Category: Letters

SIR: Why have we refused as Nigerians the giant of Africa and the hope of black race across the world failed to tame and harmonize our diverse resources in natural endowment? Why do we run abroad as doctors, scientists, writers, academics for enhancement and visibility on a global fissure? Until we answer all these posers realistically, our commissions are purely the ranting of the pot saying the kettle is black or vice versa on the actors of Chatham House.

The Chatham House has become a replica of Lancaster House where we had partied our way into a temporary independence from the British lords with the colonial officers’ presidency as “masters of ceremony “. It is within this premise that the existing colonial president predicted albeit prophetically, that six years down the line, the flag freedom nations would collapse. From Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Uganda, Mozambique, Angola; enter the period of militarism that completely eroded whatever form of civility we imbibed from colonial tutelages.

Chatham House, shorn off hypocritical posturing of many analysts is a metaphor for our collective inadequacies in past colonial Africa, more so in Nigeria. Our rule of law is still held in abeyance, the press rather than being a “watchdog” had become the posters boys of the establishment. Opposition is cleverly stifled and only those who chorus “Hosanna” catch the mice of our leaders who are buccaneers in office.

Why have our leaders with a very few exceptions not be large-minded enough to catch the big fishes in opposition parties and civil society to build a sanitized society where the British, the Portuguese, the Americans, Chinese and Indians would envy and flood Nigeria as co-competitor for world economic order, but as dumping ground for Western and Eastern wastes?

If the truth needed to be told, the concept of colonialism – however unsavoury to the heart, especially having regard to the postulations of African radical theorists like Walter Rodney, Frantz Fanon, and others – that opened up the civil institutions and inclusive space that ramified as a challenge to the western imperialist design. Whatever may be their inadequacies, the western capitals Like London, New York, Paris and others still offer a scintilla of hope and fruitfulness for the flowery of open discussions, open dialogue, institutional accommodation, ethnic and religious accommodation than prevailing post-colonial African states!

The first point of mass mobilisation against the intolerance of the civilian government of the first Republic was promoted in London to a Nigerian audience. It was that feat championed by the opposition in contrast to the intolerance of the coalition government of the day that accorded the abrogation of the Anglo-Nigerian Defence Pact among other inconsiderate policies of post-colonial Nigeria.

The Europeans might have done a lot of havoc by the concept of slave trading, colonialism, capitalism and imperialism but what have we done to bring ourselves into higher ideals of collective integration, cultural sense of justice to all, religious tolerance, ethnic accommodation, fair and equitable distribution of resources to all that would enable us to outsmart, outperform, and outshine the departing colonial lords? While our pre-colonial history was arguing with “might was right” with the ethnic alienation and bitter conquest of one another, our post-independence experiences have shown without any iota of doubt that six decade of their departure, we have not collectively enacted a cohesive core values among ourselves that would prove to the world the very evils of colonisation and allied concepts we are ever ready to condemn.

From the annulment of MKO Abiola’s election to the killing of Ogoni activists, up to the present non-state actors’ claim to negotiate state sovereignty, we have not gotten the necessary inbuilt mechanism of patently resolving our internal crisis of amalgamation with fairness and justice.

Nigeria would fare better had colonial lords stayed with us for long or the reasonable future. An opinion poll will confirm this thesis, these myth and realities on “Chatham House” adventure.

•Omotayo Ishola,

Ilorin, Kwara State.

SIR: Ann Soberekon, a retired laboratory scientist, was almost lynched by a mob in Port Harcourt following an accusation of witchcraft. Ann was actually suffering from dementia – a condition of the brain characterised by impairment of brain function such as memory and judgment that interferes with doing everyday activities. 

The incident led a rights group, ‘Advocacy for Alleged Witches’ to decry the ill-treatment meted out to those with mental health challenges. According to the group, attribution of dementia and other mental disorders is rooted in irrational fear, misinterpretation and ignorance of the cause of disease. 

Living in fear of being called names and other forms of stigmatisation is the way people with mental health issues live in Nigeria and even other African countries. With proliferation of knowledge of mental health, some African nations started signing bills to protect the right of people suffering from mental health issues. Foremost among are countries like South Africa which signed the Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002 on October 28, 2002. In 2012, the Ghanaian government signed Mental Health Act 2012 into law; Zambia followed with her Mental Health Act in 2019 and then in June 2022, Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta signed the Mental Health Bill into law.

