The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Why is Nasir El-Rufai so desperate?

    Why is Nasir El-Rufai so desperate?

    • By Bode Opeseitan

    Sir: Why is Mallam Nasir El-Rufai sounding so desperate these days? Every time he speaks, he comes across as narcissistic, grumpy, unhinged and clueless.  

    I welcome opposing views, but critics of a sitting government must articulate clear alternatives to improve Nigerians’ lives. Don’t just vow to “send Tinubu packing”; tell us your solutions for the extraordinary challenges he inherited.

    It is public knowledge that President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023 to a dead economy in which over 96% of revenue was being used to service debts. Yet, the same President Tinubu that El-Rufai desperately maligns has stabilized the economy. While food prices remain high, macroeconomic indicators show strengthening of the fundamentals, with growth applauded by leading local and international rating agencies. 

    Decaying infrastructure is being fixed: Dave Umahi’s road revolution, Nyesom Wike’s FCT transformation, and Bosun Tijani’s digital leap with initiatives like 3MTT – now the world’s largest skill accelerator – are turning Nigeria into the envy of the world.

    In agriculture, Tinubu just launched phase one of mechanized farming: 2,000 tractors and combines to cultivate 550,000 hectares. This will raise Nigeria’s mechanization from 0.7 to 2.5 horsepower per hectare. The health sector, airports and other spheres are also witnessing unprecedented revival.

    Crucially, Nigeria now cuts its coat according to its cloth: no more Ways and Means, round-tripping, or fuel subsidy.  

    Read Also: Tinubu signs historic Tax Reform Bills to law Thursday

    Similar transformative developments are energizing states nationwide. Previously cash-strapped, the Tinubu government’s fiscal policies have empowered states with resources to pay salaries without borrowing and execute critical projects – a stark departure from the past.

    Contrast this with Nasir, who accelerated Nigeria’s economic disintegration through his reckless mismanagement of Kaduna State. His record was so unconscionable that the state House of Assembly recommended his indictment. He exploits Nigerians’ forgiving nature to flaunt messianic credentials after bequeathing economic collapse, ethnic strife, and financial impropriety. But Nasir, can anyone give what they don’t have?  

    Now, with a president working tirelessly to fix monumental challenges, El-Rufai – bitter over his failed ministerial bid – seeks only to distract. To me, such people are enemies of Nigeria and its masses. 

    Yes, Tinubu has made missteps, but his sincerity is undeniable. We must hold him accountable when he stumbles, but never again allow buccaneers like El-Rufai near power. They lust for hegemony, not a thriving nation.

    •Bode Opeseitan, NIMN, MNIPR

    United States.

  • Border fencing: In support of CDS

    Border fencing: In support of CDS

    Sir: The proposal by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to construct a security fence along Nigeria’s borders may be one of the most meaningful national security initiatives of our time, if implemented with purpose.

    For decades, Nigeria’s borders have remained perilously porous, serving as open corridors for terrorists, arms traffickers, and transnational criminals. Insurgents and smugglers traverse these frontiers with ease, particularly from neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, exacerbating insecurity across the country, especially in the Northeast.

    After carrying out killings and acts of terror, these insurgents often escape back across the borders freely. This free cross-border movement has enabled terrorism to flourish. States like Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa have borne the brunt of this crisis, with entire communities devastated and countless lives lost. General Musa’s proposal is a move to protect Nigerian lives, strengthen national defence, and demonstrate that the country will no longer remain passive in the face of sustained insecurity.

    Globally, border fencing has proven to be an effective tool in limiting illegal crossings, enhancing surveillance, reducing insecurity, including terrorism and insurgent activities.

    Israel’s barrier along the West Bank led to a 90% reduction in suicide bombings. Pakistan’s 1,350km fence along the Afghanistan border helped curb militant infiltration. Saudi Arabia’s border fortifications with Iraq drastically reduced arms smuggling. In Europe, Hungary’s fencing during the 2015 migrant crisis significantly decreased illegal crossings from Serbia and Croatia. Similarly, India’s fences with both Pakistan and Bangladesh have tightened control over cross-border terrorism and trafficking.

    If these countries, many of whom face even lesser threats, can act decisively to protect their borders and reduce insecurity, then why can’t Nigeria do same?

