Opinion

By Abba Ado

Excellent connection and communication skills are significant to success, particularly in this modern world. No matter how hard you work, how smart you are, or how talented you are, you’re less likely to become successful if you don’t have good and efficient skills in communication and connecting with other people.

To stand out against your counterparts in leadership, business, or any organisation, you must effectively cooperate with people.  Undoubtedly, you can’t be smarter than everybody, and even if you are smart enough, you can never be smarter than people who connect themselves, share ideas, and come up with sufficient solutions.

The major barriers to success are the lack of ability to connect with desired people. Many people have a repressed brainiac capability, but they remain stagnant due to the absence of an effective connection. According to the definition coined by John C. Maxwell,” Connection is the ability to identify with people and relate to them in a way that increases your influence with them”.

Connection and communication are crucial to having good leadership; for you to be constructive in your leadership role, you must have excellent communication with your coworkers. The power of connecting with others cannot be emphasised; the starting point of gaining connection skills is to keep aside your biases, such as religious, cultural or ethnic differences. Connecting with people is key to success regardless of your goals.

It is good to know you can’t do everything alone; your smartness and hard work are not enough to lift you to where you want to be. You must engage with society who share the same ideology to influence each other,” if smart A connects with smart B, they arrived at having double ideas instead of one”. Several studies have shown that high achievers listen to others, consider others, and interestingly solicit ideas from those who are inferior.

In his book titled “Everyone Communicates Few Connect”, John C. Maxwell classified different ways of connecting at every level, such as:

Connecting One-on-One is the most important aspect of connection; at this level, you must know other people’s matters, listen to them attentively, and share your values with their ideas; in the end, you will gain common valuable information.

The second way is Connecting In A Group; at this level, recognise every person’s potency, acknowledge it, and be open to new ideas, especially their potential. 

The third is Connecting With An Audience: in this case, you need to convey your appreciation to the audience, do something exceptional for them, and inform them how much you enjoyed engaging with them.

The major key to success is the ability to communicate and establish a good connection with people; without connecting and communicating, Mark Zuckerberg would not have built Facebook, and Steve Jobs would not have found Apple. For us to have better socioeconomic growth, we must connect; our business moguls, especially in northern Nigeria, should come up with an effective way of communication that would lead to immaculate partnerships to build industries and markets that would employ thousands of people rather than being stagnant with one idea that won’t go anywhere.

Connections are not only about leadership or business but across all aspects of life, whether in academics,  institutions, or coworkers; once you have any idea, try to identify people who share the same ideology. You can connect with every person, such as professors, doctors, friends, or colleagues.

One of the best ways to connect with your mentors is via email address, social handle, or face-to-face. Know how to craft an attractive email address because a poorly written one may disqualify you. To become successful, you must cooperate with people no matter how smart you are. Two heads are better than one.

Abba Ado wrote via abbaadomusa0@gmail.com.

By Tijjani Ahmad, FCA

Our lives are often shaped by the people we meet along the way, and for me, one of those people has been a dear friend whose journey I’ve witnessed since our junior secondary school days. Dr MI Aminu’s life is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence, leading to his remarkable success as an academic and career professional.

Our paths first crossed in junior secondary school, where we shared the challenges and triumphs of those formative years. From there, we ventured into senior secondary school, navigating the complexities of education and personal growth side by side. But our educational journey was far from over. After completing our senior secondary education, we took a significant step in our academic paths by attending the College of Arts, Science and Remedial Studies (CAS), Kano, for IJMB A-level. During these pivotal years, we solidified our friendship and embarked on a shared journey of intellectual growth.

It was after our time at CAS that our paths diverged. Dr Aminu pursued his dreams at Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto (UDUS), where he chose to study Business Administration, driven by his passion for business and entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, I ventured to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, to pursue a degree in accounting, charting my unique course.

While our locations and fields of study differed, our friendship remained steadfast. We supported each other from afar, exchanging stories of our academic pursuits and experiences. It was evident that a shared desire for knowledge and personal growth drove both of us. After completing his studies, Dr. Aminu entered the corporate world, working tirelessly in the banking sector for four years. During this time, his dedication to knowledge and personal growth never wavered.

