The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Declining democracy: Who is responsible?

    Declining democracy: Who is responsible?

    By Tosin Afeniforo

    SIR: Nigeria’s democratic system has been facing severe criticism lately due to the country’s ongoing democratic struggles. Many people have blamed the politicians, judiciary, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the breakdown in the democratic process. However, it is crucial that every citizen of this great country takes a moment to reflect on their own responsibilities in this matter. We all must realize that we share the responsibility for the state of our democracy, and we must work towards improving it.

    Democracy is not a passive spectator sport; it requires active and informed participation from the people. The bedrock of every democracy is its people. However, how often have we failed to fulfil our responsibility to hold those in power accountable? How many times have we ignored corruption or sold our votes for a small sum, only to later complain about the state of the country?

    Read Also; Kano CTC: Judicial officers involved will be punished – NJC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) responsible for conducting free and fair elections is not impeccable. However, it reflects the society it serves. It is unreasonable to expect INEC to magically transform our elections into paragons of democracy if we continue to allow a culture of violence, voter intimidation, and election tampering. While it is easy to blame the referee when our team is losing, we should focus more on the players’ competence and the fairness of the game.

    There is a common belief that the judiciary is corrupt. However, it is important to note that the judiciary operates within the framework set by the community it serves. The foundation of the judiciary is at risk when we allow a culture of impunity to persist and overlook instances of power abuse and corruption. We all have a responsibility to demand transparency, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

    Politicians undeniably are largely responsible for the current state of our democracy. However, we must also acknowledge that they reflect our choices as voters. If we continue to vote for candidates solely based on their tribal or religious affiliations rather than their competency, we cannot expect them to prioritize the interests of the whole nation over their own personal agendas. Therefore, we need to be mindful of our choices and elect leaders who are deserving of the responsibility placed upon them.

    Democracy is a continuous process that does not end on election day. In fact, it requires the active engagement of an informed and vigilant citizenry. Voting is just one part of the process. To make informed decisions, we need to educate ourselves about the fundamentals of democracy and learn to hold our public officials accountable.

    We must create a culture of civic duty to build a robust democracy. This can be achieved by engaging in town hall meetings, participating in community development projects, respecting the rules of law, respecting human rights, and having productive discussions with our elected officials regularly. It is essential to challenge the status quo and demand transparency to improve society.

    Rather than pointing fingers at INEC, the judiciary, or politicians, let us take a proactive approach to our democracy. It is time for each of us to take responsibility and play an active role in shaping our country’s future. By recognizing our collective responsibility and participating in the democratic process, we can work towards building a Nigeria where justice, fairness, and accountability are at the forefront.

    • Tosin Afeniforo, IUSS Pavia, Italy.

  • Upholding quality of service in communications sector

    Upholding quality of service in communications sector

    Sir: The Nigerian telecommunications sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a modest network of fewer than 500,000 connected lines to a staggering 200 million over two decades. This growth serves as a testament to the country’s progress in the realm of connectivity and economic development.

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) continues to play a pivotal role as the regulator, placing paramount importance on ensuring the Quality of Service (QoS). It is sad to note that QoS was an issue at the beginning. By beginning, we are talking of the licensing of GSM operators and commencement of service in 2001 (for convenience we’ll ignore the NITEL years). QoS is still an issue today.

    QoS, in essence, encapsulates a comprehensive set of measures and standards aimed at delivering consistent and top-notch telecommunications services to end-users. It’s not just about providing connectivity; it’s about ensuring reliability, network performance, data speed, and an overall seamless user experience.

    The significance of QoS cannot be overstated. For consumers, it means experiencing uninterrupted connectivity, swift access to information, and seamless communication. Meeting these expectations directly influences customer satisfaction and loyalty. Beyond consumers, businesses benefit immensely from superior QoS, gaining a competitive edge, retaining customers, and building a positive brand reputation. Conversely, subpar QoS can lead to customer dissatisfaction and loss, affecting both consumers and businesses alike.

    Achieving superior QoS hinges on several key strategies. Continuous investment in robust infrastructure forms the backbone, ensuring reliable connections and network expansion. So far, over $76 billion has been invested in the sector in over 20 years. With the country’s landmass and huge population, it is crystal that much more investment is required to boost QoS. 

