The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

Femi Adesina and Buhari’s regrets
- By Ibrahim Mustapha
Sir: Femi Adesina, former media aide to ex-president, Muhammadu Buhari last week said the former president regretted some of the decisions he took while in office and felt he could have done some things better. The ex-presidential spokesman stated this while speaking at a programme tagged ‘Media Dialogue with Femi Adesina’, organised by the Association of Veteran Journalists in Osun State.

The former presidential spokesman did not tell Nigerians which policies his former boss carried or failed to carry leading to his regrets. But he seemed to be more specific on the benefits of naira re-design policy, few weeks to 2023 general elections.

Prior to his election in 2015, Buhari denied the existence of petroleum subsidy and called it a fraud. He promised to stop it if elected. During his campaign, Buhari promised to fight corruption, fix the economy and secure the country. However, upon assumption of office, the former president came to term with stark realities and met a mountain of problems ranging from broken economy and deteriorating insecurity. While he underrated the magnitude of problems outside the power, he was overwhelmed by the same problems when in power.

Read Also: How I will tackle inflation, naira, forex crises, by Cardoso

The subsidy payment which he promised to stop jumped up under his watch. The subsidy payments continued to gulp trillions of naira until he left office. Insecurity which was confined to the Northeast, with Borno State badly hit by the activities of Boko Haram, snowballed and became a national phenomenon with bandits, killer herdsmen and unknown gunmen allowed to operate with little resistance.

Buhari’s regrets did not come to many Nigerians as surprise. Rather, it should serve as a wakeup call to our leaders that, power is transient. There is life after power. That is the period leader regrets his actions or inactions while in power. The present administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu needs to look before it jumps. The time for politics is over. What Nigerians need now is good governance anchored on accountability.

President Tinubu will not live to regret if he can fix the country’s four refineries. This will guarantee affordable premium motor spirit (PMS) to Nigerians and thereby moderate the inflation currently on rampage. Tinubu will not regret if he can tackle the menace of insecurity bedevilling the country – the bandits, killer herdsmen, unknown gun men and criminals holding the country to ransom. He will have no regret if the 33 million, multi-dimensionally poverty stricken Nigerians are uplifted and enjoy good standard of living. He will certainly not to regret if the poorly paid civil servants receive decent and better wages.

•Ibrahim Mustapha,

Pambegua, Kaduna State.
September 28, 2023
Obasanjo, Oyo monarchs and robe of fig leaves
- By Ike Willie-Nwobu
Sir: Following what it deemed a public show of disrespect to traditional rulers by former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, the Yoruba Council Worldwide has threatened a lawsuit against the former president if he fails to apologize.

Age is sage or at least should be sage. Wisdom also comes with age, or so the saying goes.

In Africa of which Nigeria is very much a part of, old age is regarded as a blessing as it is widely believed that wisdom comes with age.

In 1999, fresh out of incarceration by the military government of Sani Abacha, Obasanjo, himself a former military president, ascended the dizzying heights of Aso Rock to begin Nigeria’s latest romance with democracy.

Tasked with charting Nigeria’s course on this new path, the agenda for Obasanjo was clear – put Nigeria on the strongest footing going forward.

In eight years during which he huffed and puffed, a strong showing as president was tempered with moments of indiscretion and irascibility such as when he attempted to elongate his tenure in 2006.

That the odious dream breathed its last in the hallowed chambers of the Senate arguably remains the greatest legislative triumph in Nigeria’s recent memory.

Obasanjo left office in 2007 but not before midwifing the short lived presidency of Umaru Musa Yar’adua. When the ship of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of which Obasanjo was a founding father, farcically fell apart in the 2015 election, Obasanjo’s red face was somehow tempered by his public renunciation of the party some months earlier.

He however, quickly became one of the staunchest critics of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Cutting, controversial and confrontational, the former president always seems to have his take on sundry national issues much to the chagrin of his detractors who feel he is responsible for many of Nigeria’s problems.

