The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Nigeria and the IMF, World Bank pills

    Nigeria and the IMF, World Bank pills

    SIR: The call on the federal government by one of the nation’s foremost lawyers and human rights activists, Femi Falana (SAN) to turn its back on the policies inspired by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) could not have come at a better time.

    The federal government does not ordinarily need its citizens to make such calls before realizing it is expedient. Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former national chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) had during the screening of Olayemi Cardoso as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cautioned him not to follow the dictates of the IMF and the World Bank because that move would sound a death kneel for the economy.

    It is a known fact that the deceptive economic policies sold to Venezuela by the IMF and the so-called World Bank eventually destroyed that country’s oil-rich economy. With over 10 flourishing refineries, today Venezuela is gasping for breath. Its economy has been wrecked beyond recognition; while the architects of the destruction are busy offering them palliatives.

    Most countries around the world subsidize one thing or the other to make life meaningful for their citizens. However, the IMF has continued to goad the leadership in Nigeria to introduce more austerity measures for the masses through the increase in electricity tariff.

    Only two months ago, the IMF also called on the government to remove what is left of subsidies on other petroleum products and increase the pump price of petroleum to above N750. It took the uproar from Nigerians for the government to perish the thought. It subsequently came out to reassure Nigerians that there was no plan to increase the prices of fuel.

    Read Also: Reject IMF pressure to remove fuel, electricity subsidy – Falana

    Today, with the new policy of floating the naira, also backed by the IMF, the naira has nose-dived and no one knows when the fall would be halted. Therefore, one pertinent question begging for an answer is: must the nation’s economic team be led on the nose all the time by agencies whose interest is to serve the wishes of the imperialist countries to the detriment of the developing nations?

    Whether accepted or not, no country has succeeded in surrendering the development of its economy to the dictates of the IMF and World Bank without paying a huge price.

    It is therefore time for the economic team of President Bola Tinubu to reassess the situation and examine if the current economic policies which are the delight of the IMF and World Bank are in the interest of the people of Nigeria or not.

    One short route to bringing an end to the woes of the naira is for the economic team to renegotiate the currency swap deal with China. It is only when most of the nation’s foreign transactions are no longer done with the American dollar that the nation can begin to breathe again.

    • Ifeonu Okolo, Asaba, Delta State.
  • Nigerians and the raging recession

    Nigerians and the raging recession

    SIR: The current recession afflicting our nation is a global phenomenon that has multiplier effects of spilling to other economies. Japan, Britain and some other notable countries in the Euro area are currently in recession. Therefore, Nigeria is not alone in this problem as a lot of our people are trying to portray it.

    The important question right now is how the pain from this “wahala” is going to be ameliorated for the citizens. So far, almost every Nigerian is calling on the federal government, and specifically, the president to solve the problem with some sort of a magic wand. Whereas, in other economic climes, efforts being made to make the situation tolerable are primarily on the shoulders of charitable private organizations.

    Despite the inflation and the creeping recession in the United States for instance, foods are still in abundance. Apart from foodstuffs though, every household needs heat in winter, air-conditioner in summer and several other expensive stuffs for day-to-day living.

    Yet, it’s not the government people cry to for assistance. There are charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and others under the supervision of various churches and humanitarian groups. 

    Their main mission is to assist the less-privileged in the society with the provision of propane gas for heater, subsidy for electricity and several other services.

    Just last week, the Food Bank of Delaware, a charitable entity in the state of Delaware, brought trailer-loads of assorted foodstuffs, milk and fruits to our neighbourhood. As usual, these stuffs were freely distributed to us as part of the organization’s efforts in alleviating the growing inflation.

    Read Also: This is time for Nigerians to keep hope alive – Comedian Woli Arole

    In regard to the Nigerian environment however, the question one would like to ask is this: What are the big, popular Nigerian churches, mosques, and the many stinking rich billionaires and their many companies doing to assist the less-privileged citizens?

    It’s so sad that amidst the painful recession engulfing the nation, those churches are daily packing millions of Naira in tithes, offerings and proceeds from their private schools and other church businesses to banks. Are they deaf and blind to the economic problems in the land?

    On the other hands, the money-miss-road billionaires are daily seen on the social media flaunting their wealth in the faces of the poverty-stricken people. They are busy showing off by spraying money at parties and gifting women with exotic cars and houses all over the place.

