Opinion

Agenda For Incoming Leaders

Published

3 years ago

March 17, 2023

It is a big relief knowing that barring any last-minute change, the last lap of 2023 general elections in Nigeria will be conducted tomorrow. With the governorship and state houses of assembly election taking place in 28 states of the federation, we can now close the chapter of the 2023 elections described by some people as the most intense, most rancorous and highly participated election in the history of the nation. With these elections a new set of leaders that will take the center stage to pilot the affairs of the states and the country have emerged. Some of them may have been on the saddle before, while a good number of them are greenhorns. A big congratulations to all of them and to all Nigerians for their various roles towards the success of the exercises.
A sure thing in every contest is that there must be a winner and a loser and the sustenance of a cordial relationship between the various participants in the contest largely depends on how the winner carries himself. If the winner deliberately throws it on the face of the loser that he has won and that the other person should go and hang himself, it will definitely create an unhealthy relationship between the two parties, especially when the loser believes that the winner did not merit the victory.
So, our in-coming elected officials should be magnanimous in their victory and see their new positions as an opportunity to unite and work towards lasting peace and development in the country. The president-elect, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has a key role to play towards ensuring that Nigeria remains an indivisible entity. Prior to his election, he never kept anybody in the dark about his life ambition to become Nigeria’s president. He believed that he had paid his dues for democratic rule and development of the country and it was high time he reaped the benefit of his “political investment”.
His sense of entitlement was unmistaken. “You don’t just wake up and say you want to be the president of Nigeria. I have prepared for it for over 30 years”, “… I have served you for many years. Bring me the presidency. It is my turn. (emil’okan)”, are some of his famous statements. Today, he is Nigeria’s president-elect as declared by the Independent Electoral Commission and come May 29 this year, he will take his oath of office, pledging to maintain the peace and unity of Nigeria among others.
Nigerians expect Tinubu to hit the ground running from the get go. The suffering citizens of the country expect him to immediately put his much-touted education and experience to bear in solving the numerous challenges facing the country. In his ten-point transformation agenda, Tinubu said that if elected himself and his team would lead Nigeria to a new era of economic prosperity, peace, security and political stability, a nation transformed into greatness, the pride of Africa, a role model for all black people worldwide, and respected among all other countries.”
He promised to improve security by decentralising the policing of the country and creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs simultaneously; to transform Nigeria into an enviable country and one where there will be justice, peace and prosperity for all, with a “robust economy”; to build an economy that will make the nation’s Gross Development Product (GDP) grow quicker annually for the next four years while also providing jobs for millions of youths in the country. The president-elect also promised, “I will focus on stimulating jobs, which will be my top priority as President.
” I will get Nigeria to work by launching a major public works programme, a significant and heavy investment in infrastructure, and value-adding manufacturing and agriculture. “My administration will build an efficient, fast-growing, and well-diversified emerging economy with a real GDP growth averaging 12 per cent annually for the next four years, translating into millions of new jobs during this period.”
Tinubu also promised to create six new Regional Economic Development Agencies, which will establish sub-regional industrial hubs to exploit each zone’s competitive advantage and optimise their potential for industrial growth; to formulate a new National Policy on Agriculture to boost food production; that his administration would target an electricity distribution goal of 15,000 megawatts across the country and ensure a sustainable 24/7 supply.
He equally pledged that his administration would eradicate strikes by tertiary institution workers by encouraging the tertiary institutions to source for funds through grants and corporate sponsorships, with all the institutions granted financial autonomy; to increase the funding for health care in the annual budget to 10 per cent among many other promises.Nigerians expect the in-coming president to fulfil all these promises and more by engaging the right people as his team members. We expect Tinubu to spread his tentacles and source for competent, qualified, credible Nigerians both within and in the diaspora as members of his team and heads of agencies, parastatals and other government offices.
Having a repeat of what is currently obtainable in the country, where people from the same part of the country occupy virtually all the top positions in the military, para-military, agencies and parastatals is certainly not an option as that will further disunite the country.One of the greatest endowments of Nigeria is its rich human resource. There is hardly any state or tribe in the country that cannot boast of qualified, talented professionals who can hold their own in their various fields of endeavour. Therefore, there is no reason where people from a certain tribe, religion or region should be appointed into offices while people from other places are left out.
Let federal character as provided in Chapter two of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended be adhered to in allocating offices to people in the coming months. Sensitive positions should not be used as a form of compensation to loyal politicians. There are other ways of appreciating them.It is extremely important that the next administration takes drastic measures to stem the corruption rate in the country. Already there are some postulations that the in-coming government will be that of “chop I chop”, where corruption, embezzlement, thuggery, and other vices will be taken to an unprecedented level. Tinubu should prove this class of people wrong by running a corrupt-free, transparent and accountable government. That will earn him the trust of the citizens.
It is also crucial that the next Nigeria’s president should ensure that the country’s criminal justice system works optimally. There are several laws in the country that stipulate punishment for the commission of crime and other offences. Unless the various arms of government, offices and individuals responsible for interpreting the law or enforcing it and punishing the offenders are made to sit up and discharge their duties impartially, without bias, the country will not move forward.
As it is on the federal level, so should it be on the state and local government levels and in the national and state assemblies. As it is said, a tree cannot make a forest. Our in-coming leaders at the various levels and tiers of government should put the interest of the nation and the citizens far above their personal interests. They should see their new positions as an opportunity to contribute their quota towards making Nigeria a better society instead of the usual mindset of going into office to share from the national cake.
Our leaders should always have it at the back of their minds that the people are watching them and in the next four years, they will show them their score cards. As have been observed by many people, one great lesson from the just-conducted presidential/national assembly election is that political awareness of Nigerians is now very high and that elected political office holders can no longer afford to take the electorate for granted. Whoever doubts it should ask Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Ben Ayade of Cross River State and other top politicians who lost the election to some candidates of a structure-less political party how they feel.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Kudos Gov Fubara

