The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • At the crossroads of economic turbulence and hope

    At the crossroads of economic turbulence and hope

    • By Usman Abdullahi Koli

    Sir: As 2024 draws to a close, Nigeria finds itself grappling with an unprecedented economic crisis. Inflation is at an all-time high, the cost of living continues to skyrocket, and millions of Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet. Against this backdrop, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his maiden media chat aired on December 23, reaffirmed his commitment to the controversial reforms that have significantly reshaped the nation’s economic landscape. For many Nigerians, his steadfastness in the face of public outcry has been both perplexing and polarizing.

    During the televised chat, President Tinubu made it clear that he has no regrets about the swift removal of the fuel subsidy, a decision he implemented on May 29, 2023, immediately after assuming office. “I made the swift decision to preserve Nigeria’s future and that of generations yet unborn,” he stated. The move, he argued, was necessary to redirect funds toward critical infrastructure and social investments. However, while the rationale may have been rooted in long-term sustainability, its immediate impact on ordinary Nigerians has been devastating.

    The president also defended his administration’s tax reform bills, currently before the National Assembly, insisting they were essential to Nigeria’s economic recovery. Despite significant pushback, particularly from northern leaders who fear the reforms could deepen regional disparities, he maintained that these policies were non-negotiable. “The tax reforms have come to stay,” he declared, further solidifying his reputation as a leader unwilling to waver, even in the face of widespread criticism.

    For the average Nigerian, these reforms have translated into unbearable economic hardship. Inflation rose to an alarming 33.95% in November, up from 22.41% in May 2023. The cost of basic commodities such as food, fuel, and transportation has nearly doubled, pushing millions below the poverty line. The removal of the fuel subsidy, intended to save the government trillions of naira annually, has instead led to an exponential increase in the cost of petrol, which now hovers around N1000 per litre.

    The ripple effects are evident everywhere. Transport fares have tripled, food prices are beyond the reach of many families, and small businesses are folding under the weight of operating costs. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, unemployment rose from 33.3% in Q1 2023 to 40% in Q3 2024, leaving millions without a source of income. For many Nigerians, survival has become a daily struggle, with no immediate relief in sight.

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    While President Tinubu’s reforms are undoubtedly aimed at stabilizing the economy and ensuring fiscal responsibility, their execution has lacked a critical human element. Policy changes of this magnitude require not only technical precision but also empathy and strategic cushioning to mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations.

    The absence of significant palliatives has amplified the suffering of the masses. The promised conditional cash transfers and mass transit buses remain largely theoretical, leaving citizens to bear the brunt of these reforms unaided. There is an urgent need for the government to adopt a more holistic approach that balances fiscal discipline with the immediate needs of its people.

    The government must urgently prioritize measures to ease the economic burden on Nigerians. Initiatives such as targeted subsidies for essential goods, tax relief for low-income earners, and the accelerated implementation of promised palliatives could provide immediate relief. Additionally, robust dialogue with stakeholders, particularly those from regions expressing concerns, is critical to fostering a sense of inclusion and national unity.

    President Tinubu’s vision for a self-reliant Nigeria is commendable, but the path to achieving it cannot come at the expense of the people’s well-being. Economic reforms must be designed not just to stabilize numbers but to improve lives. As the nation stands at a crossroads, the government has an opportunity to recalibrate its approach, demonstrating that it is not only fiscally responsible but also deeply empathetic to the struggles of its citizens.

    As 2025 approaches, the hope is that the lessons of the past year will inspire a more inclusive and compassionate governance style, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in the pursuit of progress.

    •Usman Abdullahi Koli,

    mernoukoli@gmail.com.

  • How to ensure gender equality

    How to ensure gender equality

    Sir: Gender equality remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, where cultural, social, and economic factors often create disparities between men and women. Despite progress in recent years, women and girls in Nigeria continue to face systemic challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Achieving gender equality is not only a matter of social justice but also a pathway to sustainable development and national progress.

    Nigeria ranks low on global gender equality indices due to entrenched cultural norms, patriarchal systems, and discriminatory practices. Women are underrepresented in political leadership, making up only a small percentage of elected officials. The labor market also reflects glaring disparities, with women earning significantly less than men and having limited access to high-ranking positions. In rural areas, traditional practices like early marriage and gender-based violence further exacerbate the plight of women.