    I have heard some critics cite the potential cost of such a project. However, the financial and human toll of continued inaction is far greater. According to reports, Nigeria has lost over $100 billion to insecurity and insurgency in the past decade; losses incurred through destroyed infrastructure, diminished investor confidence, disrupted agriculture, and the overwhelming cost of military deployments. More tragically, thousands of lives have been lost, and millions displaced.

    Read Also: Tinubu signs historic Tax Reform Bills to law Thursday

    The Northeast alone has seen economic activity nearly collapse, with displaced persons in the millions and entire communities erased by Boko Haram. Beyond money, there is the cost of human lives. Compared to these losses, the investment in a robust border security system is reasonable and imperative.

    Security is the bedrock of every functioning society. Without it, businesses collapse, agricultural output drops, education suffers, and democracy falters. While a border fence will not solve all of Nigeria’s security challenges overnight, I personally think it is a bold and concrete step in the right direction. It signals intent. It restores a measure of control.

    General Musa’s proposal is a bright military strategy. It is a national necessity. The initiative deserves broad support.

    •Bright Okuta,

    <brightokuta@gmail.com>

  • Rantings of Nasir El Rufai

    Rantings of Nasir El Rufai

    • By Lawan Bukar Maigana

    Sir: On his Monday appearance on Arise TV, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, shocked many Nigerians with a barrage of self-incriminating statements. “A collection of urban bandits,” he said, referring to the current administration and its actors. He went on to call it “an immoral government”.

    For many, these statements would pass as the usual political rants in Nigeria’s heated climate. But coming from a man who was a central player in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), these words cannot be ignored.

    In 2023, despite whispers of personal ambition, he was one of the strongest voices in the North who campaigned vigorously for Tinubu. His public endorsements, presence at campaign rallies, and mobilization in Kaduna helped secure votes for the now-president. For him to now paint the very system he helped birth as “immoral” is not just ironic, it’s shaky.

    Political criticism is valid in any democracy. But when a key architect of a political structure suddenly turns around to demolish the very walls he built, after comfortably benefiting from its platform, it raises questions about credibility, loyalty, and personal motives.

    El-Rufai’s outbursts seem more like bitterness than constructive criticism. The same man who once praised Tinubu’s political sagacity now pits him unfavourably against Goodluck Jonathan. The same man who benefited from the party machinery now refers to its core as “urban bandits”.

    One cannot help but wonder: where was this moral outrage when he was benefitting from the corridors of power? Where was this so-called clarity when he was among those determining the direction of the APC and influencing national appointments?

    It is important for Nigerians to see through this pattern. El-Rufai is not the first politician to distance himself from a system after losing influence. In many ways, his recent commentary is not about the people, but about his personal frustration and perhaps fading relevance.

    Read Also: Senate okays Rivers electoral commission chair-nominee amid protest

    President Bola Tinubu inherited a broken economy, rising insecurity, and decades of systemic mismanagement. The path to rebuilding was never going to be easy. The reforms, although painful, are necessary. And just like any honest effort to reset a nation, it demands patience and courage from the people.

    Despite El-Rufai’s ranting, the Tinubu administration continues to lay the groundwork for sustainable growth through fiscal discipline, security initiatives, infrastructure investments, and engagement with global investors. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither can a wounded Nigeria be healed overnight.

    Rather than throwing stones, El-Rufai should be reflecting on his own legacy. He governed Kaduna State with mixed reviews, and left behind a trail of controversies from demolitions to religious polarization. If anyone should be silent on morality, perhaps it is him.

    As for President Tinubu, he is focused on the task at hand. Leadership is not a popularity contest; it is about difficult decisions and long-term vision. Nigeria is in capable hands, even if those who helped bring us to this point now wish to rewrite history and wash their hands clean.

    Progress has never been juicy or convenient. It requires sacrifice. President Tinubu’s reforms are not about optics, they are about legacy, sustainability, and future generations.

    El-Rufai’s words should not be ignored, but they should be understood for what they are: a confession that he, too, is part of the problem. His own admission “Don’t trust me” should be the final warning bell for anyone still under his spell, thinking he has some good to offer and he fights for them.

    Lastly, let those who built the house stop pretending they were only visitors when the roof starts leaking. Nigeria is moving forward, with or without them, and we are no longer kids. Our senses can no longer be played with like children play with rubber dolls. If trust is evil, then some Nigerians are truly part of that evil.

