Opinion

Port Harcourt Is Ripe For Traffic Management Technology (1)

Published

3 years ago

May 3, 2023

Last week, a reader wrote to the editor of the paper, detailing how lawless Port Harcourt residents have become on major roads. The letter pointed out how commercial drivers and other members of the public have turned major junctions, roundabouts, and bus terminals in the city to motor parks and markets. On investigation, it turned out that the situation was worse than expected in all the locations, including Education Bus Stop Mile 1; Port Harcourt Zoo; Waterlines Roundabout; St. John’s Bus Stop, Rumuolumeni; Garrison Roundabout; Amadi-Ama Roundabout; Lagos Bus Stop and Aggrey Road.The title of the letter to the Editor that informed this opinion piece was framed as a question: “Is Port Harcourt a Lawless City?” Even though I might not be inclined to use such stark language, but as one who lives and works in this city and a journalist with an acute sense of observation, suffice it to say that we can do much better than what is easily observable, the level of lawlessness on roads in Port Harcourt and its environs is incomprehensible. Unfortunately, since it has become second nature for Nigerians to naturally go against laid-down rules in any area of public life, no right-thinking person would expect any kind of change without government intervention.

Interestingly, since the return of democracy in 1999, there have been varied levels of government intervention to bring sanity to our roads. For instance, before the state government intervention of 2009 that gave birth to the defunct Rivers State Road Traffic Management Authority (TIMA-RIV), there have been interventions by Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City Local Government Areas (LGA). But these interventions were not necessarily set up to serve the interest of the public, rather, they were used to settle some stakeholders (political settlement). The road decongestion taskforce set up by these local governments had no clear chain of reporting, and consequently, no clear rules of engagement. The resultant outfits from the two Local Governments made matters worse because they became exploitation machines that were willing to use any means at their disposal, including harassment and arbitrary impoundment to extract huge amounts of money from members of the public.

But when TIMA-RIV was set up following the signing of the Road Traffic Law No.6 of 2009 by former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi; Port Harcourt residents heaved a sigh of relief. There was a clear chain of command, and residents were assured of the existence of clear rules of engagement, and modus operandi. Sadly, the relief did not last long due to the endemic nature of corruption in our society. The cars of members of the public were impounded at random, and visitors coming to the city for the first time were not spared, even in areas with minimal, or zero traffic signs; the issue of steep fines for what was arbitrarily tagged reckless driving, and the associated psychiatric evaluation was unimaginable.TIMA-RIV was empowered to carry out the following functions: (1) Control traffic and enforce state laws relating to the safe use of vehicles on the road; (2) Deter road users from the commission of road traffic offences and apprehend road traffic offenders;(3) Conduct highly visible day and night traffic patrols to enforce traffic rules and regulations and clear highway of obstruction; (4) Enforce the use of bus stops and bus terminals. However, it unleashed terror on those it was meant to serve; and by the time the tenure of Governor Amaechi’s administration was winding down, the cry of Port Harcourt motorists against TIM-RIV was almost unbearable, leading to their disbandment at the outset of the Governor Wike’s administration.

With TIMA-RIV gone, it was laissez-faire again across Port Harcourt City, because a good number of us are inherently lawless, including members of the security agencies who are in the habit of showing the worst example on the road, especially when they ferry so-called big men across town. To plug the gap created by the disbandment of TIMA-RIV, in August 2019, Governor Wike inaugurated the Taskforce on Illegal Street Trading and Motor Parks following his assent of the Rivers State Street Trading, Illegal Markets & Motor Parks (Prohibition) Bill No. 8 of 2019.During the inauguration of the taskforce, the Governor reiterated that the task force has the responsibility of cleaning up the streets, and ensuring that nobody trades on roads; but most importantly, he said: “We are not inaugurating you to extort money from traders and mechanics.” Surprisingly, barely one year after their inauguration, the taskforce was dissolved by the Governor due to highhandedness, and other vices, including engaging in fights with motorists and street traders, which often led to the destruction of vehicles and goods and injuries to some members of the public. Although most of the illegal activities of some members of the taskforce were somewhat under the radar, the accident of a pregnant driver who eventually died as a result of mortal injuries sustained in a collision with a vehicle belonging to the taskforce around Agip Junction was the last straw that broke the camel’s back.However, because the roads in Port Harcourt cannot be left unattended, especially with the ever-increasing number of vehicles and commuters, the Governor reconstituted the taskforce in January 2021 under the leadership of DSP Felix Nwadibe (rtd).

