The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Reducing the burden of obesity, cardiovascular diseases

    Reducing the burden of obesity, cardiovascular diseases

    SIR: The burden of obesity and cardiovascular disease in developing countries, with a particular focus on Nigeria, is a critical public health concern that demands urgent attention. Although obesity is emerging as a significant health trend, a nuanced layer complicates the scenario. Socio-economic factors contribute to a high prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition, which, paradoxically, acts as a masking agent for obesity.

    This intricate interplay between undernutrition and obesity poses a unique challenge in these settings. The prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition often takes precedence due to socio-economic disparities, underscoring the multifaceted nature of nutritional challenges. However, beneath this undertone, the reality remains that both ends of the nutritional spectrum coexist, creating a complex health landscape.

    In Nigeria, this complex interplay is further compounded by factors such as urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and shifts in dietary patterns, resulting in a dual burden of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular issues. Addressing this multifaceted challenge requires a comprehensive and context-specific approach that considers the socio-economic intricacies shaping the health landscape in developing nations.

    To effectively address the pressing issues of obesity and cardiovascular disease in developing countries, it is imperative to implement specific guidelines and a comprehensive strategy. Firstly, promoting healthy eating habits should involve educational programs to inform individuals about the importance of a balanced diet. Guidelines should encourage the consumption of locally available, affordable, and nutritious foods while restricting the availability and marketing of unhealthy, high-calorie foods, particularly targeting children.

    Secondly, encouraging regular physical activity requires a multifaceted approach. Developing and maintaining public spaces such as parks and recreational areas should be prioritized to promote physical activity. Integrating mandatory physical education into school curricula and support for community-based sports and fitness programs are essential.

    These measures contribute to fostering a culture of active living. Also, Public health campaigns play a pivotal role in raising awareness and shaping behaviours. Comprehensive awareness campaigns should communicate the risks associated with obesity and cardiovascular diseases, offering information on preventive measures, healthy lifestyles, and regular health check-ups.

    Read Also: Agency, photographer launch campaign against abdominal obesity

    Moreover, regulating food advertising is crucial. Implementing strict regulations to control the advertising of unhealthy foods, especially to children, and considering taxes on sugary beverages and high-fat foods can deter unhealthy consumption patterns. Access to healthcare and education is paramount. Improving access to affordable healthcare, including preventive services and screenings for cardiovascular diseases, should be a priority. Training healthcare professionals to educate communities on preventing and managing these health issues is equally vital.

    Community engagement strategies involving local populations in the design and implementation of health programs can enhance their effectiveness. In the realm of education, integrating health education into school curricula is essential, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and physical activity. Ensuring access to nutritious meals in schools and limiting the availability of unhealthy snacks can significantly contribute to shaping healthier habits from a young age.

    Similarly, workplace wellness programs can play a crucial role. Encouraging businesses to implement such programs, promoting physical activity and healthy eating, and incentivizing employees to adopt healthier lifestyles contribute to a holistic approach. Government policies and legislation should serve as a backbone for these initiatives. Implementing and enforcing policies that regulate the food industry and promote healthier food options are pivotal. Consideration should be given to policies restricting trans fats and salt content in processed foods. Research and data collection efforts should be intensified to understand the specific challenges and cultural factors contributing to obesity and cardiovascular diseases in each country. Utilizing data to tailor interventions to the unique needs of diverse populations ensures the relevance and efficacy of these strategies.

    By adopting these specific guidelines and integrating them into a collaborative and well-coordinated strategy, developing countries can significantly reduce the burden of obesity and cardiovascular diseases, ultimately fostering a healthier and more resilient population.

    •Dr Elochukwu Nwachukwu,

    Lagos.

  • Anti-corruption: Why PBAT must sustain the tempo

    Anti-corruption: Why PBAT must sustain the tempo

    • By Comrade Bishir Dauda Sabuwar

    Sir:  The suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu over the allegations of fraud in her ministry by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no doubt raised the hope and confidence of Nigerians in the sincerity of purpose of the government in its fight against corruption.

    Before the latest episode, many Nigerians had lost any hope in the fight against corruption. The general narrative is that corruption has become a monster that cannot be defeated.

