Column
Restructure to empower masses by taking out state of origin, federal character
By Omoh Gabriel
In the last few months the Nigeria nation has witnessed a wave of unprecedented call for secession; call for Igbos to quit Northern Nigeria and other minority group coming up with their own demand. This development is traceable to every Nigerian feeling of being marginalised. This threatening social upheaval is rooted in economic deprivation of the masses. While some group of politicians, whether Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba or Igbo have individually or collectively shortchanged Nigerians, the poor Hausa-Fulani man, the poor Yoruba or Igbo man suffers the same hunger, deprivation and economic marginalisation.
The unfortunate thing however, is that the poor and needy Nigerians have not been able to come together to find a lasting solution to their common problem. Those promoting Biafra are doing so for Economic gains. While Ralph Uwazuruike of Massop fame issued passport at N10,000 to every so called Biafra, he made huge gains. He is now swimming in millions of Naira. Nnamdi Kanu of IPOB has had his own good time, he has become famous and reaping the financial benefits. The poor Igbo man is left to fend for himself, while these apostle of separation are making cool money.
Two things are needful for Nigeria as a nation. The very first thing is for the government at all levels to become creative and productive to steer the economy out of recession and usher in lasting prosperity. If Nigerians are gainfully employed, can find good schools for their children, functional hospitals and not consulting clinics, regular power supply and an enabling business environment, they will not bother from which tribe the president or governor comes from. It is the inadequacy of opportunity in the country that has created the social me lieu that has given rise to agitation as those in power are seen to be appropriating what belongs to the nation to themselves and their region of origin.
Nigeria social political situation is comparable to the multi cultural circumstances in America. They have a diverse group. They are able to cope with social pressure because there is opportunity for all. The average American does not bother if a family produces the president or senator or Governor for several years. The system works because the average American is gainfully employed. Nigeria leaders must work at improving the economy and ensuring that the welfare of all Nigerians improve on continuous basis.
The second thing is that Nigeria must come out of the so called state of origin stigma. Nigeria is a country inhabited by Nigerians. It does not give any body a sense of belonging after leaving in any part of Nigeria for several years and still be called a settler or non indigene. Most times, these so called non indigenes pay taxes, levy and other dues more than the so called indigenes, yet they are strangers who can not own land in their place of settlement. The Federal Government should as a matter of urgency delete the use of state of origin from the statute books and replace it with place of birth or settlement. This will give every Nigerian a sense of belonging to pursue his or her legitimate economic dream anywhere in Nigeria.
Nigerians by the current agitation have come to agree that the greatest challenge facing the development of this great nation is not necessarily corruption, but lack of national identity and sense of belonging in the country. Nigerians owe their loyalty to either the north or south or tribe. Politicians who want to get undue advantage not necessarily for the north or south, usually fan the embers of North/South dichotomy.
In the late 70s, when General Murtala Muhammed came on the Nigerian political scene, he had a vision of what he thought Nigeria should be that it was not. As a military general, who participated in keeping Nigeria one, he was consumed with the passion of a united Nigeria. A Nigeria that is free from the encumbrance of North-South dichotomy. He wanted to see a Nigeria where there was justice and fair play to all, no matter where they came from. That was what led to his renaming states he created and those created before him according to landmarks instead of the North, South, West and East naming of states in the country before him.
The ideals of Murtala was catching on, in that most Nigerians were beginning to see themselves as belonging to Nigeria and not region before the men with flowing agbada returned to the scene to reintroduce the North-South equation and ethnic arithmetic into the body politics of Nigeria. It was at the Constituent Assembly that these old politicians, whose interest is their pockets and stomach, smuggled into the national dialogue, geo-political zones. It was in a bid to continue the old political economy and ethnic arithmetic that has dragged the nation backward for years. The PDP then latched on it by its constitution insisting in power rotation and sharing according to the defined six geo-political zones. These zones were artificially created along political leanings and not comparative economic advantage in any sense. The idea of political zoning, which ought to have been a party affair within the PDP, was turned into a national issue depriving the nation of the best hand to serve the fatherland Nigeria at the highest political level.
