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Opinion

2014 Rivers Budget: What The People Say

Published

12 years ago

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The recent passage of the 2014 Rivers State Appro
priation Bill at the Government House by the state lawmakers raised a lot of dust. The various arguments were either for or against the passage of the budget outside the Hallowed chambers of the House of Assembly.
In the midst of claims and counterclaims as to the legality of the action, our assistant women, living and style Editor, Sogbeba Dokubo, went to town to find out what the people think of it. The followings are excerpts.

Dr Olomabo Gillis-Harry, Philosopher – Well, the budget was really timely. If you look at the doctrine of necessity, alongside what is being unfolded in the State, we know that what the law makers did was  in consonance with the cry of the masses, the people of Rivers State.
This is because, without a direction, the year 2014 won’t be what we had expected it to be. Government has its duty to pay the salaries of workers and provide social amenities to the citizenry. When they delay, it will really lead to a situation whereby there will be lack of basic amenities. As I said earlier, the doctrine of necessity that was applied in this matter was really in order, and the place of the passing of the budget does not come in. The doctrine of necessity knows no law and cannot be subjected to law because it is the right thing to do, given the prevailing circumstance.
I believe the proceedings were taken and we know that before any budget is passed into law, there are processes and the due process was followed based on the prevailing circumstance. We really appreciate His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, for his fatherly role, not only in the State but Nigeria at large. If we have four or five of him in this country, we will see great change.

Mr. Barivule Akpo-Journalist- I believe that people should first think of knowing the administrative process of any organisation or government. I have never experienced situations where a State exists without a budget in any democratic system. Even in a State where emergency is being experienced or is the order of the day, there must be a budget.
Fundamentally, budget is a document that states the income, expenditure, projects and salaries of organisations and government. If the Assembly has been locked up and the legislative process has not been on for sometime, is it a good thing? It is definitely not what is expected of a State like Rivers where we are thinking of fast development, human capacity building, capital projects and the total welfare of the people, including civil servants.
You don’t spend from internally generated revenue. It is not legal anywhere to use internally generated  revenue to pay workers’ salaries. The welfare of the entire civil servants of this State depends on the budget. So you can begin to imagine the fate of the civil servants if the budget is not passed. The budget, no doubt is an integral part of a government, if it must achieve anything meaningful.
It is, therefore, surprising for anyone to imagine that, because the budget was not passed in the assembly, it should be null and void.
Afterall, when renovation work started at the first House of Assembly, the Assembly was moved to the then Obi Wali Integrated Cultural Centre. In the same way, the Hallowed Chambers was under repair.
Also, during the passage of a bill, the essential things to note are whether key House officers are present and whether the procedure does not negate the constitution as well as the rules of the House.
Let me remind us that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria permits the governor to operate on the previous budget that has been passed by the House six months into the new fiscal year. But even in the present circumstance, the government deemed it necessary to call all stakeholders to come together in order for due process to be followed. Simply put, he the governor is only being magnanimous. When are we, as Rivers people, going to sit and think of how we should develop our State? When are we going to talk about peace? In a state of acrimony, development cannot thrive.
On the whole, I think there is no problem with the passage of the budget, for the sake of the development of the State.

Mr. Godwin Akpan, Public Servant-My opinion is that if the action of the governor is not against any section of the constitution, and for the interest of the State, I think I support the action of the presentation of the budget and the House of Assembly in giving it a speedy passage.
I think, as a lay man, once you g et 2/3 majority of members supporting an action, the action stands. If according to reports, those that received the Bill and passed the budget were 23 in number, it means they were even more than the required 2/3 majority, so it is carried.

