Opinion
Gbajabiamila And The G-Wagon Saga
Nigeria’s landscape recently chronicled yet another episode involving a member of the House of Representatives from All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Surulere-1 Federal Constituency in Lagos, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. The society was consequently charged with diverse interpretations, commendations and condemnations. The crux was a purchase of a brand new Mercedes Benz G-Wagon by the lawmaker for his wife as a 50th birthday gift, which he adduced to a long-time savings on account of supports, encouragements and love he has enjoyed from his spouse.
To a number of people, the lawmaker splendidly deserves commendations for openly expressing love to his help-mate of nearly three decades, putting into consideration how numerous marriages are winding up every now and then. Provincially, Gbajabiamila deserved encomium if he had become functus officio vis-à-vis his elective position as a legislator or remained a legal practitioner.
However, a holistic evaluation of the gesture will likely frown at him especially for the open show as a public office holder. The foremost reason is that a public office holder must be moderate, sensitive and prudent at least while in office rather than getting involved in ostentatious displays. Had Gbajabiamila quietly bought the glitzy Mercedes Benz brand without public show, certainly, the public would have allowed it to go as one of the excesses they get from those elected in government. The public would have also taken it amongst myriad of betrayals they get from public office holders especially at the National Assembly.
The blow only jogged the memory on the recently exposed unaccountable monthly running cost of N13.5million and annual allocation of N200million for constituency projects the lawmakers hostilely allocated to themselves merely for siphoning public funds since 1999 while their respective constituencies remained in miserable conditions with nothing on ground. These are, indeed, the height of economic sabotage.
The bitter truth is that no Nigerian lawmaker at the moment needs any long-time savings to buy a G-wagon as the system unconsciously, porously favoured them at the detriment of the masses. Though, the lawmaker committed no crimes by the action; however, it is ethically off the mark for a public servant, in a nation that just exited economic recession, to embark on such frivolity particularly while in office. Aside it alongside the jumbo allowances, nothing is too prized for a faithful spouse.
Recently, a private businessman and renowned philanthropist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote remarkably, generously lined up a total of 150 new brand salon cars with built-in security gadgets as contribution to the Nigerian Police Force to aid operations over the prevalent security challenges. Such patriotic gestures to the government and the society at large deserve accolades. Dangote’s action epitomizes sensitivity, leadership and selflessness. Unfortunately, materialism has become a common lifestyle amongst government officials especially senators and their counterparts in the lower chamber.
It, therefore, calls for sober reflections. Had the lawmaker invested the purported ‘saved money’ in realty or even silently added the car to his fleet, nobody would have noticed, let alone complained. Thus, the matter goes beyond G-wagon but ensuring that public funds are allocated and spent judiciously and accordingly. The dirge would rather sensibly concentrate on the jumbo allowances the lawmakers allocated to themselves which have continued to drain the economy.
For example, the National Assembly’s 2018 budget was recently, craftily jerked up to N139.5 billion from N125 billion it was in 2017 under the cloak of ‘added constituency projects’ despite public outcries to slash allocations of the legislative arm, even when no such constituency projects had existed anywhere in reality. Overall, the Appropriation Bill was increased from N8.6 trillion presented by President Muhammadu Buhari to N9.12trillion by the lawmakers. By the way, where and how did the lawmakers get the powers to be awarding and executing capital projects under Nigerian laws, particularly without bidding, rather than legislative duties and oversight functions which do not in any way go beyond supervisory roles on executive’s activities? Aptly, lawmakers could endorse a project in their respective constituencies to the Executive and also supervise when awarded, but to execute such projects is an aberration.
Thus, the financial rascality goes beyond party affiliation and may never cease except more stringent mechanisms are put in place. How do we justify a judge of the High Court earning almost peanuts despite the onerous tasks the profession entails? A critical evaluation of volume of cases filed to the courts on daily basis for the judges to meticulously read and adjudicate will inevitably draw great sympathy over their plights. Meanwhile, those in the legislative arm with no clearly defined qualifications or tasks liberally earn as monthly allowances what some judges do not earn per annum. Hence, the rumble or grumble over the G-wagon should focus on the need to ensure that public funds are judiciously allocated.
By and large, the anti-graft battle may have to be deepened and toughened as the increment in the budget on constituency projects must be substantiated this time despite the howling. The agency may have to adopt ‘operation-show-your-constituency-projects’ as it owes the populace a duty to trace where the constituency projects are sited, in addition to substantiating the monthly running costs of public officers.
Umegboro, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja.
Carl Umegboro
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
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.