The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

ASUU and horrid pastime

Hooray! Our dons are at their favorite pastime again — declaring glorious strikes as they are wont to do! (Applause! Applause!).

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on September 25, issued its latest 14-day ultimatum to declare a strike. Magnanimously, the dons’ 15-day top-up was after an earlier 30-day notice.

The ASUU statement said the deadline was to wean the Federal Government off its delay tactics, over negotiated but inconclusive issues, that drag on and on! Well, you can’t blame the old and tested strikes heroes, can you? This government — indeed every Nigerian government — only understands one language: threat or force!

Still, anyone should be alarmed that an academic union, whose forte should be reason, is always so gung-ho over going on strikes. What do logicians say about threats? Is it not when you’re worsted by facts and logic that you resort to threats?

So, shouldn’t the rest of us be worried that the reflex of Nigeria’s bastion of reason is threat — threat of strikes that yielded pretty little in the past — because their majesties, the dons, couldn’t — and still can’t — think out of the box of ready strikes?

Still, give the devil its due. There are always two sides to a story. In truth, Nigerian governments have not entirely been earnest with ASUU — in negotiations and in implemented agreements — even after ASUU jumbo strikes. That’s to be decried.

But ASUU’s main problem is their infinite faith in strikes — and their pleasure to often weaponize it with gusto — even when its positive impact had been minimal, supremely confident they would get paid for strikes, no matter how long they do.

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Which is why they’d threaten to trot out on another because the Buhari government called their bluff by invoking the no-work-no-pay rule, which by Labour laws is legal and legitimate. Though the Tinubu government compassionately paid part of that unearned money, ASUU would still cite “withheld salaries” as justification! What gracelessness! What rabid fixation!

Talking of fixations, ASUU would stick to “renegotiating” a 2009 agreement, instead of putting forward fresh ideas close to economic realities today? Does that even make sense?

Well, the Federal Government must do its duty; and fairly address ASUU’s grievances. In truth, the government can do far better implementing, to the letter, agreements with the union. But that should start with resisting any agreement it cannot implement, no matter the immediate pressure.

Much more: it should break this sickly cycle of ASUU bully tactics — that brazen right not to work but insist on getting paid. This ruinous strike reflex must stop.

Dons are paid to teach and mould students, not to become vile power and principalities that make youths’ university experience nasty and retard their future.

January 1, 2025
Reign of bullies

An alleged case of bullying hobbled a private school in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recently. A Senior Secondary 2 (SS2) student at Beautiful Beginning Academy in Gudu District, Abuja, was shown in an online video clip tied with chain around his neck and ordered to lie on the floor in the school hostel by SS3 students, some of whom appeared in the clip while one kept in the background filming.

The video ignited an outrage among netizens who deplored bullying in schools and canvassed urgent action by relevant authorities to end the menace. “Until a stringent measure is taken about bullies, it’s not going to end soon,” an X user said in a comment that reflected the public’s frustration with recurrence of bullying in schools. There were also demands for justice for the victim, named simply as Imtiyas, for the physical and emotional abuse he was subjected to.

Cases of bullying have often been reported in government-owned as well as private schools across the country, with one of the most notorious being the incident in 2021 at a highbrow private school in Lagos that resulted in the death of a 12-year-old Junior Secondary 2 (JS2) boarding pupil, Sylvester Oromoni Jnr. Only last month, 13 students of the Federal Government College, Enugu were suspended for bullying one of their colleagues.

On the heels of reports about the Abuja school, the school management issued a statement strongly condemning bullying and vowing thorough investigation, assuring parents that measures were in place to safeguard students’ welfare. A couple of days later, the management returned to dismiss the allegation of bullying in the school. School Principal Aaron Ikpe told journalists that students seen in the video were play acting but misconstrued as bullying, adding that the school had an open-door policy allowing students to share any concern with the authorities.

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According to him, it wasn’t a case of bullying. “They staged a play. Interestingly, they did it in their hostel, and there were other students around watching,” he said inter alia, adding: “The students did it innocently, though perhaps taken to a certain level. Interestingly, the students actually arranged for the tablet they used to record it. The tablet is usually given to them during learning hours and later retrieved.”