Ralph Afangide, legal practitioner-As far as I know, the budget is a legal document, it is just an economic instrument and so the legal requirement must be satisfied before the budget is passed into law. As far as I know, there are stages, processes that must be satisfied, like public hearing, committee sections, first reading, second reading, the commissioners. coming to defend their own sector.
If for instance they budget N12 billion for monorail, the commissioner for transport will be required to come and justify why N12 billion will be spent on monorail. All these requirements were not satisfied in the passage of the recent 2014 budget. What was done was a rubber-stamp: the governor went to the make-shift assembly, presented the budget, and there and then, it was passed the same day by voice vote. Those of the members that were there were APC members who were dancing to the whims and caprices of the governor, the so called anti-Amaechi law makers were not there. I know they will say that they formed a quorum, but if they had genuine intentions of passing this budget, they could have called everybody together and inform everybody of their intention. I don’t know if they passed circular to the other people, I’m not privy to that. But be that as it may, there is a very critical question that we must address, and that is the venue of the meeting in which the budget was passed, which was not the Rivers State House of Assembly. It was a make-shift arrangement in Government House, which means there is now no separation of power between the executive and the legislature.
There is a supreme court judgementconcerning Oyo State, when the Governor of that state was impeached, and the impeachment took place in an hotel room. The supreme court said no, this impeachment cannot stand. You must carry out the impeachment, if the required number of members are there, in the Hallowed chambers. So the question of saying that the doctrine of necessity will not allow us to sit does not arise at all.
When a matter is pending in court, parties must maintain the status quo, and the status quo is that they should not have gone to sit in any place. When they asked the federal house to take over the functions of the state house, did they not think of the doctrine of necessity? That is the question. In any case, that doctrine does not apply in this case and what they have done is that they have opened a can of worms, because the other lawmakers, who were not present in that sitting can decide to go to an hotel or any other place and sit and pass resolutions that may be adverse to the present administration. So this is a very bad precedent that they have set.
The way forward is that they should retrace their steps. As far as I’m concerned, that budget is not a budget in the eyes of the law. I learnt that the PDP is going to court to challenge the legality or otherwise of that budget. If that is done, it would set the financial situation in the State backward. It will therefore mean that salaries will not be paid, as projects may not be embarked upon. But this is a situation that could have been averted in the first instance. So it is the government of the day that invited this problems to themselves. It is a consequent of their action, so they have to face such consequences. The best thing for them to do in the present circumstance is that the stakeholders should all come together, forget about party line, and work as a team.

Godson Owhoji, legal practitioner-Firstly, let me say that whatever is worth doing is worth doing well. Yes there is need to pass the State budget to move the state forward. But it should be done in accordance with the constitution.
However, in this circumstance, what we call doctrine of necessity had not arisen for the House to begin to sit outside the Hallowed chambers.
The Appropriation Bill is one major law that is celebrated by the lawmakers. When such a bill is to be passed, it is usually done in a dignified manner.
For instance, when the Plateau State House of Assembly wanted to impeach their former Governor, the court was against the circumstance it was done and so did not support  it and the impeachment could not hold. So in my personal view, the House sitting outside the legislative chambers to pass the appropriation bill amounting to about N485 billion in less than an hour amounts to a rape of democracy.
There are legislative procedures in the passage. I think we should condemn it. I am also of the opinion that the state should not be held to ransome. It will be better for the Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi to see how he can maintain peace.
If you  think that he is working for the interest of Rivers people, there is need for the legislative arm of government to be functional.
Let me quickly also let you know. In Rivers today, the only arm of the government that is functional is the executive, and in all these crises within the judiciary and legislative arms, the executive arm is fingered. I think it is high time the executive governor began to look at the interest of Rivers State, knowing that the persons that have been accused have been working with him for years.
Under normal circumstance, there’s supposed to be checks and balances between the legislative and executive arms. But where this does not exist, and in a system where the legislative and the judiciary arms are paralysed, the Chief Executive can use his executive fiat to do what he likes, this is anti-democratic.
The executive governor as the chief security officer of the State has the responsibility to ensure peace in the state. In his first tenure, there was peace, but today, there is no chief judge, no House of Assembly, and no legislative arm. Now that the budget has been passed in Government House, will subsequent sittings hold in Government House? The Governor should invite all stakeholders and make peace. They can still come back. The executive governor should initiate this move.
The paramount thing is the interest of people living in the State and Rivers people.

