The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  •  When dogs feed better than humans

     When dogs feed better than humans

    Sir: A paradoxical reality has emerged, challenging the very fabric of societal values and priorities. A disconcerting trend has taken root, one that raises eyebrows and questions the essence of progress. Here, it is not uncommon to witness a stark incongruity between the treatment of our four-legged friends and that of fellow citizens. In a bizarre twist of fate, dogs seem to be living a life of luxury, enjoying meals of opulence, while many humans struggle to secure their daily bread.

    The rise of specialty pet stores offering a wide array of premium dog food and accessories is a testament to this growing trend. In this new Nigeria, dog dish has become a symbol of excess, with options ranging from organic, gluten-free meals to gourmet treats imported from exotic locales.

    Yet, pervasive issue of hunger looms large over the human population. Reports of families struggling to put food on the table, children going to bed with empty stomachs, and communities grappling with the harsh realities of poverty have become all too common. In this paradoxical landscape, the juxtaposition of well-fed dogs and hungry humans speaks volumes about the prevailing disparities and the moral quandaries facing society. The choices made by some to indulge their pets while fellow citizens suffer underscore a moral crisis that demands introspection.

    In Nigeria, societal values seem to have transformed, with conspicuous consumption taking precedence over empathy and social responsibility. The conspicuous display of affluence through pampered pets reflects a mind-set where individual gratification outweighs the community’s collective well-being. It raises crucial questions about the role of compassion, empathy, and shared responsibility in shaping the nation’s future.

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    At the core of the issue lies the need to re-evaluate societal values. A collective shift towards empathy, compassion, and social responsibility is essential. It is an opportunity for individuals to reflect on their choices and consider the broader impact of their actions on the well-being of the entire nation.

    The paradox of a Nigeria where dogs feed better than humans is a powerful metaphor for the challenges facing the nation. It is a call to action, urging citizens, leaders, and policymakers to work collaboratively to address the root causes of inequality and build a future where all share prosperity. By investing in human capital, empowering communities, and re-evaluating societal values, Nigeria can embark on a journey toward a more equitable and compassionate society where no one goes hungry and every life is valued.

    • Samuel Jekeli, Centre for Social Justice, Abuja.
  • Delta NLC and wage award for workers

    Delta NLC and wage award for workers

    Sir: Following the removal of petroleum subsidy by the immediate past Muhammadu Buhari administration, which was inherited by current Bola Tinubu-led administration, the nation’s labour unions embarked on an agitation, asking the government to find ways to cushion the effect on Nigerians.

    As a result, President Tinubu rolled out various programmes and policies aimed at ameliorating the difficulties posed by the subsidy removal. One of the policies was a N35, 000 wage award for workers under the payroll of governments at all levels. While the federal government has started the implementation for its workforce, some state governments like Enugu, Bayelsa, Edo and some others have keyed into it.

    Recently, the Oyo State government approved an award of N25,000 for its workforce, while Osun State opted to pay N15,000. Some other states have commenced theirs unannounced.

    But Delta State, which is one of the oil-producing states that receive the highest allocation from the monthly allocation from the Federation Account, is yet to come forward with its wage award for its workforce.

    Recently, the Delta State NLC Chairman, Jonathan Ofoburuku told reporters in Asaba, the state capital, that the state chapter is in talks with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led government over what would be acceptable as its wage award for the state workers.

    But, in what appears a contradiction of his position, he berated the federal government for unilaterally deciding on what the approved wage award should be. He added that the federal government does not have the constitutional powers to determine for the states what they will pay its workers as wage award.

    This was the position of Delta State NLC about two months ago. The workers have been in high hopes since then that something was in the offing for them. 

    But several weeks after Ofoburuku made the statement, nothing has happened.

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    Recent findings indicate that the Delta State government had initiated the payment of the sum of N10,000 monthly per worker for three months, rather than implement the federal government wage award. This is in contradistinction to the situation in other states, where the new wage award is being paid for six months.