    On the other hand, wedding, birthdays, burial and other social functions are taking place almost every weekend. And some of the invited guests who are barely performing their parental duties are forcing themselves to buy prescribed aso-ebi for those occasions. Yet, the same people are among those gnashing their teeth in frustration over inflation and the economic recession.

    As a people, it’s high time we chose to urgently review our priorities in order to cope with the raging impacts of the current economic recession. Otherwise, we will have no one to blame but ourselves.

    • Femi Olawole, Delaware, United States.
  • AEDC: Government as delinquent customers

    AEDC: Government as delinquent customers

    SIR: The recently published list of Ministries, Departments and Agencies with long outstanding unpaid bills for services rendered to them through the provision of electricity supply by Abuja Electricity Distribution PLC (AEDC) raised serious concerns about the future of the country.

    A total of over N47 billion is recorded to have been the amount being owed AEDC by agencies of government, the sum of which have been duly appropriated by the National Assembly at one plenary or the other.

    This lamentable operational disruption of Abuja DISCO due to impunity displayed by the delinquent government agencies and departments is what other DISCOs are experiencing across the states of the federation.

    A situation where the nation is practically enveloped in darkness, where factories and small and medium scale enterprises are folding up, and households made to spend hard earned money on diesel cannot bode well for the future.

    Leading this catalogue of infamy with over one billion debt are the Ministry of Education, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Government Liaison Office, Ministry of Health and Clerk of National Assembly.

    Read Also: N47b debt: AEDC threatens to cut power to Aso Villa, CBN, FIRS, other MDAs

    Others with over N2 billion indebtedness are Ministry of Petroleum, Niger State Government Liaison Office, Ministry of Finance, FCT Ministry.

    The AEDC directory puts Chief of Defence Staff – barracks and military formations over the top of the delinquency with a record N12 billion indebtedness.

    The National Assembly should commence investigations into these anomalies starting in-house with the Clerk of The National Assembly.

    Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC should prosecute erring officials of the listed agencies of government for negligence and violation of laws under the appropriate act.

    An Appropriation Act is a proposed law that authorizes the expenditure of government funds. It is a bill that authorises amounts to be issued from the public accounts and applied for services in a financial year. When passed by the National Assembly, it becomes a legal instrument to which all agencies and parastatals are expected to comply with.

    Unless appropriate actions are taken against those complicit in running the DISCOS out of business with their unhinged indebtedness, the nation’s power sector will remain comatose and further investment will go down the drain.

    For the minister of power whose only policy strategy is to remove the last subsidy on power, it is high time he started thinking out of the box. How can you leave a low hanging means of resuscitating the DISCOS through a judicial recovery of these humongous debts to the lazy and anti-people’s choice of removing subsidy? It’s not adding up.

    • Bukola Ajisola, bukymany@yahoo.com
  • Still on Iwobi and cyber bullies

    Still on Iwobi and cyber bullies

    • By Ademola ‘Bablow’ Babalola

    I thought it was only in politics that some Nigerians manifest lack of sportsmanship, but the aftermath of the just concluded African Cup of Nations showed that many Nigerians, most especially the youths, are yet to cultivate the habit of displaying great sportsmanship in defeat.

    For Alex Iwobi to choose Nigeria over England is, to me, a sign of dedication to one’s country of birth. And to willingly represent Nigeria in the African tournament when many other African abroad-based footballers looked for ways to boycott the tournament is a matchless patriotism that can hardly be found in many African footballers.

    Iwobi had an opportunity to represent either England or Nigeria, his country of birth, in major tournaments, but decided to join the Super Eagles after playing in underage level (under 16, 17 and 18) for England.

    Iwobi joined Super Eagles at age 19, and has so far appeared in about 76 major tournaments for Nigeria. Throughout his outings for Nigerian football team, he performed excellently and distinctively. I remember during the World Cup qualifiers against Zambia, it was Iwobi who gave the Super Eagles the lone goal in the 74th minutes of the match that helped Nigeria to have a slot in the 2018 World Cup tournament in Russia.

    After the sacrifices Iwobi made for Nigeria, isn’t it strange that some group of young Nigerians many of whom are yet to find something good to do for their country, went on to bully Iwobi, who had rendered unequal services for his fatherland and handed out his talent to promote the image of Nigeria all over the world?

    In the recently concluded AFCON tournament, Iwobi was assigned a new role, the assignment any footballer could, at initial stage, find difficult to adapt to. Yet, he played this role in the preliminary stages of the tournament and gave the Super Eagles the opportunity to qualify to play in the knockout stages, from where they sailed through to final.

