Opinion

Is Keshi’s Sack Solution To Nigerian Football?

Published

11 years ago

October 20, 2014

Mr Adams Chinwo
We knew that Keshi was not doing well and a lot of us are happy with his sacking but we don’t know why they are bring Shuaibu back to Super Eagles. We know that the last time he coached us he did not do well. We need a foreign coach to coach the Super Eagles. We don’t need any local coach any more because they are not doing well. NFF has been confused. We know that for quite a long time now, there has been problem in NFF and our prayer is that the new leadership of NFF will do well. But for me, Keshi was the problem of the Super Eagles. We don’t know why they are bringing back Shuiabu Amodu. We need a foreign coach. I think Keshi should have left the Super Eagles long before now. I thought he should have gone after the World Cup but he didn’t. So we are happy with his removal.

Mr Henry Okechukwu Amaehule-A Footballer.
For me I don’t see the sacking Stephen Keshi as a good decision at this point in time. I had expected them to sack himimmediately after the world cup when they had a little issue with him. They should have allowed him to finish this qualifiers before giving him the matching order. For me, bringing back the former coach, Shuaibu, is not going to help our team because he has coached this team before and he achieved nothing. Bringing him back again seems we don’t know where we are going. I expected them to bring in a good coach be him foreign or local but let him be a good tactician, someone who knows what to do at the right time because we have some good coaches in this country who go out side and succeed. It doesn’t matter where the coach comes from. We have hired a good number of foreign coaches and they achieved nothing. The likes of Lars Lagerback and Bora.They achieved nothing. So bringing a foreign coach is not really the solution. What we need is a good tactical coach who knows what to do and who knows how to handle the team.
The problem of football in this country is both coaching and administration. I don’t really know if the people at the helm of affairs of football administration love football. If they have the interest of Nigerian football in mind we wouldn’t have been in this present mess. What most of them are interested in is how to enrich themselves, how they will bring in a coach or a player person and they will be receiving certain amount of money from him instead of working for the future of the game. For the coaches, they always want to engage players they can bend. When a player is not dancing to their tune, even when such player is good they will not use rather they will want “their boys” to play at all cost. They are the ones condoning indiscipline in the team. So coaching and administration is the bane of Nigerian football. Back in the days we were doing better than this even on professional level. But instead of our game to grow, it keeps going down every day.
Having said that, I will also like to blame our players. We all watch the games. Sometimes they don’t play like professionals. They play like amateur. Watch any European football, you will see them playing as if their lives depend on it. But our own players keep saying if they have injury nobody will cater for them, forgetting that they are playing the game to make names too.

Mr Manly Obilor – an Applicant.
For me, Nigerian football is not moving forward. The football administrators are not helping matters at all. What they are interested in is how to make money and not really helping the game to grow. So the problem of Nigerian football basically is administration, coaching and the players because the players play as if nothing is at stake. Just look at what they played against Congo, South Africa and away to Sudan. They are not making us enjoy football anymore and many Nigerians are loosing love for the game because of the way they play.
However, I don’t think the timing of Keshi’s sack was right. They should have allowed him to finish what he started and whether he fails or passes, he goes. But sacking him now is not a good idea. The way out is hiring someone with new ideas because the way the players are playing now is as if they are not being told what to do. We need some one that can talk to the players and tell them what to do. The players see Keshi or local coaches as one of them, so bringing in a foreign coach will be better for us. Shuaibu Amodu to me is a failure. We are not moving forward by asking him to come back. To me I would have prefared someone like Siasia to be the coach of the Super Eagles for the now.

Mr. William Uzoma- Business man.
I think the firing of Keshi is a welcome development because Keshi is tact less. The way the guy starts the game that’s the way he ends it. And I don’t think he had the right people in his team. We have some body like Ike Uche, who has been scoring goals in Spanish league but he has not been invited to the team. He claimed that Ike Uche is not disciplined but his club. Coach said that he is okay, that he is very disciplined. We also have someone like Emenike who is playing world class football but he never used him.
All over the world we hire and fire coaches so I don’t see any big deal there. Administrators are not, the ones who play the ball. Here players do their work and Administrators do their. So I think our problem is coaching. I know NFF has been in turmoil for sometimes now. That will definitely have impact on the game but principally, our problem is coaching. I don’t really think Shuaibu can do that job. We have tested Shuaibu before and he did not impress us. We need a foreign coach. Siasia is not bad. Siasia is a disciplined coach. I think someone like that can do that job.

Mr Christian Iheji- Businessman
For me, sacking Stephen Keshi was not a good idea. I thought he should have been given more time to see if he could qualify the team for the nations cup. Sacking him at this point in time, I don’t find it so good for the country. Keshi tried his best to build the team but the boys were not serious with the game. Our boys are not working hard to see that the team grows. One could see some sentiments in the team. Because certain players are were in the team, some others refused to cooperate with the coach. I see that sentiment in the team and it is not very good for us.
I think Shuaibu can perform because he has been there before. All we need do is to encourage him to do his best.
We also need a better football administration because if the administration is not in order, the coaches and the players are affected. The NFF, coaches and players should see how they can work together to improve the team. This is our national team, so we must work together to achieve our aim. It will be a shame if as the defending champion we are not seen at the next nation’s cup. There is still a slight chance of qualifying we must do everything possible to maximize that opportunity.

Amaka Nathan – Business woman
I think sacking Keshi was the best decision because the man was not doing well. All he was doing was benching players that can deliver and bringing the ones that cannot do any good thing. I used to watch Nigerian football before, but since Keshi came on board, I lost interest due to his coaching style and his arrogance. He would refuse to invite good players and insist on using only his favourite players irrespective of their capabilities. He is a stubborn man. He was boasting that a lot of countries were begging to hire, so let him pick up one of these many offers. Let’s see what Shuaibu Amodu can offer. Maybe he will qualify our team for the cup of nations. But I think he needs the help and encourgament of everybiody to achieve this heavy task. Our government should allocate more money for football. Look at our stadium, many of them are nothing to write home about, I have always asked, why is it that any time our teams are playing , it’s either there will be power failure, the TV stations will not be clear and a lot of other problems? I don’t understand. So the problem of Nigerian football is both administration, coaching and governance and all the stake holders really need to join hands in solving these problems.

Opinion

Kudos Gov Fubara

Published

1 week 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 week 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 week 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.