Opinion

By Zaharaddeen Muhammad Azare

Years back, people saw it as taboo to question or criticise what religious scholars said, regardless of how illogical it sounded. However, as people started becoming wiser and more educated, they discovered that religious scholars, as fellow human beings, can understand and misunderstand laws, ministerial statements and concepts. Thus their comments are subject to verification, reconstruction and even falsification.

What happened to Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara that led to his imprisonment in Kano due to his inability to defend his speeches that were considered blasphemous serves as a motivative factor for holding religious scholars accountable for their actions and inaction.

Many people see the case of a known Bauchi-based Islamic scholar Sheikh Idris Abdulazeez as similar to Sheikh Abduljabbar’s, which led to the imprisonment of Sheikh Idris too. But is Sheikh Idris indeed being imprisoned for blasphemy or political reasons?

To answer this question, I take us back to some historical antecedents. Sheikh Idris Abdulazeez is a religious scholar who sees himself as a representative of his people and believes that as a citizen of Nigeria should be politically active to improve efficiency in governance and promote the welfare of the citizenry.

Sheikh Idris supported and criticised political leaders, which seems to be for the public good; the scholar condemned the state government’s actions when Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar SAN who believed in the constitution, the application of the rule of law and the whole exercise and grant of human rights, was the state’s governor from 2015-2019.

The  Sheikh saw the then leadership as dust to the people of the state, thus needing elimination. And the then governor allowed him to voice out his opinions as an indigene of the state; the scholar condemned the ruled APC government and endorsed the incumbent state’s governor under the platform of PDP.

After the victory of the incumbent governor of the state Sen. Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, in the 2019 general election, the government started doing activities contrary to what the scholar believed to be right; for this, he began criticising the government and was tagged as an enemy. In the recent 2023 general elections, the scholar directed his followers to vote for the former Nigerian Chief Of Air Staff Baba Sadiq (Air Marshall) of the All progressive congress (APC), against his counterpart Sen. Bala Mohammed of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Bala Mohammed got re-elected.

Some see the case which led to the imprisonment of the religious scholar as revenge for he was not allowed to defend his statements, like what happened to Sheikh Abduljabbar in Kano, where Islamic scholars of different sects were gathered for him to intellectually defend himself in a public which failure to do so bagged his imprisonment.

Most people believe that not allowing Sheikh Idris Abdulazeez to defend himself originated from the fact that he has legal evidence for his statement and how deeply educated religious scholars influx into Bauchi from several states to attest to his statement before the organised debate was cancelled due to these reasons which could set the scholar free. He was later taken to court and got jailed. Not Sheikh Idris alone, who is in jail for nearly a month over the so-called public disturbance. This week, Some traditional rulers have been dethroned by the state governor for what he describes as  “involvement in partisan politics” during the 2023 general election.

Someone who can’t endure opposition shouldn’t go into politics in a democratic state.

Zaharaddeen Muhammad Azare writes from Bauchi state and can be reached via zahmuhaza@gmail.com.

By Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi

A friend approached me, expressing his desire to write but unable to do so effectively. I promised to help him by sharing valuable tips on writing. These insights shouldn’t be kept to ourselves; they have the potential to inspire others too. Therefore, I’m eager to share them with the public, hoping to ignite creativity and passion in aspiring writers and touch hearts with the transformative power of words.

As promised, below are some tips that will help you on your writing journey.

Immerse yourself in the vast ocean of literature: Envelop your mind with the profound wisdom and eloquence of renowned authors. By delving into diverse literary works, you’ll embrace the artistry of language and discover the nuanced dance of words.

Forge a formidable foundation: Master the enchanting symphony of grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation. As the conductor of your prose, a firm grasp of these elements orchestrates a harmonious cadence that bewitches your readers.

Grace your prose with seamless transitions: Like silk threads weaving an intricate tapestry, the subtle interplay of transition words guides your readers effortlessly from one idea to the next. From “however” painting a brilliant contrast to “therefore” forging unyielding connections, your writing becomes a journey of revelation.

Dance with diversity in sentence structures: Allow the rhythm of your writing to undulate, embracing the grand waltz of varied sentence structures. From the tango of concise thoughts to the waltz of eloquent expression, each step captivates your readers’ hearts.