At an occasion at Iseyin, Oyo State, Obasanjo ordered some traditional rulers at the occasion to stand up and greet the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, in a way that was primed to humiliate them.

For his actions at the outing, he has since attracted much opprobrium.

Read Also: Lagos will open Yaba, Ikeja along vehicular bridges October, says Sanwo-Olu

In Nigeria, traditional rulers remain critical custodians of customs and traditions. Equally important, they serve as trusted and respected institutions which unite different parts of the society.

When the British colonialists touched down in Nigeria after the Berlin Conference, the resistance they met was eventually broken when they decided to go through well-established traditional institutions. The policy of indirect rule was a roaring success in the North but a spectacular failure in the South, especially in the Southeast.

Little has changed regarding traditional institutions since except that there has been a deliberate design to water down the power and influence of traditional institutions by successive government administrations.

How has this been done? Those who seek to do this have found the carrot and stick approach handy. Sitting government officials usually threaten traditional rulers in many subtle ways.

So, when the royal fathers stood and sat at Obasanjo’s ridiculous command like scolded school children, there was a shocking sense in which carefully concealed disrespect and conceit had spilled to the fore.

In the aftermath of the public embarrassment, while Obasanjo has sought to emphasize that he meant no disrespect, the traditional rulers themselves have rallied to salvage what is left of their shredded dignity.

Condemnation and threats have trailed the fiasco.

The faceoff provides instructive lessons about the place of traditional institutions in Nigeria, and certainly about how they have become objects of caricature to government officials.

Key questions have emerged from the disaster that saw the traditional rulers quickly stand up like scolded school kids and smiling embarrassingly at Obasanjo’s barked command.

Did Obasanjo force the monarchs to stand up? Why did they not draw from the dignity of their offices to defy such a ridiculous order? Why did they not quickly turn the tables on him by refusing his orders and returning his disrespect on him?

But perhaps, the occasion was indicative of how much authority the royal fathers have lost in the country. It goes to questions about how they emerge, the links some of them have with insecurity and a general loss of respect and value in the Nigerian space.

Traditional institutions in Nigeria can restore their wounded dignity by at cleaning up their acts, and then by rebuffing the politicians who would readily cast pearls before swine because they have neither self-respect nor self-worth.

•Ike Willie-Nwobu,

Ikewilly9@gmail.com
September 28, 2023
Re: All hail the new Soun of Ogbomosoland
- By Prince Raji Olanipekun
Sir: Professor Akinjide Osuntokun’s column in The Nation of Thursday September 14, with the above topic was timely because it was published on the same day that Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye was observing his Ikije ceremony. Ikije happens to be post installation rite after the new monarch reappeared in public after being in seclusion for seven days.

The article was meant to hail the new Soun who, according to the writer is qualified for the throne and to wish him a successful tenure in office. However, instead of the article achieving its desired objective as a call on the monarch to be just to his subjects and maintain cordial relations with his co-monarchs in Ogbomoso zone, the relations which was a no love relationship, its fanned the ember of the discord. The wish of every indigene of Ogbomoso zone is that the new monarch will be a harbinger of peace in the area.

As a matter of fact, Osuntokun shows his knowledge of Ogbomoso history and his cordial relations with the new monarch. His knowledge of history of Ogbomoso emanated from the two books he has written about two eminent personalities in the town. One is S.L.A Akintola: His life and Times and A Merchant Prince co-authored with Dr. Biodun Oduwobi of the University of Lagos, a biography of the immediate past Soun, Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III.

