The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Will Kano’s throne with stand the test of time and wisdom?

    Will Kano’s throne with stand the test of time and wisdom?

    Sir: The grandeur of Kano’s emirate is not merely an inheritance of a throne but the custodianship of a deep-rooted history, culture, and tradition that represents the very soul of African heritage. From the era of Bagauda to the reign of Ado Bayero, the emirate has stood as a symbol of resilience, dignity, and continuity. Today, as the emirship tussle continues, it presents a defining moment not just for those directly involved but for the entire Kano people, whose unity and stability rest upon the wisdom of their leaders. It is a moment that demands measured actions, guided by history and the sacrifices of great monarchs who prioritized the collective good over personal ambitions.

    The Kano Emirate is no stranger to succession disputes, yet history has shown that wise leaders have navigated such crises with patience, foresight, and a commitment to preserving the integrity of the institution. From the reign of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi I to that of Ado Bayero, the emirate has undergone significant transitions, some peaceful, others contentious, but ultimately resolved with a sense of responsibility toward the larger interest of Kano.

    Today, we see echoes of the past in the contest between Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and Emir Aminu Ado Bayero. While the legal and political dimensions of the crisis continue to unfold, the moral weight on those involved is immense. The key question remains: Will the dignity, harmony, and prestige of Kano take precedence over personal interests, or will history remember this episode as a moment of avoidable discord?

    History is replete with examples of monarchs who faced displacement yet responded with wisdom, ensuring that their thrones remained symbols of honour rather than sources of division. In 1936, King Edward VIII of Britain abdicated the throne out of personal conviction, avoiding a constitutional crisis. More recently, King Juan Carlos of Spain voluntarily stepped aside to preserve national unity and dignity. Within Africa, deposed monarchs have often demonstrated restraint, placing the peace of their people above personal grievances.

    A particularly relevant example is Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, who, despite the political undertones of his removal in 2020, did not mobilize his supporters to challenge the decision. Instead, he accepted his fate with remarkable composure, trusting destiny and the historical cycle that governs leadership.

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    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf bears an enormous responsibility in ensuring that his administration’s actions do not fuel unnecessary tensions in Kano. While he holds constitutional authority over traditional institutions, wisdom dictates that such decisions be made with a far-reaching vision—one that safeguards Kano’s unity, stability, and the sanctity of its traditions. Political decisions should not be allowed to erode the revered position of the emirate.

    To Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, this moment calls for deep introspection on the true essence of leadership. His revered father, Emir Ado Bayero, was an emblem of peace, patience, and sagacity. The respect he commanded was not merely because he sat on the throne, but because of his ability to navigate crises with wisdom. Now, his son faces a historic test: will he allow personal ambition to override Kano’s peace, or will he embrace the noble path of sacrifice? The decisions he makes today will shape how history remembers him.

    To Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, his reinstatement is not just a return to power but an opportunity to lead with renewed wisdom and vision. The expectations upon him are immense—not for vengeance or retribution, but for reconciliation and statesmanship. The people of Kano look up to him to use his vast experience, intellect, and leadership to heal divisions, restore trust, and solidify the emirate as a pillar of stability.

    Kano is more than a city; it is a symbol of Africa’s resilience, culture, and civilization. The emirate represents centuries of tradition that must not be tainted by personal conflicts. The world is watching, and history is recording. The real question is not who sits on the throne today, but how that throne is preserved for generations to come.

    •Usman Abdullahi Koli,mernoukoli@gmail.com.

  • Rivers palaver: Is President Tinubu right or wrong?

    Rivers palaver: Is President Tinubu right or wrong?

    Sir: President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers for an initial period of six months. This action was taken in response to escalating political tensions between the governor and the state House of Assembly, which had led to violence and threats to law and order.

    Historically, the effectiveness of declaring a state of emergency to resolve political conflicts in Nigeria has been debated. While such measures can restore order temporarily, they may also undermine democratic principles and weaken institutions. For instance, the 1962 state of emergency in Nigeria’s Western Region addressed immediate security concerns but raised questions about federal overreach and political motivations.

