The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Health sector crisis: Open letter to Jigawa governor

    Health sector crisis: Open letter to Jigawa governor

    SIR: Our dear state was inarguably one of the states with the best healthcare system and the highest number of practicing medical doctors in northern Nigeria. It was at some point in time akin to a medical hub that attracts both patients and medical professionals from neighbouring states owing to its subsidized healthcare, efficient services delivery and overall welfare of health workers and patients.

    Since its creation in the early 90s, the state has made giant strides in providing effective and reliable healthcare services to its citizens. Successive administrations have invested heavily in training doctors and other health professionals, within and outside the country, in varying capacities in a bid to ensure effective healthcare delivery to the good people of the state.

    The state has commendably been awarding scholarships with bond agreement to both local and foreign medical students since time immemorial. It has produced medical graduates from various reputable institutions within and outside the country. In addition, it was one of the pioneer states among its peers to implement the sponsorship of medical doctors through postgraduate medical training program to further their studies; a policy that would later be adopted by several other states.

    Unfortunately, things have now taken a turn for the worse. At the moment, our healthcare system is not only ‘underperforming’ by all measures; it is one of the worst in the country. We are now a shadow of our past. With a patient-doctor ratio of 1:35,000 as against the WHO standard of 1:600, Jigawa State sits at the top of the chart of states with poor health system in Nigeria. And this is a sad development.

    Over the past few years, the state has witnessed an unprecedented mass exodus of medical doctors to neighbouring states, owing to poor welfare, overburdening workload, inadequate health facilities in hospitals among other factors. And regrettably this internal Japa syndrome ravaging the state is continuing to overstretch our already fragile healthcare system.

    To put things into perspectives, according to a data obtained from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Jigawa State Branch, from 2013 to 2024, of the 264 doctors that reported back to the state for bonding agreement, only 40 doctors stayed after completing their terms. This is to say that more than 220 Medical doctors have left the state to continue their career elsewhere!

    It is worth noting that during the same period, the state produced over 500 medical doctors (both foreign and local trained), but only 214 are now in the state payroll, out of which only 77 are currently manning the state’s primary and secondary institutions and are about to round up their bond agreements by the end of the year; 89 are in training as either house officers or doing national service. The state has less than 10 consultants and only 12 doctors in residency training. Altogether there are fewer than 100 doctors attending to a population of over 7.5 million people.

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    This data suggests that while the state is doing a good job at producing medical doctors (both local and foreign), its retention capacity is however very poor. The state will be left with no doctors in the next coming years if things continue at this pace.

    As a concerned citizen, I would implore you to please declare state of emergency on health in Jigawa State. Engage with relevant stakeholders to find a way to put an end to this worsening Japa syndrome wreaking havoc in our dear state. 

    The most important step to addressing this issue is the urgent need for the improvement of the overall welfare of the few doctors and other healthcare professionals left in the state.  This singular act will not only boost the morale of these weary medical professionals and relieve them of their burden, but will also attract others from various states to compensate for the acute shortage of medical doctors in the state. It will also improve the effectiveness of healthcare services delivered to the people.

    In addition, the government should seriously consider the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) program to help in the training of experts in various medical specialties in the state. This will also help address the shortage of registrars and consultants in our tertiary facilities. It will also provide an avenue for a healthy and excellent research environment in the state.

    Other measures include equipping our already existing hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities, subsidizing healthcare services especially to women, young children and those suffering from such chronic debilitating conditions. I believe these are some of the ways that could help put an end to this menace threatening our very existence, help revitalize the state’s healthcare and improve its delivery to the citizens.

    • Dr. Najeeb Maigatari, Dutse, Jigawa State
  • Ikwechegh: Face of unequal society

    Ikwechegh: Face of unequal society

    SIR: An intrepid driver contracted to Bolt, the e-hailing app, was recently reminded of his status by a succession of lightning slaps delivered by the diamond-encrusted fingers of Alex Ikwechegh, member representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

    The driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, had run foul of the legislator when he delivered an order to his residence in Maitama, but refused to go inside to drop it.

    In the incident captured in a video which has since gone viral, the visibly angry legislator after raining curses and threats on the driver, physically assaulted him.