    •Lawan Bukar Maigana,

    Lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com

  • The paradox of angelic void: A review of Sam Omatseye’s Juju Eyes

    The paradox of angelic void: A review of Sam Omatseye’s Juju Eyes

    By Michael Olatunbosun

    The novel, Juju Eyes (published in 2025 by SunshotAssociate) is a 51-chapter work set in cities across Nigeria, United Kingdom and United States of America. The book is written by Sam Omatseye. Sam is one of Nigeria’s finest journalists with lots of awards and honours to his name. He has authored many works, including In Touch, Mandela’s Bones and Other Poems, Dear Baby Ramatu; My Name is Okoro, Scented Offal, among others. He is currently Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Nation, a popular newspaper.

     Our protagonist is Oluseyi Ekanem (mostly known as Shay in the work). She escapes from being the companion of a goddess to become the goddess herself. 

    In this work, we are introduced to Uncle Idongesit. Shay’s Uncle ID as he is fondly called elects to take care of Shay and her mother after her husband, his brother’s death. But he cannot keep his eyes off Shay until he has his way with her. She has now lost her innocence and chastity. But she yet does not know the implications of this act for her own life. 

    After winning a beauty pageant, Shay begins to get all the attention a beauty queen attracts, and much more. Her beauty is irresistible and her frame is equated to that of a goddess. An invitation to a banquet with the Governor puts her on the global map, and a generous cash gift from the governor turns on her light, scattering her brightness everywhere.

    READ ALSO: 2027 coalitions and collisions

    But popularity and celebrity status comes with a huge price. Shay soon gets into the highway of life. She moves quickly through the ranks of men, both the high and mighty, amassing some handsome amounts of cash in foreign currency in the process. And it is now difficult to stop. She hops into bed with assorted men of means and might. She also becomes a dealer, helping to pimp ladies for friends of her own male friends. 

    The work, Juju Eyes is replete with sumptuous tales of Shay’s escapades with all the choice men of society, but she has refused to settle down with any. 

    Osa, Shay’s boyfriend also casts the image of your regular political hanger-on, always showing up around politicians and hoping that he will be handed the party’s ticket someday somehow. With the story of Osa, the author exposes the intriguing whiles of the political class and some of the dirty things that they do in order to remain in reckoning.

    In the book the author discusses the tragedy of a dead father or mother and its consequent toll on the lives of children left behind. The consequence is that of abuse and rape or incest or loss of bearing. Shay and Osa happen to carry with them, shreds of some of the consequences.

    The work, Juju Eyes also seems to question some socio-cultural practices that appear out of sync with modern reality. One of such is the experience of Osa and his Luka adventure. Luka is a community where if a man puts a lady in a family way outside wedlock and she dies, he will have to perform marriage rites with her corpse before a burial ceremony can be carried out for her. This rite includes a mock-marriage with a placeholder for the deceased, who is in turn stripped of her own feminine essence with a violated body in tow.

    In the novel, Juju Eyes, Sam Omatseye chronicles the atrocities of merchants who pose as altruistic orphanage owners, but underneath are dirty merchandise of children for rituals, including other illegal activities. 

    The work also digs into the hypocrisy of the people in the practice of religion. We read in the book about the chameleon lifestyle of religious people and their false attribution of miracles to God when in fact the miracles are fraudulently procured. We are apprised of the pervasive pharisaic veils with which people like Shay, Madam Lola, and others garb themselves in their affairs. Their lifestyles present a paradox of angelic void.

    Shay decides to end her relationship with Osa. But soon after, Nigel Phillips appears on the scene, and topples Shay’s world.Nigel is a British wealthy oil magnate with business ties and a family historical trauma with Nigeria. He is swept off his feet by Shay’s mysterious allure. And he stalks her until she agrees to marry him. But somewhere in the heart of the Niger-Delta, Nigel is kidnapped. The story takes on another twist. And theauthor then takes the reader on a floating adventure into the Niger-Delta creeks where the militants hold the ace. 

