Opinion
Feast Of Champions
There was a noisy night carousing in my neighbourhood recently, resulting in the need to alert the nearest police unit about the disturbing assault on the night. One took the risk of moving to the scene of noise at a witching hour of the night. The place was heavily guarded by security personnel, with some of them quaffing merrily. It turned out that the occasion was a celebration of political victory, including loud, rowdy noise for Ali Bongo of Gabon. By 3.15 am the celebrants of “timbre and caliber” had left the scene, while their supporters remained to enjoy what was left by the champions: booze, nkwobi, isi-ewu, etc.
There were some after-party ribald songs, including “Ndike-Ndike W-Obodo…” and such careless talks like: “T.O. is our man…” But when a new Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was brought into the night revelry, it was not difficult to figure out who “T. O.” would mean. Like mischievous la go in Shakespeare’s Othello would say: “good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used”. But that feast of champions whose celebration was obviously over the recent appointments in the NDDC Board, was a symbolic message.
Apart from disturbing the peace of the night, the feast of champions was an indication that politics and political patronage are investment ventures. Politics of sinecure and patronage are usually the indicators of a parasitic political economy. Current status of the Nigerian political economy is rooted in a gangsterist monopoly of the mineral oil and gas of the Niger Delta region, with military regime deciding who got what. Past military rulers installed a regime of secrecy in the award of oil blocks and mining licences.
Without going into the details of the malfeasance involved in the politics of oil and gas sector in Nigeria since 1969, there are some glaring facts which cannot be swept under the carpet. One of such facts is that key players in the oil industry confessed to those who had the courage to approach them to find out the truth, that they were “working for owners of oil blocks, rather than oil bearing communities or the country”. Efforts were also made to find out what shenanigans shrouded ownership of oil blocks rather than oil bearing communities or the country”. Efforts were also made to find out what shenanigans shrouded ownership of oil blocks and the patterns of allocation. Good research!
The Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) as well as Senator Ita Enang gave some information which pointed towards what culminated into the present state of Nigeria’s political economy. Also Late Bola Ige, at a lecture organised by Ibadan Chamber of Commerce in 1999, could afford to warn that: “All Nigerians are thieves, stealing the property of the Niger Delta people, and if care is not taken, we will face the wrath of God, because it is a sin to continue to plunder the resources of the people”. Was there any such plunder?
It was based on that statement of Late Bola Ige’s that the structure of Nigeria’s political economy was described as a gangsterist monopoly of the mineral resources of the Niger Delta people. It is logical to say that the predicaments confronting Nigeria currently can be traced to the shenanigans having to do with maldistribution of the nation’s resources. A part of the strategy to maintain the status-quo included the nature of political structure put in place by the out-going military regime in 1999, which made politics a “do-or-die” affair. High stakes in politics turned it into a gangsterist affair where the winner must be a desperado to be able to win.
Thus success in political contests must be celebrated as the feast of champions, because, to be a champion would demand desperate fights involved in do-or-die affairs. That appellation attached to Nigerian political culture was obviously not a mistaken utterance by the person who gave that description. Foreign observers of Nigerian political practices have also used that description as justification for reference to “Black gangster governments”. The Times On-Line news of April 19,2008, by Matthew Parris would give more details about this issue.
Desperate fights in do-or-die contests would demand that the one who emerges as champion should celebrate such victory. There would also be a “Pay back” for those who played some back-up roles in the contest, which would include some political appointments and nominations as members of some boards. Therefore, the noisy celebration described here as feast of champions was a night of carousing in which some foot soldiers met to drink to their success. Neither would anybody blame the champions for celebrating their success in elections.
The Nigerian political economy has been built upon parasitism and bringandage, whereby it is folly to be gentle and honest, while brashness and clever smartness would pay greater dividends. Once a system of chicanery has been installed in a polity as a part of the strategies to get to power, it becomes very difficult to root it out. Anybody can observe quite easily that an average Nigerian would try smart and clever means to get what he wants, rather than follow due process or allow the rule of law to prevail. This is often so because of a voodoo system of management installed in public bureaucracy, which was a part of the gangsterist system.
