Our Model
Ranking Nigerian Governors is a monthly publication by TVN dedicated to evaluating the performance of Nigerian governors.
Since its launch in August 2019, we have diligently assessed the policy decisions, actions, and impacts—both positive and negative—of state governors on their residents. Initially, we utilized a ranking system to highlight the Top 5 and Bottom 5 governors each month.
However, due to a decline in governance standards across the nation, we have refined our approach. Our updated methodology now emphasizes identifying significant achievements or failures of governors and providing a thorough assessment of governance quality.
While we recognize the challenges governors face, such as limited resources and increasing financial obligations, we assert that effective leadership can harness Nigeria’s rich natural and human resources to drive development.
A Look Back
In our previous issue, we scrutinized Governor Siminilayi Fubara’s tacit endorsement of violence during his confrontation with local government chairmen who, despite their expired tenures, were reluctant to vacate their offices. We also examined the Lagos State Government’s response to the cholera outbreak, concluding that it was slow, late, and lacked the proactive measures seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, we reviewed what we termed Governor Muhammed Umar Bago’s extravagant trip to Saudi Arabia with numerous state officials to celebrate Sallah, criticizing the misuse of scarce resources that could have been better allocated to address pressing needs within the state.
In Focus
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests that surged across the nation serves as a glaring indictment of the failures in state governance. The demonstrations, fuelled by widespread complaints of hardship and hunger, have brought to light the growing disconnect between state leadership and the needs of the populace.
Despite increased allocations from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) and federal government initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty, many state residents find themselves facing severe economic difficulties.
The Catalysts: Hardship and Hunger
We acknowledge that the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests erupted as a powerful outcry from Nigerians grappling with escalating economic hardships. The protests have been characterized by widespread claims of insufficient food, poor living conditions, and an overarching sense of disenfranchisement. Citizens have been expressing frustration over the inability of the government to address these pressing issues despite the federal government’s efforts to provide relief.
READ ALSO:Ranking Nigerian Governors, May 2024: Tactical errors, grave challenges define first year of ‘first-termers’
Federal Efforts and State Response
Since the beginning of the current administration at the centre, allocations to states through FAAC disbursements have exponentially increased. Additionally, programmes aimed at supporting agricultural productivity, such as the provision of fertilizer to help boost local food production and distribution of different kinds of grains to mitigate shortages, have been made available by the Federal government to the states. However, these federal interventions appear to have had minimal impact at the grassroots level.
Allegations of Diversion and Mismanagement
One of the most significant grievances attending the efforts of the Federal Government is the alleged diversion of resources intended for public welfare. Many state residents have accused their governors of misappropriating funds meant for essential services and relief programmes. Reports indicate that some governors have been implicated in diverting federal provisions, including rice and fertilizers, for personal or political gain rather than distributing them to those in need.
The performance of state governors has come under intense scrutiny as the protests highlight systemic failures. Despite receiving substantial funds and support from the federal government, many state governments have struggled to effectively implement policies that address basic needs. This discrepancy is evident in several areas:
1. Allocation and Utilization of Funds
Despite increased FAAC allocations, many states find it difficult in translating these funds into tangible benefits for their residents. Delays in infrastructure projects, lack of transparency in expenditure, and poor management of public resources have been cited as key issues.
2. Agricultural Support Programmes
Federal initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural output have not yielded the expected results in many states. Reports of inadequate distribution of fertilizers and seeds, coupled with the lack of proper implementation of farming programmes, have left many farmers disillusioned.
3. Public Welfare and Basic Services
Protests have revealed significant shortcomings in the delivery of basic services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare. The lack of effective service delivery has exacerbated the sense of neglect among residents.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Reforms
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests underscore the urgent need for reforms in state governance. The inability of many governors to effectively manage resources and address the needs of their constituents has led to widespread disillusionment. Moving forward, there is a critical need for:
1. Enhanced Transparency and Accountability:
To restore public trust, there must be increased transparency in the management of state funds and resources. Effective monitoring and accountability mechanisms are essential to prevent corruption and mis-allocation.
2. Improved Implementation of Federal Programmes:
State governments must ensure that federal initiatives, such as agricultural support programmes, are properly implemented and reach the intended beneficiaries.
3. Strengthening of Public Services:
Addressing the deficiencies in healthcare, education, and social services is crucial for improving the overall quality of life for residents.