    In the current situation, some organizations, such as the Nigerian Bar Association, have criticized the declaration as illegal, arguing that emergencies should not dissolve elected governments. Additionally, there are concerns that frequent use of emergency powers could erode trust in democratic processes.

    It is noteworthy that while critics have raised concerns about endangering democracy, they have not proposed solutions aimed at saving endangered lives in Rivers State. It is indubitable that people need to be alive to enjoy and practice democracy, and the Nigerian constitution states eloquently in Section 14 that the primary purpose of government is SECURITY and WELFARE of the people. A responsible president must not sacrifice the security and welfare of the people on the altar of “democracy.”

    An important question to ask is that, can there be democracy without government?

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    I think not.

    The Supreme Court has only a few weeks ago declared: “There is no government in Rivers State.” Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly needed to ensure that democratic governance was restored in Rivers State. They failed! Accordingly, the presidential declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State suspending the governor and the state legislature did not, and has not threatened democracy. You don’t kill what has already died.

    The governor himself unilaterally “knocked out” the state legislature until the Supreme Court rebuked him unreservedly. Additionally, he demolished the hallowed and historic building of the Rivers State House of Assembly!

    Nonetheless, while the state of emergency may provide a short-term solution to restore order, it is crucial to address the underlying political issues through dialogue and adherence to the rule of law to ensure long-term stability in Rivers State. This is what the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Fubara (along with his deputy) should strive to do during their forced “six-month vacation.”

    I wish them well.

    •Prof Leonard Karshima Shilgba, Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN),Ibusa, Delta State.

  • Kudos, Mr. President on Rivers’ political logjam

    Kudos, Mr. President on Rivers’ political logjam

    Sir: The political inferno in Rivers State has finally been extinguished by the firm hand of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a move both decisive and controversial, he has declared a state of emergency, suspending Governor Siminalaiyi Fubara, his deputy, and entire lawmakers of the state House of Assembly.

    To fill the power vacuum, he has appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd) as sole administrator, tasked with restoring order to a state that has teetered on the edge of anarchy for over a year.

    The crisis, a festering wound in Nigeria’s democratic fabric, began in December 2023 when Governor Fubara took the unprecedented step of demolishing the state House of Assembly complex. That singular act was more than a symbolic gesture.

    It was an assault on the very architecture of constitutional governance, reducing the state legislature to rubble in both form and function. What followed was a bitter standoff between the governor and pro-Wike lawmakers, a battle for supremacy that defied every attempt at reconciliation.

    President Tinubu himself waded into the murky waters, seeking a resolution through dialogue, but his efforts, like those of other well-meaning stakeholders, were met with intransigence. Then came the Supreme Court’s judgment.

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    In unequivocal terms, it declared that Rivers State had ceased to function as a proper government. The absence of a legislature, it argued, rendered governance illegitimate. The apex court upheld the membership of the defected lawmakers and ordered the immediate restoration of constitutional order.

    Yet, even with this legal pronouncement, the impasse persisted. The governor remained unmoved, the House of Assembly paralyzed, and the state in a political coma. Beyond the legal dimension, security reports painted an even grimmer picture.

    Militant groups, emboldened by the vacuum of power, had begun to assert their presence, vandalizing oil pipelines while the state government stood idle. Rivers is no ordinary state. It is Nigeria’s economic jugular, home to vast oil reserves and critical infrastructure.

    The prospect of unchecked lawlessness in such a strategic region was not just a state matter but a national emergency. With this declaration, Tinubu has pressed the reset button on Rivers politics.

    This is not just about punishing political actors who refused to govern responsibly. It is a statement that Nigeria’s democracy, however imperfect, will not be held hostage by personal ambitions. It is an assertion that when governance collapses, intervention becomes not just a choice but an obligation.

    But beneath the layers of legality and security concerns lies a more profound question. Does this intervention by Tinubu solve the deeper political fractures in Rivers, or does it merely mask the wounds with the bandage of federal authority?

    Emergency rule is a temporary fix, a stabilizing mechanism, but the tensions that birthed this crisis still lurk beneath the surface. For now, Tinubu has demonstrated that the federal government will not stand by while a key state spirals into disorder.

