics, thankfully, exposed some of these sharp practices. The exercise, therefore, is not only about order but also about justice.

We urge families of deceased pensioners to be patriotic enough to inform the government of the deaths of their loved ones. It is deeply shameful that in some instances, individuals attempted to impersonate late pensioners during the biometrics. Such behaviour undermines the spirit of honesty and deprives genuine retirees of their due entitlements.

The exercise also revealed another important area of concern: the health of pensioners. It is reassuring to learn that the state government has reportedly promised to take over the medical treatment of some retirees who arrived for the biometrics in critical condition. This is a step in the right direction. Elderly citizens, after years of service, should have access to special health care facilities in the state. Setting aside hospitals or designated centres for the aged is not just desirable but necessary.

While pension payments in Rivers State have remained consistent, attention must now be directed towards gratuities. Senior citizens deserve to receive their retirement benefits without the bureaucratic hitches that have often marred the process. After years of loyal service, nothing is more demoralising than to see retirees languish for want of their gratuities. Every worker, as Scripture reminds us, is worthy of his wage.

Retirement, in any civilised society, should not be reduced to a sentence of suffering. In dealing with pensioners, government must consistently wear a human face. The humane manner displayed during this verification exercise should not be a one-off. It must become the norm in all dealings with retirees. Measures must continually be put in place to ensure that they do not feel abandoned by the state they served.

One welcome innovation has already been introduced. The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has altered the method of gratuity payment. Pensioners now receive their monies directly into their bank accounts, eliminating the cheque-based system that for years served as fertile ground for corruption. This reform is both pragmatic and forward-looking. Similarly, the implementation of the N32,000 pension harmonisation is also commendable.

Direct payments gratuities ensure transparency and drastically reduce the possibility of diversion of funds. More importantly, they restore confidence in the system and assure pensioners that their entitlements will reach them without interference. In this way, the government has not only safeguarded the process but also upheld the principle of accountability.

Seamless gratuity payment has a ripple effect on the workforce as a whole. When workers are confident that retirement will not plunge them into hardship, the temptation to falsify age in order to remain in service is eliminated. Such reforms, therefore, enhance efficiency, honesty, and productivity in the public service.

In sum, the Rivers State Government has struck a refreshing chord in its handling of pension verification. It has shown empathy, innovation, and accountability. However, the momentum must be sustained, and the focus must shift towards modernising verification methods and prioritising retirees’ welfare in health, gratuity, and dignity.

When retirees are treated with compassion and fairness, the message to those still in service is clear: faithful service to the state will not go unrewarded. The humane verification exercise, though a single event, offers a hopeful glimpse of what governance can look like when people, especially the elderly, are placed at the heart of policy.