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Imbibe virtues of sacrifice, love, charity as Christ did, NOA charges Nigerians

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Imbibe virtues of sacrifice, love, charity as Christ did, NOA charges Nigerians

As Christians in Nigeria join the faithful all over the world to celebrate Easter, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on all Nigerians to use the celebration to imbibe the virtues of Jesus Christ and pray for renewed spirit of love, charity and sacrifice amongst Nigerians towards building a stronger, more stable and progressive nation.

In a Easter message, the Director General of NOA, Mallam Issa Onilu recalled that Nigeria’s journey of nationhood has always leveraged on occasions such as Easter to renew the common bond that unites Nigerians, irrespective of religious, tribal or political differences.

He said the journey of Jesus Christ to redeem mankind symbolized God’s gift of love to man which man must also extend to his fellows and therefore stressed the need to emulate the virtues in all that we do.

Onilu urged Nigerians to ensure the practice of sharing love and sacrifice for others outlives the Easter season‎ as a panacea to the nation’s challenges, adding that the NOA would continue to promote good virtues and patriotism for lasting peace and mutuality ‎in the society.

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He was optimistic that sustaining the spirit of the season would rekindle our hope in the present administration to tame challenges on Security and Economy as being witnessed across the country.

The NOA Director General also assured Nigerians that government has put in place adequate security measure to ensure greater security of lives in the country, while urging them to remain law abiding and security conscious.

By Chimezie Godfrey

Why I can’t pay salaries without borrowing

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Why I can’t pay salaries without borrowing

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, says he can’t pay salaries without borrowing because former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s government left $587m, N85bn and N115bn “contractual liabilities.”

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has lamented the huge debt burden inherited from the previous administration in the state, has taken a toll on his government.

Speaking on Saturday at a Town Hall Meeting, tagged: “The State of Kaduna state”, Sani said the situation is such that the government will have to borrow to be able to pay workers salaries.

Nasir El-Rufai, who handed over to Sani, governed the state for eight years.

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According to him, the debt burden includes $587m, N85b and N115b contractual liabilities, “sadly inherited from the previous administration”.
The governor however declared that despite the financial challenges, his administration remains resolute in steering the state towards progress and sustainable development.

According to him, Kaduna state only receives N3.6 billion after deduction of N7.2 billion for debt servicing.

“What we received from the federal allocation in Kaduna this month was N3.6 billion out of over N10 billion. The sum of N7.5 billion was deducted from our allocation to service debts.

“We cannot pay salaries without borrowing. Our salary bill is N5.2 billion. We will have to borrow N2 billion to be able to pay salaries.”

Speaking further, the governor said he had approached President Bola Tinubu for assistance.

Sani said, “I have taken our cry to the President over these deductions. The President told me that the debt of $556 million is a World Bank debt and there is nothing he can do about it.

“He however promised to see how he could help us. Some of my governor colleagues have also promised to approach the President to assist Kaduna. In the next three months we will be collecting N3.6 billion from the federal allocation.”

Sani said, “Despite the huge debt burden of $587 million , N85 billion , and N115 billion Naira contractual liabilities sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development.

“We have conducted a thorough assessment of our situation and are sharpening our focus accordingly.

“It gladdened my heart to inform you that, despite the huge inherited debt on the state, till date, we have not borrowed a single kobo.

He said the the priority areas of his government include safety and security, Housing, Education, Healthcare, and Support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“We are also prioritizing inclusive development by investing in human capital, stimulating the economy, and providing affordable housing.”

The governor appealed to citizens of the state, especially, workers to understand the present predicament being faced by the state.

He said since coming to office a lot of progress had been made in improving our security by revamping of Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS); recruitment of 7,000 additional personnel for KADVS; training and equipping of the newly recruited personnel; building of additional security outposts for KADVS at the seven LGAs that are prone to insecurity; purchasing of Hilux vehicles and 100 motorcycles for Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS) to enhance their operations.

“We are strengthening our collaboration with security agencies and fashioning more effective strategies to checkmate and degrade the evil elements laying siege to our communities.

