News

Hope Amaechi Didn’t Mean It …That Remark At Ministerial Hearing

Published

10 years ago

November 2, 2015

There are times in a man’s life when he chooses to tell his spouse what she would like to hear, when a parent would tell a ward what he or she would like to hear, an interviewee, what the interviewer would like to hear and an ambitious politician what his would-be helper would like to hear.
Such half-truths are kinder lies designed to sustain a relationship, earn temporary approval and sometimes ensure followership. This is why ambitious politicians would say different things at different fora to different people, depending on what their audience’s immediate yearings are.
For a Presidential hopeful seeking votes of the Niger Delta, he must attempt to strike the chord by whipping up the sentiment, of the level of environmental degradation the area has suffered on account of years of oil production activities with their attendant pollution of the once arable farmlands, rich rivers and swamps.
He must raise their hopes on issues such as comprehensive environmental clean-up, review of the 13 per cent derivation system and promise to declare emergency in the Health and Education Sectors to make-up for the years of neglect, and lay a foundation for young ones.
Some would even promise that the Amnesty programme, pronounced by the Late Yar’Adua Presidency after resource control agitations following years of protest and ample threat to national earnings through oil and gas, would be sustained beyond 2015. Or even promise improved federal allocation to the Niger Delta Ministry, build factories to create jobs and above all give special attention to the welfare of the girl-child.
Such attention to the girl-child is indeed necessary because she was indeed one of the primary victims of oil prospection and production activities in the Niger Delta. When the oil companies arrived the oil bearing communities, they met total darkness, hunger, lack of pipe borne water, abject poverty and backwardness. At nights, the only light the locals saw was that on the house boats of the oil workers.
With their fat salaries, the oil workers lured the young girls out of schools into early prostitution and out of their homes. Some were put in the family way, leaving their parents with the false hope that their fluctuating fortunes would be addressed in a permanent manner.
But once the project of that set is completed, the oil workers would sneak out of the community as secretly as they came, after forcing the girl-child out of schools, and sometimes putting them in a family way.
In like manner, marriages were broken, community conflicts invented to divide and rule the people and most importantly, had disrupted, the people’s main occupations and sources of livelihood, fishing and farming.
On near frequent basis, wastes from their production are discharged into the rivers, lands and swamps thus endangering sea foods, arable lands and indeed fishes in the river, not to talk of gas flaring which became a major health concern for the people.
In spite of all these, for more than fifty years after Nigeria discovered oil in large quantity in Oloibiri, today’s Bayelsa State, the people did not benefit directly from activities of oil companies. Often guided by very well-armed security men, the oil companies’ loyalty was to the Federal Government and their owners with little or no consideration for the oil bearing host communities.
Without relevant skills, thus unemployable, the youth who had thus been denied sources of livelihood became agitated and vented their anger first on their political leaders. It was such internal strife that culminated in the demand for a derivation policy, by the people’s representatives.
Men like Chief Melford Okilo and Ken Sarowiwa, among many others were unrelenting in their protest against environmental hazards, health risks and indeed endemic poverty which oil-bearing communities suffered.
Under the Second Republic, followed by successive Military regimes, the derivation which was eventually granted fluctuated, sometimes meaninglessly, the lowest being 1.5 per cent under General Muhammadu Buhari as Head of State, before rising to the 13 per cent enjoyed today. This is in spite of the fact that in the days of the groundnut pyramids, cocoa, palm oil among others, the then three major zones of North, South-West and South-East enjoyed derivation benefits of between 50 per cent and 100 per cent.
In the last National Conference, convoked by the Jonathan Presidency, conferees agreed on an upward review of the derivation formula in view of the years of denial, environment degration, remediation needs, investments in education and, health care and above all, empower the youth.