Nigeria followed suit when on January 5, President Muhammadu Buhari as parting gift gave the country the long awaited Mental Health Act thus repealing the extant law, known as the Lunacy Act CAP 542, of the laws of Nigeria 1964. 

The legislation covers the assessment, treatment, care and rights of people with mental health disorders while also discouraging stigmatisation and discrimination by setting standards for psychiatric practice in Nigeria among other provisions. 

The assent of the law generated positive response with physicians saying the law will afford those in the field the power to work unhindered and also enlighten Nigerians of the dangerous lifestyles that may lead to a breakdown in one’s mental health. 

Most noteworthy is that the law is coming after two failed attempts. It was first presented in the National Assembly in 2003 and secondly in 2013 when the National Policy for Mental Health Services Delivery set out the principles for the delivery of care to people with mental, neurological, and substance abuse problems. Needless to state that the Bill could not scale through in those previous attempts.

As they say, it is certainly better late than never. What is left is for those responsible for the implementation is for them to take charge in ensuring that the purpose for which the law was signed is not defeated.  

•Lawal Dahiru Mamman,

Abuja.

By Aisha Awoniran

SIR: Generation Z, also known as the iGen or the post-Millennials, is the demographic cohort born between 1996 and 2010. These young adults are the first generation to grow up in a completely digital world, and their language use reflects this. They are known for their heavy use of internet slang, emojis, and abbreviations in their communication. However, as Generation Z becomes increasingly reliant on technology and social media, there are concerns that their language use may be negatively impacting their psychological well-being.

One of the most striking features of Generation Z’s language use is their heavy reliance on internet slang and abbreviations. Words like ‘lit’, ‘on fleek’, and ‘bae’ are common in their vocabulary, and they often use shorthand like ‘u’ for ‘’you” or “tho” for “though’’. This type of language use can create barriers for older generations who may not understand the meaning of these words and phrases. It can also lead to misunderstanding and confusion in face-to-face communication, as these words and phrases are often specific to online communication.

Another notable aspect of Generation Z’s language-use  is their heavy use of emojis. These small digital images are used to express emotions and ideas visually. Generation Z use emojis to communicate everything from love and happiness to sarcasm and anger. While emojis can be a fun and creative way to express oneself, they can also lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Without the context of tone and body language, it can be difficult to understand the intended meaning behind an emoji. The heavy use of internet slang and emojis by Generation Z can also be seen as a reflection of their lack of face-to-face communication skills. As they spend more time online, they may be losing the ability to effectively communicate in person. This could lead to problems in their personal and professional lives, as they may struggle to connect with others and form meaningful relationships.

Moreover, the constant use of social media and technology can also have a detrimental effect on the psychological well-being of Generation Z. Studies have shown that excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of loneliness. depression. and anxiety. The constant need for validation and approval from others can also lead to feelings of low self-worth and self-esteem. Additionally, the constant bombardment of information and images can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and information overload.

While Generation Z’s language use may be unique and creative, it can also create barriers in communication and negatively impact their psychological well-being.

It is important for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to be aware of these concerns and work to help Generation Z develop the communication and coping skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Encouraging them to engage in face-to-face communication and limit their screen time can help them to build stronger relationships and a healthier psychological state.

• Aisha Awoniran, Lagos State University, Ojo.

By Nkup Nanzem

SIR: As the general elections approach, there is the need to draw attention to the nexus between drug abuse and electoral violence. Looking at the statistics of 2011, post-election violence led to the death of at least 800 people over three days of rioting in 12 states across northern Nigeria — the worst so far in the country’s political history. Unfortunately, the Nigerian youths who are the supposed leaders of tomorrow are used as a medium by greedy politicians to visit mayhem on their opponents and innocent citizens and this singular act affects the credibility of democracy, which elections are supposed to project.

Political thugs cannot fully operate without the use of illicit substances. This is so because drugs and crime work hand in hand. Therefore the NDLEA under the leadership of respected former military administrator of Lagos, Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) should deploy more efforts in the aspect of drug supply reduction because when the chain of drug manufacturing and distribution is broken,  the crime rate during this election will be brought down to the barest minimum. 