“We are also closely engaging with neighboring states to develop joint strategies and carry out joint operations against the criminal elements.”
The Town Hall meeting was attended by traditional rulers, members of the Kaduna Elders Council, Religious leaders and top government officials among others.

By John Shiklam in Kaduna( Arise News, minus headline)

The Brotherhood of Nigeria and amala stories, By Prince Charles Dickson PhD

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The Brotherhood of Nigeria and amala stories, By Prince Charles Dickson PhD

Any unauthorized exhibition, distribution, or copying of this play or any part thereof (including innuendos) will not result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious and taken to heart at your own risk.

The scene is an Amala restaurant in the city centre of Lagos run by some very ebullient Hausa sisters. It is a melting point for a potpourri of scholars, creatives, and artisans, you meet everyone there, a miniature Nigeria

Chris: How is it that those kidnapped children, over 100 of them had well measured clothes all sewed and ready for them

Porta: Me, I don’t know, you know our country is one kind country like that, we are a brotherhood. But wait, is Nigeria she, or he, is it a nation, country, nation states or states of nation. Or are we a shim?

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Chris: We are a federation of brotherhood (laughing)

Porta: I think he is a she. Or maybe she is he. Something like that. What do you think madam sisterhood? (Frowning and pointing to IDRisky)

IDRisky: All I know is that we have made some progress but with the killing of Nigerian soldiers in that community in Delta state. Our fatherland or motherland is in a bad light again. (Takes a sip of locally brewed gin called ogogoro)

Chris: Did you guys know that there is something called Jactitation of Marriage, like someone boasting that they’re married to you when they’re not? You can actually take them to court for it. This law enables individuals to protect their marital status and reputation from false assertions, safeguarding their legal rights and personal dignity.

Porta: You too go school ooo but how can we jacinta the real issues in that Delta state story, what could have really happened in Delta to warrant the kind of killings, i hear the organs of the personnel were ripped out.  Like those kidnapped and released school children, did the government pay ransom or not, our security agencies will tell us they were rescued, victims families will say they paid. Who is Jacinta for this matter?

Chris: It is actually like the Promise-and-Fail Marriage Law, the law permits individuals to pursue legal action against former partners for breach of promise to marry. In my mind, we are not accountable to both leaders and the led, no one wants to take responsibility. Everything is simple but in reality it is complex, for example, you can get married when you are a day old in Nigeria and it’s legal. The constitution provides that the age for marriage is 18(adult) and also provides in a different section that once you marry, you are an adult (18). (shaking his head).

Porta: You are confusing me, you wan marry again, or you don promise and fail somebody, this one you are shaking your head.

(Everyone laughs)

Porta: The real problem of Nigeria is the lack of brotherhood, we are not one, we debate with Ghana on who has better jollof rice but here at home we can’t agree on the most common issues.

IDRisky: So wetin happen to sisterhood, our problem na lack of the rule of law, and good governance, everybody just dey behave any how. Dem go thief DPO phone inside police station, ministry of power go owe power distribution company money.

Porta: Like one man wey win woman beauty contest abi…wahala be like bicycle 

(Everybody is laughing scornfully, even as Rukaiya and Phaty enters carrying containers of palmwine)

Chris: Una welcome, right timing, is the Amala ready, Hajia Phaty?

Phaty: Almost ready, Uncle Chris, how you dey sisterhood and Porta? (She intentionally shakes her behind as she walks towards the kitchen)

(Everyone screams Akpu Yansh)

Rukaiya: Make I bring out the plates, I salute everybody.

(Everyone choruses responses amidst giggles and laughs)

Porta: I still ask again, how can Nigeria attain brotherhood, we are just investigating people’s sources of wealth but not looking at the root of poverty?

IDRisky: You can so turn things upside down and downside up, this our country how can we be one

Chris: See the need for brotherhood and togetherness in Nigeria is paramount for several reasons, make I break am down:

Unity and Stability: Nigeria is a diverse country with over 250 ethnic groups and multiple religions. Embracing brotherhood fosters unity among these diverse groups, promoting stability and peace within the nation.

