Editorial

Any Insurance Cover For Street Beggers?

Published

10 years ago

December 13, 2015

I may sound of appear foolish to ask such question s whether street and highway beggers in Port Harcourt have any live assurance coverage or simply put, if they are licenced to beg.
Of course anyone who witness what I would conclude as a usual sight in Port Harcourt, may also be tempted to pose similar questions if not exactly same. The reason is simple, these humans who by virtue of either their handicapped situation or choice of career, found themselves in the begging industry, are rather constituting more of a nuisance than they could attract the pity of the public.
To the motorists the risk involved, is more than the charity expected to be expressed at the sight of these ones. Their choice of points on the highways that risk their safety and that of the drivers, is one that calls for immediate intervention. I may not know that Ministry under which these beggers fall in, but I know that the government of Rivers State has what it takes to address this situation especially at this period when many road users seem to be possessed by the spirit of the last month.
Rather than allow motorists to fall victims of avoidable circumstance, I think it is quite honourable to toe the line of precautionary measures and put these victims of circumstances off the motor ways so that they are not crushed. A situation where a helpless begger would be stationed on Rumuola Flyover that is not able to accommodate just one vehicle at a time is quite appalling. It is worst given the foggy look at the mornings that impedes visibility in recent time. I therefore call on the state government and relevant authorities to please treat as a matter of importance and urgency the need to have these ones evacuated out of the motor ways in Port Harcourt.
Unique Mezie
Oroworukwo.

Ban Neighbourhood
Disturbances This Yuletide
Permit me a space in your paper to air my feelings about the menace of indiscriminate shootings in the neighbourhood as part of the euphoria that chacterize the yuletide. Even though the history, I may not be able to trace in a hurry, we know that it is quite common to have children, youths and even unguraded adults carry out some disturbing shootings into the air all in the name of celebrating Christmas.
In a period, where people are living in suspicions and fear of the activities of insurgents, it would be tantamount to a display of laxity by both the government of the day, the security operatives and the civil society to stand aloof and watch such frivolous nuisance being perpetrated in our neighbourhoods. Apart from the nuisance that such act, creates, it is quite difficult to convince any sane mind that hoodlums would not hijack the situation to hit up the environment and so create more panic and terror at a time when peace and security ought to rent the air.
In the light of this, I would want to call on the state and federal government to please see enough Nason to check the activities of miscreants who hide under the cloack of yuletidism to perpetrate evil, enough to hamper the joy of the season. In as much as we all are looking forward to the realization of the December deadline to an end of Boko Haram’s activities in Nigeria, it is imperative that we leave nothing to change as every loopehole may be capitalized on to cause havoc which consequences we may not be able to escape. For me, an outright ban on such activities as would create panic and horror at this period, such as “knock-outs”, rockets, and all manner of fireworks that go with traumatizing sounds in noise should be put in place to be able to monitor the activities of the men and boys of the underworld.
Prevention they say, is better than cure.
Chisom Woke
PH.
Nigerians Need
Decent Toilets
Recently, the world marked the 2015 Global Toilet Day with the theme: “Sanitation and Nutrition. This event like others is celebrated annually by all countries of the world. It’s organised by the United nations (UN) with the aim o raising awareness about people lack access to toilet in spite of its being a human right.
What baffles one is that these human deficiencies are highlighted an celebrated every year on specific days but without positive impact on the people.
In Nigeria in particular, some millions of Naira are always spent in organising the events but at the end of the day, the agencies concerned and the government forget all about them. It was disclosed that over 45 million Nigerians lack access to toilet facilities, while another 130 million use unimproved and shared toilet facilities.
Having gotten this data, the question now is, what step is the various governments taking towards providing solution to the problem. Growing open defecation and lack of access to safe toilets are identified as the major problem facing the people and women are more vulnerable.
The issue is not how much awareness campaign organised, but what is being done to make these facilities available to the people. This les on the shoulders of the Federal, State and local governments whose responsibility it is to ensure the construction of standard toilet facilities, especially for those residing at the waterfronts.
A visit to these areas would actually convince you that most Nigerians are living in penury and in unacceptable environment.
Nigeria needs a paradigm shift in terms of sanitation and nutrition considering her status in the world. As a giant of Africa and one of richest in oil and gas, one no longer expect its people to defecate openly.
Governments at all levels must address this menace by providing well-sanitized toilets and environment for its people.
It is shameful that Nigeria with a population of about 170 million has over 45 million without access to toilet facilities, a situation that is not healthy for human existence. Something serious must be done and urgently too.
Aduche Ajie
Diobu.
Check Harassment In Ivory Towers
It is quite heavy to state yet real, sexual harassment of female students in higher institutions of learning by their lecturers is gradually assuming a crisis dimension, what used to be an option by female students who couldn’t pass their courses, as a remedial measure, has now become an intimidating tool by lecturers with lustful desires over their female students.
It is worrisome because, unlike before when the lecturers involved did it clandestinely, with an intension to still protect their image, now, lecturers do it with levity, damning the consequences afterall. Apart from subjecting female students to sexual nitration, these same students are forced to pay the hotel bills of their chosen venue for the act as well as the entertainment within their period of stay in the hotel.
One therefore, wonders what manner of lies these students would tell their guardians to be able to extract such amount needed to settle such bills.
It must be understood that sexual assault in our citadels of learning, can, not only result to short term harms, it can also lead to a long-term emotional trauma which end-product is depression, not excluding the possibility of contracting sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis and even HIV/AIDS.
I therefore, use this medium to call on the authority concerned, Ministry of education in particular and probably teachers registration Council (TRCN) to see how they can check and curb the excess of their employees and members respectively.
If the employment and membership of a teacher could be considered at risk when found guilty of this offence, it will help to check this trend and end its menace. There is no better time to at than now.
Ogbonna Favour
PH.

