Connect with us

Editorial

Deborah: Let Justice Be Served

Published

4 years ago

on

Once again, religious extremism in Nigeria has been clearly discernible for its ultimate purpose in the expression of violence by the actors. The penultimate week, some Muslim students of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, in Sokoto State, stoned and battered Deborah Yakubu Samuel, a 200-level student of Home Economics, to death for alleged blasphemy. Shortly thereafter, the murderers set the lifeless body on fire. It was one of the most horrific murders to contemplate, but not the first cold-blooded savagery.
Deborah reportedly protested the exhibition of religious messages on the student’s WhatsApp platform. Her howling exacerbated certain Muslim students, who mobilised and then killed her. The unmannerly killing of the young female student is not a sequestrated incident. Many Muslims and non-Muslims judged to have slandered Islam, or its prophet, have accepted a similar fate in the region. This evil is in direct contrast with a just and civilised culture.
That such bestial behaviour occurred in a citadel of learning and in daylight is not only regrettable, but is symptomatic of the omnipresent nature of religious extremism in Northern Nigeria. Unchecked, it has birthed and sustained a 13-year-old bloody jihadist insurgency that has spread from the North-East through the Northern region and earned the country stardom as the world’s third most terrorised nation.
Similar incidents often occur in Northern Nigeria. In 2007, Muslim students in Gombe lynched their Christian teacher for defiling the Quran. There have been other cataclysmic attacks and killings of alleged blasphemers in predominantly Muslim areas in Kano, Niger and other parts of the North. Those charged with blasphemy were sentenced to death by the Sharia courts in Kano. Others, such as Mubarak Bala, were sentenced to lengthy jail terms. Some Muslim clerics and state officials have publicly approved the execution of blasphemers.
Gideon Akaluka was decapitated in Kano in 1995, falsely accused of defiling the Quran. Sharia riots in the year 2000 left over 4,000 persons dead across several Northern states. In 2002, by protesting against the Miss World beauty contest billed for Kaduna that year, the fanatics killed more than 250 people. Furthermore, in 1987, a female Islamic zealot accused a speaker at a Christian fellowship at the College of Education, Kafanchan, of blasphemy. Her fellow Muslims mobilised and burnt churches and relaxation centres across Kaduna and other states. Scores died.
There has been expeditious, unambiguous expansive denunciation of the outrage, including from significant Northern and Islamic chieftains like the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal. Commendably, esteemed Islamic clerics insist that the action of the mob does not reflect their religion. But prevarication and extenuation are still emerging from certain quarters.
President Muhammadu Buhari reacted belatedly to Deborah’s horrible murder over 36 hours after the despicable act. Although he denounced the murder, nevertheless, with a pontification to religious and community leaders to draw people’s attention to the need to exercise the right to freedom of expression in a responsible manner. That was rather disconcerting. Inadvertently, the President’s answer may have set the stage for politicising or escalating blame, especially on the victim.
The infelicitous action of the mob is definitely a crime. It is incumbent upon the government to identify those who perpetrated this heinous crime. They should be apprehended and brought to trial in haste. The next step is to determine if there has been negligence on the part of the school authorities and the police and to take appropriate action. Buhari and Tambuwal need to let religious fanatics know that Nigeria remains an amalgamated secular state.
At the instigation of certain religious extremists, Deborah’s killers assembled in parts of Sokoto to protest the arrest of only two of the killers, demanding their release. During this process, a person was killed and churches were attacked while businesses were plundered. They surrounded and tried to burn down the palace of the Sultan, as well as the church and office of the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto. Only an immediate security response rescued the situation.
Carnage by extremists in Northern Nigeria must end. Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has demanded justice for Deborah. Reacting in a statement, Falana urged Governor Tambuwal and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that justice was served in the matter. According to him, out of the 190 victims subjected to mob justice and killed in Nigeria in the last two years, Sokoto is ahead of other states with 13 cases.
Under former United States President, Donald Trump, the United States had taken a renewed interest in religious freedom issues worldwide, with a specific focus on persecuted Christians. Trump released an executive order on advancing international religious freedom. The order directed the State Department and United States Agency for International Development to act to combat religious freedom violations and called for a budget of at least $50 million for programmes to fight religious violence and persecution abroad and protect religious minorities.
But the U.S. efforts have borne little fruit so far in Nigeria. Multiple reports have been coming in of increased killings. According to a report by the United Kingdom-based Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust, more than 1,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria in 2019. The organisation further reported that at that point, 6,000 Nigerians had been killed and 12,000 displaced since 2015. Attacks on Christians have spiked under Buhari’s administration.
Religious fanaticism prevails in the North because the violators are not severely punished. Instead, they are permitted to go scot-free. State governments aggravate the situation by promoting religion, which violates the express provision of Article 10 of the 1999 Constitution: “The government of the federation or of a state shall not adopt any religion as state religion.” The Nigerian State must dissociate from religion. There should be mass education and zero-tolerance for lawlessness.
We reject any suggestion of validation of Deborah’s killers and their motives. In a secular society, blasphemy should not be a criminal offence. Each religion is exclusive, and its followers operate according to pig-headedly held beliefs. Consequently, all classes of society must take concerted action against this heinous killing; strong enough to prohibit others permanently. All Deborah’s murderers must be apprehended and charged immediately. The Federal Government needs to put an end to this crudity.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Editorial

AFCON ’25: Bravo, Super Eagles, But…

Published

5 days ago

on

February 2, 2026

By

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations staged in Morocco witnessed the Super Eagles soar to an altitude few Nigerians anticipated, confounding pessimism with exuberance and resilience. Before the opening whistle, public confidence was anaemic, yet the team produced a performance laced with audacity and organisation. In a tournament featuring 24 nations and over 52 matches, Nigeria emerged with renewed credibility, reminding the continent of its enduring pedigree through conviction and renaissance.
Only weeks earlier, national morale had been battered by the abysmal failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, a disappointment that generated widespread cynicism and recrimination. Many analysts dismissed the Eagles as tactically incoherent and psychologically fragile. Yet, in Morocco, a transformation occurred, marked by revitalisation and determination. Statistical evidence shows Nigeria conceded fewer than one goal per match on average, an emphatic rebuttal to earlier derision and fatalism.
Against popular expectations, the 2025 AFCON became one of Nigeria’s most impressive outings in recent times, judged by fluency and consistency. The Super Eagles completed the group stage with over 55 per cent average ball possession and an 82 per cent pass completion rate, numbers that signify discipline and intelligence. There was a newfound spirit and camaraderie that suggested maturity and self-belief, hallmarks of evolution and professionalism.
Many pundits predicted that the Eric Chelle tutored side would struggle to escape the group stage, citing tactical naivety and limited preparation. Instead, Nigeria navigated the entire competition without losing a single match within regulation time, an extraordinary demonstration of fortitude and concentration. In football logic and jurisprudence, a match not lost in 90 minutes is not truly lost. Penalty shootouts remain a lottery governed by chance and psychology.
The Super Eagles’ representation was laudable and provides a formidable platform for regeneration and continuity. It underscores that Chelle is not as inept as some critics asserted after the World Cup failure. On the contrary, he demonstrated pedagogical acumen and strategic awareness, improving individual performances while enhancing collective harmony. His methods yielded measurable progress in cohesion and adaptability.
Chelle’s capacity to knit a coherent unit with tactical symmetry and individual expression shows unmistakably that he has substance to offer. Therefore, we urge the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission, and the Federal Government to provide institutional backing and contractual stability. Continuity breeds excellence, and excellence requires foresight and investment, not impulsive judgement and expediency.
Judging by the Morocco showing, it is logical to deduce that the Super Eagles possess latent potential yet to be fully exploited. Motivation and encouragement could unlock greater heights of achievement and dominance. Preparation for the next major tournament must commence immediately, with meticulous planning and incremental improvement. Success in Morocco was not accidental but the product of diligence and perseverance, a tempo that must be sustained.
However, commendation should not degenerate into complacency. Given Nigeria’s vast talent pool and storied global exploits, the bronze medal remains inadequate. Nigeria has now finished third at AFCON nine times, a statistic that should provoke introspection rather than celebration. After emerging as the fifth best footballing nation globally following the iconic USA 1994 World Cup, only the gold medal should be acceptable, nothing less than supremacy and preeminence.
The nation must reconnect with the golden era of Okocha, Kanu, Oliseh and Amokachi, among others, when Nigerian football evoked admiration and trepidation worldwide. Between 1994 and 1998, Nigeria won Olympic gold, reached two World Cup second rounds and dominated Africa with flair and authority. That epoch was defined by creativity and confidence, a synthesis of artistry and aggression that captivated the global audience.
Now is the moment for the NFF and the coaching crew to intensify their labour and vision. Ascending to the summit is arduous, but remaining there is exponentially more difficult. Strategic recruitment of eligible players at home and abroad must be pursued with rigour and transparency. Data driven scouting and long term planning should replace sentimentality and improvisation.
It is equally imperative to rejuvenate the squad by replacing tiring legs with youthful exuberance and athleticism. Football in Nigeria is not merely a sport but a social adhesive and cultural obsession. With such abundance of talent, Nigeria should never play second fiddle to any nation. The task is to harness these resources with intentionality and coherence.
Having secured bronze for the ninth time, that position has lost desirability and prestige. The Super Eagles must henceforth be charged with the singular ambition of winning gold. Nigeria has lifted the Nations Cup only three times, compared to Egypt’s seven and Cameroon’s five. Challenging these records demands ambition and accountability, underpinned by discipline and aspiration.
It is deeply shameful that players reportedly boycotted training over unpaid match bonuses, an incident that embarrassed the nation. Authorities must investigate thoroughly and sanction culpable officials to restore integrity and trust. Nations like Morocco invest strategically in their players, infrastructure and welfare, semi- final finish at the 2022 World Cup is empirical evidence of foresight and commitment.
With appropriate motivation, transparent administration and prompt remuneration, the ceiling for the Super Eagles is limitless. Proper welfare enhances morale, while professional management engenders loyalty and sacrifice. If Nigeria aligns talent with structure and vision, continental dominance and global relevance will follow inevitably, crowned by excellence and distinction.
Ultimately, this AFCON outing should serve as a catalytic moment rather than a ceremonial footnote in Nigeria’s football narrative. Countries that dominate consistently do so through long term frameworks, not episodic brilliance, and statistics affirm this truth, as over 70 per cent of AFCON winners since 2000 retained at least 60 per cent of their squads across successive tournaments.
Nigeria must therefore institutionalise progress through robust youth development, sports science and administrative probity. If lessons from Morocco are properly internalised, the Super Eagles can transition from episodic resurgence to sustained excellence, reclaiming continental authority with purpose and conviction.
Continue Reading

Editorial

Fubara: Celebrating A Leader At 51

Published

1 week ago

on

January 28, 2026

By

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.
Continue Reading

Editorial

Beyond Accessing Bonny By Road

Published

3 weeks ago

on

January 19, 2026

By

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.
Continue Reading

Trending