From the practice of “missing file’ in public offices, to “budget padding’ which we hear about quite often, the pervasiveness of corrupt practices in Nigeria can hardly be rooted out without a ruthless surgery. The situation is worse because of the unstable value of the naira, which also translates into a poor standard of living by an average Nigerian. For whatever reason and by whatever means that the structure was brought about, the middle class in Nigeria rarely exists now. What we have currently is a divided society: Very rich and very poor; champions and the short-changed!
That the Nigerian economy is in jeopardy arises from the fact that the leadership of the nation took many things for granted. Serious crimes were committed in several quarters before, during and after the Nigerian Civil War, of which a blanket amnesty was given, thus sending out a message about the dawn of an era of impurity. It is to be expected that turning around to penalise petty law breakers when high crimes are glossed over, can be a sad message that the “wrath of the law” is meant for some groups of persons, while others enjoy immunity and impunity.
Please the impression must not continue to grow as if Nigeria is a divided nation – class line, ethnic, religious, ideological, etc; engaged in some cold war. A mindset along these lines gives impetus to the organization of a feast of champions in celebration of victory in a “do-or-die affair”, it is natural that where there is a present threat to life, anything done to stay alive is a not only justifiable but also calls for a feast to celebrate it. University students caught cheating in examinations would ask: “Is cheating in examination worse than electoral malpractices?
By: Bright Amirize
Dr Amirize is a retired lecturer from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
Opinion
The Rantings Of Rivers ALGON
For the first time in the last eight years , one can observe a moribund and toothless, Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter trying to lull the people of Rivers State in believing that it exists, that it is versed and abreast with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), knowledgeable about subsisting judicial pronouncements on the Local government administration matters by courts of competent jurisdiction, and it has workers and. the people’s welfare at heart.
These wrong impressions can be deduced from the text of the Press Conference delivered by the Association last week.
Despite the window dressing and cosmetic posture that the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Rivers Sttate chapter wants to impress on the people and residents of Rivers State, it is crystal clear that workers at the Third Tier of Government have not fared well in the last eight years of the repressive and workers unfriendly immediate past administration in the State.
While workers at the State were fortunate to have a controversial minimum wage paid to them, local Government workers did not benefit from the N30,000 Minimum Wage which became a legal instrument about six years until March 2024, following a directive by the Executive Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to Local Government chairmen in the State to immediately implement the minimum wage, wage award and promote workers.
Where was.the Legal Adviser of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, whose statutory responsibility it was to advise the former Rivers State. Governor that it is an affront on the sensibilities of workers and fragrant.breach of extant law to not pay minimum wage to workers at.the 23 Local Government councils.
Civil servants at the State and Local Government councils were not promoted and did not benefit from the annual incremental credit for about ten years. The incremental credit is a paltry and very insignificant amount compared to the inputs of workers to drive implementation of government policies and programmes and what elective office holders take home within the comparable period.
I had expected a “concerned and workers-friendly ‘ Association of Local Government in the State to midwife the promotion of workers, implementation of Minimum wage and fulfill their statutory obligations to the workers and the people at the local government areas whose resources they hold in trust and on whose behest they are in power.
It therefore beats my imagination that Local Government Chairmen of ALGON, who are products of the ballot and not appointees of the former governor lost their “Executive” status and played the second fiddle role. Even when there was unconfirmed tampering of local government funds, they could not protest or raise an eye brow.
How the people who were cowardly and timid before the former administration in the State suddenly cultivated and imbibed the effrontry and temerity to hold a Press Conference attempting to disparage the performing and conscientious Sir Siminalayi Fubara-led administration leaves much to be desired and a bad taste in the mouth of all patriotic and truthful Rivers people.
I expected the self serving chairmen under the aegis of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria to brace up to the challenges of seeming derecognition and denial of their right of expression as elected chairmen by the former administration in the State.