    Against this background, Delta State workers are at a loss as to why the government paid only N10,000 and why the union leaders in the state could not secure a better deal for the workers who are groaning under the heavy yoke of galloping inflation.

    It is a common knowledge that under the government of former governor, James Ibori, Delta State had always keyed into whatever the federal government pays its workers as an oil-producing state. Besides, Delta State was always the first to implement it immediately after the federal government.

    All these were terminated when Ifeanyi Okowa took over the reins of power as the governor. Worst still is the fact that Delta State labour leaders often times do not agitate and bargain for the state workforce whose interest they are supposed to protect. They usually turn themselves into the mouthpiece of the government to the detriment of the workers in the state, particularly those on the pay roll of the state government.

    If states with poor monthly allocation can afford to pay their workers N35,000 wage award, why can the Delta State government not afford to pay? The world is watching Sheriff Oborevwori and the state leadership of NLC over the matter.

    • Ifeonu Okolo, Asaba, Delta State.
  • Adewakun: End of an era

    Adewakun: End of an era

    Sir: I commiserate with our amiable mother, now a widow; Bola, our dear friend and mate, his younger brother, highly brilliant Kayode, other children, and members of the legendary Adewakun family of Ile-Oluji, the entire community and the clergy and laity of the Anglican Church over the demise of our illustrious father, mentor, role model, emeritus principal of OGS, a servant of God and elder-statesman, The Ven. Yemi Adewakun.

    He was arguably the most outstanding principal of our school, Okemesi Grammar School, Okemesi-Ekiti, who mobilised the community, teaching and non-teaching staff, old students and students to fight the infrastructure battle in the school.

    A disciplinarian, he was also like a school psychologist, a moral pillar; fatherly, kind, gentle and God-fearing. He promoted a team spirit among staff and inspired teachers to teach well. His right hand men were The Rev. Adetayo Adeniyi, Rev. Akindumila, Mr Ashaye, Mr. Araoyinbo, staff secretary, Mr. Eniafe, and his loyal and dependable deputy, Pa M.A Adetunji. Other supportive and highly experienced staff were Pa. L.D. Omidiran and Pa Banji Olatona, who later became Ajiroba of Okemesi. 

    In fact, Rev. Adewakun always attracted good teachers to the school, including white men and hardworking Ghanaian tutors-Kwamen Ntisem, Boating, Ado-Pokun, P. K Mensah etc. 

    He promoted agriculture by setting up a big school farm, poultry and piggery. 

    He appointed good students as prefects, some of who he also removed for misdemeanour. 

    During the emergency assembly, or morning devotion, where he removed prefects, he would say, quoting the Bible: “Every tree that does not bear good fruits is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

    He was an advocate of moral development. 

    In his sonorous voice aptly laced with his native dialect, he admonished us to flee from evil.  

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    To female students, he would say: “Don’t because of five minutes enjoyment spoil your future.” It was a special admonition to them to shun vices associated with youngsters. 

    During examination, he counselled against cheating or fraud, saying: “If you want to pass, pass honourably. If you want to fail, fail honourably.”

    On any day we closed for the term, he would pray for us in the Assembly Hall. “As you are going, go home to your homes straight. Take the left side of the road so that you see the vehicle coming and the one coming from your back will not hit you.”

    Adewakun also believed in the study of current affairs. He encouraged us to read newspapers in the library. He promoted quiz competition. He organised the best of inter-House sports. Indeed, he promoted sports development, cultural activities and supported the school theatre unit. 

    He motivated excellence by organising prize-giving ceremony, which he incorporated into the yearly founder’s day. 

    In his white and black cassock, he looked like a Saint, an angel; well beloved by all, held in esteem by the people. 

    When the boarding system was scrapped by government, he made his own internal arrangements to retain us in the boarding house without imposing heavy financial burden on us. He saved those of us who were non-indigenes from the stress of looking for accommodation in town. 

    He relished church worship and insisted that we converged on the Assembly Hall he built for service every Sunday evening. 

