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Wrong Path To Change …That Caution From Bishop Kukah

Published

9 years ago

September 19, 2016

For the umpteenth time, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari told Nigerians that he inherited nothing from the previous administration. That would mean the first few months salaries paid to federal workers upon assumption of office last year were from his pocket or that of his All Progressives Congress (APC) party.
Expanded further, it would also mean that the allocations to the Federal, States and Local Government areas also came from same source. The same may also be true, if you may, of the funding of the first few foreign trips by Mr President, where, he took the vilification of his predecessor to annoying international heights.
If the President is to be believed, it would also be trithe to conclude that the proceeds from the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Tax holiday, by which some bail-out went to States, were not inherited from the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
But such was the extent of demonisation the Buhari-led APC government unleashed on a man whose political maturity saved the country from bloodbath, even disintegration. In vilifying his predecessor, Buhari did not spare the country which fluctuating fortunes he was elected to address.
What he did not consider was that due to the extent of his magnification of corruption, no sane foreign investor would deal with the Nigerian economy even with a long spoon. Those whose investments made Nigeria Africa’s largest economy even reconsidered their preferences and moved their investments elsewhere.
Where are we now? From N87 a litre which fuel sold before Buhari’s inauguration, the commodity is pegged officially at N145 and between N150 and N170 in the informal market. And with a likelihood of further hike, although government sources denied it.
This is the government of a party that promised to fix all the nation’s ailing refineries and stop the importation of refined petroleum products. That indeed is the government of a party that promised to establish new refineries.
On Monday, March 23, 2015, then APC Presidential candidate, Buhari told a rally in Owerri, ‘I’ll make Naira equal in value to the Dollar. What do we have today? More than N400 to the dollar, inflation at its all-time high and prices of goods and services beyond the reach of the common man.
With schools soon to re-open, there is the clear possibility of many students and wards remaining at home due to inability to pay fees. Civil servants are groaning just as job seekers, but nothing has changed from the lifestyle of the present administrators. In the midst of recession, wages of lawmakers and members of the Federal Executive Council remain the same.
The regular renovation of Aso Rock Villa with funds running into billions was not expunged from the 2016 budget just as the situation has not discouraged avoidable foreign trips in this time of global communication and viable embassies across the globe.
The display of vain wealth and opulence among elected and appointed federal officials has not changed. The prospensity to acquire choice automobities, neither.
Yet, the blame game continues. Virtually every failure of the administration is blamed on others except the government in power. But that was not why Nigerians voted them into power.
Yet, nearly two years into a four-year tenure, the blame game still will not abate, it gets even more fierce, sounding almost like a broken record.
That is why the recent caution by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah to President Buhari seems very timely. Apparently inundated with the endless complaints and blames heaped on the Jonathan administration, Kukah urged Buhari to stop complaining about the past and give fresh direction to true governance. Kukah said if the only thing Buhari would continue to do is to complain about the past, then, he has no reason heading a government.
According to the fiery Bishop, most Nigerians agreed with the Buhari-led APC that a lot was wrong that needed to be fixed and that its Presidential candidate Buhari had the magic wand to effect the needed change, which were why the party was elected, with President Buhari as armour bearer.
Buhari and his party were not elected to lament over the same problems Nigerians elected them to solve.
If what they have done, thus far, is the best they can offer- an endless blame game, with no extra effort to build the new, as Socrates enthused, then they have no business remaining in power.
Kukah is right. Nigeria is going through very challenging times. It is indeed a period when the people expect their President to speak to them from the heart, only as Buhari should, without any recourse to the demands of flowery romanticism in speech making.
The ‘Change Begins With Me’ campaign indeed offered an opportunity for the Nigerian President to pour out his soul to the people. He was expected to be original, frank, truthful and indeed empathising. He did not require enchanting prose to convince Nigerians of the need for attitudinal change.
But no thanks to Presidency’s speech writers, the President is now on the global news frontiers for the wrong reasons. Part of the speech Buhari gave to push Nigerians to jettison their old ways for new and better ones, was copied from a speech once made by US President Barack Obama.
It is called plagiarism.
This is the only flaw not yet blamed on the Jonathan administration by presidential aides. Even the campaign itself is now being said to be somebody else’s intellectual property, not credited but high-jacked. Although Information and Culture Ministry has denied the claim, the social media is awash with demeaning comments, on the subject, with a threat to weaken, the campaign’s punch.
How can such campaign succeed and usher the expected change? This is very unlike the Tunde Idiagbon-inspired War Against Indiscipline (WAI) which was made effective not by flowery speeches, but by straight-from-the heart talk and social engineering.
Now perhaps is when to remind the APC –led government that most of its promises that resulted in electoral victory remain unfulfilled. That the government has proven to be worse than its predecessor and that unless something meaningful is done to address the situation, Nigerians may, demonstrate their regrets same way they demonstrated their resolve to elect the party into power.
Interestingly, each time this suggestion is made, the government at the centre resorts to personal attacks rather than explain otherwise.
The noble path to change is not to blame all woes on others except themselves and embark on near endless vilification of others – the old. The secret of change is about building something new. Something different from the old.
That is what Nigerians are yet to see. And what Nigerians are eager to see. Continuous blames on the Jonathan administration has become a hardsell and should be done away with. And only something truly, truly positive and new can do that.
My Agony is that most of those from whom Nigerians expect change are used and recycled politicians with one true agenda – Be politically relevant and line their pockets, endlessly. No change can come from such people, because none can give what he lacks.