While the ALGON has the legitimacy to contest violation of, or infringement on their interests, such protest should not be seen as selective. Between 1999 and 2003, the Association of Local Government of.Nigeria in Rivers State was vociferous and so alive to its onus that they rejected allocations that did not reflect the true figures of what the local government councils deserved from the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC). That was when ALGON was keen and committed to the essence of its formation. That was a real workers-friendly ALGON.
However, with the advent of crude and uncivilised godfatherism that circumvented real democratic processes for manipulative and coercive selection that ultimately produced unpopular candidates of the godfather, chairmen were reduced to puppets, playing subservient roles for their benefactors instead of protecting the interest and welfare of workers and the people of their local government areas, who they ought to represent.
Having therefore failed to speak up for workers and defend the welfare of the people of their local government areas, at a time they were oppressed, the association in my candid opinion does not have the moral justification to cry fowl against the present administration in Rivers State whose policies and programmes so far, reveal that the governor understands that the legitimacy of his administration is derived from the people, so he is accountable to them by putting in place infrastructure that will give fresh breath to a people who are recuperating from the suffocation of repressive and coercive governance.
Sir Siminalayi Fubara is today a messiah to workers in Rivers State. Local government. workers are .being paid minimum wage, promoted and duly placed at their appropriate levels after 10 years of no promotion.
Civil servants in the State are sure of receiving their pensions immediately after retirement from service which was a marked. departure from previous administration.
Rather than vilifying or demonising the present administration in the State, the Association of Local Government of.Nigeria, Rivers State should thank the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for doing in less than one year what their grand master could not do for them and workers in eight years.
Remember, everyone will stand in the court of history and posterity to account for their actions and inactions in office.
Igbiki Benibo
Opinion
Kidnapping: Need For Govt To Address The Monster
Kidnapping, a heinous crime, cannot be condoned in any circumstances. The situation in Nigeria, characterised by various security challenges, including the presence of militant groups and criminal organisations, requires a multifaceted approach to address its root causes.
A report by the Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, a security risk management and intelligence company based in Abuja, stated that at least 2,583 people were killed and 2,164 kidnapped in the first quarter of this year.
The record carries the number of killings and abductions across the country from January to March, indicating that 80 percent of the killings and 94 percent of the abductions occurred in the Northern part of Nigeria.
This report, however, varied with the position by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, who said that the casualty figures were going down, the consulting firm’s report showed that an average of 28 persons were killed and 24 kidnapped.
The Nigerian government, through the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, during the maiden edition of the annual lecture series organised by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja, said the security situation was under control.
The casualty figures in zones, according to the data from the Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, revealed that out of the people killed during the period, 793 were from the North-West, 681 from the North-East and 596 from the North-Central. The casualties were recorded from bandits’ attacks, farmers/herders’ conflicts and communal clashes.
The South-West recorded 194 killings, the South-South, 161 people; and South-East, 158. The five states with the highest number of killings were Borno, 517; Benue, 313; Katsina, 252; Zamfara, 212 and Kaduna, 206. The data showed that out of the 2,164 persons abducted within the period, 1,297 were kidnapped in the North-West, 421 in the North-East, 330 in the North-Central, 30 in the South-West, 66 in the South-South and 20 in the South-East.
Kaduna State recorded the highest number of abductees with 546; Zamfara, 447; Borno, 340; Katsina, 252 and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 102. Experts hope that the present government under President Bola Tinubu will do the needful.
Firstly, addressing the socioeconomic factors that contribute to kidnapping is crucial. High unemployment rates, poverty, and lack of economic opportunities push individuals towards criminal activities. Investing in education, job creation programmes, and infrastructure development can help alleviate these issues and provide alternatives to crime.
Secondly, strengthening law enforcement and judicial systems is essential. Improving police training, equipping them with necessary resources, and enhancing collaboration between security agencies can help in apprehending criminals and ensuring justice for victims. Additionally, enhancing the efficiency of the judicial process and holding perpetrators accountable through swift and fair trials can deter future criminal activities.
