Category: Letters

Sir: Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) of the immediate past administration of President Buhari is N3.3 trillion proposed to be committed on petroleum subsidy between January and June.

 Meanwhile, it’s already in the public domain that the immediate past regime expended a whopping N11 trillion on subsidy from 2015 to May 2023 when it exited.  Instructively, subsidy regime has been originally scheduled to come to a close by the end of June.

Sometime in April, Nigerians vividly recall that the ex-President, Muhammadu Buhari was indeed poised to declare that from the beginning of the first quarter of 2023, curtains would be drawn on subsidy era before he changed his mind, and announced that he would prefer the new government to take charge of the crucial decision.

 Remarkably, it’s that historic decision that President Bola Tinubu has taken that has attracted condemnations from few Nigerians who have over the years been holding the nation by the jugular. It’s therefore safe and germane to conclude that, these people are the architects of the uproar and propaganda reverberating across the country following the president’s declaration.

It’s curious that successive Nigerian government revel in fuel importation at cut-throat prices despite the fact that we have four refineries that could conveniently and profitably refine our crude oil for domestic consumption, as well as for exports, if they’re allowed to function.

 While submitting that drawing the curtains on the regime of subsidy is extremely difficult, President Tinubu has no other choice than to implement the removal since it’s already provided for in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).  

The PIA provisions has given petroleum industry a new order with the improved fiscal framework, transparent governance, enhanced regulation and the creation of a commercial and independent National Oil Company that would operate independently and enjoy unfettered freedom from institutional regulations like Treasury Single Account (TSA) and other regulations that constitute bottlenecks in its operational activities.

Thankfully, Buhari implemented the creation of NNPC Limited before he vacated. The president is therefore advised to take the implementation to the new level, especially by swiftly rehabilitating the nation’s refineries, as well as the pipelines across the nation, some of which have been significantly vandalized.

 Finally, it won’t be out of place for the government to roll out palliatives to cushion the effect of temporary pains and agony that the astronomical increase in prices of petroleum products would be inflicting on the citizenry and corporate organizations.

Such palliatives could be in form ensuring that agricultural products flood the markets in all the nooks and crannies of the country and at affordable prices. May be the government need to immediately acquire fleet of trucks from China, Brazil, Japan or wherever for the purpose of moving the produce from wherever they’re being harvested to markets for the citizenry.

 Government could also move immediately to increase the workers wage at all levels of government, while also mandating the Central Bank of Nigeria to stem tide of inflation that would normally associate with such policy initiatives.

 The government could reach out to downtrodden members of society, through cash transfers to provide them succour.

 On a related note, the federal government should also move to radically and immediately ensure that power is made available to households and corporate organizations and at reasonable price. These initiatives, if implemented would significantly lessen the pains and tribulations being inflicted by the transition.

I appeal to Nigerians to cooperate, collaborate and support the new government in its drive to refocus, reset and reposition the oil and gas sector, and other related activities that would ensure prosperity, as well as launch Nigeria into the comity of great nations.

• Kola Amzat (FCA, FCIB) Lagos.

Sir: While I was in Kano on a social visit, I overheard a conversation that Uber drivers in Abuja had increased the cost of commuting from the airport to the city centre to N15,000. Given the new price, I knew any time I returned to Abuja, I would have to trek home. As a university lecturer, there is no way I could afford such a price.

The abrupt removal of the fuel subsidy by President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu on the floor of his inauguration, has exacerbated the economic difficulties Nigerians have been battling for years. The president has made the announcement and it is already being implemented religiously. However, as Nigerians continue to groan, we need to realize that sustaining the subsidy will not only cripple the economy but will also continue to keep us deeply indebted.

Initially, I wanted to frown at the fact that the removal was carried out in the absence of an economic team which ought to help in recommending strategies that will cushion its effects, but because Tinubu is an acclaimed strategist, I believe that a lot of thoughts and strategies would have been considered or are currently being considered.

