₦airaland Forum

A Presidency That Celebrates Comparison Instead of Performance

By Comr Vincent Aluu PhD

During a recent commissioning of projects in Bayelsa State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu attempted to respond to public frustration over rising fuel prices by drawing a comparison between Nigeria and Kenya. His message, in essence, was that Nigerians should take comfort in the fact that conditions are supposedly worse elsewhere, particularly in Kenya.

Framed as reassurance, it came across less like leadership grounded in analysis and more like an attempt to normalize hardship through selective comparison.

The problem with that framing is not just political—it is intellectual. A serious national leader does not measure economic wellbeing by isolated fuel pump prices.

Development is not captured by a single commodity. It is assessed through a broad set of indicators such as inflation, income levels, productivity, employment, purchasing power, and human development outcomes.

Reducing a complex national crisis to a casual cross-country comparison is not governance—it is simplification of a deeply structural failure.

A proper comparison between Nigeria and Kenya actually reveals a far more complicated picture. Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil producer, with vast crude reserves and significantly higher resource inflows. Kenya, by contrast, is a non-oil economy that relies on agriculture, tourism, and services.

Yet Nigeria continues to struggle with fuel affordability, largely due to refinery collapse, import dependence, currency instability, and inconsistent policy direction. Kenya may experience higher nominal fuel prices at times, but its broader economic coordination and diversification provide a more stable structure for long-term planning.

Even in electoral governance, the contrast is instructive. Nigeria’s elections remain heavily contested, often surrounded by allegations of irregularities, logistical failures, and recurring disputes that end up in prolonged litigation.

While institutions like the electoral commission exist, public trust remains fragile and outcomes are frequently challenged. Kenya, though not perfect, has demonstrated stronger moments of institutional independence, including instances where courts have annulled presidential elections and ordered fresh polls—an unusual but significant expression of judicial courage in African governance.

On corruption and accountability, both countries face challenges, but the depth and institutionalization differ. Nigeria continues to battle entrenched corruption linked to resource distribution, particularly in the oil sector, alongside weak enforcement of accountability mechanisms.

Political incentives are often shaped more by control of power than by measurable governance outcomes. Kenya, while also affected by corruption, has seen relatively stronger civic pressure, more assertive media scrutiny, and more visible attempts at anti-corruption enforcement, even if imperfect.

The broader governance outcomes reflect these structural differences. Kenya has made more visible progress in certain areas of infrastructure, urban planning, and service delivery systems, especially in major cities.

Nigeria, despite its larger economy and resource base, continues to grapple with unstable electricity supply, infrastructure deficits, inflationary pressure, and declining purchasing power.

The paradox is stark: greater resources, but weaker everyday outcomes for citizens.

Against this background, the deeper issue is not the comparison itself, but the philosophy behind it. A government that asks citizens to feel satisfied because others are also struggling is not setting a standard of excellence—it is lowering expectations. Leadership is not about finding countries that are worse off; it is about establishing measurable progress at home and raising national performance benchmarks consistently over time.

This becomes even more concerning in a political environment where governance is increasingly overshadowed by political consolidation.

The most visible achievements often appear to be the expansion of party influence and the absorption of political defectors, rather than transformative improvements in living conditions. When political maneuvering becomes more prominent than structural reform, governance risks becoming performative rather than developmental.

There is also a broader cultural concern about the treatment of data and evidence in public policy discourse. When statistics are casually dismissed or treated as secondary to rhetoric, policymaking risks losing its anchor in reality. A country of over 200 million people requires decisions grounded in evidence, not impressions or selective comparisons.

Without that, governance becomes reactive, inconsistent, and detached from measurable outcomes.

Ultimately, what was expressed in Bayelsa reflects a deeper leadership challenge. Nigeria does not need reassurance that it is doing better than another struggling country in one narrow indicator. It needs evidence of sustained improvement across all major indicators of national life. The real benchmark should not be Kenya, or any other country, but Nigeria’s own potential relative to its resources, population, and historical advantages.

Until that standard becomes the basis of governance, comparisons like these will continue to feel less like reassurance and more like evasion. Nigeria does not need consolation narratives. It needs performance.

Governor Nwifuru’s Reckless Response to Amasiri–Edda Crisis

By Comr Vincent Aluu PhD

I watched the video where Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the instant sack of all appointees from Amasiri community — including commissioners, traditional rulers, town union executives, village heads, and political appointees — because of the clash between the Ndukwe people of Amasiri and the Okporojo people of Edda LGA.

Let me be clear: O am not holding for anyone; my disappointment isn’t about one decision — it is about reckless leadership driven by emotion, not justice or peace.

I am aware that the latest attack on Okporojo was carried out by persons alleged to be from the Ndukwe community of Amasiri, resulting in the death of four people whose heads were reportedly severed, houses burnt, and properties destroyed.

To the families who lost loved ones and the people of Okporojo, I offer heartfelt sympathy. No one should take the law into their own hands. No one has the right to snuff out another life. Those truly culpable must be brought to justice.

But let us not pretend this is a new issue.
This violent land dispute has been raging for years — with documented killings of multiple persons, including a pregnant woman and others in renewed attacks between these communities

People have appealed to Governor Nwifuru before to intervene and prevent loss of life.

So the questions are obvious and unavoidable:
• What has government done over the years to proactively bring lasting peace?
Has any commission of inquiry ever been set up?
What were its findings?
Were they implemented?
• Were the sacked aides, commissioners, town union leaders, and traditional rulers — many of whom have served faithfully in our government — actually complicit in this dispute?

If you believe that, then produce the evidence. Not emotional rhetoric.

• Is Governor Nwifuru now telling Ebonyians that Okporojo people are innocent and rightful owners of the land while Amasiri people are guilty until proven innocent?

Why punish only Amasiri people when both sides have blood on their hands?
This is not justice.
This is executive recklessness.
This is rash governance driven by anger, optics, and the desire to be seen as “doing something” — rather than strategic intervention to stop violence and heal wounds.

A governor who truly loves his people does not single-handedly destroy confidence in one community without a clear, evidence-based due process.

A governor worth his salt would:
✔ Set up a boundary commission with independent assessors.
✔ Document historical ownership and agreements.
✔ Convene peace talks with guarantors.
✔ Deploy security and mediation teams before violence escalates.
✔ Offer reparations and enforce justice across both sides.

Instead, what we saw was public humiliation of one community — stripping traditional rulers of their certificates, dissolving unions, and sacking appointees without transparent proof of their guilt.

This sends a dangerous message — that political leadership can be arbitrarily dismantled on emotional impulse, not rule of law.

And to the people of Amasiri, I say this clearly:
Do not be drawn into vengeance.
Do not turn this political miscarriage into a war.
No more bloodshed.
No more cycles of retaliation.
Seek unity, not fragmentation.

The path to peace is not through scapegoating.
It is through fairness, dialogue, accountability, and truth.

Governor Nwifuru must retract this reckless action — or at least justify it with facts, not feelings.

He must sit down with both communities and ensure lasting solutions, not punitive expeditions.

Ebonyi deserves leadership that unites, not leadership that provokes further division.

Academic Administrator | Public Policy Scholar | Governance & Media Professional
Professional Profile

Dr. Vincent Ogbonnia Aluu is a seasoned academic administrator, public policy scholar, and governance professional with over 18 years of progressive, cross-sector experience spanning higher education administration, public sector governance, financial services, research, media practice, and strategic communications.

He currently serves as Registrar, College of Nursing Sciences, Obohia Ndoki, Ukwa East LGA, Abia State, where he provides strategic leadership in academic governance, regulatory compliance, institutional administration, and policy implementation within a tertiary health education environment.

Dr. Aluu possesses a strong interdisciplinary background in public administration, governance, journalism, and human resource management, positioning him competitively for senior academic, research, policy, and administrative leadership roles at national and international levels.

Core Areas of Expertise

Public Policy & Governance
Higher Education Administration
Research, Documentation & Knowledge Management
Media Relations & Strategic Communication
Human Resource & Project Management
Banking & Financial Operations
Digital Media, Branding & Content Strategy
Negotiation & Conflict Resolution

Academic Qualifications

PhD, Public Administration – University of Uyo
MSc, Public Administration
MBA, Human Resource Management – National Open University of Nigeria
BSc, Policy & Administrative Studies – University of Calabar
Diploma, Public Administration
Diploma, Computer Studies
Postgraduate Diploma, Journalism – International Institute of Journalism, Abuja
Graduate Course Certificate – School of Disciples, Christ Redeemer’s Ministries (RCCG)

Professional Certifications & Executive Training

Certificate in Digital Journalism – Reuters Digital Journalism School
Certificate in Negotiation – United States Institute of Peace
Certificate in International Volunteerism
E-Commerce Certification – E-Marketing Institute
Social Media Marketing Certification – E-Marketing Institute
Human Resource Management – Oxford Home Study Centre
Project Management – Oxford Home Study Centre
Public Relations – Brentwood Open Learning College
Professional Soft Skills Certificate – Jobberman
Winner, 2020 MTN Y’ello 200 Revv Masterclass Programme
Professional Experience

Dr. Aluu’s professional career spans banking, public service, academia, research, media, and consultancy.

He worked in the banking sector with United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc between 2008 and 2012, serving in key operational roles including Funds Transfer Officer, Relief Cash Officer, Operations Manager, and ATM Management Custodian. He later served as Manager, Research, Administration, and Strategy at Stanford Microfinance Bank Limited.

From 2013 to date, he has built a distinguished profile in media relations, research, documentation, content creation, and strategic branding, serving as:
Media Aide / Public Relations Consultant to several organizations and public figures
Media Aide to the former Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Transport, Prince Godwin Ntukudeh, PhD
Media Aide to the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (now Senator), Sen. Aniekan Bassey, PhD
Research & Documentation Assistant to the Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, PhD

Scholarship, Research & Publications

Dr. Aluu is an active scholar whose research interests focus on federalism, governance, public finance, and natural resource management. He combines intellectual rigor with practical policy insight, producing works that address core governance challenges in Nigeria.

Books
Contemporary Issues in Nigeria’s Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations
Natural Resource Governance in Nigeria: Principles, Practice and Prospects
Rare Leadership Brand: X-Raying Udom Emmanuel’s “Service Before Self” Philosophy

Peer-Reviewed Articles & Scholarly Publications

Aluu, V. O. (2018). True Federalism and Restructuring in Nigeria. SSRN Electronic Journal. Working Paper No. 3155096.
Aluu, V. O. (2018). Federalism, Governance and National Development in Nigeria. SSRN Electronic Journal. Working Paper No. 3167400.
Aluu, V. O. (2023). Akwa Ibom: Eco-Friendly Environment and Entrepreneurship. AKSEPWMA.
Onuoha, B. & Aluu, V. O. (2024). Natural Resource Governance and Socio-Economic Development in Nigeria: A Study of NEITI and NSIA. Indexed on Researcher.Life / Discovery.
Onuoha, B. & Aluu, V. O. (2024). Nigeria’s Resource Governance and Rentier Political Economy: Issues, Challenges and Prospects (forthcoming).
Professional Membership & Personal Profile

Dr. Aluu is an ordained Deacon of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). He is happily married to Nelly, and their union is blessed with three children.

By Aluu Vincent

In recent years, protests have become an increasingly common feature of our societal landscape. From demands for social justice to calls for environmental action, individuals and groups are taking to the streets to express their grievances and push for change. However, the response to these protests has often been marked by intimidation, threats, and reckless statements, rather than constructive dialogue and engagement. Responding to protest and meeting protest demands, rather than resorting to aggressive tactics, is the key to building a more just and equitable society.

When confronted with protest, those in power often resort to intimidation and aggression. This approach may provide a temporary solution, but it ultimately fails to address the underlying issues driving the protest. In fact, intimidation and aggression can often escalate tensions, leading to further conflict and division. Moreover, such tactics undermine trust and credibility, making it even more challenging to find a resolution.

In contrast, proactive dialogue offers a constructive and sustainable approach to responding to protest. By engaging with protesters and listening to their concerns, those in power can begin to build trust and understanding. This approach allows for the identification of common goals and the exploration of potential solutions. Moreover, proactive dialogue demonstrates a commitment to democratic values and the principles of justice and equality.

As an undergraduate at the University of Calabar,I alongside other student leaders in the Department of Public Policy and Administration, led a protest against the University authority over what we viewed as unfair treatment regarding our status as students. We took our protests to the Governor’s office then Mr Donald Duke, later the premises of Cross River Broadcasting Corporation and later the office of the Vice Chancellor. I was the spokesperson for the group. The Vice Chancellor listened to our demands carefully and promised to look into it. Although we did not enjoy the benefits of the protest,students after us benefited. The Commissioner of Police then deployed fully equipped officers to ensure peaceful protest until we dispersed. No one was intimidated, lampooned upon or threatened with jail terms. Severally I have led protests against extortion by lecturers back them, some of which led to my failing the courses affected but that never deterred me from speaking for the students until demands are met.

The 2020 EndSARS protests in Nigeria provide a powerful example of how not to handle a protest.

The EndSARS protest was a nationwide demonstration in Nigeria that began in 2017 and gained significant momentum in 2020. The protest was primarily focused on ending the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian Police Force that was accused of human rights violations, brutality, and extortion. The protest was sparked by a video showing SARS officers harassing and extorting a young man. The video went viral on social media, leading to widespread outrage and calls for the disbandment of SARS. The EndSARS protest was characterized by peaceful demonstrations across major cities in Nigeria, use of social media to mobilize and raise awareness,demands for police reform and accountability, solidarity protests from Nigerians in the diaspora.

The protesters called for:
1. Immediate release of all arrested protesters
2. Justice for all deceased victims of police brutality
3. Compensation for families of victims
4. Immediate reform of the Nigeria Police Force
5. Establishment of a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate police brutality
6. Psychological evaluation and retraining of SARS officers
7. Increase in police salary to improve welfare

Despite its peaceful demeanor, the government of Muhammadu Buhari was not comfortable with it and decided to play the ostrich. On October 20, 2020, Nigerian Army troops opened fire on unarmed EndSARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos, Nigeria. The Lekki killing, also known as the Lekki toll gate massacre, refers to the shooting of unarmed protesters at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos, Nigeria on October 20, 2020. The protesters were demonstrating against police brutality and extortion by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) as part of the EndSARS movement. Government did nothing to listen to the protesters. In fact government dismissed the protesters as not worthy of attention. They were wrong.

On that day, a group of protesters had gathered at the Lekki toll gate, a major highway in Lagos, to continue their peaceful protest. However, around 6:45 pm, members of the Nigerian Army and police arrived at the scene and began shooting at the protesters. The shooting resulted in the deaths of several people, with estimates ranging from 12 to 78 fatalities.The Lekki killing was widely condemned by human rights organizations, governments, and individuals around the world. The Nigerian government initially denied any involvement in the shooting, but later admitted that the military was present at the scene.

The incident sparked widespread outrage and protests across Nigeria, with many calling for accountability and justice for the victims. The Lekki killing has become a symbol of the EndSARS movement and a rallying cry for demands for police reform and government accountability in Nigeria.

Four years after, government seems not to have learnt any lesson as most of the endsars demands are yet to be met. Instead governance seems to be deteriorating for the worse as unemployment, poverty, insecurity, injustice and corruption seem to be increasing by the day. The coming on board of the Tinubu government albeit without the people’s legitimacy, has not changed a thing as the renewed hope had turned to renewed hopelessness. The proposed 2024 End Bad Governance protest demands include:
1. Immediate resignation of corrupt government officials
2. Reduction in government officials' salaries and benefits
3. Increased funding for education and healthcare
4. Implementation of electoral reforms to ensure free and fair elections
5. Accountability for mismanaged funds and resources
6. Immediate action to address insecurity and poverty
7. Constitutional reforms to ensure true federalism and devolution of power
8. Transparency and accountability in government dealings

Now instead of dialoguing and engaging the protesters, government as usual has resorted to the usual tactics of intimidation, terming a yet to be held protest as violent, threats, arrests and clamp down on protesters.

Incidentally those who kicked against the endsars protest are the same actors in government today. Nigerian youths are planning protests across the nation soon. The same disgruntled and unfortunate greedy set of politicians are twisting the narratives against a peaceful protest. They have even gone ahead to tag it an igbo protest Sowore is calling for Protest, Seun Kuti is calling for Protest, Sheik Gumi is calling for Protest,VeryDarkMan is calling for Protest,Deji Adeyanju is calling for protest and even Market women are calling for protest. Yet a failed government is accusing Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour in the last election. These same selfish leaders had one time or the other staged protests against what they term bad governance, the sky did not break. Yet today all agents and machinery of government are let loose against a peaceful protest. The DSS, the Police, even compromised traditional institutions and government agencies have been issuing empty press releases in a bid to prevent the protests. This is rather reactionary and not proactive.

After the 2020 endsars protest then Bola Ahmed Tinubu had this say, “The use of strong force against any peaceful protesters is indefensible, completely outside the norms of a democratic society and progressive political culture to which I aspire and have devoted my public life.