That conference report is yet to see the light of day and there are no signs that it will, since the now ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had boycotted it after many of its members had clamoured for such conference for many years. Even so, notable Nigerians have continued to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to implement the Conference report, because in their view, it held the answer to the long-desired peaceful co-existence, devolution of power, economic growth, socio-political integration and indeed national cohesion, unity and progress.
Most of these were what then APC candidate Buhari promised with extra attention to security, war on corruption and economic prosperity. The Director-General of the Buhari campaign was the then Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who also defended his opposition to a Jonathan Presidency, on grounds that his state and indeed the states of the oil producing Niger Delta were worse for it.
Another key grouse of the Governor against President Jonathan’s re-election was his claim that oil-wells belonging to Rivers State were annexed to Bayelsa, and thus denied his state derivation rewards that would have been enjoyed.
Amaechi repeatedly defended the interest of the Niger Delta and relentlessly agitated for an upward review of the derivation system to help in re-building the thoroughly destroyed occupations and environment of the people.
But when former Governor Amaechi appeared before the Senate, for a confirmation hearing for a ministerial position, his reaction to one of the questions posed to him should have shocked many, considering his antecedents and advocacy for improved derivation , while as governor.
Amaechi was asked: When you were governor, you and your Niger Delta colleagues repeatedly clamoured for more federal allocation, but each time we asked you to account for it, it’s trouble. You enjoy derivation, you have Niger Delta Ministry.
Now, you are going to be a federal minister, if you are confirmed, would you still clamour for more derivation for the oil bearing states, considering that some states get far less?
Astonishingly, Amaechi said, “that was before we went to Germany. Now my disposition has changed.” According to the former governor, the state of Germany does not have the kind of mineral resources Nigeria has but the people are doing well. So no need for extra attention to oil bearing states.
According to him, “After the grants to states by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, any states with less than N5 billion, should be bailed out by other states with higher grants. That’s the right thing to do.”
What Amaechi’s view amounted to was that many Northern states depend solely on monthly federal allocations without extra efforts towards improving their internally generated revenue and since oil bearing states enjoy marginal reward from the paltry 13 per cent derivation, they should contribute part to states that earn less than 5 billion naira. I hope Amaechi did not mean it.
Hope he was merely telling the Northern Senator, what he wanted to hear in answer to that question. Hope Amaechi did not mean it, otherwise it would be suicidal for oil bearing states in the South-South and South-East, where, unfortunately President Buhari scored the least number of votes in the last Presidential elections.
There are also speculations that, if finally sworn-in as Minister of the Federal Republic by President Buhari, Amaechi might be assigned the Niger Delta Ministry, meaning, the development of the area would be entrusted to him.
Would he run his Ministry with funds deducted from the Niger Delta states to his ministry or agitate for improved funding independently?
That is why I hope that Amaechi might have just told that Senator, what he and some of his Northern colleagues would like to hear. If so, Amaechi need to reassure his constituency that he is not one to sacrifice everything, including the welfare of his people, to sustain personal ambition.
From his nomination as Minster to his screening up to his eventual clearance, the amount of controversy generated by Amaechi’s choice was most divisive rather than uniting. That is why Amaechi must take deliberate steps to heal wounds and unite the peoples, if he hopes to succeed as a minster.
Most importantly, he must discard his new view, after the trip to Germany, and champion the course of the oil bearing states in their struggle for a better welfare for their people. Anything else will be most unpopular, ungratifying and utterly selfish.
My agony is: those whose personal ambition transcend their states, often adopt the policy: “Charity begins abroad.” And with such mindset, can lavish billions on foreigners and their needs, not minding whether or not workers and pensioners are owed three months and five months respectively. Let this not be our plight.
That is why I hope and pray that Amaechi didn’t mean what he said.