    I remember that he drafted us, in our “white white” and with candles in our hands, to attend the wake-keep of the state legislator, The Honourable Theophilus  Olaniyan and that of Prof. Durotoye, who died in his 40s.

    Vibrant, energetic, reticent, focused and humble, Pa Adewakun was able to combine the demands of school administration with the calling of a priest, serving as curate, as it were, under Canon Olomu from Ikoro-Ekiti and the cerebral Ven. Ade Ajayi. 

    We were sad when he was transferred from OGS to a teacher training school at Ondo, to be replaced by Mr. Ojo. 

    Later, I saw him on television when he was appointed a local government sole administrator. 

    He was in blissful retirement, where he had opportunity to serve as a church archdeacon and highly respected community leader. 

    Our prayer is that God should grant us the grace of long life, contentment and peace of mind like The Venerable Yemi Adewakun. 

    May heaven treat him with exceptional kindness and be with the surviving family.

    • Dr. Emmanuel Oladesu, The Nation, Lagos.
  • Prioritising nomadic schools for national development

    Prioritising nomadic schools for national development

    Sir: The prevalent issues of kidnapping, conflicts between farmers and herdsmen, and communal disputes are often rooted in illiteracy, greed, envy, and a deficient education structure, especially in nomadic education. A significant portion of crimes in Nigeria is committed by uneducated individuals.

    Education activist Malala Yousafzai’s assertion that ‘education is the best weapon to fight terrorism’ underscores the vital role education plays in achieving peace. Despite government spending on the defence, Nigeria struggles to attain peace due to existing education challenges.

    Recognizing the importance of education, the United Nations has reaffirmed it as the fundamental building block of every society. It is considered the single best investment countries can make for a prosperous, healthy, and equitable society. Access to quality education is recognized as a fundamental human right and is enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goal number 4.

    However, the alarming number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, currently around 20 million according to UNESCO as of October 2022, remains a significant impediment to achieving a peaceful environment. This number has doubled since the 10.5 million recorded by UNICEF in 2020.

    The collapse of primary education, particularly in nomadic education, is a major contributor to the prevailing conflicts, kidnappings, and communal disputes in Nigeria. Giving more attention to nomadic schools could be the key to resolving these issues.

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    Many herders involved in physical confrontations with farmers lack education and orientation on the value of human lives and peaceful coexistence. Neglect by the government and a lack of abundant grazing land contribute to conflicts between herders and farmers.

    Although the nomadic education system was fully established during the Ibrahim Babangida regime with the aim of providing relevant and functional basic education, it is currently non-existent in Nigeria. The neglect of nomads has led to their engagement in criminal activities, further exacerbating the conflict between herders and farmers.

    To address the ongoing insecurity in the nation, the federal government must prioritize and improve nomadic education. Educating and orienting nomads on the value of human lives, while equipping them with skills to enhance their standard of living, is crucial to mitigating conflicts and fostering national development.

    These individuals possess hidden potential that can contribute positively to society. By neglecting them, the government risks perpetuating destructive behaviours in communities. 

    • Maryam Yusuf, University of Maiduguri.
  • One disastrous military operation too many

    One disastrous military operation too many

    Sir: On Monday, Nigerians woke up to yet again encounter another agonizing story of a avoidable and costly error made by the Nigerian Army, leading to the loss of innocent lives.

    As confirmed by the Kaduna State government, on the night of Sunday, December 4, a military jet belonging to the Nigerian Army bombed peaceful Maulud celebrants at Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The unfortunate incident led to the death of innocent people, mostly children and women. Not less than 87 dead bodies have been reported while search and rescue operations are still ongoing in order to recover the remaining dead and the injured.

    While taking responsibility, the Nigerian Army, through the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj Gen VU Okoro, admitted that the air components of the Army was on a routine mission against terrorists when the incident happened.

    Didn’t the (military) do their homework thoroughly and adequately after receiving intelligence before acting so as to avoid recurrence of these kinds of unfortunate incidents? Were they not trained adequately on how to separate the chaff from the grains? Or do they lack the requisite technology to identify law-abiding civilians from the swarm of terrorists?