While one acknowledges his erudition and knowledge of the town as shown in the said article, it is pertinent to show the historian that he has to update his knowledge in order not to mislead the reading public. Firstly, he referred to the father of the late Soun Ajagungbade III, Baale Afolabi Oyewumi Ajagbunde II (1940-1960) as a businessman renowned in West Africa. Baale Afolabi Oyewumi rather than being a businessman was a soldier in the defunct West Africa Frontier Force during the First World War (1914-1918). Secondly, he advised the new monarch to embrace peace and avoid rivalry with some Obas; he specifically mentioned Olugbon, Aresa and Olukoyi classical Oba in Yorubaland. While his admonition is a welcome development, stating that Oba Afolabi Olaoye should not allow himself to be pushed into rivalry with these Obas in territorial domain that is Ogbomoso zone or ‘Ogbomosoland’ is misleading, preposterous and demeaning to classical monarchs who owned the said land he referred to as Oba Olaoye’s territorial domain.

Read Also: How I will tackle inflation, naira, forex crises, by Cardoso

Simple interpretation of the admonition of Osuntokun to the new Soun is that he should avoid rivalry with some monarch under his authority. Osuntokun had an opportunity to understand the history of Ogbomoso area when he wrote the biography of Chief S.L.A Akintola mentioned earlier on. However, it appears he collected data about the background of Akintola from a wrong source. Since then, the wrong data he collected has been guiding his position on inter-group relations among the classical monarch and the Soun.

In the Akintola biography, he emphasized that Akintola’s forefather hailed from Igbon. However, those who supplied him the information said that that Igbon was near Oyo Ile and after the destruction of that village during the Yoruba wars, his family migrated to a place south of Ilorin and established another town named Igbon after their homesteads. This is the position that Osuntokun held to assume that Orile-Igbon and Olugbon were under the territorial domain of the Soun.

Osuntokun is advised to watch the video, Ogbori Elemoso produced by Chief Lere Paimo. This will broaden his knowledge of history of Igbon-Ogbomoso relations. While I am not here to demean his erudition and personality, what I try to do here is to advice him as one of the pre-eminent historians in Nigeria today, to, and for the sake of future generation and peaceful coexistence among our monarchs, further research, especially on Ogbomoso history where he has special interest. He should endeavour to look for “Iwe Itan Ogbomoso” written by N.D. Oyerinde and published in 1934 and other available books on the subject matter. He should open his mind and eyes on facts of history rather than basing his writings on subjective and preconceived notion about Soun’s hegemony in Ogbomoso zone.

•Prince Raji Olanipekun,

Ogbomoso.
September 28, 2023
Maximising the gains of unbundled information ministry
Sir: I write as a concerned citizen, seasoned broadcast journalist, thespian and culture enthusiast to appraise the long-awaited compartmentalisation of the erstwhile ministry of information, culture and national orientation.

As a tested and trusted leader who has proven his mettle in the past. We in the art sector are happy to have a stand alone, culture ministry and a fully fledged ministry of tourism. With the preponderance of culture experts across the land and your knack for always gunning for the best, I foresee a new, greater and more prosperous Nigeria.

Nigeria, no doubt, is a cultural power house on the international stage attracting global recognition. We are talking of a nation with over 250 ethnic groups, each with its unique artistic expressions, traditional Nigeria art forms such as pottery, sculpture, mask-making and delicious cuisine. What about Nigerian music and film industries which are also playing crucial roles in promoting Nigerian Art globally?

As the saying goes “there’s no soldier so powerful to stop an idea of which time as come”. Time to beam the searchlight on tourism and culture is now, if we must move beyond paying mere lip service to diversification of the nation’s economy.

Read Also: Global information security market to hit $170b by year-end

Let’s harness this legion of talented creatives making waves globally. Our culture is exportable, Njideka Akunyile Crosby, Yinka Shonibare (MBE) a British Nigerian, Peju Alatise, a multidisciplinary artist, El Anatsui, a sculptor, Kehinde Wiley known for his distinctive portrait who gained recognition for his official portrait of Barrack Obama, contemporary Nigerian painters, Jelili Atiku a multimedia performance artist, member of Arterial Network are doing something big in this regard.

