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Editorial

Death Penalty And Justice Delivery

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With the restoration of democratic governance in 1999, Nigerians expected so much from the government. At least, the problem of prison congestion caused by the high number of inmates awaiting trial, plus the increasing number of condemned criminals should have gone for good.

Recently, the Minister of  Interior, Abba Moro said the nation’s prisons held about 42,000 inmates out of whom 34,000 were awaiting trial. Sadly, he gave no plans at decongesting the prisons. An apparent drop from previous administrations that at least made some promises.

As if these were not enough food for thought for officials concerned, the Deputy Controller of Prisons Service, Mr Uche Nwobi recently noted that the Port Harcourt Prison that was meant to hold 804 inmates now holds 3,000 out of which a staggering 243 are condemned prisoners.

We are disturbed that the authorities have left the state of affairs in the prison to degenerate to this level. That the prison is overflowing with inmates is bad enough, but for more suspects to be thrown in without conviction is unacceptable. To compound this with the failure to remove condemned prisoners is sad.

We cannot understand why people sentenced to death cannot be given their due. Apart from the suggestion that it could be interpreted as selective application of justice, the attempt to  break the prisons cannot end, and the reasons are obvious.

If it is true that the Chief Executives of the States will not sign the death warrants, they may be breaching aspects of their oath of office and this is unfortunate. A situation where petty thieves rot in  jails and serial killers get executive treatment in jail should be looked at again.

Since the death warrants will not be signed, ostensibly because of the religious inclination of the Chief Executives, the country can take steps to remove from the laws of the country the death penalty. Until that was done, the nation fails, deliberately, to honour the laws that should govern our conduct.

While, we refuse to accept suggestions that the issue might be as a result of lack of political will or lack of courage on the part of the executives, the silence on the fate of condemned people, inflicts a perpetual mental agony on the people. Apart from not being part of the sentence, it is inhuman. It also wastes public resources on them.

If Nigeria decides to drop the death penalty, it would only be following some other civilised countries, whose disgust for bloodshed has assumed national acceptance. Indeed, Nigeria should also embrace it but it must also be prepared to reform its judicial system in line with international standards

The Tide does not take any joy in the death of any Nigerian, especially the number of condemned people all over the country that may be running into thousands, but the country has put it in its laws and judges have found them culpable and decided that they should no longer be allowed to live among normal people.

On the whole, the situation makes a mockery of our justice system and makes our country a laughing stock for always writing one thing in our constitution and lacking the discipline and commitment to apply it. The time to say a thing and to do the same must begin now.

The impression this situation leaves on the minds of ordinary Nigerians can hardly be imagined. In fact, that for litigants and the criminally minded, the conflict can never be reconciled as the whole cost of litigation and time spent can just go to waste.

Clearly, unless something was done and quickly too, those who commit offences that carry death sentences can as well be overlooked. This will finally bring to bear the return of jungle justice, where anyone could feel justified to avenge the killing of a family member.

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Editorial

Whither Tinubu’s Duty-Free Food?