    Read Also: Why we cannot sell cement below N7,000, by Dangote, Bua, Lafarge

    So the question is, what was Iwobi’s fault? Was Iwobi not the same player whose role helped to earn Super Eagles a slot in the final of AFCON 2023?

    Coming out to ridicule Iwobi after the Super Eagles was defeated by the Elephant of Ivory Coast is not only disheartening but also capable of discouraging other Nigerians who have the minds to serve the country diligently in future. Iwobi has had countless moments of brilliance in the Super Eagles before 2023 AFCON. I don’t think he deserves to be the victim of cyberbullying.   

    •Ademola ‘Bablow’ Babalola,

    babalolaademola39@gmail.com

  • Unleashing the potential of hydroponics farming

    Unleashing the potential of hydroponics farming

    • By Oluwafisayo Temitope Ademola

    Sir: The transition towards sustainable and efficient agriculture is increasingly recognized as an important shift necessary to address the myriad challenges posed by traditional farming methods. In the face of challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and soil erosion, hydroponics farming stands out as a ground-breaking solution, providing a method of cultivation without soil that uses water enriched with nutrients to nurture plants. This technique conserves water and space but also enables year-round crop production, reducing the need for pesticides and thereby presenting a viable solution to food security and economic development. The success and widespread adoption of hydroponics, however, hinges on robust support from the government, particularly in mobilizing the youth, who are essential to advancing this agricultural revolution.

    The government’s role in fostering hydroponics farming is multifaceted, with financial support and incentives forming the cornerstone of its intervention strategy. Through the provision of grants, subsidies, and loans with low-interest rates, the government can reduce the financial hurdles related to starting hydroponic systems, thereby making this forward-thinking approach to farming more attainable for young entrepreneurs. Tax incentives for investments in hydroponic operations could further stimulate growth within the sector, encouraging more young Nigerians to explore this sustainable agricultural venture.

    Beyond financial mechanisms, the establishment of specialized training and education programs is crucial. Such initiatives should not only impart the technical know-how of hydroponics, including system design and nutrient management but also encompass essential business skills like marketing, financial planning, and supply chain logistics. The integration of digital technology training would further empower farmers, enabling them to leverage modern tools for market analysis, online sales, and efficient farm management. This comprehensive approach to education and training is important for equipping young farmers with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven agricultural landscape.

    Infrastructure development also plays a crucial role in the proliferation of hydroponics farming. The government’s investment in renewable energy sources and efficient water management systems can provide the sustainable utilities required for hydroponic operations, addressing fundamental needs, and significantly enhancing the feasibility of hydroponics across Nigeria.

    Ensuring market access and integrating hydroponic farmers into existing supply chains are vital for the profitability and sustainability of hydroponic ventures. Government-led initiatives to forge connections between hydroponic producers and various market segments, including supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants, can create a steady demand for hydroponically grown produce. Additionally, public awareness campaigns that highlight the benefits of hydroponic produce can further boost consumer demand, supporting the sector’s growth.

    The promotion of research and innovation in hydroponics is another area where government support can have a significant impact. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector entities can drive advancements in hydroponic technologies and cultivation techniques. Such research can lead to cost reductions and increased efficiency, making hydroponics more accessible and adaptable to Nigeria’s diverse agricultural needs.

    Read Also: EFCC quizzes ex-Gov Ahmed over alleged diversion of N10bn

    Furthermore, integrating hydroponics into the national educational curriculum can foster a long-term interest in agriculture among young Nigerians. Exposing students to hydroponics and other advanced farming techniques can inspire future generations to view agriculture as a viable, exciting career path, thereby changing perceptions of farming and highlighting its potential for innovation and entrepreneurship.

    The environmental and social benefits of hydroponics farming are profound. By conserving water, reducing the need for arable land, and eliminating chemical pesticides, hydroponics offers an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional agriculture. This method also facilitates urban and peri-urban agriculture, bringing food production closer to consumers and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. The proximity of hydroponic farms to urban centres can enhance food security in cities and create new employment opportunities in the agricultural technology sector.

    The Nigerian government’s comprehensive support for hydroponics farming is crucial for its potential success as a sustainable, efficient, and profitable method of agriculture. Such support not only empowers young Nigerians to lead the agricultural transformation but also positions Nigeria as a leader in sustainable agriculture on the African continent. As the country confronts the agricultural challenges of the 21st century, embracing hydroponics farming can secure food security, promote economic development, and protect the environment for future generations. With the right support and investment, hydroponics farming can become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s journey towards a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural future.