    In a country pounded by hunger and every other form of social insecurity imaginable, one would think that someone who lives in what is probably the most exclusive area of Nigeria’s capital, while enjoying the financial freedom that his salary as an overpaid but undercooked and underworked Nigerian legislator confers would have enough dignity  to ignore a harried bus driver’s moment of alleged insolence.

    What is more likely is that the driver was simply complying with the conditions of his employment which forbade him from going into the premises of the legislator as a customer, to make a delivery.

    What is obvious is that the alleged provocation was not commensurate with the inhuman and inhumane treatment meted out to Abuwatseya by the legislator, and what if it was?

    Does one’s oath as a legislator not demand good conduct always? Shouldn’t the mere fact that one sits in Nigeria’s premier law-making institution confer enough dignity and discipline to abide the law even in the face of provocation?

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    In a country where blinding poverty and blistering inequality have widened the gulf between the rich and the poor, it is no surprise that many have lost their humanity.

    Nigeria’s steeply unequal society has harmfully configured the society in such a way that many Nigerians run the risk of daily abuse by others who employ them. There is a need for reorientation but also heavy sanctions to remind all those who abuse others here that Nigerians are all equal under the law and no one can be mistreated save in accordance with law.

    Without this education which must be drummed into the rich and the poor with equal ferocity, the dream of realizing a society where people live with dignity will remain a pipe dream.

    The Igbo say that when the gods want to kill a man, they first make him mad. Hon. Ikwechegh is Igbo. The viral video showed a man maddened by power and privilege. What dishonor.

    It is time for hard, impersonal lessons, the kind only the law can teach.

    • Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com
  • Rethinking the protection of national critical assets

    Rethinking the protection of national critical assets

    SIR: In recent times, Nigeria has faced a concerning increase in audacious attacks on its critical national assets and infrastructure. These assaults, carried out by bandits, insurgents, and vandals, threaten the stability and security of the nation. The targeted facilities are essential for the country’s economic growth and public safety.

    On January 14, 2022, the 132 kV Ahoada-Yenagoa transmission line towers belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) were vandalized.

    On March 28, 2022, the Abuja-Kaduna train was attacked by insurgents. The incident occurred in the evening as the train was en route to Kaduna from Abuja. This attack tragically resulted in casualties and the abduction of several passengers. Train services on the Abuja-Kaduna route were halted for many weeks.

    On September 25, 2022, vandals attacked the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) towers 303 and 304 along the Jos road, disrupting electricity to the entire Northeast for weeks.

    On June 20, the rail fittings installed on the Second Niger Bridge were uprooted and vandalized. On June 11, insurgents attacked TCN towers T193 and T194 along the Damaturu-Maiduguri 330 kV Single Circuit Transmission Line, leaving Maiduguri and its environs in darkness for weeks.

    Also in July, a report published by Thisday newspaper estimated that Nigeria incurred a loss of approximately $3.57 billion in just the first five months of 2024 due to oil theft, largely attributed to pipeline vandalism and militant activities.

    Experts say that improvements have been made in the security measures aimed at protecting oil and related assets, with around N50 billion allocated each year for local security contractors. Furthermore, the Joint Task Force (JTF), known as Operation Delta Safe, comprises all branches of the armed forces, along with members of the Federal Road Safety Corps, to tackle this challenge. The Nigerian Navy has also initiated “Operation Delta Sanity” to bolster maritime surveillance.

    It appears that bandits, vandals, and insurgents are becoming more daring and sophisticated than the strategies implemented to combat and prevent attacks on critical national assets. What needs to be done?

    The government should, in addition to the strategy of having boots on the ground, also consider utilizing technology. For example, Nigeria can deploy advanced SCADA systems for the surveillance of critical national assets and infrastructure, such as power grids, water treatment plants, oil and gas pipelines, transportation networks, and communication systems.

    Secondly, while the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is doing good work in protecting some oil pipelines, they should be retooled, adequately staffed, and better funded. More personnel should be deployed to protect critical power transmission lines and towers, as the core mandate of the Civil Defence is the protection of critical infrastructure—safeguarding government facilities and installations. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) should enhance its monitoring systems from manual to high-tech, including the use of drones and real-time surveillance.

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    Additionally, the TCN’s public relations strategy should be improved; showcasing to the world that insurgents are capable of disrupting the entire northern Nigerian electricity supply was a significant PR blunder. In fact, it provided free publicity for the bandits, insurgents, and vandals.