    Of course, the reasons why Nigerians lost hope has to do with the half-hearted efforts put in by successive governments. But the final straw that broke the camel’s back was the experience of Nigerians under President Muhammadu Buhari. Although, the aides of the former president have continued to defend his anti-corruption records; Nigerians remain unconvinced that the former meant did anything worthy of note in his entire eight years in office. In all, they felt that Buhari not only betrayed them but actually took them for a ride.

    Read Also: Moghalu backs CBN’s decongestion move, says relocating staff to Lagos “logical”

    The recent revelations by Jim Obazee, the special investigator appointed by President Tinubu, particularly the opening of the can of worms in Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is the surest testimony of how President Buhari failed in his fight against the monster. If Nigerians are now commending President Tinubu today, it is precisely because something is happening that they are not used to. The only time Nigerians witnessed any real fight against corruption was during the short-lived regime of Murtala Ramat Muhammed. But with what is happening today where close aides of the president are facing possible sanctions over allegations of corruption is an indication of positive change and genuine commitment.

    This is why it has become necessary for all patriotic Nigerians to give benefit of doubt to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his new found vigour in the fight against corruption. Nigerians ought to trust this government in this regard since there is good sign of commitment.

    •Comrade Bishir Dauda Sabuwar,

     Unguwa Katsina.

  • Zamfara ambush as last straw

    Zamfara ambush as last straw

    • By Kabir Fagge Ali

    Sir: It is a known fact that security personnel, at all times, are ready to pay the supreme price, whenever they are in line of action. Their patriotism and unrelenting effort in tackling insecurity is partly why we sleep comfortably at night.

    Worrisome however, are reports that our gallant troops, who protect our territorial integrity and lives, are slaughtered like guinea pigs, during terrorists’ ambushed attacks.

    Last Saturday was a black day as troops of the Nigerian Army, alongside two Police officers, were killed around Danjibga axis in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, in an ambush.

    The attack on the troops by bandits is in retaliation of several attacks launched by troops on different bandit camps in the state, leading to the death of numerous terrorists and destruction of their camps and ‘operational’ motorcycles, among others.

    Zamfara State has been battling with insecurity for nearly a decade. The Nigerian military however, must be commended for leading the war to end banditry in the troubled north-central state, and also, general insecurity in the country.

    But winning the war demands our collective support. The federal government, the military, other security agencies and citizens must join forces and come up with a portent strategy for tackling terrorists and other criminal elements, holding our dear nation to ransom.

    That is why having a multifaceted approach to the fight against insecurity is imperative. Firstly, the military’s intelligence-gathering system must be enhanced. It will help in quickly identifying the movements and plans of terrorists and other armed groups.

    Strengthening collaboration between various security agencies and investing in technology, such as surveillance and communication equipment, are also vital.

    Read Also: Tinubu to grace Uzodimma’s swearing in ceremony Monday

    Again, there is the need to also equip our troops with modern and sophisticated ammunition, even as the government must allocate adequate resources to ensure that the military has the tools and knowledge needed to adapt to evolving security threats. This will also help its troops navigate the challenging terrains often exploited by insurgent groups, during gunfire battles.

    Community engagement remains a linchpin in the fight against insecurity. Local populations can play a pivotal role in providing credible intelligence, as they possess invaluable knowledge about their communities.

    Establishing trust between the military and communities is paramount for building a united front against insurgency, equally. Addressing the root causes of violent conflicts in the country is another thing that cannot be overemphasized.

    Beneficial socio-economic policies and sound development initiatives, focused on providing education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, can help to dissuade our youths from being recruited into armed and terror groups.

    By addressing the underlying issues, the government can reduce the appeal of insurgency, banditry, robbery and oil theft, among other crimes. And marginalized populations will not find cause to take to criminalities and heinous vices for survival.

    Furthermore, international collaboration is crucial in tackling cross-border security threats. Zamfara’s proximity to neighbouring countries should necessitate coordinated efforts to prevent armed groups from exploiting regional vulnerabilities.

    In the same vein, collaborative intelligence sharing, joint patrols, and diplomatic initiatives can contribute to a more robust defence against insurgencies.

