The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • How trees save life and property from flooding

    How trees save life and property from flooding

    Sir :Climate change is undeniably one of the greatest challenges of our time, leading to more frequent and severe weather events, including flooding. As global temperatures rise, so do sea levels and the risk of extreme rainfall. In the face of this growing threat, it’s essential to recognize the vital role that trees play in mitigating the impact of flooding on human lives. Often overshadowed by high-tech solutions and massive flood control infrastructure, trees act as unsung heroes in our battle against climate change.

    One of the most direct ways trees protect against flooding is by serving as natural barriers. The roots of trees help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, reducing the chances of landslides and flash floods. Trees absorb excess water from the soil, slowing down the flow of water during heavy rainfall, which is particularly crucial in urban areas where concrete and asphalt dominate. Their canopies also intercept rain, reducing surface runoff. All of these actions contribute to decreased flood risks.

    The ability of trees to absorb water is nothing short of remarkable. A mature tree can absorb several hundred gallons of water during a heavy rainstorm, preventing this water from flowing into streets, rivers, and homes. By slowing the movement of water, trees give storm water management systems more time to cope with excessive runoff. This natural process helps avoid flash floods and reduces the burden on drainage infrastructure, ultimately sparing human lives and property from harm.

    Trees play an essential role in regulating the flow of rivers and streams. By controlling the rate at which water is released into water bodies, they help prevent riverbanks from bursting and flooding adjacent areas. Additionally, the presence of trees along riverbanks and watersheds can reduce the severity of downstream flooding by trapping and slowing the progression of floodwaters. This regulation of river flow is especially critical in densely populated regions prone to seasonal flooding.

    Healthy soil is crucial for water infiltration and retention. Trees, through their root systems, promote soil health and stability. Their roots help create channels in the soil that allow water to penetrate deeper, reducing surface runoff. The organic matter shed by trees, such as fallen leaves and branches, enriches the soil, enhancing its ability to absorb and retain water. This improved soil health, in turn, mitigates the risk of flash flooding and minimizes the disruption to communities.

    Read Also: Rice farmers worried over predicted flooding, pest attacks

    Trees contribute to a healthier environment, which indirectly helps in flood mitigation. Improved air quality, thanks to the oxygen released by trees, reduces the prevalence of respiratory illnesses in communities. A healthy population is better equipped to cope with and respond to the effects of flooding. Moreover, cleaner air can reduce the strain on healthcare systems during and after flood events, preserving valuable resources and human lives.

    It’s important to note that trees also combat climate change itself. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, one of the key greenhouse gases responsible for global warming. As they grow, trees lock away carbon in their biomass and the soil. By reducing carbon emissions, trees help mitigate climate change, which, in turn, reduces the intensity of rainfall and the risk of more frequent and severe flooding.

     The benefits of trees extend beyond their environmental functions. Trees in urban areas improve the overall quality of life for residents. The presence of trees can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. In the aftermath of flooding events, communities with abundant green spaces and tree cover are better equipped to cope with the emotional toll and trauma. Thus, trees indirectly save lives by promoting mental well-being.

    It is imperative that we recognize and celebrate these unsung heroes in our battle against climate change and its associated risks. Protecting and preserving our forests and urban green spaces is not just an environmental concern but a matter of public health and safety. As we continue to confront the challenges of a changing climate, let us remember that the trees standing tall around us are not just symbols of nature’s beauty but also guardians of our well-being and survival.

    • Samuel Jekeli, Centre for Social Justice, Abuja.
  • PND restriction that should not have been 

    PND restriction that should not have been 

    Sir:  On July 27, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), directed deposit money banks (DMBs) to vacate the Post-No-Debit restriction placed on 440 individuals and corporate account holders. This order, which came on the heels of the suspension of the former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, is seen by many stakeholders as a sign of a new dawn in the operations of the apex bank under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    PND is a restriction on an account which stops an account holder from carrying out debit card transactions, money transfer out of the account, and check transactions. When an account is placed on Post No Debit, it means that funds can flow into the account, but there can be no withdrawals.