The academic world beckoned at this stage, and he answered its call. He left his banking career to pursue an academic path, starting with Kano State Polytechnic. This transition reflected his commitment to knowledge and desire to inspire the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. His academic journey reached a pinnacle when he set his sights on a PhD in Entrepreneurship. This pursuit took him to Malaysia, where he immersed himself in research and scholarship, guided by the erudite Prof. Rosli Mahmood, one of the foremost professors in the field of management and entrepreneurship in Asia. Under Prof. Mahmood’s mentorship, Dr Aminu honed his expertise in the area he was so passionate about.

Upon earning his PhD, Dr Aminu returned and found his way to one of the prestigious universities in Nigeria, ABU, Zaria, where he was welcomed as a faculty member. His dedication to research and scholarship is evident in his publication of over twenty articles in reputable journals, leaving an indelible mark on entrepreneurship, as reflected in the impressive 160 citations garnered by his works.

Beyond his scholarly achievements, Dr Aminu’s commitment to education shines brightly through his mentorship of over 20 MSc and PhD students. With a generous spirit and fervour for guiding the next generation, he imparts the values of perseverance and academic excellence. Dr Aminu’s unwavering commitment to research and his nurturing of future academics epitomises his lifelong dedication to knowledge and personal growth, serving as an inspiring testament to the transformative influence of education and mentorship.

But the story doesn’t end there. Dr. Aminu recently achieved another milestone in his academic career – he was promoted to the coveted position of Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at ABU, Zaria. This promotion is a testament to his years of dedication to academia, rigorous research, and his commitment to entrepreneurship. It is not just a title but a recognition of his contributions to the academic community and his impact on countless students over the years.

Dr MI Aminu’s remarkable journey reminds us that the pursuit of excellence and the fulfilment of one’s dreams are endeavours that require unwavering dedication and the courage to navigate diverse paths. His story underscores the profound impact of mentors and the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders. It teaches us that regardless of the challenges we face or the twists and turns in our journey, with resilience and a steadfast commitment to our aspirations, we, too, can achieve greatness. His life is an enduring testament to the boundless possibilities that await those who embrace lifelong learning, pursue their passions, and inspire others.

Today, Dr. Aminu stands as a beacon of inspiration to all who have known him. His journey from our school days to his current position as an Associate Professor at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. May his story continue to inspire us all as we pursue our paths to success.

Tijjani Ahmad wrote from Kano via ahmatee123@gmail.com.

By Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu

The painting evoked memories. And a sense of scholastic pride. Pride in being part of a process that has generated centuries of excellence. And today is Teacher’s Day, a case for celebration of scholarship from below. Even Google’s Doodle for the day acknowledges this.

Years ago, a painting was brought to me to purchase by an artist, Nura Yusuf – the artist being aware I am an art nut. It was a medium-sized canvas and truly beautiful in a photorealistic way. My Ajamization of Knowledge initiative inspired him. But there was no way I could afford the price he was asking, even if I accepted that it was a fair price. I asked his permission, though, to photograph it with my Sony DSC.

I eventually saw the canvas hanging in the outer waiting room of the Emir of Kano’s main reception chamber. Regretfully, you will only notice it if you swing your head up. I think, eventually, it was relocated.

Looking at the painting, as I said, evoked memories of Makarantar Malam Hussaini, Mandawari. Now renamed Makarantar Malam Buhari and reinvented as an Islamiyya school, along Sabon Titi, in the inner city of Kano. In the school, when Malam Hussaini was the Head, you left early if you reported early; otherwise, you stayed behind after the school closed to continue your studies.

Memories of going from house to house, requesting the good folks to allow us to brush their cooking pots with our bare hands, seeking the fine soot that covers the pots, the result of open-fire cooking with logs of wood. Once you gather enough powdered soot, you then dunk your hand in a bowl of water and wash the soot off. Next, you sprinkle a few crystals of gum Arabic in the water and boil the lot – effectively creating a syrupy ink, the classical ‘tawada’. While burnt wood from home cooking fires can do the job, the elite of Tsangaya inks is ‘zuge’, a burnt desert-date tree. The ink itself is often mixed in various colours, depending on its use in copying the Qur’an. These colours come in handy, especially on the graduating certificate – allo – when it is decorated with zayyana calligraphic designs. A whole industry has existed around this trade for years, especially in the heart of the city of Kano, northern Nigeria.

