Editorial

That The Nation’s Editorial On Wike

Published

7 years ago

September 10, 2018

The sudden outbabbling of The Nation Newspaper against the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike and the Rivers State Government for condemning the impunity and disregard to the rule of law by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the discharge of its responsibility, is to say the least, exhibition of professional rascality.
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike had declared that no official of the State government would appear before the EFCC over the commission’s ‘politically motivated’ investigations until it approaches the Court of Appeal to set aside its 2007 judgement barring it from investigating the state.
This followed EFCC’s arrest of one of Rivers State’s bankers’ official, Zenith Bank’s Manager, ostensibly to explain the State’s transactions and withdrawals in the past three years. According to a statement signed by the Special Assistant to Governor Wike on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, the Governor had described EFCC’s action as a political witch-hunt on Rivers State.
Accordingly, Wike had declared, “we cannot be intimidated”, noting that the media trial by the EFCC would amount to nothing as the state government was already aware of the commission’s antics before it published its so-called investigations.
Commenting on the development, The Nation Newspaper, established by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, in its Editorial of Thursday, September 6, 2018 titled: “Wike’s Curious Audacity,” asked: “If EFCC can investigate other state governments, why should Rivers State Government be different?”
We are worried that The Nation Newspaper which is expected to be well-informed of democratic precepts particularly as it affects the management of state affairs, should feign ignorance that the trend and pattern of EFCC’s ‘investigations’ on finances of states are becoming ominous. That the commission’s searchlight is deliberately beamed on States seen to belong to opposition parties and tagged political enemies while those seen to be political allies are ignored, even when there are ample evidences to put them through the microscope, is most unfortunate.
Only recently, Benue State Government and Akwa Ibom State Government, two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-controlled States had their accounts frozen by the commission on the guise that their finances were being investigated. Interestingly, both States became targets shortly after remarkable re-alignment of the political leaderships and interests in the States. Also, Ekiti State Government, another PDP State, had been harassed time and again by the commission in the name of finance investigation until it was stopped by a court order.
Regrettably, the public sphere is usually awash with the news of arrests and freezing of accounts by EFCC, in a clear case of media trials without corresponding media frenzy on the ultimate outcome of the investigation in the end.
We expect The Nation Newspaper to have known that there are extant laws and constitutional provisions that guide the operations of outfits like the EFCC and that of state governments in Nigeria. And by law, it is the duty of the State Houses of Assembly which appropriate the finances of the States to investigate the funds of the States via their oversight functions.
While we agree with the fact that EFCC was set up by law with clear terms of reference, the commission is not above the laws of the land and must operate within the ambit of the Constitution and rule of law. The EFCC and its operatives must not allow themselves to be seen as an extension of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government that is bent on witch-hunting the opposition for cheap political reasons.
In fact, the commission must not be allowed to become a political attack dog that would be unleashed at real and imagined political enemies or opponents.
The Tide is at a loss over The Nation Newspaper’s backing of the EFCC’s move to investigate Rivers State’s finances even with the knowledge of a court of competent jurisdiction judgement which barred it from doing so. We, therefore, cannot agree more with Governor Wike that the EFCC must vacate the Court of Appeal’s ruling that neither the State’s finances nor its officials be probed pending when the judgement is set aside.
A Federal High Court had in its 2007 judgement declared that the EFCC lacks the power to investigate state governments as “that power resides with the State House of Assembly. By any stretch of imagination, the EFCC is not a state House of Assembly,” the court held.
Moreso, it is curious why this same commission, which wittingly turned a blind eye to the financial misappropriation charges levelled against the immediate past administration in the State after it was duly indicted by a competent panel of enquiry, will be eager to pounce on the present government based on spurious and trumped-up petition.
EFCC’s penchant to pick and choose which State to descend on while observing due process and rule of law in the breach smacks of deliberate intimidation and hounding of the perceived opponents of its principal. These, we believe, do not mean well for the country’s democracy, especially as 2019 elections draw near.
While we do not want to believe that The Nation Newspaper is backing the perceived use of the EFCC by the Presidency for political witch-hunt, we expect The Nation Newspaper to advise that the commission should be reined-in immediately, particularly, on the ill-advised move to lay siege on Rivers State, which is tantamount to undermining the authority of the judiciary.
Enough of EFCC’s flagrant impunity and abuse of the rule of law. The commission’s recklessness and over-zealousness must be checked before the country degenerates into anarchy. This is the position The Nation Newspaper should adopt to defend our democracy rather than promote impunity and reckless abuse of rule of law as exemplified by the EFCC.