Please, Consider Xmas Bonus For Workers
Prior to the administration of Rivers State by Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, the Civil Servants in Rivers State were treated to a December largesse no matter how meager, it was assumed a practice that has come to stay, which should earn the respect of every successive administration.
Unfortunately, the regime of Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, failed to respect such tradition for whatever reason it had for doing so. Hence for his reign of 8 years, workers in the state were neglected during the yuletide. With the change of baton of leadership, and the cordial relationship the state civil servants have with the brick house, I wish to call on His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to please revisit this old but significant tradition that was truncated by an administration adjudged to be insensitive to the plight of workers in the state.
This call has become imperative not because the state is perceived to be wallowing in wealth or excess money, no! but because it is upheld as a necessity, capable of boosting the morale of workers.
It goes a mile to explain what relationship exists between the government and its workers, seeing that Xmas period is a time to show and share love irrespective of the burdens that had weighed one down all through the year.
Your Excellency Sir, the Civil Servants in Rivers State would remain grateful to your administration if you would consider this call, a timely one, worthy of attention inspite of all odds.
Sylvie Francoise
PH.

Editorial

Task Before New IGP

Published

5 days ago

April 2, 2026

The Tide

The appointment of Olatunji Disu as Inspector-General of Police following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun marks a significant turning point for the Nigeria Police Force. Announced by President Bola Tinubu, the change in leadership comes at a time when the country is grappling with serious security concerns. Disu’s emergence has already drawn national attention, given both the urgency of the situation and the expectations placed upon him.

Upon confirmation of his appointment, Disu pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him. Central to his promise is a firm commitment to end impunity and enforce a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption within the force. Such assurances, though commendable, will ultimately be judged by the practical steps he takes in the coming months.

The new IGP also emphasised the importance of public cooperation in effective policing. He rightly noted that no police force anywhere in the world can succeed without the support of the people it serves. This acknowledgement highlights the critical relationship between law enforcement and the community, a relationship that has long been strained in Nigeria.

While congratulating Disu on his elevation, it is important to recognise the enormity of the task before him. He assumes office at a particularly difficult time, as underscored by the President during the decoration ceremony. Nigeria’s security landscape remains fragile, requiring decisive leadership and immediate action.