Strength in Diversity: Embracing togetherness allows Nigeria to leverage its diversity as a strength rather than a source of division. By celebrating cultural differences and respecting each other’s traditions, Nigeria can harness the collective talents and contributions of all its citizens.

National Development: A united Nigeria is better positioned to tackle common challenges and pursue national development goals. Brotherhood fosters cooperation and collaboration among individuals, communities, and regions, leading to collective progress and prosperity.

Social Cohesion: Building strong bonds of brotherhood fosters social cohesion and mutual trust among Nigerians. This can help reduce ethnic and religious tensions, promote understanding, and foster a sense of belonging for all citizens.

Peace and Reconciliation: In a country with a history of ethnic and religious conflicts, promoting brotherhood and togetherness is essential for fostering reconciliation and healing past wounds. It enables dialogue, forgiveness, and the building of bridges across divides.

Resilience in Adversity: When faced with challenges such as economic downturns, natural disasters, or security threats, a united Nigeria can better withstand adversity and emerge stronger. Solidarity and support from fellow citizens can provide comfort and strength during difficult times.

International Standing: A cohesive and harmonious Nigeria enhances its reputation on the global stage, attracting investment, fostering diplomatic relations, and promoting cultural exchange.

Promoting brotherhood and togetherness requires collective effort from all sectors of society, including government, civil society, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens. It involves fostering dialogue, promoting inclusivity, addressing grievances, and building a shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

(Everyone is sober, in a reflective mood)

Phaty: This food don cold oooo, can we start eating, Amala is no good if it is cold…

Porta: Hmmmmmmm, it is a sad something, I wish our leaders will listen and do something. 

Rukaiya: Abeg what happen to that woman minister that was recently removed, I also hear that the opposition refused to greet the president on the occasion of his birthday.

IDRisky: Even I dey think about the opposition party that could not properly organize their party convention? Oya make we close eyes pray for the food.

Porta: How e take concern you? God no go shame us—”May Nigeria win!

Why should Nigeria not breakup?, By Hassan Gimba

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Why should Nigeria not breakup?, By Hassan Gimba

Two weeks ago, in my article entitled “Tinubu, beware the gathering dark clouds (2)”, I touched on our unity and rhetorically ended by asking if going our various ways would be better for all.

I said, “To stitch the “merely a geographical entity” that we currently have, therefore, is a task that must involve all of us. We do not have any other country to call ours. And we cannot afford to see the country put together by God through the British rendered asunder.

“Another reason I always look at some Nigerians from the south and north who shout ‘let Nigeria be divided:’ “Do they know what they are saying? Do they think that is feasible anymore? Would it be beneficial to all concerned? We will look at this next.”

Yes, we have to look at it because from the uppermost tip of the north to the southernmost part of the Nigerian map, you find those agitating for “everyone” to find their way out of Nigeria. Well, to these people, there is good news and bad news.

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I will start with the latter.

On January 31, 2021, I wrote here, under the title “Mandela and the parable of the Fulani”, that “But I have always maintained that even if Nigeria would balkanise, now is the wrong time, for all our sakes. The best time would have been 1966 and, perhaps by now, we would all have been independent nationalities, each with its peculiar problems and prospects. But now, none of the six geopolitical zones can survive outside Nigeria. Bandits, insurgents, militants and all would overwhelm us.”

The northeast will just be an easy pick for Boko Haram, and the North West an easy meal for the bandits while the North Central will be a good ‘brunch’ for the kidnappers and killer-herdsmen militia. And you know what? All three sets of criminals are somehow interconnected. The security forces will, in the event of a national breakdown, all be concerned with protecting themselves and their families, for there will be no country to live in or a nation to die for.

In the same article, I pointed out that in the South, “even the Igbo nation cannot stand on its own if left to the whims, arrogance and demagoguery of its self-anointed secessionist leaders who will make Yoweri Museveni look like a saint”.