Paint a vivid tapestry with your words: Unleash the kaleidoscope of language, and adorn your prose with dazzling colours of description. Pluck the most resplendent words from your lexicon, imbuing each sentence with life, depth, and vividness.

Polish your masterpiece with an artisan’s eye: Like a sculptor refining a statue, meticulously chisel away any superfluous words or pedestrian phrases. Carve your prose into a masterpiece where every word finds its rightful place and the allure of elegance abounds.

Let the quill dance upon the parchment: Embrace the alchemy of creativity by transmuting thoughts into written gems. Through regular writing rituals, unleash your inner wordsmith, painting the canvas of expression with artistic zeal.

May these stylistic incantations lend wings to your writing, elevating it to new heights of artistic brilliance and captivating the hearts and minds of those who partake in the splendour of your words.

By Anas Tukur Balarabe

Even a child knows that life isn’t all beer and skittles. They just can’t figure out why. However, as an adult with developed faculties, you can make sense of whatever challenges life throws you. Our ability to observe, interpret and infer sets us apart from other animals. Each time we encounter a hurdle, we are presented with two choices.

The first is to muster the courage, jump over the hurdle, and gain an additional survival skill if we succeed or crash into it and taste the sweetness of intrepidity and the bitterness of failure. Either way, you have succeeded because you can only win or lose when you dare the odds. The second choice is to run away and save your energy and time.

The danger of this choice is that it renders you ill-equipped to travel through the murky waters of life. It is common knowledge that life and challenges are inextricably connected. Now and then, we face trials to learn some valuable as we progress.  While solutions to certain challenges are apparent, some (challenges) appear inescapable to those who haven’t gone through the rigours of life. Still, people bashed by life can see escape hatches even if there appear to be none.

When a challenge thrusts, individuals who adopt running away from life-lesson opportunities as the only viable survival strategy will have zero entries in their survival manuals– and the result will always be confusion, fear, capitulation, then humiliation. He who fights and runs away lives to fight another day, as opined by Oliver Goldsmith, might come across as a clever survival tactic; however, running away from a problem doesn’t necessarily mean escaping it. The problem you run away from today can mutate or evolve and confront you tomorrow when you are less prepared to face it.

Intrinsically, we prefer smooth sailing in our undertakings, but as a fair teacher, life has taught us that challenges are the rung on the ladder to success. The more you overcome, the further you climb. Babies crawl, walk and eventually begin to run. They fail, succeed, and learn many lessons from one milestone to another. However unpleasant they may seem, challenges are our surefire of accomplishing our goals in life.

Only those who dare the odds win medals and earn promotions in the military and other professions. A soldier will never be given a medal for desertion or mutiny but for bravery and courage. While being courageous, however, your sense of judgement and sense of proportion must be your guardrail. You must understand why an elephant is too big a prey for an anaconda. You must know the reason why orcas, despite their hostility, would never attempt to wreck an ocean liner.

To put it succinctly, this is by no means an encouragement for one to be reckless in their pursuits but a sincere reminder that whatever you set out to achieve, you must pursue it vigorously while keeping in mind that you could be ambushed by [a] challenge(s) on your way to the finish line. Whenever life presents you with a challenge, you either buckle up and exploit it or be exploited by it.

Anas Tukur Balarabe is a PhD candidate at the University of Portsmouth. He can be contacted via atnbalarabe@gmail.com.

By Ghali Tade

The Former Governor of Jigawa state, Mallam Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, is a distinguished politician in Nigeria’s political space. He is an accountant who applies the knowledge and training of his field of study to politics, which earned him respect that could not be bought. Mallam Badaru, Mai Nasara, as he was addressed by our fathers or Baba Mai Calculator as he is called in Jigawa state, is a personality who understands the need to be God-fearing, honest, transparent, accountable, focused, determined, dedicated, and committed.

How he managed to be what he is today may be surprising to those who do not know him, but we see it as a reflection of the Hausa sayings, “Kyan ɗa ya gaji mahaifinsa & barewa ba ta gudu ɗanta ya yi rarrafe“. I loosely mean he inherited most if not all of his qualities from his parent, a renowned Islamic scholar in his time. These backgrounds have made him see himself as a public servant, not a ruler. A governor who led Jigawa state to a new world with a heart full of passion, compassion, and patriotism.

