The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Reforms and respiration

    Reforms and respiration

    Disturbing figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated relentless inflation in the country. According to its latest Consumer Price Index report, month-on-month food inflation rate, for instance, increased in September, notably affecting prices of staples such as rice, maize, beans, and yams. There were also significant price increases in housing rentals, transport, and medical services.

    Responding to the NBS report, the Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, was reported saying, “The reality is that the dynamics driving inflation are yet to be effectively subdued.” He observed that these factors include “the depreciating exchange rate, surging fuel price, rising transportation costs, logistics and supply chain challenges, high energy cost, climate change including resultant incidents of flooding, insecurity in farming communities and structural bottlenecks to production.”

    Taming inflation demands tackling these challenges, which are mainly the consequences of reforms introduced by the President Bola Tinubu administration.  The World Bank recently said the reforms were crucial for the country’s long-term stability. “Turning back or opposing the reforms would only make things worse,” said Ndiame Diop, World Bank country director for Nigeria, at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report in Abuja.

    Predictably, the World Bank’s position drew public criticism in a country struggling with a crushing cost-of-living crisis. However, Diop added that the ongoing reforms “must be accompanied by reforms enabling the private sector to create more and better jobs. With targeted support to youth and women.” This was a way of saying that the hard results of the Federal Government’s reforms can be softened. The World Bank report also noted the need for structural reforms, such as reducing trade barriers, improving infrastructure, improving the business environment and supporting household businesses for inclusive growth.

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    If the ongoing reforms were inevitable to achieve a better future for Nigerians, the authors and promoters of the reforms should understand that it is counter-productive to carry out such reforms without considering and implementing sufficiently ameliorative measures.

    The alarmingly deteriorating cost-of-living crisis in the country is a bad advertisement for the Federal Government’s reforms. It is important to ask what the three levels of government have done, and what they are doing to save Nigerians from hardship occasioned by the reforms.  They are expected to urgently find solutions to the cost-of-living issues in the spaces they govern.  

    No argument that reforms negatively impacting Nigerians are a necessary means to a positive end will make sense if the people can’t breathe.

  • Remembering October 7

    Remembering October 7

    By Steve Egbo

    October 7 has become for Israel what 9/11 was to the United States. A day to remember. It was the day a great power let down its guard and incured the humiliation and devastation of the enemy – an inferior enemy, but one that is motivated, determined, hateful, obdurant and unyielding. That is what happens when hubris and delusional arrogance are allowed to detract  national security consciousness. It is said that no matter how strong one may be, either as an individual or a nation, care must be taken never to underestimate the capacity of a determined enemy. That reality was brought home to Israel and it’s leaders in a way they will never forget. On October 7, 2023, Israel and it’s leaders woke up to a new reality. That new reality is that in a confrontation between the elephant and the rattle snake, the elephant is expected to crush the rattlesnake underfoot, but if the elephant loses focus, the little enemy would strike with amazing ferocity. And that strike could prove fatal.

    The state of Israel was declared on May 14th, 1948, and five Arab countries went to war war on the 15th – the next day.  These Arab nations declared their aversion to the existence of a Jewish state in their midst. From the floors of the United Nations General Assembly to the fields of Palestine, they made clear their mandate “to drive the Jews into the Sea”. The political and religious leaders of the Arab world described the destruction of Israel as “an act pleasing to God and religion”. And every Arab state swore to the achievement of that objective. Several decades later, not so much has changed. The hatred and anger have not diminished, and neither the tears and bloodshed. Iran, a non Arab country, got involved on religious and ideological bases, complicating the situation even more. We will return to that later.

    On this account, Israel fully understood the circumstances of its existence and was determined not to oblige those that wished them ill. The remnants of the world Jewry, bleary-eyed and exhausted from  Hitler’s ‘Final Solution’, knew that they had no option left. Either to  fight to the death or be led meekly to the slaughter once again. They choose the former. They fought an impossible war and won a unique victory. The War of Consolidation in 1948, was a war that astonished every observer. John Stoessinger in his book, “Why Nations go to War” noted that even the most sophisticated military strategists and analysts around the world could not stop asking “how did they do it?”. Israel’s survival in 1948 was attributed to many unusual factors, not the least, ‘the hand of God’.

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    In the years that followed, many more wars were fought – major wars, minor wars, incursions, skirmishes, expeditions and military actions. Israel has never stopped fighting. However the Yom Kippur War of October, 1973 was Israel’s costliest war in both man and treasure. But it was to alter the thinking of some of Israel’s enemies. For the first time since 1948, Israel’s territory was breached and the penetration went so deep that Israel saw itself on the brink of defeat. But Israel rallied and launched an offensive that altered the regional map. Yom Kippur solidified Israel’s position as a power in the Middle East. Suddenly it became very clear that the Middle East has a regional super power – Israel. Israel’s invincibility was anchored on three basic paradigms: a superior military complex, an extraordinarily resourceful intelligence apparatus and solid American backing.

    Some of the belligerent Arab states grudgingly came to the realization that the goals of ‘annihilation of Israel’ was no longer realistic. Israel had become too powerful for its enemies to handle. Some of their neighbors decided to rethink their strategy and pursue the path of peace. Successive  American governments played key role in mid-wifing the peace processes. First to make  peace with Israel were – Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994). Later on, more Arab states normalized relations with Israel. These were, UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco all in 2020. Saudi Arabia, a major power in the Middle East, was at the threshold of signing a peace deal with Israel last year when Hamas, with the backing of Iran, struck on October 7,  the 50th anniversary of Yom Kippur.