    The rationale behind implementing “Post No Debit” can vary, and it is often introduced as a protective measure by banks and financial institutions in response to potential risks associated with the account or account holder. Common reasons for its implementation include suspected fraudulent activities, irregularities in transactions, account disputes, court orders, or concerns over the account’s solvency.

    It is a global phenomenon to freeze any account that is suspected to be used for illegal inflow or outflows or if an account holder is a debtor who fails to pay their debts as when due, a creditor may obtain a court order to stop the debtor from making a further withdrawal from their account balance.

    In 2020, without a court order, some companies in the non-financial sector had a PND placed on their accounts for sourcing foreign exchange from non-official sources or the black market. Some exporters were also victims for the failure to repatriate foreign currency proceeds.

    In the case of the exporters, it was unreasonable to repatriate their dollar earnings to be sold at the exchange rate of N461/$ in the I&E forex window which was 62 percent lower than what could be obtained in the parallel market at N750/$. This means the CBN is telling these exporters to lose 62 percent of their revenues in naira terms.

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    Realising its mistake, the CBN introduced a scheme that now compensated exporters N25/$ for every dollar they repatriated.

    The consequences of these sudden and unlawful sanctions on the accounts of individuals and businesses are devastating. Many struggled to go about their everyday business and to meet obligations. Some companies could not pay salaries to staff and settle invoices to suppliers as and when due. Experts say this kind of action harms the entire economy by destroying commerce and employment.

    Weighing in on the issue, Professor Godwin Oyedokun of Lead City University, Ibadan, said it was an economic suicide to have placed such restrictions on those accounts at the time it was done knowing the fragile nature of the Nigerian economy. He said it is possible many of the companies whose accounts were placed on PND have closed shop as they could not meet their obligations.

     “I am glad that some reforms are already taking place at the Central Bank of Nigeria at least to bring it to the point where it will respect the laws of the land. How can you place PND on an account for two years, three years, when the law says not more than 90 days?” he was quoted to have said

    He said it is a good thing that the restrictions have been lifted adding that the monies saved in the accounts those many months will now form part of money supply to the economy that will stimulate more economic activities for economic growth.

    He also advised the victims of the restriction to demand for interest on their money as it has turned out that the restriction was not because of any wrong doing.

    Reversing the PND restrictions is certainly a timely intervention for the affected companies and individuals given the current challenging economic environment. The easing of the PND restriction means a new lease of life as the affected individuals and institutions can now access funds to better support their operations and stakeholders. The economy should also receive a boost in the form of better output, spending and employment. Domiciliary accounts with restrictions that have now been lifted could potentially support better forex liquidity, no matter how little.”

    • Kelvin Gilbert, Abuja.
  • Exclusion of 43 items: Whose dollar?

    Exclusion of 43 items: Whose dollar?

    Sir: Nigerians have been discussing the unbanning of 41-turned-43 items with hyperbolic venom quite similar to its obnoxious ban as if the country has no constitution or that the operators of our economy are from mars or Jupiter.

    As the hawks gather to shoot down this laudable move by the new CBN management, one critical question is whose dollar are we sharing in isolation and in utter discrimination of some economic actors? The other is, how have we fared since the ban in 2015 in terms of pricing and inflation? The third is, what do we stand to lose with the ban removal?

    Let me start with the last: Nigeria has nothing to lose with the unbanning of those inputs from forex. But has so much to gain in terms of more revenue accruing to the country in forms of import duty payment, VAT and other taxes. Secondly, direct and indirect jobs will be created as most of the items are inputs to production. Thirdly, Prices will drop in view of engendered competition which will positively impact demand and supply. 

     Comparatively, prices have soared since enactment of the ban for several factors ranging from monopoly to inflation due primarily to forces of demand and supply. In specific term for instance, cement which sold for N1,500 per bag before the ban now sells for N5,500. In addition, the nation lost so much revenue for circuiting supply. It is on record that members of Cement Producers Association of Nigeria, CEPAN, generated over N50billion in terms of revenue to customs and another N13billion investment in technology funds. Paradoxically, clinker, gypsum, cement and other raw materials are mere inputs to production of ordinary Portland cement, and veritable pathway to various backward integration programs and greenfield projects. This has been the policy, and the discussion can be expanded into the Atlantic Ocean. What it means is that local investment in production was lost, jobs were lost, factories were shut down,  revenue lost, only pricing gained by going out of the reach of the common man.