    It is certainly still fresh in our minds how in February, the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, jet also bombed a group of herdsmen in Nasarawa while returning from Benue having gone to secure release of their livestock. Over 40 innocent Fulani herders were gruesomely killed in Doma Local Government Area of the state during that incident.

    This Nasarawa incident would even seem a tip of an iceberg given the series of bombing undertaken by the military in recent years.

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    For instance, in September 2021, the NAF air craft fired upon and killed more than 60 civilians at Daban Masara village of Borno State. The same NAF fighter jet had also in January 2017 bombed a refugee camp in Borno State killing more than 100 civilians including 20 humanitarian aid workers.

    It is obvious that these incidents keep recurring because the federal government and Military High Command have not made significant efforts to curtail the tide. Whenever it happens, the government and Military High Command merely issue condemnation and promise to investigate the matter which nobody will ever hear about again.

    It is pertinent that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and Kaduna State Government swing into action to investigate this matter to avert future occurrences. Meanwhile, the bereaved family should be fully compensated for the colossal and irreparable losses they have just suffered.

    •Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi,

    Abuja.

  • Ondo governors’ obsession with varsities

    Ondo governors’ obsession with varsities

    • By Collins Akinujomu

    Sir: The establishment of universities in Ondo State can best be described as a means of political compensation rather than an act of necessity intended for the advancement of the education sector in the state. Presently, the state has three state-owned universities: the state’s premier university, Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECTH), formerly Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH), and the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED). There is the state-owned polytechnic, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo; the state has no college of education of its own.

    Successive governors in Ondo State between 1999 and the present have established at least one university. While the creation of higher institutions of learning is not a misfortune for any state, the circumstances surrounding their creation might be questionable. For instance, the need, location, and timing of establishing state-owned universities in Ondo State raise serious concerns.

    It is generally perceived in Ondo State that all the governors that have come on board have used the establishment of universities to compensate their kinsmen.

    It all started with the creation of Adekunle Ajasin University in 1999. Prior to this time, Ondo State University, located in Ado-Ekiti, had been carved out as part of the newly created Ekiti State; hence, the need for another university in present-day Ondo State. This necessitated the relocation of Ondo State University to Akungba-Akoko. However, the question of why the school is not sited in Ikare-Akoko, perceived to be the administrative and commercial headquarters of the Akokos at the time, remains unanswered. Chief Adebayo Adefarati chose to site the new Ondo State University, named Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), adjacent to his residential house in Akungba-Akoko.

    Former governor, Olusegun Agagu, who took over from Adefarati, repeated the scenario with the creation of the Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECTH). In an interview he granted on September 29, 2009, he admitted that the creation of OSUSTECH, now OAUSTECTH, in his local government, Okitipupa, was to appease and compensate the grievances of the people of the southern part of the state, who claimed that section of the state is left without higher institutions.

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     When former governor Olusegun Mimiko came into office between 2009 and 2017, despite popular demands on the state government to create a College of Medicine in AAUA and to develop the two existing universities, Mimiko instead established a full-fledged University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) in his hometown of Ondo, the same town already housing two higher institutions: Adeyemi College of Education, now the University of Education, and Wesley University.

    And now the recent move by the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration to upgrade the only state-owned polytechnic, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO), in Owo, his hometown, to Ondo State University (OSUO). Owo is currently home to Achievers University and the polytechnic. The decision of the Akeredolu administration merely follows the pattern of previous governors.

    Ondo State currently occupies the 13th position in the list of states with the highest Internally Generated Revenue and cannot boast of any thriving public company since the defunct state-owned Owena Motel. The state needs to make more investments in the economic sector, including the creation of public companies, corporations, and business enterprises that will facilitate jobs and reduce the unemployment rate in the state. Ondo State government must realize that higher institutions, particularly universities, are centres for research and development and places of knowledge production and at no point should they be seen as a means of investment or generating revenue.