    In addition, embracing cutting-edge technologies like 5G, AI, and IoT can further enhance speed, capacity, and network efficiency. The regulator, NCC has a critical role to play in setting and enforcing QoS standards, ensuring service providers maintain a certain quality level. Experts concede that the regulator is doing what it can. It evidently is not enough. 

     So today, despite best efforts, challenges persist. Take network congestion. Network congestion during peak times poses a significant hurdle, necessitating innovative solutions like load balancing and network optimization.

    Moreover, stringent security measures are essential to protect against cyber threats and safeguard user privacy, both integral components of reliable services.

     There is also an urgent need for the protection of physical infrastructure and equipment. It is time to heed calls to classify telecommunications infrastructure across the country, as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). Telecommunications today are an indispensable asset in the quest for national development and economic growth, infrastructure that supports the provision of service must be kept safe.

    Read Also: NITDA, Communications Ministry urgedto extend AfDB project across 774 LGAs

    Moving forward, collaboration among telcos, regulators, and tech providers is vital to setting and achieving QoS benchmarks while fostering innovation. Continuous evaluation, feedback mechanisms, and adaptation to emerging technologies are crucial in meeting evolving consumer needs.

    In addition, establishing transparent reporting mechanisms and holding stakeholders accountable further enhances trust among consumers and regulators.

     It is equally important to make it easier for operators to lay cables and connect our communities. The era of unbridled quest to rip off telcos in the name of “right of way” fees by state governors must stop. Telecommunications infrastructure benefits all of us, providing connections that enable socio-economic transformation. It improves the quality of life of citizens.

     To the NCC, the commitment to QoS should be more than a mere directive; it should be viewed for what it is – a fundamental necessity. The new Executive Vice Chairman, (EVC), of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, must take this to heart.

     Undoubtedly, upholding high standards in telecommunications benefits consumers, businesses, and the industry at large. As technology advances and demands evolve, the pursuit of superior QoS remains crucial. It’s imperative to prioritize and elevate the quality of telecommunications services, and this endeavour requires a collective effort from all stakeholders.

    After all, the purpose of a product or service is utility – the satisfaction it brings to the consumer.

    • Elvis Eromosele, Lagos.
  • Legislative leadership and climate change

    Legislative leadership and climate change

    Sir: From legislations on how states are safeguarding the public’s interest while fostering responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation, to making laws that guide human and corporate activities on climate change, legislatures across different democratic climes have a responsibility to set legal basis for building a sustainable world. To provide legal and institutional backing for Nigeria’s climate-related programmes and actions, the Climate Change Act was signed into law in 2021, while the Nigerian de-carbonization strategy is presented in the Nigerian Energy Transition Plan which proposes a path for Nigeria to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

    Beyond these legal and policy-related instruments on climate action, legislative leadership is required to ensure a “just transition” that manages possible job losses, enable the use of natural gas as a transition fuel to support Nigeria’s long-term net zero aspirations, and improve access to modern energy services for everyone, including rural communities. 

    Legislating for the future of the planet starts with legislative commitments to building the new climate economy. To accelerate global action beyond series of conversations at climate change conferences, local and national legislatures must be more aggressive with constant and comprehensive actions on climate change.

    In legislative climes like Nigeria, legislators have a responsibility to understand that though Nigeria and other 53 African countries only contribute 4% to global greenhouse emissions at 1.45 billion tonnes, the continent is the most vulnerable to the effect of climate crisis.

    According to the International Rescue Committee, out of the 10 countries most vulnerable to climate disaster, seven are in Africa. The Lake Chad Basin for instance, which is home to 8% of the African continent and 42 million people whose livelihoods revolve around fishing, farming and pastoralism, has shrunk 90% in 60 years, reduced from 22902km2 in 1963 to 304 km2 in 2000 due to a significant contribution of climate change. In 2009, an estimated 6,000 gullies were destroying roads, highways, pipelines and houses across Nigeria.

    Beyond the Nairobi Africa Climate Summit 2023, Africa needs legislative leadership that boldly legislate on critical climate issues bedevilling African nations, leveraging the global de-carbonization agenda and agreements, expanding opportunities therewith to invest in novel enterprises and leapfrog existing development models, without resulting in the loss of jobs for petroleum exporters. This requires two crucial variables – legislating and designing targeted polices that place climate actions at the core of our short, medium and long-term development plans; and transformational legislative leadership interventions that strengthen institutional efficiency to drive implementation of climate action laws and policies, and oversighting quality project delivery across all tiers of governments.