    In summary, curbing the spate of ambush attacks on troops in Zamfara and other states afflicted by terrorism and banditry requires a holistic strategy, combining intelligence, technology, community engagement, and socioeconomic development.

    Let’s hope that those saddled with piloting the affairs of our dear nation summon the political will to do the needful, this time around.

    •Kabir Fagge Ali,

    PRNigeria Centre, Abuja.

  • Of balance between cost of governance and living standard

    Of balance between cost of governance and living standard

    • By Samuel Jekeli

    Sir: Nigeria has grappled with concerns over the high cost of governance for many years. Government structure, the remuneration of public officials, and the general expenditure on government operations have been subjects of public discourse and scrutiny. Lawmakers, in particular, receive significant remuneration, including salaries, allowances, and other perks. While it is crucial to compensate public officials adequately to attract competent individuals into public service, the challenge arises when the cost of governance becomes disproportionately high compared to the economic realities of the majority of citizens.

    In contrast to the high cost of governance, a substantial portion of the Nigerian population faces economic challenges that impact their standard of living. Issues such as unemployment, inflation, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to quality healthcare and education contribute to the struggle many Nigerians face in meeting their basic needs. Balancing the cost of governance with the standard of living requires a holistic approach that addresses both the operational needs of the government and the socio-economic well-being of citizens.

    When the cost of governance is disproportionately high, it can have several adverse effects on the standard of living for citizens. One significant impact is the strain on public resources that could otherwise be directed toward infrastructure development, social services, and poverty alleviation programs. This imbalance perpetuates economic inequality, limiting opportunities for the majority of the population to escape the cycle of poverty.

    Moreover, a skewed cost of governance can erode public trust and confidence in government institutions. Citizens may become disillusioned when they perceive that resources are not being utilized efficiently or when they witness extravagant spending by public officials. This discontent can lead to social unrest, protests, and a general sense of dissatisfaction with the government.

    A critical step towards achieving a balance between the cost of governance and the standard of living is the implementation of comprehensive public sector reforms. This involves streamlining government operations, reducing bureaucracy, and optimizing the efficiency of public services. Reforms can lead to cost savings that can be redirected towards essential services for citizens.

    Transparent budgeting processes and strict accountability mechanisms are essential for ensuring that public funds are allocated and spent judiciously. Implementing an open budget system that allows citizens to track government spending fosters transparency and builds trust between the government and the people.

    Read Also: Moghalu backs CBN’s decongestion move, says relocating staff to Lagos “logical”

    Rationalizing the remuneration of public officials, including lawmakers, is a necessary step in achieving balance. This process involves reviewing and adjusting salary structures to reflect economic realities while ensuring that public servants are still adequately compensated for their services.

    Prioritizing investments in social infrastructure, such as healthcare, education, and affordable housing, contributes to an improved standard of living for citizens. Allocating resources to these critical sectors enhances human capital development and economic empowerment.

    Engaging citizens in the decision-making processes through participatory governance ensures that their voices are heard. Citizens’ input can help shape policies that address their needs and aspirations, contributing to a more inclusive and balanced governance approach.

    Balancing the cost of governance with the standard of living for Nigerian citizens is a complex challenge that requires concerted efforts from government officials, policymakers, and the general populace. Achieving this balance is not only crucial for social justice but also for the sustainable development of the nation. By implementing comprehensive reforms, ensuring transparent budgeting, rationalizing salaries, investing in social infrastructure, and promoting citizen engagement, Nigeria can move towards a more equitable and balanced governance structure that prioritizes the well-being of its people.

    •Samuel Jekeli,

    Centre for Social Justice, Abuja.

  • AFCON 2023; No sharks, no minnows

    AFCON 2023; No sharks, no minnows

    • By Jubril Hammed

    Sir: Africa is back again. This time, it is for the biggest prize in football; the main international men’s association football competition sanctioned by CAF. It is the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Biennially, Africa’s biggest football nations slug it out with one another to claim this prestigious crown. Power for power, brain for brain, and passion for passion, the African battle is always a cagey affair.

    West Africa is the destination this time, Cote d’Ivoire is hosting for the second time. The competition was initially slated for June – July 2023 but had to be shifted to this year to avoid the tropical rains that reaches its peak around the time.

