Connect with us

Opinion

Rivers: Why Fubara May Fight Again!

Published

on

"No Single-Term Deal For Fubara," Declares Ijaw Youth President

By Ismail Omipidan

The return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara after the expiration of the six-month emergency rule has been widely applauded by many Nigerians. To avoid any unguarded utterances, the governor, on his return to the state, appeared to tactfully distance himself from his army of supporters who had thronged the Rivers State Government House on Thursday. Instead, he showed up yesterday, and promptly delivered a statewide broadcast to the people of the state.

Before his return, there were concerns over the details of the peace deal that paved the way for his reinstatement. While some argued that he would serve only one term, others insist that the arrangement heavily favours his estranged godfather and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Wike was on Politics Today with Seun Okinbaloye on Thursday. He declined to reveal details of the peace deal. But any peace deal whose terms remain shrouded in secrecy cannot, in my view, be regarded as fair or just. I stand to be corrected.

For now, it appears that only Wike, Fubara, and perhaps President Bola Ahmed Tinubu know the exact contents of the peace deal or understanding.

However, as a trained political communication specialist, I find that Fubara’s statewide broadcast offers a glimpse into parts of the agreement. This is particularly evident in paragraph 10 of his speech, where he stated: “To those who have expressed genuine fears, frustrations, and uncertainty over the nature of the peace process, I assure you that your concerns are valid and understood.” In essence, the governor acknowledged that the public’s fears and doubts about the peace deal are not unfounded. By validating these concerns and admitting that he understands them, Fubara tacitly concedes that there are indeed contentious aspects of the arrangement.

The governor was, however, quick to add that “nothing has been irretrievably lost; there remains ample opportunity for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness.” My understanding of these lines are these: One, even if there is a clause for now in that peace deal that would prevent him from seeking a second term, his good behaviour and willingness to play ball, going forward may make change their minds, thereby adjusting the peace deal to allow him seek a second term. Two, certain things that he was not too pleased with could equally be adjusted as time goes by, once he showed genuine reconciliation efforts. And by shunning the crowd on Thursday, the governor appears to be ready for a genuine reconciliation.

For me, the only reason Fubara may be willing to fight again is if, after abiding religiously by the terms of the peace deal without reservations, he is still denied a second-term bid.

Already, he has been stripped of critical levers of power: he has no control over the local governments in the state, he is not in charge of the House of Assembly, and, if the feelers I’m getting are anything to go by, he is unlikely to be in full control of his cabinet either. Having been politically weakened on all fronts, it would be unwise and indeed provocative to further deny him a re-election ticket. In our recent political history, the only governor who was denied a second-term ticket on the basis of non-performance was Chinwoke Mbadinuju of Anambra State under the PDP in 2003. So far, no one can say Fubara hasn’t performed, as such, non performance cannot be adduced as a reason should they decide to strike. My point is, if they do, as being planned, it will be on the basis of politics, a development that may trigger another round of political unrest in the state.

With the benefit of hindsight, Fubara would have already seen the end of Wike’s dominance in Rivers politics, if not for Wike’s current status as a minister, backed firmly by the very man who appointed him.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Opinion

Colonel Ude: Another Gallant Army Officer Taken Down

Published

on

It was another sad day last Monday when the news broke that a serving colonel of the Nigerian Army had been killed while his wife was shot in an attack on their residence near Abuja.

The slain officer, Colonel Abdussalam Ude, was attacked shortly after returning to his home in Kurudu District of the nation’s capital, on Monday evening. His driver and security guard also sustained gunshot wounds during the assault.

Citing security sources, PRNigeria said the attackers attempted to abduct the officer but met stiff resistance. After failing to take him away, the assailants allegedly shot the officer multiple times before fleeing the scene.

His wife, driver and security guard, who were caught in the attack, were rushed to hospital and were receiving treatment for varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

The killing has sent shockwaves through military circles, coming at a time Colonel Ude was preparing for his promotion to the rank of Brigadier General.

An indigene of Enugu State, the late officer served in several strategic intelligence and counter-terrorism roles within the Armed Forces. LawEnforcement

Colleagues described him as a courageous and highly respected intelligence officer whose dedication to duty earned him widespread admiration within the military.

Besides the fact that the killing has renewed concerns over attacks on serving and retired military officers in Abuja and other parts of the country, the killing of a senior military officer by gunmen right inside his residence, also shows how unsafe the country has become for both ordinary and privileged Nigerians.

It is particularly worse for military personnel. They are not safe on the battlefront; they are not safe at home and they are safe in retirement.

The incident comes about two years after retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere was killed by armed men who invaded his residence in the Lokogoma area of Abuja while he was defending his family. The attackers reportedly escaped with his firearm and other valuables.