City Crime

Ministry Raises Concern Over Rising Teenage Pregnancies, Begins Adolescent Sensitisation Campaign

Published

20 hours ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

The Department of Public Health in the Rivers State Ministry of Health has raised concern over the increasing cases of teenage pregnancies in society as it intensifies efforts to educate adolescents across the state.
Programme Manager for Adolescent Health and Development in the department, Mrs. Tammy Briggs, expressed the concern during a sensitisation programme held at Government Girls Secondary School Rumueme in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Briggs explained that the campaign was designed to educate adolescents on the dangers of teenage pregnancy and other health-related issues affecting young people.
According to her, teenage pregnancy is currently on the rise, making it necessary for the ministry to step up awareness programmes among students.
“This is something that is on the rise for now. We have observed that there are many cases of teenage pregnancies, so we are here to sensitise them on ways to prevent it entirely,” she said.
She disclosed that the sensitisation campaign is being carried out in selected schools across four local government areas of the state, namely Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area and Eleme Local Government Area.
Briggs noted that the programme focuses on several key issues affecting adolescents, including sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, emotional health and proper nutrition.
She added that the outreach programme also featured tuberculosis screening for students as well as the distribution of sanitary pads and mathematical sets to support their health and academic development.
The programme manager commended the management of Government Girls Secondary School Rumueme for their cooperation and support in hosting the sensitisation exercise. She also advised the students to avoid behaviours that could jeopardise their future.
Speaking during the session, Dr. Nwadike Chinonso urged the students to make informed decisions about their lives and remain focused on their education.
He cautioned them against engaging in early sexual activities, stressing that abstinence remains one of the most effective ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
Some of the students who participated in the programme expressed appreciation to the team for the awareness campaign and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to make responsible life choices.

News

Extortion, Contraband Scandal Erupts At Kwale Custodial Centre

Published

20 hours ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

Disturbing allegations of extortion, intimidation and the smuggling of prohibited items have unsettled the Kwale Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Delta State, prompting calls for urgent intervention by the national authorities of the Nigeria Correctional Service amid fears of potential security breaches within the facility.
The development was disclosed by a senior officer at the Delta State custodial facility, who expressed concern over what was described as entrenched irregularities capable of undermining discipline and operational standards at the centre.
According to the source, detailed findings compiled between December 2025 and January 2026 highlighted patterns of misconduct and warned of possible security consequences should the allegations remain unchecked.
At the centre of the claims is a powerful corrections official serving as Officer in Charge of the Kwale facility, accused of presiding over persistent financial extortion, high-handedness and the victimisation of inmates under his supervision.
The document further indicated that the alleged practices may have originated during the tenure of a former General Provost, reportedly with the collaboration of another senior custodial official within the system.
Intelligence details suggested that inmates were allegedly compelled to contribute funds for projects and items considered outside the statutory framework of inmate welfare, raising questions about compliance with established correctional guidelines.
Among the financial demands reportedly imposed were ¦ 300,000 for the repair of a Hilux vehicle, ¦ 600,000 for the purchase of a freezer and ¦ 750,000 for a generator allegedly designated for the Officer in Charge’s residence.
The report also alleged that inmates were required to make payments before being conveyed to court, while Awaiting Trial Persons in Cells One to Nine were directed to raise ¦ 30,000 per cell, with Convict Cells One to Three, including a designated VIP cell, similarly mandated to pay ¦ 30,000 monthly.
Observers noted that if substantiated, such practices would amount to grave breaches of professional ethics and custodial administration standards, eroding principles of fairness, transparency and inmate welfare within correctional institutions.
Beyond the financial allegations, the intelligence brief raised concerns over the purported possession of unauthorised communication devices, alleging that a serving General Provost had two Android phones while another influential inmate was also reportedly found with a mobile device.
The document further alleged that prohibited items, including alcoholic beverages, Indian hemp and other hard substances, may have been smuggled into the custodial yard under the guise of routine supervision duties, with security sources warning that the cumulative effect of extortion, intimidation and contraband trafficking has heightened tension within the facility.
In view of the gravity of the allegations, they called for an immediate and discreet investigation by the minister of Interior for immediate action to safe the life of inmates.
The administrative review of implicated officers, even as officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service had yet to issue an official statement, with stakeholders insisting that a transparent probe and decisive action are essential to restoring confidence and safeguarding institutional integrity at the Kwale Medium Security Custodial Centre.

News

SERAP Sues FG Over Phone-Tapping Rules

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the government of President Bola Tinubu at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice over the government’s alleged failure to withdraw “unlawful mass phone-tapping rules” known as the Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations, 2019.