    Read Also: SOF, Microsoft, others train journalists on climate change reporting

    Nigeria, for instance, has designed three important development plans since 2011 – Transformation Agenda, the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, and the Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability Plan, yet these development proposals have not been adequately implemented to deliver climate-related results.

    Perhaps, this speaks to the reality that legislating and leading climate action in a country like Nigeria comes with complex challenges that the legislature must navigate beyond politics to solve. With the oil sector accounting for seven percent of GDP, 89 percent of exports, and 80 percent of government revenue, and with a proven natural gas reserve that stands at more than 900 times its total oil reserve by volume, as the largest in Africa and the ninth largest in the world as at 2018, legislating and implementing some components of climate action in line with global green transition may pose a serious fiscal challenge and job loss that may worsen the current unemployment rate in Nigeria.

    Another challenge is on how to balance the heterogeneous and geographical variation in climate change impacts across different parts of the country, as the climate vulnerability in the semi-arid Sahel savanna in the north is different from the mangrove swamps and rain forests in the south. More importantly, the challenge of climate finance is fundamental – and the legislature has a huge role to play in ensuring transparent financial flows towards low-carbon and resilient development.

    • Ekpa, Stanley Ekpa, ekpastanleyekpa@gmail.com
  • Tomato farming: Nurturing the red gold of agriculture

    Tomato farming: Nurturing the red gold of agriculture

    Sir: In the vibrant tapestry of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, tomato farming emerges as a vital thread, woven into the fabric of the economy and culinary culture. The cultivation of tomatoes, locally referred to as “red gold,” resonates deeply within the agricultural practices of the country, offering both promise and challenges to those who till the soil.

    Nigeria’s diverse ecological zones, ranging from the Sahel savannah to the rainforest belt, provide an ideal canvas for tomato cultivation. States like Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Jigawa, and Katsina stand as bastions of tomato production, their fertile lands nurturing the growth of this crimson fruit. The versatility of tomatoes, used in diverse culinary delights and as a base for industrial products like paste and sauces, contributes significantly to its demand across the country.

    Amidst the promise lie challenges that tomato farmers grapple with relentlessly. The spectre of pests and diseases, led by the notorious tomato leaf miner and bacterial wilt, lurks over fields, threatening bountiful harvests. The battle against these adversaries demands innovative pest control measures and resilient crop varieties that can withstand nature’s onslaught.

    Read Also: Lagos farmers trained in tomatoes production

    The struggle doesn’t end with cultivation; the journey from farm to market is fraught with obstacles. Inadequate storage facilities and a faltering transportation network leave tomatoes vulnerable to spoilage, amplifying post-harvest losses and denting farmers’ earnings. Furthermore, the fluctuating market prices, dictated by seasonal variations and middlemen exploitation, often cast uncertainty on the financial prospects of tomato farmers.

    Despite these challenges, tomato farmers in Nigeria exhibit resilience, buoyed by government interventions and grassroots initiatives. Training programs that impart modern farming techniques, emphasize sustainable practices, and educate farmers on pest management strategies have empowered many cultivators. Government investments in infrastructure development, such as improved storage facilities and enhanced transportation networks, aim to curb post-harvest losses and ensure a smoother passage to market.

    Research and development initiatives, fostering collaborations between agricultural institutions and farmers, stand as beacons of hope. The quest for disease-resistant varieties and the exploration of innovative technologies symbolize the commitment to overcoming challenges and fostering a sustainable future for tomato farming in Nigeria.

    The red allure of tomatoes continues to beckon as a symbol of both challenge and promise for Nigerian farmers. Efforts to fortify the agricultural landscape against pests, diseases, and market fluctuations signify a united front in nurturing this prized crop.

    With perseverance and concerted efforts, the nation can witness a flourishing tomato industry, empowering farmers and enriching the nation’s agricultural tapestry with the vibrant hues of this “red gold.”

    • Khadija Muazu, Borno State University, Maiduguri.
  • Why Nigeria must avoid the fentanyl crisis

    Why Nigeria must avoid the fentanyl crisis

    • By Udechukwu Ikenna Valentine

    Sir: Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has gained notoriety in recent years due to its potent nature and its role as a catalyst for opioid crises. Originally developed for medical purposes to alleviate severe pain, fentanyl has increasingly found its way into the illicit drug market, leading to a surge in overdose deaths due to the inability of users to accurately gauge dosage and thus becoming a subject of public health concern. 