    The question many have asked and kept asking was – “why did Israel go to sleep on the anniversary of Yom Kippur?” Why such huge intelligence failure even among her equally capable allies? What were the Mossad, CIA and MI6 doing? “How did this happen?” The Arabs believe in symbolism and the significance of numbers. They pay great attention to such equations. Yom Kippur is an important date in the Arab psyche. Yom Kippur broke the backs of the Arab enemies of Israel and forever altered the regional balance of power in the Middle East.

    Israel ought to have known that their enemies do not forgive and they do not forget. They only bid their time. It is amazing that the delicate planning and flurry that went into October 7 took place right under the noses of the Mossad and CIA.

    In an article I wrote on October 8, a day after Hamas invasion, I stated that “Hamas has opened the gates of hell”. Events of the last one year have proved that it was not an exaggeration. The repercussions have been horrendous. On all sides. Hamas, ordinary Palestinians and Israelis have all paid a huge prize – in blood and tears. And the crisis has continued to escalate, sucking in other actors from different places. It has become a rallying point for all the Israeli haters in the region – Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi rebels in Yemen, Islamic resistance group in Iraq, Syrian based militia, and other Palestinian factions in both the Gaza strip and the West Bank.

    Behind these group, pulling the strings, goading them on, is the Islamic republic of Iran, an imperial theocracy that imagines itself a global power. Iran is a sworn enemy of Israel and the west, particularly the United States. Iran is a latter entrant into the melee. Following the revolution of 1979, the new regime led by Ayatolla Khomeni, felt buoyed on to spread its brand of Islamic revolution across the Middle East and wherever possible. Iran declared that “Israel must be wiped off the map” and commenced an intensive nuclear program to back up its zeal. In addition, Iran provides weapons, technical knowhow, finances and other forms of logistics needed to keep Israel’s enemies in business.  They call themselves “the axis of resistance”, whereas America and its western allies call them “the axis of terror”. While these groups may enjoy the silent sympathy of other renowned autocracies – China, Russia, North Korea and Turkiye, only Iran is known to provide material sponsorship for their activities.

    In mid April, Iran took the unprecedented step of direct attack on the territory of Israel by firing hundreds of drones and missiles into Israel. Teheran said the attack was a response to Israeli strike on its embassy in Syria, a few weeks earlier, which had killed both Iranian and Syrian officials. Israel, with the help of the US and UK intercepted most of the drones and later retaliated with airstrikes on targets inside Iran. The April exchange marked a new dimension in the conflict between Iran and Israel. For the first time, Iran mustered the boldness to hit Israel directly. Israel’s response were airstrikes on Iranian targets including Iran’s air defense facility in the town of Isfahan. But these strikes were largely symbolic as massive international pressure was mounted on Israel to avoid undue escalation of tension in an already very volatile region.

    In the last few months, Israel has intensified its policy of ‘targetted assassination’ against its enemies. The most prominent were Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah commander, Ibrahim Aqil and the founder and spiritual leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasralla. Once again, Iran vowed a harsh response against Israel. Late in the afternoon of Tuesday, October 1st, the US issued a warning of imminent Iranian attack on Israel. Several hours later, the night sky was lit up by hundreds of ballistic missiles fired into Israel by Iran. Some of the missiles were so sophisticated they could cover the 1000 mile distance between Teheran and Tel Aviv in less than 15 minutes. With US assistance, Israel was able to shoot down most of the missiles, but some managed to penetrate Israeli defenses and inflict damages. Israel immediately declared it would return the attack. And in the last few days, the world is holding its breath in anticipation of what Israel’s response would be.

    Back in April, when Israel was attacked by Iran for the first time, massive international pressure was mounted on Israel to show restraint. And it did. This time the story will be different. Israel will retaliate and Israel will hit hard. There are four or five areas of attack open to Israel. One is to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities, but the US is strongly opposed to that. President Biden was specific on that point. The second target would be Iran’s oil fields, but again president Biden has advised against that. The third is Iran’s conventional military installations including the IRGC. The fourth is Iran’s industrial base, and lastly, Israel may decide to go for regime change by attempting to take out the political leaders of Iran. Whatever Israel does in the days ahead, the Middle East is facing a conflagration. Iran has fought Israel over the years through proxies and third parties and Israel had been on tenther hooks to engage Iran directly. Israel believes that the threat posed by Iran would never be resolved diplomatically, and that someday, there will be a reckoning. That day may have come with Iran coming out openly to strike Israel.

    It is no longer a question of whether Israel will confront Iran. The question is when? And to what degree? For now, it will be difficult to correctly project what the outcome will be, but the devastation on all sides will be enormous. Sure, America will stand with Israel, fully and completely, even at the risk of being sucked into a war it had always wanted to avoid, and also with a presidential election barely weeks away. America’s allies, particularly the UK, France and Germany will also get involved. China and Russia will issue statements and condemnations here and there, but will not go beyond rhetorics. Russia would have been willing to lend logistics to the ‘axis of resistance’ but Russia is seriously bogged down in its own adventure. Piong yang will seize the opportunity to fire more missiles into the sea and keep it’s neighbors awake through the nights. The Arab states have lost the appetite for war with Israel. Many of their political leaders are willing to make peace with Israel and tap into the developmental template which Ben Gurion offered as far back as 1948. Some of these Arab countries will not be unhappy to see Iran humbled. Iran is sustaining the Arab – Israeli conflict through the use of non-state actors. And this is what makes it imperative to curtail Iran’s meddlesomeness.