President Tinubu described the appointment as coming at a defining moment for national security. He urged the new police chief to restore public confidence and improve the institution he now leads. The expectation is not merely to maintain the status quo, but to leave the force better than he met it.

The security challenges confronting the nation are considerable. From banditry and terrorism to organised crime and communal conflicts, the threats are diverse and deeply entrenched. These issues have not only endangered lives and property but have also heightened public anxiety across the country.

Ironically, the police, who are meant to be at the forefront of restoring law and order, are themselves beset by internal challenges. Issues such as poor welfare, inadequate training, and systemic corruption have weakened the institution’s effectiveness. This dual burden makes Disu’s assignment even more complex.

A key priority for the new IGP must, therefore, be to restore peace and rebuild confidence, both within the force and among the general public. For many Nigerians, the police are no longer seen as protectors but as adversaries. This perception, whether wholly justified or not, must be urgently addressed.

Cleaning up the force and restoring its credibility will require more than rhetoric. Disu has already made the necessary commitments, but Nigerians will expect tangible results. Institutional reform must be thorough, transparent, and sustained if it is to yield meaningful change.

Equally important is the welfare of police personnel. Many officers operate under extremely poor conditions, with inadequate facilities and insufficient resources. Numerous police stations across the country are in a deplorable state, lacking basic equipment needed for effective policing.

No organisation can function optimally under such circumstances. If the police are to fulfil their constitutional mandate, they must be properly equipped and motivated. Addressing issues of welfare and infrastructure will go a long way in boosting morale and enhancing performance.

The list of challenges before the new police chief is extensive. From modernising equipment to improving training and discipline, the reforms required are wide-ranging. It is hoped that Disu will take the time to carefully assess these issues and implement practical solutions.

His appointment also comes amid growing calls for the establishment of state police. There is now a broad national consensus that the current centralised policing system is inadequate for addressing local security challenges. This debate has brought renewed attention to constitutional provisions governing policing in Nigeria.

While concerns about the potential pitfalls of state policing remain, its advantages appear increasingly compelling. Managing this transition, if it materialises, will be another critical responsibility for Disu. Ultimately, he assumes office with considerable goodwill, but his success will depend on his ability to translate promises into measurable improvements.

The success or failure of Olatunji Disu will be measured not by promises made but by results achieved. Nigerians yearn for a police force that is professional, accountable, and truly committed to their safety. If Disu can rise to this moment, confront entrenched challenges with courage, and drive meaningful reform, he will not only justify his appointment but also leave a lasting legacy in the annals of policing in Nigeria.

Editorial

Nigeria: Cushioning Effects Of M’East Crisis

Published

1 week ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

The ongoing crisis in the Middle East between the United States and Israel on one hand and Iran on the other has once again unsettled global stability, with escalating tensions disrupting oil production routes and threatening key supply chains. Conflicts involving major oil-producing nations and strategic waterways have created uncertainty in the international energy market. As history has repeatedly shown, instability in this region often sends shockwaves across the global economy, particularly in energy-dependent countries.

One of the most immediate consequences of this war has been a sharp rise in global crude oil prices. Brent Crude has surged between $105 and $110 per barrel in recent weeks, reflecting fears of supply shortages. This increase has translated into higher fuel costs worldwide, placing immense pressure on both developed and developing economies.

Nigeria, despite being a major crude oil producer, has not been spared. The country’s heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum products has meant that global price increases directly affect domestic fuel costs. Rather than benefiting fully from higher crude prices, Nigerians are grappling with the paradox of rising oil wealth alongside worsening living conditions.

The impact on the cost of living has been severe. Transportation fares across major cities have increased by over 50 per cent, while food inflation has climbed above 30 per cent, according to recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The ripple effect of higher fuel prices has touched every sector, from agriculture to manufacturing, making basic goods increasingly unaffordable for ordinary citizens.

In response to this growing hardship, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded urgent intervention from the Federal Government to cushion the effects of the recent spike in petrol prices occasioned by the Middle East crisis. The call reflects widespread frustration among workers and the broader population.