    •Oluwafisayo Temitope Ademola,

    BIC Farm Concepts,

    Abeokuta, Ogun State.

  • Tinubu: Boldly steering the future towards stability and growth

    Tinubu: Boldly steering the future towards stability and growth

    • By Maxwell Adeleye

    Sir: It is essential to acknowledge that Nigeria’s economic woes are not unique. Sovereign nations worldwide, including the United Kingdom (UK) and Japan, two of the mightiest economies, are grappling with recessionary pressures and rising costs. Even the almighty UK fell into recession in the last quarter of 2023, and is still battling with a shrinking economy.

    The major difference that sets Nigeria apart is the lack of basic infrastructures, crucial for economic development. Roads, electricity, water, and education are fundamental pillars for any thriving society, and their absence in Nigeria has constituted to our belief of every country’s economy being better than ours. But again, Nigeria’s under-development is a constant menace that has been deterring the growth for decades, even before President Tinubu’s ascension into office.

     A critical aspect often overlooked is the endemic corruption that has permeated Nigerian governance since independence. Every past administration, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Buhari-led administrations have been characterized by instances of mismanagement and squandering of trillions of naira on failed projects without mercy.

    The Nigeria Air project which consumed N85billion under the Buhari government has yielded no result. The Ajaokuta steel project in Kogi state which gulped $400million under the Buhari-led administration, and many others, remains a testament to the negligence of previous administrations. Olu Agunloye, the Power Minister under the Obasanjo led administration was recently brought into court in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over his mismanagement of the $5.4billion Mambila power project funds. Many of these projects would have contributed to the development of the country’s economy; rather the allocated funds were either embezzled or squandered. 

    Under the Buhari administration, the mismanagement of foreign reserves, multiple exchange rates, and questionable allocation of funds have been glaring issues. The utilization of foreign exchange to fund religious trips instead of bolstering production underscores the need for a more prudent approach to economic management. Despite the decision to print trillions of naira to sustain the economy by the Buhari led administration, Nigeria’s debt hit N53 trillion in eight years. Therefore, it is necessary for the present government to provide a bold action to counter and reduce Nigeria’s debt profile such as floating the naira, despite the short-term challenges it may entail. 

    Moreover, the Tinubu’s administration policies on importation that have stirred up an uproar, when considered in positive light, can become an excellent transformation for Nigeria’s economy. The abandonment of agriculture, the major backbone of Nigeria’s economy, in favour of crude oil has contributed significantly to the collapse of the naira and the country’s overreliance on imports. The position of Nigeria as a consuming economy rather than a producing one has further influenced Nigeria’s economic challenges, turning it into a dumping ground for foreign goods. 

    Nigeria’s dependence on importation has led to unfavourable trade balances, terms of trade, and even trade policies. This development led to the folding up of many local industries.  Without supporting local production, internal development, and implementing favourable importation policies, economic growth will remain a challenge. To become a developed nation and compete in the global market, these are the minimal pains that Nigerians must withstand to wax stronger. 

    The issue of fuel subsidy removal, which has constantly pitched Nigerians on edge against President Tinubu’s administration, is a massive force that triggered the down-spiralling of the economy. However, this would have been the case with or without President Tinubu’s emergence as Nigeria’s president.

    Read Also: Why we cannot sell cement below N7,000, by Dangote, Bua, Lafarge

    During the 2023 presidential election, major candidates like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, all spearheaded their campaign with the promise of fuel subsidy removal as the way to curb the corruption disguised as subsidy. While subsidy removal may initially cause discomfort, it also poses its advantageous sides for the nation, leading to increased FAAC allocation for state and local governments, enhancing development at the state level which is closer to the grassroots government. 

    It takes courage to drive substantive change in the face of entrenched interests and systemic challenges. Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, while not immune to criticism, has displayed a willingness to confront these issues head-on. Floating the naira is a necessary step towards a more sustainable economic future, laying the foundation for a long-term prosperity. While the road ahead may be daunting and difficult, it is imperative that we acknowledge and support bold initiatives aimed at steering Nigeria’s future towards economic stability and growth.

    •Maxwell Adeleye,

    London, United Kingdom.