    In conclusion, my expressly held opinion is that this war is long over due. It is time for Iran and Israel to settle scores. Without the war, the Middle East will continue to simmer and rumble. If I were in position to advise Israel, I would say “go for those nuclear facilities”. I have no doubt that the Middle East and the rest of the world will be safer if Iran’s fingers are pushed farther away from the nuclear buttons. But make no mistake, the war will be costly. To both sides. Israel will pay a huge prize. It is a war  Israel will not win but Israel will not be defeated either. Israel will inflict pains and Israel will endure severe pains. Israel will be fighting on several fronts – Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis in Yemen, Al Qaida remnants in Syria and Iraq. The other countries of the Middle East will make robust statements and strident calls for restraint, while trying to hide the smirks on their faces. Some will condemn Israel, send their diplomats on shuttles from one capital to the other, but none will get involved. The United Nations will hew and haw in its legendary impotence, and scurry around with humanitarian aid.  Eventually the furies will subside. The United States is a super power and the United States has the capacity to impose its will. But before they get to that juncture, some things will have to give. That is the way of the world.

    When Americans remember 9/11, they tremble. When Israelis remember October 7, they shudder. These traumatic emotions will not change. On October 7, 2023, more Israeli citizens were slaughtered than at any other time since the 2nd World War. On October 7, the guardians of Israel failed – the political leaders, the security forces and the intelligence agencies. It was a huge failure and there will be consequences. When all the furies are spent and rivers of blood spilt and the guns finally fell silent, the reckoning will commence. Heads will roll and this will include the (political) head of Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu rode to power on the carcass of the peace process and his sabotage of Oslo was not  a thought out program designed to bring peace and security to Israel. It was a short cut to keeping himself in power as he panders to the votes of the far right. The two-state solution which Yizkat Rabin and Yasser Arafat signed in 1993 would have ushered in a new dawn for the Middle East. The prevailing darkness may be long and bloody, but for those who have the capacity to look ahead, that dawn  will come. The radicals and extremists are having their say, but someday, and that day may not be long, the moderates and the progressives will have their way. Oslo will be resurrected and the land that gave the world its two greatest religions, will begin to reconstruct the road to peace. But for the moment, the days and months ahead will be very interesting.

     (Steve Egbo is a Lecturer/Resource Person with NILDS, Abuja)

  • U.S. presidential election debates: Biden and other knockouts

    U.S. presidential election debates: Biden and other knockouts

    By Bisi Olawunmi

    American presidential election debates, as a presentation of contending presidential candidates before the voting public for appraisal,  have often been seen as a gamble.- a high stakes encounter  that could  become a  Win or Lose gambit.  President Joe Biden is the latest presidential candidate  to be knocked out at a presidential election debate.  Badly bruised in his encounter with former President Donald Trump  at the first presidential election debate on June 27, 2024, President Biden still wanted to remain in the race but his handlers , led by former President Barack Obama, and former House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi,  had to gently shoo him out of the race, for  ‘Sleepy Joe ‘  to begin his final sleep walk into an anti-climax political sunset.    His Vice-President , Kamala Harris , succeeded to the ticket as presidential candidate of  the Democratic party.

     Presidential  election debates involve a lot of calculations , a risk assessment   with each candidate assessing what  the advantages and downsides are  before acceding to the encounter.

    U.S. presidential election debates are  part of continuing efforts to bring candidates for the most powerful political office in the world  closer to  the American people, and by extension, a global  audience  in today’s global village. Afterall, decisions of whoever occupies  The White House could have global implications.

    The first American televised presidential election debate was held between Vice-President Richard Nixon  (Republican) and Senator John  F. Kennedy (Democrat) in 1960. Presidential election debates were not held in three elections cycles – 1964, 1968 , 1972 ) –  because the leading candidates were so far ahead in the polls they saw no reason  to debate their opponents as such debate  could not add to their momentum but could  turn out harmful to their prospects.  However, since 1976,  presidential election debates have been held  in the 12 succeeding  presidential  election  cycles, including 2024, making a total of 14.  

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    There are continuing contentions about the efficacy of presidential  election debates  with many scholars arguing that a sitting president , seeking re-election should not be compelled to participate  in such encounter due to risk  of his inadvertently giving  out security information that could jeopardize sensitive international relations.  There are those who hold that  such live televised debates are more  of showmanship, where charisma and eloquence may carry  day, further personalizing the office of the president.   In this regard, many observers believe that the charisma and youthful swagger  of  Democratic candidate in the 1960 first presidential election debate ,  Senator John  F. Kennedy, aged 43, the youngest to be elected president , gave him the edge  over Vice President Richard Nixon, 48,  the Republican candidate.  However, given the narrow and controversial win of Kennedy, his saturation media support at every stage of the electioneering, including the election debates , could be said to have achieved only a knock down of Nixon,  especially as Nixon staged a comeback to win the 1968 and 1972 presidential elections.   A third  position is that such debates  give the media, especially the television networks, an undue power in  the determination of  election outcomes , a point made by Biden supporters who questioned  why one debate, however poor the  performance, should force the exit of a candidate. 