    •Collins Akinujomu,

    collinsadeyemi5@gmail.com>

  • Rhoda Jatau: A call for justice

    Rhoda Jatau: A call for justice

    • By Akinola Ayobami Steven

    Sir: The ongoing trial of Rhoda Jatau, mother of five, underscores a distressing narrative of religious persecution and the complexities surrounding freedom of expression within the nation. Her case, intertwined with the tragic story of Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu, highlights the far-reaching implications of legal frameworks and societal attitudes on national unity, security, and development in Nigeria.

    Jatau’s ordeal began in May 2022 when she was imprisoned for allegedly sharing a video on WhatsApp condemning the brutal lynching of Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu, a fellow Nigerian student murdered by a mob for an alleged blasphemy. Despite the prosecution’s inability to present substantial evidence, the court recently refused to dismiss the case against her, prolonging her unjust detention.

    This situation raises significant concerns not just about individual rights but also about the broader socio-political fabric of Nigeria. Blasphemy laws, in this context, exacerbate tensions among religious groups, stifling open dialogue and impeding the country’s path towards unity.

    Beyond the immediate human rights violations, the implications are manifold. The fear of persecution inhibits free expression and stifles intellectual discourse and societal growth. Furthermore, the erosion of trust in legal institutions and the government’s handling of such cases undermines stability and hampers the nation’s progress.

    In a country of over 200 million people, almost evenly split between Christians and Muslims, the existence of blasphemy laws becomes a significant driver of societal tension. These laws not only punish innocent individuals for expressing their beliefs but also perpetuate a cycle of violence. They fuel brutal mob actions and inflict severe harm on minority Muslims, Christian converts, and others, amplifying the societal discord.

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    Rhoda Jatau’s case is not an isolated incident. It aligns with the broader persecution faced by religious minorities in Nigeria.

    It is imperative for Nigeria’s future to address these challenges head-on. Repealing or amending blasphemy laws, ensuring fair trials, safeguarding freedom of expression, and fostering inclusivity are paramount. These measures will not only secure justice for individuals like Rhoda Jatau but will also contribute to a more harmonious and just society, enhancing national unity, security, and development.

    The world’s eyes are on Nigeria, urging its leadership to take decisive action in protecting the rights of all citizens and ensuring an environment where diversity is celebrated, voices are heard, and justice prevails. Only through such concerted efforts can Nigeria truly achieve its potential as a beacon of unity, progress, and respect for human rights on the African continent.

    • Akinola Ayobami Steven,

    akinolaa61@gmail.com

  •  Navigating Nigeria’s developmental challenge

     Navigating Nigeria’s developmental challenge

    • By Tijjani Bulama

    Sir: In the global sphere, Nigeria stands as a country teeming with promise, vast resources, and a vibrant populace. Yet, despite its potential, the nation continues to grapple with a spectrum of challenges hindering its progress towards comprehensive development. The question often arises: why does Nigeria remain entrenched in a cycle of underdevelopment?

    The complexities are multifaceted, rooted in historical, socio-economic, and political intricacies that intertwine to impede its growth. One pivotal factor is the persistent struggle with governance. Corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and weak institutions have plagued Nigeria’s governmental systems, hampering effective policy implementation and economic stability.

    The country’s diversity, while a source of cultural richness, also presents hurdles. Nigeria boasts over 250 ethnic groups, each with its language, customs, and identity. This diversity, though a cornerstone of national richness, has, at times, fostered ethnic tensions and socio-political fractures, impeding cohesive national progress.

    Economic mismanagement has been another setback. Despite being a major oil producer, Nigeria faces challenges in effectively harnessing this resource for sustainable growth. Overreliance on oil revenue has left the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices, hindering diversification efforts and stunting the development of other sectors.

    Education remains a critical issue. While strides have been made in improving access, the quality of education, especially in rural areas, still lags. This disparity perpetuates an unequal playing field, limiting opportunities and hindering human capital development.

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    Furthermore, youth unemployment presents a pressing challenge. With a burgeoning youth population, job creation and skills development are imperative. Failure to address this issue not only curtails individual potential but also exacerbates social tensions and hampers overall progress.

