National

By Sanusi Maikudi 

In her recent remarks, Rt. Hon. Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK Conservative Party, reportedly dismissed associations with Nigeria beyond her Yoruba heritage. She distanced herself from Northern Nigeria and associated it narrowly with Islamism. These comments, replete with historical ignorance and political misjudgement, reflect poorly on her understanding of the intertwined histories of Britain and Nigeria and, by extension, her role as a leader in one of the world’s oldest democracies.

It is troubling that Badenoch, a figure who aspires to statesmanship, would exhibit such a parochial view of her heritage and the complex relationship between the United Kingdom and Northern Nigeria. Her remarks not only betray an ignorance of British colonial history but also reflect a failure to grasp the significance of global citizenship—an essential quality for anyone seeking to lead in a post-imperial world.

Misunderstanding History

Badenoch’s attempt to disassociate herself from Northern Nigeria exposes a glaring lack of awareness about the region’s rich and diverse history. Long before colonialism, Northern Nigeria boasted a sophisticated socio-political structure exemplified by the Sokoto Caliphate and other emirates. These entities maintained written records, produced scholarly works in Arabic, and upheld organised governance systems.

British colonial explorers and missionaries documented these structures extensively. Figures like Hugh Clapperton, Mungo Park, and Frederick Lugard not only travelled through Northern Nigeria but also admired its governance systems. The British colonial administration, recognising the efficacy of Northern Nigeria’s traditional leadership, adopted the system of indirect rule to govern the region. This is a testament to the historical and administrative depth of the region—a depth Badenoch seems to have overlooked.

Furthermore, the Christian missionaries who ventured into Northern Nigeria risked their lives not to trivialise or divide but to understand and engage with its people. Their contributions are preserved in archives that form part of Britain’s collective memory. Denying or dismissing this history is ignorant and disrespectful to the legacy of British-Nigerian relations.

A Failure of Diplomacy

As a leader in a global power, Badenoch is expected to demonstrate diplomatic acumen and cultural sensitivity. Her dismissive remarks, however, suggest a narrow worldview that is unbecoming of someone in her position. Britain’s legacy as the patron of the Commonwealth—a union of diverse nations shaped by shared history—requires its leaders to embody inclusivity and understanding.

Badenoch undermines her credibility by distancing herself from Northern Nigeria in such a derogatory manner. Her comments seem less like the musings of a seasoned statesperson and more like pandering to fringe nationalist sentiments. Was she addressing British society, which has long recognised and documented the importance of Northern Nigeria? Or was she appealing to a clandestine audience of Yoruba nationalist agitators? Either way, her remarks reveal a political novice more concerned with short-term rhetoric than long-term statesmanship.

The Irony of Her Position

Badenoch’s position as a British politician of Nigerian descent is itself a product of the historical forces she now dismisses. Like many others from former colonies, her parents benefited from the opportunities created by Britain’s imperial legacy. She was born in London, a city shaped by centuries of global migration and colonial history. Ironically, the very system she now seeks to lead is a product of the multiculturalism and interconnectedness she seems to reject.

It is also worth noting that Badenoch’s rise to prominence coincides with the UK’s struggles with political leadership. The Conservative Party’s internal crises have eroded its cadre of charismatic leaders, paving the way for figures like Badenoch. Yet her divisive rhetoric and lack of historical understanding alienate mature voters and diminish her standing as a potential statesperson.

Populism and the Far-Right Trap

While Badenoch may be tempted to align herself with the growing populist and far-right ideologies in Europe, she is ultimately a victim of these movements, not a beneficiary. The same far-right ideologies that demonise immigrants and minorities would not spare someone of her background. Her attempts to position herself as “more Catholic than the Pope” by demonising others only highlight her vulnerability within such spaces.

Conclusion

Rt. Hon. Kemi Badenoch’s recent remarks reveal a troubling ignorance of British and Nigerian history. Her attempt to distance herself from Northern Nigeria not only disrespects the region’s rich heritage but also undermines her credibility as a leader in a globalised world. Her rhetoric, steeped in parochialism and divisiveness, starkly contrasts the qualities of diplomacy, wisdom, and inclusivity required of a true statesperson.

Rather than deriding others, Badenoch would reflect on the interconnected histories of the nations she represents and aspire to a leadership style that unites rather than divides. As history has shown, those who fail to learn from the past are often relegated to its margins. Let her words serve as a reminder of the perils of ignorance and the importance of informed leadership in a complex, interconnected world.

