The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Understanding Tinubunomics

    Understanding Tinubunomics

    • By Prof Leonard Shilgba

    Sir: I understand the complaints by many a Nigerian against the pains of the present ongoing reforms by the government of President Tinubu, but I ask: what alternatives do we have?

    I have studied Nigerians long enough to know the following about them. Grotesque impatience is a huge negative badge on Nigerians: we see this dramatized every so often on our highways and streets. Almost no one wants to wait for the other, and eventually gridlocks happen making those impatient drivers waste a lot more time than they were willing to give away in the first place! Tell me which government has arisen in Nigeria that Nigerians appreciated? Nigerians will always have the government of their murmurings.

    Nigerians, even the so-called educated ones, manifest shameful ignorance of political economics:  What is the primary promoter of poverty in Nigeria? Inflation. What are the triggers of inflation? High energy costs & attacks on agriculture due to insecurity. What are the drivers of energy costs? weak naira  continually triggered by unscrupulous Nigerians who have hoards of foreign currency (e g. US dollars) in their houses with which to manipulate the exchange rates to their selfish end and the removal of “fuel subsidy” that has provoked previous beneficiaries (including the neighbouring African countries).

    Any monetary policy of the CBN will be frustrated by those super-rich and corrupt Nigerians who are bent on sabotaging their country. What will an average Nigerian response be? “The government should go after them.” And when the government does, what will the same Nigerians say? “Oh, is so and so the only one? They have gone after him because he is from this part of Nigeria, from this religion, or such and such a political party.” Ever murmuring Nigerians!

    How many so-called educated Nigerians understand enough the efforts being made by the federal government to repair the cumulative economic damages of the past?

    Nigerians holding foreign currencies (e.g. US dollars) have been given nine months (from November) to take the cash in their houses to their domiciliary accounts with banks in Nigeria at no legal costs to them: this is amnesty to those corrupt colony of super-rich Nigerians who have held their country hostage; the same people that Nigerians cheer and murmur when they are arrested and made to face the law.

    Read Also: Tinubu to declare open 10th National Industrial Summit in Ilorin

    The ruling of the Supreme Court in July to have local governments’ funds remitted directly to them is a positive move. But I have known that many Nigerians are cowards, who speak against the federal government only, even accusing it for the failings of their state or local governments. Nigerians, do your civic work at your local government or state government level! You slough off your civic responsibility and think that your country shall become a paradise just by your murmurings and idleness?

    Prudent investments of savings from fuel subsidy have resulted in Nigeria meeting up with her Joint Venture counterpart funding in the upstream oil sector that has resulted in improved oil production, growing forex reserves (a determinant of FDI), expanding critical development infrastructure, etc.

    In less than two years, a solid economic foundation has been laid. To Nigerians who complain, “The people are suffering,” I can express sympathies, appeal for a different kind of discussion: State and local governments have a primary role to play towards poverty reduction. Both have more funds coming to them recently. The Federal Government is considering either reducing or phasing away certain taxes to make Nigerians keep more of their money as disposable income. I should request the National Assembly to expedite work on the proposed tax reforms.

    Federal agencies should be directed by President Bola Tinubu to freeze increases in their sundry charges: now is not the time, for instance, to increase fees for renewing of driver’s license, vehicle particulars, among so many charges. VAT should not be increased until the fruits of Tinubunomics start pouring in.

    •Prof Leonard Shilgba,

     <shilgba@gmail.com>

  • Nigeria’s economic reforms and outlook for 2025

    Nigeria’s economic reforms and outlook for 2025

    • By Kenechukwu Aguolu

    Sir: There have been divergent opinions about the economic policies adopted by the administration of President Bola Tinubu since it came into power on May 29, 2023. Those opposing the policies can be categorized into two groups: those who are ignorant about the workings of the policies but are genuinely concerned about the short-term hardships they have caused, and opposition parties and their followers who have decided to oppose any policy introduced by this government. The president has repeatedly stated that he was aware of Nigerians were going through.

    One striking observation is that many of those opposing the economic reforms of this government are suggesting a return to the status quo—reversing the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira. This suggestion is absurd, as these policies are the very ones that have destroyed the Nigerian economy over the years. Trillions of naira that could have been used for building infrastructure, improving healthcare and education, enhancing the military capabilities of the Nigerian security agencies, and funding research and development were spent on fuel subsidies and defending the naira.