Mr. Principal, however, acknowledged that family members of the SS2 student did complain of bullying. “No report was made until the sisters came on Monday to tell us there was a bullying case in the school,” he said.

The defence by the school management is curious, to say the least. How could the management have determined it was make-belief without confirming from the SS2 student concerned; and would the family have made an allegation of bullying if their ward had not told them he was bullied? In desperation to protect its corporate image, the school may be enthroning a reign of bullies.

December 31, 2024
A hive of insecurity in Anambra State
- By Kene Obiezu
Sir: The light is dimming and dimming fast in Nigeria’s ‘Light of the Nation’ state as one security breach after the other has left residents fearing for their lives, and visitors keeping off the state as much as they can.

A couple of days ago, Tobias Okonkwo, a Catholic Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi and manager of the respective Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, was shot dead at the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in the state.

A few days before, a legislator in the state, Justice Azuka who represents Onitsha North Constituency in the State House of Assembly was abducted while visiting Onitsha.

Some weeks ago, Osita Chinedu, a lecturer with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University was shot dead right in the heart of Awka, the state capital, in an apparent car-snatching operation.

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This year alone, lawyers, businessmen, medical doctors and others have been abducted in the state. The killings did not start today, far from it. But in recent times, and especially as the 2025 governorship election in the state ticks fatefully close, insecurity appears to have acquired a new, devastating edge in a state whose people have fought heroically to acquire a measure of stability over the years.

The question that must be asked at this point is:

What is the government doing as people it is sworn to protect have been turned into prey for vicious criminals? Sadly, the answer appears to be nothing, and it is immeasurably disappointing that things have turned out this way.

Insecurity is the clearest indicator that a government has failed. It is what is finally exposing the bare behind of the current Anambra State government.

When people can no longer sleep with their two eyes closed because criminals are breathing down their neck despite the conspicuous presence of constituted authorities, then something is clearly wrong. It is for the state government to design ways to keep its territory safe while putting to flight all agents of destabilization and destruction.

The clock is furiously ticking until the light finally dies off in Nigeria’s ‘Light of the nation’ state.

• Kene Obiezu,

keneobiezu@gmail.com
December 31, 2024
The right to development and governance
- By Ekpa Stanley Ekpa
Sir: The right to development is fundamental to building an inclusive and prosperous society. It ensures that every individual and community have access to the resources and opportunities needed to live a life of dignity. In Nigeria, like most other developing countries around the world, the divide between urban and rural areas continues to undermine this right. While urban cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt and other capital cities benefit from relatively advanced infrastructure, economic opportunities, and services, rural areas, with nearly half of Nigeria’s population, struggle with inadequate access to basic amenities such as clean water, electricity, healthcare, and education.

For instance, according to Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, 61% of rural Nigerians live in poverty, compared to 42% in urban areas. Similarly, while urban areas enjoy an electrification rate of about 85%, only 41% of rural communities have access to electricity. These disparities illustrate the urgent need to prioritize the right to development and extend governance to every inch of Nigeria.

Globally, the right to development has been enshrined in the constitutions of several countries, where it is recognized as enforceable in court. South Africa stands out as a model, with its constitution guaranteeing socio-economic rights, including access to housing, healthcare, education, and social security. Citizens can demand these rights through litigation, as seen in cases like Government of the Republic of South Africa vs. Grootboom, where the Constitutional Court ruled that the government must take reasonable measures to provide adequate housing. India has also broadened the interpretation of its constitution’s right to life to include the right to live with dignity, incorporating development-related rights such as education, healthcare, and a clean environment.

In contrast, Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), while emphasizing socio-economic rights in its directive principles of state policy, falls short of making these rights justiciable, limiting the ability of citizens to hold the government accountable for inability to provide the constitutionally envisaged development for Nigeria and Nigerians.