When I learned that Mai Calculator was leaving office as our governor this year, I worried about who would be like or better than him. Luckily enough, Baba Badaru has handed over power to another copy of Badaru with a workaholic Deputy Governor, Engineer Aminu Usman Gumel.

The present governor of Jigawa state, Mallam Umar Namadi, who served as finance commissioner and deputy governor to Baba Badaru’s administration, is an engine that played a vital role in ensuring that their campaign promises were fulfilled and Badaru succeeded in all sectors. Both Mallam Badaru and Mallam Namadi shared certain things in common. Apart from being the sons of renowned Islamic scholars in the state, they are chartered accountants who performed excellently. They are problem solvers and people concerned about the populace and the best way to sustain the reputation of their families.

Mallam Namadi’s loyalty and zeal to stand firm on justice, fairness, and truthfulness earned him respect and made him the choice of Mallam Badaru and the good people of Jigawa state. The bond between the two state leaders is unbreakable, considering the cement of truth used in building it. I think this is why Mai Calculator’s men are in the new administration serving as commissioners and other roles.

The political twin brothers achieved more than expected of them when they were governor and deputy of Jigawa state. I could vividly recall that in the speech he delivered at a farewell reception in his honour held at Banquet Hall Government House Dutse on Sunday, the 28 May 2023, His Excellency, the Former Governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar listed numerous achievements of theirs in different sectors.

Despite inheriting Jigawa State with contractual liabilities of 114 billion naira and all the economic hardships while in power, Mai Calculator left the state with only 711 million naira in debt to pay. Unlike other governors who abandoned the projects of their predecessors, Baba Badaru distinguished himself by completing all inherited projects and focusing on transparency and accountability programmes to ensure the safety of investments.

Recall that ICAN had awarded Jigawa State as the best in Nigeria in Public resources accountability in 2021 and 2022 and the same in Budget transparency. In health, 18 more general hospitals were built to address the needs of the citizens in healthcare services. When he came on board, there were only 12, but he amplified them to 30. Also, three specialist hospitals and one orthopaedic hospital were established. Still on health, the people’s governor provided one comprehensive Health centre in every electoral ward of the state.

The number of hospitals on 24 hrs services increased, addressing the infant mortality rate.

In infrastructure, all the ongoing 700 kilometres of rural roads inherited were completed. Five thousand two hundred seventy-eight hand pumps have been repaired in water resources, 7792 solar water schemes were constructed, and 3500 PHC latrines were built, making Jigawa  State open defecation free. These efforts earned Jigawa number four in safe drinking water in Nigeria and number one in the entire Northern region.

On the other hand, Baba Mai Calculator’s administration witnessed massive federal government projects in the state. Beginning with the power sector, first time in 20 years, the Gagarawa power station project was completed and commissioned under the administration of Former President Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari also awarded four substations in Gwaram, Kazaure, Babura, and Birnin Kudu.

It could be recalled that 164,000 families enjoyed #5,000 monthly stipends from the federal government. This is in addition to feeding a million pupils, which created jobs for 9,200 vendors. My state benefited from Trader Monie, GEEP, Npower, Anchor Borrowers, and other human capital development projects.

On FG’s road projects, the Dutse to Kano, Kano – Danbatta – Kazaure – Gwiwa – Daura – Katsina to Niger Republic roads are practical and visible development. Another road that I will never forget is Kwanar Dimawa- Kanya Babba- Ɓaɓura-Baban mutum road.

I vividly remember Former President Muhammadu Buhari was in Jigawa in 2018 to flag off Hadejia Valley Irrigation Scheme. Joyfully, he returned to the state to commission the same project after completing its rehabilitation and expansion. The project, an irrigational land of 5,700 hectares, currently provides jobs, food, and economic diversification.

Let me openly state that these are just a few blessings Jigawa state got from Baba Mai Calculator and Baba Buhari’s administrations.

What are Badaru’s contributions to APC and the emergence of President Tinubu?

Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar was the first governor to win from an opposition despite the PDP having control of Jigawa and Nigeria in 2015. His emergence as Jigawa’s governor laid a solid foundation for APC, attracting thousands of loyalists of other parties to APC.

As an APC Leader in governors’ primaries and general elections in some states like  Ondo, Ekiti, Imo, and Bayelsa, Baba Badaru performed wonderfully well. This has made APC stronger in these states; many votes were pulled from them in the last three elections.