“But many intelligent Igbo know this. The problem is there is a herd movement towards something that the gullible, used as cannon fodder, do not even know what it is. To them, it is “freedom”. Sure? Freedom from what? From where? From who? If it happens, which is doubtful, then they will recall Nigeria with nostalgia and rue over a Nigerian slang “one chance”. They would realise its real meaning, albeit late in the day. This is assuming various warlords have not emerged to deny everyone peace. And freedom.”

The Asari Dokubos and Tompolos will control the South-South of Adaka Boro and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Then throw strongmen like Nyesom Wike into the mix and the cauldron is complete.

This would necessitate international action that would see Chad and Niger Republics encouraged to come in and take over the North because the world cannot stand a fake Afghanistan or a country of bandits. In the South, Cameroon too will have to be encouraged to come in and help. The survivors among our children and their children and their children’s children would now be left struggling to reunite because they would forever remain second or third-class citizens in their new countries.

Well, perhaps the western region would escape this scenario because, after the first hiccup, it would pick up, as it is currently the only zone that can survive as a mini-nation. Under the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo, the zone consolidated itself as a democracy and economic powerhouse. Please compare Lagos and the North’s economic hub, Kano, in just one area – transportation. Can you see the modern intra-train services in Lagos and how Keke NAPEP (commercial tricycles) has become the symbol of the state? Can you see the industries in the southwest employing tens of thousands while in Kaduna billions were collected as a loan to build roads that cannot bring revenue in any way while moribund industries were overlooked?

But that is still with a big “perhaps” because the South West too has its fair share of rabble-rousers and enfant terrible. It has the Sunday Igbohos and Gani Adams before he was tamed. Maybe they are good at taming their problem children.

The North could have survived and escaped being landlocked had the late President ‘Yar’Adua’s vision of the Baro Port been sustained by the last president of northern extraction. Or even if there was a genuine commitment to get oil in the North. Sadly, both were used to deceive the ever-gullible northern voter at every election cycle.

What made the North this pathetic is that it lacked a genuine leader and, therefore, vision and focus. Do you know that most of the Fulani terrorising Nigeria now could have long been engineers, medical doctors, professors, big dairy and meat factory owners, etc? The regime of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida started what it christened nomadic education. Under it, there were many things involved that could change the way the Fulani live. But because most of our leaders were, and are, short-sighted and prioritise lining their pockets, they never took that programme seriously. Now, with all the money they have sliced for themselves, those who should have been empowered with skills and knowledge yesterday will not allow them to enjoy it today. And what of the nomadic education programme started by the much-maligned President Jonathan in which billions were expended but allowed to work?

The good news is that the scenario painted will never happen. Despite intra-fights, threats and blackmails, Nigeria has come to stay. While it is said that “there is nothing the good and visionary can do when demagogues opiate the minds and souls of the gullible herd,” or so it seems, we should also keep in mind Edmund Burke’s letter to Thomas Mercer, a 19th-century judge. A summary of the letter is: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

Ultimately, for this country to stick together for the long haul, the governance pillars must be probity, justice, fairness, equality, equity and inclusiveness. Leaders who work at variance with these values are the greatest enemies of Nigeria’s unity.

Whither State Governors?, By Andrew A. Erakhrumen

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Whither State Governors?, By Andrew A. Erakhrumen

It is no news that the already emaciated industrial and other productive capacity, for production and availing limited number of people legitimate jobs, are declining in Nigeria; that is businesses, companies, factories and other economic ventures that have had positive impacts on economy are crashing almost irretrievably; but this is not the whole story. With the increasing intensity of the economic doom (or is it downturn?) being experienced, the country has been ‘blessed’ (or burdened?) with another thriving industry – the crime industry! This seemingly ‘new’ industry is neither really new nor original to Nigeria but it is booming here and now. Although, it assumes different forms and shapes, it is not limited to any region of the country. One of such criminalities is kidnapping for ransom. Sincerely, it is increasingly becoming difficult to describe this ‘lucrative’ venture as a criminal enterprise. This is because names of “big men” directly and indirectly involved in kidnappings are mentioned in the print and electronic media but nothing seems to be happening to them. A lot has been said about this societal challenge, however, the more the people cry, the more they are left unprotected, by the state, from the whims and caprices of kidnappers. As at today, no one is sure who the next victim(s) will be. The responses of national and sub-national governments to criminalities are still the same old predictable ineffectual pronouncements.

 
Nigerian governments always claim to be on top of the situation! Marching orders are always given to the country’s security personnel to get to the root of the matter. Have they ever been able to get to the root of the matter? We do not know! We also do not know if politicians are behind the massive criminalities enveloping Nigeria! What we know is that those holding political power including others in the corridors and bedrooms of power have been using the captured failing state to extract public resources and protect only themselves and theirs while others are expected to go to hell! Once you are not in government or not close to those in it, be rest assured that you are on your own; you are ‘technically’ excluded from the selective protection by the state. This is not a new story. It is not a new reality. It has not been unique to a particular group in power. Only that those who criticised people-in-power yesterday are today, in power, contributing to the entrenchment of what they criticised yesterday! So, it has been deception all the way! We have always argued that a chunk of the possible solutions to a societal problem lies on the ability and willingness to recruit the ‘right’ political leadership that is ready to confront such problem. When we talk of political leadership, it is not limited to those at the federal level. In fact, more is expected from those at the state and sub-state levels. To say it as it is, many Nigerian state governors are terribly irresponsible!

 
Yes, state governors do not have the powers of the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian armed forces but for what do they use the “security vote” they strictly keep secret? What is this “security vote”? It is an unknown large amount not legally appropriated! This is another means by which public funds are stolen! Since 1999, no state governor has denied the existence of the “vote” or given account of how it was expended! It should not be only about the federal government, Nigerians should also ask state governors questions! A lot of nonsense also pervades the states. The federal government may be a major beneficiary of the warped federal system of government practiced in Nigeria but the state governments cannot exempt themselves from the rot being experienced everywhere! Concerning the kidnapping we were talking about earlier, we had asked in an intervention in the past that “…..who would have imagined that kidnappers will, one day, take more than a hundred students (as hostages), from a boarding school, and ask relatives (of the hostages) to provide rice, beans, palm oil, salt and stock cubes to feed them (in captivity)?…..” Recent events make that question we asked in 2021 sound outdated. For instance, on the 28th of February, 2024, bandits killed two residents of Anguwan Auta in Gonin Gora, Chikun Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna state, kidnapping and escaping with others into the bushes bothering the community.  

Four days earlier, in this Chikun LGA, 287 schoolchildren were reportedly abducted in Kuriga whereas on the 24th of March, 2024, it was reported that the number of these Kuriga’s schoolchildren that were actually abducted but eventually rescued by the military in Zamfara state is ‘only’ 137. Kidnappings in many states, Kaduna inclusive, appear to be progressively more ‘normalised’ and less newsworthy! The ease with which these kidnappings are carried out is a thing to be seriously worried about! A very simple explanation to give is that Nigeria’s intelligence network has broken down while the job of securing the country has become overwhelming. So, whoever is ‘careless’ to allow himself/herself get kidnapped should ‘arrange’ for resources to get him/her out of kidnappers’ den! That is today’s Nigerian reality! That is the common people’s reality! As earlier said, you are on your own! Or, what are we to say when what we complained about in 2021 is now less in negative intensity in comparison with this 2024 Kaduna kidnapping? Here, the abductors were alleged to have demanded N40 Trillion, 11 Toyota Hilux vans and 150 motorcycles as ransom for the release of 16 kidnapped victims in captivity! This sounds preposterous but nothing is unbelievable in today’s Nigeria! Pretence and deceit are mostly unhelpful where things are fast falling apart! No one expects to be kidnapped but not being a victim of kidnapping should not be a reason for keeping quiet about it. Sadly, this crime does not respect religion, clan, ethnicity or region!

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Kidnapping does not differentiate one political party member from another. It has a life of its own. Although, it is difficult to pointedly state, with certainty, the first school that was attacked by criminal elements in the northern part of the country. Nevertheless, since the 14th of April, 2014 when 276 students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno state were successfully kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents, it has been harvests of successful kidnappings by different criminal groups! Kidnappers have continued to do well; they have been operating unhindered in ways that suggest an absence of law and order in those states! We sometimes ask this question: are there executive governors in those states? This question emanates from the fact that state governors swore an oath of allegiance to the people, promising to protect them against harm from criminal elements. Thus, how does one explain the current reality in which criminalities are perpetrated freely in those states? The state governors and local government administrations are the closest to the people; therefore, more is expected from them concerning the quest for solution(s) to Nigeria’s insecurity challenges. They should not sit in their offices, embezzle “security vote” and give Nigerians the impression that federal government is the only problem.

FCT-Graded Chiefs, Mosques, Welfare Associations get food items

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FCT-Graded Chiefs, Mosques, Welfare Associations get food items

The FCT Administration has distributed food items to residents of the FCT in the spirit of the Ramadan fast.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Press, Office of the Minister of the FCT, Anthony Ogunleye.

According to Ogunleye, the occasion saw the distribution of rice, vegetable oil, sugar and milk to the 17 FCT-graded chiefs, mosques in the FCT and the six Area Councils as well as FCT welfare associations.

 
Presenting the items to the recipients, the Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, who was represented by the Head of Service of the FCTA, Mr. Samuel Atang, said that the gesture was a demonstration that every individual matters in the FCT.

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Wike who recognised that every resident in the FCT needs to be nurtured, congratulated Muslims in the FCT for their dedication to observing the obligatory fast in the month of Ramadan, adding that the food items were intended to cushion the effect of rising food prices as well as to ensure that Muslims in the FCT break their fast with ease.

The Minister urged Muslims to use the fasting period to pray for peace in the country and good health of the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 In his welcome address, the Director of Protocol to the Minister, Alhaji Sani Daura said that the initiative was not merely an act of charity but a demonstration of the FCT Administration’s unwavering commitment to stand together, shoulder to shoulder with residents, in times of need.

He said that the initiative also serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity, embodying the true spirit of Ramadan – a time of giving, compassion, and unity.

Alhaji Sani Daura particularly thanked the Minister for the kind gesture and prayed for the Almighty to continue to bless him.

A total of 5000 bags of rice, 1000 cartons of vegetable oil,  1000 cartons of sugar and 1000 cartons of milk were distributed at the event.

In their responses, the Chief Imam of the official residence of the FCT Minister, Ustaz Lawal Mustafa and the Head of Bwari Vocational Rehabilitation Centre Comrade Bala Tsoho Musa, expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister for reducing the hardship and helping the Muslims to observe the fast of Ramadan in a good state of mind.

By Chimezie Godfrey

But what really is Nigeria’s problem?, By Abiodun Komolafe

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But what really is Nigeria’s problem?, By Abiodun Komolafe

When, in 1814, Europe’s leading statesman, Count Metternich, said that Italy “is only a geographical expression”, the former Deputy of the Kingdom of Italy and the Father of Modern Italy, Giuseppe Garibaldi, didn’t take it as an offence. Instead, the only question on his mind was how to create Italians. 

Take the recent detention escape of one of the Binance Executives held in Nigeria for tax evasion, Nadeem Anjarwalla, as a case study! Anjarwalla’s escape from protective custody didn’t tell us anything other than the statelessness of the Nigerian state. In some countries, there would by now have been a gale of resignations. But in Nigeria, that has never happened; and may never happen! Instead, the country moves on, until the fire next time! 

Apart from the run-of-the-mill criminals, a jailbreak or detention escape does not portend anything other than a weak state, that those who aided and abetted it knew what they were doing, and that nothing would happen to them ultimately. Mayer Amschel Rothschild once asked that he be given control of a nation’s money supply and he cared not who wrote the laws. That the Binance Executive who was trying to undermine the control of the Nigerian currency could escape from custody at all was a national disgrace! It’s a telltale sign of failure of intelligence and it’s sad! It’s tantamount to America informing a stunned world that Osama Bin Laden had escaped from custody. For America, it’s not possible!