    When President Tinubu assumed office, the country was in dire straits: high levels of insecurity, poor infrastructure development, a debt service-to-revenue ratio as high as 97%, a forex backlog of  $7 billion, and many state governments struggling to pay salaries. The Nigerian economy was in a state of comatose in need of radical reforms. During his national broadcast on the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary on October 1, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated that Nigeria must either reform for progress and prosperity or continue business as usual and risk collapse. It is common sense that to achieve different results, things must be done differently.

    Read Also: Economy fully on rebound with Tinubu’s reforms, says Omokri

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have commended the economic policies of this administration and emphasized the need for them to be sustained. The good news is that the reforms have already started yielding results. The federal government has commenced the implementation of a national minimum wage, with state governments following suit at varying degrees. Insecurity levels have dropped, students are benefiting from a student loan scheme, the inherited forex backlog has been cleared, the debt service-to-revenue ratio has fallen to under 70%, foreign direct investments worth over $30 billion have been recorded in the past year, and the nation’s foreign reserves have risen to $40 billion. These are indicators of progress.

    In 2025, with oil production expected to hit two million barrels per day and domestic refining capabilities improving, the value of the naira is likely to strengthen, creating a positive multiplier effect on the cost of goods and services. The living standards of Nigerians will improve as their purchasing power increases and inflation drops. Businesses will thrive in 2025, leading to higher employment rates as household consumption rises and the cost of doing business decreases. Additionally, the impact of the current administration’s efforts to diversify the economy, improve infrastructure, and enhance security nationwide will further boost economic activity in 2025. These projections are based on the assumption that there will be no major pandemics or other crises locally or globally.

    •Kenechukwu Aguolu,  FCA,

    kenerek1@gmail.com

  • Now that National Theatre has been revamped

    Now that National Theatre has been revamped

    • By Olutayo Irantiola

    Sir: With the recent revamp of the National Theatre by a special purpose vehicle of the Bankers’ Committee and the Central Bank of Nigeria, the edifice is back in the spotlight making it a sight to behold.

    When the project began in April 2022, the estimated cost for the revamp was N21 billion. The Bankers’ Committee had explained that the revamping of the theatre was necessary considering that Nigeria has the potential to earn over $20 billion annually from the creative industry. It is projected that the National Theatre will be able to support skills acquisition and job creation for over one million Nigerians over the next five years.

    The images showing the completion of the national monument is a resounding revelation of Nigeria’s readiness host any global event within the creative industry.  The upgrade includes replacement of the entire Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, fire safety standards, power and the replacement of the water supply and sewage systems. The interior designs were not left out with the installation of Audio Video Lighting (AVL), world stage engineering system, 17 passenger lifts, solar power, new furniture for spaces and restoration of artworks including those on the internal wall panels and the building façade. At best, it could be described as a rebirth!

    Read Also: DHQ lauds Simon Ekpa’s arrest, key victory in anti-terror fight

    I believe that the journey of the creative sector should go beyond the National Theatre to cascade into the various states to orchestrate a national revival of the creative sector. In recent years, cultural centres that should showcase the arts of various states have gone moribund. Asides from the spaces in the tertiary institutions of learning and premium theatre locations run by deep pocket art connoisseurs, many people within the arts community are struggling to survive.

    For the creative sector to survive, we need investors that will enjoy some benefits akin to the federal government Roads Infrastructure Tax Credit policy and for the state government to also come up with modalities of engaging investors for the creative sector. Let the various regions in the state have art spaces, just like Lagos State did during the administration of Governor Akinwumi Ambode.

    The state governments need to task the tourism, arts and culture team on the number of performances and festivals that they must come up with annually. There are a lot of people and creative organisations seeking for partners to tell their stories and it is important for state governments to be involved in all these well-curated events. This will also challenge the civil servants and make them know that they must justify their earnings.

    To strengthen the creative economy of Nigeria, there is a need to return to our national and state monuments and facilities. If arts must thrive, it has to be Public-Private Partnership (PPP) driven and we must all patronize these venues.