    Gender inequality has far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s socio-economic development. When women are excluded from education and economic opportunities, the country’s potential workforce is weakened, hindering economic growth. Gender-based violence and discrimination also perpetuate cycles of poverty and limit the ability of women to contribute meaningfully to society. Furthermore, excluding women from decision-making processes results in policies that fail to address the needs of all citizens.

    To bridge the gender gap in Nigeria, concerted efforts must be made across various sectors. Education is a critical starting point. Providing equal access to quality education for girls will empower them with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to society. Laws and policies that promote gender equality should be prioritized.

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    Economic empowerment is essential for achieving gender equality. Women should be given equal access to credit, land ownership, and business opportunities. Government initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and provide financial support for women-led businesses can drive significant change. Additionally, workplace policies that ensure equal pay and opportunities for career advancement are necessary.

    Cultural and societal norms that perpetuate gender discrimination must be challenged. Community-based education programs that promote gender equality and raise awareness about women’s rights are crucial. Religious and traditional leaders, who hold significant influence, can play an important role in advocating for change and dismantling harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation.

    Encouraging women’s participation in politics and leadership roles is vital for creating inclusive governance. Quotas and affirmative action policies can help increase the representation of women in decision-making positions. Mentorship programs and leadership training for women can also help build a pipeline of capable female leaders.

    Achieving gender equality is not just a moral imperative; it is a cornerstone for national development, peace, and prosperity.

    • Bukar Muti,Borno State University, Maiduguri.

  • A catalogue of unnatural disasters

    A catalogue of unnatural disasters

    Sir: It appears that Nigeria’s wretched adherence to safety standards and protocols is finally making its neatest pickings yet out of the carcass of children. On December 18, at a Christmas funfair organized by Wings Foundation in conjunction with Agidigbo FM in Ibadan, 35 children were crushed death in a stampede, with about six others injured.

    It is an unimaginable tragedy days before Christmas, which would ensure that the families concerned would live heartbreak in what should be a season of joyful celebration.

    This year alone, Nigeria has recorded a chilling catalogue of unnatural disasters. There was the mass roasting of more than 100 fuel thieves in Jigawa State. There was the unfortunate deaths of scores when a religious procession turned deadly in Aba, Abia State. In a move that demonstrated the appalling disregard some Nigerians have for their lives, days after the Jigawa fuel tanker explosion, some fuel thieves were caught in action in Akamkpa, Cross Rivers State, scooping fuel from a fallen tanker. Earlier this year, some students of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, were trampled to death when a stampede ensued during the sharing of rice handed out by the state government.

    In a country riven apart by poverty and corruption, the overpowering temptation is for anything to go. But what is the use of risky folly which promises huge rewards if it proves fatal? What use will be the struggle for a good life if life is suddenly and painfully ended?

     Why do many Nigerians sidestep safety measures ordained by common sense, plunge headlong into risk, all the while banking on supernatural forces to rescue them? 

    It speaks to the very low quality of life in Nigeria that many Nigerians have zero regard for their lives as well as for the lives of others.

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    Those who take unnecessary risks like scooping fuel from fallen tankers or crossing the expressway when pedestrian bridges are begging to be used show the terribly little respect they have for their lives.

     The same goes for those who throw themselves in the line of fire of poorly paid and unprofessional security agents during protests. Apart from those who show that their lives mean nothing to them by the way they live, there are also others who endanger others. Predictably, many of those who have little regards for their lives end up putting others at risk.

    These people who are killers by any other name include those who peddle fake drugs and other adulterated products including food; they also include those who wilfully disregard safety protocols in public, say on the roads, meant to keep themselves and others safe.

    This needless and extremely painful death of innocent children at a funfair meant to give them a taste of what Christmas will bring tragically shines a harsh light on how easily life can be snuffed out in Nigeria. It must also provoke a flood of questions: what measures did the organizers take to ensure the safety of children they had corralled to the venue?

    What measures did authorities intimated of the concert take to protect children who could not protect themselves?