    The 24 participating nations have been grouped into six, the top two in each group will qualify automatically for the knockout stage while the four best third placed team will join them to complete the round of 16.

    One interesting thing to point out is that no team has been tagged as the clear favourite. Football pundits and analysts can’t seem to figure out the most formidable squad. Of course, the old powerhouses will usually be tipped, but none seems to look solid and reliable.

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    Senegal has lost touch of its recent football zest, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon doesn’t seem able to dominate anymore, and the Super Eagles of Nigeria have declined to its lowest. Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco are looking just average. In fact, Cote d’Ivoire can only bank on the strength of being the host. All the teams just look a cut above one another. The supposed smaller teams are sprouting up. The qualifiers and recent games are eye opener to this. Mali, Guinea, DR. Congo, Burkina Faso and Gambia have proven to have what it takes to take on any team. They have refused to be push-overs in the continental game and will surely bring forth their grit and courage again. This time around, there will be no sharks, there will be no minnows. The play will mostly be at level.

    The Akwaba was unveiled as the official mascot of the AFCON 2023. It’s an elephant that means “Welcome.” The elephant is the animal symbol of Cote d’Ivoire’s national team. They will look towering and will be Nigeria’s first major test. The Super Eagles will need to be careful treading the elephant’s path.

    It’s a whole new history set to be written. Africa has come again, this time to deliver a mouth-watering showpiece. The teams are looking full steam ahead and geared up for the big contest.

     We can’t wait to see how these nations of black descent will battle for glory.

    • Jubril Hammed,

    jubrilhammed96@gmail.com

  • Mummy Zee: Matters arising

    Mummy Zee: Matters arising

    • By Zayd Ibn Isah

    Sir: Year 2024 has begun well for Deborah Olaki, or Debbie, also known as Mummy Zee on X (formerly known as Twitter). Her intriguing story unfolded when a user on X, made a tweet that struck a chord with her. The tweet read: “There is a lady who wakes up at 5:00 am to make her husband lunch for work.”  To this Debbie responded: “I have always been too lazy to wake up and get his lunch ready. But the day he told me a colleague brought two spoons so he will eat with her, was the day I set my alarm for 4:50 am.”

    Predictably, Debbie’s action did not sit well with some women, as they took the time to voice their displeasure, calling her insecure for thinking that waking up early to cook for her husband would deter him from cheating or leaving her for another woman.

    Fortunately for Debbie, the men on Twitter did not leave her at the mercy of those trolling her, as they stood by her during the criticism and offered a counterbalance to the negative voices. The whole thing took a dramatic turn when some men asked for her account number. This unexpected show of support added a positive twist to the unfolding story. Debbie has since received cash donations worth more than N10 million, including endorsements from multinational companies and landed properties from good Samaritans. It seemed as if God had opened a floodgate of blessings to rain upon her, and boy, did it pour upon her in torrents!

     Mummy Zee’s sudden change of fortunes is an uplifting narrative that reinforces a commonly held belief in the inevitability of certain blessings. The support she received from the online community, including substantial donations and endorsements, adds a magical element to this pivotal moment of her life, a moment that has not only brought her to the limelight, but if harnessed properly, can transform her life for good.

    Meanwhile, those who criticized Debbie’s decision to wake up early and cook for her husband may have simply overlooked the time-tested adage that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Granted, the criticism of Debbie’s actions stems from an understanding that traditional notions of marital domesticity can act to keep women in perpetual servitude to men’s whims and caprices, but it is important to note that Debbie’s decision came from a genuine sense of kindness and consideration, even if motivated by an external factor.

    Read Also: Tinubu emphasises need to revitalize steel sector for economic growth

    Basically, she did what she believed would be good for her marriage, for her home. As such, she was neither coerced nor pressured in any way. Away from online relationship “hot takes” and conflicting views about marriage on social media platforms like Facebook and X, all marriages are private affairs, and those within them are expected to make sacrifices for their partners and offsprings. 