    But history teaches that interventions of this nature are as much about execution as they are about intent. The coming months will reveal whether this was a masterstroke that restored Rivers to the path of good governance or a high-stakes gamble that merely delayed an even greater reckoning.

    •Abdulsalam Mahmud,babasalam1989@gmail.com.

  • Tasks before the new Alaafin of Oyo

    Tasks before the new Alaafin of Oyo

    Sir: All is set for April 5, when Oyo Alaafin community and its environs will play host to thousands of dignitaries from all walks of life to witness the coronation of a new Alaafin, Oba Akeem Owoade,

    The new Alaafin is ascending the throne of his forebears after more than two years of the demise of the former Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. Owoade’s emergence as the new Alaafin came after fierce battles against equally qualified princes from his own royal lineage. The immediate task before the new Alaafin is how to soothe the frayed nerves and pacifying the losers in the aftermath of the battles that must have taken huge tolls on the rivals in both cash and kind.

    Aside Ibadan which has a relatively peaceful succession, one of the debacles of Obaship in other parts of Yorubaland is its in-built schism whereby a once peaceful, progressive and friendly community is suddenly polarized through succession to a demised king.

    So delicate and horrendous are the contests that supposedly friendly families sometimes become arch enemies by virtue of supporting different candidates into throne. The new Alaafin must work assiduously to close ranks and provide a lasting truce between him and other contestant princes on one hand, and the wider Oyo community on the other.

    He must hit the ground running by initiating ideas and identifying with the traditional values capable of pacifying all and sundry. Obaship is all about tradition and culture, and the best way to proceed is to start learning fast, especially having been away from the scene for a long time so that he can win the heart of the people.

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    Oba Owoade is ascending the Alaafin throne at the most in-auspicious time in the history of the Yoruba race. The Yoruba nation is gradually facing the dearth of leadership that could act as the rallying voice in a nation known for its virile and virulent interdependence and heterogeneity.

    With the now presumed incapacitation of Afenifere, the once effective pan Yoruba socio-cultural organization acting as the umbrella body for other Yoruba groups, there is an already an inevitable leadership lacuna which prominent Yoruba Obas like Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo and Soun of Ogbomoso must rise up to fill.

    It is kudos for the Ooni Ogunwusi who since his ascendency to the throne has been working tirelessly to restore the unity and past glory of Obaship in Yorubaland.  With the trio of Ooni, Alaafin and the Soun of Ogbomoso, who are not just paramount rulers, but are individuals imbued with sophistication, exposure, education and influence, taking up the gauntlet to restore the unity and sense of traditional purpose that fast ebbing and cascading into the state of abyss should not be impossible.

    Yorubaland is one family despite state creation; such sense of affinity is gradually being lost. The trio of Ooni, Alaafin and Soun should strive to reverse the trend by exploring a possible forum where Yoruba obas as descendants of Oduduwa can always meet at least once in a year or two.

    But then, there is always the fear of who will chair such meeting where you have Alaafin and Ooni, two foremost Yoruba Obas. This was the issue that predominated during the reigns of Ooni Olubuse and Alaafin Adeyemi. Given the education and exposure of both Alaafin Owoade and Ooni Ogunwusi, the issue of supremacy should not be allowed to constitute a cog in the wheel of progress and development of Yorubaland.

    On the on-going debate on the role of traditional rulers in the development of Nigeria, the trio of Alaafin, Ooni and Soun should constitute the vanguard in collaboration with their colleagues from the North, East, South to canvass a new role for traditional rulers in the constitution. Indeed, traditional rulers in Nigeria should take advantage of the ongoing constitutional review exercise to advocate for a new role in the constitution.

    •Sunday Olagunju,Ibadan, Oyo State.

  • The untold battle of Nigeria’s entertainment industry

    The untold battle of Nigeria’s entertainment industry

    Sir: No one talks about the failures, the countless auditions, or the silent struggles behind the scenes, they only just the glamour, the wealth, and the “soft life.” 

