Opinion
CAF And The New Dawn

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) witnessed a new dawn with the emergence of Madagascar Football Association boss, Ahmad Ahmad, as president of the soccer body. The election exited Issa Hayatou, a Camerounian, who had been in the saddle for about 29 years.
Like the desire for political change, Ahmad’s election indicates the deep yearning for change from Hayatou’s near uneventful 29 years rule. Some of those who wanted this change predicated it on the need for fresh ideas in the continent’s football governing body.
Ahmad’s victory has therefore heightened expectations and hope that henceforth things would be done differently in line with his campaign promises. Consequently, prospects are high for a brand new CAF.
He has promised sweeping reforms in the affairs of CAF. Of course, no less is expected of him. To prove his seriousness, he indicated moves to call a CAF executive committee meeting, the highest decision-making organ of the body, to deliberate and adopt his reform agenda.
This is a laudable move which deserves commendation because it will democratise the apex soccer body in the continent. In fact, it is one of the things CAF needs in order to be reckoned with globally.
Also, his promise to return football to stakeholders and owners will give unfettered access to football administration in the continent. This will end the situation where the running of football in Africa involves only a limited number of ex-players who attained the zenith of their career.
The practice, however, is different elsewhere, especially in Europe, where former players are really involved in the running or administration of the round leather game to attain remarkable successes.
It was crystal clear that Hayatou’s ouster from his exalted position was already anticipated long before the election took place. Accordingly, some theories have been adduced as explanations for his lose.
There are football analysts who think strongly that the Camerounian lost because he worked against the emergence of the new FIFA President, Giovanni Infantino. I agree with this claim. It isn’t a secret that the FIFA boss was very active in the behind-the-scene activities that extruded Hayatou from his position.
But I also agree with others who think that Hayatou lost following his long stay in office which led to a declining performance. The truth is that his exit emanates from a combination of both factors. However, the reason for his catastrophic failure at the polls is not as important as the obvious truth that he is no more. I am elated.
But I am more elated at the role Amaju Pinnick played in delivering Hayatou’s coup de grace against a federal government directive to act otherwise. He did it wisely and in a classical manner. As President of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, he correctly read the handwriting on the wall and quickly aligned himself and the nation with the change mantra.
For this reason, the foresighted and smart Pinnick was rewarded with his election into the CAF executive committee, a position which only late Orok Oyo and embatled Amos Adamu have occupied. Neverheless, the NFF president has no option but to be a worthy and good representative of the country.
Hayatou wasn’t a total failure, after all. Despite his unexpected ouster and long stay in office, he attained moderate achievements. He gradually improved Africa’s slot in the World Cup from one to five. Then he aligned the Africa Nations Cup calendar with FIFA’s odd year demand to avert the clash with the World Cup, the highest global football tournament.
Not done, he introduced the CHAN Nations Cup for home-based players and the Women’s Nations Cup as well. Those were indeed worthy achievements, but I believe a lot more has to be done to move Africa’s football forward.
Ahmad needs to bring this change and transparency badly needed to enhance the face of football in Africa. He has to be creative and shore up our football in all ramifications. Though coming from a country relatively known for strong footballing tradition, his ability to deliver is never in doubt.
His election, happening before Russia 2018 World Cup and its planned expansion of participation from 32 to 46, should count for much. The CAF president has to work with his CAF executive committee members to get the most number of additional slots possible for Africa.
Finally, Ahmad must watch against undue tenure elongation which has become an albatross around the neck of those who occupy the position. But quite amazingly, he seemed to understand this danger even before he was elected. Hear him:
“I don’t even know if I will do a second mandate, but three mandates, it is impossible. I will not. I love my life and I will focus on the current term. I will respectfully try to keep my promise of changing things in the management of African football.”
Great! But quite unAfrican. Sadly, Hayatou fell on this slippery ground.
Arnold Alalibo
Opinion
Why Reduce Cut-Off Mark for C.O.E ?
Opinion
Welcome! Worthy Future For R/S
Opinion
Restoring Order, Delivering Good Governance
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
-
News2 days ago
South-South Contributes N34trn To Nigeria’s Economy In 2024 – Institute
-
Women1 day ago
What To Know About Fufu, Loi Loi
-
Rivers1 day ago
ASALGA Community Debunks Reports On Ownership Of Land Its Settlements
-
Business2 days ago
NCDMB Promises Oil Industry Synergy With Safety Boots Firm
-
City Crime1 day ago
RSG Tasks Federal Government On Maternal Deaths
-
News2 days ago
NOA Set To Unveil National Values Charter — D-G
-
Featured1 day ago
Rivers A Strategic Hub for Nigeria’s Blue Economy -Ibas …Calls For Innovation-Driven Solutions
-
Rivers1 day ago
NDDC Inaugurates Ultra-Modern Market In Rivers Community