    Ultimately, Debbie’s story indicates that our society still values and respects the role of women in marital settings, and even as women are empowered daily to pursue self-actualization and shatter glass ceilings, there should be no shame directed at any woman who insists on being devoted to the growth and stability of her marriage. On a more inspiring note, this heart-warming story also encourages reflection on personal growth, resilience, and the unpredictability of life’s journey. This is why it is important for each and every one of us to keep pushing and stay true to our values, as more often than not, fortune has a way of smiling upon us.

    •Zayd Ibn Isah,

     lawcadet1@gmail.com

  • When will Uzodimma deploy newly recruited teachers?

    When will Uzodimma deploy newly recruited teachers?

    • By Ifeanyi  Maduako

    Sir: The last time I checked, Imo State public schools, especially those in the basic and secondary levels were grossly ill-equipped with qualified teachers. The foundation of sound and meaningful education is at the basic level, and any government that neglects the basic level usually fails at both the secondary and tertiary levels.

    Sometime in May 2023, the government of Imo State advertised for employment of teachers primarily for the basic level. Over 50,000 applicants of Imo State origin applied from all over the country.

    Since the announcement was done in May last year which was the last term of the 2022/2023 academic session, the applicants had expected that the successful ones among them would be recruited and deployed to their various schools at the beginning of 2023/2024 academic session which started in September.

    This writer was reliably informed that the recruitment of the successful 5,000 applicants has long been concluded since September last year with the belief or hope that they would begin in the first term. However, the management of the Imo State Universal Basic Education Board seems to be waiting on the governor for his approval to post out these applicants to the various schools, especially those in the hinterlands that need their services.

    One does not know why the governor seems to be prevaricating on the issue. The governor, I must admit, has done relatively well in terms of project execution in the last four years more than his predecessors who were in office for eight years. For instance, the Owerri- Orlu and the Owerri-Okigwe dual carriage highways are some of the legacy projects of Governor Uzodimma. These roads were commuters’ nightmares for decades even when Orlu zone produced two previous governors who were in office for eight years each.

    The lame argument about Uzodimma constructing the roads with a view to getting reimbursement from the federal government under the regime of President Buhari is the height of idiocy. Why didn’t his predecessors, particularly the last one from Orlu zone who always claims to be more northerner than any other Igbo man construct the roads and get reimbursed?

    Lest I digress, the nonchalant attitude of successive governments towards the fortification of the state’s basic and secondary schools has led to the proliferation of quack and substandard private schools in the state.

    If the governor prevaricated or dilly-dallied in the recruitment of the new teachers so that the so-called 50,000 applicants could vote for him in the last November governorship election, what is he still waiting for to deploy the successful ones who were painstakingly recruited since he has won the election?

    If the governor is truly committed to revamping the dilapidated education sector in the state, his second term which begins on Monday January 15, should give him the ample opportunity to put that into practice. The state government should deploy these newly recruited teachers to their various schools to give impetus and life to public schools gasping for breath.

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    The government should demonstrate leadership and sincerity of purpose by inputting these fresh teachers into the state government’s payroll without delay in such a manner that they would have been in the system for four years by the end of the tenure of present government. This would make it almost impossible for his successor to sack or disengage them. This odious practice of outgoing governors suffusing or suffocating the state government’s wage bill by employing new staff few days, weeks or months to the end of their tenure should stop in the state. Governor Rochas Okorocha sacked 10,000 workers employed by his predecessor on the flimsy excuse that they were employed few months to the end of his tenure. The self-same Okorocha committed the same act ,and his successor, Emeka Ihedioha, wielded the big stick and flushed them out which showed that Okorocha was not altruistic in the hurried recruitments.

    Governor Uzodimma should show leadership and altruism by departing from this insidious lane. Let him bear the brunt or burden of shouldering the wage bill of these new 5,000 teachers for the next four years even if it means reducing the capital expenditure of the next four fiscal budgets to accommodate the recurrent expenditure which will arise from these new employments. Human capital development which basic education typifies should take precedence over capital development.

    •Ifeanyi  Maduako,

    Owerri, Imo State.

  • Thieves, thieves everywhere…

    Thieves, thieves everywhere…

    By Tunji Oyelade

    The inspiration of this title comes from that famous line, ‘water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink’, in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem, ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ and I intend to link that with the many faces of corruption in my dear country and the seeming impotency of the law or the double faced nature of our laws and weak institutions.