    Bollywood thrives on strategic government investment, making it a global economic force that boosts employment, tourism, and digital expansion. Unlike Nigeria’s self-funded entertainment sector, India injects billions into its film industry, ensuring sustained growth and international reach. 

    Beyond captivating audiences, it turns filming locations into major tourist attractions, employs millions across various roles, operating as a well-structured economic engine that drives both cultural and financial influence.

    Bollywood wields significant soft power, shaping international perceptions, fostering trade partnerships, and influencing policy discussions on a global scale.

    Now, the burning question is – If India has done it, why can’t Nigeria?

    Nollywood is already the second-largest film industry globally, built almost entirely on private effort.

    According to research, Nollywood is currently generating over $590 million annually and producing around 2,500 films a year.

    Imagine if this industry received the same kind of backing Bollywood enjoys. Federal investment—free from corruption—could elevate production quality, generate millions of jobs, and turn Nollywood into Nigeria’s foremost non-oil revenue especially in this period of youth unemployment.

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    Content creation, beyond Nollywood, has emerged as a formidable economic engine in Nigeria, proving that digital storytelling is not just a fleeting trend but a viable sector capable of generating wealth, employment, and global recognition.

    When properly harnessed, digital content creation can become a major economic driver much like Bollywood’s integration of influencers and digital expansion into film, tourism, and commerce. With the right policies—such as tax breaks, structured funding, and intellectual property protection—Nigeria’s content industry could grow into a leading non-oil revenue stream, competing with global giants like India and the United States.

    Despite its promise, the content creation industry in Nigeria still grapples with fundamental challenges that could hinder its full potential. Unlike Bollywood, which benefits from government-backed investment and structured growth strategies, Nigerian content creators operate in a largely informal economy, where access to funding, infrastructure, and legal protections remains inadequate. Some creators lack financial literacy, face inconsistent brand deals, and operate without a regulatory framework that protects their intellectual property.

    Additionally, the absence of dedicated digital innovation hubs limits their ability to scale, collaborate, or transition from short-form content to full-length productions capable of breaking into mainstream cinema as some have done.

    While some content creators have managed to bridge the gap between skit-making and brand influence, there remains an untapped market for leveraging content creation into mainstream entertainment and tourism.

    The government and private investors need to recognize digital storytelling as more than just “youthful amusement” but as a serious industry that, when properly structured, could create thousands of jobs, foster digital entrepreneurship, and export Nigerian creativity worldwide.

    If Nigeria is to truly harness the creative economy, it must institutionalize financial incentives, support digital film villages, and encourage content creators to transition into high-value productions that can contribute to global streaming platforms, film festivals, and international collaborations. Only then can the country move beyond isolated success stories to a full-fledged, structured entertainment ecosystem that mirrors the impact of Bollywood on India’s economy.

    States like Lagos, Kwara and some others have already positioned themselves as film hubs, investing in production studios, enabling policies, and film villages to attract investors. If these state-led initiatives can yield results, what would happen if Nigeria had a full-scale federal-backed Nollywood revolution?

    With well-structured grants, tax breaks, and infrastructure development, Nollywood could rival Hollywood and Bollywood, expanding tech-based employment and transforming Nigeria into Africa’s entertainment capital. 

    Yet, a crucial caution must be heeded. Nollywood, like every thriving industry, has its fair share of pitfalls. The rise of viral sensations over genuine talent, the exploitation of controversies for social media relevance, and the blurred line between creativity and chaos all pose risks to the industry’s long-term sustainability. The truth remains: talent is different from cruise, and entertainment is bigger than scandal-driven fame. Nollywood has the potential to be a global force, a national pride, and an economic goldmine.

    •Haroon Aremu Abiodun, exponentumera@gmail.com.

  • A long overdue emergency declaration

    A long overdue emergency declaration

    Sir: Finally, the long-awaited declaration of emergency in Rivers State has come to pass!  It has been long overdue! The chickens have come to roost!

    Surely, there was no way things could have gone anotheer way given the way and manner the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was going about, behaving like a loose cannon, terrorizing the 27 elected assembly members, demolishing the House of Assembly complex, and running the state affairs like a one-man riot squad.      