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests have served as a stark reminder of the failures at the state level of governance. The growing disconnect between state leadership and the needs of the populace, coupled with allegations of resource diversion, has fuelled widespread unrest. For Nigeria to move forward, concerted efforts to address these governance issues are imperative. Only through effective leadership, transparency, and accountability can the root causes of discontent be resolved, and meaningful progress achieved.
The post Ranking Nigerian Governors; July, 2024: #EndBadGovernance Protests, a damning verdict on state governance appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Ranking Nigerian Governors; July, 2024: #EndBadGovernance Protests, a damning verdict on state governance
Alleged Amotekun raid: Osun mechanic vows to seek legal redress
An Osogbo-based auto mechanic, Babatunde Oyetunji has stated that he intends to seek legal redress over alleged attack on his workshop by personnel of Osun Amotekun.
This is as he described as a blatant lie the statement credited to Osun Amotekun denying an attack on his workshop.
Oyetunji had alleged that his workshop in Osogbo was attacked by persons he identified as Amotekun Osun personnel last week Monday.
Meanwhile, the Osun Amotekun in a statement by its spokesperson, Yusuf Idowu on Saturday denied the allegation.
The security outfit called on the members of the public to disregard the allegation as it was a blatant lie.
“We have been made aware of a social media publication containing libelous allegations against the Osun Amotekun Corps, which we must correct to prevent the spread of misinformation.
“The publication falsely alleged that Osun Amotekun Corps invaded Oyetunji’s workshop on Ring Road, Osogbo, and stole vehicles and spare parts.
“We wish to inform the public that Osun Amotekun Corps was not involved in this act, and the news is entirely false.”
Reacting to the statement, Oyetunji said it has further confirmed the Amotekun Corps as an embodiment of propaganda.
While expressing disappointment, Oyetunji noted that the outright denial of the raid by Amotekun showed that the outfit was devoid of integrity, honour and dignity.
He said, “I have assembled my legal counsels and concluded plans to institute litigations against Amotekun.
“With this outright denial, I can say emphatically that the security outfit has now become an embodiment of propaganda.
“I am going to challenge the security outfit at a competent court of law.”
Oyetunji added that no effort would be spared to expose the dastardly act on his person and privacy by Osun Amotekun.
Alleged Amotekun raid: Osun mechanic vows to seek legal redress
Economic losses from #EndBadGovernance protests hard to estimate – Bagudu
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has decried the economic losses arising from the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests in the country.
He, however, noted that the loss of human life in the protests far outweighs material damage.
The minister, who spoke at the African Caucus 2024 meeting in Abuja on Sunday, acknowledged that government measures aimed at transforming the economy may have short-term costs, but are necessary to address decades of under-investment in critical sectors.
He noted that while some may disagree with the government’s approach, the administration is working to address accumulated issues in security, infrastructure, human capital, education, and health.
READ ALSO:Protesters persist in Kano on Day 4 despite Tinubu’s plea
Bagudu said: “You can’t even put an estimate because somebody has lost his life. How can you quantify that?”
He cautioned that even well-intentioned actions can be hijacked by those with malicious intentions, leading to harm and social disruptions.
“I don’t have an estimate about the damage, but one life lost is big enough.
“The government took measures that it believed would yield a greater tomorrow.
“But sometimes those measures come with short-term costs, and understandably some segments of society feel that maybe we should have done things differently, or it has taken too long and we have listened, we are mindful,” he added.
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Gov Mbah, Umahi commend South-East residents for shunning nationwide protests
The Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah and Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Sunday commended the people of the South-East for shunning the ongoing nationwide protests.
The duo spoke during an inspection tour of Federal and State road projects in the region.
They lauded the people for abstaining from the protests, citing avoidance of potential losses and demonstration of goodwill towards the Federal Government.
The leaders praised the region’s calm demeanor which prevented unnecessary risks to life, property, and business.
Governor Mbah expressed gratitude to the people for heeding the call to shun protests and focus on their daily activities.
He said: “I also want to take the opportunity to commend our people greatly for heeding our call to shun the protests and go about their business. We commend them highly because they understand the value of hard work.
READ ALSO:South-East monarchs beg for release of IPOB leader, Kanu
“Sometimes, you may not be able to appreciate the effect of government policies immediately, but I tell you that some of these policies are well-intentioned. With time, if we can just exercise a little more patience with the Federal Government, we are going to begin to see the value of these reforms.
“We want to continue to call on our people to go about their business and know that if they destroy our assets, we are still going to use the wealth of our common patrimony to fix those assets. So, we must remain focused and continue to do our work.”