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Opinion

Curbing Youth Unemployment In Nigeria

Published

2 weeks ago

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March 30, 2026

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Quote: “A nation that fails to empower its youth risks mortgaging its future.”
Youth, generally defined as individuals between the ages of 15 and 35, represent a critical phase of human development—a transition from adolescence to adulthood marked by ambition, energy, and the pursuit of purpose. In Nigeria, this demographic constitutes a significant proportion of the population, making it one of the country’s greatest assets. However, this strength is increasingly undermined by a persistent and troubling challenge: youth unemployment.
Unemployment, the condition of being without gainful employment despite the willingness and ability to work, remains a major global concern. In Nigeria, however, it has reached alarming levels, particularly among young people. With estimates suggesting that a substantial percentage of Nigerian youth are either unemployed or underemployed, the consequences have become deeply embedded in the nation’s social and economic fabric.
The impact of youth unemployment is both widespread and severe. Economically, it leads to increased poverty levels and reduced productivity. Socially, it fuels frustration, hopelessness, and disillusionment among young people. This often manifests in rising rates of crime, cyber fraud, substance abuse, and involvement in political violence. When young people are unable to find legitimate means of livelihood, they may become vulnerable to negative influences, posing a threat not only to themselves but to society at large.
One of the primary drivers of youth unemployment in Nigeria is the inadequacy of the educational system. While many young Nigerians graduate from tertiary institutions each year, a significant number lack the practical and technical skills required in today’s job market. The disconnect between academic curricula and industry demands leaves graduates ill-prepared for employment, thereby widening the gap between education and employability.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s heavy dependence on the oil sector has contributed significantly to the unemployment crisis. Over the years, this reliance has led to the neglect of other critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology—sectors that have the potential to generate large-scale employment. The failure to diversify the economy has limited job opportunities and stifled innovation, leaving many young people without viable career paths.
In addition, rapid population growth continues to put immense pressure on the labor market. Each year, thousands of graduates enter the workforce, but the number of available jobs remains insufficient to absorb them. This imbalance creates intense competition for limited opportunities, leaving many qualified individuals unemployed for extended periods.
Access to finance also remains a major barrier for young Nigerians who wish to venture into entrepreneurship. Despite the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that many youths possess, the lack of access to credit facilities, mentorship, and business support systems makes it difficult for them to establish and sustain their own enterprises. This challenge is further compounded by infrastructural deficits, such as unreliable power supply and limited access to technology.
Security challenges across various parts of the country have also worsened the situation. In some regions, economic hardship and lack of opportunities have made young people susceptible to recruitment into violent or extremist activities. This not only exacerbates insecurity but also diverts the energy of the youth away from productive engagement.
Addressing youth unemployment in Nigeria requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. The government must take the lead by implementing policies that promote economic diversification, particularly by investing in agriculture, manufacturing, and the digital economy. These sectors hold immense potential for job creation and can absorb a large portion of the unemployed youth population.
Equally important is the reform of the educational system to emphasize skill acquisition, vocational training, and entrepreneurship. Schools and institutions must align their curricula with market needs, ensuring that graduates are equipped with relevant and practical skills. Public-private partnerships can play a vital role in facilitating internships, apprenticeships, and job placement programs.
The private sector also has a crucial role to play in driving job creation and innovation. By investing in youth-focused initiatives and supporting startups, businesses can help unlock the potential of young Nigerians. Additionally, financial institutions should develop more accessible and youth-friendly credit schemes to support small and medium-sized enterprises.
On an individual level, young people must embrace self-development, adaptability, and continuous learning. In an increasingly competitive and evolving global economy, acquiring digital skills, engaging in vocational training, and exploring entrepreneurial opportunities can significantly improve employability.
In conclusion, youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria today. However, it is not an insurmountable problem. With deliberate policies, strategic investments, and collective action from government, the private sector, and individuals, Nigeria can transform its youth population into a powerful engine of growth and development. By empowering young people with opportunities, skills, and resources, the nation can secure a more prosperous and stable future.
IVARA Favour Isaac is a student of Pan-African Institute of Management and Technology.
By:  Ivara Favour Isaac
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Opinion

Ozoro Festival: Tradition or Tyranny?