Shortly after the inauguration of the new leadership of the taskforce, DSP Nwadibe, and his team went on a sensitisation tour around the city where he assured the public that: “the new outfit would maintain the expected civility of a new taskforce.” But in that same month, 11 members of the taskforce were sacked for extorting money from members of the public around Choba area in Obio/Akpor LGA of the state.That was a little more than two years ago, yet nothing has changed, and we can neither lay the blame at the feet of DSP Nwdibe, nor Governor Wike, because it is impossible to recruit saints from a corrupt society. Even if you succeed in recruiting a few, the rotten eggs will end up skewing the system for their personal gain, thereby destroying the well-intentioned plans of the government. Just last month, taxi drivers in the Rumuokoro Area of Obio/Akpor LGA shut down traffic in protest of a colleague that was beaten to death by members of the taskforce carrying placards with various inscriptions, including: “No more Taskforce”, “Wike save us”, “We’re tired of Extortion.” During the protest, a driver who identified himself as Wale said; “The man killed is such a quiet man. He was severely beaten and his head was hit on a concrete tarred road. We are tired of the high-handedness of the Taskforce.”Clearly, no intervention with minimal technological involvement can succeed in bringing sanity to the roads in Port Harcourt and its environs. And the reasons for this are apparent to all – a good number of us are unruly. But, when we go to some major cities, other states, or outside the country, we are quick to fall in line without being told, because we are unable to game the system. But in Nigeria, and Port Harcourt in particular, most residents are too big to wait for the green light. While some other road users willfully damage installations on the roads meant for the safety of the motoring public and pedestrians.

To be cont’d.
In this age of information technology, nothing can be left to chance. In fact, with all the new road networks, and flyovers constructed by Governor Wike, the next administration might not need a taskforce to achieve free-flowing traffic. Rather, with minimal personnel it can bring sanity to Port Harcourt roads with the deployment of ICT and traffic management technology. This approach will spare us the incivility of taskforce and police officers. In part two of this opinion, I shall present comparable success stories from cities in Nigeria and other countries, with special attention to technological trends in the field of smart traffic management and enforcement. It will be interesting to see how traffic offenders can be brought to book without any compulsion using what is obtainable in Rwanda as an example; my intention is to show us that the city of Port Harcourt is ripe for traffic management technology.

By: Raphael Pepple

Opinion

Bazia EXCO @ One: NUJ Rivers Reawakened

Published

19 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “For the first time in years, Rivers journalists are not just hearing promises—they are seeing a union that works.”

The first year in office of the Paul Bazia-led executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has offered something many had almost given up on—renewed confidence in union leadership. For a body as critical as the NUJ, whose responsibility goes beyond professional coordination to include the welfare, protection, and continuous development of journalists, expectations are always high. Unfortunately, past experiences had conditioned many members to expect less—less action, less visibility, and less impact.This is why the past twelve months stand out. Within a relatively short period, the Bazia-led administration has demonstrated a level of drive that distinguishes it from its predecessors. There is a noticeable shift from inertia to activity, from routine administration to purposeful leadership. Initiatives captured in the one-year report point to an executive that understands both the urgency of its mandate and the frustrations of its members.

Particularly commendable is the renewed attention to journalists’ welfare. For too long, welfare issues have lingered without meaningful resolution, leaving many practitioners feeling unsupported. The current leadership’s efforts—through engagement, structured support, and timely interventions—signal a welcome change in priorities. Equally important is the push toward professional development. In an era where journalism is rapidly evolving, capacity building is no longer optional. The administration’s commitment to training and skill enhancement reflects an understanding that a stronger union must be built on more competent and competitive professionals. There is also something to be said about visibility and voice. A vibrant NUJ must not only serve its members internally but also stand as a credible voice in the public space—defending press freedom, promoting ethical standards, and constructively engaging critical issues.

Encouragingly, the current executive appears more present and responsive, giving the union a renewed sense of relevance. Perhaps what resonates most, however, is the sense of movement. For many members, the difference between the present and the immediate past is not subtle—it is clear. Where there was once stagnation, there is now direction. Where there was doubt, there is growing belief. Beyond the visible strides recorded within this first year, what perhaps deserves even greater applause is the restoration of institutional confidence within the Nigeria Union of Journalists. For a long time, many members had grown disenchanted, viewing the union more as a ceremonial body than an active force capable of defending their interests and advancing their welfare. That narrative, however, is gradually changing. The Bazia-led executive has not only initiated programs but has also rekindled a sense of belonging among members.