Nollywood is another money-spinning industry considering the impact of Nigerian film makers in the international movie industry. It produces the largest member of films showcasing Nigerian talents. Genevieve Nnaji’s directional debut with “LionHeart” earned critics acclaim and became Netflix’s first Nigerian Original Movie. Oprah Winfrey in 2009 dubbed Genevieve as “Julia Robert of Africa”. Kunle Afolayan’s film such as Figurine and October 1 have received and still keep attracting global recognition and awards, while Tunde Kelani’s films which explore Nigerian culture and tradition have been screened at prestigious film festivals worldwide. Doing his own thing in his corner of the world is ace cinematographer Tunde Alabi-Hundeyin, Dudu, who has been playing crucial roles in the nation’s cultural landscape since the 70s. Also worthy of note is that documentary “What’s wrong with Nigeria” produced by Andrew Young Foundation, the documentary won the first place at the Zuma National Film Festival 2010, Abuja.

Can we downplay the role of Nigeria Art Galleries in promoting international exposure? Ask the likes of multi-gifted culture connoisseur Tunde Odunlade of Tunde Odunlade Arts and Culture Connexions whose gallery at Bodija, Ibadan is a must visit by tourists across the globe. What about Engineer Yemisi Shyllon, a private individual reputed as the biggest collector of African arts in the world and the largest art collector in Africa and proprietor of world’s standard private museum (Omo Oba Yemisi Shyllon Muesum).

What are we waiting for? We have a new oil in our hands. The black gold discovered in 1953 at Akata near Eket and later Oloibiri the fossil fuel in 1956 in commercial quantity is fast running out. Creativity is inexhaustible we have the brains. All we need do is put square pegs in square holes not round pegs in square holes – the bane of our developmental challenge. When the white men looted our artifacts, then they thought they have taken it all, but they only took the arts but failed to remove the craft our creative ingenuity.

What can man do without food? Absolutely nothing, as we target working on achieving the greatest good for greatest number of people. No effort must be spared in ensuring food availability. A hungry man they say is an angry man, food is an essential ingredient for man.
- Fatai Adiyeloja, Abeokuta.
September 27, 2023
Mohbad, a star born after death
Sir: The death of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, a singer, rapper, songwriter, and performing artist, has been widely acknowledged globally by his past fans, his many posthumous fans, and even sympathetic individuals who emerged after his death. Mohbad’s music career came into the limelight a few years after he released numerous freestyles on various social media platforms, particularly his freestyle of Kizz Daniel’s song, which contributed to his fame. Mohbad signed with Naira Marley’s record label and made his debut during the Marlian feast held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, Nigeria, on December 31, 2019. Nevertheless, Aloba left the label in 2022, citing several grievances, including unpaid royalties during his three-year tenure with the label.

Although not much is known about Mohbad before his demise, many describe him as a calm person. Aloba’s deep baritone and moving lyrics also defined him as a cool and unique artist. While we cannot establish the threats he faced in his lifetime, many of his lyrics have hinted at the difficult ordeals he may have endured in the Nigerian music industry.

His sudden departure has also exposed numerous unpleasant issues that had long been swept under the carpet in the Nigerian music scene. When Mohbad was alive, struggling to establish himself in the country’s music scene, he often went unnoticed, considered by many as a nobody. He faced ridicule, attacks, underestimation, and ignorance from both society and the music industry.

Read Also: I’m returning to Nigeria to clear myself over MohBad – Naira Marley

Some of his lyrics, especially in ÌmÍl¹, reveal Mohbad’s possible experiences of overwhelming situations in the industry. Despite the realities he encoded in his lyrics, he was convinced that he was a light amidst his challenging times. He offered heartfelt prayers for himself, his fans, family, and all those going through tough moments, praying to God with these words: “Cold drink for the thirsty, food for the hungry, additional strength for the lazy, payday for all my “Niggas” who hustle; shine your light on me so the world can see the glory… I am the light and I want to shine across the world”.