    It would be beating a dead horse to advocate that corruption be stamped out in Nigeria. One would sound like a broken record or the biblical ‘one that beateth the air’ because, it is so overwhelming. The voices of the prophets and the righteous have been drowned by the recurrence and the magnitude of this vice. We hear about it day in day out, only the noise and frenzy and then, an eerie silence. Then, it is consigned to the alley of forgetfulness.

    The humongous sums involved would make Chike Obi, the great Nigerian mathematician of yore, to shudder in his grave. He never in his life time dreamt to count in trillions or billions of dollars. He merely knew of them on paper. Yet, some of us who had little or nothing to do with mathematics and neophytes are being bombarded with these figures every day.

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    Incidentally, women are now surpassing their male counterparts in this art of stealing. Seems it is a deliberate competition and an attempt to outclass their male counterparts. The only saving grace for the men is that, they are more than women in the art, but certainly not, in terms of skill and amounts involved.

    Let me start from Dame Deziani Alison-Madueke, a woman who was reported to have been the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). I remember watching an analysis of the amount Deziani allegedly stole and how such monies could build six specialist hospitals in all the geopolitical zones and she would still have enough money left to squander on her lust to the third generations down the line. That would have stopped the annual medical tourism of our political leaders and the flight of our common patrimony, which they launder under the cover of going on medical trips. But when you have a nation whose leaders are competing on who can steal the most, that is what you get.

    The noise of crucify her that rent the air in those days has gone hush. People now speak of Deziani and her atrocities under their breath.  We only remember her in comparison now than in prosecution or sentence.

    When the issue of the former Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Sadiya Umar Farouq, started during the COVID 19 pandemic and all manner of humongous figures were bandied around for palliatives and feeding of children, people raised early warning signs of corruption, but the Buhari regime, which obviously lost control of governance to the cabals, turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to all that went on around him. After a while, nothing was heard except recently when ‘a new king that did not know Joseph’ came on board.

    Now, it is Betta Edu’s turn. Betta Edu was Minister of Humanitarian Affairs until her suspension. Now, you may want to ask, what is it for Ministers of Humanitarian Affairs? Betta Edu is just 37 years old and so fortunate to be a minister under Tinubu’s inclusion of youth in governance policy. This is certainly, a laudable policy that could make for mentorship and a seamless transition from the elderly to more youthful Nigerians in governance. But what are the yardsticks of this involvement? Is it out of political compensation; sheer sentiments or sensation? What are the pedigrees of the youths involved in governance?

    Now, it is her turn to eat and smear her mouth with oil.

    A young woman, who wanted to live above all women folk and even surpass hardworking ones, who have made a name for themselves either through industry, academics or in public offices and yet lived and still live a reasonably humble lives. I have in mind the likes of late Dora Akunyili; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Obiageli Ezekwesili. They served diligently and can raise their heads high anytime and anywhere. 

    The trouble with Nigeria is, we worship money, not caring about the roots or foundation of the bearer. That is why we can clap for Ramoni (Hush puppi), the international fraudster and the numerous yahoo boys. I saw on the internet just the other day, where a monarch was spraying a Fuji musician with bundles of Naira notes and later wearing laurels made with Naira notes on the musician’s neck. That is what we have been reduced to.

    Our youths see their leaders and their manner of lives. They want to quickly catch up and even overtake them. Majority of Nigerians are crying for lack of cash to spend; lack of fuel or the unreachable and unavoidable pump price; bad infrastructure; non-payment of withheld salaries; lack of jobs and the brain drain of experts in various fields.

    It is heart-warming though that the new sheriff in town has summoned the courage to suspend her and deny her access to the villa. I think that he should follow it up with an outright dismissal, so she could have time to face her prosecution, if that ever comes.

    I wonder at the roles of our institutions; the criminal justice system and the courts. We build institutions which we never planned for them to work or achieve any goals; we install leaders in those institutions as a mark of political compensation and to cover up tracks after a leader’s tenure. They are jobs for the boys and political loyalists. The institutions are so porous as the laws that created them. Our law provides plea bargain to shield the big thieves and leaves them to still bestride our world like colossus.  We negotiate with them to get a small fraction of what they have stolen, so they can be re-looted.