As Nigerians debates the merits and otherwise of restructuring the nation, it must agree to dispense with issues of zoning, state of origin, federal character, and catchment area admission policy in federal schools that have dragged the nation back. State of origin in Nigeria’s body politics is the evil machination of Nigerian politicians that has hindered even economic development in Nigeria. A Nigerian is a Nigerian. Restructuring must free Nigerians from this baggage. A Nigerian can be born anywhere but must be free to live, work and own properties anywhere in the country he chooses to live in without let and hindrance. The constitution that will come out from the restructuring exercise must make it a criminal offence for any official of federal, state or local government or private sector employer to ask any Nigerian of his or her state of origin.
Nigerian politicians should be ashamed of themselves to have allowed this for so long. Countries like America, Australia and Canada are asking millions of citizens of other countries to migrate to their countries yearly and such migrants are given equal opportunity. It is because of the economic advantage a growing population confers on a country. China today is an economic powerhouse because of its market size and a huge productive population that offers cheap and affordable labour to international businesses on the one hand and a huge market from the middle class. In China, it is not just that there is corruption, it is of high magnitude, yet the country is moving forward economic wise. Here at home, we have human resources we are wasting on the basis of state of origin. Many Nigerians who ordinarily would have been gainfully employed have no access to such job opportunities because of their state of origin.
It is an act of political intolerance to see a fellow Nigerian as a foreigner in his homeland. It is this political intolerance that would make a state governor to deport a Nigerian from his state to his home state. It is only in Nigeria that there is deportation within a nation’s sovereign borders. A Nigerian from Sokoto must be able to live in Rivers, work in Rivers and become a governor there if the people so desire. Same for an Edo, Ijaw, Yoruba or Ibo men living anywhere in the northern part of the country. It is by so doing that Nigerians can ever give their best for the nation. This is what will encourage mobility of labour and douse the current tension in the land. Nigerians will not be interested where the president or governor comes from if the economy is growing and absorbing able-bodied men and women as they come out from schools. Nigerians will be gladdened to see any president where ever he comes from who will guarantee them 24 hours of power supply, access roads, security of life and property, freedom of movement of goods and services and food on their table.
The restructuring effort being canvassed must be ready to confront the issue of federal character that has enthroned mediocrity in public service. A Nigerian from anywhere in the country must aim at being the best. It is unfortunate that today, the question of federal character has been stretched to a ridiculous limit. Nigerians must deal with it if it intends to develop knowledge economy. It must also deal decisively with the question of catchment area in university admissions in federal institutions that have made it near impossible for national integration. Restructuring for the sake of political convenience of the ruling class will amount to nothing if these key issues are not addressed.
Nigeria it will be recalled after Independence was on the right path of economic growth and development. It had visionary leaders who were interested in the welfare of the people. Industries were springing up in every region of the country. In the North, Ahmedu Bello who held sway was pre-occupied by setting up farm settlements, textile industries. It was the same story in the East where Michael Opera set up farm settlements and a number of manufacturing companies. In the West, Chief Awolowo, apart from the popular free education, set up a number of industrial estates which attracted several companies from abroad. It is this simple reason that the West is the most educated and industrialised part of the country. At this time, the Nigeria economy was in top shape and at take off stage in economic development mantra. The Nigerian economy was rated along the same indices with Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia and the rest of the now talked about BRICKS countries.
Then Nigeria had development plans that guided the nation. In the North pyramids of groundnuts and cotton were part of foreign exchange earning commodities. In the West, cocoa was found in abundance. It brought pride to the nation. The various regions were autonomous entities and there was competition among the regions on internally generated revenue. The military intervention and the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantity radically altered the course of Nigeria’s economic development. While the military discarded the fiscal federalism structure of the country and made the states to become federal allocation collector, the discovery of oil made Nigerian leaders to sleep walk and refuse to plan believing that the money flowing from the ground will solve all the nation’s problems.
As Nigerian leaders were sleep walking and basking in the euphoria of petro dollar earnings, Nigeria’s population was growing faster than the resources. Peter Drucker, the management expert, in his book the practice of management wrote that “Innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship, the act that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth. Nigeria leaders failed to yield his management counsel, and today here we are with agitation for separation.
By Oladapo Sofowora
December is a particularly vibrant and deeply meaningful month in Nigeria, imbued with a palpable sense of excitement and celebration that permeates the air. As daily life slows down, this festive season offers a welcome opportunity for relaxation and togetherness. Families and friends gather to create cherished memories, participating in a rich tapestry of cultural activities that showcase Nigeria’s diverse heritage. The month is characterized by a colourful array of events, including theatrical plays, musical concerts, traditional festivals, operas, fashion shows, poetry readings, and various forms of performance arts, all reflecting the dynamic cultural expressions of Nigerian society.