    The author has plenty of characters whom he throws into the plot here and there. Chief Lambe the political godfather to who many politicians or people looking for favours defer. Akin, the chameleon is torn between keeping a wife because of her father’s largesse, and stalking Shay. You also have Nigel, popularly called Mista Naija, and the perception that he is a double-faced person only after Nigeria’s black gold and black beauty. And Ese, Shay’s boyfriend at the university is the good guy who loses out eventually despite his love for Shay. And many others spread across the work’s 350 pages and 51 chapters of sweet swift storytelling. Essentially, all these characters, especially Shay, are metaphors of Nigeria in different shades and contexts.

    As a lover of great narration and good storytelling, I would have given the work a perfect 100 per cent score, but for a few instances of grammar and syntax breaches and typographical errors. But these do not in any way water down the suspense laden, punchy narration and poetic essence of the work. Aesthetically, the work is finely set with pages well laid out and font large enough to make reading smooth. The cover page is colourfully designed and attractively set too.    

    In the novel Juju Eyes, the author’s mastery of the English nuances comes to play. His deployment of short, punchy sentences help to elevate the racy narration for maximum effect. This increases the ease of readability too, as the reader is not burdened by long winding compound-complex sentences. I have read Sam Omatseye’s My Name is Okoro(prose about the Nigerian Civil War) and Scented Offal(collection of poems), and I thought they were great. But Juju Eyes is a master-piece in which Sam shows that he is both a master of prose and poetry. In fact, Juju Eyes can be fittingly described as poetry in longhand or prosaic poetry. It is a book for all lovers of art!

    • Olatunbosun is a broadcast journalist, fact-checker and book reviewer at Splash FM 105.5, Ibadan. He can be reached via 08023517565 (SMS and WhatsApp only) and email molatunbosun@splashfm1055.com

  • With Adedeji’s FIRS, revenue keeps looking up

    With Adedeji’s FIRS, revenue keeps looking up

    By Rabiu Usman

    ‘The Gross Statutory Revenue of N2.094 trillion received for the month was higher than the sum of N2.084 trillion received in the previous month by N10.023 billion.”

    Above was from the Communique issued by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) at the end of its June 2025 meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

    In the last few months, that has been a consistent statement coming from FAAC meetings. Thanks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foresightedness in putting a square peg in the square hole of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

    Since that square peg, Dr. Zaccheus Adedeji, took charge of the FIRS square hole as the Executive Chairman, revenue generation has been an up, up story.

    In May, a total sum of N1. 681 trillion was shared to the three tiers of government as Federation Allocation for the month of April 2025 from a gross total revenue of N2.084 trillion.

    READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu at 60

    The Gross Statutory Revenue of N2.084 trillion received for the month of April was higher than the sum of N1.718 trillion received in March by N365.595 billion.

    Significantly,  revenue from Value Added Tax (VAT) for the month of April 2025, was N642.265 billion as against N637.618 Billion in March. In other words,  VAT revenue increased by N4.6 billion in April.

    The gross statutory revenue of N2.094 trillion received for the month of May, was higher than the sum of N2.084 trillion received in the month of April by N10.023 billion.

    Also in May, N742.820 billion was realised from VAT alone,  N100.555 billion higher than April’s N642.265 billion.

    In 2024, Dr Zacch Adedeji, and his team set N19.4 trillion as revenue target, a significant increase of 56.9 per cent from the 2023 revenue.

    This target was not only met by the FIRS under Dr Zacch Adedeji, it was surpassed. N21.6 trillion was generated, exceeding the 2024 target by N2.2 trillion.

    For 2025, an ambitious N25.2 trillion target was set, N3.6 trillion higher than the revenue generated in 2024, and from all indications, that target will not only be met, it will most probably be surpassed.

    For the Nigeria’s “Zaccheus The Tax Collector,” realization of the 2025 revenue target of N25.2 trillion is being anchored on the strategic pillars of capacity building and training, infrastructure and facility enhancement, as well as technological advancement.

    And the initiatives of Dr Zacch Adedeji, including the integration of new modules into the TaxProMax system, which has automated over 80 percent of previously manual processes and streamlined revenue collection and simplified obtaining tax clearances for contractors, are not being unnoticed.

    Few weeks ago in London, United Kingdom, his outstanding performance and exemplary leadership, was recognized by the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA) during its 96th management committee meeting.

    CATA, with its headquarters in London, has members drawn from 47 countries. It promotes efficient tax administration among member countries with special focus on developing economies.

