Editorial

Let Votes Count In Bayelsa, Kogi

Published

6 years ago

November 13, 2019

On Saturday, November 16, 2019, the people of Bayelsa and Kogi States, would troop out in their numbers, to vote for candidates of their choice in the governorship elections which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed on that day for the two States.
Expectedly, preparations for the elections have reached an advance stage, as the electoral umpire has put everything in place for a smooth and hitch-free exercise. This time around, expectations are really high for INEC to acquit itself creditably, by ensuring that the elections are not only peaceful but also credible, free and fair.
On this score, feelers indicate that INEC has already distributed over 2.4 million permanent voters cards (PVCs) to the electorate in both states, to ensure that they participate maximally in the electoral process.
INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, while dropping this hint during a quarterly meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Abuja, said a total of 889,308 PVCs were collected in Bayelsa State while 1,485,828 PVCs were collected in Kogi State as at September 30.
Yakubu equally disclosed that the commission had accredited 135 domestic observer groups and 16 foreign observer groups for the polls in both states, hinting that the commission was desirous of deepening transparency and accountability in the conduct of the polls.
There is no doubt that political tension has reached fever pitch in the two states, considering the volatility of these areas, particularly when it comes to matters of politics and elections. To say that the political atmosphere in both states today is fully charged is to state the obvious.
Speculations that violence may characterise and mar the elections are rife. It is even alleged that the various political gladiators in the states are warming up for a serious political showdown come November 16; and are ready to throw everything at their disposal to the ring to ensure that they clinch victory at the polls. The political indices on the ground are frightening.
Just recently, stakeholders from Bayelsa and Kogi States listed violence, vote buying and manipulation of the youths as some of the issues that would determine the outcome of the elections in the two states.
According to one of the stakeholders, apart from violence orchestrated by the Army and other security agencies, the electorate see INEC officials and security agencies as agents of fraud rather than arbiters of fair play.
It is, however, heart-warming that INEC has indicated its willingness and determination to correct the mistakes of the 2019 General Election with the November 16 polls in the two states, stressing that the two elections would correct the mistakes in the general election and set a new standard for future elections.
The chairman of the Board of INEC’s Electoral Institute, Prince Solomon Soyebi, who gave this assurance said, “the elections will provide the commission with yet another opportunity to test-run its policies, process and new initiatives”.
According to the INEC National Commissioner, “Athough the conduct of the 2019 general election and the commission’s performance had some challenges, we can use the 2019 general election as a barometer for comparison with subsequent elections, including the Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections. Clearly, the commission is not under any illusion about the many issues and challenges posed by the electoral process”.
There is no gain saying the fact that INEC’s performance in the 2019 General Election was not too encouraging, as it fell short of the expectations of most Nigerians. One obvious area where the electoral umpire performed abysmally was the manual recording and transmission of results instead of the electronic transmission from the polling units. It is mind-boggling and shocking that INEC, going by attestation at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, had no server. This, indeed, leaves a sour taste in the month, as it offers and provides room for easy manipulation of results.
The Tide believes that the governorship elections in the two states, this time around, offer INEC another opportunity to redeem its battered image. The polls are, indeed, another litmus test for the electoral body, as all lapses and mistakes of the past must be corrected, through them.
The truth is that we are not yet satisfied with what is on the ground in both states in terms of preparations for the elections. INEC must be thorough. It must do all within its capacity to restore the confidence of Nigerians in the electoral process. This, it can do by being truly neutral and independent.
Above all, all the institutions, including the Police and other security agencies must be up and doing. They must all provide the enabling environment for violence-free, peaceful, free, fair and credible elections to take place in the two states.
There is the need for politics to develop in the country to the point that the people can have confidence in the electoral system in such a way that the electorate, irrespective of political part affiliations, should be allowed to vote for candidates of their choice.
Again, all stakeholders including political parties must realise that what is at stake is the interest of the two states, as it relates to development and good governance. Elections are only vehicles in actualising the yearnings and aspirations of the people in this regard. Elections are never a do or die affair.
Only the best should be allowed to emerge at the end of the day.
Thus, there should be no room for desperation and manipulations. The people must be allowed to vote with their conscience.
It is also high time INEC gave the electronic voting system a shot. It can experiment this with the governorship elections in the two states. There should be no manual thing, as we experienced in the 2019 General Election. The world is still watching. The most important thing is, let the votes count in Bayelsa and Kogi States.