  • Ogwashi-Ukwu: Save us from Benin Disco

    Ogwashi-Ukwu: Save us from Benin Disco

    By Feyisetan Akeeb Kareem

    SIR: We the residents of Ogwashi-Ukwu in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State do not understand the offence or sin we have committed that Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has refused to supply us with electricity. The most annoying part is that after asking us the residents to contribute money to buy or fix transformers, they still insisted on giving us estimated bills for power not consumed. As I am writing this letter, some communities like Ishekpe Quarters and Isah Road Area of Ogwashi-Ukwu have not seen power supply for a long time because BEDC is expecting them to contribute money to them to fix the transformer.

    Despite this corporate extortion, including the contentious issue of estimated bills, all our petitions to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) have fallen on deaf as the commission has refused to intervene on our behalf the result of which many businesses are folding up because they depend on electricity in the situation that many cannot afford the high price of fuel to sustain their businesses.

    Read Also; Row over ban on alcohol in sachet

    Ogwashi-Ukwu being the capital of Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State is where the Delta State Polytechnic is located. There you see students of the polytechnic who are supposed to be resting after lectures going around looking for where to charge their phones at night because of the failure of Benin Electricity Distribution Company to supply electricity to the community.

    We appeal to the Ministry of Power supply to intervene to stave off possible protest against Benin Electricity Distribution Company.

    It is unfortunate that our representatives at the local, state and federal levels are not bothered about our plights. If the headquarters of a local government is being treated like this, we can only wonder at what would be happening to other smaller communities in Aniocha South.

    • Feyisetan Akeeb Kareem, Ogwashi-Ukwu, Aniocha South LGA, Delta State.

  • Wigwe: Death is full of hubris

    Wigwe: Death is full of hubris

    By Ike Willie-Nwobu

    SIR: Herbert Wigwe’s death alongside his wife Chioma, son, Chizi his bosom friend and three others is a national tragedy, a cruel blow delivered to the gut of a country reeling from similar blows. If he had died in Nigeria, people would have invoked the ‘village people’ phenomenon to explain his tragic death for in Nigeria, when a man dies from unnatural causes at the prime of his life, the death is put down to the diabolical.

    Nigeria continues to lose some of its best minds in tragic circumstances. It has been a year of deaths already. Death ushered Nigeria into the new year and death has so far been its chief escort. Insecurity sweeps through the country like a deadly plague. The second week of the month is just about its halfway line, but already Nigeria is counting its dead in their number.

    Since gunmen broke into multiple communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of the country and mauled down hundreds of people two days before Christmas, a fresh round of killings and kidnapping has broken out in different parts of the country, including Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, as if to undermine the new government.

    Read Also; Row over ban on alcohol in sachet

    Wigwe did not die in the country or even at the hands of Nigeria’s illicit actors. What Nigerians know is that his helicopter crashed in the US, claiming his life, his wife, son, and three other precious lives. It is an imponderable tragedy for his three remaining children who have suddenly been thrust into orphan-hood, and his many friends. But survive they must.

    Death is full of hubris. It claims who it wants, when it wants and how it wants. It pays no heed to class or clout, wealth or work. It is a dictator, and it usually snatches people only on its terms.

     Every day in Nigeria, an inordinate number of people face death. Death stares them in the eye, but they stare right back without flinching until intimidated, death retreats to wait for a more opportune time. 

    Nigerians may not be used to living well, but they are used to defying death even if every now, and then it succeeds in snatching their best.

    • Ike Willie-Nwobu, Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Dark side of Valentine’s Day

    Dark side of Valentine’s Day

    SIR: For many, Valentine’s Day serves as a stark reminder of their single status or the absence of a significant other. This sense of loneliness can be particularly triggering for those struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem. In an attempt to numb the pain or fill the void, individuals may resort to drugs or alcohol as a temporary escape. Unfortunately, this coping mechanism often leads to a cycle of dependency and addiction, exacerbating the original feelings of loneliness and despair.

    The commercialization of Valentine’s Day perpetuates unrealistic expectations of romance and grand gestures. From extravagant gifts to elaborate dates, the pressure to impress can be overwhelming, especially for those already grappling with financial strain or relationship difficulties. Fuelled by societal norms and media portrayals of idealized love, individuals may feel compelled to engage in risky behaviours or substance use to meet these expectations or mask insecurities.

    While Valentine’s Day is synonymous with love and affection, it can also be a catalyst for relationship discord. Disagreements, unmet expectations, or feelings of inadequacy can escalate tensions between partners, driving some individuals to seek solace in drugs or alcohol as a means of coping with relationship stress. Substance use within the context of a troubled relationship not only exacerbates existing issues but also undermines trust, communication, and intimacy, further perpetuating a cycle of dysfunction.