Meetings appear more purposeful, engagements more intentional, and decisions more reflective of collective interest. This psychological shift—subtle as it may seem—is one of the most critical achievements of the past year, because a union that its members believe in is already halfway to effectiveness. It is also important to underscore the contrast with the immediate past, not as an exercise in criticism, but as a necessary context for measuring progress. Where previous administrations struggled to translate plans into action, the current leadership has shown a greater bias for execution. Projects that once lingered in discussion stages are now seeing tangible movement, and issues that were previously deferred are receiving attention. This difference in approach—moving from prolonged deliberation to decisive action—has helped reposition the union as a more responsive and relevant institution.

While no administration is without its shortcomings, the willingness to act, even in the face of constraints, marks a significant departure from what members were accustomed to. Looking ahead, the expectations of members—and indeed the wider public—will only grow stronger. With a solid first year behind it, the Bazia-led executive now carries the burden of consistency. Members will expect deeper welfare interventions that go beyond immediate relief to more sustainable support systems. They will look for expanded training opportunities that prepare journalists for the rapidly changing media landscape. They will also expect a firmer, more courageous voice on issues affecting press freedom and professional integrity. Above all, they will demand continuity—assurance that the progress recorded so far is not a fleeting phase but the beginning of a sustained transformation.

Meeting these expectations will not be easy, but it is precisely this challenge that defines enduring leadership. That said, this moment of applause must also serve as a moment of reflection. A strong first year inevitably raises expectations. Journalists in Rivers State will now look beyond initial achievements toward consolidation. Welfare interventions must become more structured and far-reaching. Training programs must be sustained and expanded. Advocacy must become more consistent and impactful. Most importantly, the unity of the union must be strengthened, ensuring that all members feel included and carried along. Transparency will also be key. Continued open communication about finances, decisions, and challenges will deepen trust and set a standard for accountable union leadership. The task ahead is clear: to convert early momentum into lasting institutional progress.

For the Bazia-led executive, the opportunity is significant. It has, within one year, reawakened belief in what the NUJ Rivers State Council can be. The next step is to ensure that this renewed energy does not fade, but instead becomes the foundation of a stronger, more responsive, and more respected union. For the members, the message is equally clear—expect more, demand more, and support what works because in the end, a vibrant union is not built by leadership alone, but by a collective commitment to progress. And for now, under Bazia, that progress has truly begun.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

As Service Chiefs Relocate To Borno

Published

19 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Relocation may signal urgency, but without structural reforms, it risks becoming a cycle of temporary relief and recurring crisis.”

Here we go again. We have seen this script play out before. Under the administration of Muhammadu Buhari, service chiefs were directed to relocate to security hotspots as a demonstration of urgency and resolve. Today, under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the same approach is being repeated. Following the recent suicide bombing in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed scores of lives, the President ordered the immediate relocation of service chiefs to take charge of the situation. On paper, the directive appears logical and commendable. It suggests a hands-on approach aimed at enhancing coordination among security agencies, improving response time, and restoring public confidence. However, the critical question remains: has this strategy ever truly worked? Experience suggests otherwise. While such relocations often create a temporary sense of calm, the effect is usually short-lived.

The presence of high command tends to produce what may be described as “cosmetic stability”—a brief period of intensified operations and visibility. Yet, once the service chiefs return to Abuja, the underlying problems resurface. A clear example can be drawn from January 2018, when President Buhari ordered the then Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to relocate to Benue State in response to escalating violence. At the time, the directive was widely praised. Yet years later, killings, displacement, and destruction of livelihoods persist, raising doubts about the long-term effectiveness of such measures. This recurring pattern has led many observers to describe relocation orders as political theatre—a performative gesture designed to project action rather than deliver sustainable results. While this may seem harsh, it is difficult to ignore the structural deficiencies that continue to undermine the nation’s security framework.

First is the issue of intelligence. Effective security operations depend not just on troop deployment but on timely, accurate, and actionable intelligence. Yet the nation’s intelligence-gathering mechanisms, particularly at the grassroots level, remain weak and poorly coordinated. Relocating service chiefs does little to address this fundamental gap. There is also the challenge of resources. Many security personnel on the frontlines continue to grapple with inadequate equipment, insufficient logistics, and poor welfare conditions. In such circumstances, the physical presence of top commanders cannot substitute for the systematic investment needed to strengthen operational capacity. Equally important is the issue of sustainability. Security is not achieved through sporadic interventions but through consistent, long-term strategies.

