Opinion

2015 Election: In The Eyes Of The People

Published

11 years ago

April 20, 2015

Mr Hope Solomon – Civil Servant.
Compared to previous
elections, I think this year’s election is better. Though there were some areas where violence was reported but at Port Harcourt Township where I voted, everything went smoothly, calmly, there was no problem.
I think so far, this is the best election. For the first time a sitting president conceded defeat and congratulated the winner of the election immediately. We were not expecting it. We were even thinking that the election would have been very violent but everything went peacefully. Compare to previous elections, this one was more violent free.
Though we recorded success in the past election, I believe there is still need for improvement. In subsequent elections we have to improve more. We should improve on the card reader. We also need to do something about the age limit of voters because we saw some areas where underage children were voting during the past election. We also have to carry out more sensitisation. We should minimize rigging. Rigging is not good. We heard about rigging in some areas and it is not the best. When we rig we can’t have the best candidates. Let the electorates say who they want and not the hijacking of electoral materials that was reported in some areas.
And for the people that were elected, a lot is expected. They should improve on what the current administration has done so that Nigeria will be a better country for all of us.

Deacon Levin Mgbudu – Financial analyst.
In my view I think the system we are in is generally corrupt. So you can’t say this person is right. None of the political parties that took part in the elections did the right thing. I look at what happened during the election as the survival of the fittest, you play the game I know you can play, I play the game you know I can play. So if I over-smart you, I become the winner. That was exactly what happened not only in Rivers State.
We know that Rivers State has been a volatile state, the relative peace we have here is very very fragile. Most people were afraid of participating in the elections. A lot of people stayed at home. The few that went out observed a lot of irregularities. So my overall assessment is that all of them played the game together and one came out successful. But that is not what election is supposed to be.
Ideally, everybody is supposed to go to the polling station for accreditation, after that you queue up to cast your vote without any molestation, without any fear, without somebody behind you or somebody to drag the ballot box papers or box. So, the best thing is to be on the queue, cast your vote, you wait or you go home as INEC instructed. But it was the other way round. By this I mean PDP went to play their game to succeed, APC equally went to play their game to succeed, the same with Labour Party. So, no one is a saint here as far as Rivers State election is concerned.
So for future elections we need to educate our people and also bring back the old system of electoral process, that is ensuring that the electorates conduct themselves properly. If possible the police or the army should guide the people to be on queue, they should cast their votes peacefully and those that are responsible to count the votes should be there to make sure that our votes count.
There were a lot of irregularities in the past election in many states of the federation. We know in the north that underaged children voted. So INEC should come up with proper re-orientation of our people. Let them know the right thing to be done. If the card reader will be a kind of problem in future, then we should go back to former manual accreditation system. Maximum security should also be provided. I also insist that our people should be enlightened on the electoral process. A lot of people do not know what they are supposed to do. All some people know is that election is all about struggle. To struggle, to carry weapons to overpower your opponents. Once you overpower him, you become the winner. They should tell our people that this is not the right thing. We should have that re-orientation towards the electoral processes.

Mr Iheanyi Ezinwo-Newspaper Publisher.
You know before the election there was so much tension. People were scarred. Those living up north, especially the southerners were travelling home. There was a general atmosphere of uncertainty. But looking back, I can say that the election was peaceful. Yes there had been some skirmishes in one or two places, you know conflict is a natural thing, you can’t rule it out. But one thing that was noticeable was that the election was largely peaceful. I think that is one element that stands out at the end of the elections. Both at the national and state levels, it was largely peaceful compared to the tension that was building up before the elections. Definitely you don’t expect a human being to get everything perfectly. Definitely there were problems and that was why some people had argued that the card reader shouldn’t have been brought at this large scale of elections in Nigeria, that it would have been better if they had brought it during Anambra, Ekiti or Osun elections, so that they would have been able to identify the issues and rectify them before coming to national level.
In every human activity conflicts are bound to arise but it depends on how they are managed. I believe that in Rivers State we had our own fair share of the challenges and I want to believe also that INEC had taken some steps to address the problems where they identified them.
Having said that, I also believe that there are areas we need to improve upon in our future elections. One key area is on security. It’s unfortunate that some characters came up with spurious arguments and even went to court and got some judgement that armed security operatives should not be seen around the polling units. That was why some of these things happened. It’s like some of those people have some ulterior motives. Subsequently, armed policemen or even military should be engaged. Even if they are not inside the polling station, they should be around that area. That will check all the thugs from coming around to freely cart away electoral materials and disrupt the electoral process.
So we are happy that the elections have come and gone peacefully but I will advice those elected to subordinate their interests to the interest of the public. Look at what Jonathan did, he subordinated his own interest to national overall interest. So I want to advise them, yes they have aspirations, personal interest but please that should be within the limits of national interest.
Again, they should work together because it is in working together that they will be able to achieve more and move the country forward.