    It is not enough to arrest the organizers after more than 35 children have tragically lost their lives. It amounts to locking the stable door after the horse has bolted. Nigeria must become more proactive in issues of security and safety. Too many people die needlessly in here for a country that aspires to leave its third-world status behind someday.

     In the same vein, all those involved in the breach of safety and security measures in any form must be roundly punished to deter others.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu,Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Embracing tax reform: A Call to action for Nigeria’s youth

    Embracing tax reform: A Call to action for Nigeria’s youth

    Sir: At this significant crossroads, the future prosperity of Nigeria heavily relies on visionary reforms and active civic participation. One such critical reform, currently being pursued by President Bola Tinubu, involves the restructuring of our nation’s tax system—a move that promises to lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth and enhanced socio-economic equity.

    Let us begin with the essence of the reform. These changes are not just about numbers and policies; they represent a transformative vision for our country; one where resources are judiciously managed, and opportunities are equitably distributed among all Nigerians, especially the youth, who are the backbone of our nation.

    The proposed tax reform is designed to foster an economic environment where businesses can thrive and innovation is encouraged. By broadening the tax base and ensuring efficiency in collection, the government aims to create a more stable economic foundation. This stability is crucial for attracting domestic and international investments, which, in turn, translate to increased job opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians entering the workforce.

    The link between tax reform and effective public service delivery cannot be overstated. With better compliance and fairer distribution, tax revenues can significantly boost funding for essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Imagine schools with state-of-the-art facilities, hospitals with modern equipment, and roads that connect our nation seamlessly, all attainable with the right fiscal policies and when government can mobilise enough revenue to deliver on them. As it currently stands, Nigerian government is unable to mobilise tax revenue to fund our development compared to our peers in Africa like South Africa, Kenya, Algeria, Egypt, Angola and Ethiopia where government tax to GDP ratio is well over 18%.

    One of the exciting aspects of these reforms is the focus on creating a supportive environment for youth entrepreneurship. The reforms include some tax exemptions for businesses with annual turnover of less than N50 million, which significantly benefits budding entrepreneurs. This measure encourages start-ups and small enterprises, enabling young Nigerians to transform their innovative ideas into flourishing businesses without the immediate pressure of financial burdens.

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    Furthermore, the reform proposes some tax exemptions for employees whose annual income is less than N10 million. This initiative directly impacts young professionals entering the workforce, allowing them to save more and invest in their future, thereby enhancing their economic stability.

    At the heart of any effective reform is transparency. The proposed changes include measures to enhance accountability in tax administration, ensuring that every naira collected is directed towards meaningful development projects. This approach aims to build public trust and foster a civic culture where contributing to national growth is seen as a collective responsibility.

    To the vibrant youth of our nation, your role in this transformation is indispensable. We urge you to engage in this dialogue, to understand the nuances of these policy shifts, and to advocate for transparent and equitable reforms. Your voices, your ideas, and your actions are essential in driving this change and securing a prosperous future for all.

    Let us unite with purpose and determination, embracing these reforms not as mere policy adjustments but as the stepping stones to a brighter Nigeria. Together, we can create an enduring legacy of prosperity and equity for generations to come.

    •Dare Ojepe,Snr. Special Assistant to the President on Youth Engagement,Abuja.

  • Budget 2025 and 15% inflation target

    Budget 2025 and 15% inflation target

    • By Kenechukwu Aguolu

    Sir: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presented the 2025 budget titled “Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” to a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, December 18 as required by the Constitution. As expected. there have been divergent opinions about the Appropriation Bill with many referring to it as overambitious. While the budget is achievable, the projected reduction in inflation is quite ambitious and may not be realized. More emphasis should have been placed on economic diversification.

    The objective of reducing inflation to 15% which is a 59% decrease in a single year is particularly challenging. The increase in the value of the naira, increased food production, and proper monetary/fiscal policies will surely drop inflation. However, achieving such a steep decline will not be feasible unless the value of the naira rises significantly; beyond what was projected in the appropriation bill.

