The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • A long overdue repatriation

    A long overdue repatriation

    Sir: Recently, the Museum Volkenkunde in Leiden, or folk art museum, Netherlands reached an agreement with Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments to facilitate the repatriation of about 112 bronze artefacts looted from Benin, Edo State.

    The repatriation when it happens will be the latest instalment in a long line of efforts made by the Nigerian government to recover priceless artefacts looted from the country during colonial times. Already, dozens of artefacts have been recovered by the country. But such was the scale of plunder of a people’s material culture that many more artefacts lying loose in European museums are yet to be recovered.

    Nigeria was not the only victim of this theft of epic and historic proportions. Many other countries which were victims of such colonial heists have been vocal in demanding that what they lost be returned to them. It is noteworthy that other Dutch Museums have also been busy repatriating artefacts looted during colonial times from the Dutch East India Company’s holding in Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

     In total, the repatriations include the ‘Lombok treasure’, consisting of 335 objects from Lombok in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia, four statues from the Javan Hindu kingdom of Singasari, 132 objects of modern art from Bali, and from Sri Lanka—a cache of ceremonial weapons from the city-states of Kandy and others including a royal canon made of gold, silver, and rubies.

    While it is almost impossible to describe colonialism in a few words, there is no doubt that colonialism was by a large an unprecedented spree of looting and plunder against people that were at the mercy of ruthless occupiers.

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    These occupiers as savage as they were, cared little about the welfare of the people they occupied in the short and long run. What was uppermost in their twisted minds was access to the resources that were abundant in their colonies, which meant that even the most vicious forms of exploitation were permissible as a means to an end.

    Colonialism was a vicious attack on the culture of the colonized. This culture often found expression in intangible resources like language and material resources like artefacts and artwork. Their presence in the museums of colonizers around the world remains an ongoing insult to the sensibilities of people who suffered unimaginable injustice under colonialism.

    Each of those artefacts must be returned. Nothing will make up for the atrocities of colonialism or measure the loss it occasioned but returning what is left of the loot will be a tiny but consequential first step.

    •Kene Obiezu,keneobiezu@gmail.com

  • Sanwo-Olu, please abolish the ‘bond’ system

    Sanwo-Olu, please abolish the ‘bond’ system

    Sir: I implore Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, to abolish the bond system in Lagos State, especially with doctors, nurses, and other categories of workers in the state. The bond system in Lagos State as it is today is unfair and draconian and may have outlived its usefulness.

    The way bonds are meant to work is for an employer (Lagos State Health Service Commission) to send its employees for further studies with another employer, where the first employer foots the bill regarding their training. The employee, after their training, is supposed to render service back to their employer for a period or pay back the money used in their training.

    For Lagos State, this is not the case. Instead the staff have a contract of employment that requires that they be paid salaries. Lagos State now trains its staffers in its hospital facilities. Some remain in the same hospital and the same department. In other words, the training is with their employer and not another employer. So, the staff is doing what is called in-service training and writing professional examinations. If an employee decides to leave before completing the required bond years, they should only be responsible for repaying the costs associated with their training, such as course fees or examination expenses. But Lagos State wants employees to pay back all the salary they earned while they were rendering service! Some staff have been handed hefty bills of about N50m to pay back with no way to verify its accuracy.

    It is important to note that this policy does not exist in the Federal Civil Service. In the federal, it is only when the employee goes overseas that this obtains and even then, they are only required to pay back the money involved in their training and not their salary.

    The maximum time allowed for completing the programme is six years. If an employee finishes the programme in five years and contributes a few years back to the government, overzealous official mistakenly calculates the amount “owed” to be paid back for the entire six years, including the period the employee returned to the Lagos State government. While the state officials pursue these dedicated employees, those who have embezzled billions of naira remain undisturbed.

    There are many factors that are not considered in the bond system in Lagos State. Some have been bonded for five years; others have bonded for seven years. This is too long and has discouraged many from joining the in-service training programme, causing doctor shortages as the few doctors who stayed back are overworked with patients ultimately the ones to bear the brunt. If it were even a bond for a year, it would probably encourage more doctors to come in and ensure a steady supply of doctors.