As December unfolds, the excitement continues to build, with streets and homes becoming vibrant displays of holiday spirit. Elaborate decorations adorn every corner, featuring colourful Christmas ornaments, twinkling lights, and festive paraphernalia that evoke a sense of wonder and joy. Evening skies light up with breathtaking fireworks, illuminating the night and further enhancing the joyous mood of the season. Year-end Thanksgiving parties have become commonplace, offering spaces for loved ones to gather, share meals, and express gratitude for the blessings and experiences of the past year. This period also allows Nigerians to reconnect with family and friends, many of whom travel from various parts of the globe to partake in these significant celebrations.
As the year-end festivities for 2024 draw near, FirstBank has thoughtfully curated an exhilarating lineup of events under the DecemberIssaVybe program, aimed at enhancing the enjoyment of this festive season. A highlight of this initiative is the much-anticipated concert featuring The Cavemen, a celebrated musical duo. Which was held on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Muri Okunola Park, located along the bustling Lekki-Epe Expressway, the event brought Lagos to life with a captivating performance that seamlessly blends highlife, soul, and folk music. Attendees enjoyed an engaging experience filled with mesmerizing sounds for over an hour, keeping them on their feet and immersed in the rhythm.
The atmosphere at the concert was electrifying, drawing a diverse crowd of enthusiastic youth eager to experience The Cavemen’s unique interpretation of highlife music—a genre deeply rooted in Nigerian culture and characterized by its rich, rhythmic beats and soulful melodies. The concert also featured an impressive lineup of other notable artists, such as the popular act Ckay, who collectively contributed to a night filled with remarkable entertainment and unforgettable performances. The stage witnessed a pulsation of energy as The Cavemen’s talented band propelled the evening forward, delivering an infectious performance marked by masterfully executed guitar riffs, powerful drumming, and enchanting vocals. Audiences found themselves wholly absorbed in the moment, as the music unites them in joy and celebration, showcasing the revitalization and redefinition of the highlife genre that The Cavemen have pioneered.
In addition to the music, the concert artfully integrates comedic performances, highlighting the vibrant and diverse creative entertainment scene in Africa. Acclaimed comedians took to the stage, drawing laughter and delight from the crowd, while emerging music also had their moment in the spotlight, receiving enthusiastic applause and encouragement from an appreciative audience. Recognising the profound impact of December in nurturing relationships and spreading joy, FirstBank has actively engaged its First@arts initiative to launch the annual DecemberIssaVybe campaign. This initiative is meticulously crafted to inspire and empower individuals across Nigeria to create and experience exhilarating moments throughout this joyous season. By providing fully sponsored access to premium concerts, theatrical performances, shows, and festivals featuring some of the industry’s top entertainers, FirstBank aims to alleviate the financial burdens that often accompany festive celebrations.
In a time marked by economic uncertainty, FirstBank stands as a crucial support system for Nigerians wishing to celebrate without the weight of added financial stress. With a proud legacy spanning over 130 years, this esteemed financial institution has woven itself into the fabric of Nigerian life. FirstBank has long championed numerous festive concerts showcasing Africa’s music icons, including Kizz Daniel, Davido, Burna Boy, Asake, and Tiwa Savage, crafting unforgettable experiences for music aficionados across the nation.
The DecemberIssaVybe campaign encapsulates the essence of creating lasting memories during this festive season. It serves as a dynamic platform for both local and international audiences to immerse themselves in unique, culturally rich experiences tailored to the holiday spirit. Since its inception in 2018, the FirstBankIssaVybe campaign has quickly become a highly anticipated annual event, delighting participants with exhilarating moments designed to resonate and linger long after the celebrations are over. Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, emphasized the institution’s unwavering commitment to crafting a ‘Wow December to Remember’ experience for individuals of all ages. He stated, “FirstBank is devoted to facilitating memorable homecoming experiences this December through gatherings such as weddings, family reunions, and festive celebrations, ensuring that every moment spent together is cherished.” Through this commitment, FirstBank continues to play a pivotal role in the celebration of culture and community during this significant time of year.