    Who does that! Who attacks democracy with such gusto, so much effrontery and impunity like that and thinks he can get away with it? That’s what Fubara did for the better part of his two years tenure as governor and his suspension was a moment of reckoning!  

    Keen followers of political developments as they unfolded are not in doubt that the dramatis personae in the entire political impasse had it coming. When this matter seemed to be getting out of hand some eight months ago, the president had summoned the parties to Abuja essentially to broker peace. The president was not compelled by any provision of the constitution whatsoever to do so. He opted for that out of his own volition.

    At the end of that meeting a 10-point resolution emerged for the contending parties to jointly implement to ensure peace.

    Nyesom Wike and his men implemented theirs. On getting to his base in Rivers, Governor Siminalayi Fubara was advised by some leaders and his supporters to jettison the implementation of his own part of agreement. They were reported to have encouraged him to take full charge of Rivers, while asking the president to take charge of Abuja.

    Even some well-meaning Nigerians and notable voices in Niger Delta were said to have made valiant attempts to mediate, with Fubara claiming to be absolutely in charge of the state.

    For the period he governed the state, Fubara also took delight in disobeying the judgments of courts, preferring instead, to interpret written judgments through the lensesof his Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

    One example that readily comes to mind is the court judgment that halted the conduct of Local Government election, which he and his Attorney General twistedto suit their purpose.

    Of course, the Fubara-led state government went ahead with the election; an unfortunate development that was trailed with carnage and destruction of lives and property.

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    And then, in his moment of grandstanding, the governor also indulged in provocative and reckless pronouncements that he was ready to quit the office anytime and that, vacating the office does not amount to vacating the universe and, that the youths should await his further instructions. 

    It’s also instructive that an appellate court had adjudicated on several layers of cases brought before it, the most notable being its pronouncement that the 2025 Appropriation Bill be re-presented to the state House of Assembly led by its Speaker Martin Amaewhule.

    It is tragic that as at the time of this, the 2025 Appropriation Bill, the centre-piece of that judgment has, still not been passed.

    The last straw that appears to have broken the camel back was the suspended governor’s indifference and tacit but dangerous silence in the face of the threats by some Niger Delta hoodlums to vandalize oil pipelines should the governor be impeached. Indeed, it has since been reported that the hoodlums actually made good their threats.

    As far as this writer is concerned, Simi Fubara has proven that he’s an accidental leader, with huge leadership deficiency, and so doesn’t  deserve to continue in that exalted office.  

    His suspension serves him right,  a warning to his ilk that leadership at any level, is for big-hearted, matured, patriotic and purpose driven individuals, and not for those who just emerged from the blues.    

    •Kola Amzat (FCA, FCIB)Lagos.

  • In support of the emergency in Rivers State

    In support of the emergency in Rivers State

    Sir: Pundits who are criticizing President Bola Tinubu for declaring state of emergency in Rivers State are either economical with the truth or they are anarchists. It is surprising that majority of these critics did not fault the bombing of Rivers State House of Assembly. Where were they when the suspended governor, Simi Fubara presented a budget to a three-man assembly? Was that legal?

    Did the relocation of the sitting of the three-man House of Assembly to Government House in tandem with the principle of the separation of powers? Even the Supreme Court in its ruling, described the action of Fubara as subversion of constitution and democracy. One of the judges called him a despot.

    President Tinubu should rather be applauded because he did not just wake up and declare state of emergency in Rivers State. As an experienced politician, the president opted for political solution at the inception of the crisis, but what happened? Governor Fubara was the first to bungle it as he was widely reported by national dailies saying his political rivals should not take his simplicity as a sign of weakness, and that he would implement the political solution because of his “respect” for the president. “I am doing it because of the respect I have for Mr. President. But, let me say it here, if that action that I have accepted to take would be seen as a weakness, I will surprise them. I want to this message to go to them”. Fubara made this statement on Wednesday April 3, 2024 when members of NULGE from 23 LGAs of Rivers State paid him a solidarity visit.