    In addition, any doctor who has practised in Nigeria for up to 10 years, when he is allowed to retire voluntarily, should not be tied down. But there are doctors who have given 15 years of their lives and more to the country who are also being tied down. This is unfair. A man or woman who is married may also decide to move closer to their family by going outside Lagos to maintain family unity and keep their marriage. These things need to be factored in. There was a particular doctor who left everything and fled Nigeria because his life was in danger. Would it be fair to force that person to stay back? Can any state government guarantee the safety of such a person? These bonds do not factor in things like that.

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    To keep doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers in Nigeria goes beyond bonds. It requires welfare packages that take care of individuals and their families, especially their children. Some of the countries these doctors go to abroad have a welcoming approach. They pay for their relocation, their postgraduate “re-training” and support them and their dependants without bonding them.

    The bond system in Lagos State, which sets the pace for other states, should be abolished considering the realities of Nigeria today and a welfare package with a human face be put in place. As a stakeholder and a senior citizen of Lagos State, I am deeply concerned about this issue and trust that His Excellency would look into it.

    •Cosmas Odoemena,Lagos

  • Excessive ATM charges: Why FCCPC must act now

    Excessive ATM charges: Why FCCPC must act now

    Sir: The recent circular issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) (Ref: FPR/DIR/GEN/CIR/001 /002, dated February 10) has sparked outrage among millions of Nigerian consumers. The revised structure for Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction fees, scheduled to take effect from tomorrow, March 1, introduces steep charges that will disproportionately impact low-income earners who depend on ATMs for their everyday financial needs.

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has a clear and broad statutory mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) to intervene in matters that adversely affect consumer interests. Sections 17, especially 17(l)(a), 17(1)(b), and 17(1)(c) of the FCCPA empower the commission to review economic activities, identify anti-consumer practices, and take necessary actions to protect Nigerians from exploitation. The FCCPC must act decisively, as this policy is not a monetary or fiscal policy decision but a business decision by the CBN that is in favour of bank profitability over consumer protection.

    The misconception that every action of the CBN is insulated from regulatory scrutiny under the guise of its monetary policy powers must be corrected. Where the CBN acts in a manner that clearly prioritizes the profitability of banks over consumer protection, the FCCPC has the authority—and indeed the responsibility—to intervene. The FCCPC is vested with broad powers to check anti-consumer practices, whether they originate from private businesses or government institutions. In this case, the commission has both the legal mandate and the moral responsibility to intervene

    The anti-consumer nature of the recent policy is evident in several ways. First, the policy places a disproportionate burden on consumers withdrawing of another bank’s ATM by introducing a N100 charge per N20,000 withdrawal at on-site and  a charge of N100 at off-site ATMs and an additional surcharge of up to N500 per N20,000 withdrawal at off-site ATMs. These new charges are separate and distinct from other numerous charges that financial consumers are mandated to pay. This effectively forces people to pay extra just to access their own money.

    The removal of the three free monthly withdrawals for “Not-On-Us” transactions worsens the financial strain on ordinary Nigerians, making it even more expensive to use banking services.

    The CBN argues that these charges are meant to accelerate ATM efficiency and ensure appropriate pricing. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. Past increases in banking fees have not led to any significant expansion of ATM infrastructure. Instead, banks have simply profited from the additional charges without improving service delivery. As a result, while the total number of ATMs may not have decreased, the existing infrastructure remains inadequate to meet consumer demand, leading to  higher withdrawal expenses by forcing many consumers to rely on even more pricey POS vendors.

    On a closer scrutiny, this policy represents a violation of consumer protection principles. The CBN’s new fee structure will only widen the financial exclusion gap by making banking services more expensive and less accessible to consumers, especially for those in rural and underserved areas. When bank charges gets too much and expensive, such policy undermines financial inclusion rather than promoting it; thereby undermining the CBN’s own stated goals.