    Apart from agriculture, other sectors like tourism and mining can drive economic growth and resilience. Developing the mining sector offers significant revenue-generation opportunities and will also lead to the establishment of more industries in a bid to take advantage of nearness to raw materials. The United Arab Emirates, France, Spain, etc, make massive revenue from tourism. Therefore, the government should have demonstrated a greater economic diversification drive in the budget. Insecurity has hindered the development of mining and tourism in Nigeria.

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    Stabilizing the exchange rate at N1,500/US$ will require amongst other things; increased foreign exchange inflows through foreign portfolio/direct investments, improved balance of trade, increased domestic oil production and refining capacity. Policies aimed at boosting exports and reducing dependency on imports are crucial for achieving currency stability and strengthening the naira.

    Addressing insecurity remains fundamental to achieving the budget’s objectives. Insecurity continues to undermine agricultural productivity, deter investment, and disrupt infrastructure projects. A peaceful and stable environment is essential for economic growth and the creation of opportunities for citizens. The administration’s allocation of N4.91 trillion to defense and security underscores its acknowledgment of this challenge. However, addressing insecurity will require a comprehensive approach that combines military interventions with community engagement and socio-economic initiatives.

    The 2025 Appropriation Bill, which has scaled second reading at the National Assembly, outlines an ambitious vision for Nigeria’s development. Critical to its success are inflation reduction, economic diversification, exchange rate stability, and improved security. The government may wish to revisit the inflation projection and economic diversification drive. The National Assembly is expected to make adjustments to the bill during its review before passing it.

    •Kenechukwu Aguolu,

    <kenerek1@gmail.com>

  • What’s in a N49.7 trillion budget?

    What’s in a N49.7 trillion budget?

    • By Zayyad I. Muhammad

    Sir: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has presented a budget of N49.7 trillion (approximately $28 billion) to the National Assembly. This figure underscores a stark paradox: Nigeria is a country both “rich” and “poor”—abundant in crude oil and natural resources, yet struggling to translate this wealth into meaningful development.

    With an estimated population of 234.9 million—making it the sixth most populous country in the world—a $28 billion budget is insufficient to address critical needs like food security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Notably, N4.91 trillion is allocated to defence and security, while N4.06 trillion, N2.48 trillion, and N3.52 trillion are earmarked for infrastructure, healthcare, and education, respectively.

    Despite its large and predominantly youthful population, coupled with vast untapped natural resources, Nigeria must urgently improve its earnings to remain competitive in today’s challenging global economy. The Tinubu administration has made strides by removing petroleum subsidies and floating the naira. While these measures have increased revenue for both the federal government and subnational entities, they have also had severe repercussions: reduced purchasing power for citizens, continued depreciation of the naira, rising commodity prices due to the country’s import dependency, and spiralling inflation.

    The key question remains: How can Nigeria build the resources needed to cater to its large population and effectively compete with major African economies?

    On paper, Nigeria holds the title of Africa’s largest economy, yet in practice, it faces serious challenges. For instance, South Africa, Africa’s most industrialized economy, boasts a GDP of approximately $373 billion, followed closely by Egypt with $347 billion. By contrast, Nigeria’s GDP has fallen to $199.7 billion, ranking it fourth among African economies.

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    To reverse this trend, Nigeria cannot rely solely on taxing its citizens or removing subsidies—short-term fixes that are ultimately unsustainable. Instead, policymakers must prioritize agriculture and human capital development. These two sectors alone hold the potential to generate billions of dollars and provide long-term, sustainable growth. While subsidy removal and currency floating may produce immediate gains, agriculture and human capital can continually fuel economic prosperity.

    A collaborative and benchmarking approach is essential. Nigeria should study and adopt the models of successful agricultural economies such as China, Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, the United States, Russia, Australia, Denmark, India, Canada, and France—all of which generate billions annually from agriculture. Take Indonesia, for example: it is one of the world’s leading producers of palm oil, rice, rubber, cocoa, and coffee. Agriculture plays a central role in Indonesia’s economy, and Nigeria has the potential to elevate its own agricultural sector to even greater heights.

    Moreover, Nigeria’s human capital is one of the fastest-growing in the world. By harnessing its dynamic workforce both domestically and internationally, Nigeria can unlock significant economic value. For instance, in 2022 alone, Nigeria accounted for $21.9 billion in diaspora remittances, representing 64% of all remittances in West Africa.