    On the first question, “whose dollar?”. 

    Under our laws, discrimination against citizens is a serious crime. That we have allowed our country to run on wheels of impunity, discrimination, favouritism and lawlessness is unfortunate and must be discontinued. 

     The CBN should be commended for taking this bold step. The action is not intended to encourage imports as being misinterpreted, but to empty genuine requests of the greenback into one legitimate basket and legitimate market. It is the surest path to backward integration. 

    • Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba, CEPAN, Lagos.
  • Rebuilding Benue for posterity

    Rebuilding Benue for posterity

    • By Loverty Ter Maikyur

    Sir: A reflection on recent developments in Benue State reveals gravitation towards issues that have held us backwards and rendered us more vulnerable to underdevelopment.

    One of such issues is the pull him down syndrome which is being used as a weapon of destruction against prominent people in strategic leadership positions.

    All patriotic Benue sons and daughters must rise up to condemn in strong terms the unfolding malaise of an imaginary rift between the current  Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the incumbent  Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia which  is an evil merchandise orchestrated  by  saboteurs who feed on political crisis.

    It should be noted that the two leaders mentioned above belong to one big political family which in the present dispensation also controls the federal and majority of state governments.

    They currently hold specific separate mandates that require synergy and complimentary partnership in order to deliver on popular aspirations of particularly the Benue people.

    It is therefore inconceivable that some will perpetrate hate and hostilities between the two great leaders given that Benue will benefit more if their union is further consolidated.

    Senator Akume has remained in public life for close to three decades serving in different power stations. Within this period, he has demonstrated the capacity of a dynamic leader through critical roles which he has played in the governorship succession as well as other elective and appointive positions in our dear state, particularly from 2007 to date.

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    Indeed, his elevation to national service has lifted him beyond the state for close to 17 years as senator, minister, and currently as Secretary to Government of the Federation where he is visibly committed to delivering the mandate as prescribed by the Tinubu Presidency.

    Similarly, Reverend Father Doctor Alia has a specific current mandate of four years to deliver on expectations of the Benue people who massively voted him into office as their governor.

    I join patriots to call on detractors to allow the two leaders concentrate on their respective mandates for our collective benefits. I enjoin all Benue sons and daughters to rally round these leaders instead of encouraging embers of disunity and enmity.

    The enviable position of SGF was graciously given to our leader through the benevolence of our dear president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Let us show solidarity in appreciation of this noble gift with a cessation of all the thriving animosities within our ranks.

    I call on our traditional rulers, religious leaders, elder statesmen, women and youths to support a new revolution for a modern and united Benue.

    •Loverty Ter Maikyur,

    Abuja

  • Let’s have ‘Real Housewives of Ajegunle’

    Let’s have ‘Real Housewives of Ajegunle’

    • By Tony Ogunlowo

    Sir: I’m not a big fan of reality TV programmes: the original concept of showcasing the lives of ordinary people has been lost in a maelstrom of faceless (- and often talentless) wannabes acting out badly written scripts in an effort to boost ratings and get their 15 minutes of fame.

    ‘Big Brother’ started out as a social experiment and now has become the ‘must-be-on’ show; the Kardashian clan would probably be waiting tables, working check-outs or standing at street corners in skimpy outfits – at night – if it wasn’t for ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ and many ‘blink-and-you’ll-miss-them’ celebrities would still be hustling from out of their humble hovels.

    And now we have the ‘Real Housewives of Lagos’ copying a format that has been rolled out in nearly every major city of America, supposedly showcasing the lives of ‘ordinary’ successful housewives.

    Don’t get me wrong! I’m not anti-reality TV especially if it’s dished out in reasonable watchable portions, so it doesn’t scramble the brain, and not rammed down our throats 24/7.  Reality TV nowadays is over the top and getting beyond the ridiculous. And sadly its given birth to a huge following of die-hard fans who hang on to everything the stars say and do, following them on every social media portal known to mankind. Again, there’s nothing wrong in following somebody on social media but are they really proper role models?

