Editorial
Edo 2020: A Post Mortem

Despite the initial apprehensions hanging tough on the organisation of the National Sports Festival (NSF) that was held in Benin City, Edo State, the 20th edition of the biennial sporting exhibition christened “Nigeria’s Olympic” held auspiciously. The festival churned out incredible attainments as various national and festival records were set mainly in swimming events.
President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare, have to be applauded for their intervention and doggedness in ensuring the continuance of the games after the fad produced by the Edo State government’s admonitory to shut down the festival if the counterpart funding expected from the federal government was not released as soon as possible.
Buhari, while declaring open the 20th National Sports Festival, noted that it ought to have taken place one year ago, but due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, it suffered several deferments. He also accentuated its concernment to national peace, unity, development and growth.
We agree no less with the president as sports cannot be treated with levity. With the country currently under the firm grip of banditry, terrorism, herdsmen killings, kidnapping and armed robbery, engaging the youth in sports could go a long way in bringing to a screeching halt the high incidence of criminality. The government has to understand that investment in sports is an investment in youth development and empowerment which unfailingly translates to national development.
The ineffable 20th edition of the competition, which kicked off with an opening ceremony on April 6 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, drawing participants from the 36 states across the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), somewhat lived up to its billing as a cultural and religious melting pot.
Recall that the national sports festival was introduced in 1973 to promote mass participation in sports and strengthen the fragile unity of the nation following the bitterly fought civil war of 1967 to 1970. The game also serves as a development and training event to aid athletes to prepare for continental and other international meets.
It is not a prodigy that the incredible rise in Nigeria’s sports profile – until the recent setback – has everything to do with the festival. It was meant to uncover talents in their raw configuration for victuals to international standards. Since the first edition in 1973, the improvement in the nation’s sports has been observed across all the disciplines, most especially in football, boxing and athletics.
The festival has equally helped states to advance their sports amenities. Whenever a state is nominated to host the competition, a lot of brace is directed at improving its infrastructure across the board as it was evidenced in the current host state, Edo, whose infrastructural upswing would become the permanent heritage that would serve the state long beyond the event.
However, we are greatly troubled that the national sports fiesta has been adjudged the worst ever organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. This impression is also held by stakeholders in the sports sector including the participants and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
It was alleged that the festival was characterised by altercations, shenanigans, manipulations and outright browbeating, primarily by Team Edo and their backers which placed a huge question mark on the virtue of the games. Poor officiating and alleged financial baits to officials by some states were substantiated. There was also the participation of non-Nigerian nationals thereby inhibiting the process of replacing ageing talents.
At the Cultural Centre, where the boxing event held, hell was let loose during a brawl between Lagos and Ogun States. Fans at the venue conflicted as the declared result of the fight did not indicate what the fans glimpsed. Tables and chairs were used freely to disperse the ring, while officials ran for safety. It took security operatives quite a while to restore order before the competition could start again more than two hours later.
Nonetheless, the most appalling development of the sporting event was the open thievery against Godwin of Rivers, who won his semi-final fight only to realise that his conquered opponent from Ondo was scheduled to appear in the fight for gold to the discomfiture of his coach and Team Rivers officials. It was later learnt that the fight was awarded to the loser after the competition had ended.
There was a catastrophe and a dispute at the football final women competition where Team Edo fans and officials tried their best to coerce and harass Lagos. Edo eventually won the final 1-0 but the men’s final between the same states almost failed to hold as Lagos declined to participate in the game because of what occurred to their women counterpart. Lagos had to be persuaded to play.
These developments at the National Sports Festival are indeed ignominious and run contrary to the spirit and objectives of the festival which is to fast track national integration, talent discovery and sports advancement. There is a pressing need to reconsider these objectives. As far as those disruptions go, for us, Edo 2020 is a disappointment when compared to the organising and performances of past editions of the competition.
We implore sports federations to effectively ensure that men and women of ascertained integrity are engaged as technical officials in future festivals. States should prioritise sports funding rather than cutting corners. Team Edo’s irascibility and win-at-all-cost attitude are denounced. This practice must be prohibited as it could undermine the National Sports Festival which has produced great sportsmen and women that have made our country proud.
Editorial
Charge Before New Rivers Council Helmsmen

Editorial
No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike
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
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.
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