Since development is deeply intertwined with fundamental human rights, the right to education, health, and shelter, which are integral to human dignity, cannot be achieved without deliberate and inclusive governance that prioritizes equitable development. In our rural areas, where schools are often understaffed and healthcare facilities under-equipped, these rights remain elusive.

As reported by UNICEF, rural primary school attendance is just 60%, compared to 80% in urban areas, while maternal mortality rates in rural regions are more than double those in cities, reflecting the lack of adequate healthcare services. These disparities are a stark reminder that the right to development is essential for fulfilling the broader spectrum of human rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

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Effective governance and efficiency in public service delivery across the 774 local government areas, and all entities and systems of governance in Nigeria is critical to achieving the right to development. This requires targeted investments to address disparities and ensure that rural areas are not left behind. Policies must prioritize sectors that directly impact human development particularly at the subnational and local government level, such as agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Given that improving rural roads and transport networks would enhance access to markets, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth, governments at the local level must prioritize and ensure quality in expanding and opening communities for productivity and prosperity. Similarly, expanding rural electrification would unlock opportunities for small businesses, improve living standards, and foster economic inclusivity. Additionally, equitable allocation of resources is essential to ensure that all regions benefit from national development plans.

Governing every inch of Nigeria requires leveraging technology to bridge the urban-rural divide. Digital tools can enhance the efficiency and accessibility of development initiatives, from deploying e-governance platforms to streamline service delivery to using data analytics for better resource allocation. In remote areas, mobile technology can expand access to education and healthcare, while geographic information systems (GIS) can help identify underserved regions and prioritize infrastructure projects.

But our leaders must never allow tech and digital engagements to replace their human and physical interaction with constituents. Governing every inch of Nigeria with fairness and accountability ensures that no community is left behind and that the benefits of development are shared equitably. If we make the right to development justiciable, investing in rural transformation, and embrace inclusive governance, Nigeria can bridge the gap between urban and rural areas and fulfil the promise of a society where every citizen has an equal opportunity to thrive. Only through such deliberate efforts can our country achieve shared prosperity and strengthen our foundation for sustainable development.

• Ekpa Stanley Ekpa,

ekpastanleyekpa@gmail.com
December 31, 2024
Dakuku: The art of redefining intellectual politics
- By Olugbenga Oke
Sir: Intellectuals play a crucial role in shaping societies’ trajectory, particularly through their engagement in political discourse. Their ability to influence policy, drive societal change, and inspire public engagement stems from a deep reservoir of knowledge and critical thinking.

In governance, intellectuals act as guiding forces, offering insights that shape political development. By analysing issues, proposing solutions, and encouraging civic participation, they foster transparency and accountability, essential ingredients for a thriving democracy.

Dakuku Peterside is a prominent intellectual whose contributions to political discourse have had a defining influence. He consistently addresses the pressing challenges facing the nation through his weekly commentaries, providing a platform for public engagement and political reflection. His voice echoes across political spaces, clarifying governance issues and national development. Peterside’s engagement exemplifies the power of intellectuals to serve as intermediaries between the government and the populace, translating complex issues into digestible narratives that resonate with the public.

One of his primary focuses is the importance of active public participation in governance. He emphasizes that political systems thrive when citizens are involved in the democratic process, reinforcing that governance is not the sole responsibility of political leaders but a collective effort that requires societal involvement. His commentaries often stress that public engagement is not just essential, but empowering, as it is the key to holding leaders accountable and fostering an environment of transparency.

In addition to advocating for civic participation, Peterside underscores the value of responsible critique. He maintains that intellectuals must approach political analysis with a sense of balance and purpose. While critique is necessary, it should not be destructive but instead offer practical solutions that contribute to the nation’s growth. Peterside’s approach reflects a nuanced understanding of governance, where constructive dialogue leads to progress. His writings reveal an unwavering belief in the power of intellectual discourse to drive reform, positioning critique as a tool for development rather than mere opposition.