To make a pen, you need a thick dry stalk – gamba – from the grass used for fencing (zana) homes in rural areas. Using a Tiger razor blade (not Nacet, as it easily breaks), you sharpen the edge of the stalk and fashion a neat nib, creating an alƙalami — pen. There were many styles for the nib, depending on the writing to be done. For some, the alƙalami can be a true calligraphic tool.

Properly armed with a pen and ink, you begin the process of carefully copying the verses of the Qur’an, according to your grade, onto the wooden slate until you copy the right passages. You lean it against the wall for it to dry and await your turn to read what you copied by the teacher. Once properly groomed on the reading, off you go to practice reciting on your own.

Once you feel you are proficient enough, you go back to the teacher, read your passages and once satisfied with your diction, and cadence, you are permitted to go to the next passages – wash off the present one – wanke allo – and copy the next sequence. Due to the dark colour of the ink, the wooden slate often absorbs the ink and darkens the slate. The best way to get rid of it is to use sandpaper to scrape it completely – or, failing that due to cost, rice bran – ɓuntu – which works just as well – to remove traces of the previous ink. If the smudges or shadows of the ink still remain, you can use powdered limestone – farar ƙasa – to overlay the darker stain of the ink, giving a clean white surface on which to write.

Ink is kept in a pot, kurtun tawada, while the pens are kept in a pen holder, ƙorami/alkurdu. For adolescents starting up, it was the wooden slate. For the more advanced students, the writing is done on conqueror bond paper (usually imported from North Africa), but the pen is now a quill from the tail or wing feathers of a bird (chicken, duck, guinea fowl).

And in case one gets thirsty doing all that hard work, you can always quench your thirst from the water stored in your water bottle – jallo, made from a gourd. This type of water bottle enters into the Hausa lexicon with the expression: “ina neman sa kamar ruwa a jallo/desperately looking for him.”

This scholastic tradition is well-preserved in this painting by Nura Yusuf, who incidentally happened to be a brother to the writer and poet Khalid Imam. Being Teachers Day today, I dedicate this painting to all Alarammomi, Gardawa, and Ƙolawa, who are my fellow classmates in every Tsangaya in this country. We pray for the souls of our Malaman Tsangaya, who set us on the right path. Allah Ya jiƙansu da Rahama.

By Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi

On this particular day, we celebrate the incredible dedication and hard work of teachers who shape the future of our society. Teachers play a vital role in nurturing young minds and inspiring a love for learning.

However, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges many teachers face, especially regarding their financial well-being. In Nigeria, the issue of primary school teachers’ salaries is a pressing concern. It’s disheartening to hear that fresh graduate primary school teachers are earning less than ₦50,000, which is not enough to sustain them for a month, given the rising cost of living.

Moreover, the situation in Kaduna State is even more distressing, where primary education teachers have to endure 45-55 days without receiving their salaries. This not only affects their livelihood but also their motivation to continue their invaluable work in educating the next generation.

On this Teachers’ Day, let’s hope for change and improvement in the conditions of our primary school teachers. May the Nigerian government take prompt action to address the issue of teacher salaries and ensure that our educators receive the fair compensation they deserve for their tireless efforts in building a brighter future for our children.

Thank you for being a part of this noble profession, and let’s continue to advocate for better conditions for our teachers. Happy Teachers’ Day once again!

By Usman Abdullahi Koli

Nigeria, often called the “Giant of Africa,” celebrates its independence day on October 1st each year. This significant day marks the country’s liberation from British colonial rule in 1960. Over the past six decades, Nigeria has experienced a tumultuous journey characterized by both achievements and challenges. 

Nigeria’s quest for independence was a long and arduous journey spanned several decades. The seed of nationalism was planted in the hearts of Nigerians during World War II, as they contributed significantly to the British war effort but received little in return. This sparked a desire for self-determination and freedom.