Under his watch as Northern Nigeria’s coordinator for Tinubu’s campaign organisation, higher votes were got from his zone -North West with over two million and six hundred thousand in presidential elections. The dedication and determination of Mai Calculator and other APC stalwarts gave President Tinubu more votes from the north-west than the south-west.

Baba Badaru has dedicated his time, energy, and resources to fighting all the propaganda by negative minds on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As someone who comes from the same discipline as the President, Badaru is well-informed about the leadership qualities of Jagaban. These qualities were unknown by some people in the North. Hence enemies tried to paint him black but to no avail.

There was a time when the Former Jigawa State Governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, refuted insinuations that the APC Presidential candidate, Ahmad Bola Tinubu, would be a Southern President if he won the election. He assured the presidential candidate’s antecedents indicate he is not a betrayer.

Abubakar, who spoke in Kano during an APC Presidential Candidate meeting with the Muslim Ullamas from Northwestern Nigeria, said all Bola antecedents vindicate him as a non-ethnic and religious bigot”. He even added that everything Bola Tinubu has done in his presidential aspiration, he has done it with the full participation of Badaru, Ganduje, and Nuhu Ribadu, people who are known for their nationalistic outlook.

He stressed that every stakeholder in the Nigerian project chose Bola Tinubu. Talking about his mental health and his fitness, our recent visits to Mecca on Ummara, where Tinubu walked miles without joining a car and his performance of Rituals of Tawaf and Saai shows that he is not only healthy but mentally alert on issues”, Mai Calculator explained.

In summary, Mallam Muhammad Badaru Abubakar is a blessing to Jigawa state, APC, and Nigeria at large. Jigawa is lucky to have an accountant as a President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, an accountant as a Governor, and an accountant hoping to be a minister representing the state at the Federal Executive Council. 

Badaru is indeed an APC’s Silent Achiever!

Ghali Tade writes from Ɓaɓura, Jigawa state. He can be reached via tadebusinessr@gmail.com.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

In the war-torn region of Gwoza, two remarkable girls, Mabruka Manu, and Maryam Abubakar Musa, emerged as beacons of hope and resilience. Despite the devastating impact of the Boko Haram insurgency on their lives and education, they defied the odds and became registered midwives. 

Their inspiring journeys from displacement and despair to fulfilling careers are a testament to their unwavering determination and the power of education.

Mabruka Manu was born and raised in Maiduguri, while Maryam was born in Katsina State but raised in Gwoza, Borno State. As with many thousands, both young ladies had their dreams of education shattered by the insurgency. However, an NGO called Girl Child Concerns, GCC, provided them with a lifeline, offering opportunities to realise their full potential. 

In 2018, GCC undertook a remarkable initiative in Borno State with support from MDS’s Merck for Mother selecting and training over 300 adolescent girls from various communities (primarily affected by the Boko Haram insurgency) to become Village Health Workers (VHW). The goal was to address the pressing maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) needs in these areas, where many health workers had left due to the Boko Haram insurgency, leaving women and children with limited access to healthcare. 

Among the trained VHWs were Maryam and Mubruka, whose dedication and resilience stood out. With support from Borno State Government, GCC further trained over 500 VHW and equipped them with essential skills, including training as Per Mother’s Support Groups for Infant and Young Children’s Feeding, serving as supportive supervisors, and encouraging them to pursue further studies, leading to their qualification for the Foundation Year Program (FYP) initiated by Women for Health. 

With the support of their loved ones and overcoming financial obstacles, Maryam and Mubruka’s journey eventually led them to gain admission to the prestigious College of Nursing and Midwifery in Maiduguri, where they began their inspiring path toward becoming Registered and Licensed Midwives.

In 2020, GCC continued its mission to empower women in rural communities by organising a training program for health workers, including Maryam and Mubruka, and nearly 100 others, to address the challenges rural women face in providing basic health screening, counselling, and managing common ailments.  

This training taught participants good infant and child feeding, promoted immunisation, and provided referral services. Maryam and Mubruka’s active involvement in this initiative showcased their commitment to their communities’ well-being as they diligently acquired the necessary skills to support and educate mothers on proper infant and child nutrition.

