Editorial
No To Operation Crocodile Smile II
Anyone with a modicum of historical knowledge of the evolution and development of the Nigerian state will, undoubtedly and easily concede that no region in Nigeria has contributed to national wealth, sustenance and stability of the country than the oil-rich Niger Delta region, otherwise known as the South-South geo-political zone.
Arguably, the region contributes over 90 per cent of its oil and gas resource earnings to the Federation Account, a common pool, which the three tiers of government; Federal, State and Local Government councils derive their major revenue from. Little wonder that these levels of governance rush to Abuja monthly to scramble for funds for their capital and re-current expenditures.
Infact, most appropriation bills and budgets of governmental organs and agencies are largely determined by revenue accruing from oil and gas. Hence, when the region sneezes, the rest of the country catches cold or suffer from financial anemia, leading to either poor or non-implementation of budget for each fiscal year.
It is against this backdrop that The Tide implores the nation’s Military High Command to re-consider its stand to militarise and flood the South-South region with its military campaign code-named Operation Crocodile Smile II which, according to military sources, will be an anti-kidnapping, cultism, robbery and insecurity assignment that will cover the Niger Delta region and part of the South-West zone.
The relative peace and stability witnessed in the oil-rich region in the past three quarters was largely attributable to persistent dialogue between federal authorities, with Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo as the arrow-head and leaders and stakeholders of the region.
Cessation of hostilities by agitators and ex-militants is a fallout of the peace brokered by Osinbajo and leadership of the region who, among others, demanded total demilitarisation of the region that was virtually under siege in 2015 and 2016 which consequently occasioned sharp drop in the nation’s production of crude oil and gas.
We think that having shelved Operation Crocodile Smile 1 following persistent protests from stakeholders in the region and achieving relative peace, security and stability, the process of engagement and consultations should continue and be consolidated to further consolidate the achievements recorded thus far.
The Tide therefore endorses the position of leaders and stakeholders of the region opposing the re-introduction of military operations in the zone under any guise or nomenclature.
Our reason is simple! Judging from the echoes and experiences of our neighbours in the South-East region, where the same military floated Operated Python Dance II which left in its trail and still reverberates till date, tales of woes, killings, arson, and resentment from the people, the volatile Niger Delta may witness the militants return to the creeks if caution and diplomacy are thrown to the winds.
That is why The Tide is opposed to the declaration by the Public Relations Director, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General, Sani Usman that due to the “encouraging feedback” from the South-East Python Dance 1, the military decided to commence the second phase of the operation and will soon float Operation Crocodile Smile II in the oil-rich region and parts of South-West.
Though, Brigadier-General Usman solicited for patience on the part of Nigerians as the army strives to secure lives and property, we believe that the tension and sense of insecurity which such military operation may generate will further escalate the palpable insecurity in the region.
We warn that multiplicity of military operations in virtually all the six geo-political zones on the country tends to paint the picture that Nigeria is at war with itself and this will definitely scare local and foreign investments which the country desires, especially as we exit recession. We need not create a scenario of a state of emergency.
Floating Operation Crocodile Smile II in the Niger Delta now could be counter-productive as youths in the region could be agitated and may take up arms and this will, for sure, have dire consequences on the nation’s economy.
We do not subscribe to the position of the military that the exercise will tame criminals and criminality. The excuse is untenable and unacceptable to the people of the region, who have voiced their position in different fora and in the media.
While we do not want to believe that militarization of the Nigerian society may be a dress rehearsal preceding the 2019 general elections, The Tide thinks that civil matters should be left for the police to handle, as events in the South East lately have made men and officers of the Nigerian police look like robots and rubber stamps to their military counterparts.
We implore the Nigerian military to concentrate on its constitutional role of defending the country’s sovereignty from external aggression except when there is clear and present danger to national security. In that case, due process must be followed by notifying the National Assembly before troops are deployed to any part of the country.
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A New Dawn For Rivers’ Workers
Workers in the Rivers State civil service have been eulogising Governor Siminalayi Fubara for delivering on his promise to implement a new minimum wage of N85,000, which was reflected in the salaries paid for November. This increase is N15,000 higher than the national minimum wage of N70,000. This represents not only an enhancement in the financial welfare of civil servants but also a recognition of their hard work and dedication to public service. The raise has been met with widespread jubilation among the workforce, who have long advocated for a better wage to cope with rising living costs and economic challenges.