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2 weeks ago

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March 30, 2026

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Quote:“These images are not merely disturbing; they represent a direct assault on human dignity, bodily autonomy, and the rule of law.”
In recent days, national attention has turned to the small community of Ozoro in Delta State, where what was once described as a cultural fertility rite—the Alue-Do Festival—has become the subject of outrage, grief, and urgent national reflection. According to accounts from notable indigenes of Ozoro and the Isoko ethnic group, the festival was originally conceived as a symbolic ritual intended to bless couples struggling with conception. In theory, it was meant to celebrate life, continuity, and communal identity. However, what reportedly unfolded on March 22 bore no resemblance to any noble cultural ideal. Videos circulating widely on social media show groups of men chasing women, forcibly stripping them, and subjecting them to sexual assault in public spaces. These images are not merely disturbing; they represent a direct assault on human dignity, bodily autonomy, and the rule of law.
They compel us to confront a difficult but necessary question: when does tradition cease to be culture and become tyranny? It is encouraging that prominent voices—including the First Lady, the Minister of Women Affairs, human rights organisations, and women’s advocacy groups—have condemned these barbaric acts. The Delta State Government has since banned the Alue-Do Festival, while law enforcement authorities have reportedly made arrests. Yet beyond the immediate outrage lies a deeper and more uncomfortable conversation—one that communities across the country must confront honestly: the thin line between culture and abuse. “Culture is not static—it evolves, or at least, it should.” Culture is often described as the soul of a people, encompassing traditions, beliefs, and practices passed down through generations. Nigeria is richly endowed with diverse cultural heritage, much of which we rightly celebrate.
 However, when culture becomes a shield for harmful practices, it loses its moral authority. When actions that violate fundamental human rights are justified in the name of tradition, we must ask: whose culture is this, and at what cost? The events in Ozoro illustrate how a practice that may once have held symbolic meaning can devolve into something deeply harmful. Even if the Alue-Do Festival began as a benign fertility rite, its present manifestation—marked by violence and coercion—cannot be defended. “Culture must align with dignity, consent, and respect—anything less is not tradition, but abuse.” One of the most persistent arguments in defence of controversial practices is that they are “part of our heritage” and therefore beyond criticism. Yet harmful practices—child marriage, inhumane widowhood rites, and domestic abuse—have long been justified using this same reasoning. This argument is not only flawed; it is dangerous. No culture is above scrutiny, particularly when it endangers the rights and safety of its people.
History reminds us that many practices once considered “normal” are now widely condemned. Societies progress by questioning and reforming such practices—not by clinging to them. Nigeria is not exempt from this reality. As a nation governed by law and constitutional principles, we cannot afford to tolerate practices that undermine the rights of citizens—especially women. At the heart of the Ozoro incident lies a broader societal issue: the perception of women as objects rather than autonomous individuals. The actions of the perpetrators were not isolated—they were enabled by a mindset that sees women’s bodies as accessible, controllable, and, in some contexts, communal property. “Women are not possessions, prizes, or objects of exploitation—they are individuals with rights, agency, and dignity.” This mindset reflects a deeper systemic problem often described as “rape culture,” visible in victim-blaming narratives, the dismissal of harassment, and the silence that frequently surrounds abuse.
 For meaningful change to occur, this mindset must be confronted directly. Parents, religious institutions, government agencies, and the media all have critical roles to play in reshaping societal attitudes. Traditional institutions also wield significant influence, particularly in rural communities. With that influence comes responsibility—not only to preserve culture but to ensure that cultural practices align with contemporary standards of human rights and decency.The reported denial by the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom of knowledge of the recent festival raises important questions about oversight and accountability. Community leaders and members alike must rise to their responsibilities. Cultural practices are sustained by collective acceptance. Silence, indifference, or complicity only perpetuate harm. While cultural reform is essential, it must be accompanied by accountability. The arrests made in connection with the incident are a step in the right direction, but they must lead to tangible outcomes. “Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done.”
 Allowing perpetrators of sexual violence to go unpunished sends a dangerous message—that such actions are tolerable. This fosters a culture of impunity. The law must be clear and unequivocal: sexual assault, in any form and under any guise, is a crime. It is not a cultural expression—it is a violation.It must be emphasised that calling for the abandonment of harmful cultural practices is not an attack on tradition, but a call to refine it.  Culture, at its best, is dynamic—it adapts while preserving its core values.“Tradition should uplift, not oppress.” Modernising culture does not mean erasing identity. It means ensuring that traditions remain relevant, inclusive, and respectful of human dignity. As Nigeria continues to evolve, it must decide what kind of society it aspires to be: one that hides behind tradition to justify abuse, or one that embraces progress while honouring its heritage responsibly. The outrage over the events in Ozoro is justified—but outrage alone is not enough
. It must translate into action: legal, cultural, and educational. We must state, without ambiguity, that no tradition justifies the violation of human dignity. We must hold perpetrators accountable and challenge the attitudes that enable such acts. True development is measured not only by infrastructure or economic growth, but by how a society treats its most vulnerable members. “If a cultural practice dehumanises, degrades, or endangers, it has no place in a modern society.” Where tradition fails to uphold dignity, it ceases to be culture. It becomes tyranny.
By: Calista Ezeaku
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Opinion