By Ikeddy ISIGUZO
Once President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addresses Nigerians it is clear that his silence is actually golden, as it gives chances to guess what the President feels about ordinary Nigerians, the hungry, the poor, the weak, those excluded from Tinubu’s concerns because they are not rich. The President rushing in with a media chat, after 18 months in office, and days after the “poverty stampede” in Ibadan, where mainly children died, was thought to be an opportunity to explain to Nigerians, elicit their support as they go through a crushing economic crisis that the President gloats about as if the entire purpose of his policies is to inflict pains. The deaths in Ibadan that were over 35, were followed by similar incidents in a church in Abuja, and an individual’s event in Okija. The deaths resulted from free distribution of rice to the needy. Poverty once personal, private, is now public, and deadly.
Just blame rice.
Are opponents using free rice to distract the President from focusing on his economic policies? The President should ban rice for more clarity. No rice, no stampede, no deaths. One of my teachers said the solution to headache was decapitation – no head, no headache, or any ache for that matter.
We remember Tinubu promised Nigerians “agbado (corn) and cassava”. Not rice. More people have fallen into poverty without the President’s permission. Should they? Could this account for the President not knowing about them? What really does the President know about Nigerians?
Does he know that more people would have died if they knew of these events? Food is beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians. Tinubu does not feel the impact of his harsh economic practices of lavish spending on presidential consumptions, unproductive as they are. Some call the spendings reckless.
Would you blame them? In the midst of a drifting economy, soaring inflation, no jobs, hunger, anger, capped with insecurity, the President bought jets, including one for the Vice President, and maintains a bloated cabinet.
He used the presidential chat as a platform to defend his Ministers. They are performing. He sounded as if he needed more people like the bunch that maintains a distance from the daily challenges people face.
For the President to see “switching off things” as the solution to poor electricity supply – and the frequency with which the national grid collapses – was one indication that governance has become a joke. When the Minister of Power, months ago, held the same position on electricity, the public tore him to shreds. The Minister apologise. Tinubu blamed the organisers for the stampede, “I see this as a very great error on the part of the organisers.” He said he had been giving out foodstuffs, including envelopes, smoothly at his Bourdillon residence in the past 25 years. “If you do not have enough to give, don’t publicise it,” he advised organisers.
The organisers too are poor, and have no Bourdillon pedigrees. These things count.
Do not expect Tinubu to blame the new wave of incremental poverty his hope agenda has renewed. He did not. He will not. If Tinubu halts the slide to absolute poverty for more Nigerians, there would be no deadly rice stampedes, and no organisers to blame. Other Nigerians have organised these events for years without incidents. Large crowds would turn up and go home home safely. Was it not rice they shared? What is the difference now? People are out searching for something to eat, anything. Even if “pure water” is being shared, there will be stampede. Our people are living by the minute.
They have lost hope. Nigerians have no assurance that someone cares about their efforts to survive. Millions of our compatriots are ready to do anything to survive. While at it, insecurity is not allowing them to breathe.
Sadly, more of our people are falling into crimes with the times.
Employment opportunities are shrinking. The few jobs available are for relations of those in power, the rich, the very rich, the same ones who accuse us of greed. Do they have a different meaning for greed?
Last October, the Senate President, His Excellency Obong Godswill Akpabio on the floor of the Senate advised poor Nigerians, “Times are difficult, wherever you see free food, please endeavour to avail yourself”. Could the people have followed Akpabio’s perspective of the solution to poverty and the hard times? Mocking the poor is Akpabio’s favourite idea of enlivening Senate sessions.
“The prayer is that, let the poor breathe, and Senator Mustapha has seconded that the poor should breathe. Those who are in support of the additional prayer that the poor should be allowed to breathe, say ‘ayes’ and those who are against say ‘nay,’” Akpabio had said in July 2023 during a debate on the 15 per cent hike of electricity tariff. “The ayes have it! The poor must be allowed to breathe,” Akpabio concluded.
At a Niger Delta Development Commission event in July 2024, Akpabio mocked those who called for demonstration over the economic hardship. “Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be there eating,” the former Akwa Ibom State Governor had said. In Tinubu’s 18 months, poverty has pole-vaulted to dizzy heights that left Nigerians dazed.
The only thing worse is the President’s spectacular performances when addressing his failure to rein in inflation as he drives the economy with the enthusiasm of kids playing with new toys. People are hungry. Some people around the President call poor, hungry Nigerians “greedy”. Someone looking for what to eat is greedy? Have we fallen so low to justify the President’s unwillingness to accept that the problem is well beyond him?
Is he using his uncaring attitude as a buffer? He is the bigger problem by refusing to engage the people. Rather, he talks down on them when he decides to talk, well aware that he has nothing to say.