    Acknowledging the intersection of drug abuse and Valentine’s Day is crucial in fostering awareness and promoting healthier coping strategies. Here are some steps individuals can take to combat substance use during this time:

    Read Also: Propose marriages to us as Valentine’s Day gifts, ladies open up

    Seek support, reach out to friends, family, or support groups for emotional support and companionship. Practice self-care, engage in activities that promote self-love and well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Set realistic expectations, challenge societal norms and embrace the true essence of Valentine’s Day – celebrating all forms of love, including self-love and platonic relationships.

    Communicate openly, foster open and honest communication with partners to address concerns, resolve conflicts, and set boundaries without resorting to substance use.

    Seek professional help, if struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance from therapists, counsellors, or support hotlines.

    Valentine’s Day can evoke a myriad of emotions, from joy and excitement to loneliness and heartache. By acknowledging the darker aspects of Valentine’s Day and promoting healthy coping mechanisms, we can strive to create a more inclusive and supportive environment that celebrates love in all its forms, free from the shadows of drug abuse. Remember, you are worthy of love and true love begins with loving oneself and cultivating meaningful connections rooted in authenticity and compassion.

    • Ikenna Valentine Udechukwu,  <udehiyke45@gmail.com>
  • Falana, Covid-19 fund and the art of misrepresentation

    Falana, Covid-19 fund and the art of misrepresentation

    SIR: There is a viral video where human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, made allusion to the sum of N135billion given to the 36 states in December 2023 at a memorial event in honour of Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti.

    It is important to state here that Mr. Falana has a strong reputation for exaggerations and embellishments. What the Lagos lawyer rendered in that trending video was total misrepresentation of facts. He also did not tell his audience the real reason the said amount was released to the states under the World Bank-funded NG-CARES Programme.

    Contrary to the wrong impression of wasteful and frivolous spending being conveyed to the public by Falana, it should be stressed that it is the Lagos lawyer who needs to get himself acquainted with the issue in contention.

    Here are the facts:

    1. The whole global economy is still reeling from the after-effects of the Covid-19 pandemic with the attendant disruptions to the global supply chain, which the world is yet to fully recover from.

    2. Covid-19 exacerbated poverty around the world, especially as a result of loss of livelihoods in rural communities and among the urban poor.

    3. Post-Covid-19, the World Health Organisation and World Bank are still supporting countries to strengthen their health systems and emergency preparedness so nations can be in much better position to deal with other public health emergencies that may occur in future. Just last year, there was an outbreak of Diphtheria, monkey pox, and Lassa fever in more than 20 states in Nigeria that government effectively contained.

    In a bid to further manage the aftermath of Covid-19 in line with the framework of the WHO and the World Bank, the federal government, in December 2023, disbursed N135.4billion to the states following independent assessment of results achieved under the Nigeria  Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme. The money, which Falana attempted to scandalise in the viral video, was released to address social and economic crisis created by Covid-19. This is not peculiar to Nigeria. Every country in the world today is still dealing with many socio-economic problems caused by Covid-19.

    Read Also: Falana berates lawyers over order on prices of commodities

    The aim of the NG-CARES Programme backed by World Bank, which is being implemented in all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, is to mitigate the economic and social shocks faced by vulnerable people, who are yet to get their livelihoods back as a result of the lockdown occasioned by the pandemic. The project is structured as one that delivers results. Only states that have implemented according to laid-down procedures prescribed in the Financing Agreement, the Funds Release Policy, and the Independent Verification Agent Protocol get reimbursement for the money already spent.

    Therefore, the money Falana mentioned with the intent to ridicule the federal government and incite the public against the government and President Tinubu was disbursed based on the results achieved by the states and FCT in their efforts at supporting poor and vulnerable Nigerians under the NG-CARES Programme.

    The “top three best performing states in the  second round of assessment are Nasarawa, which got N13,697,828,496.96, Cross River N10,944,747,818.84 and Zamfara N10,231,055,267.82,” according to NG-CARES National Coordinator, Abdulkarim Obaje, in a statement.

    While government needs critics as watchdogs for accountability and to engender more transparency in the management of public affairs and finance, that sacred duty should not be left in the hands of those who have elevated half-truths and embellishments as their article of trade.

    Criticisms should be constructive and fact-based.

    • Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Abuja.