The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Unready for science

    Unready for science

    Incredible! The winners of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG)-sponsored 2024 Science Quiz Competition, Nnanna Peace and Raphael Ataisi of Government Secondary School (GSS), Oyigbo, Rivers State, were reported saying, “To the glory of God, we came first. In our GSS Oyigbo, we lack computer and science laboratories in our school. We have no equipment in our school to experiment. So, we learn without experiment, we learn only theory.”

    They beat contestants from six other public secondary schools in the final of the competition, which was held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. It is unclear whether the same situation exists in the other schools. 

    NLNG’s General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh, said the competition “is an opportunity to test our children’s knowledge, ignite their creativity, and hone their problem-solving skills – essential ingredients for innovation.

    “Through this competition, we aim to promote scientific and technological literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, encouraging young people to pursue careers in science, engineering, and technology.”

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    He also said NLNG is “deeply committed to science education because we believe it is the cornerstone of development.” This year’s theme was ‘Artificial Intelligence: Innovating the Future.’  He added that the company’s commitment to science education extends beyond the competition, mentioning initiatives such as its University Support Programme, scholarship programmes, and infrastructure development in host communities.

    However, going by the remarks of the winners of the competition, there is still a lot more to be done to boost science education. The company should take urgent action to ensure that their school, and others in the same situation, have the necessary tools for science education.

    Obviously, Rivers State, where GSS Oyigbo is located, also has a role to play in equipping public schools in the state for science education. The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Chinedum Chukuma, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Ebere Emenike, was reported saying, “Rivers State is very happy with what NLNG is doing by exposing our kids to these kinds of competitions and we urge other corporate bodies to emulate NLNG. These kinds of competitions expose our kids to critical thinking and instill a passion for innovation, which is the hallmark of STEM education.”

    It is easy to talk about STEM, an approach to learning and development that integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and promotes scientific thinking and creativity by emphasising application and inquiry. But STEM needs an enabling environment.

    Is the Rivers State government aware of the situation at GSS Oyigbo as described by the winners of the science competition? It’s counter-productive and inexcusable.

  • The abomination in Kano

    The abomination in Kano

    • By Yusuf Gaddafi

    Sir: Youths in Nigeria embarked a nationwide demonstration under the banner “END BAD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA.” While there are many issues that contribute to the country’s hunger and starvation, some of the most commonly mentioned ones are inflation, insecurity, kidnapping in the northwest state, and deregulation of fuel prices.

    Nonetheless, Nigeria still manages to maintain peaceful living despite being a multi-cultural and multi-religious nation. North is dominated by Hausa/Fulani which are predominantly Muslims. Although Kano is the Hausa language’s birthplace and the centre of Islamic affairs in Nigeria, most of its inhabitants have in most recent time, strayed from Islamic doctrine.

    What occurred in Kano State, particularly the orgy of arson, looting and destruction of public and private property is an abomination to Islam and Hausa culture in general. These events also demonstrate ascent of immorality across the board and the fact that the country’s problems are not solely caused by the government. 

    Read Also: Economic sabotage: NNPCL, NMDPRA, others deny complicity

    What could have unleashed the demonstrators on the DIP Centre, designed to ensure that thousands of young people gain employment through digital skills? And this is despite their being aware that it is the only one in the north? Why is the protest characterised by looting and shoplifting? And the street lights being destroyed? Why did people resort to breaking into businesses and shops?

    Plateau State should receive the award for best protest of the year. They managed their protest in a way that attracted international attention; theirs remained peaceful and organized in spite of religious and ethnic differences.

    I would like the Nigerian government to respond seriously to the issues and the needs of the people to stave of further destruction of lives and property and to prevent their spread to other states in the country. No serious and responsible government can be expected to tolerate the activities of a vicious mob sworn to inflict pain and torture on the rest of the citizens. As our clerics have been telling us for a long time, we must embrace love and humanity and return to the original design of the Almighty Allah.

    I pray that my dear Nigeria would one day be revitalized and rebuilt.

    •Yusuf Gaddafi,

     Kano.