On his part, Umahi noted that the South- East’s non-participation in the protests sent a strong message, signaling a desire for integration and appreciation for recent inclusive efforts by the Federal Government.
“We are not going to protest. We want proper integration in the affairs of this country. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr President, started it by giving an Igbo man the Minister of Works, appointing an Igbo Man as a service chief, among others.
“We have been excluded from governance and development in the past. But now, you can see infrastructural developments in South-East. So, why should we protest against a man who has given to us what was never given to us before?
“I thank Governor Mbah very much for showing leadership not only in development strides but also when it mattered most. I appreciate other governors and other states that did not protest,” he stated.
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Kogi stagnated despite billions of allocation – Okai tackles Gov Ododo
Usman Okai Austin, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/Bassa, Kogi State, in the 2023 elections, has criticized the state government for lack of development despite increased revenue from the federation account since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.
Okai said the growing resentment among the people of Kogi State was due to the perceived government’s insensitivity to their plight amid harsh economic conditions.
In a statement he signed, Okai attributed the people’s hardship to the removal of fuel subsidies and the subsequent surge in inflation.
He said: “Despite substantial revenue, citizens question the government’s spending.
“There’s no visible development in Kogi, unlike neighbouring states with similar allocations.”
He called for transparency and accountability, emphasizing the need to hold the government responsible for the mismanagement of public funds.
Okai also highlighted the plight of local government workers who receive partial salaries despite the state’s alleged financial windfall.
Comparing the current situation to the previous administration, Okai expressed concern over the state’s lack of progress under governor Bello’s leadership.
He urged for a change in governance to address the people’s needs.
Kogi stagnated despite billions of allocation – Okai tackles Gov Ododo
Families of trapped Niger miners threaten lawsuit over compensation
Over two months after a tragic mining pit collapse in Shiroro, Niger State, left an estimated 50 miners buried alive, the families and relatives of the victims are threatening legal action against the pit’s owners and the state government over lack of compensation.
The number of victims has been disputed, with authorities initially reporting 14 miners buried, while other stakeholders claim over 50 were affected.
Efforts to recover the bodies from the pit, estimated to be over 400 square meters deep, have been largely unsuccessful, with only partial remains being retrieved.
Suleiman Isah, a relative of one of the deceased miners, told newsmen that out of the 14 miners reportedly trapped, nine bodies had been recovered and buried, while the remains of five others, including the chief security officer, were still missing.
Isah expressed frustration over the lack of communication and action from both the company and the state government.
“This accident affected one of my brothers. We have not heard anything from either the company or the state government.
“It has been two months since the incident, and we still expect compensation,” Isah said.
He added that while there were rumors of possible compensation, the families were prepared to take legal action if no concrete steps were taken.
Families of the victims have criticized both the state and federal governments, as well as the mining company, for their inadequate response to the disaster.
They accused the authorities of relying on outdated tools and manual labour instead of utilizing more sophisticated machinery, potentially preventing the rescue of the trapped miners.
Abdusalami Kuta, another family member, voiced his disappointment with the government’s handling of the situation.
According to Kuta, his younger brother, Isiayku Kuta, is among those still trapped under the collapsed rock.
“This government has not been fair to us. We have been praying and hoping for a rescue, but now we believe they will never be found again,” he lamented.
Kuta stressed the importance of giving the victims a proper burial and called for the mining company to compensate the affected families, urging the government to ensure this happens.
Families of trapped Niger miners threaten lawsuit over compensation
Gov Obaseki blames Nigerian govt for widespread hardship
The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Sunday, attributed the prevailing hardship in the country to policies implemented by the Federal Government.
Obaseki, in a statement, said his government had implemented several people-oriented programmes to reduce the suffering of Edo people in the wake of the difficult living conditions in the country.
His statement comes as protesters in Edo State took to the streets and held a church service to decry the harsh living conditions.
Obaseki listed some of the programmes to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
These include:
– Raising the minimum wage to N70,000 to boost purchasing power
– Introducing a free transport scheme along Edo City Transport Service routes
– Providing free Wi-Fi services in public spaces to facilitate telecommuting
– Implementing a state-wide feeding program for the vulnerable, in partnership with religious institutions
READ ALSO:Edo APC Group tasks Edo gov, Obaseki, IGP Egbetokun over attack on guber candidate
The governor emphasized that the protest is a direct result of the difficult living conditions caused by federal government policies, which have led to:
– Skyrocketing food prices
– High transportation costs
– Galloping inflation
– Loss of operating capital for small business owners
He said: “The protest is obviously the result of the difficult living conditions which Nigerians have had to endure particularly over the last one year, arising from various policies that have been implemented by the Federal Government.