    Any country that fails to adequately protect its national assets and infrastructure will expose its national security, leading to compromised economic stability, public safety, and resilience to disasters, which may result in social disorder.

    For instance, the current frustration in the north due to nearly 10 days of blackout in the region stems from an attack on critical national assets—the 330 KV Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines 1 and 2. Nigeria’s international respect and reputation are at stake because the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure is an integral part of global security frameworks.

    • Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja
  • A lacerating lesson for Libya

    A lacerating lesson for Libya

     Sir: The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has finally and heavily descended on Libya for the provocative shambles that turned Africa’s most successful and glamorous team into hostages at a Libyan airport for about 16 hours between October 13 and 14. It is deeply satisfying to know that such scandalous and cowardly acts that stain the face of the beautiful game on the continent will not be tolerated going forward.

    The Libyans have appealed the verdict, but to allow their half-hearted appeal sail through would set African football back many years and endorse the dark arts which have been an especially fearsome feature of North African countries in recent time.

    One easily recalls the tempestuous 2010 World Cup qualifying match between Egypt and Algeria which saw both countries accuse each other of food poisoning before a solitary Antar Yahia strike in Sudan sent Algeria to the World Cup and the expense of Egypt.

    It is not for nothing that football is called the beautiful game. It has helped to remove the ugly moments in many aspects of life and society. After all, it was around football that iconic former Ivorian footballer and captain of the national team, Didier Drogba, united warring factions to end what had been a devastating civil war.

    Having slumped to defeat in the first leg in Uyo  despite some expert time-wasting, the Libyans, rather than concentrate on settling scores on the pitch in Benghazi, decided to do it at an airport, thereby risking the lives of some of the biggest sports stars on the planet.

    It is a great thing that CAF is not allowing Libya set a template for how visiting teams are to be treated in African football. While football sometimes ignores dark arts, those dark arts backfire spectacularly when they are not done with enough smarts.

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     With a single point through six qualifying matches, the Mediterranean Knights of Libya are rooted to the bottom of Group D. That is where they deserve to be for deploying such base tactics against Africa’s most successful team, one which has always treated visiting teams with supreme dignity. Rather than concentrate on matters on the pitch where they had a better chance of grinding out a result, they chose to battle at an airport for which they have been fined heavily.

    Let it be etched somewhere in the local lore of Libya that the Super Eagles of Nigeria went to their country spent 16 excruciating hours at a remote airport and left with three points, three goals while fetching their ungenerous hosts a hefty fine of $50,000.

    Lessons don’t come harder than this, or sweeter, for that matter.

     •Ike Willie-Nwobu,Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Urgent need to restore electricity in the North

    Urgent need to restore electricity in the North

    Sir: For more than eight days, Northern Nigeria has been plunged into darkness due to a prolonged electricity outage. The situation requires immediate attention and action from the relevant authorities, as the consequences of continued outage are severe and far-reaching.

    Every passing day without power brings untold suffering to millions of people, widening the gaps in development and threatening the region’s stability. It is imperative for the government and relevant authorities to take swift action to restore electricity and implement measures to prevent such outages in the future. Investments in infrastructure, alternative energy sources, and robust maintenance programs are necessary to build a more resilient power supply system.

     One of the most pressing issues caused by the lack of electricity is its impact on healthcare facilities. Without consistent power, life-saving treatments cannot be administered, and surgeries are delayed or cancelled. Even storing blood, vaccines, and other perishable medical supplies becomes impossible, putting countless lives at risk. For patients suffering from chronic conditions or those requiring emergency care, these eight days have been a period of dire uncertainty. Restoring electricity is critical to prevent further loss of life and ensure that the health sector can function effectively.

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    The extended power outage has also crippled the economy of Northern Nigeria. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that depend on electricity for production and services have been forced to shut down, resulting in significant financial losses. For a region already grappling with high unemployment rates, this situation is a severe blow to economic stability. Businesses involved in food processing, welding, tailoring, and ICT services, among others, are paralyzed, and many families are losing their sole source of income.

    Restoring power is not just about bringing back lights; it is about reviving livelihoods, sustaining local economies, and preventing poverty from deepening its roots in this already vulnerable region.