The NDLEA continues to make seizures of large quantities of drugs on daily basis. Since Marwa assumed office, one can almost say that the drug cartels have been living in hell because of the intensity of heat he daily puts on them. Listening to him speak at a media briefing last, I picked the following words of reassurance. According to him, ”Already, we have 34 barons in our net and they are facing the music in court. We have secured orders for the temporary forfeiture of their assets. With our prosecution being topnotch, they can look forward to a long time in prison and final forfeiture of their wealth and assets. Those involved in the illicit drug trade should take a cue from our actions. They can again look forward to a tough time this year.”

Putting aside the fact that election violence is fuelled by greedy politicians and other public office holders, it is also true that there are people who consume drugs on their own during the election in an attempt to calm anxiety but end up engaging in crimes. It is not the duty of the NDLEA alone to manage election violence but it is that of the citizens and other stakeholders as well. We also need to take this campaign to every doorstep in our various communities; our worship centres, market square, homes and schools. Since the Nigerian youths are the ones who are mostly used as thugs to perpetrate election violence and also the largest population who use drugs, the media can also assist to sensitize them as they are also the largest population who use the social media. 

This is a call for drug demand reduction in our various communities, a call to every house hold to look closely into their environment and report every suspicious drug activity to NDLEA or at least a law enforcement agency. This is a call for a drug free election.

• Nkup Nanzem, Jos, Plateau State.

SIR: The question of an Igbo presidency in Nigeria is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been asked in our national discourse and will ultimately be determined by the political landscape and the will of the Nigerian people.

Ndi Igbo, like any other ethnic group in Nigeria, have the right to aspire to hold the highest office in the land, but it is important for Ndi Igbo to work towards this goal in a way that is inclusive, fair, and respectful of the rights and aspirations of other ethnic groups and regions in the country.

Since the return of democracy in 1999, the Ndi Igbo seem to be groping in the dark. The current political leaders from the Southeast seem to be divided, selfish and opportunistic. This was not the case some years back.

Power they say is not served a la carte, meaning that it is not given or obtained easily or on demand. In a democratic society, political power is obtained through a competitive and often complex process that involves winning the support of voters through campaigning, building alliances and coalitions.

Building bridges and fostering positive relationships across different groups and regions is important for any candidate or party that hopes to gain the support of a diverse and divided electorate. This can include reaching out to other ethnic groups and working to address the concerns and issues of citizens from all regions.

The presidency won’t come to Ndi Igbo on a platter- the support of other regions and groups across the country is sacrosanct and thus it is not appropriate or ethical to try to “railroad” oneself to power by guilt tripping other regions or groups. Such tactics would likely harm relationships and trust and would ultimately be detrimental. Insulting or denigrating other ethnic groups and religions is not an appropriate or effective way for Ndi Igbo to gain support or increase the chances of an Igbo president.

It is important that Ndi Igbo work towards building a strong and unified political party as well as presenting leaders in the mould of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Muhammadu Buhari who have been seen as strong leaders who have been able to mobilize support for the Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani communities respectively.

The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) is a political party in Nigeria that has traditionally been popular among the Igbo people. Building and strengthening this party as a regional party is surely a path for Ndi Igbo to have a stronger political representation.

Additionally, it is also important for the party to work towards building bridges and alliances with other political parties and groups across the country while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Ultimately, the future of an Igbo presidency will depend on the political landscape, the will of the Nigerian people, and the actions of Ndi Igbo and its leaders.

•Chiechefulam Ikebuiro,

chiechefulamikebuiro@gmail.com

SIR: Opinions abound on the place of indigenous languages in the society particularly in the face of the current realities of modernization. The popular argument on this subject matter is hinged on promoting indigenous languages principally for their sustainability with a view to preventing them from going into extinction.

Unarguably, our society has witnessed a quick transition from the age of cultural modesty, moral standards, decency and general traditional social ethics to the present age of anomalies, moral decadence and cultural thoughtlessness amongst other things. We have moved from a society that understands courtesy to a light-hearted or perhaps numb generation. A society that understands the value of being offered a seat before sitting, lending a helping hand to an elder regardless of whether we know them or not to a society that is unconscious of these courtesies where you would see a young chap talk down on an elder, extend the hand for a shake in acknowledging or greeting one that is equivalent to her father and exude sheer socio-cultural tactlessness.

The popular and social question is what factors culminated in this social shift? The answer is not improbable as it stares at us daily but we are oblivious of it; it is our neglect of our indigenous languages.