    I must commend the Tinubu led administration for at least, showing us that we can still have hope in the system. I hope he holds his ground firmly and till the end. Corruption in Nigeria has soul and fights back dirty.

    Our government should therefore, be more decisive to fight it back by building strong institutions and framing tight laws against corruption and anyone aiding it. If we cannot go the way of China because we pay lip service to the right to life, at least, let us make it difficult for people to steal and cripple those who do. The cleansing must start from smallest unit to the highest rung for there to be sanity in our country. People must be made accountable and responsible for their actions.

    It would be a glorious day in Nigeria when those who have looted our treasury are made to face the full wrath of the law, convicted and sentenced accordingly, with the looted funds and properties funded with the looted funds recovered. That day, the common Nigerian citizen shall sing Halleluyah and Hossana – a new dawn has come.

    • Prof Oyelade writes from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

  • Tinubu’s big stick as sign of what to come      

    Tinubu’s big stick as sign of what to come      

    By Abdulaziz Abdulaziz

    “I took an oath to serve this country and give my best at all times. Like I said in the past, no excuse for poor performance from any of my appointees will be good enough…Within the first quarter of this new year, ministers and heads of agencies with a future in this administration that I lead will continue to show themselves.” – President Bola Tinubu, 2024 New Year broadcast

    The mother hen, goes a Hausa proverb, stomps on its chicks not because it doesn’t love them. It is a gesture aimed at passing life lessons and correcting bad behaviours. Some decisions taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the past few days have shown that like the hen in a brood, the president is ready to step on erring younger ones in the flock to indicate that bad behaviour is intolerable.

    On Monday, President Tinubu suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, from office. The suspension was to allow for a thorough investigation into allegations of financial impropriety against her. A few days earlier, the president had directed the suspension of the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Hajiya Halima Shehu. Her suspension was in response to alleged suspicious movement of cash from the NSIPA account into private purses. While the wrongdoings ascribed to the two do not immediately make them culpable, their suspension was the rightful administrative practice to enable them clear their names and not obstruct investigations.

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    What is of interest, however, is that these two women were not just mere officeholders. They are individuals who are very close to the president on account of their membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the prominent roles they played in his campaign. Those who know the closeness the two ladies have with the president thought he would dilly-dally and not wield the big stick. In particular, some had placed bet that nothing could happen to Betta, who was a workaholic National Women Leader of the party during the campaign.  

    But for President Tinubu, political relationships and personal debts would have to give way where public interest and accountability are on the table. Someone else could sacrifice the commonwealth of Nigerians and disregard public outcry to save their associates, not President Tinubu.

    In the spirit of the heavy words he swore to during his inauguration as the President on May 29, last year, President Tinubu has at various times vowed to put the interest of the public first. He had sworn to protect the national interest “without fear or favour; affection or ill will”. Living up to the wordings of the oath of office means there would be no sacred cows and no one too big or too small to face any necessary sanction. This Mr President had said repeatedly.

    In his latest broadcast to the nation on January 1, President Tinubu reiterated the primacy of the interest of the public above anything else in the way he runs the affairs of the country.  “Everything I have done in office,” he said in the televised address, “every decision I have taken and every trip I have undertaken outside the shores of our land, since I assumed office on 29 May 2023, have been done in the best interest of our country.”

    In talking about public interest, the most primal of it is ensuring that the commonwealth of the citizens is not pilfered or mismanaged by those unto which it is entrusted. Like in a congregational prayer where the congregation takes a cue from the imam, in matters of accountability, the rest of the crowd in the lower rungs of the ladder ought to take after the leader at the top. In this regard, President Tinubu has done well to set the example for his appointees. For him leadership is about service and sacrifice. That is his mantra and the code of conduct he’d expect from all his appointees.

    At a reception during Eid-el-Kabir in Lagos last year, the president cited an example of this self-denial in favour of what is in the overall interest of the country. He used the example of the forex abuse which he met on assumption of office where a few people with proximal advantage to power were cashing out from the arbitrage exchange system. “I could afford to share the benefit by participating in the arbitrage, but God forbid! That’s not why you voted for me,” he had said.