Mr Lundi Frank Waribo – Politician
Almost before every election people talk about how heads will roll during the election. But take a clean look at it, they say that without Egypt there will be no Nile and without Nile there will be no Egypt. There is no way you can remove at least a bit of rigging in politics.
It’s always everywhere more especially in a country like Nigeria. We are not a developed country. We are just one of the developing countries. So if you remove rigging completely, you can’t make it right. In my own ward in Andoni where I voted the election was free and fair. We heard there were killings in certain area but I don’t believe that. We were not there. They were just framing it to make the whole world believe in them. In the north we saw children that were not of voting age taking part in the election but in order to allow peace reign in the country, President Jonathan accepted defeat without grudges. Incidentally, in Rivers State here, some of our former leaders are causing problems for us. They don’t want us to go forward. Elections have come and gone but they will remain in the guilty memories of the past while the rest forges ahead.
The introduction of the card readers was too new to every Nigerian but it did work though not perfectly but let’s go on with that, it will improve.
In future elections, INEC should also check the way people go about enticing people with money in polling units on election days. If we can stop people from coming to the polling centres with bags of money on election days it will help us grow. Our mothers in the village do not know where to vote or who to vote for, but if they are able to go to them and tell them what is happening in the country they will be able to take a decision and tell you where they want to vote. So INEC should carry out more sensitisation.

Mrs Lilian Okonkwo – Journalist.
For me, the 2015 general election was free and fair. Be that as it may you cannot rule that the fact that there were some incidents that were quite condemnable. But on the average, when you take a look at those incidents and the percentage of those that came out and the percentage of those who voted, we have every reason to say that the election was free and fair. Of course the world is not a perfect place and we cannot expect it to be perfect. We all know that there was problem with the card readers, there was problem of late arrival of electoral materials. But in all, I think INEC did a good job.
In future elections I will like us to improve upon the card reader because you find out that in most areas they ended up voting without making use of the PVC or the card reader. So it means that we weren’t really ready for the card reader. We all had stories of how it rejected President Jonathan and his wife, not leaving out the masses. There were a lot of complains. I know some people who had to clean their hands with kerosene, people who had to pull off one water proof from the card reader to enable it work and things like that.
So I’m hoping that in 2019 these issues would have been solved and then we get it much, much better. On the issue of violence, well we have always had it like that but I am thinking that by 2019 Nigerians should drop that attitude of killing, shooting and all that. We should all be reasonable. We should act reasonably and put aside that idea of shooting and killing so that our election will be more credible. Our politicians should also learn how to accept defeat and move on and also support those who win to make a better society. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s reactions as regards his defeat is a very big lesson for us all. It is not easy for an incumbent to lose a election. So if somebody at that level who could have used the military, the police and the Nigerian oil money to ensure that he remains in power could concede defeat and even call to congratulate his opponent, I think it is a big lesson for us all.
Other contestants should learn a lesson from that. If the man who is at the apex of leadership could conceded defeat, why not every other persons?
For emphasis, I observed the elections, I went round Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor LGAs and what I saw was good. Fortunately for me I didn’t see any terrible incident, and so it gives me the reason to say that the election was free and fair.