Key figures in Nigeria’s independence struggle included Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Ahmadu Bello, who advocated for self-governance and pushed for constitutional reforms. In 1960, their efforts bore fruit when Nigeria finally gained independence from British colonial rule, with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as its first Prime Minister.

While independence brought newfound freedom, it also presented significant challenges for Nigeria. One of the most pressing issues was the need to unite a diverse nation of various ethnic groups, languages, and religions. The delicate balance of power among these groups has often led to ethnic tensions and conflicts.

Additionally, Nigeria has grappled with political instability, military coups, and periods of military rule. The Biafran War (1967-1970) and subsequent coups disrupted the nation’s stability and led to a loss of lives and resources.

Economic fluctuations have marked Nigeria’s journey since independence. Despite being blessed with abundant natural resources, including oil, the country has faced challenges in managing its economy effectively. Over-reliance on oil exports has left Nigeria vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices, resulting in economic instability.

Corruption has also been a persistent issue, hindering economic growth and development. The mismanagement of public funds and the lack of transparency have impeded progress in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Despite the challenges above, Nigeria has achieved noteworthy progress in several domains. The nation exhibits a lively cultural landscape abundant in traditional practices, artistic expression, and literary works.

In recent years, there have been efforts to diversify the economy away from oil dependency. Investments in agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship have begun to yield positive results, with a growing number of startups and innovations emerging.

Nigeria has also played a prominent role in regional and international diplomacy, contributing to peacekeeping missions and serving as a key player in the African Union and the United Nations.

Both progress and challenges have marked Nigeria’s journey from colonial rule to independence and beyond. As the country celebrates Independence Day each year, it is an opportunity to reflect on the past, acknowledge the struggles, and look forward to a brighter future. Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, economic potential, and resilient people continue to be sources of hope as the nation strives for unity, stability, and sustainable development in the years to come. 

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com. 

By Usman Zubairu Yakubu

On a day like this in 1960, Nigeria gained independence from Great Britain. But the question today is, is Nigeria an independent nation? I think the first and only Nigerian prime minister, Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, during the 1960 independence speech, answered this question. He said, “Political independence is totally inadequate if it’s not accompanied by security and economic stability”.

From the above-quoted speech, I think that Nigeria’s independence is inadequate. For this reason, we must all put hands on deck to ensure we build a prosperous Nation that will fill the missing inadequacies. A safe country for all. This is our responsibility, my responsibility and your responsibility.

The decreasing numbers of celebrants on this day show that things are not working well in the country and that the drivers of the nation are not doing the necessary to bring back hope into the hearts of Nigerians. Many Nigerians have lost hope in the country; this may arise from the ugly condition of almost everything. They feel hopeless not because they don’t love the country but because the leaders made them feel that way. We may tag that as unfortunate, but the truth is always bitter, and that doesn’t make them less Nigerians because they have their reasons to feel so. The optimistic ones who believe that Nigeria will one day get better are only trying to be stronger. Count me among them; I hope the leaders will not kill our little hope for the country and its future.

Many things have happened in less than a year of Tinibus Administration. First, the subsidy removal imposed a lot of hardships on Nigerians. Second, Economic destruction left millions of Nigerians in abject poverty and the bedevilling issues of insecurities affecting the country, especially the Northern region of the country. And by mere looks, things are only getting worse, not better. The current abduction of the Federal University Gusau students is an alarming sign of left dust that needs to be cleaned. This is to talk less of the economic hardship Nigerians are going through.

In a situation like this, independent celebration shouldn’t be the focus of any sensible Nigerian. On every blessed day in the country, Bandits kidnapped people, some killed, and some thrown out of their homes. Many Of the victims were left homeless. Go to the streets of Katsina, Zamfara and Borno to have a glance. Is this what we are celebrating? I believe independence under insecurity, corruption and poverty shouldn’t be celebrated. Until these issues are addressed, we will celebrate Nigeria’s independence with true love and patriotism. But at the moment, we don’t have the energy to celebrate.  