The perception in our society is that our indigenous languages are mere tool for communication. This notion is narrow as communication is the minimum function a language serves among other things. Like other languages of the world, indigenous languages are carriers of social identity, culture, ideology and philosophy. The social rules and ethics in every culture are expressed through the language of such culture and society. Proverbs, folktales, songs and idioms in every indigenous language portray socio-cultural values and ethics expected of every individual in the society. Philosophies and ideologies of the society also abound in sayings, axioms and other contexts of language use.

Consequently, a substantial knowledge of the language is tantamount to understanding these values and ideologies. Our disregard and avoidance of the use of indigenous languages is responsible for the prevalence of moral and cultural issues in our society attributable to lack of native intelligence and cultural ideologies.

If you speak and understand, for instance, Yoruba language, you automatically learn different social ethics such as comportment, obedience, respect for elders and constituted authorities etcetera. From proverbs and axioms used in every context of communication, we decipher where the conversations are headed as well as their cultural and social implications. From the look on our mother’s face and implicit language use, we could decide the best decision to take in the face of a request.  From songs used in folktales and cultural renditions, lessons on cleanliness, humility, hard work, and contentment etc. are taught and vices like laziness, covetousness, nudity, fraud and corruption are decried.

A number of our social issues attributable to morals and ethics today are a function of our failure to use our indigenous languages which serve as a catalyst for these values. As a society, we will continue to fall short of cultural values and social ethics if we fail to patronize our indigenous languages. The earlier we understand the significance of our indigenous languages and seek to promote them; the better it is for our society.

•Oluwatobiloba Lawal

 Lagos State University, Ojo.

SIR: The wave of 2023 general election stated for Feb 25, in respect of presidential election and National Assembly and March 11 for governorship and state legislature has obfuscated the tenor and tremor of impending national headcount slated for April.

Many well-meaning Nigerians have become and quite rightly, apprehensive of the timing of the two national events coming pari passu in relation to the combustible nature of our praetorian society. 

The two events are not mutually exclusive as they are both complementary in nature. A good and sanitized democratic recruitment of leadership should birth a transparent, scientific, accurate and acceptable census with minimal disputations and rancorous bickering in the policy.

Given our experience of 1952, 1963, 1973, 1991, 2006 headcounts however, population censuses in our chime are as contentious and violence-ridden as the general election.

Nigeria is the seventh most populous county in the world and the most populous in Africa! It is coming after the China, India, USA, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Brazil. It is because of her size that Nigeria has various appellations as “Giant of Africa”, “big man of Africa” and so on. But the strength of population in national calculus is tangential and minimal. It is ridiculous to mention that the continental Africa including Nigeria, its biggest nation contributes less than 3% to world trade while UK contributes 3.6% to world trade. What do we think about the development? 

It is unthinkable to have Nigeria beating the USA to the third position in the next two decades as being projected by experts in population matrix. The consensus becomes all the more strategic in view of the fact that in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, we play hypocritical roles when it comes to the issue of population control or reduction, hanging on spurious religious, ethnic colourations that have reduced us to pawns on the game of organised scientific and technological innovations. 

For instance, people Republic of China, arising from great leap forward narrowed the birth per head to two and later one to which reduced population growth of China considerably and substantially accelerated its productive capacity since 1979.

Truth be told; if Nigeria outclasses the United States of America in two decades, how do we feed the ticking population which threatens like a time-bomb? 

Already, Nigeria has beaten India as the capital city of the poor in the world. What with 133 million of her citizens in the poverty line, with half of them in extreme poverty, 33% unemployment rate, with 60% unemployed and unemployable youths, the Chinese model has become more increasingly appealing if not alluring. That is if we will bail ourselves from great fine and societal mass discontent, the breeding foundation of mass revolution of Russian or Chinese variants.

Unfortunately, our contemporary elites are either too lazy or hypocritical to view the incoming mass hysteria against the state if radical solutions are not berthed to confront the presence of hunger, poverty, mass discount and mass disorientation snowballing in banditry, kidnappings, gun-running, yahoo plus, japa exodus, and even Boko Haram insurgency. 

Population control, like agriculture, security, energy generation, education, health should be part of campaign focal points among our political elites but strangely totally absent for lack of will which has retarded our march to modernity. 

Whichever way the outcome of the poll and census go post April, Nigerian elites must come together to form a consensus of our impending implosion arising from our population holocaust which might be the beginning of the end. 

The elite consensus is the recipe against the famine in Samaria and the Chinese experience. Time to get it is now. 

•Omotayo Ishola, 

Ilorin Kwara State.