Another recurring theme in Peterside’s work is the interconnectedness between governance and societal involvement. He consistently highlights the idea that political leadership must reflect the will and aspirations of the people. In his view, governance should reflect collective interests achieved through continuous dialogue between leaders and citizens. This belief reinforces that intellectual engagement is vital for bridging the gap between the public and policymakers, ensuring that governance remains inclusive and responsive.

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Peterside’s contributions are particularly relevant to addressing Nigeria’s contemporary challenges. His commentaries shed light on corruption, economic instability, and inefficiencies within the public sector. Peterside plays a critical role in fostering national awareness and encouraging reforms by bringing these matters to the forefront. His insights give policymakers a clearer understanding of public sentiment, allowing for more informed decision-making processes.

As Nigeria grapples with socio-political and economic complexities, the role of intellectuals like Dakuku Peterside becomes even more significant. His voice is a beacon, guiding national discourse and promoting informed debate. Peterside’s writings not only shape policy directions but also inspire civic participation and foster national development. His dedication to political engagement exemplifies the transformative power of intellectuals in addressing the country’s most pressing issues.

Today, December 31, Peterside’s birthday, we celebrate his remarkable contributions to political discourse and the broader role of intellectuals in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape. This day is not just a recognition of Peterside’s achievements, but an acknowledgement of the vital importance of intellectuals in governance and society. It serves as a reminder of the enduring impact that thought leaders can have in driving societal progress and inspiring the next generation of intellectuals to participate in political conversations actively.

•Olugbenga Oke,

Lagos.
December 31, 2024
Between Ibadan stampede and Bodija explosion

Sir: Exactly on January 16, almost a year ago, there was a massive blast at Adeyi Avenue Old Bodija in Ibadan where explosives stored at a private residence detonated and claimed some souls while dozens of other residents of the area were critically injured.

A day after the calamitous incident occurred, the governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, made a public announcement that the explosion emanated through the storage of some dangerous devices by some illegal miners who resided in the neighbourhood where the gruesome episode erupted.

Naturally the governor’s announcement came as a shock to many for they wondered how illegal miners could manage to have a hide-out in the vicinity very close to government house/office without the knowledge of the governor or any government agency. Many concluded that if the state government had woken up to its responsibility of protection of lives and property of Oyo State residents, the explosion at Bodija would have been averted.

As expected, the governor apologized and promised that such incident would never rear its ugly head again as the tragic occurrence had woken the consciousness of his administration. The governor vowed to put in place a measure – close monitoring of the activities of individuals and groups who could pose a danger to the state and the entire residents – that would finally curb such incident in the future.

Now can we say that the tragic incident at Bodija a year ago did wake up the consciousness of Oyo State government regarding the recent stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun Ibadan?

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Prior to the stampede that led to the loss of 35 lives, several advertisements on the proposed children funfair where freebies were expected to be gifted to about 5,000 children were being aired on the media for days. Why didn’t the appropriate government agency put a stop to such event which was certain to have in attendance more than 10,000 attendees, children, their parents and gate crashers? Which ministry authorized the use of a school premises for such gigantic turnout? After all the school premises where the incident happened is a government-owned school.

This is another wake-up call on Governor Makinde to, as from this moment, take the security of people seriously for the state cannot afford to continue losing precious souls to this kind of avoidable incident. If any lesson had been learnt from the Bodija blast, I believe the recent stampede at Bashorun wouldn’t have occurred. Has any lesson been learnt from this tragedy?

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

December 30, 2024
A vicious cycle of terrorism

Sir: It well and truly appears that sundry acts of terror which started like dangerous jokes taken too far in Borno State have spun Nigerian into a vicious cycle where they are at once victims as well as funders of terrorism.

Of course, there are those who launder money in Nigeria from public office, oil bunkering, illegal mining or other illicit activities and plough same into terrorism, in their bid to kill multiple birds with one stone. By sponsoring terrorism, they mount the mortar of force, no matter how episodically, destabilize the country, make profit through blood money, as well as undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

According to a damning report, Nigerians are themselves unwilling and unwitting participants in the terrorism upending their lives. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigerians have spent about N2.23 trillion as ransom to kidnappers in the last one year. If the reports are true, and it appears they are, then there is hardly any business more lucrative than kidnapping.