     •Olutayo Irantiola,

    abolz2001@yahoo.com

  • ACF: Time for work, not distractions

    ACF: Time for work, not distractions

    • By Ismaila Mohammed

    Sir: The recent declaration by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to back a northern presidential candidate in the upcoming 2027 general elections due to dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies did not surprise many Nigerians.

    The ACF, once a respected voice for the North, has become a shadow of its former self,  mere mouthpiece for a select few, rather than representing the entire region. Its leadership is often criticized for being disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary northerners, prioritizing their own power and influence over addressing critical regional issues.

    Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El Rufai, previously criticized the ACF as a self-centred group lacking credibility and influence in elections, with members who have never experienced electoral success. Despite their lack of electoral influence, the ACF continues to push divisive agendas and promote parochial interests, rather than fostering unity and progress.

    ACF reminds one of the pangs of a dying behemoth. ACF does not speak for the North. While it is its right to decide who to vote for come 2027, it cannot take that decision on behalf of the northern people. Politically sophisticated and with a mind of their own, northerners must be respected to make their choice and not to be ambushed by a pseudo political association. 

    While the ACF has been vocal in its criticisms, it has failed to offer meaningful solutions to the North’s challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, insecurity, and unemployment. In contrast, President Bola Tinubu has initiated programmes and policies aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of Nigerians, including distributing palliatives, supporting small businesses, and empowering women.

    Recent government efforts in neutralizing notorious bandit leaders like Sububu, Alin Kasai and dozens of kingpins have shown progress in addressing security threats in the region.

    However, the ACF’s focus on political agendas has overshadowed its responsibilities in social and economic development. ACF should stop the habit of imputing ethnic bias into the administration’ policies. All Nigerians are making the sacrifices needed due to the ongoing reforms. 

    Read Also: Senate passes Bill to empower RMAFC to monitor Federation Account

    ACF and its leadership should apply themselves to what is going on and the efforts and impact of Tinubu administration reform agenda on the people. For instance, N24.78bn has been disbursed and so far under the National Cash Transfer programme to 991,261 poor households as part of efforts to alleviate poverty. The cash transfer initiative is spearheaded by the National Social Investment Programme Agency with beneficiaries across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. There is a N200bn intervention funds – the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), which provides N50,000 grant to nano-business owners, especially women and young people, withN38.8 billion disbursed to 774,593 beneficiaries from all the local government areas (LGAs) across the country.

    There is also the N75bn Presidential conditional grant and loan scheme targeting over 75,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises across the country. It is offering a maximum of N1 million per beneficiary at a nine percent interest rate. The initiative is also expected to provide over 75,000 direct jobs and 150,000 indirect jobs nationwide. Bank of Industry recently announced the opening of the portal for applications for this Presidential Grants and Loan Scheme for MSMEs nationwide.

    The Manufacturing Sector Fund – N75 billion Fund offers support to eligible manufacturing businesses, with each beneficiary receiving up to N1 billion at a comparable interest rate.  Other areas include tax reforms, investment in infrastructure, floating the naira to eliminate the need to deplete the foreign reserve for artificially shoring up the value of the currency.

    As younger generations seek new voices and platforms to express their aspirations, the ACF’s relevance and influence are diminishing. Without significant transformation, the organization risks becoming obsolete, marred by its failures and shortcomings.

    •Ismaila Mohammed,

    Kaduna.

  • Lakurawa terrorists’ and danger of mismanaging information

    Lakurawa terrorists’ and danger of mismanaging information

    • By Ya’u Mukhtar Madobi

    Sir: The emergence of the Lakurawa terrorist group in Northwest has added a new layer to the country’s complex security challenges, as these militants strengthen their foothold across communities in Kebbi and Sokoto states. That the defence and force headquarters, “formally” recognized Lakurawa as a terror organization, not only introduced the group to many Nigerians but also highlighted the potential dangers of mishandling information about such threats.

    The manner in which security agencies, media outlets, and social platforms have handled information on this new terror group highlights a significant issue that needs critical analysis. Sensationalized coverage is indeed giving the Lakurawa group visibility, emboldening them to further terrorize their host communities.

    Once considered mere herders, the Lakurawa group has escalated its activities, imposing taxes, preaching extremist ideologies, and assuming roles usually reserved for traditional rulers, such as mediation and arbitration. Surprisingly, within just days after the Nigerian military officially labelled them as terrorists, the Lakurawa sect initiated violent attacks in Kebbi State.