    The growing  importance of media projection  of candidates in presidential  elections was  on display in the 1976 presidential election  when a relatively unknown  one term governor  of Georgia state , Jimmy Carter ,  was blown from ‘ Jimmy who ? ‘  to Jimmy frontrunner,  among the Democratic party aspirants, eventually romping  into election victory to become the  39th president of the United States.  In the end, what effusive television  projection gave Carter in 1976, critical television took away  from  Carter in 1980 when he sought re-election in the contest between him and candidate Ronald Reagan of the Republican party.  The presidential election  debate of that year was a knockout for President Carter. Prior to the debate, he had been buffeted by negative media  projection  and his debate appearance became his denouement . I  was among five Nigerian journalists, sponsored by the U.S. State Department , to cover that election.  At a point, we were attached to the Reagan campaign bus, with other reporters , from Peoria, Illinois  through Hillsboro, Eureka and Springfield, where Reagan visited the tomb of  the  American civil war hero, President Abraham Lincoln,  and on to  a rousing, animated rally  in Saint Louis, Missouri, by the majestic Mississippi  river.  There were two presidential election debates in 1980. The first was held on September 21,  at the  Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland while the second was on  October 28 at the Public Music Hall in Cleveland, Ohio.  There were  three presidential candidates in that election , the third being  John Anderson , a former Congressman, who ran as an Independent candidate.  President Carter dodged  the first debate, apparently  for fear of its outcome, so it was between Reagan, a former governor of California and  Anderson.  Under pressure, President Carter got persuaded to  participate in the second debate while Anderson opted out.  Since we arrived in the U.S. in early October,  it was the second debate that I observed at the residence of a family of three in San Francisco, California. They were divided among the three candidates – father for Reagan , wife for Carter and daughter for Anderson.  Carter came into the debate against the backdrop of  the humiliating, disastrous failure  of the rescue operation he ordered to free  the   52 American hostages held at the American Embassy in Tehran,  the Iranian capital, portraying  him as a weakling.  According to Nielson Media Research data, 80.6 million Americans  watched  the debate. On the podium that night,  a fumbling,  drained, fatigued  President Carter cut a pathetic image, while gangling, gung-ho  candidate Reagan projected strength by threatening Iran  with a blistering attack within hours of assuming the presidency. 

    By the time the debate ended, Carter was knocked out, cold.  The swing  of support was immediate  in the family of three – wife and daughter rooted for Reagan.  Barely a week later, at the November 5, 1980 presidential election , Ronald Reagan  had a landslide victory, winning in 48 of the 50 states with Carter winning only in his home state of Georgia and in Minnesota, the home state of his vice president, Walter Mondale.    

    The third U.S. presidential election debate knockout  was that of 1988 between Vice-President George H.W. Bush  and Governor Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts held  on October 13 at the Pualey  Pavillion, University of California, Los Angeles. I covered that debate as resident  Washington correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN )  The polls had  projected  victory for  Gov.Dukakis, with a commanding 17-point lead, as at late summer,  but one question  gave  Dukakis the knockout hit.  Violent  crime in America had been an election  issue and Dukakis  was  known as a liberal, soft on crime.  Bernard Shaw of CNN, the moderator of the debate, had  asked   Governor Dukakis that  if  Kitty Dukakis  ( his wife ) were to  be brutally raped  and murdered, would he still oppose death penalty for the murderer ?   Rather than show outrage at such a provocative question, Dukakis, showing  no emotion, remained  cool  and went into an academic argument against  the death penalty, without even mentioning his wife’s name in his rigmarole !! His unnerving  cold-heartedness  shocked many Americans,  his 17-point lead was wiped out  in the polls and his presidential  dream  knocked out.  George Bush took the lead  and at the November 8, 1988 presidential election  crushed Dukakis,  winning in 40 of the 50 states  and  Washington, D.C.  and harvesting a whopping  426-112 electoral college  vote.  A candidate only need to  garner 270 electoral college votes to win. 

    Fast forward to 2024 and the second presidential election debate between Vice –President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump,  and the overall cautiousness of the two candidates  becomes understandable, given the knockout fate  that befell  President Biden earlier. Harris and Trump were, apparently, wary of stepping on banana peels that a presidential election debate has become. However, whatever the outcome of this presidential election, the precedent  of a presidential candidate being forced  out of the 2024  U.S. presidential race, as a result of a poor debate performance, without a second chance, has brought an ominous dimension  to electoral contest that could be seen as an abridgement of the people’s right to choose their leaders.

    • Dr. Olawunmi,  Senior Lecturer,  Department of Mass Communication,  Adeleke University, Ede, is a former Washington Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) and Fellow , Nigerian Guild of Editors (FNGE) Phone 0803 364 7571 Email : olawunmibisi@yahoo.com

  • The nation is waiting for a ceasefire

    The nation is waiting for a ceasefire

    By Bashorun J.K. Randle

    We are at a critical intersection of our nation’s trajectory.  Some of our most eminent Chartered Accountants as well as profoundly engaging economists and brilliant political scientists insist that we are actually at the brink.  Hence, we must exercise sound judgement re-inforced with a delicate balancing act.  Our financial architecture is in a shambles and requires urgent re-engineering.  The figures simply do not add up!!