As the news spread, offices filled with laughter and sigh of relief, as employees exchanged stories of how this financial boost would positively impact their families and dependants. The new minimum wage is not just a number; it symbolises the government’s commitment to improving the standards of living for civil servants and fostering a more equitable workforce. Many workers expressed their gratitude for the governor’s timely intervention, highlighting how important it is for public servants to feel valued and adequately renumerated.
Governor Fubara’s decision is expected to reinforce morale within the civil service, fostering greater productivity and dedication among employees who contribute significantly to the state’s development. With the new wage in place, there is a renewed sense of optimism among civil servants, who now feel more empowered to serve the government and the citizens with greater enthusiasm and commitment.
The Governor had declared an increase in salaries for state workers, emphasising that this adjustment is not only a reflection of the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its employees but also a strategic move fueled by the state’s enhanced Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He assured workers that the financial backing for this increment is sustainable, stemming from the state’s focused efforts to bolster revenue through various initiatives, including tax reforms and enhanced efficiency in public service delivery.
Furthermore, the governor’s promise of funding the increment solely through increased IGR signifies a commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency. It reassures the people that the government is proactively managing resources while investing in their future. As the state continues to explore opportunities for revenue enhancement, Fubara’s administration remains focused on ensuring that these initiatives translate into tangible benefits for the workforce, ultimately fostering a more motivated and dedicated public sector.
The decision by Fubara to be the first in Nigeria to implement the new national minimum wage is a commendable step that reflects a proactive approach to governance and an understanding of the pressing needs of the workforce. In an economy where many families struggle to make ends meet, especially in the face of rising living costs, this enterprise will improve the quality of life for workers and also set a precedent for other states to follow.
In recognising the various drives and support provided by Fubara’s government, it is necessary that the workers reciprocate by embodying a spirit of productivity and commitment to the current administration’s goals. They should align their daily operations with the administration’s objectives to enhance effectiveness and foster an environment of collaboration and trust. This reciprocal relationship can lead to innovative solutions and efficient service delivery, ultimately benefiting the state and strengthening public trust in government institutions.
Surprisingly, despite the political challenges the government has been navigating, alongside the myriad of ambitious projects it is embarking on, it has managed to raise funds to implement a minimum wage of N85,000 This achievement reflects a commendable level of resilience and resourcefulness within the government’s fiscal strategies. In a nation often marred by economic volatility and political discord, finding a way to sustain and even elevate the livelihoods of its employees is no small feat.
Workers in the state have truly found themselves in a remarkably advantageous position under this administration, especially when compared to the previous regime. The immediate past government’s blatant refusal to implement the minimum wage of N30,000 left many employees disheartened and struggling to meet their basic needs. What was even more disconcerting was the absence of meaningful negotiations with labour representatives, leaving workers feeling unheard and undervalued. In contrast, the present administration has prioritised dialogue and engagement with labour unions, recognising the importance of fair wage for workers’ contributions to the state’s economy.
With the current government’s commitment to improving wages and working conditions, it is clear that a major shift has taken place. This renewed focus on the welfare of workers empowers them and instils a sense of hope and optimism for the future, as they can now look forward to a more equitable and supportive work environment. Ultimately, the ongoing trajectory suggests a promising era for labour relations in the state, one where workers are valued and their rights upheld.
Siminalayi Fubara has consistently demonstrated his dedication to workers’ welfare since taking office in May last year. Unlike his predecessor, who left many employees feeling overlooked and unsupported, Fubara wasted no time in addressing the longstanding stagnation of promotions that had plagued the workforce for eight years. He took further steps towards financial justice by initiating the long-overdue payment of gratuities that were neglected during the last administration.
Similarly, we urge the governor to take another step forward by reviewing the stipends received by pensioners. The current pension amounts have become woefully inadequate, leaving many of them who dedicated their lives to public service struggling to make ends meet. These dedicated individuals who have contributed to the development of our dear state now find themselves in a precarious financial situation, receiving stipends that are alarmingly low and insufficient to cover basic living expenses. The rising cost of living has rendered their pensions nearly meaningless. Therefore, a comprehensive reevaluation of these stipends is a required measure to ensure that those who have served our state with honour can live their remaining years with dignity and security.
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