Soye Wilson Jamabo

Featured

Oil & Gas: Rivers Remains The Best Investment Destination – Fubara

Published

4 hours ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.

Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.

The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.

“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.

“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.

“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.

“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?

Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.

Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”

The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.

“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.

“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.

Featured

Lady Fubara Lauds Rivers Women On Peace, Development

Published

6 hours ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, has lauded the commitment, solidarity and pivotal role of women in promoting peace and enterprise development in Rivers State.

Lady Fubara spoke at the second edition of ‘Women Converge,’ a special programme organized by Rivers Women Unite for Sim, an NGO, at the main bowl of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.

She said women in the state had tremendously impacted the state positively through their prayers, careers, contributions to the home fronts, and expressed appreciation to Rivers women, for their unwavering support to her husband, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, while urging them to continue to pray for the state.

“Once again, let me use this occasion to thank Rivers women for their support both in prayers and solidarity with me and my family. You have been wonderful. I can’t reward all that you do, but God in heaven who sees in secret will surely reward you openly.

“Truly today, marks another milestone in our effort to shape the society for good and lending our support for the sustenance of peace and development of Rivers State in particular and Nigeria at large. Without doubt, the prayers of our women avails much in every situation.

“Let me enjoin our women to remain prayerful because God is ever ready to answer our prayers. In all that we do, we must not forget the hand of God and often seek Him for direction and help. You have always been steadfast and I urge you not to relent, and together we will move our society forward. Whatever you do, putting your trust in God will certainly succeed”.

The Rivers State first Lady described the theme of the event, “Women in An Evolving World” as apt and, deeply reflective of the very essence of actions and strategies that women adopt to navigate the new world order.

She noted that despite the complexities of managing the home front and the constraints of economic realities, women had demonstrated formidable strength and resilience to confront the odds of life.

“This Converge underscores the resilience of our women to succeed no matter the odds, especially with absolute faith in God and determination for greater accomplishments.”

“Whether in the industry, business, agriculture, public service or even in politics, they have always shown strong determination to adapt and to accomplish like others.

“Our natural state notwithstanding our focus has always been to reach for the sky like every other person and as Rivers women we have always been pacesetters.

The Keynote Speaker, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, described women as the foundation of every society, noting that the development of every society depends on the strength of womanhood.

In their good will messages, notable Rivers women who attended the event expressed optimism over the prospects of sustainable peace and development in Rivers State, and reiterated their support for the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Some dignitaries that attended the event include former Commissioner for Environment in Rivers State, Prof Roseline Konya; foremost activist, Ann Kio Briggs; wife of the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Mrs Christie Toby; President of the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHACCIMA, Dr Chinyere Nwoga; Pastor Ene Secondus, among others.

Highlights of the event were ministrations, cutting of cake and special prayers for Rivers State.

Featured

Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed

Published

2 weeks ago

November 14, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.

Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.

He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.

Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.

“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.

The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.

Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.

He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.

“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.

“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.

Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.

He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.

The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.

He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.

“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.

Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.

He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.

Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.

“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.

Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.