Published

1 day ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Please permit me to use this medium to appreciate our able governor, Siminalayi Fubara for the inauguration of the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road in Ahoada-East Local Government Area. This inauguration marks a significant milestone in the history of our communities and deserves commendation. We, the people of Ozochi, are particularly happy because this project has brought long-awaited relief after years of isolation and hardship.

The expression of our traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Eze Prince Ike Ehie, JP, during the inauguration captured the joy of our people. He said, “our isolation is over.” That reflects the profound impact of this road on daily life, economic activities, and social integration of the people of Ozochi and other neighbouring communities. The road will no doubt ease transportation, improve access to markets and healthcare, and strengthen links between Ahoada, Omoku, and other parts of Rivers State.

The people of Ahoada, Omoku, and indeed Rivers State as a whole are grateful to our dear governor for this laudable achievement and wish him many more successful years in office. We pray that God endows him with more wisdom and strength to continue to pilot the affairs of the state for the benefit of all. As citizens, we should rally behind the governor and support his development agenda. Our politicians and stakeholders should embrace peace and cooperation, as no meaningful progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of conflict. Sustainable development in the state can only thrive where peace prevails.

Samuel Ebiye

Opinion

… And It Came To Pass

Published

1 day ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Quote:“Leadership is not measured by how hard one strikes back, but by how steady one remains under provocation.”

Tell it in Rivers State, publish it in the streets of Port Harcourt, so the daughters of the State could rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph and know that Fubara is not vindictive”. And it came to pass that Rivers State emerged from one of the most delicate chapters in its political journey, the period of emergency rule that spanned from March 18 to September 18, 2025. It was a season that tested institutions, strained loyalties, and exposed the fragile balance between power and principle. During that time, the suspended Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara DSSRS, was widely believed to have suffered not only political setbacks but personal betrayal, allegedly from some top civil servants within the state apparatus. These were individuals expected to uphold neutrality and professionalism, yet were accused in public opinion of taking sides against the very government they served.

As the emergency rule ended and Governor Fubara resumed office, expectations were shaped less by policy and more by emotion. Many assumed that revenge would quietly find expression through governance. The loudest suspicion centered on the 2025 Christmas bonus of ?100,000 traditionally paid to each worker. The thinking was simple and cynical: a wounded governor would surely withhold goodwill. Some voices even mocked workers openly hoping that the governor would refuse to pay the bonus. To them, denial of the bonus would serve as proof of political strength and justified retaliation. In reality, such thinking revealed a troubling desire to see governance reduced to personal vendetta. Yet, it came to pass, the governor chose a path that confounded suspicion. Against all expectations, the 2025 Christmas bonus was paid.