    On Friday, November 8, the group reportedly killed 15 people and rustled over 100 cows in Mera town, Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State. According to Bashir Isah Mera, a resident, “Initially, they didn’t kill; they only confiscated cows and asked owners to pay ‘Zakat’. This is their first attack in which they killed 15 people in our town.”

    Was it merely a coincidence that the group became more violent soon after achieving widespread media coverage? It is possible they are using this newfound visibility to instil fear in communities and signal their presence as players in Nigeria’s complex security challenges? As they gain recognition, their actions and influence appear to intensify.

    Reports reveal that their first significant attack was on a military base in Sokoto, where they killed three soldiers and set a patrol vehicle ablaze. Initially, their targets were government forces, vigilantes, and rival armed groups (i.e. bandits), but recent developments indicate that unarmed civilians are also now victims of their atrocities. It is hard to believe that the Lakurawa group once received invitations from local authorities, including the District Heads of Balle in Gudu LGA and Gongono in Tangaza LGA, both in Sokoto, to protect their communities against other bandits.

    Read Also: DHQ lauds Simon Ekpa’s arrest, key victory in anti-terror fight

    This connection suggests that some local leaders may have inadvertently enabled the group’s rise by legitimizing its presence. These complex dynamics underline the challenges in Nigeria’s security landscape, where communities, desperate for protection, sometimes turn to dangerous actors in the absence of adequate state intervention.

    In today’s interconnected world, fuelled by rapid information sharing, the way media reports on terror groups critically shapes the public’s perception and response. Sensationalized coverage of groups like Lakurawa inadvertently provides them with the visibility they seek, potentially encouraging further attacks. Publicizing details about the group’s activities can become an oxygen of publicity that these terrorists use to maintain a fearsome reputation.

    A paradigm shift is necessary. Security agencies must recognize the importance of handling sensitive information with discretion. Rather than publicly announcing the existence of groups like Lakurawa, there should be a careful, strategic approach to limit their exposure. If handled quietly and without fanfare, it may prevent these groups from gaining the visibility they currently enjoy.

    For the sake of national interest and security, some information is best kept confidential to protect citizens and prevent unnecessary panic or sensationalism. Publicizing every detail can inadvertently play into the hands of criminals who capitalize on fear and citizens’ low morale to perpetrate further violence. Moving forward, Nigeria’s security agencies should develop robust crisis communication strategies. Such strategies should aim to balance transparency with responsibility, sharing information only when necessary and in ways that do not strengthen criminal elements. By avoiding public fanfare, security agencies can effectively carry out their constitutional duties without giving terrorists an undue advantage.

    Furthermore, Nigeria’s media, along with security forces, must adopt a more thoughtful and measured approach to crisis communication. This approach will prevent terrorist groups like the Lakurawas from gaining power and notoriety, ultimately fostering a safer environment for Nigerian citizens.

    The Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Police, and other security institutions must work collaboratively with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to address emerging threats to Nigeria’s security. The sooner this crisis is nipped in the bud, the better. As they say, a stitch in time saves nine!

    •Ya’u Mukhtar Madobi,

    Kano.

  • Social media and youths

    Social media and youths

    Sir: In recent years, social media has become an integral part of the lives of Nigerian youths. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and WhatsApp offerconvenient means of communication, entertainment, and access to information. While these platforms can be powerful tools for education and self-development, they have also become significant sources of distraction.

    In a country like Nigeria, where access to technology is still considered a privilege, the misuse of social media is an issue of growing concern. It is essential for parents, educators, and youths to recognize both the benefits and the potential pitfalls of this digital age.

    Compared to earlier generations, today’s youths have access to a wealth of knowledge through the internet. Online resources such as educational videos, e-books, research articles, and virtual classrooms provide unprecedented opportunities for learning. For Nigerian youths, this technological revolution offers the chance to bridge gaps in education caused by limited resources or underfunded schools.

    In the past, students relied heavily on physical libraries, encyclopedias, and classroom instruction. Accessing information was time-consuming, and learning opportunities often limited to what was immediately available in their environment. Today, a student with a smartphone and an internet connection can access courses from prestigious institutions, learn new skills, and engage in global discussions from the comfort of their home.