    The truth is, a budget of N49.7 trillion is merely a drop in the ocean for a nation of nearly 250 million people, spanning a landmass of approximately 923,768 square kilometres.

    Nigeria must take bold and innovative steps to leverage its resources effectively. Strategic investments in agriculture and human capital development will not only boost national revenue but also secure Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.

    •Zayyad I. Muhammad,

     Abuja.

  • Abia Airport: Misplaced priority or strategic investment?

    Abia Airport: Misplaced priority or strategic investment?

    • By Chiechefulam Ikebuiro

    Sir: In 2023, during the build-up to the gubernatorial elections, I had commended then-candidate Alex Otti for his audacity and vision. There was this deep understanding of Abia State’s challenges and a clear plan to address them. Fast forward to today; recent developments leave me questioning that optimism.

    On Tuesday, December 17, there was a flag-off ceremony for a new airport project in Abia State. Described as a partnership between the state and federal government, it has been touted as a step towards “enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth”. While the federal government initially planned an airstrip, the state government proposed upgrading it to a full-fledged airport. On paper, it’s an ambitious venture, but is it what Abia State truly needs right now, especially after just one year in office?

    A critical evaluation of Abia’s infrastructure raises serious concerns. Does the state have the facilities to justify embarking on such a massive project? Before considering an airport, shouldn’t the government prioritize essential infrastructure like good roads, healthcare facilities, schools, and maybe rail systems? These are projects that directly impact the daily lives of the hoi polloi.

    The majority of Abia’s population comprises civil servants whose wages barely cover basic needs, let alone the luxury of air travel. This raises an important question: Who is this airport for? Is it intended to serve the general populace, or is it more for the convenience of the political elite, including the governor, to facilitate their movements?

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    Some states have embarked on these same ventures, and the track record across Nigeria isn’t encouraging. Many state owned airports have struggled to stay afloat, with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) often stepping in to manage them. Can Abia avoid a similar fate? Airports are not only costly to construct but also expensive to maintain, with maintenance costs over five years often equalling the initial construction expenses. The risk of this project becoming another white elephant looms large.

    Governor Otti’s decision to prioritize an airport seems to contradict all the global developmental indices. Basic needs such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure should take precedence over such high capital ventures. An airport may offer glitz and glamour, but does it align with Abia’s immediate developmental goals? Is it a strategic investment for long-term growth or a symbolic move to enhance the administration’s profile as governments across the states are wont?

    A friend succinctly captured the sentiment: “Beyond the glitz and glamour of having an airport, we must thoughtfully consider whether it is a venture that can succeed in the long run or if it risks becoming a luxury acquisition that drains resources instead of contributing to the bottom line.”

    At this point, the project seems to be a done deal, leaving little room for reversal. However, it is imperative for Governor Otti to weigh the costs and benefits carefully, ensuring that pressing needs of Abians are not side-lined

    Focusing on the basics and building an Abia that serves all rather than just a privileged few cannot be overemphasized.

    •Chiechefulam Ikebuiro,

    chiechefulamikebuiro@gmail.com

  • Humanity failed Gaza

    Humanity failed Gaza

    • By Labaran Yusuf

    Sir: As you read this, the last functional hospital in Northern Gaza lies in ruins, destroyed by Israeli forces amidst a deafening silence from the international community. It’s been over a year since Israel, backed by Western powers, unleashed a brutal extermination campaign on Gaza, following the October attacks. The numbers are depressingly staggering: over 46,000 Palestinians killed, including 1,000 healthcare workers, 200 journalists, and nearly 70% women and children, according to the United Nations.

    The devastation is catastrophic. Cities in Gaza have been reduced to rubble, with key infrastructure and necessities of life – schools, universities, hospitals, desalination plants, bakeries, and even mosques – systematically destroyed by Israeli forces. The indictment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for genocide and war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC) has fallen on deaf ears. The United States and Western countries, self-proclaimed champions of human rights, and the rule-based order, continue to support and arm Israel.