Even now, Mohbad has been trending daily for the past 14 days since his death. His demise continues to make headlines, with fans and celebrities worldwide demanding a thorough investigation into the true cause of his passing. His songs continue to dominate major streaming platforms, and there have been ongoing protests worldwide for justice, as well as candlelight processions in his honour. A star born after death—perhaps Imole will live forever.

Perhaps what he prayed for, God has fulfilled, even though he is no longer with us on Earth. Aloba may no longer anticipate hope from God in this world, but perhaps Ilerioluwa’s story is not finished in eternity. Maybe he earnestly desired to be the light in the dark music industry, wishing for God’s light to shine upon him so the world could see his glory. Now, he has become a light that cannot be hidden in our time. Will Imolenisation live forever? Maybe?

Mohbad has now become a metaphor for life in Nigeria, where true freedom remains elusive. You must compromise; you must submit to others; you cannot go it alone. This is precisely what prevails in many places in Nigeria. Who will save us? From where will help come? Society could not protect Mohbad, which is why many youths continue to die needlessly, especially in their prime, while society looks on. Now it becomes clear to me why so many youths came out en masse to demand justice. It signifies solidarity among each of us, all with bright futures, but some less fortunate than others. It is now, by far, a cry for justice, peace and fairness not just for Mohbad but for our nation as a whole. After all, it could have been any one of them, even me. We have longed for justice and peace in this terrain of pain called Nigeria, when will it reign as we often sing in our national anthem? May the death of Mohbad make a difference.
- Adeleke Oluwaseyi James,<jamesadelek2014@gmail.com
September 27, 2023
Waiting for benefits of subsidy removal
Sir: With the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which came into office on May 29, it has become obvious that the country was wasting a chunk of its resources on subsidies in the past. These are resources that could have been used judiciously to uplift the lives of vulnerable groups in the country.

Given the amount of money the country is saving daily from the withdrawal of petroleum subsidies, the federal government should ensure that such money is used for projects that would impact the lives of the people, particularly in critical sectors such as agriculture, transportation and skill acquisition. Much needs to be done to open up the rural areas and thereby ease the evacuation of agricultural produce to urban centres, which constitute the markets for such goods.

The government should come out quickly and spell out what it is doing to improve the lives of the citizens; in line with its promises that the savings will be channelled into sectors such as education and healthcare. The citizens of other countries where similar subsidies were removed are living comfortably with the type of infrastructure such savings were utilized to create, particularly in the areas of electricity supply, roads, health facilities and education.

Read Also: Subsidy removal: 26,852 students receive N10,000 each as palliatives in Kwara

Disbursing such funds directly to state governments may not give the desired results. The federal government should set up agencies to monitor how the states would utilise the funds given to them. It should not hesitate to wield the big stick to punish the states that would not utilize the funds for the purpose they are meant for.

It does not augur well for Nigerians that the country does not have a national carrier in terms of air transportation. But for the mismanagement which eventually killed the defunct Nigeria Airways, it was an airline that could boast of a large fleet of modern aeroplanes and some of the best pilots in the world. Nevertheless, the attempt by the immediate past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari to give the country a national carrier was a show of shame.

The Arabs are now giving out jobs to many other countries’ citizens because of the benefits subsidy removal had in their economies. Let it be so with Nigeria!
- Ted Isaiah Omobude, Jos, Plateau State.
September 26, 2023
2023 election petition tribunal rulings and their aftermath
- By Garba Adamu Gwangwangwan
Sir: The legal system is an essential pillar of any ideal and just society that have desire, willingness to ensure fairness, equity, and justice for all. Nevertheless, there are instances when the outcome of a legal case may not align with the expectations of one party involved in the litigation.

When a lawsuit goes against us, it can be a disheartening experience. It is natural to feel frustrated, disappointed, and even angry. But it is during these challenging times that our commitment to the principles of justice, respect for the rule of law, and the pursuit of fairness are truly tested.