The relocation of service chiefs is, by its nature, temporary and does not build enduring institutions capable of sustained response. Beyond these concerns lies a pressing question: what criteria determine which states receive such high-level attention? While Borno has long been an epicentre of insurgency, other states such as Plateau and Benue have also experienced alarming levels of violence, including banditry and communal clashes. Why were similar measures not applied there? The truth is that the nation’s current approach to tackling insecurity is insufficient. One alternative that has gained traction is the establishment of state police. Nigeria’s policing system remains highly centralised, with command structures controlled from Abuja—a model that has proven increasingly inadequate in addressing localised security challenges.

State police would allow for more community-based policing, enabling officers familiar with local terrain and dynamics to respond more effectively. It would also improve intelligence gathering, as local officers are more likely to build trust with residents. However, the idea is not without its critics. Concerns have been raised about the potential for abuse by state governments, particularly in using the police to intimidate opponents or suppress dissent. Funding is another major challenge, as many states already struggle to meet basic financial obligations.These concerns are legitimate but not insurmountable. They can be mitigated through robust legal frameworks, effective oversight mechanisms, and a clear delineation of powers between federal and state authorities. Establishing independent State Police Service Commissions to handle recruitment, discipline, and promotions could help safeguard institutional integrity.

In addition to decentralising policing, there must be a renewed focus on intelligence reform. Investing in modern surveillance technologies, data analysis, and inter-agency coordination is essential. Security agencies must move beyond reactive strategies and adopt proactive approaches that anticipate threats. Equally important is addressing the socio-economic drivers of insecurity. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of education continue to create fertile ground for criminality and extremism. Any meaningful security strategy must therefore include efforts to improve livelihoods, expand access to education, and promote inclusive development. Furthermore, there is a need for greater accountability within the security sector. Transparent evaluation of strategies, clear performance benchmarks, and consequences for failure are necessary to ensure that policies are not just announced but effectively implemented.

Ultimately, the fight against insecurity requires more than symbolic gestures. It demands bold, innovative, and sustained reforms that address both immediate threats and their root causes. The relocation of service chiefs may offer temporary visibility, but it cannot substitute for a comprehensive national security strategy. The nation stands at a critical juncture. Continuing to rely on approaches that have yielded limited results in the past is unlikely to produce different outcomes. It is time to rethink, recalibrate, and rebuild a security architecture that is responsive, resilient, and grounded in the realities of our society.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Beyond the Adichie Tragedy

Published

1 week ago

March 16, 2026

The Tide

Quote:: “Justice must never depend on fame, wealth, or connections. The child of a roadside trader deserves the same standard of care as the child of a globally celebrated writer. When accountability works only for the prominent, public trust in institutions quietly erodes.”

Public reaction to the suspension of doctors by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) following the death of the son of celebrated Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reveals something deeper than outrage over a single tragedy. Across social media and public commentary, a recurring sentiment stands out: many Nigerians believe justice was served only because of the prominence of the family involved. Comments such as “The doctors were punished because Chimamanda is well known,” or “If it was a poor man’s child, the case would have been swept under the carpet,” capture a troubling lack of faith in the system.

Whether these perceptions are always accurate is not the most important issue. What should concern the nation is that so many citizens instinctively believe that justice in Nigeria often depends on status, wealth, or influence.The tragedy that befell the Adichie family is heartbreaking. No parent should have to bury a child, particularly under circumstances that raise questions about professional responsibility. But beyond the grief lies a larger national concern: medical negligence in Nigeria is far more widespread than the few cases that attract public attention. Across the country, families quietly lose loved ones in hospitals and clinics under troubling circumstances. Patients are sometimes misdiagnosed. Emergency cases may be delayed. Surgical procedures may be mishandled, while basic standards of care can be compromised due to negligence, poor supervision, or systemic pressure on medical staff.