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    The world has failed Gaza. We’ve witnessed children brutally killed, entire families erased from the civil registry, and yet, we’ve done nothing to stop it. The phrase “never again” has become a hollow promise, and the West’s claims of championing humanitarian and human rights have been exposed as false.

    It cannot be hidden or dismissed anymore; the international community must wake up to the reality of genocide in Gaza. Time is running out while Palestinians are still being killed en masse and starved. Governments around the world must stop arming Israel and hold its leaders accountable for their crimes. The people of Gaza deserve justice, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they receive it.

    As we stand by and watch the destruction of Gaza, we’re not only failing the Palestinians, but also undermining the very principles of humanity and justice that we claim to uphold. It’s time for us to take a stand and demand an end to the genocidal campaign in Gaza.

    •Labaran Yusuf,

    Jos, Plateau State.

  • Self-inflicted marginalisation

    Self-inflicted marginalisation

    By Nnaji Jekwu Onovo

    The most abused word in the political lexicon of Nigeria is “MARGINALISATION”; as even people who wittingly alienate their constituencies from federal projects, turn around to shout “marginalization”. The major culprits are states governed by opposition political parties whose stock in trade is sabotaging of federal programs and projects meant for their states. The state administrations under the control of opposition political parties are unsettled by the presence of federal projects in their states, and therefore work to thwart and derail the programs and projects. They view the federal projects as ploy by the Federal administration to coax the citizens of their states; and feel better off denying the state its share of federal programs and projects. A classic example is playing out in Enugu State. 

    The two highest ranking political leaders in Enugu State are both indigenes of Nkanu land, Chief Uche Nnaji (Honourable Minister of Innovation Science and Technology) and Peter Mbah (Executive Governor of Enugu State). The governor’s programs and projects are specifically for Enugu State; while the Minister’s programs and projects covers the entire country including Enugu State. In that vein, the Honourable Minister have attracted and still attracts Federal projects to his home state. Some of the Federal projects are domiciled in Nkanu land. However, some misguided and myopic indigenes of Nkanu land including the chairmen of Nkanu East and Nkanu West LGAs are attacking the Minister and sabotaging the Federal projects, claiming the Federal projects are ploys to grab lands in Nkanu — kobo wise, Naira foolish! It is disheartening that elected local government chairmen who should be excited with the attraction of the federal project into Nkanu land, are working against the project and, therefore against the yearnings of Nkanu people for job creation and economic growth. This is self-inflicted marginalization.

    The conception of the basis of Nigerian nation-state and of its democratic system, codified in the Constitution, is strengthened by the provision of the Land Use Act, entrenched by section 315 of the Constitution, which vests the ownership of all land in the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the people of Nigeria, as a whole, and not in any ethnic, or, religious community. It allows every Nigerian citizen, who collectively shares in the ownership of all land in Nigeria with all other Nigerian citizens, to individually acquire rights of occupancy in any part of the country, irrespective of any ethnic, regional, or, religious, origins and affinities. Is anything wrong with Federal Government acquiring land for projects and infrastructural development at Enugu State?

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    The Honourable Minister of Innovation Science and Technology signed MoU with Foreign Investors for the establishment of Bio-mass Methanol plant, Natural Gas based Methanol plant, and Cassava based Ethanol plant; and received the Presidential approval for the projects. All the projects will be run as BDO model of Public Private Partnership (PPP). The Natural Gas Methanol plant will be located at Imo State, the Bio-mass Methanol plant at Enugu State and the cassava-based Ethanol plant will be at Ekiti State according to the Presidential approval. The Minister sites the Bio-mass Methanol in the agrarian community of Nkanu land, for ease of sourcing the feedstock. However, the project unsettled the spirited defenders of the state government, who forced works to be stopped at the project site. The unfortunate thing is that Enugu State is part of the South-East geo-political zone which has been screaming “MARGINALISATION”, lamenting the dearth of federal projects in the zone. Is this not the case of somebody alienating oneself from a system but accuses the establishment of ostracizing him/her? What is wrong with the black man? Are we black within and without?