Opinion

Poor Federal Roads: The Oshiomhole’s Outburst

Published

1 week ago

August 3, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Although the Federal Ministry of Works is responsible for road construction and rehabilitation while the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) oversees maintenance, road maintenance has consistently taken a back seat”

The recent outburst by the lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, over the deplorable condition of federal roads in Edo and Delta states has once again drawn national attention to one of Nigeria’s most persistent infrastructure challenges. During Senate plenary last Wednesday, Oshiomhole criticized the Minister of Works, David Umahi, accusing the Federal Ministry of Works of neglecting major federal highways in Edo and Delta while prioritizing new road projects. According to him, the government should focus on rehabilitating existing roads that have become impassable before embarking on new construction. He identified the Benin-Warri, Benin-Asaba, Benin-Auchi and Auchi-Okene highways as strategic economic corridors that have deteriorated to alarming levels, making travel difficult for commuters and motorists while increasing the cost of transporting goods and services.

The senator also alleged that road projects affecting Edo and Delta states were repeatedly omitted from budgetary provisions and that some interventions were only undertaken following directives from President Bola Tinubu. Ironically, the Federal Government has consistently reiterated its commitment to reconstructing and rehabilitating federal roads across the country. The Minister of Works has repeatedly assured Nigerians that the government is deploying reinforced concrete technology to build more durable highways capable of withstanding the country’s climatic conditions. Despite these assurances, vast sections of federal road across the country remain in deplorable condition. The consequences are enormous. Federal highways serve as the backbone of the nation’s economy, carrying more than 90 per cent of passengers and freight.

They connect ports, airports, industrial centres, state capitals and agricultural belts, facilitating the movement of food, fuel, cement and manufactured goods. When these roads fail, the entire economy suffers. Although the Federal Ministry of Works is responsible for road construction and rehabilitation while the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) oversees maintenance, road maintenance has consistently taken a back seat. The result is a recurring cycle in which newly completed roads quickly deteriorate while existing ones are left to collapse. The economic consequences are severe. Bad roads increase transportation costs, contribute to food inflation, delay the movement of goods from ports to markets, increase vehicle maintenance expenses and lead to avoidable road crashes that claim countless lives every year.

To address these challenges, the Federal Government has introduced initiatives such as the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), which seeks to attract private investment into road maintenance through concessions and tolling. While the initiative holds promise, public acceptance will depend largely on visible improvements in road quality and transparent management of toll revenues. Similarly, the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme is designed to encourage companies to finance the reconstruction of strategic highways in exchange for tax credits. While the scheme has shown promise, its ability to address road infrastructure challenges equitably across the country remains to be seen. Other countries facing similar infrastructure challenges have demonstrated that sustainable road management requires a different approach.

Rwanda and Morocco, for instance, have prioritized dedicated road maintenance funds, performance-based contracts that reward quality rather than kilometers constructed, and policies that allocate a significant proportion of road budgets to maintenance instead of new construction. Nigeria can draw useful lessons from these experiences. Maintenance funding should be increased and protected because preventive maintenance is far cheaper than complete reconstruction. Public-private partnerships should be expanded with adequate safeguards, transparent tolling policies and independent monitoring. Development finance institutions should support contractors with affordable financing to minimize disruptions caused by delayed government payments. Road designs should withstand heavier rainfall and flooding, while compensation and right-of-way issues must be resolved before projects begin to avoid unnecessary delays.

FERMA should also prioritize durable, high-quality road maintenance over the shoddy repairs that have become all too common. Ultimately, Nigerians are not asking for perfect roads; they simply want roads that are safe, durable and properly maintained. While new highways are desirable, a well-maintained five-kilometer stretch is often far more valuable to road users than a much longer road that quickly falls into disrepair. The media, civil society, the National Assembly and Nigerians must continue to hold the government accountable by monitoring road projects and demanding better results. Good roads are not a privilege but a right of every citizen. With tax credit schemes, concessions and other funding mechanisms already in place, what is now required is political will, transparency and consistent implementation. However, Senator Oshiomhole’s criticism also invites legitimate public reflection.

Many Nigerians have asked what the condition of these same federal roads was during his eight-year tenure as Governor of Edo State. Several governors, including those of Rivers State at different times, undertook repairs on critical federal roads within their states and subsequently sought reimbursement from the Federal Government. It is therefore fair to ask whether similar interventions were pursued during Oshiomhole’s administration. Public officials, whether serving or former, should be judged by the same standard. Constructive criticism is essential in a democracy, but it carries greater weight when matched by a demonstrable record of action. Nigerians expect those entrusted with public office to address pressing challenges while they have the authority to do so, rather than becoming vocal critics only after leaving office

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Sacrificing Humanity for Politics?