That single decision quietly but firmly reframed the narrative. It showed a leader focused on governance rather than grudges, on institutional continuity rather than emotional satisfaction. The payment was not a favor, nor was it a concession; it was a statement that public administration must rise above personal injury. By honoring the bonus, Governor Fubara demonstrated that leadership is not measured by how hard one strikes back, but by how steady one remains under provocation. He made it clear that workers’ welfare would not become collateral damage in political disagreements. This action also served as a moral rebuke to those who celebrated division and hoped for punishment. Governance is not validated by the suffering of workers, nor is leadership strengthened by withholding entitlements. At the same time, the issue of alleged sycophancy and betrayal within the civil service cannot be brushed aside. If proven, such conduct deserves firm, lawful, and institutional correction. Civil servants are bound by duty to the state, not to political conspiracies or shifting loyalties.

However, justice must never be confused with revenge. The strength of governance lies in correcting wrongs without destroying the system itself. Governor Fubara’s restraint suggested an understanding that the future of Rivers State mattered more than settling scores. For workers, this moment carried an important lesson. Celebration should be rooted in good governance, not in the expectation of another’s downfall. Rejoicing in rumors of denial or punishment undermines the very stability that protects workers’ welfare. Public service thrives where professionalism, mutual respect, and accountability are upheld. Pettiness, gossip, and political scheming only weaken institutions and erode trust. History often remembers leaders not for the crises they inherit, but for the character they display in response. In paying the 2025 Christmas bonus, Governor Fubara chose legacy over impulse, maturity over malice.

And so, it came to pass that focus defeated revenge, governance triumphed over bitterness, and Rivers State was reminded that true leadership is proven when restraint is expected least but delivered most. Beyond the symbolism of the Christmas bonus lies a deeper question about the kind of political culture Rivers State intends to cultivate in the years ahead. Periods of emergency rule, anywhere in the world, often leave behind residues of suspicion, fear, and silent realignments. Institutions do not emerge untouched; individuals recalibrate loyalties, some out of conviction, others out of self-preservation. What distinguishes stable democracies from fragile ones is not the absence of such moments, but the discipline with which leadership manages their aftermath. River.

King Onunwor

Opinion

That Withdrawal of Police Orderlies From VIPs

Published

1 day ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Balancing VIP security with public safety remains a tightrope walk in a country where the majority of citizens are still under-protected.”

The Presidential announcement on the removal of police orderlies from persons in authority and their relations ( Very Important Persons ) last month came as a relief to many Nigerians who felt deprived of one major role of government ; security of lives and property.The higher population of Nigerians missed needed security because the VIPs and the VVIPs kept retinue of Police Officers totalling over 100 ,000 to themselves and their family members as if they are all that matter while some communities under attack of terrorists have no single unit of police station located there in. While many hailed the announcement , some said perhaps the government has just woken up to her major responsibility of securing the lives and property of all citizens while many expressed indifference on the note that it may be one of those pronouncements which come only in words but no action .Many keep their fingers crossed watching how it will play out , how Mr President will go about the implementation of the seemingly dicey policy .

Benjamin Franklin said “well said is better than well done ” It is sufficient today to say that many Nigerians including me are still waiting and watching to see how well and how long this return of the Police service to the ordinary people will go . Wishing hopes will not be crashed , It is note worthy, that the recent complaints by the VIPs of being exposed to attacks may in a way affect the action on implementation. Recently, at Senate plenary , another worrisome angle came up as Senator Abdul Ningi coming through a motion disclosed that he had only one police officer attached to him ( his office ) and that the officer was recalled the week before following Mr President’s directive . Senator Ningi said the withdrawal exposed him to high risks but underscored the angle that while his orderly was recalled , many other politicians , men and women in authority, business concerns foreigners and even children of some VIPs are still enjoying retinue of police protection ( officially attached to them ).