But how would the ordinary Nigerians survive the pangs the removal is coming with? They have been appealing for the implementation of the minimum wage, but the state governors have been reluctant about it. The reality is that some states can’t pay. But even if the minimum wage is implemented, it won’t take a man who has a family anywhere.

According to the new price template, Lagos State has the lowest pump price at N488 per litre, while Maiduguri and Damaturu have the highest at N577 per litre.

Many experts and agencies have been pushing for the removal of the fuel subsidy for years, one of which is the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI. It has been consistent with her call since 2006, saying it was concerned about the huge financial burden it places on the growth of the Nigerian economy.

An estimated $74.39 billion which translates to N13.69 trillion was spent on subsidies between 2005 and 2021. This figure is outrageous. Nevertheless, for the fuel subsidy removal to have positive impact, there is an urgent need to strengthen the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Currently, the implementation isn’t total but halfway.

There is also a need to kick-start people-oriented welfare programmes to cushion the pangs. In doing it, attention must be given to the poor and vulnerable. The government should prioritize the rehabilitation of the nation’s four refineries. Nigerians do not know the amount of PMS they consume daily. We ought to know. Additionally, the government should enforce stringent sanctions for criminal activities in the sector and conduct appropriate stakeholder consultations, engagements, and enlightenment.

To my fellow compatriots, we must all come together and fix our country as this is the only way we can all beat our chest and be proud of what we have.

•Gidado Yushau Shuaib,

Baze University Abuja.

Sir: Recently, the criminal justice system in Nigeria witnessed a revival. The signing into law of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA, 2015) and the Nigerian Correctional Service Act (NCoS, 2019) brought about a shift from a punitive system of criminal sanction to a humane system that emphasises reformation and behaviour modification of offenders towards making them better citizens at the long run. Examples of such sanctions include probation, parole community service, suspended sentences etc.

The non-custodial sanctions are cost effective and save tax-payers’ funds as government will save funds which should have been spent on housing, feeding and general welfare of offenders in custodial centres. Non-custodial measures such as community service, which the offender is expected to perform unpaid work that benefits the society, can help the government save funds which would have been spent on such works. Again, the offender serves his or her punishment in the community, while not truncating their employments as well as family and social ties. This kind of sanction promotes healing of the victims of the criminal offence, and carries the victim along in the correctional process of the offender.

In fact, in this new regime, the community is an important stakeholder in offenders’ management as the onus is on them to support in supervising such offenders serving terms in the community.

Interestingly, the non-custodial sanction promotes public safety as minor and first time offenders will serve sanctions in their communities instead of custodial facilities where they can be socialized into more serious criminal lifestyles. The non-custodial form of sanction will eventually prune down the security challenges being faced in our correctional facilities in such a way that it will culminate into reduction of congestion in custodial centres, a conundrum that has been fingered as the major cause of attack on our custodial facilities. Hence, the non-custodial sanction will promote restorative justice as the offender, victim, members of the community where they reside, and other significant others will be mediate to restitute the victim and promote healing, further reducing acrimonies, feud as well as vendetta and promoting public safety.

In short, the non-custodial measures are aimed not just for the punishment of offenders, but to preserve harmony in the society, reform offenders and pacify victims, thereby creating social equilibrium and public safety cum security. It is necessary that all and sundry get acquainted with the rubrics of this new penal practice. The relevant authorities including law enforcement, the courts, prosecution, and the correctional service should ensure that they inculcate this new practice in Nigerians through constant public enlightenment.

Finally, this new order should be introduced in our education curriculum so that the younger ones can get to know them from the cradle.

• Kelvin Abuchi Ugwuoke, Airport Road, Abuja.

SIR: A significant weakness that threatens the validity of the modern democratic ideal is the underrepresentation of women. Nigeria, a nation recognized for its thriving democracy and rich cultural variety, has made considerable advancements throughout the years. However, hurdles still exist that prevent women from being fully represented and contributing to politics.