Sanusi Maikudi wrote from the Network for Justice, Kaduna, Nigeria, via sanusihmaikudi@yahoo.com.

By Anwar Usman

The National Emergency Management Agency on Monday said a total of 49 persons have been rescued and three dead bodies were found from the boat accident that occurred along River Benue in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

A statement by NEMA indicated that the accident involved 76 passengers in the boat, as the driver, unaware of a submerged tree in the river accidentally navigated into it, causing the boat to tip off and capsize.

“The unfortunate incident took place on Saturday, December 15th, around 7:00 PM. The passengers were said to be returning home from the Ocholonya Market, a major economic hub that draws traders from several communities in Agatu and neighbouring states, including Nasarawa State.

“Aoart from the rescued passengers, one of the victims managed to swim to safety while 23 persons are still missing. Most of the boat passengers were from Odenyi Magaji and other communities of Nasarawa State,” it stated.

The agency emphasised that it is working with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency and other stakeholders including the local authorities and divers to expedite the ongoing search and rescue operations to trace the remaining missing passengers.

“NEMA has also established contacts with the Nigerian Navy to provide more support for the search and rescue,” it added.

By Habibu Ma’aruf Abdu

Renowned Kannywood actor, Sani Musa Danja, has been appointed Special Adviser on Youth and Sports by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

This was announced in a statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

The appointment is widely seen as a well-deserved recognition of the actor’s loyalty and dedication to Governor Yusuf’s Administration. As a long-time supporter of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Danja actively campaigned for the Governor during the 2023 elections.

Interestingly, he had previously contested for the chairmanship of Tarauni Local Government under the governor’s party, NNPP, but lost the primaries to Amb. Yusuf Imam Ogan Ɓoye.

However, with Ogan Ɓoye’s victory in the chairmanship election, Danja has now taken over his former position as Special Adviser on Youth and Sports.

This appointment marks another significant recognition of Kannywood personalities by the governor, following similar appointments of Abba Al Mustapha, Tijjani Gandu, Sunusi Oscar, and Aina’u Ade (Laila).

Lest you forget, the federal government has also appointed Kannywood stars Ali Nuhu and Rahama Sadau to serve in various capacities.

By Anwar Usman

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that it will slam a fine of N150m per branch on Deposit Money Banks found guilty of facilitating the illegal flow of mint naira notes to currency hawkers and unscrupulous agents.

The apex bank disclosed this in a circular issued on Friday, December 13, 2024, signed by the Acting Director of the Currency Operations Department, Mohammed Olayemi.

The circular revealed the CBN’s concern about the increasing prevalence of mint naira notes being traded by hawkers, a practice the bank described as impeding efficient and effective cash distribution to customers and the general public.

The circular, which referred to an earlier directive dated November 13, 2024, highlighted the apex bank’s determination to address the commodification of the naira.

Under the directive, any financial institution found guilty of this act will face a penalty of N150m for the first violation.

Subsequent infractions, the CBN warned, would attract stricter sanctions under the provisions of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.

To ensure compliance, the apex bank stated that it would increase periodic spot checks in banking halls and ATMs while deploying mystery shoppers to uncover illicit cash hawking spots across the country.

The CBN further called on the DMBs to strengthen controls, processes, and procedures around their Cash Management Centres, branches, and teller operations to prevent their systems from being exploited for illegal transactions.

Reports has it that the CBN issued a serious warning to Deposit Money Banks over cash hoarding and diversion, stating that such actions will attract stiff penalties.

The CBN also warned against cash hoarding, diversion, and other practices that hinder cash flow, stressing that such actions violate the Clean Note Policy.

By Anwar Usman

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has recommended that those without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) use computer-generated voting slips ahead of future elections in the country.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this known while speaking yesterday in Abuja during the quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners RECs, said PVCs should no longer be the sole requirement for voting, especially with the inception of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, (BVAS).

He explained that the commission had released its 524-page main report on the 2023 general elections and had consulted widely with its officials and externally with all major stakeholders.

Yakubu disclosed that from the internal and external engagements, the commission had identified 142 recommendations dealing with the general state of preparedness, voter management, voter education and public communication, political parties and candidate management, electoral operations and logistics management.