    Our Nation is clearly in crisis.  Rage and distemper have engulfed our country while bandits, kidnappers, fraudsters, rapists, looters, money-launderers, and arsonists hold sway.  Yet, considering the intellectual endowments of our fellow citizens (starting with the nearly seven thousand Chartered Accountants who are attending this conference physically or virtually) and the enormous natural (and unnatural !!) resources which the Almighty has lavished on us – oil and gas; gold; diamond,  Lead/Zinc, Limestone, Salt, Cassiterite, Clay, Dolomite, Marble & Tantalite, Bentonite, Gypsium, Kaolin & Magnesite, Lignite, Uranium, we have no business with poverty, hunger, ignorance, deprivation, homelessness and hopelessness.  We have not even factored into the equation our vast arable land and abundant water resources as well as glorious sunshine for most of the year.  Freezing cold, monsoons, hurricanes, and tsunami are not our portion.

    Sadly, the recent floods in Maiduguri have wreaked havoc and led to loss of thousands of lives and devasted property which would cost billions to replace.

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    We are confronted with erratic data and indexes combined with intimidating climate change and perplexing algorithms.

    Perhaps the intercession of a ceasefire will provide us with the breathing space and respite to reflect on the gravity of our situation.  Our first hurdle is our massive bust deficit – between the Governors/rulers; and between Chartered Accountants and their clients.  It is an enigmatic quadratic equation.  Our salvation may well lie in our culture and history which would galvanize us on the path to restoration of mutual respect; service to our nation (which resonates with our National Anthem and the school song of King’s College, Lagos); law and order anchored on justice; and gender equality.  These are the irreducible minimum as we contend with ethnic strife and religious bigotry.

    At the recently concluded United Nations General Assembly (10 to September to 24 September 2024, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR delivered a passionate plea for Debt Forgiveness.  Our fervent hope is that the forgiveness will not come too late.  We must also work assiduously in preparation for the awkward question that would be inevitably be asked as well as our own arsenal of documentary frauds going back several decades – with Nigeria as the victim.

    We must not underestimate the eloquence or gravity of a ceasefire.  It comes with a genuine desire and commitment to restore justice based on conviction and reconciliation together with justice.

    Here is the continuation of “Chartered accountants versus Economists” to the subject matter.

    “Is it true you were once a Catholic?

    Emeritus Archbishop of Enugu Anglican Diocese, Most Rev Prof Emmanuel Chukwuma who, penultimate week, retired from priesthood speaks.

    No! People make mistakes. I attended a Roman Catholic school, St Aquinas College Akure, just like College of Immaculate Conception, CIC, here in Enugu. If somebody attends CIC, must he be a Roman Catholic? But you find that it was made compulsory for everybody to behave like a Roman Catholic and because of my attitude and way of life, I speak Latin, the Irish Fathers loved me and so they put me in charge of the Sacristy.

    At that time, I was serving Mass, we were all made to attend the chapel, whether you are a Roman Catholic or not, it was compulsory. So, I was influenced a bit by the Roman Catholic doctrine, which was an eye-opener and my father therefore said why don’t I become a reverend father because of the way I served Mass and followed the reverend fathers for evangelism.

    My father wanted me to be a lawyer and some people wanted me to be a Reverend Father. I started teaching, from teaching I was to read law in the University of Ife but I went into Theology because during the civil war I was one of those that would have been killed in the Asaba genocide but God saved my life.

    In 1967 I was to be killed among those that were killed but God saved my life. When they were shooting, I fell down and in the night I escaped. So, I experienced the genocide of the Nigeria civil war. I saw war with my eyes, I saw blood with my eyes, and it was a serious genocide. Innocent people in my Asaba area were killed for nothing except that we were ‘Ajukwu’ brothers (Ojukwu brothers), that was what they were saying. My father’s first house in Asaba was burnt down, many of our houses were burnt, many of our relatives were burnt, many of our kindred were killed unnecessarily and many of our women were forcefully married by the soldiers. It was such a terrible thing that when I remember it I shed tears especially when they are doing Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

    I feel that Nigeria still has to apologize to the Asaba people and to the Eastern part of Nigeria for the genocide and war. That was the reason I said that January 15, which is my birthday, Nigeria should be celebrating it as a day of mourning and forgiveness, asking God for forgiveness and thanksgiving for the end of the war. Remember that in the Bible when God destroyed the world with water Noah prayed to God and he stopped the war of water and Noah praised and thanked God for it. So if war has ended we should be able to say father thank you for the war that ended but rather than doing it what you see now is selectiveness against the Igbo. We are being neglected, sidelined and nobody is thinking about what we suffered during the civil war. This is unfortunate and I feel that President Bola Tinubu, if they could do something to MKO Abiola and honour him, the people of Asaba should be honoured with a day of forgiveness, thanksgiving and then a lot of things should be done in memory and compensation for the Eastern part of Nigeria for the civil war.

    How did the Asaba genocide actually happen?

    The Nigerian soldiers were to cross the River Niger and when they came they couldn’t cross. They said there was a goddess in the River called Onishee who would come out and their boat would sink because at that time the bridge had collapsed. So, the soldiers got angry and said that there were some Biafran soldiers among us. In fact, they separated us, I was about 14 years. They separated the women and said that all of us, the male, should be lined up and killed. In the course of the shooting I fell down and corpses fell on me. That was how I escaped.

