Editorial

Bayelsa Guber Polls: That NBA Alarm

Published

14 years ago

February 27, 2012

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) recently raised alarm over the location of polling units in private residences, corridors, mechanics workshops, street corners, among other private places, arguing that the present location of polling units across the country makes them vulnerable for ballot boxes to be hijacked while the secrecy of voting are also greatly compromised.

The NBA also said that the poor location of some polling units posed fundamental challenges to security agencies “in providing adequate security cover for elections,” and recommended that “polling units should be accessible and located in public schools and other public places,” for the outcome of such elections to be seen as being free and fair.

The association, which expressed its concerns in a post-mortem report of the Bayelsa Governorship Elections held February 11, monitored by the Nigerian Bar Election Working Group (NBEWG) in conjunction with the state chapter of the NBA, consequently recommended an urgent review of the location of polling units in Bayelsa State and other parts of the country to ensure greater credibility in future elections.

In the report, signed by its Chairman, Dafe Akpedeye (SAN) and Alternate Chairman, Festus Okoye, respectively, the NBEWG also recommended a review of the voters’ register in all the states of the federation and Abuja “to verify its authenticity.”

It, however, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the conduct of the Bayelsa polls, pointing out that election material “arrived fairly early” in most of the polling booths while accreditation of eligible voters started between 8am and 9am.

While observing that there were “isolated cases of late arrival of materials and accreditation of voters” in some areas with difficult terrain, the body commended the introduction of “additional features in the ballot papers by INEC “to prevent their duplication and movement from one local government to the other”.

As if to accentuate NBA’s position on the overall performance of INEC in the Bayelsa polls, the Northern Patriotic Front (NPF), a domestic election observer group, also said that the election was the most transparent in recent times, explaining that INEC had improved tremendously on its experience in the last polls in Kogi and Adamawa.

The NPF National Coordinator, Alhaji Ali Abacha said, his team, which also monitored the Bayelsa polls, found that, “some of the problems we have identified in the past election like late arrival of election materials, under-aged voting, and inadequate security to some polling units, were absent in Bayelsa”.

The Tide agrees with both groups that the performance of INEC in the Bayelsa election was relatively satisfactory as the entire process was a tacit improvement on previous elections in the country. We also agree that the high presence of security personnel in the state, especially at the various polling units, contributed in no small measure to the smooth conduct and the credible, free and fair outcome of the elections.

But while we commend INEC for the great improvement in its overall performance as elections roll by, we insist that the NBA’s alarm over the location of polling units in private places deserves to be taken very seriously if our elections are to improve on its peaceful, free and fair state in the future.

In fact, we task INEC to ensure that no election holds in the near future with polling units located in private places. Instead, we recommend the use of public schools, fire stations, court premises, and other public institutions to guarantee the transparency of the process.

We say so because elections conducted in private residences are more likely to witness violence, irregularities, brazen acts of intimidation, stuffing of ballot boxes and crass abuse of true democratic tenets that should make our electoral process credible.

This is why we laud INEC’s expressed commitment to ensure level playing field for all contestants in its elections by allowing the use of cameras to capture proceedings at polling units by any stakeholder. We believe that this will go a long way in checking post-election litigations and also ensure that miscreants do not take advantage of the secrecy of the process to hijack ballot boxes, intimidate voters and opposition candidates and their agents.

We think that the electorate’s confidence in the ability of INEC to conduct free, fair and credible elections in the near future would greatly improve if it builds on its records thus far by enhancing its interest in providing adequate security for all elections. It must also ensure that adequate personnel are deployed to manage the process while making sure that materials arrive designated polling units in a timely fashion.

Perhaps, the orgy of electoral apathy, observed low turnout of voters to some already held elections, pockets of irregularities, and opposition candidates’ lackadaisical attitude toward open competition for votes, including the unwillingness to commit to the provision of agents at polling units would be addressed if INEC takes measures to ensure transparency and fair contest of all contestants at every election. Indeed, our democracy would be better served at the end. And this is the way to go.

Editorial

No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike

Published

3 days 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

3 days 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.