Others include election officials and personnel, partnership and collaboration, monitoring and supervision, election technology, voting and result management, election security, electoral offences and the electoral legal framework.

He further asserts that out of the 142 recommendations, 86 require administrative action by the commission.

“This is followed by 48 recommendations that require action by a variety of stakeholders, including security agencies, mobile network operators, statutory bodies, political parties, transport unions, civil society organisations and the media.

“Among the major highlights of the commission’s recommendations is the imperative of legal clarity in result management, with regard to manual transfer versus the electronic transmission of results.

“The commission also believes that with the introduction of the BVAS, the use of PVC as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on election day should be reviewed”, the chairman stated.

By Oluseyi Sodiya

The tech startup landscape is evolving, and with it, a new paradigm known as product-led growth (PLG) is taking centre stage. Unlike traditional strategies that rely heavily on sales and marketing to drive growth, PLG focuses on the product itself as the primary driver of customer acquisition, expansion, and retention. This approach is not only reshaping how startups grow but also revolutionizing the tech industry as a whole.

Understanding Product-Led Growth

Product-led growth is a strategy where the product itself is the main vehicle for acquiring and retaining customers. In a PLG model, the product is designed to deliver immediate value, encouraging users to try, adopt, and champion it without the need for aggressive sales tactics. This approach leverages user experiences and organic growth channels such as word-of-mouth and network effects, making it a cost-effective and scalable growth strategy.

Empowering users

One of the core principles of PLG is empowering users. By offering a seamless and intuitive user experience, startups can enable users to derive value from the product independently. This empowerment not only enhances user satisfaction but also fosters loyalty and advocacy. When users are delighted by a product, they are more likely to share their positive experiences with others, driving organic growth.

Data-driven insights

A product-led approach relies heavily on data-driven insights to continually improve the product and user experience. Startups can leverage analytics to understand how users interact with their product, identify pain points, and make informed decisions about feature development and enhancements. This iterative process ensures that the product remains relevant and valuable to users, driving sustained growth.

Reducing customer acquisition costs

Traditional customer acquisition strategies often involves significant marketing and sales expenses. In contrast, PLG can reduce customer acquisition costs by leveraging the product itself to attract and convert users. Free trials, freemium models, and in-app onboarding are effective tactics that allow users to experience the product’s value firsthand before making a purchasing decision. This not only lowers the barrier to entry but also accelerates the adoption process.

Building viral loops

PLG leverages the power of viral loops to drive exponential growth. Viral loops occur when users encourage others to adopt the product, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of user acquisition. Features such as referral programs, social sharing options, and collaborative functionalities can amplify the reach of the product and increase its user base organically. This network effect is a powerful growth engine that can propel startups to new heights.

PLG success

Several tech startups have successfully implemented PLG strategies to achieve remarkable growth. Companies like Slack, Dropbox, and Zoom have harnessed the power of their products to build massive user bases with minimal reliance on traditional marketing. Slack’s user-friendly interface and seamless integrations made it a favourite among teams, leading to widespread adoption through word-of-mouth. Similarly, Dropbox’s freemium model allowed users to experience the benefits of cloud storage before upgrading to premium plans.

Challenges and considerations

While PLG offers numerous advantages, it also presents challenges. Startups must ensure that their product delivers real value and can stand on its own without heavy sales intervention. This requires a deep understanding of user needs and continuous investment in product development. Additionally, measuring the success of PLG initiatives can be complex, as it involves tracking user behavior and engagement metrics.

Finally, the rise of product-led growth marks a new era for tech startups, offering a scalable and cost-effective approach to growth. By focusing on delivering exceptional user experiences and leveraging data-driven insights, startups can build products that not only attract and retain users but also drive organic growth through advocacy and network effects. As the tech industry continues to evolve, PLG is set to become a cornerstone strategy for startups looking to make a lasting impact. Embracing this approach can help startups navigate the competitive landscape and achieve sustainable success in the digital age.

By Uzair Adam 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized that the fight against corruption in Nigeria must begin with accountability at the highest levels of leadership to inspire public confidence and ensure effective governance.  

Speaking during a virtual interactive session tagged “Boiling Point Arena” on Sunday, hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo asserted that leadership plays a pivotal role in combating corruption, which he described as deeply entrenched in Nigerian society.  

“The best way to fight corruption is by starting from the head. Leadership must set the example for transparency and integrity to achieve meaningful progress in this battle,” he stated.