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    To protect Nigerian consumers, the FCCPC must take the following immediate actions:

    Conduct an urgent review to assess its impact on consumers and determine whether it constitutes an anti-consumer practice.

     The FCCPC should press for the suspension of the new ATM fees until a thorough review and meaningful stakeholder engagement takes place, ensuring no consumer is subjected to unfair charges until a full review is completed. Also, it should initiate direct consultations with the CBN, advocating for consumer-friendly banking policies that do not impose undue financial burdens on Nigerians. 

    Finally, the commission should recommend necessary corrective measures to the federal government, as empowered under Section 17(1)(c) of the FCCPA, ensuring that any future adjustments to banking fees prioritize consumer protection alongside financial sector profitability.

     This is an opportunity for the commission to exercise its broad statutory mandate and take a firm stance in defence of Nigerian consumers. We urge the FCCPC to intervene decisively and set a precedent that consumer interests must always be a consideration.

    •Opatola Victor Esq,victor@lacivler.org

  • NADECO’s tribe lost a gem

    NADECO’s tribe lost a gem

     Sir: The National Democratic Coalition, (NADECO) mourns the passing on to glory of Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo at the early hour of Friday, February 14, aged 96. Chief Adebanjo as at the time of his exit from this terrestrial divide was the oldest of the Action Group party apparatchik, i.e. one of the first provincial organizing secretaries of the Action Group led by the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

     Chief Adebanjo was known for being a man of conviction throughout his life. He was a distinguished apostle of Awoism, the egalitarian philosophy of life more abundant and welfarism which were embodied in the Action Group, Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN and the Alliance for Democracy which he chaired after the unfortunate departure of Ambassador Jolly Tanko Yusuf who decamped to the PDP.

     Chief Adebanjo was a man of discipline, courage and industry as he was in the habit of committing himself to anything he had voluntarily associated himself with.

    For example, Chief Adebanjo was never missing in the thick of Afenifere and NADECO’s many brushes with coercive state agents who severally molested, dehumanized, hounded, and harassed us as a formidable opposition to the perennial tyrannical usurpers of political governance of Nigeria.

     In the First Republic, he was one of the first organizing secretaries along with Alhaji Ganiyu Dawodu and others under the managership of Chief S.T. Oredehin, championing the uniqueness of Nigeria adopting federalism as its mode of government. This was because of the recognition by the Action Group that Nigeria being a heterogeneous country with peoples of various languages, religions, traditions, customs, artefacts, folklores, mores, morals should have a mode of government that allows for free reigns of all the country’s diversities but united as federation of regions.

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    Adebanjo was an accomplished kingmaker of a sort as many people were groomed under his influence. He was one of the founders of NADECO and he was a dedicated patriot whose passion for justice, equity, and fair play to all nationalities in this space called Nigeria will remain indelible. He was one of the leaders who were present on each day in any of the state assembly that AD won, tabled and passed Afenifere’s resolution for a restructured Nigeria.

    NADECO could say without any ambiguity that Chief Adebanjo has run the race, and he has finished his course, exceptionally well. When shall we find again the kind of dedicated patriots who money or lure of office cannot buy particularly in this challenging times?

    May his amiable soul rest in peace and may God grant us all, immediate family and the political colleagues the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss.

    •Ayo Opadokun Esq.Lagos.

  • IBB’s justification and the ghost of June 12

    IBB’s justification and the ghost of June 12

    Sir: For years, I have read about the election of MKO Abiola, a man who won the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history, only for his victory to be annulled without explanation. I have studied the protests, the betrayals, and the brutal dictatorship that followed. And now, 32 years later, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), the man behind the annulment, has finally admitted what Nigerians have always known: MKO won that election.

    His confession, buried within the pages of his 420-page memoir, A Journey in Service: An Autobiography of Ibrahim Babangida, was revealed at his book launch in Abuja. Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who reviewed the book, highlighted this shocking admission.

    “Although I am on record to have stated after the election that Abiola may not have won… upon further reflection and closer examination of all available facts… there was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 election,” Babangida wrote.