The stories of Maryam and Mubruka exemplify the transformative impact of GCC’s initiatives on the lives of young women and their communities in Borno State. Through their training as Village Health Workers and their subsequent journey to become Registered and Licensed Midwives, they have become invaluable assets to their communities, offering crucial healthcare services and expertise where it was previously lacking. 

Additionally, their involvement in the “Mother Support Group for Infant and Child Nutrition has furthered the cause of empowering rural women and enhancing the health and well-being of their children. 

GCC’s dedication to uplifting and supporting women in the healthcare sector continues to bring positive change to Borno State, fostering a brighter future for its women, children, and communities.

Maryam Abubakar Musa, who faced numerous challenges in her journey, including the horrors of the Boko Haram insurgency, displayed incredible determination and commitment to education. 

Despite setbacks and low exam scores, Maryam pursued her passion for healthcare, eventually graduating with a diploma in Chemistry Education. Her perseverance paid off, and she successfully graduated, landing a job in her chosen field.

These fantastic stories of Mabruka and Maryam are shining examples of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of education against all odds. Their unwavering spirit and commitment to their community exemplify the best of humanity. 

They highlight the importance of providing educational opportunities and support systems to individuals from marginalised areas affected by conflict, proving that resilience and dedication can overcome any obstacle to a brighter future.

The journey of Mabruka and Maryam is a source of inspiration for their community and countless others facing similar challenges. Their triumphs showcase the transformative power of education and the impact of collective efforts from NGOs like GCC and Women For Health. 

These stories remind us that even in the darkest times, hope can prevail, and with the proper support, individuals can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. Recognition for their remarkable achievements arrived when Mabruka and Maryam were offered jobs at the Ultra Modern Police Hospital in Yobe State. 

Their inspiring narratives, shared through a Girls for Girls phone-in radio program initiated by Girl Child Concern in Collaboration with Education Cannot Wait and UNICEF, caught the attention of a good Samaritan. Their employment solidifies their career paths and serves as a testament to the power of their resilience and the impact of their stories on others.

Mabruka Manu and Maryam Abubakar Musa’s journeys from displacement and adversity to becoming registered midwives are tales of unwavering determination, resilience, and the transformative power of education. Their stories underscore the importance of providing support and opportunities to individuals in conflict-affected regions.

Mabruka and Maryam’s achievements inspire hope, demonstrating that with perseverance and the right support, anyone can overcome obstacles and forge a path toward a brighter future.

Lawan Bukar Maigana is the Communication Officer for Girl Child Concerns, GCC, Borno State, and can be reached via email: lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com.

By Dansaleh Aliyu Yahya

Fighting and terrifying others’ peace for no logic might be the nastiest thing one could ever see. I presumed those who do it should be characterised as ridiculous, merciless and barbaric from all angles—their fights are always loathsome. Our parents and we are doleful!

Diso of Gwale local government has now become the meeting juncture of the indigenous hoodlums of Kofar Na’isa and Hausawar Cikingari. They disturbed our stability for the last three-plus days—making us quiescent.

We were skittish yesterday, too, for their infamous masquerades. They arrived when we were with the children at our “Night Islamiyya (Makarantar Dare)”. The students included many girls and women who were there only to study the Qur’an and other Islamic knowledge specialisations. They coerced us to return with their pandemonium and holding weapon fights—it was not the first day.

Furthermore, they (the thugs) sabotaged many road-parked cars yesternight. I saw more than ten cars that had their mirrors shattered this morning. They took many people belonging after distracting the people’s shop entrances. They even stole three 25-litre petrol bottles from a fuel seller I know—75 litres of petrol. I was told that they used it to intimidate people in their homes when they refused to allow them into the houses to steal. They even removed doors. So annoying!

In addition, the policemen constantly blaze tear gas on our faces to bring peace and stability. However, it ends up troubling it—leaving us with sobbing kids, runny noses and eyes. They don’t even arrive to stop it when it’s occurring.

Nevertheless, they come after the criminals go away. Sorry for saying that; they might have their rules for doing things that I might not know (the police). But, for my life, I could not understand those rules. Maybe you do. But, I think they must be coming earlier—from my boyish imagination.

To cap it all, I would like to request the government, the police forces and any other form of peace personnel to help us eradicate those sagacious criminals from harming us, our parents and our siblings. We want a stable, peaceful living environment for ourselves and everyone. I hope my message will go to its intended destination.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

The removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has had far-ranging consequences, amplifying the existing economic hardships faced by millions of Nigerians. The nation is currently grappling with an unprecedented inflation rate in essential commodities, transportation and other services. As a result, a large proportion of Nigerians find themselves living below the poverty line, struggling to make ends meet. 