  • Makinde and the Alaafin stool

    Makinde and the Alaafin stool

    • By Kola Amzat

    Sir: The impasse that has greeted the ascension of new monarch to Alaafin stool should by now be a source of worry to genuine sons and daughters of the ancient town. Indeed, the ugly and very unfortunate development should even disturb all Yorubas in the country, as well as Yorubas in Diaspora-Benin Republic, Brazil, Cuba, Canada and other countries that share affinity with the ancient town.

    Ordinarily, after the legendary and iconic Alaafin Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi joined his ancestors, it shouldn’t have taken more than six months before a new Alaafin ascended the throne.

    Nigerians recall that charismatic Oyo monarch died in April 2023, and here we are in August 2024, about 17 months after, still battling with the appointment and enthronement of a new monarch.  

    Meanwhile, it’s about the same time that the late Soun of Ogbomoso-land, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi also joined his ancestors; the new king has since emerged in the town, with coronation completed more than six months ago, despite several controversies that resulted in litigations pre, during and even, after the new monarch emerged and installed.

    The Oyo Mesi, on whom the sole authority with the clear and unmistakable mandate of chosen the new Alaafin rest, as well as make recommendation to another authority have abided most sincerely and patriotically with the demands of the mandate.

    With the above process completed, people of Nigeria and Yorubas at home and in Diaspora should enquire from the governor of what’s stalling the ratification from his office, as well as his subsequent enthronement?

    The rumour in the public domain is that the governor is reportedly to have in his possession petition against the chosen prince, of a business deal that went awry from a woman business associate.

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    The governor may have forgotten that in this end times when blackmailers are on the prowl, destroying the destiny of those who provident has chosen for leadership in government, traditional institution and corporate companies, the onus is on the governor to decipher substance from shaft, with a view to considering larger interest of an historic ancient town by downplaying obnoxious and irrelevant petition obviously borne of out of petty jealousy, strife and envy.

    On the Alaafin stool alone, the governor has several court cases with Oyo Mesi.  At his instance, the EFCC was invited to quiz all Oyo Mesi members on spurious allegations that they collected bribe from the chosen prince. The Oyo Mesi members – Basorun, Samu, Agbaakin, Akinniku and Lagunna are all within age bracket of 75 years and they’ve been in this office for several years serving the ancient town meritoriously, dutifully, sincerely and selflessly, without any blemish whatsoever.

    The governor failed to put this into consideration before subjecting the hapless and highly revered leaders of the ancient town to harrowing and very draconian and objectionable experience.

    Meanwhile, the news in the public domain presently is that the governor has given a fresh mandate that Oyo Mesi embark on a fresh process to choose the king and therefore discountenance the already concluded process.  

    Who does that!

    This writer is therefore calling on the governor to come out clean, with a view to clearing the air and making his primordial interest on the stool publicly known. If he has a candidate in mind, let him make a formal presentation of him to Oyo Mesi.

     •Kola Amzat (FCA, FCIB)

    Lagos.

  • Kano: When protesters crossed the line

    Kano: When protesters crossed the line

    • By Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu

    Sir: The recent nationwide protests in Nigeria, sparked by widespread economic hardship have brought to the forefront the complex dynamics between peaceful advocacy and violent outbursts.

    In Kano State, the protests revealed a troubling transition from legitimate grievances to chaos, highlighting the thin line between civic expression and lawlessness. The movement, initially rooted in calls for improved governance and economic relief, quickly escalated into violence in several states, including Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa.

    Tragically, at least 17 people were reported dead, with security forces clashing with demonstrators. In Kano, one person was killed, marking a tragic turn in what began as a peaceful demonstration. The protest in Kano, like in other parts of the country, began peacefully but soon spiralled out of control.

    Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of escalating tension, where demonstrators initially blocked highways and harassed motorists. In a particularly disturbing incident, protesters in Kano targeted the newly established Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) office.

    The building, symbolizing a step towards greater digital connectivity and innovation, was looted and set ablaze. Everything, from office furniture to technological equipment, was taken or destroyed. This act of vandalism not only disrupted a crucial public service but also symbolized a broader collapse of order and respect for public property.

    During the protests, a poignant moment occurred when a female protester, carrying her baby, confronted police officers. Her husband had been killed by bandits in Katsina, and she came to the protest to voice her frustration with the government’s failure to address widespread insecurity and economic hardship.

    “Do they also want to kill my baby?” she asked, highlighting the desperation felt by many Nigerians.