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    The governor, by making such statement before a group of supporters showed that he was not ready to make any peace. And in order to prove that he is not weak, and he was ready to take any measure whether legal or illegal. And this made him to co-opt militants to undermine the peace not only in Rivers State but the country as whole. It explains the resurgence of the bombing of oil pipelines.

    To arrest the chaos, President Tinubu cannot be expected to fold his arms. And the president has taken the bold step which will restore normalcy to Rivers State. But those who want to take to violence and destabilization of Nigeria are not happy because they lost the last general elections. And they are looking for every excuse to blackmail the government. They want the situation to get out of control and then they will come and start criticizing the president for being an indecisive leader.

    •Comrade Bishir Dauda Sabuwar,Unguwa Katsina.

  • Taking Nigeria for granted

    Taking Nigeria for granted

    • By Bishir Dauda Sabuwar

    Sir: Many of us are taking our country, Nigeria for granted.

    The daily news, analyses by spin doctors, reports by activists and “experts” shape our mind-sets on how we see our country. Thus, we think that we are not benefiting anything from our country, and Nigeria is a hell-spot on earth.

    Thus, we continue to ridicule our country, describing it in despicable terms. Our attitude towards our country influence how outside world perceive us, and treat us. Unwisely, we tend to underrate the fact that in every negative thing we call our country, we are just undermining ourselves. Some people wrongly believe that by condemning the political leaders, they have earned themselves the toga of being “patriots”. So the simple way to become patriotic citizens in this country is to become incurably pessimistic about every situation about the country; a blind critic who is guided by emotions and prejudices. This is cheap. And it hasn’t addressed any problem for us since 1960.

    While in the history of great nations, every citizen thinks of what he can do in his own capacity to contribute to the development of his country, here people expect things to happen magically and dramatically like in a dream. Even the most mundane things people are not ready to do. Yet they want to Nigeria to be like Sweden or Canada.

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    Nations are built through years of hard work from the ordinary and extra-ordinary citizens. Citizens make sacrifices; some even paid the supreme price. People in great nations don’t flee from problems. They stay back home, face and fight the hydra-headed monsters until they defeat them.

    Mere rhetoric and lamentations hardly yield any enduring results. Because everyone, including madmen, can talk. Talk is very cheap but it doesn’t address anything.

    Some people with their cheap talk, good grammar, jumping from political platform to another, delude themselves that what they are doing is in the national interest. But we see them for what they are: opportunists. We read the history of great men and women who built great countries. Most of them were not even rich materially. They were motivated not by desire to rule or amass wealth or massage their ego, but to liberate their people. And they did it earnestly and sincerely.

    •Comrade Bishir Dauda Sabuwar,

     Unguwa Katsina.

  • NDLEA’s doggedness in drug fight

    NDLEA’s doggedness in drug fight

    • By Adekunbi Lawal

    Sir: Week after week, we hear news of seizures of illicit drugs and the arrests of drug traffickers. This unending wave of arrests gives the public the impression that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is on a determined course to sanitise the country.

    The way NDLEA officers unravel the disingenuous efforts made to conceal consignments of drugs is reassuring. No matter how clever traffickers may be in their attempts to smuggle drugs, the NDLEA is always one step ahead. The message is clear: the efforts of drug dealers will be thwarted, and their illicit activities will not go unnoticed.

    One recent example that highlights the agency’s diligence occurred a few weeks ago, when a 42-year-old Angolan national attempted to smuggle 120 pellets of cocaine, weighing 1.829 kilograms, into Turkey via Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The man, who claimed to be a businessman, ingested the drugs, but his plan was foiled by diligent NDLEA officers. Another noteworthy incident involved the interception of drug consignments concealed in creative ways—cocaine hidden in prayer beads, the soles of shoes, and packs of board games, all intended for export to Saudi Arabia. Similarly, other drugs were found in Vitamin C bottles and clothes, disguised in an attempt to be shipped to the United States. These examples demonstrate the lengths to which drug traffickers will go, but they also showcase the relentless determination of the NDLEA in combating these illegal activities.

    No matter how cunning or innovative drug traffickers may be, the NDLEA should not be deterred. Their vigilance and expertise in detecting and dismantling these trafficking networks are commendable, but it is important to acknowledge that society must complement their efforts.