Moreover, what can one do when faced with a court ruling that does not favour their side? First and foremost, one must have to essential to respect the legal process. Our judicial is not different with others, where the system is founded on principles that ensure a fair and impartial trial for all parties involved without any reference to other factors. While outcomes may not always be as desired, it is vital to trust in the process itself. This will no doubt uphold the historical antecedent of the process.

Secondly, parties dissatisfied with a court ruling have the legitimate right to appeal the verdict. The appellate system exists to review decisions and ensure that the law was applied correctly. It offers an opportunity to present new evidence, challenge legal interpretations, and seek a more favourable outcome.

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Furthermore, it is essential to engage in constructive dialogue and seek resolution through negotiation or mediation, where applicable. Often, parties can find common ground and reach an agreement outside of the courtroom, avoiding protracted legal battles.

In some cases, advocacy and awareness-raising efforts can lead to legal reforms or changes in policies and practices. This can be a powerful way to address systemic issues and promote justice not only for one’s case but for the broader community.

Remember that our legal system is not perfect; it keeps evolving with the unfolding scenario, but it is designed to evolve and adapt. While it may seem challenging in the face of an unfavourable ruling, it is our duty to uphold the principles of justice and fairness. By engaging in the legal process, respecting its outcomes, and pursuing avenues for change, we contribute to a society that continually strives to improve and ensure equal access to justice for all.

Facing a court ruling that does not favour one’s side can be a daunting experience, but it is essential to approach it with respect for the legal system, an understanding of the available options, and a commitment to seeking justice through appropriate channels. Together, we can work towards a more just and equitable society for everyone.

•Garba Adamu Gwangwangwan,

Bauchi.
September 26, 2023
Death and resurrection of Mohbad
- By Usman Issa
She fought but lost the battle along the line. He voiced out but his voice could not be heard by colleagues. We all gathered to post Rest in Peace. We all could have done better to raise our voices against tormentors. He is dead but the light is on. No excuse, we are all hypocrites.

The above paragraph was my first reaction to Mohbad’s death pointing accusing fingers at all of us, sudden mourners who could have ordinarily prevented many brutal attacks and threats against his personality while he was alive. The massive video footage that flooded the media after his death described the debilitating and attenuating status of his existence. He lived in fear and always seemed to be dread of his former record label.

The death of Mohad has further exposed the hypocritical level of human nature. The dead in most instances faces rejection and most times gets exposed to mockery and reproach from friends, families, and colleagues, and witnesses unprecedented celebration after demise; this is the exact scenario of Mohbad’s public sympathy and echoes of Justice all over the world.

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The major background of Mohbad’s problem is the family. His first agent of socialization was wobbled and disjointed and affected his subsequent decision to secure a better life for himself, and probably, his family. Mohbad’s family issue is obvious in one of his lyrics, titled ‘Sorry’ where he referenced the situation of his broken home and poor parental upbringing.

He sang:

“This kind life e tire me

Daddy no get salary

Ten years I no see Mummy

Stepmother no care

Landlord e dey worry

My brothers are hungry

Daddy gather money make I go poly

I go poly but I no go class

Daddy, I am sorry”

The above lines are a metaphorical picture of his family’s predicament which is liable to push him to take a step further. A step further from this confine led him to the Marlian music.

Going further with his lyrics, the subsequent lines depict the steps he took further to join the bandwagon of Yahoo, drug lords, and cult cliques. He depicts this by saying:

“ I don dey do Yahoo

I don dey chop banku

Omo pastor ti wonu aye”

Mohbad said at the end of the lyrics that,

“Mummy just dey pray

Daddy just dey pray for me

Make e better for me

Me I no go school

The thing I fit do

Music me I choose”

While the end of his verse explains the prayers being said by his parents, it equally shows the parents were praying after he had already joined the wrong caucus.