    The region is a major agricultural hub, with many farmers relying on electricity for irrigation, processing, and storage. Without electricity, cold storage facilities for crops, dairy products, and other perishable goods have been unable to function, leading to massive spoilage. This has not only resulted in economic losses for farmers but also threatens food security across the region. Additionally, without power for irrigation systems, agricultural productivity is significantly hampered. Restoring electricity would help mitigate these losses, ensuring food security and supporting the agricultural sector.

    The absence of electricity has also exacerbated security challenges. In a region already dealing with conflicts and insurgency, the darkness has provided cover for criminal activities, increasing the frequency of thefts, kidnappings, and other violent crimes. Streetlights and security systems are vital for maintaining public safety, and their absence has left many communities vulnerable. Additionally, the lack of communication due to disrupted networks and reduced access to information has hindered the ability of law enforcement to respond effectively to emergencies. Restoring electricity is, therefore, a matter of national security, as it will help maintain order and protect citizens from harm.

    The prolonged power outage has forced many businesses and households to resort to alternative power sources such as diesel and petrol generators. While this may provide a temporary solution, it comes at a significant environmental cost. The use of generators has led to increased air and noise pollution, which poses health risks to residents and contributes to environmental degradation. Immediate restoration of electricity would reduce the dependence on generators, promoting cleaner and more sustainable energy consumption.

    The current electricity crisis demands urgent attention. Northern Nigeria cannot afford to be left in the dark. The restoration of electricity is not just a matter of convenience; it is a matter of life and death, of sustaining livelihoods, and of ensuring the progress and prosperity of an entire region. The time to act is now, and every effort must be made to bring light back to Northern Nigeria.

    •Ismail Rabiu, Kaohsiung city, China.

  • VAPP repeal bill: A demand for transparency

    VAPP repeal bill: A demand for transparency

    Sir: The need for stringent laws and a better support system for survivors have always dominated the conversation about the rampant sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Nigeria. In 2015, Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), was hailed as a critical tool in fighting gender justice. After a decade of advocacy, the VAPP Act proved to be a pivotal turning point in the criminalisation of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), expansion of the definition of rape, and victim compensation. Despite diverse challenges, the VAPP Act was adopted by over 34 states.

    However, a new Bill by Senator Jibrin Isah which passed a second reading in the Senate in September now seeks to repeal and replace it with what is termed “more robust” legislation. Activists worry that this may reverse the gains of grassroots efforts to mitigate gender-based violence (GBV) and have particularly decried the lack of transparency and consultation in the process of developing this new bill.

    Nguvu Collective, a women’s leadership organisation, has led a collaborative action with 15 civil society organisations in Nigeria to bring together the concerns of gender rights activists in an open letter to Senator Jibrin Isah, the sponsor of the VAPP Repeal and Enactment Bill, 2024.

    These organisations include YIAGA Africa, Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, WILAN, Connected Development (CODE), Gender Mobile, TechHerNG, 16 Stories, ASVIOL Support Initiative, Fembud NG, Devatop Centre for Africa Development, Chafhein, The Public Policy Shapers, Help The Woman Campaign, AdvoKC, and Youth Be Involved (YBI).

    The letter calls for an inclusive and well-publicised public hearing to enable the broad and meaningful participation of key stakeholders and the public in a comprehensive review process. It expresses deep concern over the delay in organising a public consultation on this important Bill because the current VAPP Act “stands as a monumental legal safeguard against violence, especially for women, children, and marginalized groups.”

    Any changes to the VAPP Act must be developed with the voices of civil society, human rights defenders, gender-based violence experts, and survivors at the forefront. Transparent, inclusive consultations will ensure that the amendments reflect the real needs of those whom the Act seeks to protect.

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    Nguvu Change Leader Priye Diri, who launched an online campaign against the Bill to Repeal the VAPP Act says, “It is essential to engage in thorough consultation with all stakeholders to ensure comprehensive input on the bill. The consortium of 16 civil society organisations came together to jointly urge for Public Consultation because we cannot afford to work in silos; only through collective effort can we achieve a truly impactful and inclusive outcome.”

    The open letter reminds us that the VAPP Act is the only piece of legislation in Nigeria today that shields and caters to the needs of countless Nigerians facing SGBV across different socio-economic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. “The prevalence of SGBV in Nigeria is influenced by cultural norms, gender inequality, poverty, and weak legal enforcement. In many states where the Act has been domesticated, the culture of silence has been broken due to the VAPP Act,” the letter says.