The active participation of women in politics in Nigeria is still hampered by cultural norms, patriarchal systems, resource constraints, violence, and a lack of support within political parties. Notwithstanding ongoing difficulties and gender inequities in the political environment, women in Nigerian politics have made great progress in recent years.

The underrepresentation of women in political leadership roles is influenced by several variables. Strong cultural and societal norms are a major barrier to women’s political participation in Nigeria. Traditional gender roles frequently limit women to the home and discourage them from participating in public life. Prevalent preconceptions keep up the idea that politics is a field dominated by men, discouraging women from pursuing careers in politics.

Expanding women’s political presence requires challenging these stereotypes and advancing the notion that they can lead successfully. Women’s participation in politics in Nigeria is severely hampered by the patriarchal structure of the country.

Men tend to hold more power inside political parties and institutions, which leads to an imbalance of gender in positions of decision-making. Women’s opportunities to advance to significant roles are constrained by discriminatory behaviours and biases.

Political systems must change in order to overcome these obstacles. Funding and resources are essential for mobilization and political campaigns. However, there are substantial obstacles for women in this area. Women are at a disadvantage since they have less financial resources and lack the networks needed for effective campaigns.

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Women can be empowered to overcome financial obstacles and actively participate in political processes through improving access to financial support, mentorship programmes, and training opportunities.

Threats, intimidation, and violence are commonplace for women in Nigerian politics, both during elections and once they are in office. Women are silenced and intimidated using physical violence, abusive language, and online harassment. Such behaviours undermine women’s confidence and safety by fostering a hostile environment that deters women from entering politics.

Fostering an inclusive and secure political environment requires strengthening legal frameworks and putting policies in place to protect women from assault.

For anyone wishing to enter politics, political parties provide an essential forum. Sadly, women frequently experience hostility and a lack of support in these parties. Women are marginalized by male-dominated systems and decision-making processes, which limits their opportunities to hold leadership positions.

To give women in politics equitable chances, inclusive party structures, gender equality advocacy, and affirmative action policies must be put in place.

Gender equality in political leadership must be attained by initiatives to confront cultural norms, take on patriarchal systems, improve access to resources, and boost support inside political parties. All stakeholders must work together to remove these hurdles, including policymakers, political parties, civil society organizations, and the general public.

Encouraging women to take an active role in politics not only improves democracy but also ensures different viewpoints, inclusive governance, and long-term prosperity. Nigeria can develop a political environment in which women’s voices are amplified and their potential for leadership develops by collaboratively tearing down these barriers.

•Hanan Najeeb Abdussalam,

Skyline University Kano.

SIR: In a few days, the presiding officers of the Senate and the House of Representatives would be elected upon the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly. This event, typical of every contest, would throw up two categories of people: those who are pleased with the outcome and the ones who feel otherwise.

Understandably, the wishes of both sides are interests-driven though it cannot be immediately established whether the interests are about the country or individuals. But on the belief that it is about nationalism, then head or tail, it is a win-win for Nigeria. This is because logically, both divides mean well for the nation only that their perceptions differ.

And again, while spirited attempts, largely motivated by multi-dimensional sentiments, are made to externally influence the choices of the legislators-elect, the decision as to who would become their presiding officers begins and ends with them. Whether by consensus or merit, they are the ones that make the choices in the final analysis.

 Therefore as the 10th assembly comes on stream, the basic public expectation is a sustainable dispensation of good governance delivered by a legislature that is people-oriented and under a leadership that is defined by dexterity, creativity and absolute loyalty to the people. For emphasis, Nigerians today deserve a responsive parliament driven by a deliberate commitment to regular citizens’ engagement.

These aspirations are as non-negotiable as they are core dividends of democracy. Yet, they are not automatic. They can only happen with the active involvement of a vigilant citizenry as researches show that strong democracies the world over are characterized by robust citizen participation. In other words, there can never be effective leadership without effective followership. This is the reason every well-meaning Nigerian should urgently pause and ponder on the prevailing sorry state of the country.