It’s note worthy also that the Deputy Senate President , Distinguished Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session revealed that the leadership of both chambers are already in discussion with President Tinubu on the need to exempt the law makers from the new policy . Senator Ningi may not be wrong . After all he emphasized he is okay provided that the removal of the Police Orderlies be done across board . Senator Barau noted that talks are on over the issue of law makers’ in line with international practice . Further details from the Presidency noted that Presiding officers will retain their police officers , others would have Civil Defense officers ( NSCDC) as orderlies while any other VIP who feels he or she deserves personal police protection should get clearance from his office . In the midst of all issues weighing in on the proper implementation , it becomes necessary to bear in mind that the decision hinges on the realization that Nigeria has peculiar security issues (of kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism.) and that majority of Nigerians are under protected.

More so, that if well implemented, Police officers will focus on core duties; even as 30,000 new police officers are to recruited to enhance security .That implementation must be made in a way that leaves no room.for selective treatment loss of confidence and controversies. Looking at previous attempts of implementation of this policy gives faint hope as several attempts consistently failed . Former IGPs like Tafa Balogun (2003), Ogbonnaya Onovo (2009), and Ibrahim Idris (2018) tried the policy but all failed due to political resistance from various angles. All the failed attempts were tied to lack of political will mostly due to the fact that the directives came from police chiefs, not the president. Selective Enforcement was another killer to the policy as partial implementation met resistance and later reversal . Egbetokun (2023) and Adamu (2020) saw minimal impact.

Further more entrenched corruption in the system saw Politicians and VIPs quietly regain police escorts due to ‘transactional economics”and pressure. Worse still the mindset of the police officers withdrawn didn’t help the policy Underpaid police prioritize VIP duties for extra benefits. Many wish President Tinubu’s move can break this cycle. As at today, he still insists the move is non-negotiable while stressing collaboration with states to upgrade training facilities. As citizens look forward to success of the policy without undue exposure of both sides, balancing VIP security with public safety remains a tightrope walk. Talk fades ; action echoes. How the Presidency implements this policy. has much to tell on the governments stand on national / community security , choice of priority and the ability to stand uncomprised . The known goal is clear: The outcome is not yet certain. Fingers crossed , we await . Definitely , time will tell.

By: Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi.

s State stood at such a crossroads in September 2025. The temptation to rule with a long memory and a heavy hand was real. Yet, the choice made signaled a preference for healing over hardening. Leadership after crisis demands more than administrative competence; it requires moral clarity.

Governor Fubara’s decision reminded the state that authority is not best exercised through silent punishment or selective generosity. Rather, it is strengthened when rules remain rules, irrespective of personal injury. By keeping faith with workers, the government preserved an essential firewall between politics and public service. That firewall, once breached, turns governance into a battlefield where livelihoods become weapons. Rivers State narrowly avoided that descent. In doing so, it affirmed that institutions must outlive tempers, and governance must not mirror the bitterness of political seasons. This moment also invites sober introspection within the civil service itself. Allegations of partisanship, if left unresolved, corrode professionalism and weaken public confidence. A civil service that drifts into political camps loses its moral authority and operational effectiveness.

Therefore, reform, where necessary, should be guided by due process, transparency, and institutional review—not whispers, witch-hunts, or mob verdicts. Accountability strengthens systems when it is fair; it destroys them when it is arbitrary. The restraint shown by the executive places a corresponding burden on administrative leadership to restore discipline, neutrality, and pride in public service. For the wider political class and the commentariat, the episode serves as a caution against normalizing cruelty as strategy. The eagerness with which some anticipated workers’ suffering revealed a dangerous appetite for scorched-earth politics. When governance becomes a spectator sport where pain is cheered and deprivation is weaponized, society inches toward moral exhaustion. Rivers State has seen enough turbulence to know that stability is not sustained by triumphalism, but by restraint.

The lesson is simple yet profound: power is fleeting, but institutions endure; leaders pass, but precedents remain. In the end, the payment of the 2025 Christmas bonus was more than a fiscal act—it was a civic statement. It told workers they were not expendable. It told political actors that revenge would not be policy. And it told the state that maturity in leadership is not weakness, but strength under control. In a climate where many expected fire, restraint prevailed; where bitterness was predicted, balance emerged. Thus, Rivers State was offered a rare reminder that governance, at its best, is an act of discipline, and leadership, at its highest, is the courage to rise above provocation.