In a country where over 40% are living in abject poverty. And 63% are dimensionally poor as of 2022. This is before subsidy removal; how many per cent will now be in poverty as the economy shakes? Tell me, should we celebrate poverty? Or should we celebrate insecurity at the moment? Unfortunately, the future of Nigeria is gloomy as its youth remains jobless. Should we celebrate unemployment? In a country where justice is abolished, is that one country to celebrate? In a country where tertiary education is on the verge of becoming a privilege and not a right, please tell me, should we celebrate that country? In a country where the leaders don’t care about the educational future of its citizens, is that one country to celebrate? In a country where a man can’t afford healthcare, food, and life necessities, is that a country to celebrate now? Nigeria’s problem is far beyond what one can imagine. At this moment, celebration is not for us but rather a critical way of thinking about building a prosperous nation because it’s possible.

But despite all the challenges, I  believe Nigeria shall prosper, and we will live in a country devoid of insecurity, corruption and abject poverty. We will live in a peaceful nation of economic prosperity educational rights, and a country that will stand on its feet as the Giant of Africa. May God bless Nigeria!

Happy independence.

Usman Zubairu Yakubu writes from Toro, Bauchi state, Nigeria and can be reached via usmanzubairuyakubu@gmail.com.

By Usama Abdullahi 

Lack of trust is a significant factor affecting marriages these days. I know a man who recently got engaged to his girlfriend. Everything was going fine for him and his fiancée until he caught her talking to another guy. When he saw her with the guy, he reported him to Market Management, where they both work. This may seem ridiculous, but I understand the pain of betrayal.

However, I’m unsure if the guy he caught talking to his fiancée is having an affair with her. Up to now, there’s no sufficient evidence to prove such claims. Yet, two things stand out in this story. One is that, as a prospective couple, you should never feel suspicious of each other. Suspicion always sets in when you don’t trust your partner. Before you decide to get engaged to your partner, make sure you trust them because trust significantly improves your relationship. 

Trust is crucial in every relationship, and its absence destroys the foundation upon which the relationship is built. Regarding marriage decisions, things should not be carried out in haste. By rushing things, you disregard every necessary step to make the marriage work. Like patience, trust is highly required in building successful relationships. Even though some people believe that “successful relationships” do not exist. Still, mistrust or suspicion destabilises relationships.

The story of the man I told is one of the apparent reasons that cause marriage failure in our modern society. Many people can agree with me that the people who are often suspicious of their romantic partners aren’t always found innocent of the things they suspect in those partners. They could be the ones who are guilty, while their partners could be free from guilt. Other times, the partners could both be guilty, which might ruin their long-term relationship. So, to avoid destroying your decade-long relationship by a lack of trust, ensure that you marry or fall in love with someone you can trust. 

If you suspect your partner is having an affair with someone other than you, confront them and talk the way out. Sometimes, your suspicions might be wrong. And it takes one to know one. Moreover, if you constantly get suspicious of your partner, you should always question yourself. Maybe you’re the one with such questionable characters. Or perhaps your instinct is misleading you into thinking otherwise. It’s also advisable not to marry the person you usually get suspicious of.

Usama Abdullahi writes from Abuja and can be reached at usamagayyi@gmail.com.

By Abdurrazak Mukhtar

In a world often rushed by in a whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities, we easily find ourselves swept away by the tide of anger. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? That moment when anger boils up inside us, threatening to overflow. It’s a natural human emotion, but what we choose to do with it truly defines us. In this article, we’ll explore the profound impact of our words when spoken in anger and why choosing kindness or silence can be transformative.

Anger, like a sudden storm, can engulf us in its intensity. It’s a primal emotion, a response to perceived threats or injustices. Our minds can become clouded in moments of anger, and our tongues sharp as swords. We lash out, often without thinking, in an attempt to relieve the emotional pressure building within us.

Yet, we may not realise in those heated moments that while our anger may pass, the words we’ve unleashed can leave lasting scars. Words, once spoken, cannot be unsaid. They have the power to wound deeply, and those wounds can take years to heal if they ever do.