“These policies have taken a severe toll on citizens who have had to endure astronomic high food prices, high transportation costs, galloping inflation and loss of operating capital by small business owners across the country.
“In Edo State, we have taken several actions within our constitutional authority to reduce the suffering and hardship of our people by showing empathy and supporting our people to weather and survive this trying time despite the challenges witnessed across the nation.”
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EU rejects Venezuelan President Maduro’s electoral victory
The European Union on Sunday said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s contested re-election last month “cannot be recognised”, as the country’s electoral authority has failed to produce the official voting records.
The results published by Venezuela’s National Electoral Council on August 2 “cannot be recognised. Any attempt to delay the full publication of the official voting records will only cast further doubt” on their credibility”, the EU Council said in a statement.
Unlike the United States and several other countries, the EU has refrained from recognising opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as president-elect.
“Copies of the electoral voting records published by the opposition, and reviewed by several independent organisations, indicate that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia would appear to be the winner of the Presidential elections by a significant majority,” the EU statement said.
“The European Union thus calls for further independent verification of the electoral records, if possible by an internationally reputed entity,” it added.
The EU called “on Venezuelan authorities to put an end to arbitrary detentions, repression and violent rhetoric against members of the opposition and civil society, and to release all political prisoners”.
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AFP.
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Kebbi flood victims receive FG relief materials
The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has provided food and other relief materials to victims of the recent flood disaster in Kebbi State.
The distribution came in response to a request from the state government and local lawmakers, following an assessment conducted by NEMA in conjunction with the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency.
Aliyu Shehu-Kafindangi, the Head of NEMA’s Sokoto Operation Office, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Gusau.
He pointed out that the relief items were distributed to households affected by the disaster in 13 local government areas, including Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Suru, Bagudo, Maiyama, Koko-Besse, Jega, Argungu, Arewa, Dandi, Augie, Alier, and Gwandu.
“The gesture was also aimed at providing succour to communities affected by the disaster,” Shehu-Kafindangi stated.
The relief package included food items such as rice, beans, maize, vegetable oil, seasoning, pasta, and salt.
Other items such as mosquito nets, blankets, and nylon mats were provided to the affected communities.
The direct distribution exercise was supervised by officials from the NEMA Sokoto Operations Office, the Office of the Special Adviser to the Kebbi State Governor on State Emergency Management Agency, Bello Relisco, and representatives from the six federal constituencies in Kebbi State.
Kebbi flood victims receive FG relief materials
Plateau imposes 24-hour curfew on state capital
The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has declared a 24-hour curfew in Jos and Bukuru metropolis.
In a statement on Sunday night, the governor said the curfew was imposed in the affected areas following reported cases of looting of goods in the Bauchi Road community and Zolo Junction by hoodlums on Sunday
A statement signed by the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, read, ” In a decisive move to enhance the security of lives and maintain public order, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang,has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Jos/Bukuru Metropolis, effective from midnight on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
“Governor Mutfwang, in consultation with state security agencies, took this decision after reviewing the actions of unscrupulous individuals who exploited the nationwide protest to unleash terror on innocent citizens.
“The governor noted that these criminal elements, armed with daggers, machetes, and other dangerous weapons, broke into shops and restaurants along Bauchi Road and Zololo Junction, looting foodstuffs and other valuable items.
“Governor Mutfwang emphasized that the curfew is in the best interest of all citizens and urged everyone to comply fully to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. He directed security agencies in the state to ensure the total enforcement of the curfew across the Jos/Bukuru Metropolis”
The statement added that the governor warned those planning to unleash further terror on innocent citizens to desist immediately or face the full wrath of the law.
It added, “The governor also called on the relevant security agencies to remain vigilant and proactive in their duties to prevent any potential disruptions to law and order.
“Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the citizens of Plateau State, particularly the clergy and imams, for their unwavering support of government’s policies and programs. He acknowledged their cooperation and adherence to directives during the planned nationwide protest and praised their commitment to maintaining peace and unity.
“The peaceful conduct of our people before, during, and after the nationwide protest is commendable. I urge everyone to continue to uphold this culture of peace as we work together to build a united and progressive Plateau”.