    Now back to the ‘Real Housewives of Lagos’: a colleague dropped me a link to the trailer and some previews and asked for my opinion.

    Now I have lived in Lagos and I do know what a real housewife looks like: hard-working, caring and down to earth. So, you can imagine my surprise when a bunch of pretentious, over-privileged, over-dressed women with inch-long fingernails and fake accents parade themselves as the ‘Real Housewives of Lagos’. In the real world, none of them would last five minutes in a home or a kitchen, that’s if they even know how to cook! I know it makes for good entertainment but when the ‘acting’ is over the top, ridiculous make-believe cat-fights which often spill on to social media, flaunting wealth that would put even Dangote to shame then its time to switch off the telly. This is not how real housewives act and live.

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    Now if you want a great reality TV show, I propose the ‘Real Housewives of Ajegunle’: the acting will be real as they are the real salt-of-the-earth people where you’ll have Mama-Mulika waking up in her face-me-I-face-you room and parlour at the crack of dawn eefing and blinding at her lazy husband still in bed, dressing up and feeding her kids before shoving them out of the door for school. Not forgetting the punch-up for who gets to use the sole bathroom first: no catfights here for it’ll be the Real Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury thing.

    The gossip will be equally interesting: who is sleeping with somebody else’s husband, who stole meat from somebody’s cooking pot, who votes APC and who votes PDP, who has a side chick and who’s using dubious means to make money.

    And then there’s transportation to talk about. No flashy chauffeur driven SUV or Rolls Royce or jaunts to Dubai or Paris flying first class on Emirates. Out of the house and out and about in Ajegunle it’s a ride in a danfo, BRT, keke napeb or a bumpy ride on an okada or if you can get a cowry card you can ride the Blue Line to Marina.

    Fancy dinner is at a Mama-put with more flies buzzing around than in a pit latrine and a drink with friends will be at a beer parlour, with lots of area boys and other undesirables for company and not some swish Lekki night club. Couple that up with the high cost of living where your minimum wage Naira can’t even buy a box of tomatoes. Forget about flashing  Dollars or Euros for a facial.

    So, if you want a real proper reality TV show with ‘real’ people bring on the ‘Real Housewives of Ajegunle’.

    The ratings will go through the roof!

    •Tony Ogunlowo,

    archangel641@gmail.com>

  • Japa syndrome: Unleashing Nigeria’s hidden assets abroad

    Japa syndrome: Unleashing Nigeria’s hidden assets abroad

    Sir: Migration, the movement of people from one place to another, typically involving a change in residence or location, is on the rise globally. Global migration, however, is a complex and multifaceted trend influenced by various factors including economic opportunities, family reunification, environmental factors, conflict, or the pursuit of a better quality of life. Studies show that it is a fundamental aspect of human history and continues to play a significant role in shaping societies and economies around the world. 

    The World Migration Report reveals that there were around 281 million international migrants in 2021—that’s a 27 per cent increase compared to figures from just over a decade earlier (2010) when there were 221 million migrants who’d crossed international borders. The rise in recent decades is largely driven by factors such as globalization, increased connectivity, and disparities in economic opportunities between countries. 

    Nigeria is not immune from this trend. In fact, in recent years, Nigeria has witnessed this profound and evolving phenomenon. It has even carved a tag for it “Japa Syndrome.” This term which is today slowly becoming part of the nation’s lexicon, refers to the growing trend of young Nigerian professionals, full of potential and ambition, choosing to pursue careers and opportunities abroad. While this outward migration might raise concerns about brain drain, a closer look indicates that the “Japa Syndrome” holds the potential for a myriad of long-term benefits for the country. 

    What Nigeria needs to do is explore these advantages and consider how to optimize this trend. 

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    Now the departure of young, talented professionals might initially seem like a loss for Nigeria, but it can be viewed through a different lens – as a brain gain for the nation. Many of these professionals, armed with world-class education and global experience, will eventually return with a wealth of knowledge, networks, and resources that can significantly contribute to the development of their home country.