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The delay in implementing President Bola Tinubu’s directive for zero customs duty and value added tax on food imports is unacceptable and highlights a concerning lack of urgency within the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigerian Customs Service. Over two months after the announcement, the policy remains stalled, despite the President’s clear intention for immediate enforcement. This prolonged delay, especially given the policy’s temporary nature (July – December), is inexplicable and detrimental to a hoi polloi already grappling with a severe economic crisis.
While the Comptroller-General of Customs attributes the delay to the Ministry of Finance finalising details, this explanation is insufficient. The dire need for food relief demands swift action, especially in the face of soaring fuel prices, rampant inflation, and skyrocketing food costs. The President’s promise of subsidised rice at N40,000 per 50kg bag remains elusive as well, pushing many Nigerians further into hardship. Accusations of deliberate slowdowns motivated by the government’s revenue goals are alarming and warrant serious investigation.
A circular from the Presidency has clarified the approved food items eligible for duty exemption, specifically maize, millet, rice, wheat, husked brown rice, grain sorghum, and beans. This strategic move aims to alleviate the financial burden on consumers and enhance food security. Previously subjected to import duties between five and 30 per cent, these commodities will now be more accessible, potentially stabilising prices in the local market.
It seems the execution of the policy is encountering obstacles due to bureaucratic processes. If the government fails to address this crisis with comprehensive and effective measures, the consequences could be catastrophic. The simmering discontent amongst Nigerians could easily boil over into widespread protests and social unrest, further destabilising an already fragile nation. Ignoring the cries of its citizens and the looming threat of social upheaval would be a grave mistake with potentially devastating ramifications.
Public officials insulated by privilege and detached from the everyday struggles of the people, have fostered a dangerous disconnect. For too long, they have failed to truly understand the harsh realities faced by the majority of Nigerians, the daily grind of poverty, the constant battle for survival, and the crushing weight of economic hardship. However, the current multifaceted crisis, with its clear manifestation of suffering, should serve as a jarring wake-up call, even to the most arrogant and out-of-touch.
The government’s ill-conceived and draconian policies, implemented without adequate consideration for the people, have created an intolerable situation that can no longer be swept under the rug or dismissed with platitudes. The widespread suffering is a stark indictment of their negligence, demanding a fundamental shift in perspective and a renewed commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people.
The recent #EndBadGovernance protests serve as an obvious reminder that disregarding the plight of the people is a dangerous gamble. When basic needs like food and security are unmet, and the cries for change are silenced, the simmering discontent inevitably boils over. Escalating hunger and desperation create a fertile ground for unrest, a truth tragically illustrated by the protests. If the government continues to turn a blind eye to the suffering of its citizens, more widespread and possibly violent demonstrations are not only likely, but inevitable.
Furthermore, attempting to quell dissent through intimidation and persecution of protesters is a recipe for disaster, as it only serves to further inflame tensions and breed resentment. The path to stability lies not in suppression, but in genuine engagement with the concerns of the people and a commitment to addressing the root causes of their suffering.
The Federal Ministry of Finance, led by Olawale Edun, has a crucial role to play in improving the image of this government. Minister Edun and Customs Comptroller-General, Wale Adeniyi, must prioritise the fight against hunger by expediting the zero duty policy. This policy will allow the importation of food at a reduced cost and ease the burden on struggling families.
Officials must accord precedence to the well-being of citizens over bureaucratic processes. The current economic hardship is undeniable, and the callous indifference displayed by those in power, who seem shielded from the harsh realities ordinary Nigerians face, is deeply troubling. The government must act decisively to expedite this critical policy and provide the much-needed relief to a population struggling with hunger, poverty, and misery. Continued delay is a betrayal of Tinubu’s promise and a grim reminder of the disconnect between those in power and the suffering Nigerians.