    While social media can be an excellent platform for learning, networking, and staying updated on current events, it has also become a significant source of distraction for many. Instead of using these platforms for educational purposes, students often prioritize entertainment, such as scrolling through memes, watching viral videos, or engaging in endless chat.

    Read Also: Nigeria vows to appeal $25m judgment in favour of Chinese firm

    Excessive time on social media reduces the time and attention available for studying, leading to poor academic results. Constantly consuming content on social media can lead to mental exhaustion, leaving little energy for meaningful activities.

    Parents should model responsible use of social media by setting an example in their own behavior.

    For students, learning to use social media wisely is critical for academic success. Social media is a powerful tool, but it must be used responsibly. Nigerian youths have the privilege of living in an age where technology can revolutionize education, but this potential can only be realized if they prioritize their studies over unnecessary distractions. Parents, too, have a role to play in guiding their children toward balanced and responsible use of social media. Together, we can ensure that technology becomes an enabler of progress rather than a barrier to success.

    •Muktar Garba,Borno State University, Maiduguri.

  • Still on Obasanjo’s vainglory

    Still on Obasanjo’s vainglory

    Sir: Was it not ridiculous to see ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo, from whom Prof Chinua Achebe rejected a national honour mount the podium designed to honour Achebe who wouldn’t have been where Obasanjo’s shadow reflects, to offer a treatise on leadership?

    What would have been Achebe’s reaction, assuming he was alive, to the organisers’ decision to invite Obasanjo to speak at a Leadership Forum in his honour? Can we confidently say that Obasanjo was qualified to speak about leadership at such august and dignified occasion when taking into consideration the way he handled the issue of leadership during his tenures, most especially between 1999 and 2007?

    Recall that Achebe had rejected the national honour under Obasanjo’s administration because he was disappointed that under Obasanjo’s watch, his homeland in Anambra State had been turned into a “bankrupt and lawless fiefdom by a small clique of renegades,” allegedly with the complicity of the presidency.

    In his speech at the Achebe Forum, Obasanjo had called for the dismissal of the chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahood Yakubu and officials of the commission at all levels as part of the needed reform of the electoral process. In Obasanjo’s opinion, the electoral body did not live up to people’s expectations in the elections that had been conducted so far under the INEC chairman’s watch.

    Did Obasanjo mean that Prof. Yakubu should be sacked for allowing free and fair elections, one of which gave Peter Obi, Obasanjo’s candidate, victory in Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s home-base, Lagos – a feat no candidate of any opposition party had ever achieved since 1999?

    It is necessary to remind Obasanjo that Nigerians have not forgotten the situation during his time when he ruled the country, not as a democrat but like a dictator?  Recall also that the late president, Umaru Yar’Adua had acknowledged that the presidential election that was conducted under Obasanjo’s watch that gave him (Yar’Adua’) the victory was not only rigged but was full of malpractices that had never been witnessed in the history of Nigeria.

    Read Also: Oyetola meets Liberian Minister in London over IMO council seat

    What of Anambra State where Chris Ngige, a serving governor during Obasanjo’s tenure was abducted by some non-state actors at the behest of some powerful people in the presidency?

    Oyo State also was not left out in the reign of the brigands who terrorised the state and its residents. Former governor of Oyo State, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, also during the Obasanjo administration, was removed illegally from office.  Ayodele Fayose and Joshua Dariye of Ekiti and Plateau states respectively will never forget what they went through under Obasanjo’s government. Even Peter Obi, currently Obasanjo’s adopted son, has an adverse story to tell about the former president’s regime.

    In another of his self-praise, Obasanjo, mentioned that it was appropriate that he was invited to deliver the keynote address in honour of the late Prof. Achebe not just because he had been Head of State and President on two different periods but because he had known Achebe, his works and his value for as long as Nigeria had been in existence. What a self-aggrandizement! If truly the former president, Obasanjo, had known Achebe’s values like he submitted, I believe his administration wouldn’t have supported the illegal removal of five governors, Chris Ngige, Rashidi Ladoja, Ayo Fayose and Joshua Dariye and Peter Obi from their seats.

    What about his unconstitutional push for a third-term? Isn’t it also appropriate to inform the former president that if the $60 billion his administration allegedly spent to revive the electricity sector had been judiciously expended, the present administration wouldn’t have so much trouble with the sector?