    To optimize this trend and possibly harness its benefits, Nigeria needs to establish robust networks and incentives for its diaspora. Initiatives like the Nigerian Professionals Abroad (NPA) program can actively engage with the diaspora, tapping into their expertise and fostering a sense of belonging, even from afar. Investment opportunities in Nigeria should be made more accessible, and the government should streamline the process of doing business in the country. This way, returning professionals can more easily participate in the nation’s growth.

    In addition, it is important for those contemplating the journey abroad, to prepare appropriately and properly. Language skills, cultural awareness, and a strong educational foundation can be invaluable assets. Additionally, understanding the immigration process, job market, and cost of living in the chosen destination is crucial. Moreover, building a support system and networking with other Nigerians already abroad can make the transition smoother.

    The recent heart breaking story of a Nigerian lady, Sylvia Obianuju Chikwendu on TikTok, who wept profusely as she recounted the loneliness she has been enduring since her relocation to Canada is cause for concern and a lesson. 

    The truth is that the “Japa Syndrome” reflects a dynamic shift in Nigeria’s global position. As young professionals take their skills abroad, they are not just fulfilling personal aspirations but also sowing the seeds for the nation’s future growth. 

    It is clear that with careful planning, the right policies, and proactive measures to engage the diaspora, Nigeria can ensure that the “Japa Syndrome” leads to a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow. This trend is not just about leaving home; it’s about creating a bridge that connects Nigerians across the globe, ultimately returning with a wealth of knowledge and experience to elevate the nation to new heights.

    This is our hope and prayer. It now needs to become policy. 

    • Elvis Eromosele, elviseroms@gmail.com
  • Ifeanyi Ubah’s defection and Ndigbo

    Ifeanyi Ubah’s defection and Ndigbo

    Sir: Defection by politicians from one political party to another has become a common feature in Nigeria’s political landscape since the beginning of the 4th Republic. It gained so much traction that it was a source of worry for parties who lose their heavyweights to rival parties just at the drop of a hat.

    Senator Ifeanyi Ubah is the latest to be caught in the web of defections afflicting our political space. The oil magnate and consummate industrialist is one man who has the drive to succeed in whatever he sets his heart to do. His love for the Igbo, his race, is incontrovertible and unflawed. He has demonstrated his unbridled commitment to the Igbo cause in several ways more than many Igbo billionaires in his class have done.

    Beyond words, the Nnewi-born Senator has committed enormous resources for the advancement of the Igbo cause. He not only talks Igbo, he walks Igbo, eats Igbo and breathes Igbo. Ifeanyi Ubah’s Igbo-centrism is too obvious and copious to be debated.

     But, like everyone, Senator Ubah also has his weaknesses and moments of gaffes, one of which was his comments after his recent defection from the YPP to the APC.

    While speaking shortly after the defection, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah had said: “I want to be sincere, it has always been difficult for the Igbo people to key into the national party because of our sentiments and emotions.

    “Since our president has emerged and I put that challenge to each Igbo man today in Nigeria, 70 percent – 80 percent of them derive their wealth from the legacy that the president has left in Lagos.”

    That’s one gaffe that’s capable of pushing into irredeemable obscurity all that Senator Ubah stands for and has done for the Igbo nation.

    How can anyone attribute the wealth of 70 – 80 per cent of Igbo people to one man, simply because the man was governor of Lagos State from 1999 – 2007? Did the globally acknowledged Igbo nation start producing billionaires in 1999? Ifeanyi Ubah, as widely travelled as he is, knows full well that the making of wealth by the Igbos transcends persons and places, not to talk of someone of the recent era.

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    It is disheartening that a man of his status would, for whatever reason, make such a declaration, thereby downgrading the sterling entrepreneurial capacity and capabilities of a whole nation, his own people. It is even more worrisome that the declaration was politically motivated. It was placing logic and history on their head and a futile attempt to subjugate and sacrifice the principles of hard-work, intelligence, audacity in taking business risks and daring to tread where others dread with which Ndigbo are renowned for universally on the altar of his political ambition.

    That is not an act any Igbo man or woman would take lightly. Ubah cannot throw the people under the bus just for him to appear politically correct.

