Editorial
Rivers’ New Flyover Projects
A visitor to Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, who likely travels through the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway or the Ikwerre Road may be full of tales of an awkward traffic predicament of the respective roads and a few others in the State. Apart from Lagos, it seems reasonable to assume that Port Harcourt is the city with the most choatic traffic congestion in Nigeria.
This downbeat perhaps compelled the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, to unveil his plan to construct flyover bridges at Rumuokoro, Garrison and Artillery in Port Harcourt during his second-term inauguration on May 29, 2019. Only recently, a Rivers State Government team headed by the Attorney General, Dr. Zaccheus Adango and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc led by the Managing Director, Dr. Lars Richter, formally signed a pact for the construction of the bridges.
Speaking after the signing occasion, Wike declared that the flyover bridges worth N21 billion, would be completed within 16 months and in line with approved specifications. Reliable reports had it that the specifications of the projects include First and Second Artillery: 517.5 metres, Rumuokoro: 360 metres, and Garrison: 360 metres.
Already, the governor has flagged off construction work on the three projects; namely, the Artillery flyover now renamed Rumuogba flyover, that of Rumuokoro, now to be called Okoro-nu-Odo flyover and the one at Garrison now to be known as Rebisi flyover.
The Tide is elated and fully supports the Governor’s decision to build the projects. With three gigantic flyovers erected simultaneously, one can be certain that the regular traffic jam experienced along the popular Aba Road and Rumuokoro axis will be over. Besides, we view the execution of the projects as a further demonstration of the Governor’s fidelity to his words, indicating that Rivers people were not mistaken in re-electing him for a second term.
For that reason, we warmly commend Governor Wike and urge him to proceed with the execution of his quality projects within the State. We vividly recall with ignominy several failed attempts by successive administrations in almost the last two decades to build up similar flyover bridges at the same spots but to no avail.
This brilliant deed of the Governor exposes the hypocrisy of many political leaders who have always failed to keep faith with promises made to the electorate during electioneering campaigns. If most of the country’s political leaders operate as the Rivers State Governor, Nigeria will steadily head towards advancement while the citizenry will be lifted out of the current infrastructural impairment and economic despair.
If government’s commitment to pay an immediate 70 percent upfront of the contract money is anything to go by, Julius Berger cannot excuse or at least extenuate any failure to keep its own part of the contract. Accordingly, it has to reciprocate by working hard to meet the predictive duration of 16 months. Given its high reputation, the construction giant is advised against compromising quality and causing intentional delay to justify undue variation of the contract value.
Likewise, there is a need for the State government to hasten payments in compensations, if any, while security agents are expected to secure the various construction sites against probable untoward activities of hoodlums. Equally, it will be something worthwhile and meaningful for Berger to come up with a viable traffic plan for the entire span of the task to mitigate the effects of the work on motorists and other road users.
A critical point to be considered is the enrolments for jobs by the contractors. We cannot agree more with Governor Wike in the expediency of giving priority to the State indigenes in the recruitment of construction workers. Having benefitted so much from the State through numerous road projects and perhaps others, we hold the view that one sure way Berger can give back is to engage our youths through employment provision and endowing them with construction-related skills
Unfortunately, Aba Road, where two of the projects are sited, is a sad reminder of the deplorable state of federal roads in the country. It is pathetic that roads under federal watch have become a source of intense emotional and physical trauma to the millions of users. Rather than come up with some creative and concerted actions to handle the challenge, the Federal Government has abandoned such roads to the States. This is definitely unacceptable and not the way to go.
Since Port Harcourt is an emerging coastal megacity with many educational institutions, oil companies and industrial outfits, it deserves to bear a close resemblance to its peers globally through the erection of modern infrastructural facilities. For this reason, we entreat motorists to be circumspect in the use of the bridges and apprise law enforcement agents to prevent criminal elements from defacing or converting them into a den of criminals when completed.
Whilst our Governor consolidates on the progressive foundations of the last four years of his administration to take Rivers State through a greater era of exploits and progress, we are indeed hopeful that some ongoing projects like the Sakpenwa-Bori-Kono and Andoni/Opobo Unity Roads, among others, will attract greater attention, while the Trans-Kalabari Road yet to commence, will equally engage His Excellency’s consideration in this second term.
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.
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.