This development has directly contributed to the spiraling inflation rate, which has hit the prices of foodstuff, transportation and essential services the hardest. This has created a burden on the average Nigerians, as their meager income is further stretched, making it increasingly difficult to afford necessities. 

As I write this article, the bus fare from Maiduguri to Abuja is N10,500 which was previously N7,500 as reflected on a circular released by Borno Express Cooperation on June 1st, 2023. Kaduna to Maiduguri, which used to be N6000, is now N9000. 

In the event whereby vehicles are scarce at the garage, travelers pay N12,000 from Maiduguri to Kano which was formerly N6,500, a non-Borno Express driver confirmed. This is unbearable and unacceptable!

The economic downturn occasioned by subsidy removal has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable segments of society as many Nigerians are now living below the breadline, struggling to feed their families and maintain a decent standard of living. 

Nobody is spared from the unbearable consequences of the removal of fuel subsidies. Not even the bourgeois elites’ empire in the country. They, too, hide and cry. Who the subsidy removal benefits then? 

Civil servants, especially those working in state and local governments are among the primary victims of the removal of fuel subsidies as many of them can’t feed their families. A 100% increase in their salaries is a necessary step to restore their purchasing power and improve their quality of life. 

Additionally, an increase in civil servant salaries would contribute to the overall improvement of public services. It would attract and retain talented professionals who are essential for efficient service delivery. Adequate compensation would motivate civil servants to perform at their best, leading to a more productive and effective public sector.

Now, what about the unemployed and jobless massive population in the country? How would their well-being be improved? Who would provide for them? A larger portion of Nigeria’s population is suffering in silence as a result of the monstrous inflation rate occasioned by the removal of the stubborn fuel subsidy. Some people eat once a day while others, the better-rich eat twice a day, skipping lunch. Therefore, President Tinubu must acknowledge the grave consequences of the current economic situation and the suffering experienced by Nigerians. 

As the leader of the nation, he has the power to reverse the economic downturn and alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. It is imperative that the President takes into account the plight of the citizens and work towards restoring their faith in the government. 

While the road to economic recovery may be challenging, President Tinubu needs to consider the long-term benefits of prioritizing the well-being of Nigerians by implementing a 100% increase in civil servant salaries and creating job opportunities for our overwhelming jobless population thereby contributing to poverty reduction, improving living standards, and restoring hope for the nation’s future. 

Lawan Bukar Maigana writes from Yobe State and can be reached via email:lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com

By Muhammad Sagir Bauchi

John Maynard Keynes was an economist who lived in the 1930s. He developed macroeconomic ideas parallel to the classical school of economics that believe in absolute economic freedom, which needs no government intervention to stabilise an economy when it’s disequilibrium.

The classical school ideas were centred around economic growth and freedom. During the 1930s great depression, many Western policymakers were proponents of classical schools. They believed that the economic downturn would be corrected by less government intervention (deregulation) in the economy and by encouraging businesses and investors to take advantage of the lower input and prices to pursue their businesses-interest.

In that regard, it would return output and prices to equilibrium. But to Keynes, the economic meltdown proved the classical notion flawed and needs rejigged. As there was low output corresponded with a high rate of unemployment and price instability. These inspired Keynes to think differently, which led him to develop the macroeconomic ideas that, according to him, represent the reality of economic downturn.

Keynes advocates for government intervention during an economic meltdown through spending, which will create jobs to stimulate more demand in the face of the economic slump, restoring the economy to equilibrium and not allowing businesses and investors to determine the fate of the economy. Although this theory is practicalised and in constant play in a capitalist model of the economy, it has the major implication of pushing the government to excessive borrowing to spend, making it a constant state of indebtedness without an end in sight. These formed the basis of Keynes’s famous quote, “In the long run, we are all dead”.

In Nigeria, the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari succeeded in administering poor economic policies, which plunged the economy into a slumpy state. Despite his huge spending, his utopian economic policies yielded close to zero positive results. Likewise, his border closure policy enriched a few local intensive rice farmers and deprived millions of their cross-border businesses. Even as the local farmers could not bridge the demand gap in rice production, he blocked major rice importers from bridging the gap.