Editorial

No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike

Published

3 days ago

September 22, 2025

Uchechukwu Okwum

Nigeria’s Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has unveiled a gratuitous proposal to increase the salaries of political and public office holders in the country. This plan seeks to fatten the pay packets of the president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors, and members of the National and State Assemblies. At a time when the nation is struggling to steady its economy, the suggestion that political leaders should be rewarded with more money is not only misplaced but insulting to the sensibilities of the ordinary Nigerian.

What makes the proposal even more opprobrious is the dire economic condition under which citizens currently live. The cost of living crisis has worsened, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of workers, and the naira continues to tumble against foreign currencies. The majority of Nigerians are living hand to mouth, with many unable to afford basic foodstuffs, medical care, and education. Against this backdrop, political office holders, who already enjoy obscene allowances, perks, and privileges, should not even contemplate a salary increase.

It is, therefore, not surprising that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has stepped in to challenge this development. SERAP has filed a lawsuit against the RMAFC to halt the implementation of this salary increment. This resolute move represents a voice of reason and accountability at a time when public anger against political insensitivity is palpable. The group is rightly insisting that the law must serve as a bulwark against impunity.

According to a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the commission has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Although a hearing date remains unconfirmed, the momentous step of seeking judicial redress reflects a determination to hold those in power accountable. SERAP has once again positioned itself as a guardian of public interest by challenging an elite-centric policy.

The case, registered as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1834/2025, specifically asks the court to determine “whether RMAFC’s proposed salary hike for the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria is not unlawful, unconstitutional and inconsistent with the rule of law.” This formidable question goes to the very heart of democratic governance: can those entrusted with public resources decide their own pay rises without violating the constitution and moral order?

In its pleadings, SERAP argues that the proposed hike runs foul of both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the RMAFC Act. By seeking a judicial declaration that such a move is unlawful, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with the rule of law, the group has placed a spotlight on the tension between self-serving leadership and constitutionalism. To trivialise such an issue would be harum-scarum, for the constitution remains the supreme authority guiding governance.

We wholeheartedly commend SERAP for standing firm, while we roundly condemn RMAFC’s selfish proposal. Political office should never be an avenue for financial aggrandisement. Since our leaders often pontificate sacrifice to citizens, urging them to tighten their belts in the face of economic turbulence, the same leaders must embody sacrifice themselves. Anything short of this amounts to double standards and betrayal of trust.

The Nigerian economy is not buoyant enough to shoulder the additional cost of a salary increase for political leaders. Already, lawmakers and executives enjoy allowances that are grossly disproportionate to the national average income. These earnings are sufficient not only for their needs but also their unchecked greed. To even consider further increments under present circumstances is egregious, a slap in the face of ordinary workers whose minimum wage remains grossly insufficient.

Resources earmarked for such frivolities should instead be channelled towards alleviating the suffering of citizens and improving the nation’s productive capacity. According to United Nations statistics, about 62.9 per cent of Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty in 2021, compared to 53.7 per cent in 2017. Similarly, nearly 30.9 per cent of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$2.15 per day. These figures paint a stark picture: Nigeria is a poor country by all measurable standards, and any extra naira diverted to elite pockets deepens this misery.

Besides, the timing of this proposal could not be more inappropriate. At a period when unemployment is soaring, inflation is crippling households, and insecurity continues to devastate communities, the RMAFC has chosen to pursue elite enrichment. It is widely known that Nigeria’s economy is in a parlous state, and public resources should be conserved and wisely invested. Political leaders must show prudence, not profligacy.

Another critical dimension is the national debt profile. According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2025 stood at a staggering N149.39 trillion. External debt obligations also remain heavy, with about US$43 billion outstanding by September 2024. In such a climate of debt-servicing and borrowing to fund budgets, it is irresponsible for political leaders to even table the idea of inflating their salaries further. Debt repayment, not self-reward, should occupy their minds.

This ignoble proposal is insensitive, unnecessary, and profoundly reckless. It should be discarded without further delay. Public office is a trust, not an entitlement to wealth accumulation. Nigerians deserve leaders who will share in their suffering, lead by example, and prioritise the common good over self-indulgence. Anything less represents betrayal of the social contract and undermines the fragile democracy we are striving to build.