Because of my strong belief in the right to protest and my adherence to democratic ideals, I was among those who actively protested the annulment of the June 12 election. I eagerly joined and sometimes led multitudes who took to the streets to protest the singular injustice of that historic moment. We demanded the establishment of a new democracy in Nigeria. Those protests are a part of the reason we have democracy in Nigeria today. They laid the foundation for the youth today to protest and to call to the fore their grievances whenever our social or political institutions fail them in a material way.
Thus, I cannot not wax nostalgic about pro-democracy protests of the 1990s yet castigate those who today protest against any form of institutionalized brutality”.

The DSS characteristic of her, issued a warning to the protesters to shelve the planned protest. “While peaceful protest is a democratic right of citizens, the Service has confirmed a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land. The Service has also identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors, and collaborators of the plot. However, it does not think that aggression should be the first line of action in the instance, in handling the emerging scenario”. the statement read

Oba Lukman Adebambo, the Gbadewolu of Araromi in Lagos State, has warned protesters against actions that could damage the state's infrastructure. The monarch stated that those planning the upcoming protests are non-indigenes and reminded residents of Lagos of their accommodating nature. Adebambo said, "Whenever there is a protest, Lagos State's infrastructure takes the hardest hit. It's important to remember that Lagos State welcomes everyone, and its residents should not be made to regret their hospitality.

Bayo Onanuga, a presidential aide spoke the mind of the Tinubu government concerning the planned protest in a loquacious and reckless manner typical of his Principal. “The protest planners are also the same people who were instigated by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to launch the destructive ENDSARS protest in Nigeria in October 2020. IPOB members planning to extricate the South-East region from Nigeria infiltrated the protest and hijacked it for their own agenda.
“They are the people spreading the hashtags ‘EndBadGovernance,’ ‘Tinubu Must Go,’ and ‘Revolution2024.’ They are not democrats but anarchists.
“They are attempting to call out our people via propaganda because their Messiah, Peter Obi, failed to win the Presidency in the 2023 election.
“As bad losers, they don’t have the patience to wait for another election in 2027; they would rather destabilise Nigeria by staging a civilian coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Only bad,reckless and selfish leaders are jittery about protest for fear of being held accountable,losing power and control, exposure of their corruption and misdeeds, mobilization and organization of citizens, international attention and condemnation. Gladly President Tinubu has clearly said that protest is okay so long as it does not lead to violence. One year after being president, Bola Tinubu seems caged as he speaks through surrogates. He has not held any press conference to address Nigerians. All we desire hear are pre recorded speeches

“During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property”. How his government got to know that the planned protest will turn violent worries me except that they are the ones that will introduce violence in a bid to try to stop the protest or infiltrate the camp of the protesters. That has always been their antics.

By engaging with protesters and addressing these demands, the government can begin to build trust and credibility. This approach not only resolves the immediate conflict but also contributes to building a more just and equitable society. The response to protest should be proactive dialogue, not intimidation, threats, and reckless statements. By engaging with protesters and meeting their demands, those in power can build trust, resolve conflicts, and contribute to creating a more just and equitable society. As we move forward, it is essential that we adopt this approach, recognizing the power of protest as a catalyst for positive change.

Meeting protest demands is a crucial aspect of responding to protest. This does not mean conceding to every demand, but rather engaging in a process of negotiation and compromise. By working together, protesters and those in power can find mutually beneficial solutions that address the underlying issues driving the protest. This approach not only resolves the immediate conflict but also contributes to building a more just and equitable society.

By Protester Aluu Vincent

Dear Supposed Elder Statesman

I bring you greetings from the land where you ought to be enjoying your self imposed exile

I have read your letter to Nigerians telling them how to live their lives, how not to join the protest because Tinubu our President is from the South and is our son. I have also read how you noted why endsars protest did not take place in the North because the leaders agreed to support Buhari a Northerner

Much as I do not wish to join issues with you, it is important to note that your post does not sit well with Nigerians especially coming from a figure like you. It is very typical of you to make such posts. Why have you not gone on self imposed exile as you promised should Tinubu win?

One of the problems of Nigeria is exactly what this post is all about. “He is our son and our turn. Let him be there whether or not he is doing well”

So the rot of 60 years can’t be fixed in one year. Why did Tinubu manipulate the process to be president? Why did he subvert the will of the people and foist himself on us knowing that he lacks the academic, mental and physical skills to be President?

Sir are you aware that the coming of Tinubu, his anti people and anti development agenda has further undermined our existence and taken us 20 years behind modernity?

Between May 29, 2023 to date, 40 million Nigerians have slid into multidimensional poverty. That’s about 29% increase in just one year. Inflation has increased by almost 10%, unemployment rate moved up by 8%, purchasing power parity has been rubbished. Yet Bode George says he is our son. South West Abi South should not protest?

Sir you can’t preach morality to us when you have benefited hugely from a spoilt system. Government and governance fail due to failure of leadership to engender good governance.

Good governance presupposes that there is effective, efficient, and accountable management of a country, organization, or institution. It involves clear decision-making processes and access to information., leaders are responsible for their actions and decisions, citizens or stakeholders have a voice in decision-making, laws are fair, enforced equally, and protect human rights, government responds to citizens' needs and concerns. There is fair distribution of resources and optimal use of resources and minimal waste while all stakeholders are included in decision-making processes.

When good governance takes place, it leads to trust in government and institutions, economic growth and development, social justice and equality, human rights protection, Improved public services, reduced corruption and Increased citizen engagement and participation

Dear Chief, in your letter did you address the concerns of the protesters or what is instigating the protest? Did you send message to the leaders to enhance good governance and make attempts to fix the 60 years rot you alluded to? It is treasonable to want to vilify innocent Nigerians who are poor, hungry and impoverished on-account of bad governance while ignoring to reprimand the leaders who failed in their duty to do their jobs.

Dear Chief, could you please tell us one thing the Tinubu government has got right? You are busy quoting inflation figures in western world and how they change prime ministers like wrapper. Did you tell us how well their economy works, how the system works, how corruption is a taboo and how well the electoral process is? The places you mention loathe bad governance, that is why when leaders fail they honourably reign or are sacked. Tell me one Nigerian leader who resigned on account of failure?

For your information the Tinubu government is atypical replica of bad governance hence the need for the end bad governance protest. Bad governance means ineffective, inefficient, and unaccountable management of a country, organization, or institution.

It involves abuse of power for personal gain.which is corruption, favoritism towards family or friends.favoritism towards close associates, exchanging favors for political support, theft of public funds, incompetent or inefficient management, secretive decision-making processes, leaders are not responsible for their actions, disregard for citizens' rights and freedoms, unfair treatment of certain groups,wasteful use of resources and failure to achieve goals and objectives.

Dear Chief, do you think all the above has taken place in the Tinubu government? Point to one aspect of good governance that the Tinubu government has got right? Did he not promise renewed hope?Has it been achieved? One year to you is not enough to fix 60 years rot. But has there been a clear roadmap like the Arise Agenda of Governor Umo Eno to fix the 60 years rot? What practical steps has the Government put in place to take us out of our woes?

Have we not had increase in poverty and inequality, political instability, economic stagnation, social unrest, human rights abuses, Loss of public trust, corruption and fraud, inefficient public services and underdevelopment since Tinubu took over?

Walter Rodney notes

IF A NATION MUST TALK ABOUT DEVELOPMENT IT MUST ASK WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO POVERTY, UNEMPLOYMENT AND INEQUALITY. IF THERE IS REDUCTION IN ALL THEN DEVELOPMENT. BUT IF REDUCTION IS NOT TAKING PLACE NO NATION SHOULD SAY IT IS DEVELOPING’

Chief could you in all honesty say we doing well based on the postulations of Walter Rodney? Do you think the protest is not justified when as at today unemployment rate is over 40%, inflation is heading to 40%, more than 140 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty while purchasing power is near zero.

The letter by Bode George is empty vituperative nuisance addressing symptoms and not the root cause of the issue. Bode George is part of the problems we have as a nation. He can’t be part of the solution. He is over 90 years and does not know poverty, hunger and hardship like we the youths know. He should go and rest

“The hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality." Dante Alighieri

By Aluu Vincent

In recent times, the Nigerian government and its sympathizers have resorted to labeling protesters as miscreants. This narrative is not only misleading but also reckless, as it undermines the legitimate concerns of citizens and diminishes their right to protest. Those who benefit from bad governance are often the ones perpetuating this narrative, as they seek to maintain the status quo and silence dissenting voices. To even think that the same disgraced and corrupt leaders severally staged protests against government of Goodluck Jonathan but are-today singing a different song, is troubling and disheartening this showing the kind of people managing our commonwealth.

On the other hand it is an act of harakiiri to accuse the ibos as sponsors of the protest. The present suffering in Nigeria does not affect only the Ibos. Accusing Mr Peter Obi and Labour Party is the case of workman arguing with his tools and lazying around. Does bad governance know race,group or political group? Is the Arewa youth group also Obidients?
Sowore is calling for Protest, Seun Kuti is calling for Protest, Sheik Gumi is calling for Protest, VeryDarkMan is callin for Protest, Deji Adeyanju is callin for protest, Market women are calling for protest. Yet a failed government and brainwashed followers are busy accusing Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour in the last election. Una go explain tire Abi cement used in building Lagos don finish?

Protesting is a fundamental right enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech, assembly, and association. Citizens have the right to express their grievances and demand accountability from their government. Protest is a peaceful and democratic way to bring about change and ensure that the government serves the people. It happened recently in Kenya. When Kenyan people protested, did the leaders call them mischievous and miscreants? No the president went on to slash budgets for government officials, scrapped 48 agencies of government and lots more. It is therefore ridiculous that leaders causing bad governance are addressing those protesting as miscreants. What a sad commentary

The narrative that protesters are miscreants is a deliberate attempt to delegitimize their concerns and justify government repression. This label is often used to stereotype protesters as violent, lawless, and unpatriotic. However, this could not be further from the truth. Protesters are ordinary citizens who are demanding better governance, accountability, and transparency.

The very reasons that led to the EndSARS protests are yet to be addressed. Unemployment remains at a staggering 40%, food inflation has skyrocketed to over 1000%, and inflation is at 38%. The value of the Naira continues to deteriorate by the day, leaving citizens with little to no purchasing power. Meanwhile, leaders continue to live in affluence, earning huge salaries and benefits, while corruption persists and over 30 million Nigerians have slid into poverty due to wrong policies.

To add insult to injury, the present leaders have had their bills paid by taxes paid by the protesting youths. They have become ancestors in power, with nowhere else to go but remain and die in government. They have become a burden to the country, refusing to relinquish power and allow for fresh ideas and leadership.

Dante Alighieri it was who said, "The hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality." This quote suggests that the most severe punishment in Hell is reserved for those who fail to take a stand or remain neutral in the face of moral crisis or injustice. It emphasizes the importance of taking a stance and acting with conviction, rather than remaining passive or neutral.

This is to remind Nigerian government and leaders who have failed to address the grievances of their citizens and have instead resorted to labeling protesters as miscreants of the consequences. By maintaining their neutrality and failing to take action, they are contributing to the perpetuation of injustice and moral crisis.

Martin Niemöller in his famous quote had Nigerian leaders in mind when he said,, “First they came for the Jews, and I did nothing.
Then they came for the communists, and I did nothing.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did nothing.
Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak out."

There are dangers of indifference and inaction in the face of injustice, oppression and bad governance. We must speak out against the present situation in Nigeria. It is not about the Ibos, IPOB, or anyone. It is about all of us. If it affects the eye it will affect the nose

Labeling Nigerian protesters as miscreants is the height of recklessness. It undermines the legitimate concerns of citizens, diminishes their right to protest, and perpetuates bad governance. Those who benefit from bad governance must be held accountable, and their narrative must be rejected. Protesters are not miscreants; they are heroes who are demanding a better Nigeria for all. The government must address the grievances of citizens and work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

Beyond Rhetorics: Unpacking the Business Sense in Governor Umo Eno's Proposed 18-Storey Building in Lagos

By Aluu Vincent

In a recent announcement, Governor Umo Eno unveiled plans to construct an 18-storey building in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial hub. The proposal has sparked intense debate, with critics labeling it a "white elephant project" and proponents hailing it as a visionary move. This piece delves into the business sense behind the proposed project, exploring its potential economic benefits, strategic significance to the people of Akwa Ibom State

I had resisted the urge to make a post on this issue but I was challenged by a chronic critic of the governor to lend my views. Much as I do not wish to join issues with anyone on this matter, this piece is my honest assessment of the business sense of the 18 storey building in Nigeria’s economic hub.

I totally agree that there is hunger in the land hence government should focus on reducing poverty and hunger. I also agree that there are other challenges government should be worried about other than building an 18 floor building. It must however be noted that government is made up of many parts,priorities, policies and programmes. From time to time government makes decision on what is paramount and pursues it in the interest t of the people.

At the home from Umo Eno is doing exceptionally well - political foes are made friends,youths are being trained, empowerede and taken off the streets, hospitals and schools are receiving facelifts, poor of the poor are receiving two bedroom flats plus cash while civil servants and others are not left out. The State Bulk Purchasing Agency set up by the governor has been distributing food to the poor populace twice a month. Through AK-CARES, an intervention programme whose objectives are expansion of access to livelihood support and food security services, provision of grants to poor and vulnerable households and firms, etc.

There is therefore nothing absolutely wrong in seeking to have such an edifice in Lagos. It makes a lot of business sense to do so especially in this era of diversification of the economy. Given the epileptically unstable oil revenue, it behooves state leaders to discover other sources of income to serve as internal revenue for the state. The 18 floor building in Lagos, the commercial hub of not just Nigeria but Africa, remains one of the best business decisions Umo Eno has taken.

Speaking on the proposed building during a stakeholders meeting at Governmental House banquet hall Governor Umo Eno said, ‘previous leaders had acquired a significant number of assets for the state, many of which are currently in a state of disrepair and unused. In Lagos alone, the state government possesses over 10 properties in prime locations. Rather than allow those idle structures to accumulate waste, the State plans to enhance them, increase their appeal, and offer them for sale to the public while also keeping some for leasing. This will generate income for the state’ he said

Gladly the investment Governor Umo Eno is talking about, real estate,is a high yielding business venture. Globally, government at all levels venture into real estate for reasons ranging from economic development, urban planning, providing affordable housing, generating revenue, or supporting infrastructure projects.

Study shows that real estate investment is high yielding. For example, in Singapore, government has invested nearly $500 billion and generate returns on investment exceeding 120%. Dibai and Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates (UA) are adorned with some of the global best skyscrapers. Such real estate investments run into trillions of dollars in a bid to boost economic diversification, tourism and generates profits that account for more than 96% of their yearly real estate investments.

The Saudi Arabian real estate market size was estimated at around SAR 1.1 trillion (approximately $293 billion USD). The market was expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% from 2019 to 2024

Lagos where the proposed building is to be located has an estimated real estate market size of around ₦1.3 trillion (approximately $3.5 billion USD) with a market growth rate at CAGR of 10% from 2020 to 2025.

Besides, as Ubon Marcus said, ‘it is common knowledge that on Victoria Island, there is a high demand for office and residential spaces, thereby making it an ideal location for real estate investment. Those old buildings in Aboyade Cole and Ajose Ajogun will be phased out and replaced with modern buildings’

We seem to also forget that Governor Umo Eno spent years in Lagos plying his trade before relocating to Akwa Ibom. His entrepreneurial spirit should not be over looked as he intends to transform every asset of the state into a money making enterprise. Recall his directive on the state owned airline to be commercialized. Through the Assets Management Board and AKICORP, Pastor Umo Bassey intends to convert several properties owned by the State in Abuja into viable three-star or five-star hotels, and lease them to a capable hotel management team and transform the ones in Lagos to high rise residential buildings for outright sales or lease.

Apart from the aforesaid, the move by Umo Eno will not only boost the revenue profile of the state but will create over 5000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase. The iconic building will serve as a beacon for foreign investors, showcasing Akwa Ibom as potential as a prime investment destination. The 18-storey structure will serve as a symbol of Lagos' commitment to excellence, reflecting the state's aspirations and ambitions.

How many of us remember the Etiebet place along Bank Anthony in Ikeja? Think of it and reminisce on how strategically impactful the 18 storey building will be.

Governor Umo Eno's proposed 18-storey building in Lagos is more than just a building. It is a plan that has futuristic value in mind. It is an attempt at diversifying state economy, have multiple strings of income, begin to position self in the emerging real estate market in Nigeria and ensuring that unused assets of the state are put into judicious and productive use.

Comr Aluu Vincent,a Journalist and public policy expert contributes this piece from Obohia Ndoki Abia State 08036688375

By Aluu Vincent

The shooting or attempt at the life of the former president of the United States and Presidential candidate of the Republican Party, Mr. Donald Trump, and the immediate arrest of the situation, has again showed that the US is global best in terms of security.

Footage from videos making the rounds reveal the proactive nature of the Secret Service in securing the life of POTUS and ginning down the culprit. Within few hours of its occurrence, the Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI has provided data of the culprit and all there is to know.

In the aftermath of the attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump, early reports have identified the alleged shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks. According to initial information, Crooks, a 20-year-old graduate of Bethel Park High School in Pennsylvania, was recognized at his commencement for academic excellence, including receiving the National Math & Science Initiative Star Award.