In a country reeling from various austerity measures imposed by the government, it is massive profit to make such amounts off kidnapping. Of course, the huge profits it is raking in must prompt the question of who is benefitting from terrorism. More to the point, who are those sponsoring terrorism in Africa’s most populous democracy and economy?

Apparently, things have got so bad with Nigeria and terrorism that one of the tiny countries Nigeria is supporting around, Niger Republic, has become so emboldened that it can accuse Nigeria of sponsoring terrorism in its territory.

Read Also: Mumuni urges Tinubu to engage UN, AU over state-sponsored terrorism allegation

Someday, Nigerians would yet find out the extent to which security in the country took a nosedive under the administration of Muhammadu Buhari. It is also noteworthy to remember how the UAE once held up the list of those sponsoring terrorism in the country to the government. Till this day, it is not known that Nigeria has done a lot with that list. It is also not known to what extent Nigeria has fought terrorism because whenever there appears to be a lull in terrorist activities, terror soon strikes again in deadlier and swifter fashion.

As the country has become increasingly unsafe, terrorism has grown as a lucrative venture that is attractive to many. Uncovering those profiting from the often deadly distress of others must be paramount to the Nigerian government if it has any intention of fulfilling one of its core mandates, which is security of lives and property.

It has long been rumoured that those who fund insecurity in the country ironically have strong links to the government and among security forces. It is in the interest of the country that these claims are verified and substantiated or disproved once and for all so that the country can face the real roots of its security problems.

Nigeria remains painfully insecure, with tragic consequences. Insecurity may seem an abstract term, but the harsh reality it is for countless women and children is highlighted by the loss of lives and livelihood recorded.

The government may bristle at the figure and reiterate that it has previously warned against the payment of ransom to bandits. But the truth remains that until the nightmare is permanently dealt with, Nigerians will remain without options but pay ransom to secure the release of their loved ones.

•Ike Willie-Nwobu,Ikewilly9@gmail.com

December 30, 2024
Threat of technology-facilitated gender-based violence

Sir: The rapid penetration of digital technology has transformed communication, commerce, and access to information. From urban centres to remote villages, the internet has bridged gaps, offering opportunities for education, business, and social interaction. However, alongside these benefits, digital platforms have also become spaces for the perpetration of gender-based violence (GBV). Between January and May, at least 6,142 GBV cases were reported across various Nigerian states, despite the existence of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act. Alarmingly, the advent of technology and increased internet access has introduced new dimensions to this problem, giving rise to technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).

TFGBV encompasses various forms of abuse enabled by technology, such as cyberstalking, online harassment, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, doxxing, and other acts aimed at causing harm, fear, or shame, primarily targeting women and girls. These acts are not only violations of privacy but also attacks on dignity and autonomy.

Victims, predominantly women, often experience psychological trauma, reputational harm, and economic losses. These effects are compounded by barriers to accessing justice and inadequate legal and policy frameworks. Public awareness regarding digital safety and support mechanisms for victims is also limited, leaving many women vulnerable to continued abuse.

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Despite the introduction of the VAPP Act and other legal frameworks, Nigeria’s response to TFGBV remains inadequate. The VAPP Act, while progressive, is not universally adopted across all states, leaving significant gaps in protection for women and girls. Moreover, existing laws often fail to address the unique challenges posed by technology-enabled abuse. For instance, cyberstalking and online harassment laws are either outdated or poorly enforced, and there is a lack of specialized training for law enforcement on handling TFGBV cases. Also, victims often face stigma and blame when reporting incidents, further discouraging them from seeking justice. The digital divide also plays a role, as many women in rural areas lack access to information about their rights or the means to report abuse.