    It is on record that Dr. Zacch Adedeji, who recently completed his tenure as President of CATA,  helped to steer critical tax reforms across member countries.

    For this and many more,  CATA’s executive director, Dr Esther Koisin and the chair, Mr Mahmad Noor, were full of praise for the FIRS boss, for his invaluable contributions and strategic insight in the administration of the body.

    And at home, it has been accolades upon accolades for the country’s version of the Biblical Zaccheus, the Tax Collector.

    • Usman, a public affairs commentator lives in Abuja

  • Tinubu’s visit to Benue: People’s expectations going forward

    Tinubu’s visit to Benue: People’s expectations going forward

    By Solomon Iorpev

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State has sparked hope and expectations among the people, who have been grappling with the scourge of violent attacks from armed herders. The President’s visit, which was aimed at assessing the security situation in the state, has been hailed as a welcome development by the people, who are eager to see tangible solutions to their plight.

    Benue State has been plagued by a series of calculated, deliberate, intentional violent attacks, (the latest being the massacre in Yelewata), with intent of total annihilation of the people for the sole purpose of grabbing their land. This has led to a massive loss of lives and destruction of properties. The people of the state, under the leadership of his excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia have cried out time and again to the Federal government, and President Tinubu’s visit has raised hopes that the federal government is finally taking the plight of the people more seriously.

    During his visit, President Tinubu met with the governor, security agencies and other stakeholders, behind closed doors and directed the military and other security agencies to intensify their efforts to restore peace and security to the state. He also assured the people of Benue State that the federal government is committed to ensuring their safety and security.

    The President’s directives to the security agencies especially during the town hall meeting gave a lot of hope to the people who are expecting to see positive results sooner than later, as they are eager to see an end to the violence and insecurity that has plagued the state for so long. The people are hopeful that the President’s visit will mark a turning point in the fight against insecurity in the state.

    One of the key expectations of the people is that the President’s visit will lead to increased security presence in the state. The people want to see more deployment of soldiers, policemen, and other security agents to the state especially the villages to protect them from attacks. They also want to see the security agencies working more effectively to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of violence and insecurity.

    READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu at 60

    The people of Benue State also expect the President to address the root causes of insecurity in the state. This was made clear in the speech delivered by the Tor Tiv, the paramount of the Tiv people worldwide and chairman Benue State traditional council, HRM, Orchivirigh, Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse CFR, when he said “wrong diagnosis will lead to wrong treatment..” He said the Benue problem was not a clash but an attack on the peaceful and peace-loving farmers of the state. The people are therefore expectant that the government will address the core issues and contributing factors to the insecurity in the state.

    In addition to these expectations, the people of Benue State are also hoping that the President’s visit will lead to reconciliation and peacebuilding in the state. The state has been plagued by such conflicts and violence that are in some instances encouraged by some political actors. This too was alluded to by the Tor Tiv. He said some are engineering and or backing conflicts to the extent that a state of emergency will be declared in the state and the Alia led administration removed. This is totally unacceptable  and the people are eager to see the government working to bring people together and promote peace and understanding for the sake of the state.

    President Tinubu’s visit to Benue State has been widely welcomed by the people, who are eager to see tangible results. The President’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the people is a step in the right direction, and the people are hopeful that his directives will yield positive results.

    As the people of Benue State await the implementation of the President’s directives, they are also calling on the government to ensure that the security agencies are equipped and empowered to carry out their duties effectively. They want to see the government providing the necessary resources and support to the security agencies in addition to what Governor Alia has already provided including the 100 Hilux Trucks and 600 motor bikes, so that they can effectively protect the people and restore peace to the state.

    Another expectation of the people is the quick response to the demand by the state governor, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia for state police. This is very important. It is a very well-known fact that for security to be effective, it must be local. All countries of the world that have effective security architecture, build its base locally. The governor had requested the president to give approval for the establishment of state police to guarantee perfect intel as a result of perfect territorial knowledge and maneuverings to bring a total end to this menace.

    In conclusion, President Tinubu’s visit to Benue State has raised hopes and expectations among the people, who are eager to see tangible solutions to their plight. The President’s directives to the security agencies are expected to yield positive results, and the people are hopeful that his visit will mark a turning point in the fight against insecurity in the state. As the people of Benue State await the implementation of the President’s directives, they are also calling on the government to ensure that the security agencies are equipped and empowered to carry out their duties effectively.