Obviously, the parental failure contributed to his ordeal and that’s exactly what is affecting many who are victims of hard drug cliques, robbery gangs, cult groups, and other social vices. Broken homes always tell on the children in negative. Family is the first agent of socialization, if a family fails, it endangers the lives of the children and that’s why the children matter in all decisions to go on separate ways with a spouse.

Going back and forth, Mohbad’ is gone and still alive. This reminds me of the Indian thriller movie, Bahuballi who died as a result of conspiracy from his family and resurrected through his son who avenged the injustice meted to his parents.

Like Bahuballi, Mohbad is survived by a son, Liam Imole. Mohbad’s light is on and the light should be guided. The Justice for Mohbad movement should be more focused on his son. That’s where his parent’s happiness lies and that’s the most important thing.

Let Mohbad’s spirit continue to rest in the Lord. He has resurrected by giving the world the lights, Liam Imole. Rest on Legend…the whole world pays tribute.

•Usman Issa,

Ilorin, Kwara State.
September 26, 2023
African Union: Challenges and progress in conflict resolution
- By Akinola Ayobami Steven
Sir: In its six decades of existence, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and its successor, the African Union (AU), have grappled with the complex task of managing conflicts across the African continent. The AU, established in 2002 to replace the OAU, emerged at a pivotal moment in Africa’s history, coinciding with a wave of post-colonial independence. However, the OAU’s reputation as a “talking club of heads of states” and a “toothless bulldog” due to its perceived inaction during conflicts left a significant legacy.

The OAU’s foundational principle of non-interference/non-intervention in the internal affairs of member states, unless explicitly invited, shaped its approach to conflict resolution. While this policy aimed to respect sovereignty, it often hindered effective peacekeeping efforts. From its inception in 1963 until its transformation into the AU in 2002, the OAU grappled with an array of conflicts across Africa, including coups d’état and civil wars.

One glaring example of the OAU’s approach was its response to the 1980 Liberian coup and the 1967-1970 Nigerian Civil War. In both cases, the OAU recognized the incumbents as legitimate representatives of their states, irrespective of how they came to power. This approach undermined efforts to address root causes and facilitate peaceful resolutions.

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The African Union, established to replace the OAU, was envisioned as a more proactive and effective organization in addressing Africa’s challenges. One of the key shifts was a departure from the OAU’s non-interference policy. The AU recognized the need for intervention in cases of conflicts, even if not explicitly invited by the parties involved. This change represented a significant step toward a more robust approach to conflict resolution.

Despite its aspirations for more assertive conflict resolution, the AU faces several challenges. These challenges include: Limited capacity – The AU’s capacity to deploy peacekeeping forces swiftly and effectively remains constrained by resource limitations, logistical hurdles, and the absence of a standing army; complex conflicts: African conflicts are often multifaceted, involving ethnic, political, economic, and social dimensions. The AU must navigate these complexities to find sustainable solutions; political will: ensuring the commitment of member states to resolve conflicts impartially can be challenging, as political interests and alliances often influence decisions.

Also some conflicts in Africa are exacerbated by external actors, who may provide support to warring parties. The AU must contend with these external influences.

Despite these challenges, the AU has made notable progress in conflict resolution. The AU has initiated various peacekeeping missions, such as AMISOM in Somalia and MINUSMA in Mali, showcasing its commitment to resolving conflicts. It has played a vital role in mediating conflicts, including the South Sudan crisis and the Ethiopian-Eritrean border dispute. In terms of regional collaboration, the AU collaborates closely with regional organizations, thus enhancing its ability to address conflicts effectively.

The African Union’s journey from the OAU represents a significant evolution in the approach to conflict resolution in Africa. While challenges persist, the AU’s willingness to engage in peacekeeping missions, mediate conflicts, and collaborate with regional partners underscores its commitment to peace and stability on the continent. As Africa faces new challenges, the AU’s role in conflict resolution remains pivotal in shaping the continent’s future.