    Fentanyl is incredibly potent, with 1mg having the same potency as 50mg of heroin, 67mg of oxycodone and 100mg of morphine. According to the American DEA (US version of Nigeria’s NDLEA), only 2mg of fentanyl can be lethal, depending on the person’s body size, past usage, and tolerance. Just 1kg of fentanyl can potentially kill 500,000 individuals. 

    Studies in America have identified fentanyl as the primary culprit in an alarming 52.7% of all overdose deaths. Similarly, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that fentanyl is the leading cause of the 93,000 deaths recorded in 2020 in the United States. 

    Fentanyl is particularly dangerous when used in non-medical settings, as users may inadvertently consume lethal doses, leading to respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, and death. Its presence in the illicit drug market has raised alarm across the world, from West to East.

    Every country with a responsible government has been on the lookout for fentanyl red flags and is striving to control its circulation and prevent its abuse. When NDLEA put out a public notice about fentanyl in 2022, it was an indication that the agency was performing its watchdog duties effectively. When its operatives arrested a couple of Onitsha market traders in May and also busted a Warri drug gang in July, from whom caches of the deadly opioid were confiscated, it was a wake-up call for Nigerians. 

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    Without mincing words, the consequence of abuse of fentanyl on a large scale is frightening and therefore, it must be kept out of the illicit market in Nigeria by all means. 

    It must be said, however, that curbing the spread of fentanyl and the broader opioid crisis requires a multifaceted approach.

    Prevention efforts include education and awareness about the risks of opioid abuse, promoting responsible prescribing practices among healthcare providers, and implementing stricter regulations to reduce the availability of illicit opioids.

    The effort of NDLEA so far has been commendable.

    There is no denying the fact that a robust synergy among the relevant regulatory bodies, and most importantly, the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) and NAFDAC, will help to keep the public safe from the scourge of fentanyl.  

    These relevant bodies should have a strategic policy and campaign to keep fentanyl out of the Nigerian market. 

    •Udechukwu Ikenna Valentine,

    Owerri, Imo State.

  • A timely reminder to our lawmakers

    A timely reminder to our lawmakers

    • By Remi Adeleke

    Sir: The law-making chamber is to the democratic order what the heart is to the human body. If the chamber is malfunctioning, the democracy is on the verge of collapsing. To ensure that our democracy does not collapse, the need to remind or sensitize the lawmakers to their statutory responsibility cannot be overemphasized.

    Is it not preposterous to hear a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria argue that there is nothing wrong in engaging in crass profligacy of purchasing N160m SUV cars simply because the ministers have six cars in their fleet, three of which could be Land cruisers? Another senator argued that its only N160m SUV car that can ply the bad roads to his senatorial district and appropriate for oversight function.

    Honestly, if these are the lawmakers we have to check the excesses of other arms of government, are we not in trouble?

    How can a public officer buy official car of N160m at a time over 60% of Nigerians are multi-dimensionally poor? This was the situation preceding the era of subsidy removal. Nigerians are still groaning under the excruciating pains of subsidy removal as many have parked their cars including senior management officers of federal civil service; many have been laid off especially in the private sector. Exodus of medical doctors  to other countries due to poor renumeration and under equipped health facilities are ongoing; millions of unemployed youths, the ones employed in the public sector are being paid with  loans borrowed from other countries, bad roads nationwide, industries folding up due to poor infrastructure, national debt in tune of N87 trillion.

    Yet, politicians,  some who have never in their lifetime driven cars of N5million want to drive a car of N160m. Haba! There is God ooo! It is dangerous for politicians to keep taking Nigerians simplicity and docility for granted.

     Politics is not where you go to enrich yourself, friends, cronies, and relatives. You go into politics to serve the people, to deliver dividends of democracy that would bring about remarkable differences in terms of significant improvement in the social and material well-being of the people. You go into politics to prove that you can serve the people better than those that were hitherto in power, not to amass wealth or live an ostentatious life at the expense of the people. That parliamentarians have power to appropriate does not mean they should appropriate so much to themselves to the detriment of other Nigerians.