    For many, this is not just a statement, it is a confirmation of a truth that has been deliberately buried for decades. Yet, it raises more questions than it answers. Why now? What does this confession change? And can Nigeria ever truly move past June 12?

    June 12, should have been a turning point. It was the day Nigerians, after years of military rule, chose a civilian president. The election was contested between MKO Abiola of the SDP and Bashir Tofa of the NRC. The results were undeniable: Abiola won with 8,128,720 votes, while Tofa polled 5,848,247 votes, securing the constitutional requirement of one-third of votes in 28 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    International observers hailed the election as transparent and credible. It was meant to be the dawn of a new era. But Babangida had other plans. On June 23, 1993, just as the results were being finalized, he annulled the election without any valid reason. His only justification was that it was done in the “national interest”, a vague phrase that has been used too many times in Nigeria’s history to justify injustice.

    At his book launch, Babangida attempted to justify his actions, “In all matters, we acted in extreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive,” He said. But what “national interest” justified robbing Nigerians of their democratic choice? What “survival” are we talking about? What “national interest” justified plunging Nigeria into five more years of dictatorship? What “national interest” justified the “untimely” death of MKO and Kudirat, and the many who died protesting for democracy?

    These are questions Babangida will never answer. Because, deep down, even he knows there was no real reason behind his decision.

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    The book launch was attended by Nigeria’s most powerful figures, the very people who have shaped this country. It was not just a book launch; it was a gathering of Nigeria’s power elite, a meeting of those who have ruled and benefited from a system that has repeatedly failed the people. For me, their presence sends a clear message: June 12 was never a defining moment for them. The annulment did not haunt them; it was just politics as usual.

    Well, in 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari recognized June 12 as Nigeria’s official Democracy Day and posthumously awarded Abiola the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), a title reserved for Nigerian presidents. This was a symbolic step, but was it enough?

    For those of us born after June 12, 1993, the events may seem distant, yet they remain deeply relevant. The same excuses of “national interest” are still used to defend bad governance. And just like then, justice remains a mirage. Babangida’s confession is too little, too late. It cannot bring back Abiola. It cannot erase the pain of Nigerians who fought and died for democracy. It cannot undo the years of dictatorship that followed. But it does one thing: it forces us to remember.

    History is a teacher, and for those of us who did not witness June 12 first-hand, Babangida’s confession should not be a mere footnote. It should be a warning.

    •Ogungbile Emmanuel Oludotun,<thedreamchaser65@gmail.com>

  • Yobe government should rethink N22.3 billion flyover

    Yobe government should rethink N22.3 billion flyover

    Sir: The recent announcement by the Yobe State government that it wants to construct a flyover in Damaturu at the cost of N22.3 billion has generated quite brouhaha among residents and concerned citizens. While infrastructure development is exceedingly important for progress, the choice of priorities begs for urgent answer. Given the current state of Yobe’s education sector, where thousands of children remain out of school and learning environments are in desperate need of rehabilitation, is a flyover the most pressing need for the state? 

    Yobe is among the states with the highest number of out-of-school children with the population estimated at about 500,000. Schools across the state, particularly in rural areas, are in deplorable conditions. Just recently, on February 20, tragedy struck at Government Girls Science Technical College, Potiskum, when a classroom building collapsed, killing a student and injuring five others.

    For years, students have been forced to learn in overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and structurally unsafe classrooms. Many schools lack basic facilities such as chairs, books, and functioning laboratories, while boarding students endure appalling living conditions. Despite the practical deficiencies, the government has chosen to prioritise a flyover project in Damaturu over addressing the deteriorating state of education in the state. 

    Instead of investing in a flyover, which is arguably unnecessary in a city with minimal traffic congestion, the Yobe State government could channel the N22.3 billion towards revamping the education sector. 

    Hundreds of schools across the state require urgent renovations. Modernising these schools with safe classrooms, proper roofing, and adequate furniture would create a conducive learning environment. Additionally, the quality of education in Yobe is hampered by a shortage of qualified teachers. The funds could be used to recruit and train more teachers, ensuring students receive quality instruction. 