Several private radio stations in Abeokuta broadcast the session, which focused on Obasanjo’s legacies and views on contemporary Nigeria.  

Highlighting the complex nature of corruption, Obasanjo likened it to a “babbar riga,” saying, “If you fold it on one side, it falls apart on the other side. 

It is not a one-day affair, nor is it limited to one regime. It must be a consistent and daily effort. Once any regime lets its guard down, corruption spreads.”  

The former president called for reforms in the recruitment and appointment of leaders, advocating for merit-based selections over political or tribal considerations.  

On leadership, he argued that only leaders ordained by God are likely to succeed, warning against self-made leaders or those installed through corrupt or malevolent means.  

“We must acknowledge that while some leaders are prepared by God, others may be made by Satan. The power of Satan is real, and it must not be underestimated,” he remarked. 

Obasanjo concluded by urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to holding leaders accountable, stressing that corruption can only be curtailed with sustained effort and collective responsibility.

By Uzair Adam 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its efforts to combat drug trafficking, intercepting various consignments of illicit drugs and arresting several suspects in multiple states.  

The agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed in a statement on Sunday in Abuja that a 42-year-old building engineer was apprehended on December 2 at Okeyson Motor Park, Enugu, while attempting to collect three pressure machines from South Africa. 

Hidden inside the machines were 7.40kg of Loud, a synthetic cannabis strain.  

The shipment had initially arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on November 29 and was tracked by NDLEA operatives to a logistics company warehouse. 

However, the point of collection was later changed to Enugu, leading to the suspect’s arrest during a follow-up operation.  

In another operation, NDLEA operatives in Adamawa intercepted a Siena vehicle abandoned by its occupants after noticing the agency’s patrol team on Hildi-Askira Uba Road. 

The vehicle contained 511,000 tramadol pills, which were recovered early on December 6.  

Similarly, in Ekiti State, two suspects were arrested along the Ise-Emure Road while transporting 108 jumbo bags of cannabis, weighing 1,323kg, in a J5 bus. 

The suspects reportedly planned to deliver the consignment to Ondo State for distribution in the North.  

In Oyo State, operatives seized 704kg of cannabis on December 6 at Idere Road, Igboora, while in Lagos, a 65-year-old grandmother was apprehended on December 6 at Odunfa Street, Lagos Island, with 20.6 litres of codeine-based syrup. 

Another man was arrested on Ogundana Street, Ikeja, with 4.7kg of cannabis and 1.3kg of tramadol.  

The NDLEA has also sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting sensitization lectures in schools, workplaces, and communities across the country. 

Among the institutions visited were Government Girls College, Maiduguri, and Progressive Secondary School, Ado Awaye.  

NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retired) commended the agency’s operatives and lauded their efforts in drug supply and demand reduction, describing their achievements as vital to the agency’s mission to safeguard public health and safety.

By Uzair Adam and Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has announced key appointments to the leadership of several federal agencies, including the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI), and the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD).

The Daily Reality reports that among the appointments, Prof. Salisu Shehu has been named the Executive Secretary of the NERDC.

Prof. Shehu, a distinguished academic in educational and human psychology, is recognized for his instrumental role in establishing the School of Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano.

He also served as the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqamah University, Kano.

His extensive experience in education reform and administration is expected to drive innovation and transformation within the NERDC.

President Tinubu also appointed Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu as the Executive Secretary of the NUC.

Prof. Ribadu, an expert in veterinary reproduction, has previously served as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, and Sule Lamido University, Jigawa State.

For the National Coordinator position at NEPAD, the President selected Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri.

Tsauri, who holds a Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, is a seasoned administrator with expertise in legislative and global affairs as well as democratic governance.

Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani was appointed as the Executive Secretary of the SMDF/PAGMI.

A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire, UK, Danfulani brings a wealth of experience from his roles in banking, business administration, and public service, including his tenure at the Central Bank of Nigeria and as a Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Zamfara State.

The President expressed confidence in the appointees, highlighting their vast expertise and track record of excellence.

He urged them to bring renewed commitment and deliver results that meet the aspirations of Nigerians in their respective organisations.

By Haroon Aremu

As a concerned young Nigerian, it’s disheartening to witness lawmakers and esteemed legal practitioners grapple with fundamental constitutional principles—especially regarding the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

It is astonishing that those tasked with crafting laws and interpreting them could exhibit such a glaring misunderstanding of the legal framework that governs their actions. The recent attempts by the Nigerian Senate to remove Mr. Danladi Umar, Chairman of the CCT, serves as a case in point.