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    The national interest and the future of the nation should dominate the consideration in the approval of any request/proposal from the executive arm of government. The way and manner the NASS approves the request for loans from the executive without proper scrutiny is not only a retardation in democratic order, but also antithetical to democratic norms.

    In this democratic journey, only politicians seem to be enjoying democratic dividends as the gaps between the leaders and the led is getting horrendously wider by the day. In tune with the present economic reality, while the the people are being asked to sacrifice and tighten their belt, in same socio-economic milieu, the politicians are living large. What a paradox!

    Our parliamentarians should in the interest of the nation put on their garb of compassion. They should shelve the idea of SUV cars of N160M and opt for locally assembled cars in the range of N20m to 30m to conserve foreign exchange.

    Purchase of NI60m cars at these times of economic doldrum by politicians portends insensitivity and indifference to plight  of Nigerians. This could equally erode the moral right of the of the parliamentarians in checking the profligacy or excesses of the other arms of government.

    Shelving the ideas of purchasing SUV cars for less expensive cars that reflects the present economic reality could buoy the waning respect the public have for the parliamentarians and  stem the embarrassing and increasing cases of refusal to honor the parliamentarians on invitation to appear before the National Assembly.

    •Remi Adeleke,

     Suleja, Niger State.

  • Of demolitions without compensation

    Of demolitions without compensation

    • By Samuel Jekeli

    Sir: In the sprawling urban landscapes of Nigeria, where progress often clashes with the rights of its citizens, a pervasive issue plagues the lives of countless individuals – demolitions without compensation. While development is essential for the growth of any nation, the pains inflicted on citizens who fall victim to these demolitions without adequate compensation are often overlooked.

    Demolitions without compensation have become synonymous with displacement, loss, and despair. Families who have called a place home for generations suddenly find themselves on the streets, watching helplessly as bulldozers reduce their homes to rubble. These demolitions, often carried out in the name of urban development or infrastructure projects, disregard the basic human right to shelter.

    The immediate consequences are devastating. Families are left without shelter, belongings, and, in many cases, any means of livelihood. Children are forced to abandon their schools, disrupting their education and jeopardizing their future. The elderly, who should be enjoying the fruits of their labour in the comfort of their homes, are left vulnerable and destitute. The toll on mental health is immeasurable, as the trauma of losing one’s home and security can have long-lasting effects.

    One of the fundamental issues exacerbating the problem is the lack of a comprehensive legal framework to protect the rights of citizens facing demolition. While some legal provisions exist, their enforcement is often lax, and loopholes allow abuse. In many cases, citizens are not adequately informed about impending demolitions or are given insufficient time to make alternative arrangements.

    Compensation, when promised, is frequently inadequate and fails to cover the full extent of the loss. The bureaucratic hurdles in claiming compensation further contributes to the agony of those affected. The absence of an efficient and transparent system for compensation leaves citizens at the mercy of unscrupulous practices and amplifies the injustice they face.

    Beyond the immediate personal suffering, demolitions without compensation have far-reaching economic consequences. Small businesses, often the backbone of local economies, are decimated. Markets, shops, and enterprises that were once thriving hubs of economic activity are reduced to debris, leaving business owners without income and employees without jobs.

    The ripple effect extends to the broader community as well. The loss of economic stability in one area can contribute to a cycle of poverty, creating a domino effect that hampers the overall development of the region. The lack of foresight in urban planning and the failure to consider the socio-economic impact of demolitions perpetuate a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break.

    Read Also: 2024 budget: Katsina govt allocates 20% to water, education sectors – Commissioner

    Addressing the pains caused by demolitions without compensation requires a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, there is an urgent need for a robust legal framework that safeguards the rights of citizens facing demolition. This framework should ensure proper notification, adequate compensation, and a transparent process for citizens to claim entitlements.

    Government agencies responsible for urban development must prioritize community engagement and consult with affected citizens before embarking on demolition projects. This proactive approach can help identify alternative solutions that minimize the impact on residents and their livelihoods.

    Civil society organizations and the media play a crucial role in amplifying the voices of those affected and holding authorities accountable. By raising awareness about the consequences of demolitions without compensation, these entities can build public pressure for policy reforms and better enforcement of existing regulations.

    Demolitions without compensation are not just about physical structures being razed; they represent the dismantling of lives, dreams, and communities. The pains inflicted on citizens who fall victim to these demolitions are a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive legal reforms and ethical urban planning. As Nigeria strives for progress, it is crucial to ensure that the journey includes the well-being and dignity of every citizen, leaving no one behind in the shadows of development

    •Samuel Jekeli,

    Centre for Social Justice, Abuja.