Civil society organizations (CSOs) have been at the forefront of efforts to combat TFGBV in Nigeria. They provide critical support services, including counseling, legal aid, and public awareness campaigns. However, their efforts are often hampered by limited resources and a lack of collaboration with key stakeholders, such as technology companies and government agencies. Technology companies also have a crucial role to play. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp are frequently used to perpetrate TFGBV. These companies must prioritize user safety by implementing robust reporting mechanisms, moderating harmful content, and collaborating with local organizations to address abuse. Transparency in their policies and accountability for failing to act on reports of abuse are essential.

To effectively combat TFGBV, Nigeria must adopt a multi-faceted approach that involves government, civil society, technology companies, and the public. Strengthening legal frameworks is critical. The government must ensure the universal adoption and enforcement of the VAPP Act and other relevant laws. Existing legislation should be updated to address the unique challenges of TFGBV, and specialized training should be provided to law enforcement agencies. Public awareness campaigns are crucial to educate Nigerians about the dangers of TFGBV, digital safety practices, and available support mechanisms. These campaigns should target both urban and rural populations, leveraging traditional and digital media. Programs that promote digital literacy and online safety for women and girls can help them navigate the digital space confidently and protect themselves from abuse. Technology companies must be held accountable for creating safe online spaces. This includes implementing effective content moderation, providing transparent reporting mechanisms, and collaborating with local organizations to address TFGBV. Victims of TFGBV need access to counseling, legal aid, and other support services. Government and CSOs should collaborate to establish and expand these services, ensuring they are accessible to all, regardless of location or socioeconomic status.

•Bakare Opeyemi Nafisat, Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative.Ilorin, Kwara State.

December 30, 2024
Police drama

An alarming tweet by one Miyakee on December 25 further highlighted police corruption. Miyakee had tweeted, “My cousin is missing. She was kidnapped by a stranger on the 23rd of December, 2024. The mom, my aunty, does POS business at Sango, Ogun State. She has a male customer who usually comes to withdraw money and buy recharge cards… On the morning of the 23rd, he came to the store and bought food for himself and the little girl as usual. The mom was busy attending to other customers.

“He sent the little girl (a seven-year-old girl) to go get pure water for him. On her way back, he approached her halfway to get the pure water from her. The mom saw this and wasn’t comfortable with it but was distracted by the attention of other customers.

“By the time she turned towards the daughter’s direction to check what was happening, the guy and her daughter were nowhere to be found. They searched everywhere for them but to no avail.”

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The tweet continued, “She tried calling the customer (she had his phone number). He picked up and said he was at Sango under the bridge and that he was going to call her back. Up till now, he has refused to answer his call. Now the number is no longer reachable. We still cannot find my cousin.”

Miyakee said “they have reported to a police station in Sango and the struggling mum has been asked to pay a total of N10,000 to report the case (she has done that). And to bring N30,000 for the guy’s phone number to be tracked.” According to the tweet, she “paid N8,000 to write her statement at the station and a total of N2,000 to print out pictures of the missing girl. Then to track the phone number, she has to pay the sum of N30,000 and get a court affidavit to take to MTN’s office.”

Responding to the report of the tweet, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, said it was “misleading,” and “a false narrative.” Interestingly, the officer contradicted herself by also saying, “the police officer who received the complaint from the counter acted unprofessionally.”

The Public Relations Officer for the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the policemen who demanded money in this matter “have been arrested and are now in detention for disciplinary action,” adding that “The girl will be found as soon as possible.” The police have a duty to find the girl.

December 30, 2024
Olaopa’s views on Babalola, Farotimi

By Larry Carlson and Sheila Brooks

Distinguished Professor Tunji Olaopa’s article captioned: “Babalola and Farotimi: Justice, Just Society and the Nigerian state”, as published by a national newspaper on Monday, 23rd December 2024, has sparked widespread public debates and reactions.

It is a notorious fact that Olaopa is a Professor of Public Administration and the current Chair of the Federal Civil Service Commission in Abuja, Capital of Nigeria.