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Editorial

For Credible Rivers LG Polls

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All looks set for the conduct of the Rivers State local government election scheduled to take place tomorrow in the 23 local government areas of the state. A total of 18 political parties will vie for various council positions in the polls to be conducted on Saturday. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had initially listed 19 political parties for the election, but the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) discontinued the contest. Chief Emeka Beke’s faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that it will participate in the ballot.
Ahead of tomorrow’s council election, various lawsuits have resulted in conflicting rulings about how the election should be conducted. A recent judgment by a Federal High Court in Abuja has prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the voters register to RSIEC and instructed the police to withdraw security for the ballot. Similarly, the court has barred RSIEC from getting the voters register from INEC. However, in a counter ruling, a High Court in Port Harcourt has mandated that the state electoral commission continues with the election, requiring INEC to hand over the voters register and ordering police protection for the event.
As voters in the state prepare to head to the polls tomorrow, the conflicting rulings and legal battles have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the election process. With INEC and RSIEC at odds over claims regarding the issuance of the voters register by the former and security arrangements for the ballot, there is a need for clarity and resolution to ensure a free and fair election. The conflicting court rulings have added further complications to an already challenging situation, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. As all stakeholders navigate these legal challenges, the focus remains on upholding the democratic principles and ensuring that voters are able to cast their ballots without interference.
Intense preparations have characterised Saturday’s polls. The election is expected to be conducted in line with the provisions of the Rivers State electoral laws. Speaking at a meeting with stakeholders, the RSIEC chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (Rtd), hinted that the commission had complied with relevant sections of the law in all its preparations for the task. He implored political parties and politicians to ignore acts that could jeopardise the electoral process.
While we wholeheartedly endorse the move to ensure that democratic practice, norms and values always prevail at the local government level, we are truly elated by the level of earnestness and commitment exhibited so far by the Justice Enebeli-led commission to conduct credible, free and fair election in the 23 local government councils. Indeed, RSIEC can execute credible elections if it resists pressures from different quarters.
Despite the Federal High Court order, the state electoral commission’s parley with security agencies, especially with the police, and other stakeholders is, to say the least, heart-warming and reassuring. We expect this cooperation and partnership to continue even after the election. Going by Enebeli’s antecedents, we strongly believe that the commission will not fail to provide a level playing ground for political parties and politicians to test their popularity in a free, fair and tension-free contest.
The state electoral body must, therefore, strive to adopt an open-door policy where complaints would be entertained on their merit during and after the election. As anticipated, we hope the commission embarked on massive voter education and training of electoral and ad hoc staff that would man the 23 local government areas. It is advised that adequate preparations should be made for the security of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials, particularly given the tensed atmosphere in the state.
RSIEC is reminded that the success or otherwise of any election depends largely on the authenticity of the updated voter’s register which the commission has reportedly obtained ahead of the election from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The news that as many as 18 political parties in the state will participate in the council polls is cheering. The parties are urged to support and cooperate with the commission in ensuring a smooth and credible election.
It is expedient that Governor Siminalayi Fubara releases all the funds appropriated for the conduct of the local government election to the commission and ensure that he does not interfere in the workings of the RSIEC, or even influence the outcome one way or the other. Members of the commission should work harder to uphold the law without fear or favour; let or hindrance.
Incidents of missing ballot or result sheets, late arrival of materials and other logistics will only serve to discourage the electorate who already entertain a deep mistrust for the electoral process in the country. The lack of confidence in the system is largely responsible for the attitude of most Nigerians refraining from playing an active role of either voting for candidates of their choice or vying for political office. RSIEC must guard against those lapses.
Politicians, on their part, must understand that irrespective of their party affiliations, the common goal is the provision of good governance for the people. An election should never be a ‘‘do or die affair’’ and no aspirant is worth spilling blood for. Political positions are a call to service, not personal enterprises motivated by profits or bloody sports for which violent and fatal competitions are means. Experience has shown that arms provided for political thugs during elections, end up being tools for robberies and kidnappings after the election.
The idea of security agents acting the script of political actors should no longer amount to something in our polity. The nation currently faces perhaps its worst security challenges, and the police as well as other security agencies need the trust of Rivers people to enable them to carry out their duties effectively throughout the polls.
Law enforcement agents must protect both voters and election materials because it is their constitutional role to do so. The recent #Endbadgovernance protest, along with the violence that ensued, is a manifestation of the dissatisfaction of Nigerians with police operations. These security agencies must learn to commit themselves to their constitutional obligation and oath in the sustenance of democracy, rather than to any government official.
We must realise that ultimate power rests with the people, and the best way to exercise this power is through the electoral process. Hence, Rivers people must own the electoral operation, first by acquiring their permanent voters’ card, turn out en masse tomorrow to vote for candidates of their choice, and guarantee that their votes count. They have to elect responsible and responsive persons whose utmost interest will be the security and welfare of the people.