    When I spoke Yoruba, one of the soldiers said ‘are you a Yoruba man?’ And I said yes and that was how they rescued me. The soldiers were tall, we called them Gongola, gwodogwodo! Some of them said it was because of Chukwuma Nzeogwu, who was not from Asaba really, he was from Ika Ibo, but they still dealt with us and that’s unfortunate. To God be the glory we survived.

    What do you think is the reason General Yakubu Gowon is yet to say anything about the civil war?

    Gowon is very apologetic and that was why he started Nigeria Prays and we have to commend him for that. That Nigeria Prays was to revive the spirit of the people back from the civil war and to reconcile people back to God and to go on with one Nigeria.”

  • Not T-Pain but T-Hope

    Not T-Pain but T-Hope

    By Kenechukwu Aguolu

    It is no longer news that President Tinubu, who promised Nigerians a renewed hope, is now being referred to as T-Pain by many in less than two years of his administration. His reforms, which focus on the long-term economic prosperity of the country, have brought hardship to the common man.

    Leaders have failed Nigerians in the past, which has led to a lack of trust in the government, making people doubt that the hardship is short-term and worth the sacrifice, especially as the promised interventions have not arrived promptly.

    However, at the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (#NES30) in Abuja on Monday, 14 th October 14, the vice president of World Bank , Indermit Gill said that Nigeria’s current reforms has to be sustained for the next 10-15 years in order to transform its economy and become an engine of growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    During his campaign, President Tinubu said he would make bold decisions for the betterment of Nigeria. In his 2024 Independence Day speech, he stated that Nigeria must reform for progress or collapse. For the common man on the street, this may not make sense; when the cost of living rises, the default reaction is to blame the current government.

    Therefore, Nigerians need to be better educated on the economy inherited by the current administration, where we are now, and the future prospects in light of the consequences of maintaining the current reforms. Just as it is required in change management, those impacted by the change should be properly engaged.

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    When President Tinubu’s government came into power, the economy was in a state of comatose. The country’s debt service to revenue ratio was 97% with an uncleared forex backlog of over $6 billion.

    How can a country survive like this? Something drastic had to be done—President Tinubu directed the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, which has saved the government money but has caused hardship for Nigerians due to the resultant inflation.

    The government has promised to invest these savings in infrastructure and the development of critical sectors of the economy.

    Without the reforms of the current administration, the federal government might have soon started defaulting on its financial commitments like salaries and debt servicing, which would have been catastrophic.

    Nigeria has a revenue problem that must be solved urgently by optimizing oil production and diversifying the economy in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Getting debt relief will also go a long way. It is also important to implement cost-efficiency measures and eradicate corruption. None of this can be achieved without the right cabinet in place, with properly communicated deliverables.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu promised Nigerians renewed hope, not pain.

    According to him, the hardship being experienced is short-term and a sacrifice Nigerians need to bear for a better tomorrow. However, some of the current backlashes could have been prevented with prompt implementation of intervention programs and policies.

    The government should continuously educate Nigerians on its programs and achievements. President Tinubu has dared to do things differently.

    I would rather call him T-Hope because of his Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria.

    • Kenechukwu Aguolu, Kenerek1@gmail.com

  • Oyebanji @ 2!

    Oyebanji @ 2!

    On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (aka BAO) marked his second anniversary as Governor of Ekiti State, having been sworn in on October 16, 2022.

    Oyebanji’s two-year anniversary celebrates his dedication to Ekiti State’s progress. He has masterfully navigated Nigeria’s intricate politics, balancing competing interests and fostering growth through strategic investments in key sectors. With his ‘homeboy factor’ and extensive experience serving two former governors in six different capacities, the governor has managed to unite various tendencies within the state, bringing about peace, stability and development.

    In today’s political landscape, where transactional politics and the interests of the elite often take centre stage, BAO’s focus on transformational leadership, compassion and empowerment is a breath of fresh air. In a country where politics often takes a backseat to petty squabbles and power struggles, it is refreshing to see a leader who walks the talk! His initiatives – fixing community power issues, boosting agriculture, and creating a digital hub in Ekiti, among others – will have a lasting impact.

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    Oyebanji’s leadership shines as former Governor Ayodele Fayose, from a rival party, publicly endorses his vision. It suggests that his commitment to the people is genuine, and that his vision for Ekiti’s future is one worth fighting for.

    His second anniversary offers a chance to define his historical legacy and position him as a key trajectory in driving growth, especially by quadrupling the state’s GDP at the end of his Second Term. Therefore, BAO should draw inspiration from Apostle Paul’s wisdom:  “… forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, press toward the goal for the prize …” (Philippians 3:13-14).

    May Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s next two years be filled with even more innovative solutions that inspire future leaders!

    May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

  • Beyond the horizon: Nigeria’s unwritten chapter

    Beyond the horizon: Nigeria’s unwritten chapter

    I fondly recall my time at Ijebu-Jesa Grammar School in Osun State, specifically from 1979/80 to 1982/83. This period stands out due to the Unity Party of Nigeria’s (UPN) Free Education programme, spearheaded by the late Obafemi Awolowo. Under this initiative, education was completely free, covering everything from school fees to basic supplies like pencils and erasers. Although Bola Ige governed the old Oyo State at the time, UPN’s programme was implemented across all states under the party’s control. However, the power transition of power on October 1, 1983 marked a significant turning point for the education system in the old Oyo State, and the region has struggled to regain its footing ever since. This legacy continues to influence Nigeria’s development.