    It is therefore not out of place to say that the success of the President’s visit will depend on the effective implementation of his directives. The people of Benue State are watching closely to see whether the government will deliver on its promises or give excuses.  It is a test of government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security its citizens. The president must therefore ensure that the root causes of insecurity in Benue state are addressed permanently.

    • Hon. Solomon Iorpev is Technical Adviser to the Benue state governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic communication

  • Sorry state of governance in Kwara

    Sorry state of governance in Kwara

    Sir: In a week that should have spoken of progress in Kwara State, what echoed instead were sorrow, grief, and government silence. The ongoing Kwara Hotel renovation project, once presented as a symbol of development, has turned into a site of tragedy. Three workers lost their lives in a single week, including Abdulfatai Adebayo, a young electrician and father of four whose wife is heavily pregnant.

    Yet, as the dust settled over the bodies crushed by a collapsed perimeter fence, all the bereaved family received from the construction company contracted by the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led government over capable local companies, was a bag of rice, some cooking oil, and fruits. This is the state of governance in Kwara under a man who once rode on the collective outrage of the O to ge revolution. Today, the very values that powered his ascent have been discarded, and what remains is a government adrift, indifferent to the sufferings of its people.

    The deaths at Kwara Hotel were not an isolated incident. They are part of a broader pattern of state abandonment and elite insensitivity. The construction firm overseeing the renovation was controversially handed a presumably bloated N23.4 billion contract, up from an earlier N17.8 billion, after a local contractor was side-lined. What started as a N5 billion project has now become a symbol of waste, blood, and betrayal.

    Meanwhile, insecurity continues to ravage the northern and southern parts of the state. In the Tashagi community, Edu Local Government Area, bandits struck, killing a cattle rearer and abducting five of his children. In Gbugbu, a businessman and his manager remained in captivity weeks after their abduction. Hon. Ahmed Adamu Saba, a member of the House of Representatives, has publicly appealed to the governor and federal authorities. But the man who occupies the seat of power in Ilorin seemingly remains unbothered.

    Governor AbdulRazaq has abdicated his role as the Chief Security Officer of the state. His silence is not statesmanlike; it is dangerous. When lives are lost; when communities are under siege, leadership demands more than silence; it demands presence, empathy, and action. None of these have been forthcoming.

    Even more troubling is the governor’s open war against traditional institutions and political rivals. The monarchs of Kwara South recently cried out over the governor’s neglect of their domains. Instead of uniting the state, AbdulRazaq has alienated the custodians of tradition and culture. Instead of focusing on governance, he is obsessed with demolishing projects linked to fellow APC members like Senator Saliu Mustapha and Hon. Mashood Mustapha, men who were comrades in the O to ge struggle.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Brazil deepen strategic ties with $1bn agric deal

    Not once, but twice, the governor reportedly denied Senator Saliu Mustapha the opportunity to implement legitimate federal government constituency projects, thereby depriving Kwarans of infrastructural benefits that could have eased their burdens. In another vindictive move, he demolished a multibillion-naira property belonging to Hon. Mashood Mustapha, not for public interest, but for no just cause other than for political reasons. This is not governance; it is petty vengeance weaponised through state power.

    The implications are grave, not only for Kwara State but also for the 2027 re-election strategy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. AbdulRazaq’s growing unpopularity, his battles with royal fathers, his controversial projects, and his insensitivity to human tragedy have made him a liability. He no longer represents the hope of 2019; he represents the disappointment of 2025. Aligning the president’s campaign with AbdulRazaq’s battered credibility in Kwara will not strengthen the APC; it will weaken it.

    The people of Kwara are watching. The O to ge movement they once championed has been betrayed. The presidency only needs to listen to the voices rising from Ilorin to Patigi, from Gbugbu to Offa. These voices are not just mourning the dead. They are mourning the lost promise of a government that promised change but delivered calamity.

    Kwara deserves better. Nigeria deserves better. And President Tinubu deserves a stronger footing than what Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq currently offers.

    •Wahab Oba, Ilorin Kwara State.