    The signatories also make the following recommendations to strengthen the proposed re-enactment Bill:

    a. Substitute the word “victim” for “survivor” in the Bill.

    b. Include Online Gender-Based Violence in the interpretation of harassment and not simply cyberstalking.

    c. The age segregation in the offence of defilement of a child in clause 2 of the Bill should be harmonised. It should be one offence for defilement of a girl under the age of 18 years.

    d. Replace the proposed “mental disorder” in the Bill which is introduced to replace the derogatory term in the Act “mentally retarded” with “mental disabilities” in clause 29 (4) (b) of the proposed Bill.

    e. Penalties in the Bill should be stated in the minimum. In that case, the judge would only exercise discretion regarding the maximum penalty imposed upon conviction.

    f. The schedule for the Bill should be attached, as there is none at the moment.

    Nigeria has pledged to protect women’s rights, and a holistic reform of this legislation would enhance those obligations while also restating our leadership on human rights.

    •Nguvu Collective,info@nguvucollective.org

  • On local government accountability

    On local government accountability

    Sir: In recent local government elections across Nigeria, a troubling trend has emerged: ruling parties in various states claimed all contested seats. From Delta to Kaduna, and from Lagos to Kano, the dominant parties, predominantly the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) swept both chairmanship and councillorship positions, leaving little to no representation for opposition voices. This pattern raises critical questions about the health of Nigeria’s democracy and suggests an urgent need for transparent governance.

    In a truly democratic setting, fair elections allow for opposition voices and genuine competition, ensuring a system of checks and balances. However, the recent elections in Nigeria reveal a disturbing absence of accountability, with governors reportedly handpicking local government officials to guarantee control over local finances. This selection of loyalists as councillors and chairpersons potentially enables unchecked access to local government funds, raising concerns of misappropriation and corruption.

    As these officials assume office, it is imperative for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), to closely monitor local government funds. With allegations that certain governors are positioning allies to enable the looting of local government resources without resistance, these agencies must proactively trace these funds, investigate suspicious transactions, and confiscate illicitly acquired assets.

    By keeping a vigilant watch over local government finances, the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU can safeguard these resources, ensuring they are used for the benefit of the people rather than diverted for personal gain. The commitment to enforce accountability and transparency at the local level would send a strong message that the anti-corruption bodies are willing to prosecute those who misuse public funds without fear or favour.

    The current approach to local government administration is unsustainable and a disservice to the people. When local elections lack fair competition, the public loses trust in the electoral process, and citizens feel increasingly disconnected from the system meant to represent them. This disconnection fosters a sense of powerlessness, where public officials, with unchecked authority, may prioritize personal gain over public welfare.

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    Moreover, the pattern of handpicked officials raises concerns about future governance. By installing individuals loyal to personal interests rather than the community, governors unwittingly foster an environment that tolerates corruption, delays development, and erodes the very foundation of democracy.

    To reverse this trend, Nigeria’s leaders at all levels must commit to higher standards of integrity. Justice, equity, and fairness are principles upon which any thriving society rests, and they are fundamental to Nigeria’s stability. Leaders should recognize that Nigeria’s future is far greater than any individual’s ambitions or interests.

    For the sake of future generations, Nigeria’s leaders must rise to the occasion and commit to a system of governance that genuinely serves its people.

    •Iliyasu Haruna Bala,Jabi, Abuja

  • Petrol: Addressing supply shortfalls and pricing realities

    Petrol: Addressing supply shortfalls and pricing realities

    Sir: The recent controversy surrounding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has sparked widespread debate. IPMAN’s accusations against NNPCL’s pricing strategies have raised significant questions about the national oil company’s role in the pricing and distribution of petroleum products. While these claims have stirred public discourse, a closer examination reveals a more intricate reality that underscores the need for collaborative solutions rather than misplaced blame.

    At the heart of the debate is IPMAN’s assertion that NNPCL purchases fuel from the Dangote Refinery at below N900 per litre, only to sell it to independent marketers at inflated prices. However, this simplistic view overlooks critical supply chain challenges and the operational constraints facing both the NNPCL and the Dangote Refinery.

    NNPCL’s contract with the Dangote Refinery stipulates a daily fuel supply of 25 million litres. Unfortunately, actual deliveries fall far short of this target, with an average supply of only seven million litres per day—a mere 27% of the expected volume. This shortfall has led to fuel scarcity and the re-emergence of long queues at petrol stations. The planned Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) supply from the Dangote Refinery for the period from September 15 to October 6 was intended to be 540 million litres, yet NNPC Limited received just over 100 million litres.

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    The inconsistency in supply from the Dangote Refinery presents a significant bottleneck in Nigeria’s fuel distribution chain. While NNPCL is responsible for managing its relationship with Dangote, it is clear that the root of the problem lies in the suboptimal performance of the refinery, which has failed to meet its contractual obligations.

    Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector is now fully deregulated, allowing independent marketers the freedom to import petrol directly or purchase from the Dangote Refinery at negotiated prices. This shift promotes healthy competition, which has the potential to drive down prices and provide consumers with more stable access to fuel. IPMAN’s president, Abubakar Garima, has acknowledged that marketers now have the option to source products directly from the Dangote Refinery without needing to go through NNPC Limited.

    In this new deregulated landscape, it becomes clear that NNPCL’s role has evolved. It no longer holds a monopoly on fuel supply, and independent marketers now have greater control over pricing and procurement. Rather than view NNPCL as the culprit, stakeholders should focus on addressing the inefficiencies within the Dangote Refinery and supporting the government’s efforts to improve local refining capacity.

    While NNPC Limited’s pricing approach may draw criticism, it is important to recognize the challenges the company faces in maintaining a steady supply of fuel in an environment fraught with logistical hurdles and global market volatility.

    To truly fuel Nigeria’s economic growth, the focus must shift from blame to collaboration. The inefficiencies at the Dangote Refinery are a key factor in the current supply challenges, and government intervention is necessary to ensure optimal production and distribution. By enhancing the refinery’s efficiency and increasing its output, Nigeria can reduce its dependence on imported fuel and stabilise local supply.

    Moreover, promoting competition by encouraging more independent marketers to enter the market will drive prices down and improve consumer access to affordable fuel. Investment in infrastructure, such as storage and transportation networks, is also crucial to address the logistical challenges that hamper the efficient distribution of petroleum products across the country.

    Finally, fostering open dialogue between NNPCL, IPMAN, and other key stakeholders is essential. Through cooperation, these entities can work together to find sustainable solutions to the challenges facing Nigeria’s fuel sector. Rather than engaging in finger-pointing, the focus should be on building a more resilient, competitive, and transparent market that benefits all Nigerians.

    •Femi Oniyide, Lagos

  • Why the hullaballoo about Nnamdi Kanu’s release?

    Why the hullaballoo about Nnamdi Kanu’s release?

    Sir: Nnamdi Kanu and his supporters should be thrilled about the prospect of his court trial, as it will provide him a forum to defend himself, and proclaim his message, of Biafranism, to the world. Paradoxically, in a deafening frenzy, his supporters are demanding his release from detention, without trial.

    Following a trial, the judge reaches a verdict: innocent or guilty, and thus, acquittal or conviction and imprisonment. Imprisonment is a staple in the life of a freedom fighter or social/moral crusader. To a freedom fighter, genuinely committed to the struggle, and therefore, prepared to make the necessary sacrifice for his principles and convictions, imprisonment is merely a meditative respite, and prison, just a secluded arena of reflection. The father of Indian nationalism, Mahatma Gandhi, reiterated this point, when he said, “Jail is jail for rapists and murders, for me, it is a temple”. The Black American civil right leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. also made a similar point, “Jail clears you from the miasma of life”.

    At his trial, the dauntless martyred Ogoni environmental activist, Saro Wiwo, articulated his message. With his sparkling prose that bordered on poetry, he made a passionate and persuasive case for his activism to the court and, by extension, the world. Lamentably, he was convicted and executed. Having anticipated his death, he, earlier, confided in a notable Nigerian book publisher that he knew that sooner or later, he will be killed by the Nigerian government, but, before his death, he needed to tell his story to the world. He told his story to the world and it resonated.