    Undoubtedly, Nigerians would have forgiven Obasanjo for his transgressions had he realized his mistakes of the past and apologized and joined the current president and his team in their efforts to fix the country. As an elder statesman, what Nigeria and Nigerians need from Obasanjo isn’t the quality of blackmail the ex-president is capable of dishing out to the public; all that Nigerians care about is Obasanjo’s cooperation with President Tinubu to make Nigeria great again.

    •Ademola ‘Bablow’ Babalola, babalolaademola39@gmail.com

  • Tackling the persistent issue of begging in Borno State

    Tackling the persistent issue of begging in Borno State

    Sir: The Borno State government has taken commendable steps to address the persistent issue of street begging. By providing jobs and paying stipends to some beggars, the administration aims to empower the less privileged and curb the culture of dependency. However, despite these well-meaning efforts, begging remains a visible and growing challenge in various parts of the state, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the current approach.

    In Maiduguri, the state capital, beggars of all demographics which include men, women, children and the elderly can be seen congregating in areas like the Post Office, Baga Road, Circular Road and other bustling parts of the city. While the government’s financial support is intended to uplift the vulnerable, it appears to have inadvertently encouraged more people to turn to begging in hopes of accessing this assistance. This unintended consequence has made it clear that a reassessment of the strategy is necessary.

    Providing money to beggars may seem like a humane approach, but in reality, it risks fostering dependency and entrenching the problem further. Instead of discouraging begging, financial incentives often boost morale among those involved and attract others to the streets. This not only undermines the government’s efforts but also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and vulnerability.

    Young women and children are among the most affected, with alarming reports of exploitation linked to begging. Some young girls fall prey to street predators, resulting in cases of sexual abuse and rape. Similarly, young boys face the risk of being drawn into criminal activities such as theft, under the guise of begging. These incidents highlight the urgent need for a more robust and sustainable solution.

    Read Also: Oyetola meets Liberian Minister in London over IMO council seat

    Rather than relying on financial handouts, the government should adopt a multi-pronged approach to address the root causes of begging. Job creation should remain a priority, but it must be complemented by vocational training programs tailored to equip individuals with marketable skills. Empowering the youth, particularly young women, with sustainable livelihoods can help reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.

    Moreover, there should be strict enforcement of anti-begging laws to discourage the practice in urban areas. Simultaneously, rehabilitation centres should be established to provide support and guidance to those transitioning away from begging. These centres can offer counselling, skill development, and connections to employment opportunities, ensuring that individuals are not left stranded when removed from the streets.

    Public awareness campaigns can also play a crucial role in changing societal attitudes towards begging. Educating citizens on the harms of giving money to beggars and encouraging alternative forms of support such as donating to credible charities can help reduce the allure of street begging.

    The government must also prioritize the protection of women and children who are at risk of abuse and exploitation. Strengthening community policing and introducing safe spaces for vulnerable populations can go a long way in curbing predatory behaviour. Additionally, collaboration with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can help provide targeted interventions for those most in need.

    Addressing the issue of begging in Borno State requires a shift from short-term fixes to sustainable, long-term solutions. While the government’s efforts are commendable, a more strategic approach is essential to eliminate the practice and tackle the socio-economic challenges that fuel it. By investing in skills development, enforcing anti-begging laws, and safeguarding the vulnerable, Borno State can take significant strides towards eradicating begging and building a more equitable society.

    •Babagana M Hassan,Maiduguri, Borno State.

  • True federalism will discourage state agitators

    True federalism will discourage state agitators

    • By Sunday Olagunju

    Sir: In spite of the present harsh economic realities and the panoply of efforts being made by the Tinubu administration to combat and bring relief to all and sundry, agitators for the creation of new states are on the ascendancy. The agitators’ declared aim for demanding the creation of new states is the fulfilment of the principle of equity and balancing as a federation.

    The reasonable question to ask from the state creation Oliver Twists is how many states Nigeria have to create to satisfy those yearning for the principle of equality and equalization of status within Nigeria’s federal system of administration. With the current existing 36 states heavily dependent on federal allocation on monthly basis and which ipso – facto pre supposes their unviability, any further addition to the present 36 states is a clear act of political indiscretion.

