Now to End all Unreasonableness in Rivers State


It is about time to say the truth about happenings in Rivers State. This mineral resources rich state with abundant fertile soil and rich aquatic life in the heart lies in comatose state since the political crisis in 2013. That is 12 years of retrogression while other states like Lagos, Ogun, Enugu, Abia, Akwa Ibom are leaping and leaving others behind. Yes, Nigeria operates a flawed federal system of government where the component states carry begging bowls monthly to Abuja to share revenue.

Of course, the one who shares takes the lion share! The federal government who receives the oil revenue- Nigeria's major source of foreign income- sits atop with over 50% share of the booty, though it almost does nothing apart from paying salaries of its workers. Federal roads are in deplorable states. Federal government owned tertiary institutions and health care system in decrepit and many others. Even the foreign embassies that require regular funding have been neglected. 

The states receive about over 26% while the local councils get the rest. In short, the Federal Government gets the lion share. But states with mineral resources get additional 13% derivation as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution, as amended. Rivers State as a key oil and gas producer gets its fair share of the 13% derivation amounting to billions of naira monthly. This started in 2001 under the Peter Odili administration. However, the oil revenue to Rivers State, rather than being a blessing to the people, has become a tool in the hands of the politically exposed elites for their selfish interest.
A cursory look at Rivers State points to a gloomy picture of wastelands, apart from Port Harcourt, the state capital, no other parts of the state has witnessed any form of development, industrialisation and growth! Even Port Harcourt itself is a mess.
From 2001 till date with over trillions of naira accrued to the state, one would have expected to see industries, mechanised farms, power generation, modernised schools and what have you. But the reality on ground is a stark opposite. Rivers State ranked as the state with the highest unemployment in Nigeria recently. There are no jobs as many youths now see politics as their only means of survival.That's why it's easy to gather youths for "ONE MILLION MATCHES" on Monday mornings, when they should be busy at work.
Violence has also taken over the state as various political blocs jostle for power. Elections in Rivers State have been like war and not political events. Many have died or been maimed for life due to differneces in political choices. As at today, there's no semblance of governance in the state due to the declaration of a state of emergency and the illegal suspension of the governor, deputy and the Rivers State House of Assembly. it was the culmination of the fight between the suspended Governor Sim Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Wike as the sitting governor had imposed the relatively unknown and naive Fubara on the PDP and ensured his victory. Just three month on assuming office, Fubara fell out with his godfather as he tried to assert his independence. That led to the logjam and eventual state of emergency. Today, a local government election is being planned by an illegally constituted RSIEC, who is brazenly defying the Supreme Court ruling on the guidelines for LG polls. On Monday,  the Michael Odey led RSIEC announced an unworkable timetable to conduct the elections. For instance, party primaries are expected to hold this Saturday 2 August. How on earth do you expect parties to sell form and get ready for primaries with just five days notice? Then the election itself is scheduled for 30 August. How does it work when the Supreme Court had ruled that there must be 90 days notice and an uodate of the voters register by INEC? I expect all well meaning Nigerians to rise up and stop this madness though the buck stops on the table of Mr President.

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