The New York Post reported Crooks as the suspect, sharing footage of him accepting his diploma in 2022. Social media profiles purportedly linked to Crooks show a young man with a relatively low-profile online presence. His private Instagram account lists an affiliation with anti-fascist ideology. Meanwhile, voter registration data supports the identity of Crooks as a registered Republican voter from Bethel Park. As investigators are ongoing, conspiracy theorists have gone to work with some pointing accusing fingers at the democrats while others view the assassination attempt as a hoax.

Did you notice any mass arrest of passersby or attendees of the rally? The prime suspect was the target and not those who volunteered information. Even the young man who gave a detailed account of what happened was not arrested or intimidated by the authorities. His parents or relatives were not called in for questioning said the case in Nigeria.

The swiftness of the intelligence agencies to nip this crisis in the bud can be attributed to a number of factors. These include well structured and planned security architecture, heavy surveillance, intelligence gathering and proactively combat ready personnel, deployment of technology-and of course patriotism.

From 1999 to date, there have been unresolved cases of assassination, some politically motivated while some are acts of criminality. More than two decades after, neither the police nor the Secret service have provided clues of those involved in these killings. Here are some of the unresolved high-profile killings
- *Dele Giwa*: Dele Giwa was murdered in 1986. He was a journalist and the editor-in-chief of Newswatch magazine.
- *Pa Alfred Rewane*: Pa Alfred Rewane was murdered on October 6, 1995. He was a businessman and a chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).
- *Chief Ajibola Ige*: Chief Ajibola Ige was murdered in 2001. He was a lawyer and a politician who served as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.
- *Marshall Harry*: Marshall Harry was murdered in 2003. He was a politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives.
- *Dipo Dina*: Dipo Dina was murdered on January 25, 2010. He was a politician who served as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
- *Brig. Gen. Lasun Odeleke*: Brig. Gen. Lasun Odeleke was murdered in 1990. He was a military officer who served as the Commander of the Brigade of Guards.

The list is endless. Boko haram, killer herdsmen, unknown gunmen and bandits are ravaging parts of the county almost unchallenged yet ring leaders are not rounded up to face charges. In most cases these criminals are arrested but released before you say jack due to connection. Recently, dare devil criminals broke into Kuje prison facility in the Nation’s capital Abuja and freed inmates. As I write, no one was arrested and even the prison officials on duty are yet to be questioned.

All these are attributed to porous security architecture plagued by several challenges, including, Inadequate funding, Poor equipment, lack of training/professionalism, Corruption, politicization of security issues and lack of political will on the part of leaders to take the right action. Inter security agency collaboration is near zero. Instead what you see is infighting between security agencies. Few weeks ago a fight broke out between Nigeria’s Secret Service and men of the correctional service over who keeps custody of a suspect, in this case, Godwin Emefiele, former Central Bank governor. Till date the DSS has refused to release Nnamdi Kanu to correctional service due to what is suspected to be a heavy cash out from
His case. It is alleged that each time Kanu comes to court, a whooping 500 million naira is expended.

From yesterday’s attempt on Trump’s life, it is not in doubt that the United States has a reputation for being a global leader in security and law enforcement. Its proactive approaches to curbing crime and criminality have yielded significant results, making it an exemplary model for other countries, including Nigeria. Some of the robust standard procedure or framework includes

I. Intelligence-Led Policing. The US has embraced intelligence-led policing, which involves using data analysis and intelligence gathering to drive policing decisions. This approach has enabled law enforcement agencies to identify and disrupt criminal networks, preventing crimes before they occur. Nigeria's law enforcement agencies can adopt a similar approach by investing in data analysis and intelligence gathering capabilities.

II. Community-Oriented policing. This is a strategy that emphasizes building trust and partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. This approach has been instrumental in reducing crime in US cities. Nigeria's law enforcement agencies can learn from this approach by engaging more with local communities and building trust.

III. Advanced Technology. The US has leveraged advanced technology, such as forensic science and digital analysis, to investigate and solve crimes. Nigeria can invest in similar technologies to enhance its crime-fighting capabilities.

IV. Collaboration and Information Sharing. US law enforcement agencies collaborate and share information to combat transnational organized crime. Nigeria's law enforcement agencies can adopt a similar approach by working closely with international partners.

V. There is also the robust procedure of social media monitoring and protective intelligence investigations.

In conclusion, the US security strategies have yielded significant results in curbing crime and criminality. Nigeria can learn valuable lessons from these approaches and adapt them to suit its unique security challenges. Addressing the porous security architecture and unresolved assassinations in Nigeria is crucial to enhancing the country's crime-fighting efforts.

Judgment on LG Autonomy in the case Between FG Versus State Governors: Was the Supreme Court right?

By Aluu Vincent

While the Supreme Court's judgment on local government autonomy is a significant step towards decentralization and democratic governance, some argue that the court may have overreached in its decision. In my book Contemporary Issues in Nigeria’s Federalism and Intergovernmental relations, I had alluded to the fact that the local government system is being strangled due to the overwhelming influence of the state governments. I had recommended for a constitutional amendment of sections 7 and 8 as well as expungement of the state local government joint account. This in my view will checkmate the excesses of state governments who have local government fund as slush funds However justified the supreme court ruling is, it is my considered opinion that the final court erred in law. Here are some potential areas where the Supreme Court may have gotten it wrong:

1. Overstepping constitutional boundaries. By directing the federal government to pay allocations directly to local governments, the court may have encroached on the powers of the executive and legislative branches.

Constitutional provision: Section 81(1) vests the power to allocate funds in the National Assembly.

*Ignoring the role of state governments*: The judgment may have overlooked the constitutional role of state governments in ensuring the effective administration of local governments.

Constitutional provision: Section 7(6) empowers state governments to supervise local governments.

*Failing to consider practical implications*: The court's decision may not have fully considered the practical challenges in implementing direct funding to local governments.

Supreme Court pronouncements:

- In *Attorney-General of the Federation v. National Assembly* (2019), the court held that the National Assembly cannot unilaterally amend the Constitution.
- In *Governor of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation* (2013), the court affirmed the powers of state governments to manage local governments.

Let me quickly point out that
the Supreme Court of Nigeria has the power of judicial review, which enables it to interpret the Constitution and determine the constitutionality of laws and government actions. However, the Court cannot make laws or amend the Constitution. Its primary role is to ensure that the laws and actions of the other branches of government conform to the Constitution.

The Supreme Court's powers are established by Section 236 of the Constitution, which states that the Court has the power to:

- Interpret the Constitution
- Determine the constitutionality of laws and government actions
- Decide appeals from lower courts
- Exercise such other powers as may be conferred upon it by the Constitution or by any Act of the National Assembly.

The Court's role is to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that the Constitution is respected and enforced. While the Court can declare laws or government actions unconstitutional, it cannot unilaterally amend the Constitution or make new laws. That power belongs to the National Assembly, which is responsible for making laws for the country.

Way forward:

1. *Constitutional amendment*: To address the concerns raised, a constitutional amendment could clarify the roles and powers of each tier of government.
2. *Legislative action*: The National Assembly could pass legislation to ensure the effective implementation of local government autonomy while considering the concerns of state governments. The legislation will of course need the endorsement of the state assemblies and assent of the president.
3. *Dialogue and collaboration*: The federal, state, and local governments should engage in dialogue to ensure a harmonious and effective implementation of local government autonomy.

Despite the judicial pronouncement by the Supreme Court, it remains to be seen how the judgment will be implemented. Did the judgment take into cognizance relevant provisions of section 7 and 8 of the Constitution as amended? Did it consider the structure put in place by states such as Ministry of local government, Local Government Service Commission, State primary education boards? Was this judgement a political one, solution to the problem or a call for crisis? By addressing these concerns and finding a balance between decentralization and constitutional governance, Nigeria can strengthen its democratic framework and ensure effective service delivery at the grassroots level. The National Assembly has an urgent duty to act now and swiftly too .

“It is from sleep one learns how to die” Igbo proverb

By Aluu Vincent

The news of the National Assembly passing a Bill into law authorizing the Tinubu led federal government to extend the implementation of the 2023 budget until December 2024, got me thinking about the manner of leaders we have and the dangers we face as a nation. I quickly went for my budget and budgeting system text books I used around 2002 while offering a course in public finance. After flipping through some pages, I shook my head in utter disbelief to the fact that our inability to make appreciable progress is a direct function of the kind of leaders we select and the haphazard planning and implementation of policies. One of such policies is our annual budget.

Budget or budgeting system is an important component of governance that must be handled with determination and expertise. By way of a simple definition,a budget is a financial plan that outlines projected income and expenses over a specific period, typically annually. It helps individuals, businesses, and governments manage their finances, achieve financial goals, and make informed decisions about development.

A budget can be Balanced when Income equals expenses, with no surplus or deficit, Surplus when Income exceeds expenses, resulting in a surplus. There is also Zero-Based Budget when every expense must be justified, starting from a "zero balance" and there is Incremental Budget that Builds on previous budgets, with incremental changes, performance budget which links expenses to specific goals and objectives, among others. Nigeria operates an incremental budget from the word go.

September preceding year end, government spends time,energy and resources to prepare and table before the National Assembly a budget proposal for vetting and approval. Members of Parliament spends time scrutinizing such budget documents at the end of which it is passed into law and assented to by the President for implementation within a budget cycle of one year. When emergency issues arise, government May and do resort to supplementary budget. In most cases these budgets are never implemented as government via rule of the thump does whatever it likes. This has been the norm in all our budgets since 1999. Parliament spends time to approve to approve a budget that may never be implemented. Government officials engages in extra budgetary spendings without approvals.

The coming of Senator Bola Tinubu, the man who built Lagos, as President has seen government go back and forth in financial matters. The government has been tainted with policy failures, inconsistency, gymnastics. This has been the norm with the budget cycle. Therefore, the Nigerian government's decision to run the 2023 and 2024 budget cycles concurrently is not strange. It has sparked intense debate and scrutiny.

The 2023 budget cycle began in December 2022 and was inherited by the Tinubu government. Twice or so, it’s lifespan has been expressed by this government. Just recently the National Assembly extended it to December 31, 2024, so it runs concurrently with the 2024 budget cycle. What a misnomer? This decision deviates from the traditional budgeting process, where each cycle runs for a single fiscal year. This decision is a clear sign of a confused government whose stock in trade has remained inconsistencies, policy summersaults and inability to follow through any of its planned programmes to a logical end.

There seem to be a failed history of budget failures associated with the APC government.
- 2016 Budget: The first budget presented by President Buhari was called the "Budget of Change" but was marred by a budget-padding scandal.
- 2017 Budget: The projected exchange rate was N290/$1, but the actual rate was around N500/$1. The projected GDP growth was 3.2%, but the actual growth was around 1%.
- 2016-2018 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF): The MTEF was based on the incorrect assumptions of the 2016 budget and resulted in inaccurate projections for 2017 and 2018.
- All budgets since 1999 according to Dele Sobowale, has not been faithfully implemented.

The Tinubu government has first class in inconsistencies. All it does it copy and paste budget figures and projects without plans or thinking through. To even think that the government does not understand the dynamics of budgeting cycle is worrisome especially with the Cardoso/Edun Falomo and Fadeyi economy. The government's reasoning for preventing abandoned projects contradicts its own history of project. The concurrency of two budget cycles undermines the principle of fiscal discipline and budget credibility. The way things are going we may as well operate our economy with each year with four budget cycles- the previous and current years budgets and their supplementaries.

Unreliable budgeting leads to uncertainty, hindering economic growth and development. It leads to Inefficient allocation of resources resulting in wasted funds, perpetuating inefficiencies, promotes, corruption and embezzlement due to lack of transparency and accountability, leads to deficit financing, accumulating debt and burdening future generations, erode trust in the government's ability to manage public finances, leads to inflation and currency devaluation, reducing purchasing power, deters local and foreign investment, hindering economic progress, leads to reduced public spending on essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure an can fuel political tensions, potentially leading to social unrest and political instability, etc

From all indications, the signs of a failed government are ominous. These include Inability to manage public finances effectively, lack of transparency and accountability in budgeting and prioritization of political interests over economic stability.

To come out of this self induced financial disaster government must immediately rescind it decision to concurrently run 2023 and 2024 budget cycles, ensure openness and accountability in budget preparation and execution, base budgets on realistic economic projections and assumptions.set clear priorities and allocate resources accordingly,adopt zero-based budgeting by justifying every expense, starting from a "zero balance,regularly review and revise budgets to monitor budget execution and report irregularities, encourage citizen engagement in budgeting through public hearings and feedback mechanisms, ensure adherence to fiscal rules and regulations,leverage technology to improve budgeting, such as using budgeting software and data analytics and adopt international best practices and benchmarks for budgeting.

The concurrency of the 2023 and 2024 budget cycles is a clear indication of a failed government. The decision undermines budget credibility, fuels inflation, and perpetuates fiscal irresponsibility. The government must reconsider this move and adopt a transparent, accountable, and sustainable approach to budgeting.

“When two elephants engage in a brawl,it is the grass within that bares the brunt” - African Proverb

By Aluu Vincent

The crisis in Rivers State, Nigeria, between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, is a classic example of the African proverb, "when two elephants fight, the grass suffers." The tussle between the two political heavyweights has thrown the state into turmoil, with the people of Rivers State caught in the middle

The crisis began with the political succession of 2023, when Wike handpicked Fubara as his successor. However, their relationship turned sour, and Wike's involvement in the crisis has been significant. The majority of the 27 lawmakers, allegedly loyal to Wike, endorsed an impeachment notice against Governor Fubara. The judiciary has been drawn into the crisis, with multiple court orders and counter-orders issued. Many are of the opinion that , a former Council Chairman, Chief of Staff, former education minister and two term governor, is banking on his position as a federal Minister and closeness to President Bola Tinubu to stampede Fubara into doing his bidding. Others are of the view that Fubara, a seasoned technocrat and former Accountant general during the Wike administration, may be quiet and one who counts his words but is not a push over since the constitution confers on him enormous power and war cheat.

The intervention of President Bola Tinubu brought relief as Fubara stooped low, accept all points in the communique that followed, withdrew cases in court, allowed his factional speaker to resign,allowed the now sacked 27 lawmakers to return to their duty post and reinstated commissioners loyal to Wike who resigned as a result of the crisis. Fubara did all these humiliatingly ye the Wike camp were not satisfied and spoils for war. This triggered and escalated the crisis to what it is today.

The Chairmen of the Local Government areas joined Wike in the fight by refusing to vacate office even when their tenure had elapsed. They rely on an amended version of the Local government law passed by the sacked 27 lawmakers. A court judgment nullifying the amendment did not assuage the cancerous ego of the ousted chairmen who spoiled for way few days ago insisting they won’t vacate office. It took a determined Governor Fubara to wield the big stick, ordered the Head of Service of each local government to take over reins of power.The very net day, he appointed caretaker committee chairmen and members to hold sway and ordered the state electoral commission to immediately commence process for local government elections.

As though that was not enough, the Governor held a security council meeting and requested that security be beefed up to forestall breakdown of law and order, the main intent of the Wike camp. This plan was made public when the Apc in the state issued a state statement requesting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Countering the claims of the APC, Governor Fubara, the Chief Security Officer of the state, has emphasised that the State and its people are enjoying an enduring atmosphere of peace to promote sustainable development, fast-paced investments and accelerated economic growth. He said the recent negative narrative that portrays the State as immersed in crisis with disrupted peace is untrue, misguided and was the handiwork of mischief makers.

He stated: "And to also tell Nigerians that Rivers State is peaceful. You can see that we are moving about inspecting projects as against what you see on the screens of your television sets that police are everywhere, that we don't move about anymore, and that Rivers State is under siege. "We are not under siege. Our State is free and peaceful. If at all there is any problem in any part of the State, I know quite well that Nigerians know where the problem is coming from, not from us," he clarified.

The situation highlights the dangers of godfatherism and the need for caution in the way politicians exert their influence. The crisis raises questions about the integrity of democracy in Nigeria and the role of the judiciary in resolving political disputes. The people of Rivers State deserve better than to be held hostage by the political ambitions of a few individuals.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for a ceasefire, saying the escalation of the political tension is inimical to progress. He emphasized that the protracted crisis could hamper the development of Rivers and destabilize the Niger Delta region, with spiral effects on the country. Other well meaning Nigerians have lent their voices on the need for both parties to go the path of peace in the overall interest of the Rivers people.

Let me quickly add that the implications and consequence of the Wike versus Fubara tussle include political instability leading to a volatile political environment, undermining the stability of the state government and threatening the democratic process, economic consequences which has already affected the state's economy, with investors becoming wary of investing in a politically unstable environment.

The conflict has led to increased security concerns, with reports of violence and intimidation which may snowball into a humanitarian with innocent citizens caught in the middle, may result in damage to public infrastructure, reversing the gains made by the state. Apart from the Judiciary being undermined via political patronage, the crisis has undermined tthe legislature severely.For months now, the business of lawmaking has been grounded,the people are not represented while the governor now relies on makeshift arrangements to get the government business going. This Is not only anti democratic but portends grave danger if not nipped in the bud. Equally instructive is the fact that crisis has eroded public trust in government and political leaders, has diverted resources away from critical areas, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development thus hindering the development of Rivers State and the Niger Delta region. There is the palpable fear as alluded to by former President Goodluck Jonathan that the crisis has implications for national security, stability, and democracy, with potential spill-over effects on other states reminiscent of the wild wild west crisis in the 1960s. Another dire threat of this conflict is the likelihood of Fubara taking erratic actions and decisions based on impulse in an attempt to target Wike or his supporters. Such actions may not augur well with the development, peace, progress and stability of the state.