In their misguided effort, the Senate invoked Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution, mistakenly applying it to the CCT. This section is pertinent to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and other executive bodies, but it has no bearing on the CCT, which operates under a different constitutional framework. As noted by PRNigeria’s fact-checking team, the remedial actions regarding judicial bodies such as the CCT require broader legislative consensus than the Senate alone can muster – specifically, a two-thirds majority from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, a detail curiously overlooked by the lawmakers.

Further complicating matters, the Senate suggested Mr. Abdullahi Usman Bello as Umar’s potential successor. However, it must be emphasized that Mr. Bello was appointed to lead the CCB, not the CCT. Moreover, constitutional stipulations require that the CCT Chairman possess qualifications akin to those of a judge of a superior court—qualifications which Mr. Bello notably lacks. This misstep reflects either a profound ignorance or a blatant disregard for the constitution.

It’s also alarming to observe the Senators conflating the roles of the CCB and the CCT, erroneously linking Umar’s situation to that of Bello. Their claims regarding the 9th Assembly’s investigations into Umar also deserve scrutiny, especially given that they appear to stem from a petition filed by a security guard concerning an unrelated incident —ironically, even after an anti-corruption agency had already cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Adding a layer of complexity to the situation is the media’s role in disseminating information. While there was widespread coverage of the Senate’s resolutions, many outlets failed to substantiate or fact-check their claims against the Constitution. This lapse in journalistic vigilance contributes to the propagation of misinformation, thereby undermining public trust in our governance systems.

The situation becomes even more troubling when senior lawmakers defend their misguided actions. The 1999 Constitution (as amended) clearly delineates that the appointment of the CCT Chairman and its members must follow the National Judicial Council’s recommendations, which should be informed by the Federal Judicial Service Commission. Thus, any motion to remove the CCT Chairman necessitates formal attention from both legislative chambers, not simply the Senate.

To complicate an already delicate situation, the newly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), boldly claimed that the Senate adhered to constitutional protocols. Such statements from a figurehead of the legal profession raise questions about the level of legal literacy within our ranks.

Even more alarming was the endorsement from renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. By supporting the Senate’s push for Umar’s removal, Falana and others reveal a troubling trend where senior legal practitioners sidestep constitutional requirements, jeopardizing the sanctity of Nigeria’s judicial and legislative systems.

In light of these developments, distinguished legal scholars such as
Professor Mamman Lawan Yusufari, a former Dean of the Faculty of Law at Bayero University Kano (BUK), Professor Yemi Akinseye-George, the Executive Director of the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, and Dr. Wahab Shittu have denounced the government’s handling of the CCT issue. They described these actions as blatant violations of constitutional mandates, calling on the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to provide guidance to President Bola Tinubu on adhering to constitutional pathways for such significant personnel decisions.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria Yunus AbdulSalam further criticized the misinterpretation of the Constitution, labeling it alarming and indicative of a dangerous lack of diligence within both the executive and legislative branches. He remarked, “Their unconstitutional and desperate attempt to remove the CCT Chairman undermines the spirit of the Constitution and poses a serious threat to democratic integrity.”

It takes a whole week before the Senate admitted and corrected the procedural error by invoking the correct constitutional provisions, including Paragraph 17(3) of the Fifth Schedule and Section 22(3) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.

This entire debacle serves as a clarion call for lawmakers to strictly observe constitutional provisions. Legal protocols should never be compromised for political convenience. Moreover, the media must enhance its accountability in fact-checking claims that significantly influence national governance.

The independence of the judiciary and the integrity of the legislative process are cornerstones of Nigeria’s democracy; they must be protected from missteps and oversights, both from lawmakers and in media coverage. This incident reinforces that constitutional provisions are not mere guidelines; they are the foundation of a functioning democracy. The Senate’s actions reflect a troubling ignorance that could jeopardize the integrity of Nigeria’s legal system. As a nation, we must recommit ourselves to upholding the rule of law and rigorously adhering to constitutional procedures to safeguard judicial independence and the health of our democratic framework.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun is a co-author of ‘Youth Service for National Stability: A Corpers’ Chronicle.’ He can be reached at exponentumera@gmail.com