  • Nigeria and the plight of containerism

    Nigeria and the plight of containerism

    By Ganiu Bamgbose

    SIR: You will not find “containerism” in any English dictionary. I wanted a strange word for the strange situation I wish to describe. 

    Containerism is any situation where container (the package of a product) takes glorification over content (the actual product). It is the preference for that which sells over that which serves. It is the mind-set that boycotts pain to arrive at gain. Containerism places impression over expression and takes story out of glory.

    It is worrisome how parents who know nothing about what their children engage in welcome such children warmly when they return with unexplainable and undefendable riches and wealth. Many parents grew at a time you must not come home with an ill-gotten wealth, but it matters no more; just come home with the bags. 

    Containerism also has its manifestation in the educational sector. Starting with secondary schools, it is now the norm for private schools to advertise themselves on print and electronic media with the number of distinctions they are capable of making students get in external examinations.

     “Do you want your child to get seven A’s at a sitting? Search no more!”

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    This is what many schools pride themselves in. One wonders how this becomes a statement of value upon which young people are to be moulded.

    Now at tertiary institutions of learning, the gist of every convocation ceremony is always the number of first class students the universities are graduating. It does not seem to matter any longer if these are first class brains; let there “sha” be first class and yearly there are. What happens with universities priding themselves in students’ innovations and interventions in different fields? This does not seem to matter so much like the A4 paper which passes an unmeasurable judgement of excellence. If these A’s and First Class(es) are as they are so presented, should this not be evident in the country’s level of development?

    Shall we also ask what the many researches and publications by academics do for the country? Definitely nothing commensurate to output. 

    It is not any different in the political sector. The quality of manifestoes is determined by the availability of money to support its motion. In fact, thou shall not aspire if your account cannot explode like wildfire. Money answereth electoral calls in the country.

    It is my submission that until we begin to take the subject of integrity seriously and until we stop underplaying content for container, containerism will continue to hinder genuine development in the country. Everyone is a stakeholder; everyone has a role to play. We all must live beyond mediocrity to guarantee individual and national prosperity.

    • Ganiu Bamgbose, PhD, Lagos State University, Ojo.

  • When a court makes an error in a judgment or order

    When a court makes an error in a judgment or order

    By Jerry Obanyero

    SIR: There have been debates and questions among political players in Nigeria about whether a court can make an error or mistake in a judgment. This debate was sparked by the statement released by the Appeal Court, which claimed that the Certified True Copy [CTC] of the judgment that gave victory to the embattled governor of Kano State was a clerical error.

    In law, a doctrine called the ‘Slip Rule’ acknowledges that judges, being humans, are susceptible to making mistakes when writing or delivering a judgment. This doctrine is inherited from Britain. The Supreme Court case of GANO v THE STATE 1968 LPELR 25436 SC, is the locus classicus case of this matter in Nigeria.

    The Court in ENTERPRISES BANK LIMITED v. DEACONESS FLORENCE BOSE AROSO & ORS (2011) LPELR-24720 (SC) defines a Slip Rule as ‘an accidental slip or omission, such as clerical mistakes made in a judgement or order, that is capable of being amended, sometimes without notice to the other party’. It is the Court’s inherent power to vary its judgement or order when necessary to carry out its own meaning or make meaning plain. See, OLUROTIMI V. IGE (1993) 8 NWLR (PT. 311) 257 AT 274.

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    Once a Court delivers its judgement, it becomes ‘functus officio’, which means the court’s duty has come to an end as far as that matter is concerned. However, the doctrine of the Slip Rule is an exception to this, allowing the Court to make corrections for mistakes or clerical errors made in its judgement.

    The Slip Rule applies to various types of errors or mistakes, such as misspellings, mispronunciations, incorrect dates, mathematical errors, differences between the judgement signed and the judgement intended to sign, and so on. However, the Court should only apply the Slip Rule when the justice of the case demands it, and there will not be a miscarriage of justice. Matters relating to facts or law in judgement do not fall within the doctrine of the Slip Rule and, therefore, cannot be changed.