Editorial

Fubara: Celebrating A Leader At 51

Published

2 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

Today is an exceptional day for Rivers State as it marks the birthday of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, the governor whose leadership has become synonymous with discipline, vision, and transformative development. Born on January 28, 1975, in Opobo Town, Fubara hails from the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, and his journey from a dedicated civil servant to the helm of state leadership is a story worth emblazoning.

Governor Fubara was born into the loving family of Mr and Mrs Siminayi, the second of five children and the first son of the late Joseph and Love Fubara. His father, a former soldier trained overseas, instilled in him a deep sense of discipline and fortitude, while his mother, a civil servant, impressed upon him the virtues of diligence and perseverance. These early lessons in character laid the foundation for a life devoted to service.

Education was central to Fubara’s development. He attended Opobo Primary School before moving to Comprehensive Secondary School, Opobo. His passion for numbers and structure naturally led him to study Accountancy at the then Rivers State University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University. He further advanced his knowledge with an MBA and MSc from the University of Port Harcourt in 2013 and 2016, respectively. This commitment to personal growth and excellence foreshadowed the accomplishments that would define his career.

Sim, as he is fondly called, began his professional journey in 2003 as a principal accountant at the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board. Through steadfast dedication, he rose to Director of Finance and Accounts at the Government House in 2015 and eventually became Permanent Secretary in March 2020. His expertise in financial administration earned him the role of Accountant General of Rivers State on December 23, 2020, consolidating a reputation for meticulousness and integrity.

Beyond civil service, Fubara’s professional distinctions are numerous. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, as well as a Member of the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Auditors. These credentials reflect both his technical proficiency and his capacity for leadership in complex financial systems.

Fubara is also a man of faith and community. He is a Knight of St. Christopher (KSC) of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion and holds the traditional title of Amaopusenibo of Opobo Kingdom. Married to Valerie Fubara, with whom he shares three children, his personal life reflects the same values of commitment and integrity that guide his public service.

As a leader, Fubara embodies humility, patience, and empathy. Representing a new generation of leadership, he has championed the slogan “Consolidating and Continuity of the New Rivers Vision,” seeking to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike. His administration has prioritised infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, agriculture, and investment, demonstrating a holistic vision for the state.

One of his notable projects is the Port Harcourt Ring Road, a strategic N200bn contract with Julius Berger spanning six local government areas. This initiative is set to alleviate traffic congestion and stimulate commerce, reflecting the governor’s commitment to transformative, citizen-focused infrastructure development.

Fubara’s administration has also prioritised public welfare. Roads, schools, health facilities, and human capital development projects have been completed across multiple local governments. Security agencies have been engaged to maintain peace, while timely payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities has bolstered confidence in the state’s governance. Initiatives such as Christmas bonuses of N100,000 to civil servants and the provision of high-end buses for intrastate transport demonstrate a tangible commitment to citizens’ daily welfare.

The governor’s impact extends far beyond the completion of roads or buildings. He embodies a distinctive form of leadership rarely seen in Nigeria: a skilled technocrat who has assumed the mantle of governor, prioritising careful planning, structured governance, and respect for institutional frameworks. In a political arena often defined by theatrics and loud pronouncements, his measured approach, methodical decision-making, and commitment to due process mark him as a model of principled leadership.

At 51, Fubara stands at a stage in life that demands equilibrium. Steering a state as intricate as Rivers requires firmness without inflexibility, allegiance without unquestioning loyalty, and patience combined with timely action. His composed and disciplined style has inspired confidence among citizens who crave stability and meaningful governance over spectacle and empty promises.

Birthdays are also moments to ponder what lies ahead. Rivers people rightly anticipate that the next chapter of Fubara’s tenure will transform restraint into concrete achievements, calm deliberation into lasting reforms, and strategic planning into tangible improvements. True leadership is tested not merely by intention but by results—reliable infrastructure, enduring employment opportunities, and institutions that operate efficiently.

This occasion also provides a moment to foster unity. Effective leadership does not demand uniformity but rather the ability to harmonise diverse interests for collective progress. In a state as politically and socially complex as Rivers, a leader must possess the confidence to bridge divides without weakening authority or vision. Fubara’s measured character equips him to serve as that unifying presence.

His journey from accountant to the highest office in the state underscores the value of competence over spectacle. Throughout his career, he has prioritised legality over coercion, systematic governance over populist gestures, and long-term strategies over immediate gains. These attributes, uncommon in public service, remind us that steadfast principles can endure scrutiny and overcome challenges.