    Read Also: EFCC fires two staff over corrupt practices

    One of the main reasons Nigerians  are advocating for restructuring is to ensure the viability and profitability of the existing states; to set them free to have control over their resources and by working hard, to harness their potentials, human and natural, to keep afloat financially. Doling out monthly allocations from the Federation Accounts seems to have kept these states inactive and unthinking; in addition to giving the wrong impression to people agitating for new states that if all is well with the existing states, it will also be well with theirs if, and when, created.

    The present administration should set in motion true federalism through legislative action and make the states to fend for themselves rather than depending on allocations that have kept the state governors on holiday, while the federal government bears the brunt of thinking how to generate money to run Nigeria, including for its unviable brides that contribute nothing.

    With true federalism, states will spend what they are entitled to by allocation and states that find it hard to cope will live within its earning and resources. Presently, state agitators are basing their demand on federal allocations and this is politically wrong and incompatible with true federalism which emphasizes the principle of work and pay. The present pseudo federalism encourages Father Christmas and which is antithetic to true federalism. Nigeria is not a banana republic that creates splinter states that lacks viability and purposefulness of existence.

    •Sunday Olagunju,

     Ibadan.

  • On some states’ lost bid to scrap EFCC, NFIU

    On some states’ lost bid to scrap EFCC, NFIU

    • By Kene Obiezu

    Sir: When an initial 19 states quivered their way to the Supreme Court, quarrelling with the establishment laws of the EFCC, ICPC and NFIU, the quest was to cause a quake, to get the apex court to annul the laws establishing the bodies, and free the country of their nuisance which had become especially noisome to the political establishment.

    When the Supreme Court drew from its quintessential quill in judgment, on Friday, November 15, it was in evisceration rather than endorsement of the suit filed by the states. By the time the last lines of the judgment lacerated the folly of the contending states, it was clear that another wild goose chase had embarrassingly come full circle.

    It is no surprise that Kogi State led the comical charge to cut down Nigeria’s crime-fighting agencies. The former governor, Yahaya Bello, is on trial for stealing billions of public funds during his eight years as governor. It is telling that the biggest impediment to his trial is the state government and the governor, his predecessor in office, whom he foisted on the state.

    In Nigeria today, despite cross-class involvement, corruption remains a luxury for the rich. Those who wiggle their way into public office help themselves indiscriminately and shamelessly to public funds, using anything and everything to cover their tracks.

    Nigeria’s charade of federalism gives state governors unrivalled control of the resources of their states. Cocooned in their states and indifferent to the poverty consuming their people, many of them soon unleash their inner tyrants and brigands on the states.

     They ride roughshod over the judiciary and legislature, administer local governments like their personal fiefdoms, and effectively convert state agencies into rewards for their cronies. Not content with their excesses, they also administer public funds like their personal disposable income. Over the years, the effect of this practice of rampant predation on state resources is the incurable stagnation festering in many states today.

    The federal government usually takes the slack for Nigeria’s lack of development because the buck stops at its table, but it is for Nigerians to hold their state governors accountable for the lack of development in states. Nigerians in the states involved in this farcical rush and dash for the Supreme Court to defang the EFCC, ICPC and NFIU, must ask their governors what, and if, they really have any plans for them.

    Read Also: ICPC tracks N610b constituency, executive projects in 22 states

    Corruption is the singular, biggest reason, why Nigeria hasn’t reached its true potentials as a country. Many of the brains behind the barnstorming corruption that has wrecked what would have one of the world’s model countries have been state governors who carefully file their teeth with the salt of state resources before biting into the national cake. It has become clear that they must be stopped.

    While public office holders craftily devise new means to deepen corruption and escape checks put in place by law, younger Nigerians on whom the lot of leadership will fall tomorrow must learn lessons and take notes, as they prepare for a future marked by the plunder of public funds.

     Corruption remains a chief driver of inequality in Nigeria. Through 64 years of independence, and 25 years of democracy, it has pushed many Nigerians to the precipice of peril, while fattening an astoundingly avaricious few. Its ruinous rampage across many years of Nigeria’s existence has to be checked.

    Now that the apex court has buried the dreams of those seeking to put them out of business, the EFCC, ICPC and NFIU must cast off their ineptitude, and combat what, together with insecurity, is Nigeria’s greatest challenge.

    • Kene Obiezu,

    keneobiezu@gmail.com