    Addressing these multifaceted challenges demands a holistic approach. Initiatives aimed at eradicating corruption, bolstering institutions, and ensuring equitable resource distribution are crucial. Promoting diversification, investing in quality education, and fostering entrepreneurship can unlock the nation’s vast potential.

    Moreover, inclusivity in governance and policies that prioritize unity amidst diversity are paramount. Encouraging dialogue and collaboration among diverse ethnicities can pave the way for a more unified and prosperous Nigeria.

    However, progress requires collective action. Government commitment, private sector engagement, civil society involvement, and active citizenship are indispensable. It necessitates a shared vision and concerted efforts to overcome the entrenched barriers that impede Nigeria’s development.

    Despite the challenges, hope gleams on the horizon. Nigeria’s resilience, innovative spirit, and human capital serve as pillars of promise. By addressing these complexities with resolve and dedication, Nigeria can transcend its developmental challenges and chart a course toward a more prosperous and inclusive future for all its citizens.

    •Tijjani Bulama,

    Borno State University, Maiduguri.

  • Makinde: Gaining the people’s trust

    Makinde: Gaining the people’s trust

    By Remi Ladigbolu

    SIR: For a governor who has consistently shunned populism for pragmatism, it must have cost Governor Seyi Makinde so much hard work to score so highly on the card of overwhelming majority of Oyo State indigenes as shown in his indisputable victory in this year’s governorship election.  

    For once, the electorate in Oyo State left no one in doubt about their choice. Makinde’s electoral victory was a clear reward for his impactful and laudable achievements, and also an open endorsement of his government by an appreciative citizenry. 

    And his performance appears to be living up to the mark. In the latest edition of his bimonthly online newsletter, through which he keeps the citizens abreast of his activities, published on November 16, the governor spoke about a very important and instructive event deriving from his government’s 2019 demolition of the Organisation of Tadhamunul Muslimeen Central Mosque, (popularly called Adogba Central Mosque and considered an Islamic monument), in Iwo Road, Ibadan, in order to pave the way for the construction of a Mega Bus Terminal. 

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    At a meeting with the worshippers on October 18, 2019, which was called to intimate them of the government’s decision, Makinde pledged to reconstruct the mosque in another suitable location at his personal expense. And true to his promise, on November 16, the newly reconstructed mosque was inaugurated by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar, assisted by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola. 

    Speaking during the inauguration of the edifice, the governor took a trip down memory lane: “I went to the mosque and I worshipped with the Muslim Ummah. I told them that the mosque and the church around it will be demolished, because we have already put forward a roadmap for accelerated development, which means we had to focus on the development of our infrastructure. I understood the fact that there was trust deficit between the government and the people. So, before we even said anything, some people were already making insinuations…” 

    Without a doubt, this gesture by the governor will potentially reduce the long-established mutual mistrust between the government and the people. Not only was the mosque completed on time, it now boasts better structures and facilities.  

    In the area of infrastructure development, the governor has not been less open. In his November 16 newsletter, he spoke about his visit to Cairo, Egypt, on November 14, where he attended the Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF) 2023. He further revealed that his participation in the fair made it possible for his government to secure part of a N500 billion subnational loan facility. 

    Makinde disclosed that the loan facility would make it possible for the state government to continue with the construction of 110km economically strategic Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road and the Ibadan Airport runway expansion projects. These two landmark projects, in addition to the Independent Power Plants and the Dry Port being developed within the precinct of Moniya train station, are poised to create an industrial revolution in Oyo State, especially in the agro-allied sector, and re-establish Ibadan as the economic hub of the Southwest. 

    The state government is also delivering on its promise to develop a new business district around the rail corridor in Moniya with the take-off of the ‘Ilu Tuntun’ (New Town) project, while it’s much touted agro-industrial transformation has been signposted by the already bustling Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub in Oyo town, with others being developed in Eruwa and Ogbomoso. This is in addition to an array of completed projects and scores of others ongoing in all parts of the state. 