Published

1 week ago

August 3, 2026

The Tide

“Politics is temporary, but humanity is permanent. No politician is worth sacrificing genuine friendships, family bonds, or peaceful coexistence.””Politics is temporary, but humanity is permanent”.

Every election season leaves behind more than ballot papers and campaign posters. It often leaves broken friendships, divided families, fractured communities, and hearts filled with resentment. In the heat of political competition, many people forget a simple but profound truth: politics is temporary, but humanity is permanent. Across our communities, it has become increasingly common to see people sever lifelong relationships simply because they support different political parties or candidates. Individuals who once shared meals, celebrated milestones, and stood by each other during difficult times suddenly become strangers not because they committed any personal offence, but because they exercised their democratic right to think differently. This growing trend should concern every citizen. Politics is designed to provide leadership, shape public policy, and improve society.

It was never intended to become a weapon for destroying relationships or creating permanent enemies. When politics begins to erode our humanity, it ceases to serve its true purpose. A democratic society thrives on diversity of thought. Every citizen possesses the constitutional right to support any political party, candidate, or ideology without fear of intimidation or hatred. Political disagreement is not a crime; rather, it is evidence that democracy is alive and functioning. The true measure of political maturity is not our ability to silence opposing voices but our willingness to respect them. Unfortunately, many people have mistaken political loyalty for personal hostility. Instead of debating ideas, they attack personalities. Instead of discussing policies, they spread insults and misinformation. Instead of building bridges, they construct walls of bitterness.

Such behaviour weakens not only our relationships but also the democratic values we claim to defend. The reality is simple: elections are temporary. Political offices have fixed tenures. Governments change. Political alliances shift. Today’s political rivals may become tomorrow’s allies, while today’s allies may become tomorrow’s opponents. History has repeatedly demonstrated that politicians who once exchanged harsh words eventually sit together at negotiation tables in pursuit of shared interests. Yet ordinary citizens often remain trapped in unnecessary hatred long after political leaders have reconciled.This reality offers an important lesson. No politician should be worth sacrificing genuine friendships, family bonds, or peaceful coexistence. Political support should never require personal hatred. We can campaign passionately for our preferred candidates while still respecting those who choose differently.

Democracy flourishes when disagreement remains civil. One of the most dangerous habits in politics is inheriting other people’s enemies. Far too often, supporters adopt the personal conflicts of political leaders as though they were their own. People who have never met begin insulting one another on social media, damaging relationships, and sometimes engaging in violence simply because influential figures disagree.Such misplaced loyalty serves no meaningful purpose. Political leaders often possess the opportunity to reconcile, negotiate, and move forward after elections. Their supporters, however, are frequently left with damaged relationships, regret, and lasting divisions within their communities. Wisdom demands that citizens distinguish between political competition and personal relationships. Rather than inheriting hostility, we should cultivate independent judgment.

Judge individuals by their character, integrity, honesty, and personal conduct not merely by the colour of the political party they support. A person’s political affiliation does not automatically define their values, competence, or humanity. Equally important is the need to elevate the quality of our political conversations. Instead of engaging in personal attacks, we should focus on issues that genuinely affect people’s lives. Discussions should revolve around education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, economic growth, employment, agriculture, and accountable governance. These are the matters that determine the future of our nation not endless exchanges of insults. Social media has further amplified political intolerance. Behind anonymous profiles and smartphone screens, many people say things they would never express in person.

Every post, comment, and shared message has the potential either to promote understanding or to deepen division. Responsible citizenship requires restraint, accuracy, and respect, especially during politically sensitive periods. Politics should inspire service, not hostility. Leadership should unite rather than divide. Citizens should be free to disagree without becoming enemies. After all, beyond our political preferences, we remain neighbours, colleagues, business partners, classmates, worshippers, and fellow citizens who share the same hopes for peace, prosperity, justice, and national development. As another political season approaches, let us remember what truly matters. Campaigns will end. Elections will pass. Winners will celebrate, and losers will regroup. But the relationships we preserve, the respect we extend, and the humanity we uphold will remain long after the campaign slogans have faded.