    Many schools lack basic educational materials, including textbooks, science equipment, and ICT facilities. Investing in these resources would enhance learning outcomes. Furthermore, with thousands of children out of school due to poverty, a portion of the N22.3 billion could be used to sponsor students, particularly girls and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

    Boarding schools in Yobe, like Government Science Technical College, Potiskum, require urgent attention. Many students live in deplorable conditions, with overcrowded hostels and poor sanitation. A proper investment in hostel facilities would improve students’ welfare. 

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    Flyovers are typically constructed to ease severe traffic congestion in major cities. However, Damaturu does not experience the kind of traffic gridlock that would warrant such an expensive project. Unlike Lagos, Abuja, or Kano, the state capital remains relatively uncongested, with smooth vehicular movement on most roads. 

    One must question the rationale behind this decision. Is this project truly in the best interest of the people, or is it another instance of misplaced priorities? The government must understand that governance is about meeting the most pressing needs of the people, and in Yobe, education should be a top priority. 

    Governor Mai Mala Buni and his administration must reconsider this decision. Leadership comes with responsibility, and every action taken in governance has long-term implications. The people of Yobe deserve better. Instead of investing billions in a flyover that offers little benefit, the government should focus on education, healthcare, and other essential sectors that directly impact the lives of citizens. 

    Moreover, accountability remains key. The state’s resources should be spent wisely, ensuring that every naira is used to improve the living standards of the people. As leaders, it is essential to remember that every action taken today will be accounted for in the hereafter. 

    The construction of a flyover in Damaturu at the cost of N22.3 billion is a misplaced priority. At a time when schools are crumbling, students are learning in harsh conditions, and thousands remain out of school, such expenditure cannot be justified.

    In a nutshell, the Yobe State Government must have a rethink. Investing in education is investing in the future of Yobe, and no amount of infrastructure can replace the value of a well-educated population.

    •Kasim Isa Muhammad.Potiskum, Yobe State.

  • CJ and challenge of witchcraft in Bauchi

    CJ and challenge of witchcraft in Bauchi

    • By Leo Igwe

    Sir: The recent statement by the Chief Judge (CJ) of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar bemoaning the rising cases of witchcraft in the state has been brought to the attention of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches. Describing the adjudication of witchcraft cases as a persistent challenge to legal jurisprudence in the state the CJ noted: “If you are not a witch, you cannot identify one”. She then went further to say that witchcraft is “an issue that is difficult to prove unless the accused confesses” (sic). We are concerned by these pronouncements.

    The expression: “It takes a witch to identify a witch” may appear innocuous, but it is not. The statement is a tacit validation of witchcraft, a reinforcement of the belief because the statement implies that witch identification is possible under some form. That witch identification is a capacity that some people have or could have; that ‘witches’, as popularly believed, are identifiable entities.

    In addition, the CJ also stated that witchcraft accusations were difficult to prove unless the accused person confessed. Confessed? That witches confess is another narrative that some use to confuse the public and validate witchcraft.

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    As imaginary entities, witches cannot confess as popularly believed. Accused persons are beaten to admit ‘witchcraft’. Are the admissions witch confessions? Their accusers subject them to torture, jungle justice, and trial by ordeal. They make them admit to doing what they did not do; to perpetrating occult harm.

    Many people mistake the incoherent utterances of people with dementia and other mental health challenges for witch confessions, they are not. Accused people do not confess, they are tortured to confess. Psychopaths and sociopaths torture them to confess. Witch confessions are not proofs of witchcraft. They do not constitute evidence that is admissible in court, beyond reasonable doubt.

    Witchcraft is a sensitive subject. The CJ and other state actors should be careful and thoughtful in commenting to avoid confusing the public and validating misconceptions and superstitions. State actors should stick to the law and avoid making utterances that could undermine the letters and spirit of the law. The Nigerian law does not recognize witchcraft. It criminalizes witchcraft accusations. It criminalizes trial by ordeal and jungle justice. To make allusions that imply witches exist or are identifiable undermines the spirit of the law. To accept a witch confession, one must first acknowledge the confessor is a witch. So, an extraction of witch confession is an exercise in criminality.

