Opinion
Is NYSC Still Relevant?
Quite often, truth is an unwelcome pal, an unpleasant, unacceptable whistle blower and disgustingly bitter than the bile in human body. But then, it has to be told – blunt, plain, simple and naked, no matter whose ox is gored or whose oxen are gored.
The problem of man on planet earth started far back into the space and time, specifically, when mother Eve appeared on the scene, and sadly enough, acted the innocuous script written by the arch and spiritual enemy of man, the Devil. Right there in the Garden of Eden, the Devil, in a subtle way and manner, turned the truth into lies and fables and the original prototype of God fell from grace to grass.
Consequent upon this was the divine sentence of death handed down to all men from generation to generation and would continue till kingdom come.
Ever since, homo-sapiens traversing the whole wide world and living on this terrestrial ball had, for the umpteenth time, tried to unravel the mysteries and challenges of life to no avail. Little wonder then, that the early settlers of Ancient Greece resorted to consulting the “Delphic oracle” and the god Apollo, to find answers and solutions to the immense and immeasurable problems staring them on their faces.
Away from what the Ancient Greek City States did and how they lived their own lives. Here in Nigeria, from the volatile North to the oil-rich South South, and from the commercial –hub South East to the cultural-centre South West, many people, including the high and the low, are daily visiting evil forests, juju houses, occultist shrines, invoking marine spirits and darkness powers, all in the desire to peer beyond the veil of the future and to proffer solutions to the myriads of problems confronting mankind.
There is no gainsaying the fact that our political, socio-economic and academic landscapes are in the doldrums and in shambles. Once upon a time, we woke up to the welcome news in the media that the Boko Haram insurgents rampaging and ravaging the North East had been technically defeated. Alas, the news turned out to be a figment of someone’s imagination and a white lie. Boko Haram’s enclave, from all indications is yet to be dismantled. Examples still abound of Boko Haram’s unrelenting onslaught. One of such examples was the recent abduction of 110 school girls in Daptchi, Yobe State.
But what does the scripture say? “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”. It is only the truth and nothing but the truth that would salvage this country from the shackles and fetters of greed, fraud, blatant lies, extortion, money laundering, financial shenanigans etc.
A situation where a policy has failed and the truth is being swept under the carpet calls for a serious concern by those at the helm of the nation’s affairs. Do we require a soothsayer and the marabouts of Pharaoh’s Egypt to tell us that the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) scheme which was formally promulgated by a decree and established by the then military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon in 1973 is no longer feasible in all ramifications?
Succinctly put, the NYSC scheme, if you ask me, is no longer workable as a matter of fact. For the interest of those who do not know anything about the NYSC scheme, I provide you some of the laudable aims and objectives of the scheme.
Decree Number 24 of May 22, 1973 that established the scheme states inter-alia, that the NYSC scheme aims at inculcating discipline in our youths, by instilling in them a tradition of industry at work and of patriotic and loyal service to the nation in any situation they may find themselves; raising the moral tone of our youths by giving them the opportunity to learn about higher ideals of national achievement, social and cultural improvement, and to develop in our youths attitudes of mind, acquired through shared experience and suitable training, which will make them more amenable to mobilization in the national interest.
The scheme was also aimed at developing common ties among our youths and promoting national unity by ensuring that as far as possible youths are assigned to jobs in States other than their States of origin and that the youths should be exposed to the modes of living of the people in different parts of the country with a view to removing prejudices, eliminating ignorance and confirming at first hand the many similarities among Nigerians of all ethnic groups.
Other objectives include to encourage members of the corps to seek at the end of their corps service, career employment all over the country, thus promoting free movement of labour and inducing employers, partly through their experience with corps members, to employ more readily qualified Nigerians irrespective of their States of origin, and to enable our youths to acquire the spirit of self reliance.
Noble as these aims and objectives might sound, it is sad that the NYSC scheme in Nigeria today is not only a shadow and ghost of its former self, but also not fit or ready for the knackers yard.
Looking at the aims, objectives and advantages of the scheme from the eagle eyes, and after thoughtful analysis, there is a strong conviction and belief that the virtues, benefits and advantages of the scheme as contained in Decree Number 24 of May 22, 1973, have been completely eroded and the aims and objectives defeated by political exigencies, lean and fragile economy, poignant insecurity, snide comments, remarks and insensate hatred of one ethnic group for the other.
Owhorji wrote in from Omademe.
Christian Owhorji
Opinion
Restoring Order, Delivering Good Governance
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Opinion
Checking Herdsmen Rampage
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
Opinion
Is Nigeria Democratic Nation?
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.
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