    As Aristotle once profoundly observed, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” For Nigeria, a land blessed with abundance, yet beset by adversity, the quest for excellence remains an enduring odyssey. From the ancient kingdoms of Nri and Oyo to the present day, Nigeria’s story has been one of ebbs and flows, of promise and disappointment. Like the Biblical phoenix, dear fatherland rises, falls, and rises again, with its resilience forged in the crucible of history. Yet, the dream of a greater Nigeria persists, a dream nourished by the sacrifices of heroes past – from Herbert Macaulay to Nnamdi Azikiwe, from Awolowo to Ahmadu Bello, and from Ken Saro-Wiwa to MKO Abiola.

    Nigeria, the giant of Africa, has been asleep for decades. Its potential, like a dormant volcano, waits to erupt. But when will it awaken? When will Nigeria return to its former glory and who will bell the cat? These questions echo through the corridors of history. They taunt us with, rather than treat us to, the promises of a better tomorrow.

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    As migrants return from foreign shores, battered and bruised, they bring with them tales of a world that values human life. They speak of functioning systems, efficient governance and leaders who serve, not rule. But what awaits them in Nigeria? A system that rewards mediocrity, perpetuates inequality, and celebrates corruption. We call it ‘home.’ But is it truly where the heart is?

    Again, we ask: when will Nigeria return? Return to its former glory? Return to its people? Return to its promise? Presently, Nigeria is a pendulum swinging between democracy and a deceptive façade, hiding the rot within. Notwithstanding, we hold onto hope, that elusive mistress who tantalizes and disappoints. The country is grappling with numerous challenges that significantly impact its citizens and overall development. Our economic returns are laughable, our social contracts shattered, and our politics a tragic comedy. This has led to a 24-year high inflation rate of 32.70% as of September 2024, causing millions of Nigerians to fall into poverty and inequality, with an estimated 38.9% of the population living below the poverty line.

    The stock market fluctuates like a thermometer in a feverish patient, while our leaders play musical chairs with public offices. The social returns are even more dire! Reintegration programmes for returnees are scarce, and community acceptance is a luxury few can afford. We preach unity but practise division. We sermonize about patriotism while lining our pockets with ill-gotten gains.

    In our very eyes, insecurity and violence plague various regions, particularly in the Northwest, Northeast and Southeast. Banditry, kidnappings and terrorist groups have not only created a sense of instability, the accompanying humanitarian crisis has also left millions dead, displaced or vulnerable. Infrastructure gaps hinder economic growth, with inadequate access to electricity and limited domestic economic integration.

    Limited access to education and healthcare are direct consequences of weakened public services and infrastructure, affecting the quality of life and opportunities for citizens. Unemployment and economic instability lead to limited job prospects while food insecurity, fueled by climate change and conflict, threatens agricultural productivity and food availability. These challenges have far-reaching implications for Nigerians. 

    Despite current challenges, Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction offers a remarkable example of countries that have overcome significant challenges to achieve economic stability and growth. Under Paul Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda focused on reconciliation, unity, education, healthcare, economic liberalization and anti-corruption measures. Today, Kagame’s Rwanda is a stable and thriving economy, serving as a model for African development.

    South Korea’s economic miracle is another inspiring story. Through Five-Year Plans, investment in education and human capital, export-oriented industrialization, and strong state intervention, South Korea rose from a war-torn country to a global economic leader.

    Denmark’s recovery from the economic crisis of the 1980s also offers valuable lessons. By implementing fiscal discipline, labour market reforms, investing in education and innovation, and emphasizing social welfare and equality, Denmark now thrives in high living standards and a robust economy.

    Ghana’s economic recovery in the 1980s provides further evidence of successful transformation. Economic stabilization programmes, structural adjustment policies, investment in agriculture and infrastructure, and anti-corruption initiatives led to the country’s steady economic growth and democratic stability.

    For Nigeria, there is hope! In other words, a better future is possible for Nigeria! Thankfully, the Bola Tinubu-led government has initiated reforms, but more is needed. So, the questions remain! What does ‘return’ mean for Nigeria? Is it economic growth, political stability, social cohesion or moral renewal? Yes, Nigeria’s cultural and historical contexts will undoubtedly shape its path to greatness, but will its development be driven by internal or external factors? Faith and spirituality will also go a long way in shaping Nigeria’s national identity, but how? Again, can a nation’s progress be measured solely by economic indicators or should there be other vital factors at play? Most importantly, can integrating or cultural heritage and social rhythms ignite a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening?

  • Incessant collapse of the national grid

    Incessant collapse of the national grid

    Sir, In just 24 hours, Nigeria’s national grid collapsed twice, making the seventh collapse over the past year. These disruptions are not new; they reflect longstanding issues within Nigeria’s power sector, driven by inadequate infrastructure, maintenance challenges, vandalism, and systemic corruption. The persistence of national grid across almost all administrations that came before the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration highlights how deeply rooted the problem is.

    Many ordinary Nigerians are in fact unfamiliar with the concept of the national grid.

    National grid is an interconnected network designed to deliver electricity from producers to consumers. The grid comprises generation stations that produce electricity, high-voltage transmission lines that carry this electricity over long distances, and distribution systems that reduce the voltage for delivery to homes and businesses.