    Having done so much so far to gain the people’s trust, it behoves him to not allow himself to get carried away by the noise of sycophants. He should continue to subject his government’s decisions to the highest level of institutional scrutiny and guidance. No matter how well-meaning his intentions are, he should, as a matter duty, subordinate them to the regulation of systems and structures. And at whatever cost, he must remain open and accountable in the management of public resources.

    • Remi Ladigbolu, Lagos.

  • Ifeanyi Ubah: Common or uncommon defector?

    Ifeanyi Ubah: Common or uncommon defector?

    By Asikason Jonathan

    SIR: Latterly, there was a storm in the Anambra political teacup over Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Uba’s political future. Of all the buzz and burrs about the defection of Sen. Ifeanyi Uba (Anambra South) to APC, the reference to 2025 provokes the biggest eye roll.

    It raises the question: Is the extant occupant of Agu Awka in jitters?

    By Nigerian standards, Sen. Ubah acted true to form and thus it beggars belief why Governor Soludo is uncomfortable about it.

    However, in the gamut of the banters reeled out on the social media spaces by Soludo spin doctors and APGA’s lunatic fringe to caricature or perhaps gaslight Sen. Ubah’s defection, emphasis on APC as a definite no-no in Anambra — was the common denominator. 

    If Ifeanyi Ubah’s only sin is his new party, then he has no problem! “For there is nothing either good or bad,” Shakespeare famously wrote in Hamlet, “but thinking makes it so.” His point is that each experience presents an infinite number of interpretations. And so is Sen. Ubah’s defection.

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    No doubt, in Anambra, an average voter finds APC in a very poor taste and the reasons for that disinclination are not farfetched.  The party in its first test of political power sowed the seed of what has come to be considered in many quarters as the latterday anti-Igbo sentiment – some pundits call it “agenda.” Do you remember Buhari’s infamous 97-5 per cent allocation of values?  This is primarily the problem. It placed Ndigbo in direct opposition to the party and this crystallised in the arrest and continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kalu.

    However, this situation of no love lost between Ndigbo and APC is not cast in Zuma Rock. What Ndigbo demands is inclusion, mutual understanding,  respect and recognition.  No  Igbomam in APC has been able to drum these demands Ubah’s  spectacular performance in the 2023 general elections show that he is not a paperweight politician that can be easily written or pushed off. This explains why many politicians with gubernatorial ambition in the state are losing sleep about his defection.

    While there is no gainsaying about Ifeanyi Ubah being a big asset to APC — however, one question remains disturbing to date – is there anything like APC in Anambra?

    In the last election, one young, vibrant and beloved legislator from one of Nnewi’s constituencies who defected to APC joined the poll with an interesting mantra.  He argued during the electioneering that an election is all about personality and not political parties. But at the end of the day,  he was relegated to also-run by an unseeded candidate – which goes without saying that political parties are as important as personalities.

    The problem of APC in Anambra centered primarily on leadership and sentiment. The story of Any Ubah’s political harakiri in the last gubernatorial election is still fresh in our minds and perhaps an albatross on the shoulder of anybody inclined to take the responsibility of redeeming the party in the state. Nonetheless, a unifying figure like Ifeanyi Ubah has what it takes to sanitize the party brimming with politicians who are more interested in getting their share of the so-called national cake than emplacing the foundation upon which the party can thrive in the state.

    It is not surprising that APGA political stewarts are reading the political map of 2025 in 2023. They are not oblivious of the disenchantment running throughout the streets of Anambra. And to hold on to the reins, they must pull down any threat – real or imagined.

     Ubah should be fast and pragmatic about his future – with regard to 2025. He should start now by uniting the warring camps of Ngige, Uba, and Moghalu. And should invest more in grassroots reorientation campaign.  And with Valentine Ozigbo waiting patiently at the Labour aisle, the 2025 election will be a three-horse race that will give Soludo not much edge.

    Whichever side the pendulum swings, one thing is clear: APC shall not remain the same in Anambra. 

    • Asikason Jonathan, Enugwu-Ukwu, Anambra State.