Editorial

Ondo Poll: Let The Votes Count

Published

5 years ago

October 8, 2020

Barring any hitches, the governorship election in Ondo State will hold tomorrow and, as usual, the
people of the state are expected to troop out in their numbers and choose a Governor to pilot the affairs of the state in the next four years.
Interestingly, President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that measures have been put in place to ensure transparent, free, fair and credible governorship election in the state.
This assurance is coming on the heels of the call by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the President not to succumb to pressure by the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to intervene in the poll in favour of his party.
Like the governorship election in Edo State, conducted a few weeks ago, the stakes are also high.
Reports indicate that there are re-alignments of political forces in the state geared towards reducing the number of contestants for the election. However, three major candidates are squaring up for the spoil in the governorship race. They include the candidate of the APC and incumbent Governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu; the Deputy Governor of the state and candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Agboola Ajayi; and the candidate of the PDP, Eyitayo Jegede.
Nonetheless, the signs emerging from the political landscape in the state are not cheering and encouraging; they are as ominous as they are disturbing. There are reported cases of threats of violence and even vote buying, looming in the political horizon.
An election monitoring group, Yiaga Africa Watching the Vote, recently raised an alarm that it had identified six local government areas in the state it considered to be flashpoints for possible electoral violence during the election. It alleged in a report that voters’ inducement was rife in those local government areas even as it raised concern that the election might become a replay of an undesirable event, given the attitude of some political gladiators in the state.
According to the group, “While INEC has shown commitment and readiness for the election, key contenders and political actors have advanced narratives that forewarn that there would be breakdown of law and order, including alleged threats to deploy state and non-state instruments of force and armed violence”.
Another group, SING Nigeria equally expressed similar fears, and condemned in strong terms, what it described as money politics and violence, clearly playing out in the state.
The group said in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Idris Usman thus, “Ondo election is just days away and the atmosphere in the state has become tensed with all forms of violent attacks in campaigns. It becomes bothersome that instead of presenting tenable manifestos, policies on reforms needed and even positions on critical issues to the people, campaigns have been turned into a ground for a show of force by various contestants, which have clearly affected negatively the perceptible index of voters’ turnout”.
It was against this backdrop that the candidates of the political parties for the election, including Akeredolu, Jegede, Ajayi, among others, were on Tuesday made to sign a peace accord, as a way of entrenching peace in the state before, during and after the election.
Speaking at the event facilitated by the National Peace Committee headed by no less a personality than former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said, “Without peace, our deployment plans, new innovations in result management, safety of personnel, security of materials and above all, credibility of the election will be undermined”.
Besides, Abubakar had, in a statement issued in Abuja, underscored the need for a peaceful and credible election in the state, noting that, “As stakeholders, we should live up to the principles of impartiality, neutrality and statesmanship during the election”.
Furthermore, as a way of creating the enabling environment for a peaceful election, the police hierarchy in Abuja has already deployed over 33,780 personnel to the state to complement those of other security agencies expected to be on duty for the poll.
From all indications, all is now set for the election to hold as planned and The Tide is happy with the various measures that have been put on the ground for smooth conduct of the election.
However, we wish to applaud all the critical stakeholders for ensuring a peaceful, credible, free and fair governorship election in Edo State, a couple of weeks ago. We recommend that the Edo example should be replicated in Ondo State tomorrow.
We are also elated that INEC has already assured that it would improve on its impressive performance in Edo State, and conduct a transparent, credible, free and fair election in the state. There is no gainsaying that tomorrow’s poll is another litmus test for the electoral umpire. It must, therefore, do everything humanly possible to again acquit itself creditably. It should fine-tune its strategies and the electoral process and never compromise.
Again, we are utterly disturbed by the feelers emanating from the state in terms of the conduct of some political gladiators in the state. We wish to remind them that electoral contests are never warfares, where dangerous weapons are deployed to maim and kill opponents . Politics is rather a game, and never a do-or-die contest. It is, therefore, incumbent on the political actors and their political parties to abide by the peace accord they freely signed, and give peace a chance in the state.
We strongly believe that what is paramount now is the development of the state. Every other consideration must be made to take the back seat as the votes of Ondo people should be allowed to count. Nothing must be done to subjugate the will of the people.
The political chips are really down in the state and this is the time for the people to take their political fate in their own hands by massively coming out to vote for the candidates of their choice. They are expected to emulate their counterparts in Edo State who, a couple of weeks ago, defied the odds and spoke with one voice. They must vote their conscience and not sell their votes.
We also advise security agencies deployed for the election to discharge their duties with a high sense of professionalism and, like Julius Caesar’s wife, be above board in all ramifications. This, they can do by playing by the rules.
For other Ondo people, including traditional rulers, neutrality, impartiality and statesmanship are the names of the game. All hands must be on deck to support INEC to get it right. We expect a bloodless and violence-free election tomorrow.

Editorial

No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike

Published

18 hours 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

19 hours 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.