The dire consequences of the Wike versus Fubara tussle underscore the need for urgent resolution and a return to peaceful democratic governance in Rivers State. It is for this reason that President Bola Tinubu should not be seen as taking sides but should rather call his appointee, Nyesom Wike to order. Undermining ,disparaging and denigrating the office of a sitting governor by Tinubu’s Ministers without him publicly cautioning his appointee clearly shows support for the act and an act of collusion. Mr President shock man up, declare his stance in the matter and follow it up with affirmative actions.

To ensure a return to normalcy in Rivers State, Governor Fubara should as a matter of urgency sue for peace, engage in dialogue where necessary, stay focus on governance, create room for reconciliation and healing, ensure the safety and security of citizens, addressing violence and intimidation, foster a spirit of cooperation and inclusivity, involving all stakeholders in the governance process, listen to and address the concerns of all parties, including Wike's supporters, show courage, empathy, and vision, inspiring confidence in his leadership.

Wike on his path is a great Rivers leader who should understand that life is in times and seasons.He should know that his time as governor has passed and should give Governor Fubara a breathing space. He seems to be suffering from self induced amnesia to have forgotten so soon how he became governor and chased his predecessor Rotimi Amaechi out of Rivers state. Wike needs to be reminded that Rivers is not his personal estate where he issues orders like a Garrison Commander. If he truly loves Rivers people as he claims to, he should give peace a chance, call his barking dogs to order, seek support for Fubara to succeed and contribute his quota as Federal Minister. Wike should tame his loquaciousness and conduct himself in a manner befitting of him.

Let me submit by stating that the Wike versus Fubara tussle is a classic example of the destructive nature of political conflicts. The people of Rivers State are the ones suffering, and it is time for the two elephants to sheath their swords and work towards a peaceful resolution. The development of Rivers State and the stability of Nigeria's democracy depend on it and is too important to be sacrificed on the altar of ego and personal interest. As stitch in time saves nine.

Comr Vincent Aluu, a policy scientist, public affairs analyst and Journalist, contributes this piece from the serene caves of Obohia Ndoki,Abia state,08036688375

“Which way Nigeria, which way to go, I love my fatherland, I want to know, which way Nigeria heading to?” Sonny Okosun

By Vincent Aluu

Twenty-five years have passed since Nigeria transitioned from military to civilian rule, marking a significant milestone in the country's political history. This era has been marked by both progress and challenges, shaping the nation's trajectory. Perhaps,the song titled"Which Way Nigeria" is a poignant question that captures the sentiment of a nation grappling with challenges and uncertainty. The song by legendary Sonny Okosun' was released in 1977 and has since become an iconic classic in Nigerian music.The recent release by Nigeria,s hip hop singer and Rapper, Eedris Abdulkarim, reechoed the lamentations of late Edo born Sunny Okosun. Both songs summarizes the nitty gritty of this post.

The song's lyrics address various issues plaguing Nigeria at the time, including corruption, inequality, and political instability. Sonny Okosun's powerful vocals and the song's catchy melody made it a rallying cry for Nigerians seeking change and a better future. "Which Way Nigeria" has been covered and referenced by numerous artists over the years, and its message remains relevant today. It's a testament to Sonny Okosun's legacy as a musician and a social commentator that his music continues to resonate with new generations.

Twenty five years after, here are some key developments in Nigeria's political space since then:

- Political Stability: Nigeria has maintained some level of political stability, a key ingredient for economic and social development. Despite threats from various separatist groups and a devastating insurgency, the country remains united but the effects of their activities are unbearably consequential

- Eclipse of Ideological Politics: The country seems to have abandoned ideological politics, with political parties and their leaders focusing on capturing power rather than propagating specific ideologies. Cross carpeting has become the norm even with clear constitutional provisions against it.

Emergence of a corrupt political class

The return to democracy in 1999 brought with it the emergence of a greedy an corrupt political class. Some members are plague with many high-profile cases of embezzlement, fraud, and abuse of power. Some have promoted nepotism with many politicians appointing family members and cronies to key positions while lacking in accountability and transparency. The political class is often influenced by "godfathers" who wield significant power and influence behind the scenes while some politicians have been in power for decades, with some switching parties and positions. They are reputed to often prioritize personal interests over the needs of their constituents, promoting ethnic and religious bigotry. They have so monetized politics such that only the very rich can afford to contest elections, leading to lack of internal party democracy.

- Anti-Graft War: Successive administrations have launched anti-corruption campaigns, with some achieving significant successes. The war against corruption, however, remains far from won as perpetrators still looms large and are in control of government and governance.

- Devolution of Power: Nigeria's federal structure remains largely unitary, with the central government holding immense power. Calls for devolution have been met with resistance, leading to tensions between the federal government and states.

- Electoral Reforms: Electoral reforms have been slow, with some administrations attempting to manipulate the system for political gain. The country still struggles with electoral malpractices and disputed elections. The INEC has not been completely independent and neutral in the discharge of her activities leading to mistrust and voter apathy. The introduction of electronic voting system and bvas technology has not brightened the hopes.

- Civil Society: The civil society, which played a significant role in the country's transition to civil rule, seems to have lost its voice, struggling with identity and role crises.

- Youth and Women Inclusion: There is increased inclusion of youths and women in government, but their impact remains limited.

- Corruption: Corruption remains a significant challenge, with the state often becoming the greatest corrupter of society. Corruption has indeed had a profound impact on Nigeria's economy and development. According to various estimates and reports, Nigeria has lost significant amounts of money to corruption over the years. Some examples include:- Between 1960 and 2005, Nigeria lost an estimated $400 billion to corruption (source: Transparency International).
- In 2014, the African Development Bank estimated that corruption had cost Nigeria around $1.2 trillion between 2005 and 2014.
- A 2020 report by the Nigerian Senate estimated that the country had lost over $2.2 trillion to corruption since independence in 1960. These figures are staggering and represent a significant portion of Nigeria's GDP. Corruption has undermined the country's development, hindered economic growth, and perpetuated poverty and inequality. Efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency and accountability are essential for Nigeria's progress.

- Rule of Law: The rule of law remains a significant challenge, with some administrations and individuals showing disdain for the law and the constitution. The nation seem to have an ineffective rule of law due to weak and corrupt judicial system, many individuals, especially those with power and influence, acting with impunity, knowing they can escape punishment, government and security agencies often disregard court orders, violating citizens' rights, lack of access to Justice, the police often engaging in extrajudicial killings, torture, and other human rights abuses with little accountability, inadequate legal framework, political interference,lack of transparency and cultural factors,etc.

Economic Growth: Nigeria's economy has grown significantly, but the growth is largely driven by a single commodity (oil). Nigeria's economy has experienced significant growth, with its GDP increasing from $59 billion in 1999 to $375 billion by the end of 2017. This expansion has been driven by a more stable investment climate, improved economic institutions, and increased foreign investment. Nigeria’s nominal GDP was 39th in the world, GDP (PPP): 27th in the world. external debt as at 2023 stands at 14.16% of GDP while debt-to-GDP ratio stands at 36.63%.

-Standard of Living:
The country struggles with poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Unemployment rate stands at 35% and is predicted to hit 43% in 2024. Average annual core inflation rate in May 2023 was 33.95% while food inflation rate in May 2023 was 40.66% making purchasing power to drop to bear zero. As at December 2022, about 40.1% of the population live on less than one dollar per day while as at December 2023, more than 140 million people now live in multidimensional poverty with Nigeria at a time declared as poverty capital of the world

In conclusion, Nigeria's twenty-five years of civil rule present a mixed bag of achievements and challenges. While the country has maintained political stability and made significant economic progress, it still struggles with corruption, electoral malpractices, and the rule of law. As the country moves forward and desires to achieve true democracy and sustainable development, it must

Strengthen Institutions*: Enhance the capacity and independence of key institutions, such as the judiciary and anti-corruption agencies.
- *Diversify the Economy*: Implement policies to promote economic diversification, reduce dependence on oil, and encourage innovation.
- *Invest in Human Capital*: Prioritize investments in education, healthcare, and social welfare programs to address poverty and inequality.
- *Promote Good Governance*: Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, inclusive decision-making and be intentional in its leadership recruitment process.

Comr. Vincent Aluu, a public affairs analyst and research scholar contributes this piece from College of Nursing Sciences Obohia Ndoki, 08036688375

By Aluu Vincent

A powerful metaphor! The political class has indeed become an albatross, a constant burden weighing heavily on the necks of poor Nigerians.

A poignant observation! Nigeria's political class has indeed become a thriving sector, but at what cost? Their self-serving interests and corrupt practices have burdened the nation, perpetuating:

1. Poverty: Despite abundant resources, many Nigerians live in poverty.
2. Inequality: A tiny elite holds vast wealth, while the majority struggle.
3. Unemployment: Limited opportunities for the youth, fostering frustration.
4. Insecurity: Widespread insecurity, terrorism, and banditry.
5. Infrastructure decay: Neglect of public infrastructure, basic amenities, and services.
6. Brain drain: Talented Nigerians emigrate, seeking better opportunities abroad.
7. Social injustice: Marginalization, discrimination, and oppression of vulnerable groups.

The political class's priorities have created a heavy burden for the nation, hindering progress and development. It's time for a paradigm shift, where leaders prioritize the people's needs, not personal interests. Nigeria deserves better!

Just like the albatross in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," the political class's selfishness and misrule have brought a curse upon the nation, perpetuating suffering and stagnation.

The political class's prioritization of self-interest has hindered Nigeria's development, perpetuating poverty, inequality, and social injustice. The nation's wealth and resources are concentrated in the hands of a few, while the majority suffer.

But, there is hope! If Nigerians can unite and demand change, if they can break free from the shackles of oppression and hold their leaders accountable, the albatross can be shaken off, and the nation can soar towards a brighter future.

To break this cycle, Nigeria needs:

1. True democracy: Let the people's voices be heard, and their votes count.
2. Accountability: Hold leaders responsible for their actions, and ensure transparency.
3. Good governance: Prioritize the nation's well-being over personal interests.
4. Meritocracy: Appointments and contracts based on merit, not connections.
5. Anti-corruption efforts: Strengthen institutions and enforce laws to combat corruption.

Only then can Nigeria's political class become a force for the nation's progress, rather than its hindrance.

E DON HAPPEN

VINCENT ALUU (ETTE BOLT) 4 SENATE

My people have contacted me to go to the Senate and represent them as their Senator. Na political party go be the problem now

Since Engr. Dave Umahi left to become Minister, the Senate Slot is vacant.

Ebonyi South behold your son

Fearless, courageous, knowledgeable and competent

BSc in Policy and Admin Studies
MBA in Human Resources
Msc in Public Administration
PGD in Journalism
PhD Candidate in public administration
Over 16 years of work experience cut across banking, government, journalism, education
entrepreneurship, human resources, digital economy, transport, zaoza room, etc.

Omooo leave, I am better equipped and overtly qualified with the requisite knowledge, experience and skills set.

Wetin come remain again?

E DON HAPPEN

Waste Management Agency Terminates Contract of 30 Resource Persons over Non Performance

...reveal plans for immediate desilting of Atiku, Abak road axis

By Aluu Vincent

The Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, AKSEPWMA, has terminated the waste collection and evacuation contract of 30 Resource Persons, over non Performance, lackadaisical attitude and dereliction of duty.

The Chairman of the AKSEPWMA Board, Prince Akpan Ikim, made this disclosure during an impromptu visit to some of the evacuation sites, on Wednesday July 27, 2023, within Uyo Metropolis.

Prince Ikim expressed dissatisfaction over the heaps of refuse dotting the Metropolis even when the resource persons have been paid to evacuate them.

"It is unacceptable that we have heaps of refuse when every resource person has been fully paid. Payment for waste evacuation is done on first line charge. There is no reason for non Performance, lackadaisical attitude and dereliction of duty. If your vehicle is bad, why not replace them with another instead of portraying government as being inefficient. If you were the governor, how will you feel.about this? I won't let that happen. We will have to take a drastic decision on this" Ikim expressed

Fielding questions from one our reporters, Ikim said, "The resource persons are fond of abandoning their duty posts. They were not expecting to see me today thinking I was attending the Akwa Ibom Dialogue. I do not need to be around for them to do the job they were paid to do. I will not politics with waste management. I am not contesting for anything. If it is because of waste management that you will not vote for me assuming I am contesting, then keep your vote but do the job. Make sure you evacuate wastes daily. If you fail to do so after you have been paid, your contract will be terminated and the funds retreived"

While appreciating other resource persons for doing their job, he warned them to sit up and ensure that they evacuate wastes daily. He revealed plans of the Agency to appoint more hands to boost waste collection and evacuation adding that Akwa Ibom must remain the cleanest state in Nigeria.

On the Waste to wealth initiative, Ikim said in August, an independent committee will be set up to assess the bid documents of interested firms so that only competent hands will be approved to handle the task. He said the Arise Agenda of Governor Umo Eno is poised on ensuring that Akwa Ibom State takes full advantage of the benefits derived from waste to wealth initiative.

Ikim urged residents to ensure that they dispose their wastes only at approved locations and appropriate time to avoid running foul of the law. He also announced plans to commence immediate desilting of gutters along Atiku Abubakar and Abak road axis to free the water channels and allow for free flow of water.

#diaryofthegoldenboy
#edonhappen

optionalY09:
He will uphold the rule of law, that’s all

Mr. President needs to ask the relevant authorities to release him. He has been freed by the courts.

E DON HAPPEN

MR. PRESIDENT, CONSIDER RELEASING MAZI NNAMDI KANU FROM DSS DETENTION

June 12, 2023

His Excellency
Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President and Commander in Chief
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Sir,

I write to convey my congratulations on your swearing in as the 16th President of Nigeria despite the fact that the odds did not favour you. I also join millions of Nigerians to felicitate with you on Democracy Day Celebration. So far, you have shown commitment to rebuilding Nigeria for the benefit of everyone. You have shown courage by removing fuel subsidy, ended crude oil swap deal, sacked the most corrupt CBN Governor in our nation's history and made few appointments to show the direction of your government.

While it is within your right to make appointments, take your time to read and apply the provisions of section 14 of the 1999 constitution as amended as well as Directive Principles of State policies. They will illuminate your sense of decisions.

In the spirit of Democracy Day Celebration, may I humbly request that His Excellency should kindly take a moment and consider releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the self styled leader of IPOB from the custody of the DSS.

Mr. President, it is true that government is next to God but what is the need using a sledge hammer to kill a fly when the hand could easily do the job? Several courts of the land have discharged and acquitted Mazi Kanu from all charges. It baffles me why the Dictatorial government of Rt General Buhari chose to remain adamant in releasing him. Muhammadu Buhari opted for war in place of peace. Where he ought to have sent text books and teachers,he sent armoured tanks and military weapons. You have shown to be a different kind of leader and the direct opposite of your predecessor. Posterity will be kind to you.

Your Excellency, I know you to be a democrat, man of peace who fought for the return to civil rule via NADECO. I know you loathe illegality.

Pursuant to the powers to exercise the prerogative of mercy vested in the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Section 175 (1—6) of the 1999 Constitution, kindly approve that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu be released in the interest of peace, unity and national cohesion that has eluded the South East for long. It may interest you to note that the fragile peace in the zone can be remedied through his unconditional release especially as the courts have ruled to that effect.

Few days ago, Enugu State Governor Mr Peter Mba paid you a visit and pleaded that you release Nnamdi Kanu in the interest of peace. Mr. President, please accede to that demand and open up the process of national healing. This action will go a long way to add legitimacy to your government and arrest the restiveness and the sit at home order foisted on the people against their wish.

I also feel that Your Excellency should look into the issues raised by IPOB and find merit in some of their demands which contributed to the start of the Biafran war in the 1970s. Issues of marginalisation, underfunding of the South East, under representation in terms of appointments, imbalance in terms of number of states and local governments, among others, should be looked into on the merit of it. Mr. President should consider setting up the South East Development Commission as was done for the Niger Delta Region and recently North East. Since after the war, no deliberate effort has been made by government to pay reparations or rebuild the South East. What is good for the geese is good for the gander.

Finally, Mr. President should not fail to order for the arrest Hadi Sirika, former aviation Minister for defrauding Nigerians of billions of Naira in the name of setting up Nigeria Air and all those who looted Nigeria dry under the Buhari government.

God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Signed
Vincent Aluu Public Affairs Analyst and Publisher Naija Eye Witness News 08036688375

There is palpable tension in the air in Akwa Ibom State, following the presidential election in which Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC was declared winner in a very controversial manner.

Our correspondent gathers that the Governorship candidate of Young Progressive Party, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan is under serious pressure to collapse his structures and turnover support to the All Progressives Congress governorship Candidate for governor to avoid completely losing out in the battle for the hilltop mansion and his personal freedom.

An insider who pleaded annoynimity due to the utmost confidentiality of the plot noted that since APC has won the presidency, OBA is being persuaded to succumb to the plot to collapse his structures for APC in return for pardon for his recent conviction, for Akan Udofia, whose party is already with structures in the State.

The insider further opined that Senator Akpan's lobby to toe the line of supporting the Guber project of Akan Udofia was not only for presidential pardon on his conviction status but also for a possible Ministerial appointment too.

However OBA’s resistance to the deal is hinged on the fact that he has more experience and more supporters and could prove a more formidable opposition to the intimidating forces of supporters loyal to the PDP candidate, Pastor Umo Eno.

Bassey Albert who only recently lost his seat in the Senate at the court due to his defection, is said to have argued that he has invested more in the election while Akan Udofia is only a first timer.

The source said the argument is that the last election showed that APC has more presence in the state compared to YPP and it should be OBA stepping down for Akan Udofia.

He further highlighted "OBA is in a bigger trouble than Akan. The possibility of Supreme Court declaring Akan as APC governorship candidate next week is there. But there is no possibility of OBA getting off the hook of conviction for bribery and fraud for which he had been earlier convicted by the federal high Court Uyo".

The insider said to avoid the backlash that may accompany OBA's sudden volte face in the Guber project, he is reluctant to accept a withdrawal from the race to avert his people getting offended with him, so that he can at least win the House of Assembly election for his State Constituency for YPP.

Meanwhile, there has been a lot of housekeeping in the APC governorship campaign circle, one of which is the planned arrangement of a lady who can stand in as Akan Udofia’s wife, so she can be presented to the public immediately supreme court decision goes in his favour.

"Stooping low to forgive those who wronged you, or letting go of their offences is one of the greatest traits of leadership and maturity. Those who seek peace don’t go about beating drums of war" – Anonymous

The day was Thursday October 13, 2022 and the news that came out of the inner sanctum of the Appeal Court, Abuja Division, sparked wild jubilation across the length and breadth of South East. The news was sweet especially for members of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, whose Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been having a long-drawn battle with the federal government over trumped-up charges of terrorism. The long road to freedom for Mazi Kanu came to a halt following the Appeal court judgment which discharged and acquitted him of terrorism charges filed by APC led government under President Buhari.

In a unanimous judgment, the Court of Appeal struck out the terrorism charges filed against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by the Nigerian government. The court struck out all the remaining seven charges against Mr. Kanu. It followed an earlier ruling of the trial judge, Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, in April dismissing eight of the 15 amended counts filed against him by the federal government.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, a three-member panel of the appellate court, led by Hanatu Sankey, held that the federal government flouted the Terrorism Act, Extradition Act, and also violated international conventions and treaties guiding the extradition of Kanu from Kenya and that his fundamental human rights were breached. It held there was no denial by the Nigerian government’s lawyer, David Kaswe, in the appeal as to the submissions of Mike Ozekhome, Mr. Kanu’s counsel, that the separatist leader was “extraordinarily renditioned from Kenya.”
The appellate court held that the failure of the federal government to adequately respond to Mr. Kanu’s arguments gave merit to the appeal. The court further said also the Federal High Court failed to examine the findings of the prosecution as it would not have tried Mr. Kanu on the grounds that the IPOB leader was not “illegally brought into the country.” The charges struck out include the ones instituted against Mr. Kanu before he was brought back to Nigeria last year.

GOVERNMENT’S INSENSITIVE RESPONSE
Prior to the appeal court judgment, prominent Nigerians, groups and some international bodies have written to President Buhari, seeking political solution to the Nnamdi Kanu case especially given its security implications and seeming breakdown of law and order in the South East. One would have ordinarily expected that with the appeal court judgment, government would obey same and order the DSS to release Kanu from detention. But that was not to be as the Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami, who signed the international extradition treaty on behalf of government, broke the law, kidnapped Kanu in Kenya, brought him to Nigeria, has gone ahead to appeal the judgment at the Supreme Court. He is also asking for a stay of execution of the Appeal court judgment.
Reacting in a statement through his spokesperson, Umar Gwandu, Malami said the court of appeal did not go into the substantive case which was ongoing before Kanu jumped bail. “For the avoidance of doubt and by the verdict of the court, Kanu was only discharged and not acquitted. Consequently, the appropriate legal options before the authorities will be exploited and communicated accordingly to the public. The decision handed down by the court of appeal was on a single issue that borders on rendition. Let it be made clear to the general public that other issues that predate rendition on the basis of which Kanu jumped bail remain valid issues for judicial determination. The federal government will consider all available options open to us on the judgment on rendition while pursuing determination of pre-rendition issues.” he said.

Corroborating the position of the Attorney General of the Federation, the national security council (NSC) backed the position of the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) regarding the verdict of the appeal court on the case involving Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Muhammad Dingyadi, Minister of Police Affairs, said this on Friday while speaking with journalists after a meeting of the national security council (NSC).

“The issue of Kanu has also been raised and council was briefed on the state of things on the matter. And it was observed that Kanu was discharged but he is not acquitted. So, government is considering the appropriate action to be taken on the matter and Nigerians will be notified of the position that will be finally taken on the matter in due course.” Dingyadi said.

Methinks government is travelling the same route it used in the past to quell the crisis without result. This same government refused to obey countless court orders granting bail to Nnamdi Kanu. Even when he finally got released, on the day he was to appear in court, government sent the Military to destroy his father’s compound ostensibly in an attempt to take Kanu out, dead or alive. In the process, the palace of Kanu’s father, who was the paramount ruler of Afarauwku in Abia State, was desecrated. The respected traditional ruler, his wife and a handful of others, were killed in the process. As if that was not enough, federal government through an intel, kidnapped Kanu in Kenya and extradited him to Nigeria in fragrant abuse of international laws.

The present government seems to lack the ability in solving crisis both in the South East and insecurity elsewhere. Underneath the issue of insecurity are unemployment, injustice, marginalization. Instead of addressing these issues as raised by IPOB, government resorts to intimidation, harassment and militarization of the zone. Buhari has not helped matters and his utterances have fueled the crisis the more.
Recently, President Buhari during an interview with Arise TV said ‘” IPOB is just like a dot in a circle. Even if they want to exit, they will have no access to anywhere. And the way they are spread all over the country, having businesses and property, I don’t think IPOB knows what they are talking about. In any case, we say we’ll talk to them in the language that they understand. We’ll organise the police and the military to pursue them.” That is the position of a supposed leader who wants to hand over a peaceful, united and better Nigeria in 2023. Therefore, refusing to obey the appeal court judgment by allowing Kanu to go free, the government under Muhammadu Buhari is engaging in double standard, hypocrisy, ethno-centric jingoistic chauvinism of the highest order and beating the drums of war in a very critical election period. Nigerians who voted him, if at all they did, did not bargain for this kind of situation where a supposed leader will be the one to fuel crisis in a region for whatever reason.

IMPLICATIONS OF NOT RELEASING KANU
I agree that government has a right to appeal the case against Nnamdi Kanu. But that has to be done in the context of government obeying the judgment of the appeal court first by releasing Kanu. Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong seems to hold same views when he said, “Should the federal government decide to appeal the discharge and acquittal of Nnamdi Kanu by the appeal court, it must still release Kanu. This is because the liberty of a citizen cannot be stayed. There is no room for stay of execution in this kind of case. When the court said has been discharged and acquitted, acquittal in law means absolute exculpation. So, you cannot, under the basis that you have appealed, hold Kanu back,” Effiong said on Twitter.

Another implication of not releasing Kanu is that the Federal Government is already committing an infraction of the constitution. That is a violation of his rights to personal liberty under section 35 of the constitution.” Effiong added that the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, should be sacked or honourably resign for allowing alleged abduction and extra-ordinary rendition of Mr. Kanu and that the ruling was an indictment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Other consequences are the continuous break down of law and order and near collapse of law and order. That part of Nigeria seems to have approached a Hobbesian where life has become short, brutish and anarchy reigns supreme. It is a sad reminder of the consequences the Igbos went through during the Civil War. Fear and insecurity have taken over the entire South East.
Conducting elections may seem a tall dream unless as usual, there will be a heavy military presence. The economy of the zone is nosediving due to constant orders to sit at home by IPOB. It is estimated that more than 200 billion naira have so far been lost by various individuals and businesses due to the sit at home order while several other billions are lost due to destructions and investors presently avoid South East. Lives of innocent citizens are daily being wasted by both security forces and IPOB.

PIECE OF ADVISE TO MAZI NNAMDI KANU
Agreed that Mazi Kanu has built a cult followership for himself; is now a hero and freedom fighter promising his people that Biafra Nation will be achieved, methinks it is time he took a break and re-strategise. I am not against IPOB agitation but everything seems to be wrong with the modus operandi. Nobody is an island unto himself. You cannot get Biafra without the consent of the people. Mazi Kanu has refused to sit with the leaders of the South East. He calls them all sort of names and see them as his enemies. He forgets that he is a non-state actor and needs state actors to achieve his aim. He seems to look the other way while the youths destroy government buildings, kill security forces, citizens, and take up arms against constituted authorities. While in prison custody, his followers and some criminal elements, turned their anger and barrel of the gun against the very people they claim to be fighting for. Does freedom fighting involve intimidating, harassing and killing your own blood, destroying their properties and means of livelihood? This is madness, irresponsibility, insurrection that deserves the condemnation of all right-thinking South Easterners. The perpetrators deserve a spot at Kirikiri prison.

THE WAY FORWARD
In any crisis situation, the need for dialogue, negotiation and compromise cannot be over emphasized. Methinks it is time the federal government came down from its high horse and call the leaders of IPOB and South East to a sincere round table. It is time for government to stop reminding the Ibos how they were treated during the civil war. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu should be allowed to go home based on the appeal court judgment while his followers in prison custody should be unconditionally released to the leaders of the South East. After all, this same government has been releasing Boko Haram terrorists for free. May I call on all stakeholders to prevail on the President to adopt a political solution to the issue of the IPOB as “might is right”. is not applicable in all situations. Late President Yar’dua applied the carrot and the stick approach in the Niger Delta and it worked. President Buhari should follow suit.

Also, Mr. President should mind his utterances henceforth. The genocide in Rwanda was fueled by utterances of the leaders. Mr. President cannot be preaching peace when it comes to matters concerning Boko Haram, Killer Herdsmen and Bandits but threatens fire and brimstone when it concerns IPOB or Nnamdi Kanu. This is double standard of the highest order. If Boko Haram, killer herdsmen and bandits are granted amnesty and empowered with tax payers’ money, IPOB members deserve the same or better treatment. The South East Development Commission should be established same way the Niger Delta Development Commission and North East Development Commission were set up to address peculiar needs of the affected zones. Since after the war, nothing has been done to assuage the feelings of the Igbos who still suffer the brunt of the war. It is important for us to provide a space for conversation and reflection with the intention of creating a productive space for mutual understanding. The official policy of “reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration” should be reenacted, apologies rendered and compensation paid where necessary. Truth and Reconciliation-type mechanism to process the brutality of the war; should be established.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu should call his followers to order by asking them to stop these senseless killings, wanton destruction of public places and sit at home order. For the political jobbers and choppers of Igbo extraction who are looking the other way, your days of reckoning are fast approaching. You shall all pay for your sins one after the other unless you retrace your steps and tow the path of peace, development and prosperity for the people of South East. Posterity will judge you all if you do not rise to defend the course of Ndigbo. Like the APGA motto says, “Be your Brother’s Keeper”

Aluu Vincent, public affairs analysts and social commentator is the Publisher of Naija Eye Witness New – www.naijayewitnessnews.com 08036688375

Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan has said those who are prone to violence are enemies of society, urging the people not to vote them into power during the forthcoming general elections in 2023.

Speaking on Sunday in Uyo during a special interdenominational service to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State, Jonathan said the people will continue to suffer if such leaders find themselves in office.

“In 2023, you must not make the mistake to vote killers. Those who will carry knives, guns, and all kinds of gadgets to go and kill people because of politics, are the enemies of society. If you kill to become a leader, you will continue to kill to remain a leader.”

“The people will continue to suffer. Make sure that from the House of Assembly to the House of Representatives to Senate to governor, you vote the right people in Akwa Ibom State.”

The ex-President commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for his impactful leadership and developmental strides in the state, recalling that there was uncertainty over the capacity of the Governor to perform when he first took over the office in 2015.

“The election of Governor Udom should teach us, politicians, a good lesson. When Governor Udom was to come as a governor, people said this man has never been into politics.

“Though we know he is a finance person who has been in the bank, he may not know how to manage human beings. But Udom came on board and changed the story."

He praised Akwa Ibom people for standing by the Governor.

In his sermon, popular cleric Apostle Joshua Selman said power belongs to God, charging leaders to always lean on God in all they do.

In attendance at the service were the Governor Emmanuel, his wife, Dr (Mrs) Martha Udom, Deputy Governor Moses Ekpo, Speaker Aniekan Bassey, Peoples'Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Umo Eno and wife, deputy gubernatorial candidate, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, National Chairman of the Maintain Peace Movement, MPM, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem, Secretary of MPM, Prince Enobong Uwah and a cross section of Akwa Ibom people.

Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated the government and people of Akwa Ibom State on their 35th anniversary of state creation and has lauded the progress of the state under the impactful leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Alhaji Abubakar, gave the commendation on Friday, during the anniversary celebration of the State, held at the Nest of Champions in Uyo.

The former Vice President acknowledged that in the past 35 years, the state has witnessed an unprecedented socio-economic growth in all sectors, lauding the developmental strides of Governor Udom Emmanuel, through the people-oriented projects to set the pace for others to emulate.

Represented by the Governor of Sokoto State, and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Aminu Tambuwal, Alhaji Abubakar congratulated Akwa Ibom people for marking 35 years of development and capacity building, calling on all to support the Governor to succeed.

“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar celeberates with Akwa Ibom State at 35 and he commends the Governor of Akwa Ibom State Udom Emmanuel for the good work that he has been doing in Akwa Ibom State.

“We are seeing progress, we are seeing development in virtually all the spheres in life under your leadership in Akwa Ibom State.

“The expectations from Akwa Ibom people therefore, according to him, is continuous support for Governor Emmanuel and the PDP, and prayers for the governor to end well, finish strong and be succeeded by a man that will sustain the pace of development in the state.”

Observing that the state has fared well under the leadership of the PDP, the party's Presidential hopeful urged the people of the state to remain steadfast in the support for the party and be hopeful that the PDP will take over at the center in 2023.

On the ongoing internal fued in the PDP, the Alhaji Abubakar said, "yes, we must acknowledge that we are having internal family issues, but be rest assured ...that we are not involved or engaged in the war of attrition. It is a political disagreement and very soon, all of that will be resolved and the PDP will continue to remain strong and strong, and grow untill we win the election, by the grace of God, come February 2023".

Chief Host of the event, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, took the people through a thanksgiving session in acknowledgement of God's help to the state over the thirty-five years of existence.

He further extolled the successive heads of governments and leaders of the state from creation for their contributions in building a strong Akwa Ibom and taking the state through phases of growth.

Governor Emmanuel expressed hope that Akwa Ibom will be better off with the emergence of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as President in the upcoming election.

"Akwa Ibom this time around shall not be forgotten, Akwa Ibom shall not be left behind, Akwa Ibom will be in the forefront of everything in Nigeria. We shall be in the forefront of development.

“As we are contributing immensely to the resources of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom will also be at the forefront".

In a message of goodwill, former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, congratulated the governor and Akwa Ibom people on the 35th anniversary celebrations, describing the governor as a pacesetter whose performance leaves no one in doubt of his passion to develop the state.

The former and last military governor of Akwa Ibom State, Group Capt. John Ebiye (rtd.) stated that Akwa Ibom State has been consistently progressing through successive administrations, particularly commending the crop of leaders the state has had in present democracy that began in 1999 and the improvements by the present administration under Mr. Udom Emmanuel, and expressed hope that the next administration will sustain the trend.

The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintri, former governor of Kwara State and President of the 8th Senate, Mr. Bukola Saraki, former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulazi Abubakar Yari, former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, former governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Susuan, former governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, former military governors of Akwa Ibom State and several other dignitaries graced the occasion, with unequivocal expressions of goodwill and commendations for the progress of the state.

Media Unit
Govt House, Uyo
23/09/22

It was glitz and glamour today September 23, 2022, at the just concluded Akwa Ibom State 35th anniversary celebration as the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, honoured three students with fabulous cash prizes and other items.

Grace Bassey Issang, a law student from Ikono went home with the star prize of 1 million naira plus an HP laptop and a certificate.

Jahaziel Uko from Ikot Iman Ebo Uruan, smiled home with the second prize of N750,000 plus a Samsung Galaxy tablet and certificate.

Aganni Lydia Ikana from Eastern Obolo also smiled home with the third prize of N500,000 plus a Samsung Galaxy tablet and certificate.

The honourees participated in the 35th anniversary essay competition. More than 400 entries were recieved by the organisers out of which the aforementioned came tops.

Presenting the prizes to the winners, the former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari applauded the academic exploits of the winners and urged them to keep the flag flying. He lauded Governor Udom Emmanuel for such a brilliant initiative that will promote scholarship and studiousness in the students. The elated former Chairman of Nigeria's Governors Forum went on to double the prices of all the winners.

The first winner got an additional 1 million naira; the second winner got an additional N750,000 while the third winner got an additional N500,000.

The winners had warm handshake and photo session with Governor Udom Emmanuel and other top personalities.

Congratulations to them.

An appeal by Senator Bassey Albert’s acolytes led by Rt. Hon. Friday Iwok against the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Akwa Ibom State PDP and 329 Adhoc delegates elected during the April 30th 2022 Ward Congress in the State, has been dismissed and struck out by the Appeal Court in Abuja.

Friday Iwok and his friends who are all in the campaign team of Bassey Albert in the Young Progressives Congress, surprisingly went to ask the Appeal court to nullify the nomination of Pastor Umo Eno and every other PDP Candidate in Akwa Ibom State.

The case had earlier been dismissed by the Federal High Court in Abuja as lacking in merit and the appellants appealed to the appellate court to upturn the Justice Obiora Egwatu judgement.

The Appeal court however dismissed the appeal in its entirety as a waste of judicial time and struck it out.



Arguing their case, Ahmed Raji, had urged the court to declare the outcome of the ward congresses a nullity.

He also sought among other things, for the cancellation of the entire primaries conducted by the PDP as well as an order barring INEC from accepting the lists of candidates produced by PDP from its the primaries.

“Human resource is the most important of all the resources. A nation that cannot educate and develop its man power, cannot develop anything else” – Harbison Barber (1973)

By Aluu Vincent

These are indeed very trying times for Nigerian youths, students, the education sector and all those with one relationship or the other with Nigeria’s educational system due to the strike action embarked upon by Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU. The closure of universities, the platform through which Nigeria can develop her manpower is most unfortunate and unacceptable.

ASUU had embarked on strike on February 14 to press home the honouring of its demands represented in the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement. These include revitalisation of public universities, earned academic allowances and the deployment of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) for payment of university lecturers. While there has been back and forth argument for and against the strike action, there seem to be no hope in sight for the opening of schools. The strike has entered its 7th month and students have lost hope in Nigeria. The education sector is worst hit as those affected are seeking alternatives outside Nigeria while the economy is battered.

For the avoidance of doubt, ASUU is a trade union that fights for the general development of Nigerian education in the Universities. In doing this, it tries to regulate all that happens between university staff employers and all the people that work in the universities in Nigeria. ASUU performs series of functions which include Members’ interest protection, educational development in Nigerian universities, Nigerian national development, Nigerian universities autonomy, educational rights of Nigerians, Adequate funding for Nigerian universities, Academic freedom in Nigeria, Proper Nigerian universities administration, Improvement of Nigerian living standards and Bringing Nigerian universities to international standards. It is the need to achieve these aims that has seen ASUU embark on series of strike and come in confrontation with successive Nigerian governments.

Over the years ASUU has recorded some landmark achievements. These include development of University Transparency and Accountability System, a payment system that is locally made and can is better than IPPIS that was imported with lots of implication and security problems, fighting for 26% to be allocated for education, ensuring ethical discipline of its members as erring members have been exposed, fighting for student's and parent's rights by ensuring that school fees paid are not high, being the watch dog in the spending of public funds in universities. ASUU was also instrumental to the establishment of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND. a product of the Education Tax Act of 1993. Prior to the establishment of the scheme in 2011, the government- owned tertiary institutions were poorly funded. The scheme was designed to improve on the management of funds disbursed to these institutions,” the tweets added.

I am a Malabite and a proud product of the University of Calabar. My post graduate academic journey is with the University of Uyo. I am very close to some of my lecturers. I know how it feels attending lectures and graduating from Nigerian universities first hand. I also know how deplorable some of the hostels; lecture halls and the lecturer’s offices were then and are now. For NANS or any student body to protest against ASUU instead of an insensitive and inept government, such a student body needs to visit a psychiatric hospital for mental checkup.
It is because of deplorable condition of condtion that is prompting ASUU to demand for refurbishing of Nigerian universities in such a way that it can attract students from all over the world. Do we still have foreign students in our universities as was the case in the past? ASUU is asking for money to build infrastructure, upgrading libraries, hostels, and lecture theatres so that students will not be having lectures through windows; so that students will not be sitting on the floor during lectures. ASUU is saying lecturers must earn competitive salaries so that we can have lecturers from all over the world come to our universities to teach, just like we’re going outside. Are you aware that a professor earns less than 1000 US Dollars a month as salary? Put pen to paper on what politicians earn.

Other demands are the issue of Earned Academic Allowances, University Staff Schools, implementation of the judgment of the National Industrial Court, National Universities Pension Management Company and guidelines for pension matters for professors, exemption offered by the government regarding the issue of TSA, which included the issue of grants, endowment funds as well as salary shortfall, which is already being implemented by the government.

It is funny how some Nigerians and students will believe that ASUU is fighting for their pockets and therefore are selfish. The ASUU struggle predates some of these youths. Over the years we have seen government pay lip service to issues of education. The Federal Government agreed to inject a total of N1.3 trillion into public universities, both state and federal, in six tranches, starting in 2013 after the union decried the deplorable state of the institutions.

It may interest you to know that in 2013, the government was to release N200 billion and release N220 billion each year for another five years. After releasing the first tranche, the government stopped releasing the funds. In 2017, it, however, released N20 billion. In 2020, it promised to release N25 billion. ASUU rejected the offer, insisting on N110 billion, which is 50 per cent of the N220 billion that it demanded, but the government declined, citing paucity of funds.

If the above are personal to ASUU that will warrant even students to attack ASUU, we are a lost generation that needs redemption. It is evil to support your slave master to continue to deny you your fundamental right to education by telling you there is no money and you accept it hook line and sinker. But when the issues concern COWS, NIGER REPUBLIC, AIRLINES, SUBSIDY PAYMENT and supporting FOREIGN COUNTRIES, funds will be readily available.

The former Accountant General has confessed to how he used the compromised IPPIS payment platform to steal and share a whopping 180 billion naira of funds that is enough to stop ASUU from continuing with the strike.
Government claims it has no money to fund education, but it coughed out 1.4 billion naira to buy exotic vehicle for Niger Republic. It also few days ago released over 6 billion naira to build ranches in Katsina state. How do you refer to such misplaced priority if not ineptitude at its peak?
A review of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) data suggests Nigeria’s educational sector has suffered massive capital flight in the last 10 years. Specifically, using the CBN’s balance of payment statistics, Nigerians have spent a hefty sum of $28.65 billion on foreign education in the past 10 years (2010 to 2020). The CBN also revealed that Nigerians spent at least $220.86 million on foreign education between December 2021 and February 2022. While Nigerians have remitted this much out of Nigeria, there does not appear to be significant reciprocation in form of inflows from foreign sources towards Nigeria’s education sector.

According to data from Webometrics, the highest ranked Nigerian university is the University of Ibadan with a rank of 1,196 followed by Covenant University with a rank of 1,314. In other words, no Nigerian university is ranked within the top 10% of universities globally. This may not be entirely surprising given that the funding of education at all levels is below the recommended benchmark by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Specifically, UNESCO’s benchmark for funding education is 26% of the national budget and 6% of the gross domestic product (GDP). In Nigeria it is sorry state as the budget for the education sector has averaged around 8.3% of the budget which is in sharp contrast to the recommended target and continues to drop. From a GDP perspective, the figure paints an even more dismal picture, as the education sector accounted for 1.94% of the real GDP in Q1 2021 and 1.86% in 2020. According to data from UNESCO, about 76,338 Nigerians were studying abroad as of 2018, which is the highest recorded by an African country.

In 2020, Nigerian students lost one academic session. In 2022, the same scenario is about playing out. Who did Nigerian students offend? Those who were to spend 4 years will spend 6 to 7 years before leaving school. That is additional 2 years and time is counting for them. The leaders whose duty it is to ensure that the educational sector works are directly responsible for the mess Nigerians students are faced at the moment. Incidentally, their kids are not affected in anyway as they are schooling abroad on tax payers’ money. Nigerian parents barely get their salaries, pensions and gratuities to cater for the needs of their families.

In all of these, one would ordinarily have expected that affected students would get angry like they did during the 2020 EndSars Protest. Not much has been seen or heard from the youths and student bodies. The ongoing strike would have been enough reason for students and youths to ensure that come 2023, they vote wisely for a leader who will ensure that strike ends in the educational section; a leader who will approve at least 20% of the national budget for education, fund the sector, improve the welfare of the lecturers and fix the learning environment.

Unfortunately, the same students/youths took part in the just concluded party primaries to elect the same set of leaders who have plundered the future of Nigeria. Some will act as Agents to these same leaders or collect 5,000 to sell their votes. If after spending 5 months at home as a student as a result of an avoidable strike, you still go on to vote APC or those who caused this hardship, you need public castration and have your brain checked.

Methinks it is time the youths took back their country and be the decider on who leads them. The youths should get their PVCs and ensure a ballot revolution. For me, it should not be about political party. It should be about competence, track record and willingness to serve the people. Never again should we vote for a leader who cares more about animals than humans; who would increase our woes, destroy our future and blame everyone but himself.

While urging the Federal government to do all it can to end the strike, may I also appeal to ASUU to make some concessions and shift grounds so an agreement can be reached in the days ahead. When two elephant fights, it is the grass around that truly suffers and not the actors in the fight. A stitch in time saves nine.

Aluu Vincent, a Public Affairs Analyst and Publisher of Naija Eye Witness News, contributes this piece from Uyo Akwa Ibom State – 08036688375.

#EndAsuuStrikeNow
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…says he never visited nor had secret meetings with anyone

The outgoing Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Barr. Mike Igini has declared that no Nigerian politician has the balls to approach him to compromise election. He said he never visited any politician nor took gifts from them and challenged anyone with proof to go public with it. Igini stated this while fielding questions from Celestine Mel, an Abuja based commentator on public affairs, as part of activities to mark his exit from the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria after serving for12 years.

According to Igini, “I have had instances where individuals approach those close to me to bribe me to influence elections to their favour. In a particular instance, someone informed me that someone offered to fly me out of the country in a private jet to meet them, if I was not comfortable to deal in Nigeria. I turned every effort like that down. And I tell you what, politicians have not developed the nerves and the balls to approach me personally, to offer a bribe or discuss matters relating to compromising any election. They know the possible consequences of such a mistake”.

Igini further said that many politicians have lost huge sums of money to fraudulent characters who said they were acting on my behalf.
“Many politicians have been duped of huge sums of money in the name of Mike Igini. And because some of these politicians are so desperate, they become gullible, they would give their money to people. There was a case like that in which a politician gave money to someone and one of the security agencies brought to my notice. I told them I cannot listen to such stupidity. Money for Mike Igini to do what? Of course, I am told that before I got to Akwa Ibom, results were written in connivance with my predecessors who would collect money to look the other way and put people in power. The culture was so grand that they would never have imagined something different. Until I came” Igini said.

Igini added that he never planned becoming a Resident electoral Commissioner but took the job to contribute his quota to the reformation of the electoral system in Nigeria having been a strong advocate to good governance,
“On 8th of June 2010, I had a call from the Villa that President Goodluck Jonathan was appointing me into INEC as Resident Electoral Officer. I thought it was a joke. I declined the offer. At that time, I was getting ready to leave with my family for a vacation outside the country. INEC was the least of organizations that I could accept to be part of, principally because of INEC’s record of corruption, graft, compromise, etc”.

“The next day, many colleagues within the CSO space weighed in. Several CSO groups had deliberations on it. A meeting was also held at Femi Falana’s Office in GRA lkeja, that I should accept the appointment; that members of CSOs needed to move from the sidelines into the mainstream, to contribute towards shaping things up from inside and my work would add value”.

Igini noted that the pressure was much on him to accept the offer as some governors, South-South elders and individuals notably. Real Admiral Mike Akhigbe, former Chief of General Staff (now late) to the Abdulsalam Abubakar regime called to persuade me to take up the offer in the service of Nigeria. The consensus was that the offer was an opportunity for the CSO’s to get involved in practical nation building. The Edo Born Lawyer said he was the only one that given appointment since 8th June 2010 but didn't show up till 20th of July.

On his achievements, Igini said in states where he served, he tried to guarantee the sanctity of the ballot and ensured that the will of the voters prevailed over the will of those who counted the votes. Also, during his tenure as REC, Professor Peter Ogban who was paid to falsify the result of the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District election in 2019 was prosecuted and sent him to serve three years in jail. Another Professor lgnatius Uduk involved in the same Essien Udim, is standing trial for generating false figures for another candidate. Some INEC staff under Igini that deviated from the highest principle of ethical standards over the 2019 election have been dismissed.

Mike Igini further added there have been free and fair elections in states of Edo, Anambra, Cross River and Akwa Ibom where he held sway as REC.

“During the 2011 Presidential election, CPC won in the Bogogbiri area of Calabar. ACN won a state constituency too. It was the first time that any opposition party had a chance. In 2012, I was sent to conduct a senatorial bye-election in Anambra State. The state was totally under the control of APGA with Peter Obi as governor but the candidate of the opposition PDP won. In 2014, I was in charge of the most vulnerable LGA in Osun State which literally determined the governorship election. Iyiola Omisore who is now the national secretary of the APC, was the candidate of the PDP. He lost the election to APC’s Rauf Aregbesola. Omisore accused me of working for the APC. My crime as always, was that I allowed the will of the people to prevail. The Edo 2015 result was so unique that APC and PDP split the senate seats 1:2, House of Representatives 4:5, and State Assembly 23:3. That was the only state out of eleven (11) of both South South and South East that President Buhari scored 46% over and above the 25% constitutional minimum requirement”.

Igini said one of his greatest milestones is the demystification of federal might and the fact that powerful people determine winners of elections. He maintained that under his watch only the might of the people through the ballot that election winners and that voters and nobody else that exercise power in a democracy. He said he has also proved to Nigerians that not everybody has a price.

On his biggest headache and challenge and REC, Igini said, “Akwa Ibom has been my biggest headache caused by a few politicians who became what they are politically, by writing and falsifying polling results in their private homes. He said he identified and relocated twenty-three polling units from private homes, which effectively neutralized their age-long rigging schemes. They woke up to a new reality that was too unusual. So, they went to town with stories that I had been compromised”.

Igini threw a challenge to any one in Akwa Ibom state or anywhere in Nigeria to show proof that he took monies from politicians or political parties to rig election in their favour. He also said since coming to Akwa Ibom, he has never stepped his foot into the home of any human being or anybody’s house, taken a glass of water from anybody, ever met in secret or in private with anybody directly or by proxy anywhere in the world on any matter related to election in Akwa Ibom. He has asked that anyone with such proof should make it public.

“I challenge anybody who has met me before to speak out. That challenge has remained on the table for years now. I would be glad if anyone comes out to say it is not true. I have never received any money or gift, either in person or by proxy from anybody in Akwa Ibom State since I came. I mean, anybody. Not just the politician. Indeed, people who know me have quarreled and are tired that I have never visited them. Truth is, I have never received any gift or money or inducement from anybody in my entire career in INEC. If you have any proof, make it public” Igini boosted.


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“It is an abomination for Northerners to be allowed to use the head of Southerners to break coconut” Anonymous

By Aluu Vincent

Let me salute the commitment, dexterity and resolve of some of our leaders to ensure that equity, justice and fair play reigns supreme in Nigeria. The Southern Governors Forum led by Governor of Ondo State, PANDEF, Middle Best Forum, Ohaneze Ndigbo Northern Governors Forum all deserve a pat on the back on the issue of rotational presidency. This is not time to lay blames on the delegates who exchanged the interest of the people for a few dollars. It is not also time to begin to cast aspersion on our leaders rather it is time for proactive thinking and drawing up of implementable strategies on how to ensure that a Southerner emerges the next president of Nigeria. This is based on the principle of equity, fairness, justice and the rule of rotational presidency and zoning of political offices.

When the North was to produce the President in 2007, it took the resources and support of the South for Yardua to emerge. It took the structure of the North for Goodluck Jonathan to emerge President in 2011. In 2015, some Southern Leaders came together and ensured that Buhari emerged President both in 2015 and 2019. This was done in obedience to section 14 of the federal character principle and section 7.2 of the PDP and APC constitutions respectively states, “…in pursuant of the principles of equity, justice and fairness, the party shall adhere to the policy of rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices and it shall be enforced by the appropriate executive committee at all levels.”

In 1999, former President Obasanjo was from the South West, the Vice President was from the North East, while the party Chairman was from the North and later South. During the late Umaru Yardua era, the president was from the North West, the Vice President was from the South-South, while the party Chairman came from the East. The same zoning was applied during the Jonathan era. While the president was from the South-South, the Vice President was from the North West. The Buhari presidency may not have truly applied the principle, but there seem to some semblance of it.

With the race for the 2023 reaching its crescendo, one would have ordinarily thought that the major political parties would respect her own rules and zone the political offices accordingly. One would have thought that the South East yet to produce the President would be given the right of first refusal on this. The PDP threw caution the wind, raped her own rules and elected Atiku Abubakar from the North East as its Presidential Candidate. This was even after it had elected its National Chairman from the North Central.

