Editorial

Waterfront Demolition And Urban Renewal

Published

4 years ago

February 14, 2022

Tears, agony and anguish dotted the faces of distraught persons as more than 1,000 residents of Diobu in Port Harcourt have been rendered homeless, following the racking of houses in over nine waterfront areas by the Rivers State Government. The affected places include waterfront settlements in Abba, Elechi, Nanka, Uruala, Afikpo, Ojike, Akuzu, Egede and Soku streets.
The authorities had apprised the residents of the areas of its contrivance to demolish the expanses, citing the sale of illegally refined petroleum products and high crime rate as reasons for the demolition. Weeks later, the government stalked the area with bulldozers and fully armed security operatives to enforce the order.
Governor Nyesom Wike had, in his 2022 New Year message, said the state government would, from the second week of January, commence the demolition of all shanties and makeshift structures in criminal hotspots in Port Harcourt. The aim is to keep the state peaceful, safe and secure. Sadly, the victims failed to heed the several quit notices from the government.
“And to make the state safer, the government will from the second week of January 2022 commence demolition of all shanties and makeshift structures in identified crime hotspots in Port Harcourt, particularly the Iloabuchi areas of Diobu,” Wike said.
Attempts to demolish waterfronts in the state capital are not new. Recall that it was a very controversial issue that overheated the body politic in the administration of the former governor, Celestine Omehia. And when Rotimi Amaechi came on board, he initially put off the task to score a cheap political point, but later continued with the demolition policy, and reiterated his government’s position that waterfronts would give way to proper development.
It is our view that the Rivers State Government has acted appropriately in demolishing the shanties and slums in the state capital. Therefore, we advise Rivers people and stakeholders to completely support the efforts of the administration to sanitise and develop waterfronts, as the scheme is the best possible alternative to improve the lives of those living in urban slums.
A major way to tackle security challenges in Port Harcourt is to develop the waterfront areas that have been noted over the years to be hideouts for hoodlums and brigands because of how the places are built. It is difficult to follow a criminal to those locations, except the setting is very familiar. Enforcement became necessary because the state government believed that something had to be done to stop the illegal activities.
Over the last few decades, Port Harcourt has experienced mediocre and unequal development. The result is that basic infrastructure and services are seldom provided. Though the state capital is a stellar city in Nigeria in terms of economic feat, it is unable to struggle through with the challenges of urbanisation, resulting in sorely inadequate housing and the escalation of slums.
These slums, poorly planned, unhealthy and saturated, lack basic infrastructure such as health facilities, potable water, paved roads, adequate drainage, and a waste disposal system. They are highly populated ghettos requiring electricity and healthcare, where several households share a small common latrine.
Residents of the waterfronts are in thin ice because of the power lines that run along the slums, bringing about serious threats during high tide, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. In addition, the environment is considered to be degraded as a result of runoff into rivers and the randomness of the facilities and structures.
We strongly endorse the state government’s action because the waterfront settlements have constituted a stumbling block to the economic and gainful utilisation of the areas and undermine the “megacity status” the administration is working hard to achieve. Clearly, these ghettoes and slums are completely incompatible with the government’s development plan.
The administration’s pursuit of its policy on a cleaner environment and restoration of master plans through the removal of all environmental infractions and nuisances across the state is certainly the way to go. It is quite worrisome that ramshackle structures, sheds, canopies, and shanties have turned to the abode of miscreants, street urchins, kidnappers, touts, street traders, and hawkers who often vandalise public utilities and attack innocent citizens.
If waterfront areas are to be developed, their destruction is essential. It is commonly stated that there is no success or advancement without pain or price. Accepting pain means that we choose to accept distress as an unavoidable and vital element of success and growth. Without pain, there is neither growth, triumph victory. Mark Manson says, “There is no such thing as change without pain, no growth without discomfort.”
While the demolition exercise progresses, the state government needs to ensure that the waterfronts are properly developed into liveable and decent housing. At the end of the demolistion, the areas should not be left fallow; rather, they have to be reclaimed to pave the way for infrastructural development in line with acceptable standards for waterfront settlements.
As many areas of the state rapidly urbanise following a multitude of push and pull factors that generate urban crises among city dwellers notably the urban poor, the administration must regulate new settlements and urbanisation. The glaring disregard for building regulations is alarming. Hence, the government must step up the demolition of any existing structures in violation of the law.

Editorial

No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike

Published

14 hours 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

15 hours ago

September 22, 2025

The Tide

Editorial

Rivers’ Retirees: Matters Arising

Published

2 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.