•Akinola Ayobami Steven,

akinolaa61@gmail.com
September 26, 2023
Lesson Lagos can learn from Wike’s FCT
Sir: Well over 8,000 property owners owe Land Use Charge in FCT amounting to several trillions of naira according to the recent newspaper advertisements. This statistics are staggering especially considering the near insolvent state of the economy both at the national and the subnational levels.

It beggars belief that a nation being owned by corporate and private entities most of whom are well to do by virtue of their ownership of assets in the FCT would rather resort to borrowing binge to the extent that national debts have surpassed the manageable threshold.

The most pathetic case is that of Lagos State which has more landed properties and built assets clustered across the landscape and has now added the Eko Atlantic to the state’s real sector frontier.

Lagos IGR though higher than that of most states in the federation is still abysmal judging by the cosmopolitan taxonomy of its revenue base, the demographics of its population and the industrial amplitude of its landscape.

Lagos revenue if well calibrated should compete neck and neck with the non-oil receipts from the rest of the 35 states put together. However this has never been for lack of deliberate policy to reform land-use and turn thousands of redundant assets into revenue streams.

One example of revenue gap that could transit Lagos from being the most indebted state in the federation to a more competitive financial hub exemplifying the exceptional economy of California in the United States is the revenue receipts from Land Use Charge.

There is no doubt that just like in FCT, the logistics and the enforcement of land use charge in Lagos are very problematic with corruption as one of the bane of its success. This is however the turf of a determined and a result oriented governor or a minister willing to transform the ecosystems of governance.

With the just announced revocation of over 600 undeveloped parcels of land in the FCT, many of which have been left fallow for decades, the minster of FCT, Bar Nyesom Wike has just put the FCT on a development trajectory that is in tandem with the rest of the world.

Coming home to Lagos, Section 9 of the Lagos Land Use Charge Law of 2018 states as follows:

(1) The owner of a property or occupier of a lease of less than ten (10) years is liable to pay Land Use Charge in respect of a taxable properly.

(2) The Occupier holding a lease of ten (10) years and above is liable to pay Land Use Charge in respect of any taxable Property.

The holder of a certificate of occupancy is deemed to have accepted the terms and conditions attached to it, which are enforceable against himself and his successors in title. These include:

•Payment of penal rent for breaching any covenant or condition such as failing to effect improvements on the land or alienating the land or any part thereof without the consent of the governor. (s. 5(1e and f))

•Payment to the governor for any unexhausted improvements of the land existing on the land at the date of entering the occupation. (s. 10(a))

•Payment of rent as prescribed under the act from time to time. (s. 10(b))

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•Allowing the governor or his agent access to the land for purposes of inspection during the daytime. (s. 11)

•To maintain in good and substantial repairs all beacons or other landmarks defining the boundary granted under the certificate of occupancy and in default shall be liable to bear the expenses of doing same. (s. 13)

•The land covered by the certificate of occupancy cannot be alienated without the prior consent of the governor, otherwise, such alienation shall have no effect. (s. 22).

It is indeed a consternating oxymoron that successive administrations in Lagos State have watched the extant provisions observed in their breach.

This executive laxity is akin to giving owners of oil wells the right of ownership in perpetuity even when there are no attempts to explore crude oil that can trigger productive value chain in the oil sector.

Just like crude oil, interests in land are known to yield intrinsic value chains where their multiplier effects lead to appreciable job creation, poverty alleviation, expansion in housing delivery and so forth.

This complacent approach of Lagos State Government to what is the mainstay of the economy has encouraged land speculators to drive the price of land and buildings beyond the reach of buyers, developers and other players in the productive sector.

Wike having initiated the process of putting these racketeering in abeyance in Abuja, we hope Lagos state would be dutiful enough to follow suit otherwise Lagosians would be left to believe that land administration in Lagos is an intractable conundrum left at the mercy of racketeers and disruptive spectators.
- Bukola Ajisola, bukymany@yahoo.com
September 25, 2023