Editorial

Post Election Riots: Need For Caution

Published

14 years ago

April 20, 2011

Last Monday was yet another red-letter-day in the political history of Nigeria. As it were, Nigerians, and indeed, the international community, were stunned to hear the bloody riots over the results of last Saturday’s presidential elections.

Sadly, reports say, rioting erupted in some states in the northern part of the country namely; Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano and Adamawa states, even before President Goodluck Jonathan was declared winner of the presidential election.

Regrettably, Muslim youths across the five states in question, alleging that Gen Muhammadu Buhari was rigged out in favour of President Jonathan, destroyed lives and property of those perceived to be Buhari’s political opponents.

Prominent among the people whose property were razed by the rampaging youths, is Vice President Namadi Sambo, whose house in Kaduna was set ablaze. Besides, the Nigerian Red Cross said churches, mosques and homes were burnt by the irate youths across the North. “A lot of people have been killed,” a Nigerian Red Cross official, Umar Mairinga said, but did not give details of the number of death. In Zaria, in particular, the youths reportedly forced their way into the central prison, and released the inmates.

Apparently worried over the bloody riots, the Federal Government has imposed curfew on the affected states, as well as beefed up security in the states in question, in order to call the bluff of the politically indoctrinated Muslim youths. Already, the situation has been put under control by security operatives.

Reacting to the situation, the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, vowed to defend and protect the nation’s democratic process, and warned perpetrators of the post-presidential election violence to desist immediately from fanning the embers of politically-motivated crisis in the country.

In his reaction, President Jonathan expressed regrets over what he called “the destruction of lives and property” by the youths in the North, and advised Nigerians, especially his political opponents to see his victory as “no victor, no vanquished.” As he puts it, “I am the President of all Nigerians; come and join me for national transformation.”

Also, baring his mind on the unfortunate situation, former President Olusegun Obasanjo remarked that Nigerian politicians should see election as a game which “some people are bound to win, while others are bound to lose”, and called on those who lost to advise their supporters not to take the law into their hands, so that the country can move to the next level in its democratic process.

Apparently disturbed by the bloody action of the youths, Tony Momoh, Natioanl Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the political party under which Gen. Buhari contested the presidential elections, advised supporters of the party not to take the law into their hands.

The Tide is at a loss to understand the rationale behind the bloody riots by the Muslim youths across some states in the North, given the free, fair and credible atmosphere under which the presidential election was conducted last Saturday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

What is more, Nigerians and the international observers are aware that, so far, the April polls have been considered relatively free and fair, which justified the efforts the government, INEC and the political parties have made to ensure that the country has a successful election. That is not to say that there have not been questionable incidents. Yes, there are reports of rigging and other electoral malpractices; but generally, we acknowledge that the elections have been peaceful, free, fair, and indeed, the most credible.

However, we commend the ability of those who accepted defeat graciously, all in the spirit of democracy. We want to mention particularly the good spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by personalities such as Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Dimeji Bankole, who, even when they lost elections to their exalted positions, were gracious enough to accept defeat, noting that it was the people’s verdict. It is in line with this that Jonathan promised that he will do everything possible to ensure that democratic principles are adopted, and that the election crisis in other African countries like Ivory Coast can never be witnessed in Nigeria.

We hail the President’s courage and support from other candidates who see the need to have successful elections. Obviously, Nigeria is toeing the path of democracy; but we are asking those who do not see anything good in having a peaceful election to have a rethink, and those who engage in violence to stop, as such provocation could lead to uncontrollable problems.

It is not impossible to anticipate crisis in situations like this. This is why we task trouble makers not to inflame the polity, especially with the last batch of elections coming up next Tuesday. In fact, we insist that any form of electoral violence or other provocative behaviours should stop.

The elections must be held in a conducive atmosphere and Nigerians must be free to elect their leaders. Time has gone when people are forced to accept leaders they do not deserve. If anything, they should decide who should lead them, and this is the only opportunity they have to do so within the next four years. We, therefore, call on all stakeholders to do all they can to ensure successful elections, because democracy has come to stay in Nigeria.

All said, in the spirit of sportsmanship, we urge our politicians who eventually win elections to be magnanimous in victory and to show that victory belongs to the people. In essence, they should carry everybody along, because in the final analysis, there should be no victor and no vanquished.

Editorial

No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike

Published

2 days ago

September 22, 2025

Uchechukwu Okwum

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

2 days ago

September 22, 2025

The Tide

Editorial

Rivers’ Retirees: Matters Arising

Published

2 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.