    Justice Umar and other state actors should make it clear to the public that witchcraft accusations are against the law and those who accuse or make the accused confess are liable.

    •Leo Igwe,

    <nskepticleo@yahoo.com>

  • Ribadu: What Gambaryan did not know

    Ribadu: What Gambaryan did not know

    • By Sylvester Oseghale

    Sir: A few days ago, Tigran Gambaryan, an embattled executive of Binance, the American cryptocurrency exchange firm, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his account of his incarceration in Nigeria. His narrative was wild, filled with allegations of bribery solicitation, and it sparked heated conversations across social media. Among the names he dragged into the fray was National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu—a move that has since been met with widespread scepticism and scrutiny.

    While Gambaryan might have gotten away with claiming that three members of the House of Representatives asked him for bribes, his attempt to implicate Ribadu was where he lost the script. This misstep revealed a glaring lack of research and a naïve assumption that such allegations would be swallowed whole without question or demand for evidence. The inclusion of Ribadu in his tale of corruption not only strained credibility but also exposed Gambaryan’s ignorance of the man’s reputation and the office he holds.

    It is nothing short of ridiculous to suggest that Ribadu who has built a career on integrity and incorruptibility would demand “billions in payouts to fund his future political ambition.” This claim alone betrays Gambaryan’s lack of understanding of Ribadu’s antecedents. Ribadu’s reputation as an incorruptible public servant is not a recent fabrication; it has been tested and proven over decades. One of the most telling examples of his integrity dates back to his younger years when, as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), he rejected a $15 million bribe from James Ibori, the former governor of Delta State. If Ribadu could resist such a staggering sum at a time when he was most vulnerable to temptation, it defies logic to believe he would compromise his principles now, at the pinnacle of his career and with nothing left to prove.

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    The irony of Gambaryan’s allegations is further highlighted by the fact that Ribadu, as a seasoned security expert, understands the weight of his words and actions. Every statement he makes is scrutinised like a crime scene, and every decision is subject to intense public and institutional oversight. To suggest that he would casually shake down a detainee for billions and openly explain the purpose of the funds is not only implausible but also laughable.

    Professor Farooq Kperogi, a respected critic and public intellectual, aptly captured the absurdity of Gambaryan’s claims when he wrote: “There’s plenty to critique about Ribadu (who among us is a saint?), but believing that a man who once turned down a literal $15 million cash bribe—and who, as a security expert, knows his words will be dissected like a crime scene—would casually shake down a detainee for billions and helpfully explain what the money is for?”

    Kperogi’s words underscore the incredulity of Gambaryan’s narrative and the sheer implausibility of his allegations.

    What we are witnessing is not a genuine exposé of corruption but a desperate stunt by a man caught exploiting Nigeria’s electronic finance infrastructure and intelligence. Gambaryan’s allegations are a diversionary tactic designed to tilt public opinion away from the actual facts of the case: that Binance was accused of money laundering and facilitating criminal activities in Nigeria. The charges against Binance were not dropped because the company was found innocent; they were dropped because the U.S. government intervened to secure its release.

    Gambaryan’s attempt to portray himself and his colleagues as victims of an oppressive system is disingenuous at best. The truth is that Binance colluded with individuals who had sinister agendas to undermine Nigeria’s sovereign integrity. The company facilitated the laundering of money to the detriment of the very Nigerians Gambaryan now seeks to mislead on social media. If Binance were truly innocent, why did Gambaryan’s colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, escape from detention to evade justice in an open court? This act alone speaks volumes about the company’s culpability and the lengths to which its executives are willing to go to avoid accountability.

    In the end, Gambaryan’s allegations against Ribadu are not just unfounded; they are a calculated attempt to exploit Nigeria’s image crisis for personal gain. By fabricating tales of corruption, Gambaryan hoped to divert attention from Binance’s own transgressions and cast himself as a victim. Fortunately, he does not have the evidence to support such claims. In law, as in reality, the burden of proof rests on the accuser.