In many situations, grieving families simply accept their loss and move on, believing there is little they can do. The result is what can only be described as a silent epidemic of unreported medical negligence.In more developed healthcare systems, such incidents rarely go unexamined. Independent regulatory bodies investigate complaints, enforce professional standards, and sanction erring practitioners. In the United Kingdom, for instance, the Care Quality Commission inspects hospitals, clinics, and care providers to ensure strict compliance with safety and quality standards.Nigeria does have oversight institutions, notably the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. However, enforcement often appears inconsistent, and many cases of negligence never reach the stage where regulators can intervene. Sometimes victims are unaware of the complaint process. In other cases, fear, cost, or bureaucracy discourage families from seeking justice.

While government institutions must improve their oversight mechanisms, citizens must also confront a difficult truth: Nigerians often fail to pursue their rights when they are violated. Too frequently, when injustice occurs, people retreat into resignation. Instead of filing complaints or seeking legal remedies, many respond with the familiar phrase: “God will judge them.” Faith is important, but it should not replace civic responsibility. A society that leaves accountability solely to divine intervention risks allowing negligence and impunity to flourish. Some commentators have suggested that the Adichie family likely pursued the matter relentlessly through petitions and formal complaints before authorities acted. If that is the case, it demonstrates a path other citizens can follow. When malpractice occurs, persistence in seeking justice can make institutions respond.

If more families reported cases of medical negligence to the appropriate authorities, regulatory bodies would have stronger grounds to investigate. Public pressure would also push healthcare institutions to improve their standards. Negligence, as defined by Nigeria’s Supreme Court in Odinaka v. Moghalu, refers to the failure to do what a reasonable and prudent person would have done under similar circumstances. Within medical ethics, physicians are expected to provide competent care with compassion and respect for human dignity. These principles form the foundation of the duty of care that patients rely upon. Citizens must therefore be able to recognise signs of negligence and take appropriate steps to seek redress. Patients and families should learn to document incidents, keep medical records, ask questions about treatment decisions, and report suspicious circumstances surrounding medical care.

Where necessary, formal complaints should be lodged with regulatory authorities or pursued through the courts. Civil society organisations, advocacy groups, and the media also play a crucial role. By exposing cases of negligence and demanding accountability, they help ensure such incidents do not disappear into silence. A healthcare system shielded from scrutiny cannot improve. Nevertheless, responsibility cannot rest solely on citizens. Government must take decisive steps to strengthen healthcare regulation and reduce medical negligence. Hospitals and clinics—both public and private—should undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with professional standards, safety protocols, and ethical guidelines. Persistent violations must attract meaningful sanctions. Legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olisa Agbakoba has suggested the creation of an independent health regulatory authority and the restoration of Chief Medical Officers at federal and state levels.

In the past, these officials, alongside health inspectors, helped enforce professional standards and ensured accountability within healthcare facilities. Government must also invest more seriously in the training and continuous education of healthcare professionals. Medicine is an evolving field, and practitioners must constantly update their knowledge and skills. Mandatory professional development programmes, stricter licensing renewal requirements, and improved mentorship systems could help reduce errors arising from outdated practices or inadequate training. At the same time, systemic challenges within the healthcare system cannot be ignored. Many Nigerian doctors and nurses work under extremely difficult conditions—overcrowded hospitals, outdated equipment, staff shortages, and overwhelming patient loads. Such pressures increase the risk of mistakes and professional burnout.

Improving healthcare infrastructure, funding, and staffing is therefore not merely an administrative matter; it is a fundamental requirement for patients’ safety. Equally important is transparency when allegations of negligence arise. Investigations must be timely, credible, and accessible. Families deserve to know what happened to their loved ones and whether professional standards were breached. Regulatory bodies must ensure that findings are communicated clearly so that public confidence in the healthcare system is strengthened. The tragedy that drew national attention to medical negligence should not be treated as an isolated incident involving a prominent personality. Rather, it should serve as a wake-up call for systemic reform.

Every Nigerian life carries equal value. Justice must not depend on prominence or privilege. When citizens demand accountability and institutions respond with fairness and transparency, trust begins to grow. Nigeria’s health sector is filled with dedicated doctors, nurses, and medical workers who save lives daily despite difficult conditions. Recognising their commitment, however, should not prevent society from confronting the reality that negligence sometimes occurs—and when it does, it must be addressed firmly. If this painful moment encourages Nigerians to speak up, demand accountability, and push for stronger regulatory systems, it may yet produce meaningful reform. Citizens must refuse to accept negligence as fate, while government strengthens oversight and improves healthcare conditions. Only through this collective effort can Nigeria build a healthcare system where every patient—regardless of social status—receives safe, responsible, and dignified care.

By: Calista Ezeaku