This is imperative because except for ignorance or mischief, it is glaring that we cannot hand over to our children, the same country that we inherited from our fathers. The signs are there yet we seem indifferent.

However, there is good news. There is a ray of hope. A new beginning is possible. Nigeria can still work. But once again, it is a function of our actions now. Yes, our future is in our hands. Before us right now is an opportunity, possibly the last, to act, lest Nigeria slides into absolute failure.

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We must embrace this 10th assembly as truly our own. We should seek to be fully abreast of its scheme of things. We have to accord it all the necessary support and cooperation for it to excel. It is no longer about short-term benefits but about what unites us and aids our journey to nationhood. Everyone should immediately remove their togas of ethnicity, religion and partisanship and think Nigeria first!

The media, civil society organizations, professional bodies, labour unions, youth, women and community-based groups, the political class, as well as the clergy, should put on garments of activism in championing a legislature that derives its legitimacy and relevance from the people. Every mouth should loudly speak against bad governance whenever and wherever it occurs.

Specifically, we should demand explanations from the 10th National Assembly as to why the country’s refineries are not operational and what they hope to achieve in the face of Nigeria’s dire situations, particularly the raging petroleum subsidy questions, poverty index, youth unemployment, insecurity, rising debt profile, health, education and power sectors, budget performance, federal character principle and then, why the federal executive council is awarding contracts without the public procurement council in place.

We should clamour for legislative agenda with timelines and whose deliverables can translate to tangibles in the immediate, instead of high-sounding achievements that would exist only on paper.

We should be alert, probing and listening and then be guided by reciprocal respect for these leaders. We should vehemently resist the divisive instrumentalities of religion, tribe and politics. We should seek to build social bridges always by being at the right places, saying the right things and then doing the right things at all times. We should commend and condemn when necessary. Where we stood before the election and subsequent inauguration of the assembly should not matter to us again. Rather, we should be anxious to see the 10th National Assembly succeed by working through our representatives for issue-based engagements with the institution towards the attainment of a Nigeria where democracy and good governance reign supreme.

•Mon-Charles Egbo,

moncharles@yahoo.com

Sir: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech after inauguration is inspiring and has set the tone for better Nigeria. However, speeches alone do not make good governance. We have history of many elected presidents with beautiful speeches but failed to match their words with actions after they settled in offices.

It is trite to say that the administration of Tinubu inherited baggage of challenges from his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. While experts drawn from various sectors have advised the new government on how to sail through the mountains of difficulties, much will depend on how the president shops for, and assembles his cabinet. For instance, it took the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, six months to form his cabinet. Will President Bola Ahmed Tinubu toe this discouraging path?

Before inauguration, he had promised to form his cabinet on the basis of merit and competence. This is good. For the country to make headway, it has to stop appointments based on nepotism. Competent people should be appointed to manage ministries, agencies and parastatals for quick and accelerated development. But appointments should also be made to reflect the federal character. No region or states have the monopoly of competency. We have competent people across the 36 states. The president should strive to promote unity in his new appointment. The country has already been polarised along ethnic and religious fault lines. The president should see himself as a unifier.

For optimum performance, ministers should be given performance evaluation forms. Those who deliver should be celebrated and rewarded. Ministers who perform abysmally should be sanctioned.

President Tinubu’s inaugural speech in which he emphasised the removal of petroleum subsidy has stoked some panic in parts of the country. It is reported that queues have returned to filling stations across the country. There is imminent fear of hoarding by petroleum marketers.

Nobody can dispute the facts: petroleum subsidy has become a thorn in a flesh of successive governments. The subsidy has gulped trillions of naira since the time it was introduced. The Buhari administration mulled the idea of removing it but later passed it to the Tinubu administration. The subsidy is planned to end in June. Government has not made provision for it. The World Bank is averse to it and has granted Nigeria a loan of $800,000 to pay palliatives to Nigerians. With the Dangote refinery commissioned recently and expected to begin operation by July, may be the new government should not be in rush to withdraw subsidy. Let the refinery flood the country with adequate fuel to avoid scarcity of the commodity.