Think back to when someone said something hurtful to you in anger. Perhaps it was a friend, a family member, or a colleague. The memory of those words may still sting, even years later. This is the undeniable impact of words spoken in anger.

So, what can we do when anger rears its head? Here, the age-old wisdom comes into play: “Never say mean words out of anger.” Instead, we can choose the path of kindness. Kind words, even in the face of anger, can diffuse tension and promote understanding.

Choosing kindness doesn’t mean suppressing your feelings or letting others walk over you. It means expressing your emotions in a way that is respectful and constructive. It means taking a step back, breathing deeply, and finding words to lead to resolution rather than conflict.

Sometimes, the kindest words are the ones left unspoken. When anger threatens to consume us, silence can be a powerful ally. In silence, we give ourselves the space to cool down and gain perspective. We prevent ourselves from saying things we might regret later.

Silence, when used wisely, can also send a powerful message. It can convey that we value the relationship and are willing to wait for the right moment to address the issue. It can create an opening for dialogue once emotions have settled.

In a world where anger is often the default response to frustration and conflict, choosing to use kind words or be silent is profound. It’s a choice that can shape our relationships, define our character, and leave a legacy of empathy and understanding.

So, the next time anger knocks at your door, remember the enduring impact of your words. Choose kindness whenever possible, and when words fail you, let the grace of silence be your guide. In doing so, you’ll tame the storm of anger within and foster a world where kindness prevails over cruelty.

Abdurrazak Mukhtar wrote via prof4true1@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Ado Musa

Having a very good network (otherwise known as ‘connection’) and communication skills is a major asset to success, particularly in this modern world. No matter how hard you work, how smart you are, or how talented you are, if you don’t have good and efficient skills in communication and connecting with other people, you’re less likely to become successful.

To stand out against your counterparts, whether it is in leadership, business, or any organisation, you must have an effective way of cooperating with people. It is certainly true that you can’t be smarter than everybody, and even if you are smart enough, you can never be smarter than people who connect themselves, share ideas, and come up with sufficient solutions.

Lack of ability to connect with desired people is among the major barriers to success. Many people have a repressed brainiac capability, but due to the absence of effective connection, they remain stagnant.

According to the definition coined by John C. Maxwell, connection is the ability to identify with people and relate to them in a way that increases your influence with them.

Connection and communication are crucial to having good leadership. For you to be constructive in your leadership role, you must have very good communication with your coworkers. The power of connecting with others cannot be overemphasised.

The starting point for gaining connection skills is to first keep aside your biases, such as religious, cultural, or ethnic differences. Learning how to connect with people is key to success, no matter your goals. It is good to know you can’t do everything by yourself; your smarts and hard work are not enough to lift you to where you want to be; you must engage with society members who share the same ideology to influence each other. “If smart A connects with smart B, they arrive at having double ideas instead of one”.

Several studies have shown that high achievers are those who listen to others, consider other people, and, interestingly, solicit ideas from people who are inferior to them.

In his book titled “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect”, John C. Maxwell classified different ways of connecting at every level, such as: Connecting one-on-one is the most important aspect of connection. At this level, you must know the concerns of other people, listen to them attentively, and share your values with their ideas. In the end, you will both gain valuable information.

The second way is to connect in a group. At this level, recognise every person’s potential, acknowledge it, and be open to new ideas, especially in the area of their potential.

The third is connecting with an audience. In this case, you need to convey your appreciation to the audience, do something exceptional for them, and, at the end, inform them how much you enjoyed engaging with them.The major key to success is the ability to communicate and establish a good connection with people.

Apparently, without connecting and communicating, Mark Zuckerberg would not have built Facebook, and Steve Jobs would not have established Apple. For us to have better socioeconomic growth, we must connect. Our business moguls, especially in northern Nigeria, should come up with an effective way of communication that would lead to immaculate partnerships to build industries and markets that would employ thousands of people, rather than being stagnant with one idea that won’t go anywhere.

Connections are not only about leadership or business but across all aspects of life, whether you are in academia, institutions, or with your coworkers. Once you have any idea, try to identify people who share the same ideology. You can connect with every person, such as professors, doctors, friends, or colleagues. One of the best ways to connect with your mentors is via email, social media, or face-to-face.