    The Court can Suo moto, that is, on its own, correct any mistake it makes. Additionally, any party to the suit, whether the claimant or defendant, can ask that the Court correct its mistakes under the Slip Rule. Any application by the party to the suit will have to be through Motion on Notice.

    In MILSON V. CARTER (1893) AC 638 OBSERVED AT PAGE 639-640, the Respondent brought an application asking the Court for an order for the Appellant to pay the cost of and incidental to the appeal. The Court considered that an error in judgement for which it blamed the registrar of the Supreme Court and even the Respondent. The Kano governor’s case may fall within this category. If that is the case, it is the opinion of this writer that the Supreme Court may hold that the Appeal Court made a mistake and uphold its earlier decision that sacked the governor from office.

    • Jerry Obanyero, jerryobanyero@gmail.com

  • In the spirit of leadership

    In the spirit of leadership

    SIR: With great opportunity, comes great responsibility. Leadership is a sacerdotal responsibility that demands a purity of purpose, clarity of mind, unwavering of discipline, a catalogue of abilities, and a fistful of audacity. It demands deliberateness and conscientiousness in the management of public trust. And beyond good intentions, leadership is a maze where the pluck of personal example is lodestar.

    The Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is walking the talk. It is demonstrating that with the audacity of vision, leadership can turn possibilities into actualities. Naturally, leadership needs to show a ground-plan out of a quandary of command rudderlessness. It needs to set the pace and mobilise consciences for its vision and plan. It needs to begin. The administration began the rallying for its vision long before it began.

    Long before the inauguration of the administration, a policy advisory council was set up to distil, ideate, iterate, and harmonise policy options across all sectors in line with the Renewed Hope manifesto. Sufficient effort went into the groundwork, and now a framing of the architecture.

    There is purposefulness and design in the conduct of government business. There is also gravitas and dispatch in the management of government responsibility. The administration has been very attentive and responsive to the critical needs of citizens, acknowledging the weight of the challenges and the urgency of the moment.

    For instance, within a few weeks, the Nigeria Immigration Service cleared a backlog of 204,332 passports that were outstanding for production. This was possible owing to the efforts of the Ministry of Interior. Today, Nigerians, even those abroad, can apply for new passports, get captured, and receive their documents in record time. The ministry is also on a prison decongestion pursuit, with over 4,000 inmates, who were unable to pay fines, released. The fervour, zeal, and dedication of the Tinubu administration. There is more to be done, but there is a nudge forward.

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    In the mining sector, there is movement and there is headway. This sector had been the subject of controversies over illegal mining activities and insecurity. But all of that is changing. The sector is witnessing operational adjustments and shift for performance as well as an uptick in investment interests. The ministry of solid minerals recently launched the revised guidelines for Community Development Agreement (CDA). This is to create a salubrious biome for mining. Also, the Mining Cadastral Office initiated a revocation process for 2,213 titles including exploration titles, small-scale mining licences, quarry licences, and mining leases. The revocation followed a 30-day notice period which expired on November 10 – with only 580 title holders settling their debts, leading to the recommendation to revoke 1,633 mineral titles. It is no longer the quotidian pattern of business in these parts.

    This sense of urgency, enterprise, and resoluteness in response to the demands of the times runs through the operational arteries of the administration, and visible across other sectors – aviation, trade and investment, finance, agriculture, security, etc. It is a performance and goal-driven leadership. Possibilities can become actualities.

    Transparency is a vital ingredient of leadership. Earning the people’s trust and keeping it requires a good measure of transparency and honesty. And this the administration is sustaining.

    There is no obfuscation of facts and needless trafficking of propaganda. The Nigerian people are the top factors of the leadership. Communication is unvarnished – without sizzles or tizzles.

    This defining quality of sincerity can be seen in the management of issues relating to labour strikes, petrol subsidy removal, the economy, and others.

    Recently, the federal government announced the suspension of the automatic deduction of 40 percent from the internally generated revenues of federal universities, following a fusillade of concerns by citizens and stakeholders.

    “The 40 percent IGR automatic deduction policy stands cancelled. This is not the best time for such a policy since our universities are struggling,” this was a statement of attunement and of leadership.

    Nigerians are the top priority in this new spirit of leadership. They are the principal interest and fundamental components of decision-making.

    It is all in service to Nigeria and in the spirit of leadership — with grit, empathy, prescience, probity, and example.

    • Fredrick Nwabufo, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement, Abuja.