The NLC made this demand in a statement titled “Save Nigerians From This Shock: An Urgent Relief Has Become Necessary,” signed by its President, Joe Ajaero. The statement underscores the urgency of the situation and highlights the growing disconnect between government policy and the lived realities of citizens.

We strongly support the NLC’s clarion call and urge the administration of President Bola Tinubu to take immediate and decisive steps to cushion the harsh effects of the crisis on Nigerians. Leadership at this critical moment requires bold, people-centred policies that prioritise national welfare over market orthodoxy.

One such step is the reintroduction of a fuel subsidy, funded by the gains from the current surge in global crude oil prices. The government could choose to subsidise either the finished petroleum products or the crude supplied to local refiners. Providing crude at reduced rates to Aliko Dangote refinery would significantly lower the final pump price for consumers.

This brings into focus the role of Dangote, whose refinery has the potential to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape. Dangote has stated that the Federal Government currently supplies only 30 per cent of the crude required for his refinery, compelling him to import the remaining 70 per cent. For a country that produces millions of barrels daily, this situation is both inefficient and unacceptable.

Beyond fuel pricing, there is a pressing need for direct support to workers. A cost-of-living allowance, a wage award, and targeted tax relief measures would provide immediate relief. At the same time, the government must take concrete steps to revive Nigeria’s dormant public refineries, which have long been a drain on public resources without delivering value.

The sharp rise in fuel prices, now selling at approximately N1,310 to N1,400 per litre in many parts of the country, has deepened economic hardship. For millions of Nigerians, daily survival has become a struggle. Without urgent intervention, the nation risks severe social unrest, as frustration continues to mount among the populace.

It is deeply troubling that the Federal Government appears to have left Nigerians at the mercy of volatile global oil prices triggered by the Middle East imbroglio. This situation has exposed the fragility of the downstream petroleum sector and highlighted the failure to build resilience despite decades of oil wealth.

As long as Nigeria remains tied to a market-driven pricing structure dictated by global fluctuations and continues to neglect its domestic refining capacity, it will remain vulnerable to external shocks. International conflicts and speculative market forces will continue to dictate the economic fate of Nigerian households.

Nigerian workers are being pauperised and subjected to immense suffering. They are not mere statistics; they are the engine of the nation’s economy. When that engine overheats, the entire system risks collapse. Ignoring their plight is not just unjust—it is economically reckless.

Finally, the estimated N30 trillion oil windfall expected from the current crisis must not be squandered as in the past. These resources should be transparently managed and invested in social protection programmes, infrastructure, and economic stabilisation. In addition, Nigeria must develop robust crude storage systems, as seen in other countries, to cushion future shocks. Failure to properly manage the energy situation could further accelerate inflation, compounding the already substantial burden on citizens.

Editorial

Thumbs Up For Sit-At-Home Reversal

Published

2 weeks ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

For the first time in over five years, the bustling markets of Anambra State, particularly the sprawling Onitsha Main Market, opened for business on February 2, 2026, without the fear of coercion or violence. This development marks the definitive end of the illegal Monday sit-at-home order that has held the South-East region hostage since 2021. Governor Chukwuma Soludo has achieved what many thought impossible, finally laying to rest an obnoxious practice that has bled the region dry economically and psychologically.

The Monday sit-at-home order was first declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on July 30, 2021. The proscribed organisation imposed the directive to pressure the Federal Government into releasing their detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and to advance their demand for the creation of an independent sovereign state of Biafra. What began as a protest mechanism quickly degenerated into a compulsory lockdown enforced through intimidation and violence.

For more than four years, the South-East had been crippled every Monday. Schools remained shut, businesses pulled down their shutters, and economic activity ground to a halt across the five states of Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo. Governor Soludo recently quantified the devastation, noting that every Monday lost represented about 20 per cent of the work week for the region’s informal economy. When calculated over 52 weeks annually for several years, the cumulative losses are truly staggering.