Olaopa’s views on the libelous scandal designed to dent the global image of respected elder statesman, legal icon educationist and Healthcare provider, Aare Afe Babalola, OFR, Con, SAN, LL. D (London), Fellow, King’s College, London, to say the least economizes the truth. The bare truth is that the Civil Rights Activist, Dele Farotimi, probably out of frustration posted by the Nigerian-state or by indolence (since no Government can do everything) needed to make ends meet and therefore had to break ethics by employing gold-digging approach to fertilize his survival strategies, in a system that, though has plenty in every sense, is currently debased by a grinding and multi-dimensional poverty, hunger and social despondency.

Olaopa in his discourse tried to dissuade a man fondly eulogized as “Baba Law”, a version of what Mr. Williams Akintola, FCA, is in the Accountancy profession in Nigeria, from pursuing redress in the law court. What does he (Olaopa) mean by “…. I see Chief Babalola as being at the forefront of gatekeeping the legal establishment in terms of what is and is not permissible or possible under the law and its conservative tenets.”

The question that naturally arises is: What is not permissible under the law that Aare Afe Babalola is seeking?”

Indeed, what are the contentious issues foisted by the incautious Farotimi to distort public peace and soil the hard-earned reputation of a society-friendly figure, Aare Afe Babalola, that fits the description of Olaopa’s “…. leveraged around the David and Goliath motif – that are attending the matter?

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It is a sad experience that a top-class public servant like Prof. Tunji Olaopa could think in such a way that suggests justice in Nigeria ought to be secured through sentiments or the rhetorical milieu, and no longer based on the facts of law and evidence. Hear his patently weak reasoning: “Unfortunate for him, Barrister Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System”, impugned the entire legal and judicial establishment up to its apex institution, the Nigerian Supreme Court.”

Olaopa continued to add salt to injury in dissecting the matter. Haba, what a careless assertion by Olaopa to declare that: “If Barrister Farotimi cannot prove his allegations in court, it would not mean that his charges are false. It would only imply that the system which is supposed to guarantee justice has become too corruptly dense to achieve its mandate.”

How can Farotimi make a sweeping and baseless allegation against a patriotic elder statesman of the stature of Aare Afe Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, and the entire judiciary while the likes of Olaopa wants it taken with levity? Is it because Olaopa is not personally hurt? Is it because the notable icon of global peace and detribalized figure, Babalola is involved?

It is time to nail such excesses of Farotimi on the wall to serve as a deterrent to other careless future writers that may want to satisfy the urge of their itchy fingers or promote the assumption that things are better hidden from an African, if buried in a book.

It would be impossible for minions like Dele Farotimi to perish or wipe away the enduring and sacrificial elements of legacies built, for over six decades, by Nigeria’s double-barrel Honouree, savvy tech-preneur and top-flyer wealth creator, Aare Afe Babalola. The truth is that the generation of Farotimi and his posterity lineage CANNOT produce anyone close to the stature and popular achievements of Babalola, even by 5% till the end of their sojourn on earth.

It is evil to witch-hunt or whip hatred for a giant, honest, hardworking, creative and dynamic icon like Babalola, in the belief that, by so doing, one could climb the ladder up to the sky. The Law of Karma does not permit this act of treachery and immoral approach to selfish growth.

The time is ripe for Farotimi to admit that he goofed and seek means to abate the anger of this noble icon and that of the witty entrepreneur and seasoned technocrat known as Chief Tony Elumelu, and others who were allegedly also attacked in his infamous book.

Farotimi and members of his ilk should know that it is late, given the level of devotion of Babalola and Elumelu towards public good and national unity, for his charade to distract them from helping to make Nigeria better than they met it. These are committed and patriotic change and development agents whose image and reputation Farotimi’s book targeted for denigration but failed.

All factors considered, Farotimi’s road to suffocation in the shame of his life is obvious. He is bound to languish in jail if he loses the case and would surely romance with criminals at the Nigeria Correctional Facility should he be unable to pay the damages that may be associated with his self-ignited scandal. It is impossible to use the ladder of a polished elder statesman to win fame and cheap wealth while leaving the icon in pains. We do not think that the Nigerian judicial system is too weak to allow this level of decay where Babalola would be denied justice.