    Ndigbo did not start being billionaires in 1999 when President Tinubu started holding sway in Lagos as governor. The people have been producing billionaires out of dint of hard-work, academic excellence, business acumen, scientific and technological inventions and entrepreneurial innovations both at home and abroad. Just as their wealth, they are everywhere in the world working smartly and sustaining their reputation as one of the most diligent races of the world.

    No doubt, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has what it takes to continue to contribute his own quota to the relentless rising of the socio-political fortunes of Ndigbo in Nigeria and abroad as he has demonstrated in the past, and Anambra will be very lucky to have such a goal-getter as governor. He should however go about the pursuit of his ambitions with the highest level of decorum without dragging the collective destiny of Ndigbo into the mud by tying our prosperity to the apron string of any one man.

    • Jude Ndukwe, Abuja.
  • Nigeria’s uphill battle against police brutality

    Nigeria’s uphill battle against police brutality

    By Bright Okuta

    Sir: The aftermath of the #EndSARS protests triggered the dissolution of the infamous Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigeria Police Force notorious for extortion, illegal arrests, extra-judicial killings, and general human rights abuse. 

    It triggered additional police reforms and the establishment of a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the shootings at the Lekki Toll Gate on the night of October 20, 2020.

    Three years later, what has changed? 

    On Christmas Day, December 25, 2022, a pregnant lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem, was shot dead in front of her husband and children by a police officer conducting a routine stop and search operation under Ajah Bridge in Lagos State. 

    This year, on January 7, a police officer shot and killed two unarmed teenagers in Tudun Matawalle Sabuwar Unguwa are of Katsina State. Three youths sustained injuries. 

    On January 11, police officers stationed at Ilasan Palace, Lekki Phase 1, were recorded on camera assaulting a woman. 

    On April 6, a police officer killed a middle-aged businessman, Emmanuel Onyeka. According to reports, he refused to offer the officer a N100 bribe at a checkpoint.

    These are a few cases between December 2022 and April 2023. There are numerous cases between November 2020 and September 2023. 

    These incidents show that the same atrocities Nigerians protested against have gone a notch higher. Despite the assurance of reform, reports of this wickedness from the police have persisted, signalling a disheartening continuation of the deeply entrenched issues within the Force.

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    Cases of excessive use of force, unlawful arrests on the streets, illegal stop and search, and extortion have underscored the struggle faced by civilians, perpetuating a climate of fear and mistrust amongst the citizens. 

    For the umpteenth time, there is an urgent need for comprehensive and systemic reforms to ensure the protection of lives and property. It’s the responsibility of the security forces to protect the lives of citizens not the other way round. 

    As Nigeria grapples with these persistent challenges, the call for meaningful, sustainable, and intentional change within the Nigerian Police Force remains a critical and pressing demand.

    As we remember the tragic EndSARS incident, we pay tribute to the bravery and resilience of Nigerian youth, who stood united in their quest for social justice and the fight against police brutality. Their unwavering determination and courage continue to inspire Nigerians toward justice, serving as a reminder that the fight for human rights and dignity is a collective responsibility that transcends borders and ideologies.

    May the sacrifices made during the #EndSARS movement never be forgotten, serving as a catalyst for sustained advocacy and action toward a Nigeria where every individual can live free from fear and oppression by the police, and where justice and equality prevail.

    • Bright Okuta  brightokuta@gmail.com

  • Why salary increment is no antidote to economic hardship

    Why salary increment is no antidote to economic hardship

    • By Bashir Khalid Furyam

    Sir: One of the first major decisions taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on assumption of office on May 29 was the removal of the long-standing fuel subsidy

    However, the decision has caused prices of petrol and other basic commodities in the country to skyrocket.

    Many experts had predicted the short-term negative implications of the fuel subsidy removal including pushing up petrol prices, decrease in the economic growth, worsening inflation and poverty rates as well as loss of jobs in the informal sector.

    After a series of negotiations, the federal government came up with palliative measures in collaboration with state governments. The government promised cash support for the poor and providing a subsidised public transport system with state-run buses in major cities. The programmes are meant to cushion the adverse effects on individuals and businesses. 