All eyes are now on the Governing All Progressives Congress to keep to her promise by allowing Southern Nigeria produce the next president having elected its National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu from Nasarawa State. While the cabal in the Presidency is hell bent on returning power to the North after President Buhari’s 8 years tenure, some leaders of the party insists that the South must produce the next president. The Cabal through the APC National Chairman announced Senate President Lawan as the Consensus candidate of the party. This did not go down well with party leaders who vehemently opposed it. The drama is still on as we speak.
Out of 23 aspirants, the list was reduced to 13 and later 5 based on the supposed instruction of the President. The 5 persons as listed by the Northern Governor Forum are Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, Governor Kayode, Rotimi Amaechi and Governor Dave Umahi. How true this news is remains to be seen? But it seems the race has been reduced to a Southern affair. The question on the lips of everyone is which part of the South – South East (yet to produce the president), South-West (has produced president and Vice President for 16 years) or the South-South (that has produced President for 6 years).

Senate Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu said. “The only justice is to have zoned the presidential ticket to South-East. If not South-East, then North-East. These are the only two regions that have not produced a Nigerian President.”

The late Abacha underscored how important the issue of zoning was when he said, “the problem of Nigeria is with the political class who are the major political players. We must play politics the way it is; not politics of eat alone, not politics of animosity, not politics of ethnic or religious sentiment. Once it favours our politicians, they are ready to exploit it at the expense of others. That is why we came up with the issue of zoning, power rotation and 6 geopolitical zones”.

Peter Obi said, “I am not desperate to be the president. I am desperate to see Nigeria become better. I rather lose doing the right thing than win doing the wrong thing” This is a great lesson for the Southern leaders. They should insist on doing the right thing and ensure power shift to the South. Nigeria does not belong to one section of the country – the North. They are quick to threaten the South with their voting strength. They forget that the resources belong to the South and no president can emerge with votes from one zone. This is not the first time we are travelling this road of zoning and rotation of presidency. It is the turn of the South to produce the President and that is final.

In a letter to the leadership of the APC, Chief Doyin Okupe wrote, “It is the truth that the established convention is that power must rotate between the North and the South. Not between the zones. Hence a President of northern extraction follows that of Southern extraction and vice versa. Any consideration outside of this is foul, untrue and inimical to the unity and stability of our nation. It is equitable that once the above stands and power is conceded to the south, the next president must come from the South East. This is because in the South only the southeast is yet to produce a civilian president”

Since a section of the Northern elite wants to use the head of Southerners to break coconut, methinks it is time we focused on individual candidates rather than political parties. It is important for Southerners to encourage the people to go get their permanent voter card. Any Southern candidate irrespective of political party that has what it takes to lead Nigeria, should be voted en-masse by the people. There is no way the entire North will vote for just one person. The votes will definitely be distributed among candidates.

On this note, groups and individuals should drive for mass voter card registration. INEC announced yesterday that it is remaining three weeks to close the registration portal - https://cvr.inecnigeria.org. The churches, hospitals, markets, schools, motor parks, public events, parents at home and public places in the South must ensure the rule of “NO VOTER CARD NO ENTRY”, as a means of ensuring everyone gets the PVC ready. It is an act of greed, injustice and witchcraft for the North to rule for 8 years and wants to retain power again.

Instructively, is the fact that Southern leaders should be watch closely. Some of them have the penchant to betray the collective interest of the people for a morsel of bread or for personal gains. Any Southern Leader who betrays this cause should be declared an enemy of the people. Such leaders should be stoned in public and ostracized. We have crossed the Rubicon on this mandate and there is no going back. The South must produce the next president of Nigeria.

Aluu Vincent, a Public Affairs Analyst and Publisher of Naija Eye Witness News writes from Uyo Akwa Ibom State – 08036688375, www.naijaeyewtnessnews.com

By Aluu Vincent

The 2023 PDP Presidential primaries may have been won and lost, come and gone but the frenzy, betrayal, and back stabbing will linger for long. The lot has fallen on former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who polled 371 delegates votes to defeat his closest rival Nyesom Wike and others. He has been confirmed as the PDP candidate. The question on the lips of every Nigerian is whether he has the clout, guts and nerves left to pull the rug off the feet of the ruling All Progressives Congress. There is also the question of whether posterity will smile on him again after several attempts at becoming Nigeria’s President.

This is against the backdrop and mood in the nation of a Southern presidency. Immediately President Buhari won his second term, political engineers went to work down South in search of a Chrsitain candidate who would replace PMB come 2023. Political parties even restructured their internal mechanism to reflect this mood. Alas, a Northerner from PDP stock carried the day leaving the South in bewilderment and shock.

Recall that in 2019, Atiku contested against the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari and polled over 11 million votes. Turakin Adamawa has a long history (if not the longest) of presidential contest. Since his entry into politics in 1993, Atiku Abubakar has unsuccessfully contested five times for the Office of President of Nigeria in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019. In 1993, he contested the Social Democratic Party presidential primaries losing to Moshood Abiola and Baba Gana Kingibe. He was a presidential candidate of the Action Congress in the 2007 presidential election coming in third to Umaru Yar'Adua of the PDP and Muhammadu Buhari of the ANPP.

He contested the presidential primaries of the People's Democratic Party during the 2011 presidential election losing out to former President Goodluck Jonathan. In 2014, he joined the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2015 presidential election and contested the presidential primaries losing to Muhammadu Buhari. In 2017, he returned to the Peoples Democratic Party and was the party presidential candidate during the 2019 presidential election, again losing to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari. Luck however smiled at him at his 6th attempt as he emerged victorious and will be flying the PDP presidential flag come 2023.

The former Vice President is seen as a unifier, bridge builder and political war horse with the savvy, structure, expertise, financial war chest to return the PDP to power after 8years of playing the role of opposition and given the abysmal performance of the ruling APC.

How the emergence of Atiku Abubakar sits well with Southern Nigeria leaves much to be desired. The PDP set aside its own zoning principle as enshrined in its constitution, section 7:2 which stipulates that for equity and fair play to protect national cohesion PDP shall practice zoning of the office of the President among the zones of the country. It has been an established tradition of rotating offices within the PDP family. For example, if the Chairman of the comes from the North, the President is usually zoned to the South/ Evidences abound to buttress the fact.

Whatever happened to that age long tradition must be looked into critically before going into the general election. It was the turn of the South to produce the President. Even Southern Governors lent credence to this point. Now that the North has taken the slot of the South, it is important for the party leaders and relevant stakeholders for the sake of equity, justice and fair play, to commence a process of reconciliation and reintegration immediately. The APC is likely to exploit this issue to its advantage unless a proactive measure is put in place to nip things the bud. On the other hands, the South East has cried blue murder and betrayal accusing party leaders of abandoning the zone that has stood with the party through thick and thin.

The zone insists that it is her turn to produce the next candidate under the party after Obasanjo, Yardua and GEJ had their turn. Sensing that the odds won’t the favour the zone, Peter Obi who was being seen as the preferred, resigned from the party and withdrew from the race citing injustice as his reasons. The party must do everything possible to balance the scale of preference and accommodate those who are feeling left out already. The coming days will be interesting as the political drama continue to unfold.

WHO IS ATIKU ABUBAKAR?

Born 25 November 1946, Atiku is a Nigerian politician and businessman who served as the Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 during the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo. He ran as Governor of Adamawa State in 1990, 1997 and later, in 1998, being elected before becoming Olusegun Obasanjo's running mate during the 1999 presidential election and re-elected in 2003. In May 2022, he was chosen as the Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the 2023 Nigerian presidential election.
He attended Jada Primary School and Provincial Secondary School Adamawa where he got his West African Senior School Certificate Examination. He worked briefly as a Tax Officer in the Regional Ministry of Finance, from where he gained admission to the School of Hygiene in Kano in 1966. He graduated with a Diploma in 1967, having served as Interim Student Union President at the school. In 1967 he enrolled for a Law Diploma at the Ahmadu Bello University Institute of Administration, on a scholarship from the regional government. After graduation in 1969, during the Nigerian Civil War, he was employed by the Nigeria Customs Service. In 2021, Abubakar successfully completed and passed his Master's degree in International Relations at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
At the Nigeria Customs Service he worked for twenty years, rising to become the Deputy Director, as the second highest position in the Service was then known. He retired in April 1989 and took up full-time business and politics. He started out in the real estate business during his early days as a Customs Officer. In 1974, he applied for and received a 31,000-naira loan to build his first house in Yola, which he put up for rent. From proceeds of the rent, he purchased another plot and built a second house. He continued this way, building a sizeable portfolio of property in Yola, Nigeria. In 1981, he moved into agriculture, acquiring 2,500 hectares of land near Yola to start a maize and cotton farm. He later ventured into trading, buying and selling truckloads of rice, flour and sugar.

Through the help of Gabrielle Volpi, an Italian businessman, he set up the Nigeria Container Services (NICOTES), a logistics company operating within the Ports. NICOTES would later go on to become Intels Nigeria Limited, an oil servicing business with extensive operations in Nigeria and abroad. Atiku's other business interests are centred within Yola, Adamawa; and include the Adama Beverages Limited, a beverage manufacturing plant in Yola, an animal feed factory, and the American University of Nigeria (AUN), the first American-style private university to be established in Sub-Saharan Africa. He retired in April 1989 and took up full-time business and politics.

Aluu Vincent

“Man is by nature desirous of power. Power is powerful and sweet. Man not only likes to be at the theatre of power, he seeks to be at its centre and keep it. The only thing that makes him relinquish power is zoning or power shift” Anonymous

The times are indeed interesting as Nigeria once again prepares for its general elections in 2023 to produce the next set of leaders that will pilot the affairs of the people for the next four years. At the front burner of the nation’s political discourse is the issue of where the next set of leaders will come from. Inherent in this discourse are the issues of party politics and zoning/power shift which are two very important elements of any liberal democracy that no one can brush aside with a wave of the hand in a primordial state like Nigeria.

The practice of modern democracy would be totally impossible without the existence of political parties as it breeds various forms of relationship or co-existence within the polity itself, promotes peace and stability and prevents violent conflict. The zoning policy/power shift is also important like the political parties in a primordial democratic state like Nigeria.

The late Abacha underscored how important the issue of zoning was when he said, “the problem of Nigeria is with the political class who are the major political players. We must play politics the way it is; not politics of eat alone, not politics of animosity, not politics of ethnic or religious sentiment. Once it favours our politicians, they are ready to exploit it at the expense of others. That is why we came up with the issue of zoning, power rotation and 6 geopolitical zones. So, the question of majority and minority is absolutely immaterial. It is now the question of quality, and the leader with the right capacity and attitude from each zone to step up and lead. The question of marginalisation is addressed as no one feels cheated since there will be space for the 6 zones at the central table”.

In his words, Simbine (2002: 34) captured that: zoning formula seems to fit into the heterogeneous and federal nature of the Nigerian state, helping to accommodate all groups as much as possible and therefore reducing complaints of domination and or marginalization. To this extent, it helps to make the system more inclusive (of identifiable groups), and therefore more supportive of the democratic culture.

To further buttress the importance of zoning policy/power shift, Agbakoba (2011) posited that “the call to abolish zoning seriously underestimates and ignores the complex political character of Nigeria. Federalism is the only known political system that accommodates divisions and diversity; through zoning/power shift the problem of divided society can be abated.

Cognizance must be taken of the fact that the issue of zoning in party politics dates back to the Second Republic when the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) operated the zoning formula as a strategy for the re-unification of the country after the civil war. Then in 1995, during the General Sanni Abacha Constitutional Conference, Dr. Alex Ekwueme and Chief Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, supported by other Southern politicians and members of that conference, championed the cause of rotating the presidency among the six geo-political zones. The division of the country into geo-political zones was for the purpose of rotational presidency after the annulment of June 12 elections. This has continued to be applied unabated. From the foregoing, it can be deduced that zoning/powershift ensures the continuity and integration of the Nigerian state, serves as an act of balancing conflicting demands and one of the requirements of nomination of candidate in order to embrace the principle of federal character in a cleavage society.

The framers of the constitution of Nigeria understood the structural imbalance inherent in Nigeria’s governance system and the fact that one zone can hold power and authority at the expense of another. This was why the issue of federal character principle was enshrined in the constitution as a precursor for zoning/power sharing. Zoning policy as the federal character principle is used for sharing of political offices and appointments. This is seen as the acceptance and perpetuation of Nigeria’s disunited character, causing disaffection and alienation within the rank and file, and sometimes resulting into conflicts within the parties over which group gets what, and/or the value attached to one position or the other.

So, in the 1979 and later the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, Federal Character principle was prescribed at Section 14. Section 14 of the 1999 constitution presupposes that …the government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that government or in any of its agencies.”

An examination of sections 147, 171, 217, 218-219 of the Constitution will showcase the high premium the Constitution places on the strict adherence to the principle of federal character. Section 147 (2) gave the president the power to appoint Ministers, subsection 3 of section 147 makes it mandatory for the president to conform with section 14(3) on the principle of federal character in making his appointments of ministers by ensuring that at least one Minister comes from each State. Section 171 of the constitution empowers the President to appoint persons to occupy office of the Secretary to the Government of Federation, Head of services of the Federation, Ambassadors, High Commissioners or other principal representatives of Nigeria abroad, Permanent Secretaries in any ministry or Heads of any Extra-Ministerial Department of the Government of the Federation. Section 217 of the Constitution established the Armed Forces of the Federation while subsection 3 of section 217 of the Constitution specifically mandates that “the composition of the Officer corps and other ranks of the armed forces of the Federation MUST reflect the federal character of Nigeria.

Section 218(2) of the Constitution confers on the President the power to appoint the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff and the heads of other branches of the armed forces of the Federation as may be established by an Act of the National Assembly. However, Sections 218 (4) (b), and sections 219 (1) (b) empowers the National Assembly to with respect to the power conferred on the President to appoint to the positions referred to in section 218 above to by an Act, establish a body which shall comprise such members as the National Assembly may determine and which shall have powers to ensure that the composition of the armed forces of the Federation shall reflect the federal character of Nigeria. Section 8 of the Federal Character Act gives the commission powers to work out an equitable sharing formular, provides for enforcement of the law and prosecution of defaulters. This shows that the Constitution regards the principle of federal character as the fon et erigo, the sine qua non and the fulcrum if the unity, harmony and loyalty to Federal Republic will be guaranteed. It is based on the above that key elective and appointive positions such as President, Vice-President, Senate President, Speaker Secretary of the Government of Federation (SGF) and Head of Service (HOS) and even Service chiefs are zoned to various geo-political zones.

Example abound where zoning has been applied. In 1999 when democracy came on board former President Obasanjo was from the South West, the Vice President was from the North East, Senate President from the South East while the Speaker, Head of Service and SGF were from the North West, North Central and South-South respectively. During the late Umaru Yardua era, the president was from the North West, the Vice President was from the South-South, Senate President from the North Central while the Speaker, Head of Service and SGF were from the South West, North East and South East respectively. The same zoning was applied during the Jonathan era. While the president was from the South-South, the Vice President was from the North West, Senate President from the North West while the Speaker, Head of Service and SGF were from the South West, North East and South East. However, this pendulum changed for the worse following the coming on board of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the history of democracy in Nigeria and application of zoning and rotation of offices, the Buhari/APC beginning from 2015 represents an era of gross abuse of the federal character principle and the zoning formula. For example, President Buhari is from the North West, the Vice President is from the South West, the Senate President is from North East while the Speaker is from the South West same as the Vice President. Also, Secretary to Federal Government is from the North East, while the Head of Service is from the South West. A cursory look at the list shows that two geopolitical zones- South-South and South East are conspicuously left out with no position. This of course is in fragrant defiance of the federal character principle and other relevant laws.

Unfortunately, as the 2023 election draws closer, most of our leaders especially those who have benefitted from zoning and power sharing are the ones drumming support for its abrogation. This goes to show that when a man is absent at a funeral, he will commence exhuming of the corpse from the leg. Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto State Governor who became Speaker House of Representatives through zoning and power sharing now see it as a wrong principle and should be discarded. “My presidential bid is above zoning and other considerations.” Also, former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar who wore the number two citizen’s shirt for eight years through zoning says there is no zoning in the 1999 constitution. An elder does not stay at home while a she goat is allowed to put to bed on its tethers. It is an abomination.

The statement of these leaders and others have heated the polity and pitched the North against the South with the South insisting that zoning and power sharing must be upheld as a matter of morality, equity, precedence, law and justice. The Southern Governors Forum and Southern/Middlebelt Forum and Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) have also risen in support of zoning. While the ruling All Progressives Congress have spoken in favour of power shift to the South by electing a party chairman from the North, the Peoples Democratic Party seems to be foot-dragging on the issue.

Although, PDP has elected a Northerner as its Chairman, there seem to be discordant tunes as to where the presidency will be zoned to. A Committee headed by Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom was set up to looking into the viability or otherwise of zoning. Having submitted its report to the leadership of the party, there are insinuations that the party may have dumped zoning and thrown the contest open to all zones citing numerical strength of the North and given everyone a sense of belonging. How this will provide level playing ground for all contestants and victory for the party in 2023 seems neither here nor there. Will the party disobey its own rule in Article 7 of its constitution or will it allow reason to prevail?
While all these dramas are playing out, it must not be lost that the South East is the most qualified zone in the South to take a shot at the presidency having not occupied the office for decades. It is on record that between 1999 to 2007, a South Westerner, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was President while between 2010 to 2015, a South-Southerner, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was President. It follows ordinarily that as power rotates back to the South, the South East should be supported by other zones to clinch the coveted seat for the sake of equity, justice, fair play and morality. That seem to be a herculean task as we have seen dissenting voices from the South West warming up for the plum job.
Interestingly too, the zone seems to be finding its feet by closing ranks.