Impliedly, the so-called activist, Dele Farotimi, has told the world that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is leading a decadent system – where nothing works and where hate reigns supreme. He should face the consequences of his lethal publication that impedes the peace and happiness of the society.

Farotimi cannot whip public sentiments in order to curry public favour and to win sympathy in this case, because by his uncouth tongue and savage attitude, he has desecrated the altar of law and insulted the entire Nigerian-state. There is no form of deceit or super strategy that can force the Nigerian legal system or members of the Bench to allow Farotimi, in his own case, to be all at the same time – the defendant, complainant, Court Registrar, Court Bailiff, Prosecutor, representatives of the CSOs, proxies of Human Rights Bodies and the Judge.

Prof. Tunji Olaopa’s piece seeks to provoke public sympathy for Farotimi, with a view to winning soft-landing for him, but no one can drink water for a thirsty cow.

His article ought to have summoned the courage to speak against blackmail and literal crime. Crime should be declared by its original name despite our relationship with the committer or offender in order to save the society and promote fairness. Aare Afe Babalola should not be made to suffer in his innocence and to be perpetually ridiculed with reckless abandon.

As Farotimi has the right to publish untrue matters in reckless fashion, so does Babalola has the right to seek redress and damages for injuries. The calmness of the erudite legal mentor and genius should not be mistaken for weakness or stupidity. Unarguably, he is and he remains the ‘lion’ in the field of law. He literally breathes law, sings law and dances law.

We admire Aare Afe Babalola for representing a tall icon of conscience in Africa. He is a peculiar breed as age has not diminished his intellectual ingredients, his integrity and the social contract he swore to improve Nigeria in facets or strata of her life. Instead of suffering declining decimal, age hones his skills and widens the horizon of his certified knowledge. When it comes to issues of volunteerism, development and charity, he is on top of the ladder in the African continent while all of us in the CSO space in Europe, Asia as well as in the Arctatic and South and North American continents wish Babalola had been born in ANY of our territory. We are proud of Africa because of the likes of Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, OFR, CON; Chief Tony Elumelu, OFR; Jelani Aliyu, MFR; Philip Emeagwali, top-performing Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR; AfDB’s miracle-worker, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina; U.S. Hero, Ledum Dennis Ndaanee; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, automobile genius, lnnocent Chukwuma; seasoned technocrat, Dr. Bosun Tijjani; and the tech giant, Dr. Leon Stan Ekeh.

How we wish Aare Afe Babalola had been part of our origin and development story because he would have helped our entity to propel growth in any of our continents on a fast pace of growth and advancement. Why does Africa want to rubbish the reputation of its liberal investor in Nigeria? Who sent the ‘pupil lawyer’, Farotimi, on this self-destructive mission?

The state must rise against the category of iconoclasts to which the ignoble activist belongs, if it seeks a better future for itself and as a guarantee for preserving what is left of its battered image in the global arena.

How can you allege that someone is corrupting or has corrupted the judicial system in Nigeria when the person is not and has never been a jurist or an employee of the judiciary? Is it an issue of rocket science?

Farotimi must back his wild claims with verifiable facts that comply with all aspects of the Evidence Act. It is not about embarking on media war to sustain the tempo of embarrassment to the Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD). He must surrender all such claims to the authority saddled with the duties and responsibility of public prosecution.

Whipping sentiments using the social media and other gossip platforms to induce solidarity, instead of showing remorse and openly seeking forgiveness, cannot hold water.

It still beats our imagination why Africa envies its best and selfless? If the witch-hunting charade of the likes of Farotimi is not tamed and selfless patriots encouraged in their deeds of salvation and transformation, how would the continent grow, and foreign investors be attracted to its soil to help create massive wealth and spread collective prosperity?

Well, it is said that “African ‘prophets’ are not cherished on their soil”, and that “Teachers’ rewards are in heaven”, our doors are wide open for Babalola, Elumelu, et al, to help fly our economies – stimulation growth for the Nano industry and maximize profits (RoI).

•Professors Carlson and Brooks are Civil Rights Activists and members of the International Volunteers for Development, London.

December 30, 2024