    Read Also: Economic sabotage: NNPCL, NMDPRA, others deny complicity

    The government’s response has been a mix of force and appeals for dialogue. Security forces, using teargas and pepper spray, tried to disperse the crowds, while helicopters overhead released additional teargas to control the situation. The use of such measures, however, did little to quell the unrest and instead fuelled anger and defiance.

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike called for dialogue, emphasizing the government’s willingness to engage with the protesters.

    The chaos in Kano and other states serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for economic and social reforms in Nigeria. While the protests highlight legitimate concerns over governance, security, and economic management, the turn to violence undermines these issues’ seriousness. 

    The destruction of public property, looting, and loss of lives cannot be condoned, as they detract from the core message of the protests and harm innocent citizens. Moving forward, it is crucial for both the government and protest leaders to find common ground. The government must not only listen to the demands of the people but also provide tangible solutions to the problems of unemployment, inflation, and insecurity.

    On the other hand, protest organizers must emphasize peaceful demonstration and discourage violence. The recent events in Kano and across Nigeria reflect a broader crisis of governance and trust. It is a wake-up call for all stakeholders to address the root causes of the discontent and work towards a more equitable and just society.

    Only through constructive engagement and mutual respect can Nigeria hope to navigate these turbulent times and build a future that meets the aspirations of all its citizens.

    •Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu,

    abdulhamidabdullahiali@ gmail.com

  • Soyinka and Yellow Vests

    Soyinka and Yellow Vests

    Let’s get this right. Professor Wole Soyinka is an asset to our society and to anyone. He is a man who has written plays and could be written as play against tyranny as he staged earlier this year. It is no happenstance that he is Nigeria’s most decorated literary figure, and the most revered. Quite fittingly, his name now garlands Nigeria top theatre when President Bola Tinubu named the National Theatre, Iganmu in Lagos, after him. Hardball can never underwrite any comment that underplays his value.

    Yet, even he can err. Recently he commented on the speech of the president in reaction to the protests in some major cities in the country. In a statement, he condemned the President for not condemning the use of live bullets, and asserted that the “time is long overdue, surely, to abandon, permanently, the anachronistic resort to lethal means by the security agencies of governance.”

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    He also commented on the items President Tinubu reeled out as measures he has taken to tackle the problems. He left that to experts. For a social commentator we expect more interest in order to enrich his understanding and context of the imbroglio of the past week. Rather he eulogized the hunger march as a staple of any protest. He also sidestepped the “collateral claims emblazoned on posters.” As a man of great subtlety, he should have looked at some of the issues emblazoned like the call for the overthrow of the 1999 constitution. That could not be collateral.

    But his reference to the Yellow Vests, a group in France that protested for years against high cost of living, was mistaken. He said the police did not wield any lethal weapons on them. Very wrong. He said what he saw lacked any provocation from the police. He should have researched more.

    The Yellow Vests careened out of control in cities and far-flung rural reaches. The police did not only use lethal weapons, they also lobbed grenades at them. About a dozen persons died during the protests, many lost the use of their limbs and eyes because of the weapons unleashed, including “flash-balls, tear gas, stun grenades, batons and water cannons.”

    We are witnesses to the ongoing turmoil in Britain and the prime minister has said he would not tolerate any form of unruly acts.

    President Tinubu said that in his speech. Hardball would like to know Professor Soyinka’s response to the damages in Kano and Kaduna, and the hoisting of flags and calls for the return of the army that he fought gallantly to their exit.

  • Protest: Need to backtrack and support reform

    Protest: Need to backtrack and support reform

    SIR: Last Thursday, Nigerians comprising mostly youths, poured onto the street to register their displeasure over hunger and economic hardship. Tens of thousands of Nigerians are currently featuring in the ongoing 10-day protest tagged: EndBadGovernance in Nigeria. The protest which, according to civil society groups, the organisers, became unavoidable owing to a surge in the cost of living, following the removal of fuel subsidy, and abolition of multiple foreign exchange system, among several others. 

    Interestingly, the government’s approach to the protest has been civil. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently held out an olive branch. He acknowledged the hardship in the land viz-a-viz the right of the masses to engage in peaceful protest. Nevertheless, he pleads for more time s to allow some of the reforms his administration introduced to yield fruits.