    •Sylvester Oseghale,

    Abuja.

  • UNIZIK: Now that the dust has settled

    UNIZIK: Now that the dust has settled

    • By Callistus Eze

    Sir: In serious societies, universities – and academic institutions in general – are treated with great respect because they are more than just centres of learning. They shape the future by driving research, innovation, and leadership development. In developed nations, universities enjoy autonomy, proper funding, and minimal political interference, allowing them to influence public policy, governance, and industrial growth. Their academic integrity remains intact, ensuring that they produce skilled graduates who contribute meaningfully to national progress.

    Conversely, in less serious societies, universities suffer from politicisation, underfunding, and leadership crises. Appointments often consider political connections over academic merit, stifling intellectual growth. Without respect and support for universities, research declines, standards fall, and graduates struggle to meet real-world demands. A nation that neglects its universities weakens its own future, as no country can progress beyond the quality of its education system.

    Recently, we witnessed an attempt to stall the growth of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, a move driven by impunity and self-interest. It was evident that the perpetrators merely invoked the name of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to legitimise their actions. However, the moment the president became aware of what certain individuals with access to power were doing, he acted as a true patriot should – decisively and justly.

    To demonstrate that he was not complicit in such scheming, he ensured that due process prevailed. Today, Prof. Ike Ikechebelu rightfully serves as the acting vice chancellor, a testament to the triumph of integrity over manipulation. This development not only restored confidence in the institution’s leadership but also reaffirmed the importance of meritocracy in academic governance.

    Now that the dust has settled, it is time to speak the truth: with Prof. Ikechebelu at the helm, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) is undeniably in safe hands. His leadership brings not only stability but also a vision that ensures the university’s continued growth and success.

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    Ikechebelu has risen through the ranks of academia not just by merit but through commitment to discipline and excellence. A striking example of this was seen in a recent incident where a student assaulted a lecturer. When it was revealed that the student’s mother was also a lecturer at the university, many anticipated leniency. However, Ikechebelu wasted no time in constituting a disciplinary committee, and within days, the matter was resolved decisively. This is the hallmark of true leadership – acting with fairness, authority, and commitment to institutional integrity.

    Prof. Ikechebelu’s tenure is one defined by order, accountability, and a clear vision for academic excellence. He understands that leadership is not about personal ambition but about service, and he has consistently demonstrated this through his actions. With these admirable qualities, why would anyone who wishes the university well not pray for and work towards his becoming a substantive appointee?

    With him at the helm, UNIZIK is not only in safe hands but also on a path to greater heights. Those who cherish discipline, excellence, and institutional growth can rest assured that the university is being led by a man who truly understands the weight of his office. Prof. Ikechebelu is not just a vice chancellor; he is a custodian of UNIZIK’s future.

    •Dr. Callistus Eze,

    Lagos.

  • Corruption in Ecological Funds and Nigeria’s climate crisis

    Corruption in Ecological Funds and Nigeria’s climate crisis

    By Victor Agi

    Some days ago, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) issued a heat stress warning following a surge in temperature across the country, with several states experiencing extreme heat conditions. The agency reported that maximum temperatures ranged between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius, with Yelwa, a town in Kebbi State, recording the highest at 40°C. 

    Cities such as Port Harcourt, Owerri, Enugu, Awka, Bida, Minna, Gusau, Iseyin, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recorded temperatures of 38°C, while Sokoto, Kebbi, Lokoja, Makurdi, Abakaliki, Ikom, Jalingo, and Yola experienced slightly higher temperatures of 39°C. Residents were advised to take necessary precautions to mitigate the effects of extreme heat.

    This warning comes on the heels of a global climate emergency. In 2024, global temperatures surpassed the critical 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement, marking the hottest year on record, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The average temperature was 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels, fueling extreme weather events, including intense heatwaves, destructive wildfires, and catastrophic floods, which are all clear indicators of the worsening climate crisis.