The raging insecurity in Nigeria also says something about a broken-down state where lack of internal security mechanisms has become the norm. Take, for instance, Nigeria has 371,800 police officers serving a population of 213.4 million Nigerians. Regrettably however, half of them are already fanned out to political bigwigs. So, what do we expect?  That’s all the more reason to devolve power to the states if Nigeria wants to stop terrorism and associated criminalities. Matter-of-factly, the vigilantes involved in the war against terrorism and banditry deserve national awards because of the risks involved in fighting with Dane guns against men with AK 47 and other sophisticated weapons and networks. Added to this is that Nigeria is currently ‘blessed’ with loads of ungoverned spaces. For example, Sambisa Forest alone is reportedly the size of Belgium. Niger State is also almost thrice the size of the Netherlands. However, while the Netherlands maintains her position as the world’s 2nd largest exporter of food and agricultural products, what’s Niger State exporting? 

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Nigeria is the world’s 9th largest crude petroleum exporting country. Still, she is deep in the sea of palliative miasma. Dishearteningly, that’s emblematic of a dehumanized society and lack of transparency on the part of the organizers and it’s disheartening! Nigeria’s problem isn’t a question of not producing enough food. Rather, it’s that the country does not have the infrastructure to have stable prices. The truth is that Nigeria has antediluvian agriculture. It is primitive and rain-fed! She doesn’t have Commodities Exchange and Boards and/or storage facilities. In my considered opinion, the drivers involved in the movement of goods and services from the hinterland to the cities are risking their lives. So, how much are they going to be paid to compensate for the risks? Unfortunately, instead of building rural roads, our governors are busy building flyovers and embarking on other vanity projects.

On the whole, Nigeria’s problem is a defective constitution. If we go back to what was the cost-benefit analysis and general wellbeing under the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions, what has happened subsequently is that Nigeria now has more than 133 million Nigerians battling multidimensional poverty. Under the 1963 Constitution, that’s not possible! For those who care to know, India, Australia, Canada and Brazil have been operating under the same kind of Constitution. Look at where they are, compared to where Nigeria is hibernating! 

While we cannot build a country without production, we cannot also build production on a defective constitution in which every state goes to Abuja every month, cap-in-hand, for handouts. The way out is for power to be devolved to the states, including powers to raise their own finances. It should be like the 1963 revenue sharing formula, which favoured 50% to the state and 50% to the centre. How can Nigeria have more than 68 items on the Exclusive List? For God’s sake, they shouldn’t be more than 8 or 9 items; and they must have a revenue allocation formula that allows each state to carry out its responsibilities as a real subnational.

The key point here is that Nigeria is presently running on a very defective foundation and, until a Nigerian leader – and we hope that President Bola Tinubu would be the game-changer – is able to say what Massimo d’Azeglio said about Italy in 1861, Nigeria will remain captured. But the day a Nigerian leader possesses the interminable refinement and the presence of mind to emphasize that “we have made a geographical expression called Nigeria; now we must make Nigerians”, and he develops the capacity to do the needful, Nigeria will be free! And the only way to create Nigeria is to revisit her foundational defects, not by piecemeal constitution amendments but by writing a brand new Constitution that’s based largely on the spirit and letter of the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions and have it passed by plebiscite. There and then, everything will change because the states can now have control over their resources. 

If California in the United States of America was a sovereign state, it would be the 6th largest economy in the world as of today. Apart from having a fantastic, innovative income, California is a major contributor to the federal budget. In 2022, California had a record operating surplus of $97.5 billion, to which a special legislative session was called to debate the spending formula. Of course, that has gone to show the real essence of True Federalism. Until Nigeria develops that kind of framework, Nigerians will only be moving in circles, fantasizing and gambling about the naira-to-dollar exchange nonsense. After all, bandits were not born as bandits. They are bandits because they are produced from a factory!

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

Soludo congratulates Christians on Easter, tasks them on nation building

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Soludo congratulates Christians on Easter, tasks them on nation building
Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra State, has congratulated Christians as they celebrate Easter and urged them to concern themselves more on nation building.

He affirmed that Easter is a time of reflection and transformation, reminding celebrants of the profound lessons of love, selflessness, sacrifice, resilience, compassion and renewal embodied by Jesus Christ.