  • As the world celebrates ‘Day of the Seafarer’

    As the world celebrates ‘Day of the Seafarer’

     Sir: June 25 as has become customary, the global maritime community comes together to celebrate the unsung heroes of global shipping, the seafarers, under the auspices of the “Day of the Seafarer”. The Day of the Seafarer is a vital reminder of the critical role these exceptional individuals play in ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted flow of global trade and essential goods. Without them, the seamless supply of valuables across borders would be nearly impossible.

    The Day of the Seafarer, an observance day recognized by the United Nations, was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in Manila, Philippines to adopt the revised Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping (STCW) Convention. Its stated purpose is to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade and the world economy.

    This year, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched a compelling campaign aimed at eradicating bullying, harassment, and discrimination at sea. It is only fitting that the IMO has chosen this year’s theme—“My Harassment-Free Ship”—to reinforce the importance of safeguarding those who dedicate their lives to life at sea.

    The 2025 campaign brings to the forefront the urgent need to foster safe, respectful, and inclusive working environments on board vessels. According to the IMO, this year’s campaign aims to:

    •Raise awareness about the reality of harassment at sea.

    •Promote proactive industry action to implement zero-tolerance policies.

    •Encourage reporting and accountability through safe and accessible channels.

     •Equip seafarers with the resources and support necessary to combat harassment.

    This theme highlights the often-overlooked challenges faced by seafarers who work under isolated and hierarchical conditions at sea, far from the protections typically available on land. Unfortunately, the reality is that a significant number of seafarers—both women and men—have experienced bullying, discrimination, and abuse while on duty. These incidents have far-reaching effects on their mental health, job performance, and overall well-being.

    Read Also: Nigeria benefits from $50 million Malala Fund’s global girls’ education investment

    In a message to this year’s Day of the Seafarer, the IMO Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez noted that to underscore the importance of a harassment-free shipping, the “IMO has taken a decisive step to amend the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for seafarers code, mandating training for all seafarers on preventing and addressing violence and harassment”.

    Seafarers are among the most vulnerable workers due to the demanding and high-risk nature of their jobs. They sacrifice time with their families, personal comfort, and sometimes even their lives, just to keep the wheel of global commerce moving. It is therefore unacceptable that such selfless service is repaid with harassment. The very least the world can offer them is a workplace where dignity and respect are non-negotiable.

    Unlike land-based workers, seafarers often lack accessible reporting mechanisms due to the remote nature of their work, strict on-board hierarchies, and fear of victimization. Many suffer in silence. The “My Harassment-Free Ship” campaign seeks to break this silence by promoting a culture of respect, accountability, and support. IMO’s focus on this issue is commendable and timely.

    Protecting seafarers requires a united front. Maritime nations must take a more proactive stance by establishing monitoring systems that ensure the safety and well-being of crew members at all times. The responsibility is collective, and so should be the actions.

    In Nigeria, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) continues to prioritize seafarer welfare. Complaints raised by seafarers regarding unfair treatment are often promptly addressed, with dedicated committees set up to mediate and resolve such issues. This is a clear indication of institutional commitment.

    In line with this year’s theme, NIMASA has already taken steps to establish real-time reporting channels, ensuring that seafarers have immediate access to support and intervention when needed.

    To sustain the future of maritime trade, efforts must be intensified to make the profession attractive and safe for the next generation. This includes implementing strong protective policies and enforcing strict penalties against perpetrators of harassment, particularly at sea. The acute shortage of seafaring personnel globally makes this point more important and even urgent.

    The world must continue to recognize the indispensable role of seafarers—not just in words, but in action. Their welfare should remain a top priority for every government and industry stakeholder.

    As the world mark this year’s Day of the Seafarer, let it go beyond symbolic optics into tangible commitments. The change we seek begins with collective accountability—from governments to shipping companies, crew members to the general public. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to rise to the challenge of creating ships that are not only seaworthy but also safe, respectful spaces where every seafarer can thrive. Because truly, seafarers make the world go round.

     •Obiageli Chuma Ugbo, NIMASA, Lagos.

  • Mangu: A country without justice

    Mangu: A country without justice

    Sir: On their way to a wedding somewhere in Plateau State, a busload of passengers travelling all the way from Zaria was attacked in Mangu by armed men somewhere in Mangu. About a dozen passengers including women and children were killed and many others injured.