    The phrase of “we are marginalised” began creeping in after the annulment of the June 12,1993 election, won by MKO Abiola, a Yoruba man. But no sooner than President Obasanjo, another Yoruba man taken the mantle of leadership did the remaining two major ethnic groups (Hausa-Fulani and the Igbo) began to shout “blue murder” at perceived marginalisation of their ethnic group in the share of the national cake. Later, the Niger Delta rebels took to militancy and armed struggle to protest their own. Here we are, sabotaging federal projects meant for Igbo land! Are we naught?

    In the Nigerian national polity, governors are the chief executives of their state and the chief security and law officer. The extent that each governor succeeds in performing his role depends on the quality of programs articulated, the dedicated professional team available to the governor beyond the existing bureaucracy, and the integrity and drive behind the total leadership. A governor’s actions must be anchored on the delivery of good governance, and must be built on the rule of law.

    There is a certain amount of arrogance in governance that makes a political office holder feel larger than life, even when the power he has is transient. Power and wealth can bring out the best in an individual, but they can also bring out the worst. An ordinary person becomes a local government chairman and all of a sudden, he is translated from a demeanour of accessible humility to royal seclusion that changes him so much that his friends and colleagues become “former”. He has moved up in the world and can no longer be seen with a certain group of people. His “level” has changed! Why would His majesty, a local government Chairman, speak with “ordinary” people? In Nigeria, local government chairmen live in a world of their own, completely detached from reality. Most of them have full retinues of bodyguards and are driven around in convoys of bullet-proofed SUVs, with police orderlies to open and close doors for them. So, the chairmen of Nkanu East and Nkanu West LGAs are being true to form.

    It is instructive to state that the local government areas were created to generate development at the grassroots levels. We are quick to notice awful decisions by the federal government, but in reality, our state and local governments are actually worse.

    Maybe we should fix Nigeria from the bottom up. We can all start from our local governments. If you ask me, this is the easiest of ways to fix Nigeria. If each local government can start by being self-sustaining, then we will begin to get somewhere. If local governments can start working together to get results, then we might just be on the way to fixing our country.  

  • We need to rethink the judicial system

    We need to rethink the judicial system

    Sir: A young boy, Segun Olowookere, was sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl and eggs in Osun State, Nigeria. For 14 years, he languished in prison until the Governor of Osun State intervened on December 17 to grant him a pardon. He was sentenced alongside Morakinyo Sunday, an accomplice, with whom he allegedly committed the crime using weapons.

    I have read thoughts justifying that crimes of armed robbery are punishable by death and how the case above ended is very worrisome. However, this tragic case shows the dysfunction and moral failings of the Nigerian judicial system, where those entrusted with upholding justice often become its greatest threats. It is unthinkable that judges, lawyers, and court officials are the greatest threats to the justice system in Nigeria.

    This piece does not suggest that the judge, in the case above, was induced to jail the young Nigerians. It only points to the systemic abnormalities in our judiciary. The pattern is distressing, with an alarming number of judicial officers indicted for misconduct over the years. Even in 2024, judges continue to face sacking, warnings or forced retirement for unethical practices. These are facts that are public knowledge but often ignored.

    In Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ)’S report, “a 2023 observation by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) found that judges were Nigeria’s biggest bribe recipients, collecting N721 billion in cash bribes.”

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    Returning to the case of Segun Olowookere, the question remains: how does the nation compensate for the 14 years stolen from his life? How does it repair the damage done to his family, his future, and his dignity? This is not just about Segun. It is an indictment of a system that fails its citizens, especially the most vulnerable. Without systemic reforms and accountability, similar injustices will persist, leaving more lives irreparably damaged. How many more individuals like Segun Olowookere are languishing in prisons, forgotten by society and trapped in a system that prioritises punishment over justice? How many innocent lives are wasting away due to the negligence, corruption, and inefficiency of the judicial system? And how many judicial officers continue to enrich themselves at the expense of the innocent, feeding fat on the blood of vulnerable Nigerians? How can we claim to uphold the rule of law when the very custodians of justice betray its principles?

    It is high time the Nigerian legal system dropped that colonial wig and other antiquated symbolic remnants; let us think for ourselves, a justice system that truly serves the people, rooted in fairness and equity.

    •Matthew Alugbin, PhD,Edo State University, Uzairue