Today, as he celebrates another year, it is appropriate to recognise him as a trailblazer—a leader whose promises are matched by tangible outcomes despite resource constraints and political pressures. His accomplishments have earned admiration, even among sceptics, and set a benchmark for others aspiring to lead with integrity.

In honouring Fubara, we celebrate more than the passing of 51 years. We pay tribute to a statesman who has blended discipline, foresight, and humility to serve his people with distinction. May the lessons of these years deepen his wisdom, fortify his resolve, and guide him in shaping a lasting legacy of progress for Rivers State.

Happy birthday, Governor Fubara. Rivers people look on with anticipation, respect, and optimism for a future shaped by unwavering leadership and transformative action.

Editorial

Beyond Accessing Bonny By Road

Published

1 week ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The near completion of the Bonny-Bodo Road by the Federal Government is a remarkable and historic achievement that deserves national commendation. For decades, Bonny Island remained physically isolated from the rest of the state, with residents and businesses forced to rely solely on waterways. Today, that narrative has changed. The road is already in active use, and its immediate effect is evident in the drastic reduction in transportation costs, with local transport fares reported to have dropped by more than 40 per cent in some corridors.

As of December 2025, the 37.9-kilometre Bonny-Bodo Road, comprising 11 strategically engineered bridges, was temporarily opened for daily use between 7 am and 7 pm. The transformational and groundbreaking step has eased transit and marked the first-ever land connection between Bonny Island and other parts of the state. According to transport operators, average travel time has reduced from over two hours by water to less than one hour by road, a change that has immediate economic and social benefits for commuters and businesses alike.

It must be noted that the project spanned many years, surviving policy shifts, funding challenges, and technical hurdles. Its near completion is therefore a reflection of political will. Credit must be given to the Federal Government and particularly to the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, under whose tenure the project has reached fruition. This commendable and steadfast leadership has ensured that a long-standing promise to the people is finally being honoured.

The Bonny-Bodo Road stands as a success story of a tripartite agreement involving the Federal Government, Nigeria LNG Limited as the primary funder, and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc as the constructor. The collaborative and strategic partnership demonstrates how public and private sector synergy can deliver complex infrastructure in difficult terrain. NLNG alone reportedly contributed over 60 per cent of the project funding, underscoring the value of corporate responsibility in national development.

For business owners, the newly constructed road offers a vital turning point. Many traders, investors, and service providers had avoided Bonny because of the risks associated with water travel, including accidents and piracy. With this new land route, access is now safer and more predictable. This liberating and empowering development is expected to stimulate commerce, increase market activity, and attract fresh investments into the area to strengthen the local economy.

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria has stated that the commissioning of the Bonny-Bodo Road will improve national energy logistics and likely lead to a reduction in the price of cooking gas. Nigeria currently spends billions of naira annually on inland water transport inefficiencies. The economically and logistically significant road could reduce distribution costs by up to 20 per cent, a benefit that would be felt directly by households across the country.

The road is expected to be fully commissioned in the first quarter of 2026, with 35 kilometres already reported as fully motorable. This progress reflects assuring and measurable commitment to timely delivery. When completed, the road will support heavy-duty vehicles, enhance supply chain reliability, and further cement Bonny’s role as a critical industrial and maritime hub in the Niger Delta.

This achievement also builds on earlier successes. Opobo has already been connected to land through deliberate government intervention. These efforts show that even the most challenging terrains can be conquered with planning and resolve. Such intentional and visionary actions are redefining infrastructure advancement in riverine areas that were once considered unreachable.

The Trans-Kalabari Road is similarly expected to be completed within the year, opening up vital aisles in the Kalabari axis to road transportation. Once operational, it is projected to serve over 500,000 residents directly. The expansive and inclusive approach to development ensures that growth is not concentrated in urban centres alone but spread across communities.

These projects represent an expanding legacy. By 2027, there will be numerous tangible gains to credit the current administration in Rivers State. Improved mobility, increased trade, and enhanced social cohesion are just a few. This forward-looking and progressive trajectory positions the state as a model for infrastructure-led development in Nigeria.

However, with increased road access comes new security considerations. While sea piracy on waterways may reduce, land-based security challenges could emerge. The government must anticipate and address these risks through effective policing and surveillance. A proactive and balanced security framework will be essential to protect lives and investments along the new highways.