LICR 2019 is a regulation that authorises telecom licensees to install technology for security agencies to monitor communications, including voice, data, text, email, and browsing, for national security and to combat crime.

SERAP, in a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, yesterday, said the suit followed allegations by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that the phone conversation of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was intercepted.

El-Rufai reportedly claimed, “The NSA’s call was tapped. They do that to our calls too, and we heard him saying they should arrest me.”

In the suit numbered ECW/CCJ/APP/11/26, filed last Friday at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja, SERAP is seeking “a declaration that the failure of the government to withdraw the Interception of Communications Regulations is unlawful and a violation of Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.”

The organisation is also asking the court to declare that the government’s failure to withdraw the regulations “constitutes an official endorsement of unlawful mass phone-tapping rules, as the Regulations are patently unlawful, and violate the rule of law, democratic principles, and the right to privacy.”

It is further seeking “an order directing and compelling the Nigerian government to immediately withdraw the Interception of Communications Regulations, and to commence a legislative process to ensure that any interception regulations are in conformity with Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.”

The suit, filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Oluwakemi Oni, Valentina Adegoke and Maryam Mumuni, argued that “the Regulations establish a sweeping mass phone-tapping regime that violates Nigerians’ constitutionally and internationally guaranteed human rights, including to privacy and freedom of expression.”

“Where powers affecting fundamental human rights are exercised in secrecy and concentrated in political authorities without independent supervision, the risks of arbitrariness are substantial.

“Surveillance measures that lack strict necessity, proportionality and independent judicial oversight can easily be weaponised against political opponents, journalists, civil society actors and election observers,” it added.

SERAP also warned that the regulations raise concerns as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, noting that broad interception powers could be abused during politically sensitive periods.

“In an electoral climate, even the perception that private communications are being monitored can chill political organising, investigative reporting and voter mobilisation.

“Free and fair elections depend on confidential communications, protected journalistic sources and open democratic debate. Any misuse of intercepted data for intimidation, political advantage or disinformation would fundamentally undermine Nigerians’ right to political participation and electoral integrity.

“As 2027 approaches, interception powers must be narrowly defined, subject to prior independent judicial authorisation and backed by effective remedies. Without robust safeguards, these Regulations risk threatening privacy rights, freedom of expression and the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process,” the suit stated.

SERAP maintained that any restriction on the right to privacy must comply with the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality, arguing that the regulations fail to meet these requirements.

SERAP also cited the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights as stating that mass surveillance programmes based on indiscriminate and blanket collection of personal data are arbitrary and cannot satisfy the requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality.

The group said the Nigerian government has a duty to adopt clear laws, safeguards, independent oversight mechanisms and accessible remedies to prevent abuse by state agencies and private actors, including telecommunications providers and technology companies.

According to SERAP, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) adopted the Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations, 2019 while exercising its powers under Section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

The organisation argued that Regulation 4 grants broad discretionary interception powers to the National Security Adviser and the State Security Services, with little clarity on the scope or limits of such authority.

SERAP also pointed to inconsistencies within the regulations, noting that while Regulation 4 and Regulation 12 restrict interception powers to the NSA and SSS, Regulation 23 expands the category of authorised agencies to include bodies such as the Nigeria Police Force, National Intelligence Agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and any other agency the commission may designate.

The organisation said this ambiguity undermines legal certainty and creates the risk of arbitrary application and abuse.

It also criticised provisions allowing interception without a warrant in certain circumstances, arguing that such powers are overly broad and susceptible to misuse.

SERAP further expressed concern that the regulations do not require authorities to notify individuals who have been subjected to surveillance, which it said weakens the ability of citizens to challenge unlawful monitoring.

The organisation warned that requirements compelling telecommunications licensees to install interception equipment and disclose encryption keys could undermine cybersecurity and discourage privacy-enhancing technologies.

SERAP acknowledged the government’s responsibility to address national security and organised crime but argued that such measures must remain within constitutional and international human rights limits.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.