 

 

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Editorial

Ajaero’s Unending Persecutions 

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The intricate relationship between governance, law enforcement, and civil society is often marked by both collaboration and tension. Recent events in Nigeria have put this relationship into sharp focus as the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, was summoned by the Nigerian police. This elicited a wave of reactions from various quarters, highlighting concerns surrounding democracy, civil rights, and the role of law enforcement in a democratic society.
The allegations against Ajaero, which include criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime, have raised questions about the intent behind these actions and the implications for the labour movement in Nigeria. Each of these accusations carries weight and consequences. The charge of treasonable felony, for instance, can lead to severe legal repercussions in Nigeria, a country that has experienced its fair share of political instability and conflicts.
Meanwhile, accusations of funding terrorism are particularly damaging, not only to an individual’s reputation but also to their ability to mobilise support. The seriousness of the avowals raises concerns about whether they are based on credible evidence or if they are merely a political manoeuvre designed to stifle dissent and weaken the NLC.
In response to the police summons, the NLC has vehemently defended Ajaero, labelling the allegations as baseless. The Congress contends that this action is a calculated attempt to intimidate and harass both Ajaero and the NLC. They argue that the police’s actions are emblematic of a broader trend of victimisation of organisations and individuals that speak out against governmental policies, particularly those relating to labour rights and social justice.
Earlier, on August 8, 2024, the Nigerian police had stormed Labour House, headquarters of the NLC. The police claimed they were looking for an international terrorist who used the NLC building as his office. Nigerians were shocked when the police issued the NLC President an invitation to answer to charges of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cyber crime.
Recently, the Department of State Services (DSS) apprehended the prominent labour leader as he was en route to participate in a conference taking place in the United Kingdom. At this conference, he was scheduled to present a paper. The unexpected arrest sparked widespread reactions and pressure from concerned Nigerians, who expressed their support for the labour leader and condemned the actions of the DSS. In response, the agency interrogated Ajaero and released him.
From every indication, the government may not cease its actions with just Ajaero; there is a possibility that they will target additional leaders within the labour movement who possess independent viewpoints. This could result in the arrest of other prominent figures who challenge the status quo. Furthermore, it is plausible that the umbrella unions, which represent a collective of workers and their interests, could face prohibition from operating. In such a scenario, the authorities might appoint their agents to oversee the management of these unions’ secretariats.
These strategies are reminiscent of tactics that were meticulously refined during periods of military rule, a time characterised by oppression and the silencing of dissent, which Nigerians actively resisted in their pursuit of democratic governance. The fight against such authoritarian practices is not just a memory; it serves as a reminder of the need to safeguard the democratic principles and freedoms that Nigerians have struggled to obtain.
While we call upon Ajaero and his legal representatives to actively engage with the relevant security authorities to facilitate a transparent investigation process, we implore Nigerians to advocate for fairness and justice by urging the law enforcement agencies to substantiate their claims against him with concrete evidence. The principle of innocent until proven guilty must be upheld, and any suspicions of politically-driven bias or victimisation are vehemently opposed.
In a democratic society, adherence to the rule of law and respect for fundamental human rights must be unwavering. Resorting to coercive tactics typically employed by the military has no place in a civil and just system. Therefore, we stand firm against any form of undue pressure or harassment aimed at individuals based on their political affiliations or beliefs. We must unite in safeguarding the integrity of our democratic institutions and ensuring that due process is followed in all legal proceedings.
Given that both the DSS and the conventional police have the authority to carry out legal arrests, it is necessary that such power be wielded with impartiality. It is of utmost importance that Ajaero, as well as any other individual, is accorded respect and courtesy in any engagement with the legal system. Citizens are equally expected to fulfil their responsibilities by facilitating and supporting thorough investigations.
Adhering to the law is mandatory, not discretionary.  Let Ajaero inform the police or the DSS about what he knows.  It is important for the police to comply with the rules too.  If they fail, Ajaero’s lawyers will not fail to claim his rights under the law. Democracy depends on checks and balances that represent the heart of due process.

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