Furthermore, enhancing intelligence gathering and surveillance capabilities can help in preempting kidnapping attempts and dismantling criminal networks. Cooperation between government agencies, intelligence services, and international partners can facilitate information sharing and coordination in combating organised crime.
Moreover, addressing corruption within the government and security forces is imperative. Corruption undermines efforts to combat crime by facilitating criminal activities and eroding public trust in institutions. Implementing anti-corruption measures, promoting transparency, and holding corrupt officials accountable can help in restoring trust and integrity within the system.
Community engagement and empowerment play a vital role in preventing kidnapping and other crimes. Building strong community relationships, fostering trust between residents and law enforcement agencies, and promoting community-based initiatives can help in identifying and addressing security threats at the grassroots level.
Finally, kidnapping in Nigeria is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. Addressing socioeconomic factors, strengthening law enforcement and judicial systems, enhancing intelligence capabilities, combating corruption, engaging communities, and promoting international cooperation are all crucial components in combating kidnapping and improving security in the country. However, it is important to remember that any strategy must prioritise human rights, the rule of law, and the protection of innocent lives.
Badamasi Junaidu
Junaidu writes from Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi.
Opinion
Local Government As Agent Of Nation Building
Development is regarded as sequential changes or growths that occur in a society or country over time. It remains a product of good governance, which mostly lies in the hands of those at the helm of affairs at a particular time and process that led to the emergence of such leaders.
The local government is universally found in contemporary societies, both in the developed and developing countries. It is a vital political institution, such that modern politics and administration revolves around it. Today, most countries across the globe have adopted democratic system of government, being the government of the people, by the people and for the people. In these countries, governance is centered on three tiers with constitutional backing to aid rapid development. A country like Nigeria has three tiers of government, Federal, State and Local Governments. Each tier has constitutional roles, aimed at complementing each other. The mother of them, that is, the Federal Government, plays significant roles in nation building, and this is one of the reasons why citizens always look unto the presidency and participate actively during presidential elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
It is an established fact that citizens also perform their civic responsibilities as expected during the governorship elections, while there is a lot of apathy during the chairmanship and councillorship elections, forgetting that without a solid foundation, the longevity of structure or building is in doubt.
Citizens’ nonchalant attitude to the process that produces public administrators at the grassroots is quite alarming, and this usually results into having the wrong peg in the right hole.
Findings revealed that voter apathy associated with local government council elections was due to non-performance of some previous elected administrators, lack of security of lives or property and lack of trust in States Independent Electoral Commission (SIECs). Others include introduction of caretaker committees to man the affairs of the councils, do-or-die approach of political soldiers to the council’s polls, interest of the incumbent governors, choice of political godfathers, influence of respected monarchs and many more. The local government is a tier of government that provides essential services to the public, such as health and safety, transportation, sanitation, environmental, and utilities.
Also, it is the tier of government that ensures grading of rural roads, management of basic schools, local markets, among others. Public administrators play a crucial role in the delivery of these services and the management of local government organisations. Some time ago, the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, at the swearing-in ceremony of chairmen and vice chairmen of Nsit Ibom and Urue–Offong / Oruka Local Governments, compelled chairmen of the local government councils in the state to reside within their areas of jurisdiction for effective delivery on their mandate and development of rural areas.
Also, the ongoing campaign or demand for financial autonomy for local government by relevant stakeholders in the country further attests to how important this tier of government is in building a prosperous and self-sustained nation.
This development led to the conduct of local government council election in the 33 local government council areas of the state in 2021 by the current leadership of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), headed by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju. About 30 percent of registered voters took part in the election, a result that further attest to the long-time nonchalant attitude of citizens and residents to local government council elections. According to records, the feat attained by the commission in terms of voter turnout was the highest in recent times.
No doubt, democracy provides opportunity for people to choose their leaders and enables citizens to make their opinions known to those in power, enjoy good governance and interface with the authorities, especially those at the grassroots.
Adegoke writes in from Ibadan, Oyo State.
By: Adedamola Adegoke
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