    Why does Nigeria’s national grid often experience collapses? Many Nigerians have come to accept that these 'collapses' are part of the country’s electricity sector.

    Can Nigeria stop the frequent collapse of its national electricity grid? Certainly. Many countries have achieved reliable and efficient electricity generation, transmission, and distribution systems, providing their citizens with consistent access to power.

    These nations have demonstrated that it is possible to overcome infrastructure challenges and create a resilient energy sector.

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    To achieve similar results, Nigeria should benchmark against the successes of other countries, learning from their strategies and best practices. However, it must also consider its local needs and unique challenges, such as geographical diversity, population distribution, people’s pocket, the need to support businesses and varying energy demands. An effective strategy would involve engaging local stakeholders and addressing issues like outdated infrastructure and insufficient maintenance.

    With this approach, stability and reliability in the national grid can be realized.

    Furthermore, substantial investments in infrastructure, technology, and human resources are essential. This includes not only upgrading existing facilities but also investing in renewable energy sources to diversify the energy mix. Building a skilled workforce to manage and maintain the grid will also be crucial. Ultimately, with the right focus and investment, Nigeria can transform its electricity sector and ensure reliable power for all its citizens.

     •Zayyad I. Muhammad,Abuja,

  • Setting a new path for the railways

    Setting a new path for the railways

    Sir, In many ways, Nigeria Railways situation is not too dissimilar from British Rail, of plenty of motion but no real movement, or call it movement in fits and starts. We’ve been talking about reforming the Nigerian railway since Olusegun Obasanjo’s second coming. Indeed the reform and restructuring swansong began with Hamzat Zayyad’s TCPC and nearly 30 years on, we are still trying to get the legislation passed by parliament.

    The structure of the industry hasn’t changed and public money continues to be sunk into a railway black hole. Humongous contracts have been awarded, sometimes in breach of procurement laws without consequence. They linger un-started for years until they are forgotten about.

    A coastal highway is currently proceeding at breakneck speed but nobody seems to remember the coastal railway which was awarded 10 years ago and a shovel is yet to hit the ground. What about the Lagos-Kano modernization contract which was awarded by Obasanjo in 2006 for a duration of four years, but 18 years on has not achieved up to 35% completion? Itakpe to Abuja rail was also awarded so many years ago but has not commenced. Same with many others on the infrastructure side as the government has been unable to mobilize the required funds.

    What about railway operations? The promise was for the attraction of the private sector to participate in railway operations. With an overbearing and covetous Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), the General Electric (GE) concession proposal was practically frustrated out of reckoning until GE divested out of the transport business altogether. The NRC continues to operate trains in an incoherent manner famously running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere while on a train journey.

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    Most disappointingly is its failure to build a credible and sustainable rail freight business.

    Notwithstanding, there are green shoots of hope renewed and reason to be optimistic about the future. As the National Assembly resumes, it is hoped that the railway bill will receive its undivided attention. Let’s get this law passed for crying out loud. It’s been a 20 year hike so far and this new law will open the door for private investors to participate meaningfully in the railways. The recent locomotive engine retrofit pilot offers a glimpse into the innovative power of the private investor. It’s also about time too. It’s also about time too. So let's do it.

    Getting the law passed is however just the prerequisite. Implementing the changes effectively to transform the railway landscape would be the litmus test. Creating the independent railway regulator is the starting point, while separating railway operations from asset management while retaining vertical integration will enable risk sharing and provide appropriate incentives to investors. The public sector can play to its strengths as regulator and asset owner/landlord while the private sector will play to its by operating the railway business.

    The lessons that we must learn from the unbundling of the power sector continue to stare us in the face. We must employ the appropriate capital resources with skills and capacity, and leave no room for cronies and political patrons.

    Finally, the non-performing non-core assets of the NRC must be set free to become productive again. These include the factories and foundries, printing presses, surplus lands, catering facilities, hospitals…and all the rest. It is time that a new dawn beckoned for the Nigerian railways.

    •Rowland Ocholi Ataguba,London.

  • SOS to Mr President on Oyo–Ogbomoso – Ilorin Road

    SOS to Mr President on Oyo–Ogbomoso – Ilorin Road

    Sir, Since coming on board, President Bola Tinubu has taken the bull by the horn in tackling the hydra-headed socio-economic predicaments facing the nation.

    Ordinarily, his policies seem to be accompanied by hardship but the end will certainly justify the means. Asiwaju Tinubu is trekking where Angel fears and should be applauded for this.

    Meanwhile, I want to notify the president about the deplorable condition of the Ogbomoso township section of the old Ibadan – Oyo- Ogbomoso – Ilorin road. This road serves the southern and the northern part of the country and its contribution to economic development of the nation cannot be quantified. For months now, the road has become impassable or when it is passable, the trucks spend about two days just be able to leave the town. The traffic snarl inside Ogbomoso has disrupted economic wellbeing as well as the free movement of the people. The emission from the articulated vehicles, if care is taken, could lead to respiratory diseases among the residents of the town.

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    Aside these, frequent auto accidents on the road have led to loss of lives and property. The pressure on the road could have been reduced had the Oyo/Ogbomoso section of the new expressway been completed.

    I appeal to our president to please use his good offices to direct the Minister of Works to find lasting solution to the problem. FERMA handled the rehabilitation of the road about two years ago but it appears the work is beyond the agency.

    •Adewuyi Adegbite,ayekooto05@gmail.com