Editorial

No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike

Published

3 days ago

September 22, 2025

The Tide

Editorial

Rivers’ Retirees: Matters Arising

Published

3 weeks ago

September 8, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Government deserves commendation for the manner in which it conducted the last biometric exercise for pensioners in the state. For the first time in many years, the verification process was not only efficient but also humane, a development that has brought relief to a category of citizens that often bears the brunt of neglect.

Unlike previous verification exercises that left pensioners exhausted and unattended, the latest exercise set a refreshing precedent. Retirees were given proper and sumptuous meals, and in addition, the government paid the sum of N10,000 into their accounts to cushion their transportation costs. Such gestures go a long way in demonstrating that those who had laboured for the state are not forgotten in their twilight years.

The measure was particularly necessary given that some pensioners had to travel long distances to reach their verification centres. For elderly men and women, such journeys come with physical and financial strain. By recognising these realities and easing the burden, the government has shown that pensioners deserve dignity, not disdain.

Beyond this laudable act of consideration, the authorities must reflect on the very structure of pension verification. The era of compelling retirees to be physically present for routine verification should be reconsidered. With digital tools and innovation, the government can adopt systems that capture and confirm data without the stress of physical assembly. This is crucial for pensioners residing in other states or even abroad.

While we acknowledge the importance of verification in cleaning up pension records, we cannot ignore the darker side of the matter. It is regrettable that some allowances continue to be paid to deceased pensioners, with relatives fraudulently collecting the funds. The latest biometrics, thankfully, exposed some of these sharp practices. The exercise, therefore, is not only about order but also about justice.

We urge families of deceased pensioners to be patriotic enough to inform the government of the deaths of their loved ones. It is deeply shameful that in some instances, individuals attempted to impersonate late pensioners during the biometrics. Such behaviour undermines the spirit of honesty and deprives genuine retirees of their due entitlements.

The exercise also revealed another important area of concern: the health of pensioners. It is reassuring to learn that the state government has reportedly promised to take over the medical treatment of some retirees who arrived for the biometrics in critical condition. This is a step in the right direction. Elderly citizens, after years of service, should have access to special health care facilities in the state. Setting aside hospitals or designated centres for the aged is not just desirable but necessary.

While pension payments in Rivers State have remained consistent, attention must now be directed towards gratuities. Senior citizens deserve to receive their retirement benefits without the bureaucratic hitches that have often marred the process. After years of loyal service, nothing is more demoralising than to see retirees languish for want of their gratuities. Every worker, as Scripture reminds us, is worthy of his wage.

Retirement, in any civilised society, should not be reduced to a sentence of suffering. In dealing with pensioners, government must consistently wear a human face. The humane manner displayed during this verification exercise should not be a one-off. It must become the norm in all dealings with retirees. Measures must continually be put in place to ensure that they do not feel abandoned by the state they served.

One welcome innovation has already been introduced. The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has altered the method of gratuity payment. Pensioners now receive their monies directly into their bank accounts, eliminating the cheque-based system that for years served as fertile ground for corruption. This reform is both pragmatic and forward-looking. Similarly, the implementation of the N32,000 pension harmonisation is also commendable.

Direct payments gratuities ensure transparency and drastically reduce the possibility of diversion of funds. More importantly, they restore confidence in the system and assure pensioners that their entitlements will reach them without interference. In this way, the government has not only safeguarded the process but also upheld the principle of accountability.

Seamless gratuity payment has a ripple effect on the workforce as a whole. When workers are confident that retirement will not plunge them into hardship, the temptation to falsify age in order to remain in service is eliminated. Such reforms, therefore, enhance efficiency, honesty, and productivity in the public service.

In sum, the Rivers State Government has struck a refreshing chord in its handling of pension verification. It has shown empathy, innovation, and accountability. However, the momentum must be sustained, and the focus must shift towards modernising verification methods and prioritising retirees’ welfare in health, gratuity, and dignity.

When retirees are treated with compassion and fairness, the message to those still in service is clear: faithful service to the state will not go unrewarded. The humane verification exercise, though a single event, offers a hopeful glimpse of what governance can look like when people, especially the elderly, are placed at the heart of policy.