Take the tax bills, for instance, they have their merits. Tinubu thinks it is beneath him to discuss issues the radical bills raise. He sneers, the bills will be passed. He takes responsibility for nothing. Tinubu sounds like Rik Rok and Shaggy in their famous 2000 hit song, “It Wasn’t Me”. The President provides answers without addressing our concerns. The answers are always dismissive. The major lesson of 2024 is that Nigerians have to continue looking after themselves. It may even annoy those who are just discovering that they cannot decide when we should stop breathing.
Happy New Year, that is peaceful – prosperity will follow peace.
Finally… INFLATION to crash from 34.6% to 15% in 12 months, is what the President has promised in 2025. Safe trip, Mr. President.
FEDEERAL Capital Territory Minister Ezewoke Nyesom Wike said of those who accuse him of land grabbing, “People say land grabbing, do you grab what you are in charge of? I am in charge of land in Abuja how will I go and grab what I am in charge of? Those, who are grabbing land are whom I am dealing with”. Wike, at the Port Harcourt event where he spoke, did not forget to call Governor Sim Fubara, “this boy”.
*ISIGUZO is a major commentator on minor issues
By Ambassador Richard M. Mills, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria
Every December, we mark three international observances that are at the heart of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership: World AIDS Day, International Anti-Corruption Day, and Human Rights Day. While distinct, these commemorations underscore a simple truth – Nigeria’s path forward requires progress on health, good governance, and human rights. The United States remains your steadfast partner on this journey. For two decades, the United States has stood with Nigeria in the fight against HIV/AIDS under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The U.S. government has invested more than $8.3 billion in Nigeria’s health sector and provided life-saving anti-retroviral treatment to more than 1.5 million people. These numbers represent improved life expectancy and quality of life for these Nigerians and their families. In clinics across Nigeria, I’ve met dedicated healthcare workers who deliver HIV prevention, treatment, and care, supported by the resources of the American people. This work has done more than save lives – using HIV as an entry point, Nigeria’s health system has also benefited.
As Nigeria’s health system is strengthened, this important work will be led by government and engagement with the private sector to sustain the gains. This commitment was reinforced during Ambassador Nkengasong’s recent visit, where his discussions with Nigerian health officials focused on how the Government of Nigeria would sustain the HIV health programs with strengthened Nigerian leadership and local ownership. But positive health outcomes depend critically on good governance. When medical supplies are diverted, when healthcare workers go unpaid, when facilities buy dangerous, counterfeit medications or lack resources due to mismanaged funds, it costs lives.
This is why the United States supports numerous initiatives, not only in the health sector, to enhance transparency and accountability in Nigeria. Our programs work directly with government agencies and civil society organizations to strengthen fiscal responsibility with the goal of the state ensuring resources reach their intended beneficiaries.
The success of these efforts rests on respect for human rights and civic engagement. When members of marginalized communities face discrimination in accessing healthcare, when citizens fear reporting blatant corruption like the need to pay for appointments or ‘free’ healthcare, or when vulnerable populations cannot advocate for their needs, development falters. Through our partnership with Nigeria, we promote the rights of every person to access essential services and enjoy fundamental freedoms without fear or discrimination. These three areas – health, transparency, and human rights – reinforce each other.
Consider the results: U.S.-supported initiatives have helped strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains, reducing theft and ensuring safe medicines reach patients. Our human rights programming has empowered civil society organizations to advocate for marginalized communities, leading to better access to health services. Our health system investments have created platforms for transparency that benefit all sectors. And, perhaps most importantly, according to a recent survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Nigerians are both more frequently refusing to pay bribes and reporting bribe seekers to investigative journalists and rule of law authorities. A shift in norms is beginning to take root and must continue.
The U.S. Embassy stands ready to support Nigerian voices pressing the fight against corruption in Nigeria. To Nigeria’s government officials, civil society leaders, healthcare workers, and citizens: your dedication to building a stronger nation inspires us. Together, we can continue to advance the interconnected goals of better health outcomes, good governance, and human rights for all Nigerians. Challenges remain, but the work we’ve done together shows what could be possible on a larger scale across these crucial domains. As we mark these December observances, let us use this moment not just for reflection, but for renewed commitment and action. The United States continues to stand with the Nigerian people as they carry out this essential work with their elected government.
*Ambassador Richard M. Mills is U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria
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