    On Sunday, President Tinubu made a nationwide broadcast where he pleaded with the protesters to suspend the protests, saying his reforms are geared towards addressing corruption.

     Drawing from the presidential address, this writer feels Tinubu’s government should be given the benefit of the doubt.

    Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies, has long been a focal point for political, economic, and social discourse. With President Tinubu now at the helm, the country finds itself at a critical juncture. As Nigeria navigates through a myriad of economic, ethnic and social upheavals, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive reform to guide the nation towards a more stable and prosperous future.

    President Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State and a key figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), took office in May, 2023, amid promises of change and development. Tinubu campaigned on a platform of economic revitalisation, improved security, and social cohesion. His ascension to the highest office in the land followed a highly contested election, reflecting a nation split along ethnic, religion and economic divides.

    The nation’s economy, no doubt, has faced immense challenges in recent years. The subsisting phenomenon of corruption, unemployment, and inflation, was further exacerbated by Covid-19 pandemic, and its aftermath. However, the incumbent leadership has outlined plans to rejuvenate the economy through increased investment, improved infrastructure, job creation, and diversified revenue streams. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s economy is still largely dependent on oil, making it vulnerable to global market fluctuations.

    One of the predominant issues facing Nigeria is insecurity.  Recall, the Buhari administration grappled with escalating banditry and terrorism, particularly in the northern regions. Tinubu’s government has consistently tackled security challenges head-on, capitalising on data-driven strategies and community engagement. This includes modernising the armed forces, enhancing intelligence capabilities, and fostering cooperation with local communities to address the root causes of violence.

    Corruption has also for long been a thorn in Nigeria’s flesh, undermining masses’ trust in government. Tinubu’s administration is ensuring transparency at all levels, establishing independent oversight bodies, digitising public services, and enforcing stringent anti-corruption laws.

     It is now public knowledge that Tinubu’s government has rolled out some reforms ostensibly to restore the nation’s lost glory. By implementing comprehensive policies that tackle inflation, unemployment, and revenue generation, Nigeria can potentially harness its vast resources for development. Investors, both local and international, will be more spurned to engage with a government committed to transparency and sustainable economic practices.

    Providing robust support for the government will enable it build stronger confidence in the public. Civilian involvement in community policing efforts and collaboration with international partners will enhance the nation’s ability to combat crime and terrorism.

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    Similarly, encouraging inclusive governance can heal the rifts that have long plagued Nigeria’s social fabric. Reforms that foster dialogue among different ethnic and religious groups will bridge divides and promote understanding.

    Nigeria’s future under Tinubu’s administration is fraught with challenges. Nonetheless, it also signposts potentials for positive change. To realise these potentials, officials must pursue appropriate policies that reflect the diverse needs of the populace while prioritising transparency and good governance.

    As citizens, businesses, and civil society organisations conscious for change, collective effort towards advocating necessary changes will help build a Nigeria that is resilient, united, and poised for sustainable growth.

    • Opeyemi Eniola, Lagos.
  • Hunger protests: Hold governors responsible

    Hunger protests: Hold governors responsible

    SIR: While many Nigerians blame the president for the hardships in the country, the real culprits are often overlooked: state governors that actually contribute 80-90% to the current situation. The removal of the fuel subsidy, which many citizens are urging the president to reinstate, was expected to stabilize the economy. However, since the subsidy was removed, each state has seen a significant increase in their monthly revenue from the federal government – the Federation Account Allocations Committee (FAAC).

    Yet, the question remains: Have you seen any positive changes in your state government due to the subsidy removal? Have these leaders done anything extraordinary to improve the lives of their people?

    In Bauchi State, where I reside, there have been no new appointments; no salary increases, no welfare programmes, and salaries are often delayed almost every month. When it comes to minimum wage, many governors claim they cannot pay. So, what are they doing with the increased revenue from the subsidy removal?

    Before the fuel subsidy was removed, the FAAC monthly revenue distribution was considerably lower.

    For example, in April 2023, the FAAC allocation was N655.9 billion. In June 2023, the allocation jumped to N1.9 trillion, more than double the amount from May 2023. A total of N9.9 trillion was shared in the latter half of 2023.