The federal government has to seriously come up with a strategy on how to end the incessant killings in the country. In the last one week, over 70 people have been killed across the country. Nigerians cannot continued to leave in fear.

 

 

-THISDAY

Continue Reading

Lifestyle

FULL LIST: Breakdown of Nigerian Ambassadors’ Salaries, Allowances Revealed

Published

on

BREAKDOWN EMERGES

Nigerian ambassadors’ pay packages have come under renewed attention. Fresh figures revealed that while basic salaries remained modest, allowances significantly boosted overall compensation for diplomats posted abroad

Reports showed that total monthly take-home pay often reached several million naira, reflecting the high costs of overseas postings

According to Salary.com, as of December 2025, the average annual salary for employees at the Nigerian Embassy in the United States stood at $93,909. This translated to an approximate hourly wage of $45.

Salaries at the embassy typically ranged from $82,124 to $107,453 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and levels of experience within the organisation. Reports indicated that pay was influenced by factors such as job role, department, years of service, and location.

Nigerian Ambassador Salary Structure

Rufai Oseni of Arise TV reported that the salary of Nigerian ambassadors was governed by the Consolidated Diplomatic, Consular and Foreign Service Cadre Salary Structure (CONPSS) in the Nigerian public service. Ambassadors usually fell into the highest grade levels, GL 17 or equivalent, with additional allowances for overseas postings.

Based on government budget allocations, salary surveys, and reports on foreign service personnel costs, the basic salary was described as modest by international standards but supplemented by substantial allowances.

Basic Salary of Nigerian Ambassadors Monthly Basic Pay:

Approximately ₦800,000 to ₦1,200,000 (about $485–$727 USD).

Annual Basic Salary: ₦9.6 million to ₦14.4 million (about $5,818–$8,727 USD).

These figures were drawn from the CONPSS scale for top-tier diplomatic officers. Entry-level foreign service officers reportedly earned around ₦300,000–₦500,000 monthly, but ambassadors, being at the top of the career ladder, commanded the upper end.

The figures also aligned with general public sector pay for Grade Level 17 officers, adjusted for inflation and the 2025 minimum wage increase to ₦70,000.

Allowances and Total Compensation

Reports highlighted that basic pay alone did not reflect the full compensation package.

Nigerian ambassadors posted overseas received allowances designed to offset high living expenses, hardship, and representational duties.

Total monthly take-home pay often exceeded ₦2–5 million ($1,212–$3,030 USD), depending on the host country.

The release of estimated salaries shed light on the financial structure of Nigeria’s foreign service. While the basic salary remained modest compared to international standards, allowances ensured that ambassadors were adequately supported in their overseas postings.

Continue Reading

Opinion

How to Apply for Police Character Certificate, Tinted Glass Permit

Published

on

The Nigeria Police Force has outlined the application process for obtaining a Police Character Certificate and Tinted Glass Permit through its Police Specialised Services Automation Project portal.

According to the guidelines on the POSSAP platform, applicants can complete most of the process online before visiting a designated police command or formation for biometric capture.

Here are the steps and requirements:

Police Character Certificate

So This Happened (EP 413): Zamfara Gunmen Abduct Council Chairman, Kill Four Security Personnel0:09 / 1:01

Applicants are required to fill out an online request form with the following details:

• Identification type (National Identification Number, Bank Verification Number or International Passport)

• Identification number

• Full name

• Phone number

• Email address

• Gender

• State of residence

• Local Government Area

• Residential address

• Alternative contact information (optional)

STEP-BY-STEP

Tinted Glass Permit

The application process follows four stages:

• Select the tinted glass permit service

• Complete the online request form

• Confirm submitted details and submit the application

• Make the required payment

Applicants must provide the same personal information required for the Police Character Certificate, including:

• Identification type and number

• Full name

• Phone number

• Email address

• Gender

• State

• Local Government Area

• Residential address

• Optional alternative contact details

Important guidelines for applicants

The Nigeria Police Force reserves the right to approve or reject any application based on its operational guidelines and security considerations.

Submission of false information, forged documents or fake biometric data will lead to automatic rejection of the application and may attract penalties.

Applicants residing in Nigeria must appear in person at their selected police command or formation for biometric capture on their scheduled appointment date.

A one-time, non-refundable application and processing fee is required for each request.

Payments must be made only through the POSSAP platform using the payment invoice generated during the application process .

Applicants are not required to pay any additional fees at police formations for biometric capture or collection of certificates or permits.

Processing and issuance of applications require a minimum of 72 hours.

Apply here: http://possap.gov.ng/p/login

Continue Reading

Trending