In his Easter message, Soludo said that the season symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, hope over despair, and love over fear.

“As we commemorate this sacred occasion, let us draw inspiration from the teachings of Christ to foster unity, compassion and goodwill in our communities and Nigeria.

“In addition, I urge all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the noble task of nation building for a better Nigeria.

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“Together, let us strive to create a Nigeria where justice, equality, and prosperity flourish for all.

“Let us embrace the values of honesty, integrity, and solidarity as we work towards a brighter future for our beloved country,” he said.

The governor urged Nigerians to harness the spirit of Easter to uplift the vulnerable, to empower the marginalised, and to build bridges of understanding and reconciliation.

He said together, “Nigerians would  overcome present challenges, transcend any obstacles, and realise the boundless potentials of our great nation.”

Soludo further reassured of his stronger commitment to leading Anambra State on a path of renewal, progress and transformation, serving with empathy, selflessness, sacrifice and accountability.

He wished all a blessed and joyful Easter, and prayed that the spirit of easter would fill the hearts of men with hope, love, and your lives with peace and abundance. (NAN)

By Joy Mbachi

Our expectations shall be met in the resurrected Christ – Uzodimma

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Our expectations shall be met in the resurrected Christ – Uzodimma

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has called on the Christian faithful in the state and country in general Nigeria to use the period of the Easter celebration to renew their hope for a better tomorrow.

Uzodimma said this in his Easter message, adding that the hope of the Christians would be met in the resurrected Jesus Christ.

He said that the Federal Government, “under the able leadership of President Bola Tinubu, is working hard to improve the economy.

“We are already seeing some of the positive signs of success.

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“Therefore, we should use the period of the Eater to renew our hope for a better tomorrow,” Uzodimma said.

Uzodimma, who noted that Easter was the foundation of Christianity, urged believers to “use the occasion of the Easter to rekindle and reinvigorate our love for one another, for our neighbour, for our state and our country.

“This is the cardinal message of Easter, which I urge you to imbibe and practice with the religious zeal of a true Christian,” he further said.

He expressed joy over the successful completion of the 40-day fasting which, he said, was necessary “to mortify our flesh so as to sharpen our spirituality in readiness for the risen Christ.”

According to the governor, if Christ had not died and resurrected, our faith as Christians would have been stillborn.

He emphasised the need for the Christian faithful to always remember the sacrificial love of Christ that binds Christians together and urged them to reciprocate that love through exemplary conduct always.

He, however, said that some attitudes and conducts of Christians suggested that of those nailing Jesus Christ again on the cross.

Uzodimma said: “As Christians, we hardly show love to each other or our neighbours.

“There is no evidence that as Christians, we love our state, our community and our country.

“If we do, we will never betray the trust of a public office under our watch by looting public treasury or greedy and illegally appropriating public assets.

“If we are truly Christians, then banditry and criminality should be receding in our society, not escalating by the day.

“I often ask, where is our Christianity when we acquire all the wealth and estates while our neighbours languish in excruciating poverty?

“Indeed, the wickedness of this generation, the rancid, pervasive inter-ethnic hatred that have become the order of the day among us and the heart-wrenching daily shedding of innocent blood, do not in any way indicate that we understand or appreciate the essence of either Christianity or Easter.

“What happened to our humanity? Even beasts do not kill each other like we do,” he said.

Uzodimma, who appealed for repentance, said “it is important that we nail on the cross those vices, which tend to be a wedge between us and righteousness and progress.”

“We should show love to our fellow human beings because he who loves does not hurt,” the governor said.

While wishing the people a happy Easter celebration, Uzodimma assured them that his administration will continue to work hard to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.

Uzodimma said the economy of the state was looking up.

“With the faithful implementation of the 2024 budget, we shall surely experience a new lease of life with the expectations of a regenerated standard of living for our people.

“No matter what happens, we should never lose hope.

“With the resurrected Christ, things can only be better.

“Mark my word, better days are ahead,” Uzodimma said. (NAN)

By Peter Okolie

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