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Eresia-Eke Blames Nigeria’s Leadership Challenge On Corruption
The former Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr Kudo Eresia-Eke has attributed the growing agitation for secession across the country by the different ethnic groups as an indication of a failed country being rattled by corruption.
Eresia-Eke, who was a former manager, Community Relations and Public Affairs, Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), in Bonny Island, averred that nothing was wrong with Nigeria as a country but stressed that the greatest challenge bedevilling the country was the corrupting tendencies of those occupying leadership positions without ideological concepts to move the nation forward.
He made these assertions while reviewing the book, “The State, Politics And Development: A Collection Of Essays”, written by some students in honour of a political scientist, Prof Eme Ekekwe, who retired from the service of the University of Port Harcourt at the Amatu Braide Auditorium, University Park, last Tuesday.
Eresia-Eke argued that the nation’s political leadership was being manned by corrupt politicians who have no vision and ideology to better the economic and well-being of the citizens, pointing out that any leader that cannot respect the rule of law and rights of the citizens was not worthy of being called or addressed as a leader but tyrant and callous.
“What the writers in this collection describe as leaders are those who don’t have the interest of the people at heart but looters, thieves who are playing with us and lead us into hardship, and should not be called leaders.
“The various agitations going on in the country today are an indication that things have fallen apart and the centre can no longer hold again, simply because of ridiculous, bad, irresponsible and corrupt leaders who are not sympathetic to the plights of the people”, he stated.
Eresia-Eke, therefore, urged opinion leaders, teachers and writers to reset the concept of leadership with a view to ascribing the name ‘leaders’ to only those who are sincere and not those who are corrupt and selfish.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Ndowa Lale, while agreeing with the sentiments expressed by the book reviewer, said that all hopes were not yet lost as there still exist leaders who have distinguished themselves in governance.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Prof Akin Fawehimi, the VC urged those entrusted with public governance to eschew selfishness and inculcate transparency, accountability and sincerity in the discharge of the duties entrusted in them by the people.
In his contribution, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences at the institution, Prof Prince C. H. Mmom, called on leaders to ensure they deliver good governance and democratic dividends to the people, and described the retiree as a man with many parts, who has distinguished himself in both academic and socio-political lives
In his remarks, Head of Department, Political Science & Administrative Studies, Dr Timothy Nte, expressed worry that corruption and selfish interest have taken the centre stage in the nation’s political leadership, adding that leadership was the main challenge in the country’s quest for growth and development.
He regretted that the nation has no proper political system with clear vision and direction for the advancement of the country, adding that only a conscious, sincere and focused leadership can solve numerous challenges facing the country.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.