    But there are concerns that the palliative packages might not reach the targeted beneficiaries due to corruption.  There is also the problem of inadequate data on the actual number of the needy in Nigeria coupled with the high number of less privileged in the country – which means the budgeted funds may be insufficient to cover the country.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are not convinced by these measures by the government. That is why they threatened an indefinite strike action to force the government to do more and better.

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    Thus, after a series of meetings and discussions between the organized labour and the federal government, agreements were reached to increase the salary of workers which resulted to suspension of the strike earlier scheduled to start on October 3.

    The federal government announced an increase of the salary to all categories of workers. This is also seen as problematic because salary increase always comes with commodity prices increase. Some also say government workers represent only a small percentage of the Nigerian population which means the vast majority of Nigerians might not benefit. Many are wondering how the citizens who are not workers in formal employment are going to survive the hardship.

    The NLC and the government should review the decision in order to avert adding salt to the wounds of ordinary citizens. The government must come up with long-term economic measures to provide job opportunities for the country’s teeming youth and tackle poverty. It must also judiciously invest the trillions of Naira being saved from the fuel subsidy removal. This will ensure the long-term anticipated benefits of the subsidy removal are enjoyed by a wide spectrum of the Nigerian society.

    •Bashir Khalid Furyam,

    Bauchi

  • Judiciary as a misunderstood confraternity

    • By Muhammed M. Belgore

    Sir: In this era of social media where cancel culture and mob action are the order of the day, the judiciary is very much misunderstood, disrespected and denigrated by some people on the basis of ignorance, mischief and the emerging culture of ‘if I don’t win, it must have been rigged.’

    Democracy as a form of government is about division of labour. It abides not only among men but also among the divine who occupy the heavens. For it is observed upon careful introspection that the leader of all that was, all that is and all that will ever be, is the most legitimate example of a ruler who employs the method of division of labour.

    While the executive is dignified with the duty of formulating policies as to the execution of the law, the legislature enjoys the responsibility of making those laws and the judiciary is the one with the noble encumbrance of interpreting those laws.

    Nigerian people are generally disgruntled with their leaders across all facets, for obvious reasons and validly so. They have however begun to go outside the perimeters of constructive criticism and are now delving into casting aspersions on that sacred temple whose workings they do not understand.

    To have a billboard in the Capital of the Republic saying “Eyes on the judiciary” is ridiculous. That should not happen and if it happens, the catalysts of such an aberration should not be allowed to go without retribution. This is part of the ongoing obsession with the denigrating judges and desecrating the judiciary and it should not be condoned.

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    “Judges are born, not made.” This statement originated and was downloaded from the wisdom of a Judex whose judicial robe is worth its salt. This is why the ills bedevilling that sacred temple of justice do not have its dirty linens washed outside. Judicial officers enjoy divine cover because they represent God when they sit to judge. This is also why they do not appear to lack in spite of the disregard for their due welfare. No judicial officer whose robe has not been torn by actions unworthy of a Judex can ever be seen to be in want. Earthly shame is almost impossible in the realm of Lady Justicia’s nobles.

    Because the judiciary is misunderstood, Nigerians do not see that it is the one arm of government that is actually serving the people. Those who hold the judiciary as part of the Nigerian problem either do not know or they have refused to pay attention to the fact that even the judiciary is subject to the laws of the land, the grand norm being the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    Ironically, Nigerians now believe the judiciary enjoys its role in deciding election petitions, a duty they did not ask for but was rather foisted on them by the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, the nature of our politics and the fact that our politicians are mostly bad losers. This is the reason Nigerians are erroneously angry with the judiciary.

    Nigerians are not aware that their judicial officers are already burdened with too much work and can do away with that responsibility happily as it is an arm of government that does not even like to involve itself in politics at any rate. Judicial officers are not only overburdened by too much work, they are also overburdened by personal responsibilities because the system that makes the lives of those in the executive and the legislature easier has not extended the same arm of generosity towards them. They do not enjoy the same convoys and the same security apparatus as their counterparts in the other arms.

    While it has its shortcomings, the judiciary does not deserve the kind of perspective that Nigerians are trying to paint it in. They suffer as the people suffer and they could also do with a better society devoid of extreme greed by the powers that be on that front.

    •Muhammed M. Belgore,

    Abuja