    The word service in ‘public service’ means that holders of public office see it as a patriotic call to service and they bend over backwards to give their contributions to the nation. Turning such opportunities to avenues to pilfer the common tilt or paying lip service to the task assigned to one is inexcusable. This is why aside from wrong-doing, another thing President Tinubu marked out as intolerable is laxity on the part of appointees.

    He had said it not once or twice that persons who are not ready to offer meaningful service would be shoved off the table. To demonstrate that this was not just empty talk, the president made sure that all ministers were issued with Job Description, Targets and Key Performance Indicators. The purpose of this was to have measurable variables that would enable assessment of performance. Secondly, at the end of the cabinet retreat, each minister signed a performance bond with the president committing them to delivering on the expectations outlined for each of them.

    The options for everyone are clear. As he said in the New Year’s message, for President Tinubu it is either positive contribution to Nigeria or nothing at all.  

    • Abdulaziz is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media.

  • What manner of humanitarian ministry?

    What manner of humanitarian ministry?

    By Ike Willie-Nwobu

    SIR: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended Betta Edu, the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister for graft in a conversation that has become grippingly familiar to many Nigerians. Although the allegations are yet to scale the formidable hurdle of proof, but in Nigeria, there is hardly ever any smoke that is shorn of fire.  The N585 million is the jaw-dropping amount traced to a private account which supposedly received the amount at the instance and instruction of the minister.

    The money was meant for payment to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Cross River and Ogun States. Nigeria became a humanitarian basket case since Boko Haram scaled up its operations within the country in 2009. Attack after attack has left many communities on the verge of ruination.

    Amidst the ruination wrought by Boko Haram and other equally ruthless terrorist groups, Nigeria has struggled to confront its considerable humanitarian crisis.

    Men, women, and their children have seen their previous lives obliterated and a new reality of squalid refugee camps, hopelessness, and horrible living conditions foisted on them.

    Read Also; Police deny alleged kidnapping of 200 in Abuja

    Nigeria has also grappled with grand issues of multidimensional poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment. The activities of the terrorists only served to exacerbate an already tragic situation.

    The Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Ministry was conceived by the Muhammadu Buhari administration to confront the mounting humanitarian challenge. It was further rebranded under the administration of President Tinubu.

    Yet, almost from inception, the ministry has been rocked by allegations of money laundering on an outrageous scale.

    Allegation after allegation followed Sadiya Umar Farouk who was minister under Buhari after she left office. The allegations have remained ceaseless. It is noteworthy that it was in the course of investigating allegations of fraud to the tune of N37.1 billion that Betta Edu was implicated.

    Is there a grander irony in Nigeria than that which solemnly lies in the fact that the very ministry set up to sooth the pains of the victims of Nigeria’s rampant humanitarian crisis has itself been caught in a whirlpool of corruption and controversy?

     The ongoing probe of the Humanitarian Affairs minister is again forcing Nigerians to confront the hydra headed monster of corruption. If Nigerians are to ever agree on a major factor responsible for the country’s inability to fulfil its prodigious potentials, it would be corruption.

    Corruption has almost singlehandedly ensured that a country which should be sitting at table with the most developed countries of the world is instead sat on the floor, sullen and scrambling for scraps.

    Betta Edu’s predicament presents a relatively new government with its first major challenge. The way and manner the administration handles it will determine whether Nigerians will nod in knowing resignation or sit up and take notice.

    Whatever it is, the current administration should commit to fighting corruption at different levels. Invariably, all those who continue to enable corruption in the system must be shown the way out. This is imperative if Nigeria is to get things right.

    The war must be impersonal and unyielding, and no one whose hands are found in the till must be spared.

    As for Betta Edu, the allegation and subsequent investigation represent a spectacular fall from grace for a woman whose youth and gender were enough rebuke for the Nigerian political status quo, which still favours octogenarian men.

    She may yet pick up the pieces of her fast crumbling edifice. However, it is doubtful that she will be able to put it back together or even build anything anywhere as attractive as what she has lost.

    Whatever happens, Nigeria needs to win the battle against corruption, or gain the upper hand at least.

    • Ike Willie-Nwobu, Ikewilly9@gmail.com