    Here are some examples of state allocations before and after the subsidy removal:

    Nasarawa: Average monthly allocation rose by 185.3%, from N4.34 billion to N12.39 billion. Enugu: Allocation increased by 94.3%, from N3.47 billion to N6.72 billion.

    -Anambra saw a 74.1% rise, from N4.34 billion to N7.56 billion. Bauchi State’s average monthly FAAC allocation increased by 51.5%; from N4.8 billion to around N7.3 billion.

    Read Also: Kaduna protests sponsored by external forces, says Gov Sani

    Despite the increased allocations, there has been no marked improvement in the financial conditions of the citizens. National lawmakers are not taking any significant actions to reduce the public’s anger. Is this the kind of representation we voted for?

    Every citizen has the constitutional right to demand better from their representatives. If your senator or local leader is not serving you well, call for change and replace them with someone who will.

    I urge our leaders to take immediate action to ease the public’s suffering. Implement job creation programmes, social welfare initiatives like the N-Power programme under President Buhari, and make life easier for the citizens. The youth are protesting for a reason; it is time to address these issues to calm the unrest.

    •Yasir Shehu Adam (Danliman),

    Bauchi.

  • Proposed 18 years admission policy by varsities

    Proposed 18 years admission policy by varsities

    SIR: The National Assembly should pass any proposed bill limiting admission age to the university at 18 without further delay. They should not allow undue procrastination to skirt round this fine and plausible idea likely to save the country from mainly unintended head and belly aches.

    Nigeria should wake up to join the rest of the global world who believe that university education is for adults and not minors or teenagers. The 1999 constitution also exemplifies a torchbearer in this direction by pegging the voting age limit to 18. By the Nigerian constitution, adulthood starts from 18.

    People conversant with university administration and programmes would buttress the fact that the preponderance of students who are rusticated at the end of every session for poor academic performance are due to immaturity and poor understanding of the demands of their various courses.

    In the university, students need maturity to deal with time-bound courses and vagaries of lecture times, in addition to recalcitrant lecturers who are always intolerant and would never bat an eyelid over immature and ipso-facto irresponsible students.

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    In the university, lecturers lecture and not teach and this is where teenage students find normally their come-uppance and nemesis. There are child prodigies no doubt, but even then most geniuses fall easy prey to underage disease such that they become intolerable of others, including even their lecturers and invariably incur their wrath.

    Whereas, maturity would have taught them that they owe much to their future greatness by being respective and also make others to count in the schemes of life.

    Parents should be advised to desist from putting undue pressures on their children by falsely declaring their age so as to hasten their admission into the university.

    Exemptions could however be granted to students reading medicine and other paramedical courses where students spend between six to seven years and further one or two years of housemanship or clinical training.

    Such categories of students are likely to finish their university education between 24 or 25 years. By the time you add the one year compulsory NYSC service year, they would have become real grown up adults and citizens.

    As a result of immaturity arising from under-age, most university students become pawn and errant persons in the hand of egregious matured students who use them unknowingly to foment troubles in the campuses of various universities.

    The federal government must make good its decision on this issue of 18 years as age-limit for admission into the university. There should be no undue controversy skirting round its passage into law. Nigeria is not a banana republic where children become graduates without knowing their self-worth.

    •Sunday Olagunju, Ibadan, Oyo State.

  • On President Tinubu’s speech

    On President Tinubu’s speech

    • By Fredrick Nwabufo

    Sir: The President addressed the nation on Sunday, August 4, in the backdrop of the nationwide protests, with a surfeit of compassion and empathy, yet showed great strength and leadership as the Commander-in-Chief.

    President Tinubu appealed to all Nigerians to keep the peace, acknowledging their concerns. He condoled with bereaved families, the injured, and all those who have lost property to the recent violence in some parts of the country.

    As chief advocate of national unity, President Tinubu warned against divisive rhetoric, declaring that ethnic and religious bigotry has no place in the new Nigeria he envisions and is forging.