    There is no context that can justify such an iniquitous act of injustice, but Mangu, the hometown of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and the local government where he was once chairman, has become a land flowing with cold blood. These attacks more than confirm an unfinished business of blood.

    In 2023, after particularly heated and close elections during which Caleb Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party and Nentawe Yilwatda of the All Progressives Congress ran neck to neck, the PDP clinched a victory that was subsequently contested all the way to the Supreme Court.

    But even before the matter went to the election petition tribunal, the local government became the venue of many deadly attacks. The intensity and frequency of the attacks seemed to suggest that they were as much about insecurity as about politics.

    Although thr killings that came on the heels of the election quickly died down, but the deadly attacks which erupted out of nowhere against helpless, hapless and defenceless passengers exposed Mangu, Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole as a country without justice.

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    In what sort of country do citizens feel so secure in their abominable criminality that they attack innocent travellers and set their vehicle ablaze with them in it? In what kind of country do people travel with their hearts in their mouths, painfully aware that any moment could be their last as a result of insecurity?

    It is incredible how many Nigerians have lost their lives in agonizing circumstances in the last few years, and just how lost the government appears to be in obtaining justice for them and finding a lasting solution to the killings.

    There is also a lot not going for Nigerians at the moment. If the country is falling at the hands of a challenged government, must citizens also turn on themselves and become killers of one another?

    When crimes are committed and there is no accountability leading to justice, it is usually only a matter of time before the criminals who have not been put away strike again. Injustice only ever breeds more injustice.

     As for those who kill because of politics, religion and ethnic affiliations, the shocking disdain they show for human life can never detract from the sanctity or inviolability of human life or from the fact that they will pay with as much in the near future.

    • Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

  • Edun and Cardoso: Two good heads, one economic vision

    Edun and Cardoso: Two good heads, one economic vision

    Sir: The recent meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, may well be described by the popular African proverb: “When two good heads come together, success is inevitable.”

    More than just a symbolic handshake, their strategic engagement signals a critical phase in aligning Nigeria’s fiscal and monetary policies, with far-reaching implications for the nation’s economic trajectory.

    Coming at a time when inflation has eased to 22.97% in May, a notable retreat from the crisis levels witnessed earlier in the year, this high-level meeting underscores a shared commitment to consolidating recent gains, restoring investor confidence, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable, private sector-led growth.

    Under the current administration, the Central Bank has undertaken a series of reforms aimed at stabilising the macroeconomic environment. The bank, now redefined as pragmatic, forward-looking, and people-centric, has demonstrated clear intent to rebuild confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.

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    One key highlight was the May 13 launch of the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN) platform, a landmark digital initiative developed with NIBSS to allow Nigerians in the diaspora to register their BVN remotely. This innovation is not only enhancing financial inclusion but also holds promise for increasing remittance inflows and bolstering foreign exchange liquidity, a critical element in Nigeria’s economic puzzle.

    Barely a week after that, during the 300th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, the CBN unanimously retained its key policy tools: the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 27.5%, Cash Reserve Ratios at 50% for Deposit Money Banks and 16% for Merchant Banks, and the Liquidity Ratio at 30%. These decisions reflect a clear resolve to maintain policy consistency and prevent backsliding, even as inflation shows early signs of moderation and external reserves begin to improve.

    Meanwhile, Edun and the fiscal authorities have focused on reducing wastage, driving revenue reform, and plugging leakages in public finance. The renewed coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the CBN seeks to build upon these efforts, ensuring that fiscal spending and monetary tightening are not working at cross-purposes but are instead aligned to stabilize prices, stimulate production, and reduce the cost of living.

    The significance of this collaboration cannot be overstated. In the past, poor coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities has created confusion in the market, discouraged investment, and stifled growth. But today, the two institutions are speaking with one voice, and that unity is already producing green shoots of recovery.

    Looking ahead, the road is still long. Nigeria faces structural challenges in energy, agriculture, and industrial productivity. Global commodity prices remain unpredictable, and external shocks can disrupt progress. Yet with steady coordination, a strong policy framework, and a shared sense of urgency, the country is better positioned to navigate these headwinds.

    This meeting is therefore more than a footnote in economic reporting, it is a turning point. When two good heads come together with a clear purpose, there is every reason to hope that the outcome will be not just progress, but prosperity.

    •Zekeri Idakwo Laruba,idakwozekeri93@gmail.com