Know how to craft an attractive email address because a poorly written email may disqualify you. That will lead you to become successful, you must cooperate with people, no matter how smart you are. As it’s said, two heads are better than one. 

Muhammad Ado Musa writes from Kano, Nigeria.

By Dr. Ibrahim Siraj

I don’t know whether to pity President Tinubu or not. The man has asked not to be pitied because he asked for the job and got it. But looking at the enormity of the challenges and how he became almost overwhelmed few months into his four-year term, I feel like going against his “don’t pity me” admonition. The President really deserves pity whether he likes it or not.

On the day of his inauguration, barely an hour after taking oath, Mr. President announced his decision to end the fuel subsidy regime to the delight and applause of anti-subsidy elements in the West and their Nigerian cohort. From that point, he started moving around with some chest-beating gusto claiming credit for this massive decision. He did everything to prove wrong many anti-Buhari elements who wanted to wrongly “credit” the former President with the bold move. He owned up to it firmly in words and actions. He told an audience in France that though his speech writers did not include the announcement of subsidy removal in his inaugural speech, that didn’t stop him from making that emphatic yet infamous proclamation: “fuel subsidy is gone!” He was possessed by courage, he boasted.

In July, The Economist penned a beautiful piece hailing the impressive first moves of “Baba Go Fast” which include bringing to an end the age-old fuel subsidy and floating the Naira, among other things, something all past presidents, his predecessors, have failed to do over the years. According to the magazine, the subsidy has “for decades drained the treasury of revenues from the country’s most valuable natural resource”, a line of argument most often regurgitated by all pro-subsidy removal propagandists. What these subsidy removal protagonists have refused to acknowledge, however, was how it helped to keep prices of essential commodities and services relatively low and affordable to the poorly remunerated Nigerians whose purchasing capacity had been seriously weakened following years of unchecked inflation.

Now, the subsidy is gone or so they say. One would expect the President to be as swift in rolling out relief measures aimed at mitigating its negative effect as he was in removing it. The Labour has ever since been engaging the Federal Government on this critical issue considering how the new fuel price has worsened an already bad situation. Nigerian workers and the masses are suffering greatly. In Abuja as well as in many other states, workers could only go to office two or three times a week. There are reports of workers who sleep in their offices or inside their cars in order to save fuel cost. The resultant high transport fares have pushed food prices to the roof thereby rendering many families hungry due to inability to buy food.

The situation is getting worse by the day and NLC and TUC (the two major Labour organizations in the country) are demanding for action which seems not to be forthcoming. The Labour leaders deserve commendation for their doggedness and attachment to peaceful resolution of the problem.Their kind gesture as well as positive disposition towards negotiation have not been graciously reciprocated by the Federal Government team resulting in several deadlocked meetings. The world is witness to how the government has been footdragging and merely making promises. It keeps asking for time to make pronouncement on the new minimum wage and other issues. Neither the series of meetings held nor the warning strike has been able to yield any positive outcome. It’s safe to assume that the government is taking Nigerians for granted and the Labour for a ride by constantly paying lip service to their demands and playing them around.

Things have reached a tipping point and the situation is no longer sustainable. If the Federal Government is carefully analysing current trends and could rightly predict their consequences, it should be able to know that the struggle is not only in Labour’s interest but in the government’s interest too. Nigerians have been pushed to the wall and the time to pull the brakes to stop their further descent into the penury is now. Let them not allow Nigerians push back because no one knows what will happen.

President Tinubu must expedite action on his plans for the citizens post-fuel subsidy removal. As a mark of goodwill, he should be able to match words with actions especially regarding short-term programmes and policies. Let him make known the new minimum wage and its effective date. Let him convince the Labour unions and, by the extension Nigerians, about how he’s going to meet their demands and tackle a cost of living crisis that appears to be the worst in Nigeria’s recent history. He must do everything to avert the upcoming shutdown so as not further hurt the economy or worsen the hardship.

Strike or no strike, the time to act is now!

Dr. Siraj is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano.