May 29: Dawn Of A New Era

There have been issues with the National Assembly’s performance index since 1999. Opinions on the positive impact of the members on governance and citizens’ welfare are divided among Nigerians and other interests. The legislative arm is viewed as prioritising the welfare of its members over the citizens. Moreover, it is perceived as fostering a compromised relationship with the executive arm of government, which undermines independence and democracy.
The executive’s actions have caused controversy following their overbearing posture and lack of respect for the legislature and judiciary, disregarding the principle of separation of powers. This attitude has fueled calls for restructuring and power devolution to return Nigeria to a true federal entity. Despite the importance of these demands for the country’s stability, the executive has shown no seriousness or commitment towards addressing them, which is a concern shared by many Nigerians.
Some Nigerians believe that the current structure is unfair to most ethnic groups, causing much of the country’s conflicts. They argue that the structure lacks equity, justice, fairness, and balance, leading to various forms of violence such as insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. These issues have plagued the country for years and continue to pose a significant threat to the nation’s security.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight years in office were marked by a thriller of terrifying years for many citizens. During his tenure, ethnicity and religion were used as tools by self-centered individuals to divide the nation. This has resulted in the shedding of innocent blood and the reign of a power cabal that prioritises its own interests. Sadly, the outgoing President has chosen to remain silent and feign ignorance in the face of these troubling developments.
It is delightful that the incoming Tinubu/Shettima administration aims to run a competent and quality government for the people. To achieve this, the administration must prioritise security and youth employment, and formulate policies to reduce security challenges to the barest minimum. It is hoped that economic programmes will target young people. The President-elect has emphasised the momentousness of competence, and we trust that he will follow through on his promise.
Nigerians eagerly await early results from Tinubu, even those who did not vote for him. However, he will face a significant challenge in building more refineries and ending fuel subsidies. Despite Nigeria’s oil riches, the country cannot refine enough crude to meet local demands, resulting in the need to import petroleum products. These products are then sold at a government-set price, which is often lower than the import price. Accordingly, the government pays the difference, which is taking a considerable toll on the country’s dwindling public finances.
Nigeria’s next administration faces the challenge of increasing revenue, which can be achieved by collecting more taxes or expanding the tax base. Tinubu, a strong supporter of federalism, must demonstrate his commitment to true federalism, considering his past actions. It is crucial for him to avoid repeating the mistake of ethnic irredentism in Nigerian politics. Also, he should pay attention to the foreign exchange regime.
Today, 28 governors-elect will be taking their oath of office, alongside the President-elect and Vice President-elect. In Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Wike will be handing over to his successor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, after overseeing state operations for the past eight years. The preparations for the handover to the incoming governor are in full swing in the state. It is important to note that only individuals with honourable character and knowledge can fill the significant void that the governor is leaving behind.
Wike’s tenure in office has passed so rapidly. Throughout the years, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to selfless and patriotic service, displaying unwavering bravery, determination and fearlessness. In the aftermath of the challenges that arose after May 29, 2015, the Rivers State Chief Executive rolled up his sleeves and set to work on revitalising the state’s democracy and restoring its sectors to full functionality.
Since his inauguration in 2015, Governor Wike has been actively constructing and rehabilitating roads and building flyovers, reorganising institutions and establishments, and opening up previously closed-off areas like the judiciary. He has bravely tackled the challenge of repairing a broken, dysfunctional, dystopian, and purposefully abandoned state. He has effectively silenced his critics and laid out a roadmap for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the state in his inauguration address on May 29, 2015.
Thankfully, his successor is a well-experienced technocrat who has had a long and distinguished career in the state civil service. He was born on January 28, 1975, in Opobo Town in the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State. Fubara worked his way up through the ranks and was appointed as the state accountant-general in 2020. He is a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt Business School, holding a Master of Science in Finance and a Master of Business Administration degree. Despite being serene, he maintains social ties with all facets of society.
Siminialayi’s success hinges on following in the footsteps of his predecessor by adopting a constituency-wide approach to governance in Rivers State. To achieve this, he must prioritise clearing up promotion arrears, pension arrears, and gratuities owed to civil servants. Additionally, he must focus on resuscitating state-owned enterprises to create more job opportunities. Agriculture, human capital development, and education are crucial areas that require attention. Siminialayi should also incorporate tourism and infrastructure development into his plans to ensure the state’s overall growth and development.
Fubara is a committed democrat with a decade-long involvement in the political arena. He fervently upholds the power of the people and has continuously exhibited concern for the underprivileged. Because of his exemplary work in the civil service and extensive pursuit of diverse opportunities, he has emerged as the most suitable candidate for the gubernatorial succession of Governor Wike.
The Tide heartily congratulates him as he steps into office to provide the much-needed service and leadership to the good people of the State.