Bazia  EXCO @ One: NUJ Rivers Reawakened

Published

3 weeks ago

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March 23, 2026

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Quote: “For the first time in years, Rivers journalists are not just hearing promises—they are seeing a union that works.”
The first year in office of the Paul Bazia-led executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has offered something many had almost given up on—renewed confidence in union leadership. For a body as critical as the NUJ, whose responsibility goes beyond professional coordination to include the welfare, protection, and continuous development of journalists, expectations are always high. Unfortunately, past experiences had conditioned many members to expect less—less action, less visibility, and less impact.This is why the past twelve months stand out. Within a relatively short period, the Bazia-led administration has demonstrated a level of drive that distinguishes it from its predecessors. There is a noticeable shift from inertia to activity, from routine administration to purposeful leadership. Initiatives captured in the one-year report point to an executive that understands both the urgency of its mandate and the frustrations of its members.
Particularly commendable is the renewed attention to journalists’  welfare. For too long, welfare issues have lingered without meaningful resolution, leaving many practitioners feeling unsupported. The current leadership’s efforts—through engagement, structured support, and timely interventions—signal a welcome change in priorities. Equally important is the push toward professional development. In an era where journalism is rapidly evolving, capacity building is no longer optional. The administration’s commitment to training and skill enhancement reflects an understanding that a stronger union must be built on more competent and competitive professionals. There is also something to be said about visibility and voice. A vibrant NUJ must not only serve its members internally but also stand as a credible voice in the public space—defending press freedom, promoting ethical standards, and constructively engaging critical issues.
Encouragingly, the current executive appears more present and responsive, giving the union a renewed sense of relevance. Perhaps what resonates most, however, is the sense of movement. For many members, the difference between the present and the immediate past is not subtle—it is clear. Where there was once stagnation, there is now direction. Where there was doubt, there is growing belief. Beyond the visible strides recorded within this first year, what perhaps deserves even greater applause is the restoration of institutional confidence within the Nigeria Union of Journalists. For a long time, many members had grown disenchanted, viewing the union more as a ceremonial body than an active force capable of defending their interests and advancing their welfare. That narrative, however, is gradually changing. The Bazia-led executive has not only initiated programs but has also rekindled a sense of belonging among members.
 Meetings appear more purposeful, engagements more intentional, and decisions more reflective of collective interest. This psychological shift—subtle as it may seem—is one of the most critical achievements of the past year, because a union that its members believe in is already halfway to effectiveness. It is also important to underscore the contrast with the immediate past, not as an exercise in criticism, but as a necessary context for measuring progress. Where previous administrations struggled to translate plans into action, the current leadership has shown a greater bias for execution. Projects that once lingered in discussion stages are now seeing tangible movement, and issues that were previously deferred are receiving attention. This difference in approach—moving from prolonged deliberation to decisive action—has helped reposition the union as a more responsive and relevant institution.
While no administration is without its shortcomings, the willingness to act, even in the face of constraints, marks a significant departure from what members were accustomed to. Looking ahead, the expectations of members—and indeed the wider public—will only grow stronger. With a solid first year behind it, the Bazia-led executive now carries the burden of consistency. Members will expect deeper welfare interventions that go beyond immediate relief to more sustainable support systems. They will look for expanded training opportunities that prepare journalists for the rapidly changing media landscape. They will also expect a firmer, more courageous voice on issues affecting press freedom and professional integrity. Above all, they will demand continuity—assurance that the progress recorded so far is not a fleeting phase but the beginning of a sustained transformation.
Meeting these expectations will not be easy, but it is precisely this challenge that defines enduring leadership. That said, this moment of applause must also serve as a moment of reflection. A strong first year inevitably raises expectations. Journalists in Rivers State will now look beyond initial achievements toward consolidation. Welfare interventions must become more structured and far-reaching. Training programs must be sustained and expanded. Advocacy must become more consistent and impactful. Most importantly, the unity of the union must be strengthened, ensuring that all members feel included and carried along. Transparency will also be key. Continued open communication about finances, decisions, and challenges will deepen trust and set a standard for accountable union leadership. The task ahead is clear: to convert early momentum into lasting institutional progress.
For the Bazia-led executive, the opportunity is significant. It has, within one year, reawakened belief in what the NUJ Rivers State Council can be. The next step is to ensure that this renewed energy does not fade, but instead becomes the foundation of a stronger, more responsive, and more respected union. For the members, the message is equally clear—expect more, demand more, and support what works because in the end, a vibrant union is not built by leadership alone, but by a collective commitment to progress. And for now, under Bazia, that progress has truly begun.
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
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