There must also be firm determination to ensure that the road does not come with excessive encumbrances. Issues such as illegal tolling, unregulated settlements, and environmental degradation must be prevented. This disciplined and responsible management will preserve the long-term value of the infrastructure.

Beyond the communities already connected, the state government should extend its vision to other difficult terrains. Oceanic areas such as Kula, Abisse, Idama, Ke, and Bille, among others, should be prioritised. Connecting these communities by road would be equitable and transformative, ensuring that no part of the state is left behind in the march towards development.

If every part of Rivers is linked to land transportation, the blue economy will experience a major boost. Fisheries, tourism, marine services, and coastal trade could collectively contribute billions of naira annually to the state’s economy. This sustainable and wealth-generating potential makes further road expansion not just desirable but necessary.

Editorial

Time For GL 17 In Rivers

Published

3 weeks ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State is indeed fortunate to be led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whose remarkable and progressive disposition towards workers has distinguished him from his predecessors since the return to democracy in 1999. His approach to governance reflects empathy, balance and a genuine understanding of the civil service as the engine room of development.

Before his assumption of office, civil servants endured eight excruciating years under the immediate past administration of Chief Nyesom Wike, marked by painful stagnation and systematic neglect. Promotions were withheld, gratuities ignored, annual increments denied and employment processes shrouded in opacity, leaving workers demoralised and disillusioned.

Governor Fubara’s emergence, however, brought a decisive and restorative shift. Long overdue promotions were approved to cover lost years, gratuities were paid and continue to be honoured, while the once suspended Christmas bonus was revived after sixteen years, rekindling hope among public servants.

Even more commendable was the transparent employment process, particularly in the education sector, which injected fresh credibility and renewed confidence into government recruitment. These actions clearly signal a leader determined to rebuild trust between the state and its workforce.

In the same spirit of promoting workers’ welfare, it is both logical and timely to urge the governor to implement the Consolidated Grade Level 17 for civil servants in Rivers State. This call is reasonable and justified, given his proven commitment to labour-friendly reforms.

Grade Level 17 represents a modernised and inclusive salary structure where multiple allowances are consolidated into a single enhanced basic salary. This system simplifies remuneration, rewards seniority and aligns pay with responsibility and service delivery.

In states where this structure is operational, directors are rightly placed on Grade Level 17 rather than 16, ensuring equitable recognition and appropriate compensation. Rivers State should not remain an exception to a standard already accepted nationwide.

It is noteworthy that the Federal Government, many states and even local government councils across the country have implemented this policy. As a former civil servant himself, Governor Fubara possesses a personal and practical understanding of its value and necessity.

Rivers State occupies a strategic and influential position in the federation, economically and politically. Implementing Grade Level 17 would significantly boost morale, reinforce loyalty and inspire greater dedication among civil servants.

The argument that Rivers cannot afford this reform is untenable and unconvincing. It is unacceptable for a state with vast resources to trail behind others that are less financially endowed yet have successfully enforced the policy.

One clear advantage of implementing Grade Level 17 is improved motivation and productivity. A valued workforce is invariably a productive workforce, and fair remuneration directly translates into better service delivery.

Another benefit lies in the retention of experienced professionals who might otherwise seek opportunities elsewhere. Stability, continuity, and expertise are preserved when workers feel respected and adequately rewarded.

The reform would also strengthen institutional capacity and governance, creating a resilient and efficient civil service capable of supporting long-term development goals and policy implementation.

Furthermore, the enforcement of Grade Level 17 will promote a fairer and structured career progression system within the civil service. It will correct long-standing anomalies where officers retire without reaching their deserved peak, despite years of diligent service. Such a reform reassures workers that merit, experience, and dedication are ultimately rewarded.

This is not merely a financial adjustment but a moral and institutional statement about the value Rivers State places on its workforce. By approving Grade Level 17, Fubara will reaffirm his reputation as a compassionate leader and send a clear message that the welfare of civil servants remains central to his administration’s vision for sustainable governance.

Governor Fubara knows firsthand the harsh realities workers face as salaries struggle to meet basic needs. By the end of 2024, over twenty states had adopted the structure, with more joining, making Rivers’ delay increasingly indefensible.

If implemented, this policy will cement Fubara’s place in history as a visionary reformer whose legacy will endure. When the story of the Rivers State civil service is written, his name will be etched in gold, for it is fundamentally unfair for workers to stagnate endlessly on one grade level when a proven solution lies within reach.