    Read Also: Protest: Keep faith with Tinubu – Mba, Umahi urge southeast

    As a leader attuned to the needs and concerns of his people, the president reeled out the interventions of his administration across sectors to include: N45.6 billion processed for payment to students and their respective institutions under the Student Loan Scheme – with an additional N50 billion each to be released for NELFUND and the Consumer Credit Corporation: $620 million secured under the Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) – a programme to empower young people; over N570 billion released to the 36 states to facilitate critical subsistence support to their citizens; the exponentially reviewed national minimum wage of N70,000; suspension of import duties on rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, drugs, and other pharmaceutical and medical supplies for six months to drive down the prices, and many other interventions.

    As Chief Economist of the nation, the president stated that the nation’s economy was on the path of recovery as vibrancy is returning to critical sectors. The coast is clear, the direction certain, and the horizon coruscating with fetching possibilities.

    As Chief Architect, the president outlined the essentiality of the ongoing Renewed Hope City and Estate project, which will provide housing for many Nigerians across states and geopolitical zones.

    As Commander-in-Chief, President Tinubu emphasized that his administration remains resolute in maintaining law and order, condemning the spasmodic acts of arson and violence.

    As statesman, the President pledged to always keep his ears open to the yearnings of citizens.

    •Fredrick Nwabufo,

     Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement,

    Abuja.

  • Open letter to President Tinubu

    Open letter to President Tinubu

    • By Debo Adeniran

    Sir: We are constrained to join other well spirited Nigerians both at home and abroad to proffer possible solutions to the current protest being carried out by some groups of people in different parts of the country.

    We would like to commend you for the various giant strides your administration has recorded in the last one year or thereabout in office. Some of these laudable achievements which cannot be overlooked are the signing into law of the student loan bill which is now being disbursed to students, securing Supreme Court pronouncement for local government financial autonomy, payment of forex backlog, increment in the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000, increment in crude oil production from 900,000bpd to 1.6million bpd, creation of the Northwest and Southeast Development Commissions, selling of crude oil in Naira, suspension of tariff on imported grains and other essential food items, release of grains to state and local governments to ease the food crisis, among others.

    We would like to make the following recommendations. All Nigerians whose business capital is not up to N5 million should be exempted from paying tax.

    All essential commodities including foods, books, medicine, etc. should enjoy tax waivers. Free education and healthcare should be declared for all children up to the Senior Secondary level in the minimum. Grants should be given to indigent students in tertiary institutions while those who are not so indigent should be encouraged to take the option of the student loan your administration introduced.

    Nigeria is unnecessarily encumbered by the weight of its top-heavy and unwieldy system of government it burdens itself with. Our government consists of three tiers of federal, state and local. Each tier consists of three arms, executive, legislative and judiciary. The federal legislature is bicameral with the Senate and House of Representatives. We would like to recommend that a unicameral legislature in the mould of the House of Representatives is cheaper, easier to maintain and makes government business simpler and faster and should be adopted in Nigeria.

    At the end of the day, if the Senate is more fashionable, they should name the National Assembly, Senate or simply make it National Assembly. Election of Members should be based on the same criteria upon which House of Representatives members were elected.

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    It is also our recommendation that the three tiers of government be reduced to two; the federal and local governments. There is no need for state governments. State governments are just discomfiting interlopers, whose roles can be better played as local governments. State governments are the veritable excuses why local governments had not been functioning optimally. That is why state governments don’t want autonomy for local governments.

    We are aware that the constitution provides that at least one cabinet minister should be appointed from each of the component states; our recommendation is that ministers and state commissioners should also be elected by their respective states or constituencies the same way that the federal and state legislators are respectively elected. The president should only have opportunities of appointing personal assistants and not even special advisers. Ministers should play the roles of advising the President on sectorial issues. The president and ministers should only appoint few assistants whose emoluments would be borne by the government for himself and his ministers. Any public servant who wants more assistants should remunerate them from their personal resources. You must nonetheless put a limit to the number of assistants employed for them.

    Finally, we believe that the current constitution, the ground norm with which our individual and collective lives are being administered, was foisted upon us by an illegitimate government of the military. It is on this note that we recommend that the government should convene a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) wherein every Nigerian voice would be directly represented and where a new Nigerian Constitution would evolve. SNC is the foundation of a true democracy and nationhood; without it we would only be living under self-denial in a mere political contraption without any true unifying factor and therefore signifying nothing but a keg of gunpowder waiting to explode!

    •Debo Adeniran,

    President, CDHR,

    Chairman CACOL, Lagos.