Editorial

Insecurity: Time For National Dialogue

Published

6 years ago

July 31, 2019

Irked by the festering spectre of insecurity without measurable pragmatic strategy, proactive and integrated approach to tame the ugly monster that has exterminated thousands of innocent lives and destroyed property worth billions of Naira while weighing down economic development and growth across the country, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, 15 days ago, released an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, detailing the grave consequences of any inaction to stop the menace to secure the peace, corporate existence and unity of Nigeria. Fearless Obasanjo also called for an urgent national stakeholders’ dialogue to address the grievances hurting ethnic groups and federating units with a view to finding lasting solutions to their concerns while proffering enduring frameworks for justice, equity and fair-play among all the competing interests.
Obasanjo expressed worries that the pervading insecurity may lead to four avoidable calamities, if not immediately checked, and fingered such triggers as a tendency to: abandon Nigeria into the hands of criminals, suspected to be Fulanis and terrorists of Boko Haram type; spontaneous or planned reprisal attacks against Fulanis which may mushroom into pogrom or Rwanda-type genocide; attacks against any ethnic group initiated by rumours, fears and vengeance capable of leading to pogrom; or violent uprising from one section and spreading quickly to others and leading to dismemberment of the nation.
The former president agreed that “in all these issues of mobilisation for national unity, stability, security, cooperation, development, growth and progress, there is no consensus”. But he particularly noted the issue of security, and suggested that “government should open discussion, debate and dialogue as part of consultation at different levels and the outcome of such deliberations should be collated to form inputs into a national conference to come up with the solution that will effectively deal with the issues and lead to rapid development, growth and progress, which will give us a wholesome society and enhanced living standard and livelihood in an inclusive and shared society. It will be a national programme. We need unity of purpose and nationally accepted strategic roadmap that will not change with whims and caprices of any government. It must be owned by the citizens, peoples’ policy and strategy implemented by the government no matter its colour and leaning”.
Obasanjo suggested those to be contacted for their candid inputs should include, “traditional rulers, past heads of service, past heads of para-military organizations, private sector, civil society, community leaders particularly in the affected areas, present and past governors and local government chairmen, religious leaders, past heads of state, past and present intelligence and service chiefs, past heads of civil service, and relevant current and retired diplomats, members of the opposition and any groups that may be deemed relevant”.
The current letter is one in a series of thought-provoking correspondences from Obasabjo, who served as military Head of State between February 13, 1976 and October 1, 1979, and democratically elected President from May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2007; to his successors since he left Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, more than 12 years ago. The letter, indeed, aligns with the reasoning of millions of well-meaning Nigerians, and such socio-political and rights groups as Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, PANDEF, Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum, SERAP, HURIWA, among other democratic forces in the country. Even the Senate agrees with Obasanjo, that there is an urgent need for a national stakeholders’ summit to find solutions to the daunting security challenges facing Nigeria. The Tide also agrees no less.
Perhaps, Obasanjo’s clarion call for an inclusive national dialogue to find solutions to the glaring threats to national unity, stability, development and progress could not have come at a better time than now, particularly when calls for restructuring to give the federating units more powers to manage their God-endowed resources for the benefit of the citizens and the nation have reached fever-pitch and are resonating across all sections of the country with lightening momentum. While we reckon that numerous national conferences have been held over the years and critical resolutions, recommendations and laws, including the 2014 National Conference and the 1999 Constitution (as amended) churned out to further push the agenda for national unity, stability, development and progress, we believe that the dynamics of the current alarming rate of insecurity, with its concomitant negative impact on economic development, employment generation and peace, are serious enough to trigger the convergence of new ideas to resolve the national question once and for all.
This is why we advise the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Presidency to convoke genuine national dialogue for relevant stakeholders across the aisle to brainstorm and arrive at reasonably acceptable guiding rules and laws to govern citizens’ interactions with institutions and organisations within Nigeria’s sovereign territory. Resolving the lingering national question under the supervision of the present administration would, no doubt, be a shining legacy, which Buhari, and indeed, the present generation of Nigerians would be proud of, as posterity would judge today’s leaders rightly, for having conceded to the voice of God and the conscience of reasonable men.
We urge Buhari to put his house in order, move fast and organise an apolitical national dialogue, where honest and sincere men and women of integrity would fearlessly tell truth to power, and address the injustices, inequalities and deprivations which breed conflicts and violence, insecurity and instability; and retard economic development, growth and progress. This would be a critical game changer! But we fear that if this is not done quickly, Nigeria may just be a ticking time bomb. This is not about politics, and no leader or government at any level should play politics with the lives and property of Nigerians. We pray for Buhari to show that he has wisdom and clear understanding of the enormous challenges, and do the needful! This is our take!

Editorial

No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike

Published

4 days ago

September 22, 2025

The Tide

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

4 days ago

September 22, 2025

The Tide

Editorial

Rivers’ Retirees: Matters Arising

Published

3 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.