President Bola Tinubu should privatise or fix our four moribund refineries. Although, NNPC has become a limited liability company (LLC), we are yet to see it run like Saudi’s (Aramco) which continues to post billions of dollars as profit every year. It is high time these refineries which gulped billions of naira for their turn around maintenance annually are sold.

Nigerians are expecting the new government to tackle the security situation. President Tinubu should adopt carrot and stick in resolving the security logjam. Government should sit down with those who have genuine grievances, persuade them to lay down their arms. Criminals whose motives are to kill and extort ordinary Nigerians should be made to face music. The Tinubu government should overhaul our security architecture. It needs to recruit more security personnel and deploy technology for effective policing.

Incessant strikes have paralyzed the education sector and forced many students to engage in crimes. Let the government addresses the problem of universities once and for all.

•Ibrahim Mustapha,

Pambegua, Kaduna State.

Sir: World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31 annually with the goal to combat the increasing prevalence of tobacco consumption all over the world owing to its hazardous effects on smokers and those exposed to second-hand smoke.  The theme of this year is “We need food, not tobacco”

It has been estimated that there are more than 1.3 billion tobacco users worldwide. Over 80% of these tobacco smokers are mostly residing in low- and middle-income countries of Latin America, Africa and Asia.

In Nigeria, the WHO has estimated that over 30,000 Nigerians die yearly as a result of tobacco-related diseases. The Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA) has also said that 246 men die weekly from tobacco-related illnesses in the country.

According to cardiologists, the nicotine contained in tobacco is a very dangerous addictive chemical and a disease-carrying ingredient which damages the entire vital organs and blood vessels of smokers and those exposed to second-hand smoke by speeding up the flow of blood to their hearts that breeds high blood pressure, accelerate their heart rate and narrows their arteries. This circumstance can often lead to heart attack and death.

Some neurologists have raised the alarm that cigarette smokers can experience Erectile Dysfunction (ED) also known as impotence because of how smoking restricts blood flow to their penis.

Epidemiologists have also warned that harvesters of tobacco crops are at risk of being infected by a disease from nicotine poisoning known as “the Green Tobacco Sickness”. Its symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, breathing and sleeping difficulty, chills, increased heart rate, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, pallor, excessive sweating and weakness.

The Six MPOWER measures, ratified by the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2008 designed to assist countries to halt to the rising prevalence of tobacco products has not yielded the desired result. Instead of decreasing, the number of tobacco smokers is increasing like wildfire. It is flabbergasting how obstinate individuals turn their eyes to the product’s packaging warning messages on the dangers of tobacco use. Most painful is how children and teenager are embracing the tobacco smoking culture from parents and films.

An African proverb says, “When the rhythm of the drum beat changes, the dance step must adapt”. Since the six MPOWER strategies of the WHO did not provide the desired result in low- and middle-income countries of Africa, Latin America and Asia, governments should do their utmost to propose a new approach and strategy for fighting against the rising prevalence by banning its cultivation and assisting its farmers to embrace the cultivation of the nutritional crops in order to distance millions of people from severe hunger. The huge funds that are squandered annually for sponsoring and subsidizing production of this disease-causing crop must be brought to an end. 

Here is sounding the alarm for African leaders to wake up from their deep slumber and address the genesis of food insecurity of the continent by converting millions of tobacco crop farmers into nutritional food farmers.  A 2022 report of the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the UN estimated that 828 million people regularly go to their beds with hungry stomachs worldwide.

Cigarette smokers should be reminded that their good health is the greatest wealth for themselves and their families. They should enjoy and appreciate this pre-eminent asset before it is snatched by some of the tobacco-related illnesses by quitting smoking.  

• Mustapha Baba, Azare, Bauchi State.