No thanks to his performance in transportation and insecurity, where major roads in some parts of the country were constructed/renovated, while other populated regions were neglected, railways began to function. On the security side, fewer successes were recorded in the fight against secessionists, banditry and kidnappings, thus leaving some regions at the mercy of bandits, kidnappers and IPOB terrorists. Although, a remarkable success was recorded in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists.

Inflation, insecurity, communal clashes, unemployment, epileptic labour strike and high cost of living became the hallmark of the last administration, borne out of poor economic policies.

Tinubu, Renewed Hope and New Nigeria

In his effort to correct the economic sufferings caused by the wayward policies of the previous administration, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is trying to implement economic policies that have long-term impacts. This has started with subsidy removal on some essential goods and services, more government spending, the introduction of students loan, unification of exchange rates, suspension of taxes on some commodities and services,  and others. These and many more policies are classical economic policies that have long-run positive impacts on the economy. In the long run, the downturn would be corrected, and the hardworking would have something to take home.

During his inauguration, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the removal of subsidies on petroleum products. Without a doubt, the subsidy is a heavy burden to Nigeria’s economy, which few exploit to their advantage. Due to the problematic nature of the subsidy scheme, almost all the previous democratic presidents had promised to remove it at a time, for the same reasons that it has become a burden to the state, it is riddled with corruption, and only a few are enjoying it at the expense of the state, leaving the majority with negative consequences.

The country is entangled in a constant state of borrowing to finance the subsidy payment, which hinders it from funds to finance major infrastructural projects, social welfare programs and reforming the security sector to a variant capable of meeting these modern-day challenges. Therefore, if the subsidy scheme is abolished, funds will be available to finance all the critical sectors. If it can be done honestly and transparently, it is a legitimate cause worthy of support and sacrifice, but corruption in all levers of governance is what makes one sceptical of the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance and its sincerity in abolishing the subsidy.

However, looking at the current state of the nation’s economy, petroleum subsidy is the only guaranteed general state welfare that will be enjoyed by all and has a general impact on the whole population. It directly links to transportation, manufacturing, energy, school fees, foodstuff prices, services and many more necessities. Any slight impact on the prices of petroleum products leads to inflation, a hike in transport fees, job cuts and high unemployment prospects.

Subsidy Against Subsidy Removal:

According to reports, the government has proposed a monthly N8000 allowance to be shared with 12 million households in the country for six months. Additionally, One Hundred Billion is marked for road construction, several billion for the judiciary, Seventy Billion for the national legislative welfare, and Eighteen Billion for agriculture. These are proposed as remedies to cushion the effect of petroleum products subsidy removal for the time being. No doubt, there are clear misplacements of priorities in this proposal.

If the policymakers are honest to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal, the agricultural sector is the most critical sector that needs urgent intervention to create windows that would encourage farmers to access soft loans, low-cost hybrid seeds, subsidised chemicals and fertilisers, and other farming implements. This would allow them the plant with ease; as such, the multiplier effects would be: the availability of food products in the market and the moderate prices of food items due to the subsidised mechanisms that farmers enjoyed. This would have a real positive impact on the common man’s life. But giving out Eight Thousand Naira to 12 million families could only cushion the immediate impact, exposing them to more suffering and an uncertain long-term future.

Now, let us examine the palliative distribution formula according to regions as reported; if numbers are anything to go by in governance, the majority must have his way, while the minority can have a say. If this is true, one will find it difficult to understand the rationale behind giving out 57% of N500bn to the South West Region of 47 Million people at the expense of the North West, a region with a stunning population of over 49 Million which was given only 4% out of that total amount. If population matters in the distribution of wealth, then there is an undeniable discrepancy here.

What is more alarming and unbalanced is how the Northeast region is almost left out of this allocation, even with its unprecedented challenges in social, political and economic destruction by Boko Haram insurgency, high poverty index and outrageous numbers of out-of-school children, it was reported that only 1% of that N500Billion is allocated to the region. This region comprises six states, with a population of 26 million and millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from within and neighbouring regions.

Frankly, I don’t want to believe that this administration has started on the wrong footing, with a preference for nepotism and sectionalism in the administration of appointments and lopsided distribution of the country’s wealth in this critical economic period. I hope President Tinubu will work hard to change this narrative and give hope to a renewed Nigeria.