    Does Kanu not need a similar opportunity to make his case to the world? Kanu is supercilious, presumptuous and bumptious. He pontificated more than the Pontiff. He talked with the absolutism of a demi-god. He sounded infallible and indispensable, as though he has a monopoly on knowledge and wisdom.

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    He did not disguise his contempt for Igbo elders, kings and political leaders; repeatedly, he discredited and disparaged them. He postured as the Moses of the Igbo nation and the other peoples of his Biafran federation – a messiah determined by Providence – that will lead all out of “marginalization, enslavement and extermination” in the “Zoological Republic”, and chaperon us to the promise land, Biafra, where we will, for ever, luxuriate in peace and prosperity.

    Many, even among the Igbo, question Nnamdi Kanu’s credibility. They consider him a vulgar upstart, vainglorious thug and con artist, who is using Biafranism to advance his personal ambitions: fame and wealth. If Kanu is for real, he will brave imprisonment and risk his life for his convictions, especially, when the path he has chosen has caused his people pains, blood, tears and sorrow. His detention provides him the opportunity to demonstrate his heroic tenacity and nobility of character, like earlier credible freedom fighters that trod paths similar to his: Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Saro Wiwo, etc.

    Secession contravenes the Nigerian constitution. Consequently, Kanu’s secessionist activism is illegal and deserving of punishment. In his deplorable verbal excesses, as shown in his earlier videos, he ordered his followers to stone the then chairman of Ohaneze, Ninia Nwodo, to death, and kill those that disobeyed his sit-at-home orders, and burn them up in their stores. They also showed him ordering members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) to attack Nigerian soldiers, kill them and take their guns and kill more of them.

    The comeuppance of such incendiary and seditious rhetoric is not in question. In addition, the murderous lunacies of the IPOB and ESN, and their spin-off groups have brought unwarranted deaths, immense suffering, unspeakable horror and frightful disorder to the once peaceful Igbo land.

    But then, the Homeric question: Is Nnamdi Kanu that cowardly and un-principled that he can lead Igbo youths into trouble, egg them on to their deaths and cause the Igbo unbearable suffering and sorrow, and then, plead for, and accept, mercy and pardon for himself? Secondly, will he be freed to continue with his agitation for Biafra or on the condition that he renounces Biafra?

    The former will be tantamount to his continuation with the crime that got him in trouble; and the latter will be perfidious: a betrayal of Biafrans and mockery of the memory of those that died fighting for his Biafra.  

    •Tochukwu Ezukanma,Lagos

  • The hypertension scourge in Lagos

    The hypertension scourge in Lagos

    SIR: It is no surprise that eight million Nigerians have high blood pressure in Lagos. According to Akin Abayomi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, about eight million Nigerians living in Lagos have hypertension. Hypertension also known High Blood Pressure occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is too high. Stress can cause a steep rise in blood pressure and  is a highway to the grave for many.

    Lagos State which is only one out of Nigeria’s 36 states may seem a small sample size for this alarming revelation, but that is far from the case. For starters, it is the commercial capital of the country, its industrial hub, economic nerve center, innovation incubator and self-acclaimed center of excellence.

    The state is also a microcosm of Nigeria, a sort of melting pot for Nigerians from all walks of life who collect together in the state in pursuit of economic opportunities under the largely valid apprehension that the grass is greenest there.

    With a population of about 16 million, Lagos, which was Nigeria’s capital until 1991 is Nigeria’s veritable pressure cooker. Indeed, life in Lagos is not for the faint of heart and for even kids born in the city, a battle is afoot from day one.

    According to the Global Liveability Index 2024 of the Economic Intelligence Unit, Lagos is the 7th least liveable city on earth.

    It partly explains the epidemic of hypertension in the state where life is always on the fast track with very little time to pause.

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    But to think that it is only Lagos that has a record level of hypertension would be to ignore the obvious. Many people do not even know that they have the condition.

     High blood pressure also known as hypertension is a leading cause of heart diseases, stroke and kidney failure and other states should emulate Lagos State in conducting free screening, sensitising people about their health conditions and the best way to manage those conditions.

    Nigerians who mostly ignore safety tips need to get more proactive about their health if a silent killer like hypertension is to be warded off.

    Eating heart-healthy foods, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, dropping harmful habits like smoking, as well as managing stress and getting enough good-quality sleep can go a long way.

    • Ike Willie-Nwobu, Ikewilly9@gmail.com