    As of February 2025, this alarming trend persists, with January 2025 officially recorded as the warmest January in history based on the records of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The outlook for Nigeria in the current year is equally concerning. NiMET has issued a stark warning about shifting rainfall patterns in 2025. It forecasts that eight northern states will experience delayed rainfall, while at least 13 others will see early onset rains. 

    NiMET also predicts normal to below-average annual rainfall across most of the country compared to historical trends. Additionally, the agency cautions that high-intensity rainfall between May and June could trigger flash floods in coastal cities. This will happen side-by-side accelerated desertification and deforestation, which continue to threaten food supplies.

    Despite these warnings, Nigeria’s climate response remains weak, largely due to corruption in the use of ecological funds meant for climate mitigation and adaptation. Instead of being deployed to combat desertification, manage floods, and enhance environmental resilience, billions of naira have been diverted for personal and political gains. This systemic corruption has undermined environmental policies and exposed millions of Nigerians to climate disasters.

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    Nigeria, over the years, is no stranger to extreme weather patterns, yet the government’s response has been inconsistent, weak, and marred by corruption. While the climate crisis escalates, the very funds meant to mitigate its effects, the Ecological Fund, have been repeatedly mismanaged, diverted, and stolen, leaving communities vulnerable to environmental disasters. The Ecological Fund, originally established to provide resources for ecological challenges such as flooding, desertification, and erosion control, has become a cash cow for corrupt officials.

    A notorious example is the conviction of former Plateau State governor Joshua Dariye in 2018 for diverting ₦1.162 billion from the Ecological Fund to private companies and individuals. This money, which should have been used for environmental protection projects, was instead funneled into personal and political activities, leaving Plateau State exposed to land degradation, erosion, and climate vulnerabilities. 

    This pattern of corruption is not isolated. In several states, funds allocated for flood control projects have been diverted, resulting in devastating floods that displace thousands. In 2022, unprecedented flooding reportedly killed over 600 Nigerians, destroyed 200,000 homes, and displaced more than 1.3 million people, a disaster that could have been mitigated with proper investment in climate resilience projects.

    In a nutshell, corruption in ecological funds and other climate mitigation projects continues to obstruct the effective implementation of climate policies. The Climate Change Act of 2021, which mandates Nigeria’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate adaptation, is hindered by the misallocation of funds. Without adequate financing, climate strategies outlined in Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) remain on paper, with little real-world impact.

    It is worth noting, however, the efforts of well-meaning individuals, civil society groups, media, and international bodies in addressing the climate crisis. One of such efforts is the Climate Action Index (CAI) currently being developed by the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI) in collaboration with the Center for Climate Action, Innovation, and Engagement (CCAIE) which seeks to ensure that climate funds are used effectively, and that there’s transparent monitoring and accountability mechanisms for subnational climate efforts. 

    The CAI is an innovative tool designed to evaluate, rank, and support subnational governments in Nigeria in meeting their climate commitments. It aligns with Nigeria’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement and the Climate Change Act of 2021, ensuring that subnational climate actions are transparent, measurable, and impactful. 

    By assessing climate initiatives at the state and local government levels, the CAI will help identify gaps in policy implementation, track resource allocation, and expose corruption in climate funding. The Centers will be presenting the assessment methodology and framework on Wednesday, the 26th of February 2025 at the Federal Ministry of Finance Conference Hall, Phase 1, where stakeholders will make contributions on how to make the best of climate efforts at the subnational.

    In conclusion, it is important to note that Nigeria and the global community stand at a critical juncture in its battle against climate change. As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, inaction and corruption will only worsen the crisis. The misuse of ecological funds is a glaring example of how corruption cripples climate action, leaving millions vulnerable to floods, droughts, and food insecurity. The government must strengthen regulatory frameworks, prosecute those who embezzle climate funds, and support transparency initiatives like the CAI to ensure that Nigeria’s climate commitments translate into tangible actions.

    Victor Agi writes from the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, Abuja. okebevictor4@gmail.com