This is a clear indication that some parts of the country will continue to be preferred over others by the present administration, even that fortnight, it was the primary beneficiary of the immediate administration of a Northerner, a president who mysteriously supervised the underdevelopment of his region to developed other regions economic future.

Muhammad Sagir Bauchi wrote via ibrahimsagir1227@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Muhammad Salisu

In case you don’t know, the coup d’etat in the Niger Republic is not about the standard of living, as Nigerians are insinuating. It’s about France, Mali and the radical revolution in French West Africa.

French-speaking West African countries are beginning to divorce themselves from French neo-colonialism. The recent developments in Mali testify to this. The Russian mercenary Wagner Private Military Company’s persistent presence is a direct threat to French interests in West Africa and the US, EU and NATO, who are currently fighting Russia by proxy in Ukraine.

To the French and other Western powers, Russia is expanding its influence to Africa, which is a slap on their Caucasian faces. Moreover, Mali has now dropped the French language as its official language. France is not happy with this. To all these, even if President Mohamed Bazoum does not support the Malian radicals, France is afraid it may spread to Niger.

Another problem France is facing is Nigeria. Nigeria has always been a thorn in the flesh of France. France is not happy with Nigerian wealth and is openly jealous. It is not news that France supported the secessionists in the Nigerian civil war fought in the 1960s. And also, it is not news that the insecurity issues Nigeria is facing now, fingers are pointed at France as the prime culprit, at least from the illegal flow of weapons into Nigeria. Bazoum is lately trying to strengthen ties with Nigeria. This makes France more and more afraid.

History will never forget the fate of the late President of Niger, Ibrahim Baare Mainasara. His close ties with Nigeria under General Sani Abacha, who was also viewed in the West as an enemy, led to his overthrow and his subsequent tragic end.

This is the actual reason behind the coup d’etat in Niger. Niger has been an impoverished nation, and the West has no interest in the poverty-stricken populace there. All they are after is their political interests there. Some Nigerians are calling for similar development in Nigeria. It will not augur well should it happen. The West is more comfortable with the insecurity herein than a change in leadership.

Muhammad Muhammad Salisu can be contacted via muhdibnmuhd@gmail.com.

By Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani

President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the end of subsidy in Nigeria in his inauguration speech on May 29, 2023, at Eagle Square, emphasising that there is no provision for it in the 2023 appropriation. However, these have no doubt brought untold hardship to average Nigerians. Though experts agree that these, among others, are the sacrifices we must make for the country to move forward, I agree with the belief that subsidies can no longer justify their ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources.

Thus, the sum of N500 billion has been extracted from the supplementary budget of N819 billion for the provision of palliative care by the President. Even though it raised much concern among Nigerians, looking at how unpatriotic elements within misused or abused all palliative ranging from covid-19 etc., by the previous administration, sadly, no one was punished for the infraction.

Rail transportation is a viable option that, if considered, will often be a potential solution for reducing the untold hardship presently experienced by the populace. However, it has the potential to be more cost-effective and sustainable, considering current circumstances. It would indeed give more life to our road pavement; most trucks that too often damage our roads would be off the road.

Indeed, one of the main advantages of rail transportation is its ability to transport large numbers of passengers or goods in a single trip. Yet it also has a higher capacity compared to other modes of transportation. This efficiency can no doubt help reduce the present unfortunate hardship. It’s, however, among the intentions of the President to channel the resources to infrastructure in the country. Again, the cost of commodities will drastically reduce, especially in transporting perishable from one location to another. 

The majority, or perhaps 90 per cent, of Nigerians, can’t even talk about saving when we’re all struggling desperately to survive in the face of merciless inflation that is, sadly, rapidly worsening every day. Inflation too often wipes off the little we earn to keep the wolf from the door. To me, hardship encourages corruption in all aspects. Perhaps the government is not aware of this precarious situation. Or maybe it looks the other way around. Indeed, this is not what we bargain with the government by entrusting it with our votes. 

Therefore, I call on the government to do the needful in short-term and long-term solutions. At the same time, the short term should be mass subsidising urban and rural transportation by both the three tiers of government. 

Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani writes from Galadima Mahmoud Street, Kasuwar-Kaji Azare, Bauchi State.