The Governor of Imo State, Chief Hope Uzodinma hosted a meeting of leaders of the zone in Owerri with a clarion call for the South East to be considered using same parameters used in considering the South West, South-South and other zones. Aspirants from the South East are strategizing to ensuring they win the support of party leaders and delegates. Few days ago, four of the contestants, Mr. Peter Obi, Anyim Pius Anyim, Mao Ohuabunwa and Nwachukwu Anakwenze said they are united for a common cause for the zone. At a meeting over the weekend in Abuja, they said they are united for a common cause for the zone. Reading out decisions reached at the said meeting, Senator Anyim said, “We have agreed to work together as a team and that we will work together to ensure that a South Easterner emerges as PDP flag bearer,” he said. We intend to consult with other zones on this issue and it is based on fairness and equity.”

In a letter to the leadership of the APC, Chief Doyin Okupe wrote, “It is the truth that the established convention is that power must rotate between the North and the South. Not between the zones. Hence a President of northern extraction follows that of Southern extraction and vice versa. Any consideration outside of this is foul, untrue and inimical to the unity and stability of our nation. It is equitable that once the above stands and power is conceded to the south, the next president must come from the South East. This is because in the South only the southeast is yet to produce a civilian president”

It remains to be seen how all these will play out. Denying the South East, the opportunity to take a shot will be one denial to many that will further deepen the cry of marginalisation and deep-rooted hatred against the Igbos for daring to go to war against Nigeria. The country will no doubt move on but at what expense will this take place. Only voice of reason can prevail on other zones to do the needful by allowing zoning and power sharing principles to decide who gets what, when, how and why. That has been the norm and rule that has kept this country together. Do you change the goal post in the middle of the game? Only posterity will tell.

Deacon Vincent Aluu, research scholar is a Public Affairs Analyst and Publisher of Naija Eye Witness News. 08036688375

Aluu Vincent

These are indeed very trying and troubling times for the Giant of Africa as everything seem to be crippling under the Buhari presidency. Insecurity has become hydra-headed with unemployment and inflation assuming an alarming proportion. Nigeria has now become poverty capital of the world with the educational sector under lock and key for months and university roaming the streets aimlessly.

More worrisome is the worsening and humungous debt profile and the wet appetite of the Buhari government to borrow with reckless abandon. The Budget Office’s medium-term expenditure framework and fiscal strategy paper from 2015 showed that the Buhari-led administration incurred N7.63 trillion in domestic debt from June 2015 to December 2020. On external borrowings, President Buhari increased debt from $7.3 billion in 2015 to $28.57 billion as of December 2020. This means that the president incurred $21.27 billion on foreign loans to the country’s debt portfolio. Analysis of consolidated debt showed that the external debt increased by 291.37 percent while domestic debt grew by 86.31 percent in the last six years of the Buhari government. As I write, the government wrote to the Senate to borrow over 4 trillion naira to fund subsidy which the present government says is a scam and fraudulent.

President Muhamadu Buhari rode to power on the plank of change anchored to fight against corruption, insecurity, and improvement of the economy. It is 7 years down the line, his government has left a soar taste on the mouth of Nigerians. It has got to a point a point where Nigerians are asking that the APC led government should return us to the 2015 where a bag of rice was 8,500, a litre of fuel was N86, a kilo of gas was 150, dollar was N150 and life was favourable and life was a little secure.

More worrisome is the dwindling fortunes of the nation’s economy. While most firms are retrenching their workforce, others are closing shops and relocation to neighbouring countries especially Ghana. Babalobi (2021) cited reasons for falling business and divesture of many companies from Nigeria to include unstable energy supplies, insecurity, kidnappings, insurgency, ports congestion, poor railways infrastructure, import dependency of most manufacturing companies, high cost of forex, multiple tax regime, poor social infrastructure, heavy traffic around industrial estates, traffic gridlock to Nigeria major ports of Apapa and Tin can Island, and sharp and shady practices of competitors who import finished products.

The Director, Economics and Statistics at MAN, Mr. Ambrose Oruche, lamented the unavailability of production inputs for most members of the Association, stating it remained a major challenge confronting manufacturer. He attributed the much of the problem confronting Nigerian producers largely to the foreign exchange ban by the CBN on certain items from accessing the official window of the market, adding that the current operating environment remained too harsh for many manufacturers to continue in business. He wondered why for instance the CBN and the Federal Government kept coming out with what he described as conflicting polices that negatively affect the growth of the manufacturing sector.

According to a World Bank Enterprise survey, it is reported that 322 private firms closed down in Nigeria between 2009 and 2014 due to stifling business regulations, corruption, and political environment. The Director of Economic and Statistics Department, for Manufactures Association of Nigeria (MAN) Oluwasegun Osidipe was once quoted as saying 196 manufacturing companies shut down their operations between 2015-2017 due to the biting recession. In a related development, the manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, in its 2017 survey reported that 226 companies have either closed shop or downsized between 2015 and 2016. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) also confirmed that about 4.85million jobs were lost within the same period. Nigeria is one of the poorest and most unequal countries in the world, with over 80million of 64percent of the population living below poverty line. Poverty and hunger remain high in rural areas, remote communities and among female-headed households, cutting across the six geo-political zones, with prevalence ranging from approximately 46.9percent in the South West to 74.3percent in North West and North East.

There is a very long list of manufacturing companies and factories that have folded up in Nigeria, space will not permit namely all. Some of the firms are Berec batteries, Exide batteries, Okin biscuits, Osogbo Steel Rolling mills, Nigeria Sugar Company (NISUCO) Bacita, Tate and Lyle Sugar Company, Matches Manufacturing Company, (MATCO) Ilorin, Nigeria Paper Mill (NPM)Limited located in Jebba, Kwara State, Nigerian Newsprint Manufacturing Company (NNMC)Limited, Oku-Iboku, Akwa Ibom State, and Nigerian National Paper Manufacturing Company (NNPMC) Limited in Ogun State.

Others include Nigeria’s six Automobile assembly plants in Nigeria, namely Peugeot Automobile Nigeria limited (PAN) Kaduna set up in 1975, Volkswagen of Nigeria Limited (VWON) Lagos established in 1978, Anambra Motor Manufacturing Limited (ANAMMCO) Emene – Enugu set up in 1980; Steyr Nigeria Limited Bauchi; National Truck manufacturers (NTM) Kano Fiat Production; and LeyLand Nigeria Limited (LNL) Ibadan, (Sunnewsonline, January 2020).

Barely one year after Buhari became President, no fewer than 14 airlines have withdrawn their services from the country due to low. The airlines, including Iberia, United Airlines and Air Gambia, are among the 50 that operated the Nigerian routes some months ago. Besides, foreign airlines operating in the country are estimated to have lost about N64 billion in the wake of the new foreign exchange (forex) policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), (Bankole Bernard, 2016). They cited new forex policy, economic crunch and policy summersault which came with enormous negative effect as reasons why the airlines left Nigeria. Apparently frustrated by the low patronage, he said that some of his members were beginning to consider relocating to Ghana, where “their policies are consistent.” Bankole Bernard said.

Newly established factories are not spared the economic harshness as they are also reeling in business misfortunes. For example, in March 2019, GlaxoSmitheKline Consumer Nigeria Plc (GSK) announced plans to shut down its production facility in Agbara by the third quarter of 2021, and hand over production of its consumer health products, medicines, and vaccines to local contract manufacturers.

Similarly, when P&G, manufacturers of the popular ‘Always’ and Pampers brand of sanitary pads and diapers commissioned a $300m production plant in Agbara Industrial Estate, Ogun State, in 2017, it was described as the largest single investment by a non-oil firm in Nigeria. A year later, the company announced plans to shut down the $300 million plant due to high cost of importing raw materials and unfriendly government regulations and policies. The company has also divested from Vicks lemon plus plant in Oluyole Estate, Ibadan, Oyo State. About four years ago, exactly June 30, 2016, United Airlines suspended its daily flight from Lagos to Houston-Texas, and Spanish carrier Iberia on May 12, 2016 also ended its flights to Nigeria from Madrid due to foreign exchange policy and difficulty in repatriating profits.

According to a Sun Newspaper report posted in 2020, Nigeria’s misfortunes has turned to Ghana’s gain thanks to Economic Commission of West Africa’s States (ECOWAS) free trade treaty. Some local businesses have relocated to Ghana, a neighbouring country that enjoys a stable electricity and offers a more friendly business environment. In 2006, two of Nigeria’s leading tyre manufacturers -Michelin and Dunlop relocated their factories to Ghana citing epileptic energy supply in Nigeria as the chief reason.
Babalobi enthused that Ghana is replacing Nigeria as West Africa’s Aviation hub as major international airlines which used to have their regional operational headquarters in Lagos moved to Accra, Ghana. These airlines refuel and route their journey in Ghana after picking passengers in Nigeria. Reasons for their relocation are high cost and scarcity of aviation fuel, poor navigational and landing aids, scarcity, high cost and epileptic supply of JetA1 aviation fuel; obsolete infrastructure and poor value of the naira. Recently, some Nigeria bound flights were diverted to Ghana, causing a national embarrassment. There are speculations that multinationals- Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Paterson Zochonis (PZ) and Unilever as well as Guinness Pls are considering the feasibility and viability of moving their factories to Ghana. Ghana which is fast overtaking Nigeria as West Africa’s leading business hub. A close relation who recently visited Ghana was surprised by large heavy influx of foreign tourists and immigrants. If Ghana manages its fortunes well, it may be on its way to becoming the Dubai of West Africa.

Nearly eight years after, a fairly competent opposition could have dusted up the All-Progressives Congress (APC) campaign template with minor adjustments and run with it in 2023. Which isn’t to say that the Buhari administration hasn’t accomplished certain things in its time in office. The problem is Nigeria’s challenges today are so overwhelming they dwarf whatever modest achievements the president has. He may have gotten trains running and managed to deliver a Second Niger Bridge in the Southeast, constructed roads and bridges, but those are just trickles of good news in a larger sea of bad ones, Festus Eriye (2022).

Eriye is also of the view that insurgency in the Northeast and banditry in the Northwest have devastated the northern economy – with far-reaching consequences for the entire country. Farming has taken a hit along with its supporting value chain and dire consequences for food security. Productive hands have fled, preferring to eke out a living riding commercial motorcycles down South.

WHO WILL HELP US OUT OF THIS QUAGMIRE?

as the 2023 general elections draw near, there is need for Nigerians to decide the kind of President they desire. The problems the Buhari administration has left behind is frightening and may discourage some good and bright hands from venturing into the race. So, what sort of president does the country need at this point, Eriye asked? For starters, we have seen with the incumbent that the hood doesn’t make the monk. The belief that a retired general would do a better job of securing the country has not held up.
At this point we don’t necessarily need a former security operative but a visionary with a plan; someone who understands that the country – especially the North – isn’t going to be stabilised just by bombing forests.

In the words of Eriye, “The next president must be someone who understands business. He should be someone the local and international business community can trust. Nigeria’s current crises will not abate until there’s significant positive movement on the economic front. He must be a unifier who can begin healing to the country not just from the polarisations of recent years, but also from the additional damage that would be done as aspirants go into full blooded battle for tickets of the two leading parties”. Also, there is need for government to holistically tackle insecurity and unemployment. Government needs to do more than raising an alarm or conducting an investigation. The power sector needs to be fixed, policy somersaults on import regulation and tariffs should be avoided, local manufacturing industries should be deliberately protected, and massive investments should be made in social and industrial infrastructure such as roads, railways, and water supply.

The next president of Nigeria must be educated enough to understand the language of money, business and foreign direct investment. He must be one who understands the workings of an economy, has experience in public and private sector. 2023 is a defining moment for Nigeria that we do not have to gamble.

Aluu Vincent a Research Scholar is a Public Affairs Analyst and Publisher of Naija Eye Witness News, 08036688375

Vote Out Election Riggers, those causing insecurity and stealing our resources - Daddy Adeboye to Nigerians

...urges RCCG members to get their PVCs

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pst Enoch Adeboye has called on Nigerians to vote out Election Riggers, those causing insecurity and stealing public resources for their personal interest.

The revered Cleric gave this charge during the April 2022 edition of Thanksgiving Service which held today in Lagos.

"Hear me and hear me loud. I am not a politician and will never be. I am a pastor and father to millions of people who are members of all parties. I am not in support of anyone or any party. My job is to pray for the peace and good governance of Nigeria. Therefore as my children, register for your PVC, belong to a political party, vote for a candidate of your choice, stay there for the votes to be counted and the real winner emerges. Do not support those who rig election, steal our resources and cause insecurity. Resist those who cannot provide good governance. Vote for those who can help this country grow" he charged.

Naija Eye Witness News reports Adeboye as saying that members of the RCCG should get involved politically and support any candidate of their choice. He urged them to belong to any political party of their choice and get their PVCs ready..

He decried the spike in insecurity, the level of stealing of oil crude and called for holistic approach is steming the rising tide.

"The level of insecurity in Nigeria is alarming. You can't travel to Kaduna now by road, Air or Land. Why Kaduna? Who is trying to isolate Kaduna? After Kaduna, which state is next. More than 80 percent of oil is being stolen. It is in the news and government has not debunked it. Who is stealing the oil. Where is the money going to? What would they want to do with the money? Who are the foreign nations buying this oil?How many of these nations are friends with Nigeria" Adeboye rhetorically asked.

"Concerned authorities must wake up from slumber. We must pray against those creating insecurity in Nigeria for their gain. We must pray against those stealing our oil. We must be cautious about the spate of borrowing". He cautioned

The soft spoken Prophet noted that it is open secret that more than 90 percent of income in Nigeria is used to pay interest on money borrowed.

"We have become a begging nation borrowing. We are still borrowing and using almost all our income to service debts. We are steadily moving to bankruptcy. A whole Nigeria. Your Children, grand children and great grand children will continue to pay unless God intervenes". Adeboye lamented.

As to whether there will be election next year, Daddy GO said he has no idea as God has not told him. He warned that he should not be misquoted.

He said he was more concerned about insecurity and huge debt profile than the next election coming up in 2023. He called for concerted effort by the authorities to ensure peace, development and prosperity of Nigeria saying leaders have a duty to ensure these.

www.naijaeyewitnessnews.com

By Peter Ayo Fayose

I love Igbos but I have to tell them the truth because I love them.

It is now a law to transmit votes electronically, that means rigging of elections has been reduced drastically.

Igbos are only tribe that have 99% of voters in the South East and second highest voters in other regions in Nigeria.

In the South West, after Yoruba votes, Igbo votes come second. Lagos has the highest number of voters in Nigeria and Igbos are competing with Yorubas in voting power in Lagos.

In the South South, we have indigenous Igbos in the South South and all the major cities in the South South are occupied by Igbos. Go to Port Harcourt you will understand what I mean.

In the North Central, go to Jos and all the state capital in the North Central, Igbos are the second largest population after the indigenous people.

In the North West, go to Kano and Kaduna and you will know that Igbos are the second largest population after indigenous people.

In the North East, go to Maidugri and all the state capitals, Igbos are the second largest tribe after the indigenous people.

Go to federal capital territory Abuja, Igbos are the largest population in Abuja today.

If Igbos truly want to determine who will rule this country today, they will but they only sit back and lament without any action.

Peter Obi is the most qualified candidate to rule this country but Igbos are not with their voters card.

Go and get your PVC today and decide who governs us in 2023.......

~~ Ayodele Fayose

Celestine Mel wrote

The insidiousness of this badly executed job does more harm to the image of EFCC as an agency of government, than it has done to former Gov. Obiano.

As a rule, the EFCC does not allow visitors, suspects, guests, third parties etc., gain access to their premises with mobile phones or any electronic devices including cameras. Indeed, it is mandatory to surrender all such items to their security at the gate for profiling and labelling before access is granted. Anybody who does not go with a phone to tender and surrender, is denied access.

So, it can only be staff of the EFCC who took and circulated these pictures and videos. The person who did it, obviously operated behind an official desk as seen from the angle of photography. It is a crude and cruel violation of their operating code and rules of engagement. It also seeks to demean Mr. Obiano who has been in captivity with them and who has no way to respond to the sickening recording since his freedom was taken away in the course of the investigation.

Yes, the full wrath of the law should be brought to bear if former Gov Obiano has been found wanting in the discharge of his responsibility as governor. But snapping and circulating his picture in the statement room of EFCC is not one of the ways to bring him to justice.

I've been trying to hold myself back from making any public comment on this but I simply feel too pained at the selective application of different rules for different suspects by an agency that we respect so much and expect muc more from.. It is totally unacceptable to anybody of conscience.

They should change the rule to accommodate parading of suspects (like the police does illegally) or concentrate on investigating and prosecuting economic criminals.

Was Bianca's *dirty slap* not enough? Haba! ����