The greatest victory in politics is not defeating an opponent at the polls; it is preserving our values while participating in democracy. Let us choose dialogue over division, understanding over intolerance, and respect over hatred. Above all, let us never forget this timeless principle: Politics should never be more important than humanity. And perhaps the wisest political advice anyone can embrace is this: Never inherit people’s enemies. In doing so, we preserve not only our relationships but also the very spirit of democracy itself.

By: Michael T. Abraham

Opinion

Making the Out-of-School Children Survey Count

Published

2 weeks ago

July 27, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “Reliable data may reveal the scale of Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis, but only sustained political will and practical action can ensure that every child is given the opportunity to learn, thrive and contribute to national development.”

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, recently announced that the Federal Government, in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), will conduct a nationwide household survey to determine the actual number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. The exercise is intended to provide reliable data for evidence-based education policies and targeted interventions. Current estimates put the number of out-of-school children at between 15 million and 20 million, placing Nigeria among the countries with the highest number of children excluded from formal education. At first glance, this is a commendable initiative. One of Nigeria’s greatest developmental challenges has been the absence of accurate and reliable data. Without dependable statistics, planning becomes difficult, implementation inefficient, and evaluation of government programmes almost impossible.

The nation’s actual population also remains uncertain because of the absence of an up-to-date national census. Estimates range from below 200 million to over 250 million, making effective planning a daunting task. Sound policies on education, healthcare, housing, employment and infrastructure all depend on credible population statistics. Against this backdrop, the proposed survey deserves commendation. If government succeeds in generating reliable figures, it will be better positioned to allocate resources equitably, identify areas of greatest need and design interventions based on facts rather than assumptions. Accurate data will also make it easier to monitor progress and assess whether efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children are achieving the desired results.

However, beyond the good intentions lie important questions. Will state governments provide the enabling environment for an objective and transparent survey? Since education is on the concurrent legislative list, the cooperation of state governments will largely determine the credibility of the exercise. Politics could easily influence the process. States with higher numbers of out-of-school children may qualify for greater intervention funds from the Federal Government and development partners. Would this tempt some states to inflate their figures? On the other hand, high numbers could portray a state government as performing poorly in the education sector. Would some governors therefore seek to understate the figures to protect their image? These concerns are legitimate because whenever statistics are tied to political interests or financial benefits, the temptation to manipulate them cannot be ignored.

Equally important are questions about the survey itself. When will it begin? How long will it last? What methodology will be adopted? Will every household be covered, including those in remote rural communities and areas plagued by insecurity? Does the government have the manpower, funding, technology and security arrangements needed for such a nationwide exercise? Nigeria has witnessed several well-intentioned national programmes that fell short because of poor planning and inadequate logistics. Many Nigerians will remember that the proposed national population census scheduled a few years ago was postponed despite extensive preparations. Funding constraints and logistical challenges contributed to its suspension. What guarantees are there that this survey will not suffer a similar fate? More importantly, what becomes of the findings after the exercise? Nigeria is not short of reports or data collection initiatives.

The recurring challenge has been the lack of political will to translate findings into concrete policies and sustained action. The survey must not become another document gathering dust on government shelves. Instead, it should serve as the basis for measurable interventions, continuous monitoring and improved educational outcomes. Beyond producing accurate figures, the survey must also uncover the reasons children remain outside the classroom. Addressing the crisis requires more than counting affected children. It demands an understanding of the social, economic and cultural factors responsible for the problem. Issues such as the Almajiri system and other practices that discourage formal education should be carefully examined while respecting cultural values and protecting every child’s right to quality education. Poverty remains a major barrier, as many parents cannot afford school-related expenses, forcing children into street trading or child labour

Insecurity has also led to the closure of schools in several communities, depriving thousands of children of learning opportunities.Government must therefore complement the survey with practical measures. Strengthening social protection for vulnerable families, improving school infrastructure, recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, enhancing security around schools and enforcing compulsory basic education are all essential. Equally important is sustained collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and development partners to address the root causes of school exclusion. The proposed survey presents an opportunity to replace guesswork with credible evidence. However, its true value will not be measured by the number of households visited or questionnaires completed. Its success will depend on whether the findings inspire bold policies, adequate funding and sustained action that ensure every Nigerian child, regardless of location or background, has access to quality education. Only then will the exercise move beyond statistics to become a genuine instrument for national development.