The economic cost to the region has been nothing short of catastrophic. Investors fled, businesses relocated to other parts of the country, and the South-East lost its competitive edge as West Africa’s premier commercial hub. The Onitsha Main Market, reputedly the largest market in West Africa, sat empty every Monday. Thousands of traders lost 52 working days every year, children missed countless hours of education, and families saw their incomes dwindle. The opportunity cost of this self-imposed isolation runs into hundreds of billions of naira.

Professor Soludo demonstrated exceptional leadership by taking the bull by the horns. His administration ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week, sending a clear message that the era of economic sabotage was over. Following this decisive action, he engaged in meaningful dialogue with traders and stakeholders, reaching a consensus that markets must operate on Mondays like every other day of the week.

The results of this courageous stance are now visible for all to see. Over 45,000 shops at the Onitsha Main Market reopened for business, and traders turned out in their tens of thousands, jubilant that they could finally resume their livelihoods without fear. The atmosphere was reportedly electric, with over 100,000 people celebrating what many described as a liberation from years of economic captivity imposed by faceless enforcers.

Soludo deserves the highest commendation for confronting this age-long practice that isolated the South-East from the rest of Nigeria. It takes uncommon courage and determination to challenge an entrenched system enforced through fear and violence.

It is senseless for any group to impose such hardship on the very people it claims to be fighting to liberate. Perhaps IPOB thought they were punishing the Federal Government by shutting down the South-East every Monday. Little did they realise that they were inflicting the deepest wounds on their own people. The traders, the schoolchildren, the transporters, and the ordinary workers who lost income and opportunities were all Igbos, the very constituency IPOB professes to protect.

Can it be imagined what it takes to shut down an entire geopolitical zone every Monday for over four years? The mathematics of loss is simple but devastating: 52 Mondays annually means 52 lost working days per year. For a region built on commerce and entrepreneurship, this represented a self-inflicted wound that no external enemy could have achieved. The South-East was effectively closed for business one day every week while the rest of Nigeria moved forward.

Thankfully, IPOB has now officially endorsed the cancellation of the sit-at-home order once and for all. In a statement released, the group announced that Nnamdi Kanu had directed the “total cancellation” of the directive, urging residents to open their shops, go to work, and send their children to school without fear. This is a welcome development, though we must approach it with cautious optimism, as this is not the first time such announcements have been made.

Previous attempts to end the practice were frustrated by the activities of one Simon Ekpa, a self-styled disciple of the IPOB leader based in Finland. Whenever IPOB issued statements calling for a cessation of the sit-at-home, Ekpa would counter with orders for its continuation, creating confusion and perpetuating the cycle of fear. Now that Ekpa has been convicted and jailed in Finland for inciting terrorism and tax fraud, we hope there will be no further excuses to continue this damaging observance.

With the definitive end of the sit-at-home order, people in the South-East, as well as Nigerians travelling through the region, can finally heave a sigh of relief. The order caused immense apprehension for travellers who had to pass through the South-East to reach other parts of the country. Major highways were deserted on Mondays, creating security vulnerabilities and disrupting the flow of commerce and movement across the nation. This created countless problems for families, businesses, and national cohesion.

Now that this painful chapter has come to an end, we urge the proscribed IPOB not to renege on their decision. The South-East people, who were the greatest victims of this infamous order, can now return to doing what they do best: business. The resilience of the Igbo entrepreneur is legendary, and given the opportunity, the region will bounce back stronger than ever. However, this requires that the peace holds and the markets remain open every Monday without exception.

We urge everyone in the region—business owners, market leaders, transporters, stakeholders, and ordinary citizens—to cooperate fully to ensure that this new development is sustained. The government at all levels must also begin to address the underlying issues that led to this ugly incident. We cannot run away from the fact that there is a genuine feeling of marginalisation and oppression in the South-East that the Federal Government needs to look into.

Undoubtedly, Governor Soludo’s action has impacted positively on Anambra State and the entire region. It is a huge plus for the state’s economy, the security architecture of the South-East, and the confidence of investors who had written off the region as too risky for business. By restoring normalcy to Mondays, Soludo has given the people back their most valuable asset: the freedom to earn a living without fear. This is leadership, and this is progress.