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    As responsible members of society, we must all play an active role in identifying and reporting any suspicious activities that may involve the cultivation, sale, or use of illicit drugs. By doing so, we can help prevent the destructive consequences these substances have on our communities, especially among young people, who are often the most vulnerable to the allure of experimentation.

    Furthermore, it is essential that the government continues to offer its full support to the NDLEA in this fight. More can and should be done to strengthen the agency’s efforts. This includes improving the welfare of anti-narcotic officers, providing them with adequate motivation, and ensuring that they have access to the latest tools, equipment, and logistics. A well-equipped and motivated workforce is key to the NDLEA’s ongoing success in its mission to rid the country of the devastating effects of drug trafficking.

    In conclusion, while the NDLEA’s efforts in the fight against drug trafficking deserve commendation, we must recognise that this battle is far from over. It requires the combined efforts of government agencies, law enforcement, and citizens to protect the future of our nation from the devastating consequences of drug abuse and trafficking. Only through continuous support for the NDLEA can we hope to achieve lasting success in this critical fight.

    •Adekunbi Lawal,

    Abuja.

  • Nigeria’s power crisis and its unbearable toll

    Nigeria’s power crisis and its unbearable toll

    • By Chiechefulam Ikebuiro

    Sir: The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a heat stress alert for several states, warning that rising temperatures and high humidity in the coming days could lead to significant thermal discomfort and increased health risks. At a time when reliable electricity is most needed, Ikeja Electric and other power distribution companies have as usual demonstrated an alarming level of incompetence. 

    While the recent invasion of Ikeja Electric’s offices by the military sets a dangerous precedent and must be condemned, the question remains: should the rest of us suffer as a result? Let’s be clear—this attack doesn’t change the undeniable fact that Ikeja Electric and other power distribution companies have shown some of the highest levels of incompetence imaginable. But in the midst of this chaos, is anyone considering the severe consequences, especially for the most vulnerable, like children and the elderly, who are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses?

    This situation highlights a major problem Nigeria has faced for decades: the poor state of the electricity supply. Despite numerous attempts to fix the power sector through some forms of reforms and privatization especially, the system remains largely ineffective, leaving millions of Nigerians without stable electricity. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it affects people’s health, the economy, and overall quality of life.

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    The bulk stops at President Bola Tinubu’s desk. It’s time he recognizes the urgency of this situation. Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, has a responsibility to ensure that electricity distribution companies are held accountable for their failures and that necessary infrastructural investments are made to improve power generation and distribution.

    There has been too much talk and too little action. We have seen roadmap after roadmap from the Minister of Power. We have seen the National Energy Compact (NEC), described as an ambitious energy access program. We have seen the National Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan (NIEP-SIP). Yet, since their announcements, it’s been crickets!  Enough of the excuses and endless discussions. If the kitchen is too hot, as they say, then the minister should step aside or the president should excuse him!

    Nigeria’s economic growth is deeply tied to its energy supply. Without reliable electricity, businesses struggle to operate efficiently, healthcare facilities face constant operational challenges, and ordinary citizens are forced to depend on expensive and environmentally damaging alternatives like generators. To make matters worse, there’s the added burden of constantly buying fuel to power these generators, especially with the high cost of petrol. It’s overwhelming, and the average Nigerian’s purchasing power hasn’t improved. This demands urgent attention.

    Now, with extreme weather conditions posing an even greater threat, the lack of reliable electricity is no longer just an economic issue-it is now a matter of public health and survival. If the Tinubu administration is desirous of fostering economic stability and improving the quality of life for Nigerians, power sector reforms must be treated as a top priority. Beyond policy pronouncements, there must be a clear, actionable roadmap for resolving the power crisis. Addressing electricity challenges effectively could solve half of our issues

    The current heatwave has once again shown how critical it is to have a functioning power sector. Nigerians deserve better. It’s time for the government to take real action and provide lasting solutions to a problem that has gone on for far too long.

    •Chiechefulam Ikebuiro,

    chiechefulamikebuiro@gmail.com