Politics

By Ibrahiym A. El-Caleel

Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda won the 2023 Katsina State gubernatorial elections and has since taken office. However, he seems to struggle with the transition from CEO of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to his new role. He keeps lecturing the youths on entrepreneurship, telling them that there are no jobs. He would always tell them why being a worker is a misfortune in today’s world. Surprisingly, he is never caught on tape talking about the key role of the government in entrepreneurship.

This society has normalized throwing jibes at salaried workers. People who despise salaried employees behave as if they are the next smartest people on earth since Albert Einstein while in reality, there is nothing spectacular in this. It is a tepid argument, and when Nigerian leaders do it, it reflects their reluctance to take responsibility for the economic challenges we face.

One significant reason for the current suffering of Nigerians is the systemic push of workers into poverty. Despite advancements in technology, automation, and artificial intelligence, no national economy thrives without the contributions of workers. Even if entrepreneurs automate production and supply chains, consumption remains a human necessity. Who will buy the products? Machines? No, it is people- primarily workers- who drive consumption. So, when anyone is throwing jibes at these employees, I usually imagine what planet they come from.

Let us return to Dr Radda and other Arewa leaders who always want to deliver free lectures on entrepreneurship. It is crucial to note that no business thrives in a commercially toxic environment. How have these Arewa leaders been able to create a conducive environment for business? They have always been in the business of blame games and never taking leadership responsibility seriously. This is exactly why it is easy today for President Tinubu and his Tax Boys to tell them they are rejecting his proposed VAT sharing formula because they have lazied around for too long, earning more Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) than they actually deserve.

We have vast fields of arable land, yet companies like Nestle who need maize and soya beans prefer to set up their factories in Lagos. We have cattle that FrieslandCampina and Promasidor would ordinarily obtain fresh milk from through modern animal farming processes. However, these companies are based in Lagos because the north is either faced with farmers-herders clash on Monday, or fighting bandits on Tuesday, or discovering Lakurawa by Wednesday. Which multinational company will waste its time, energy and resources building a business in such an environment? This is why they prefer to be based in South-West, then buy these raw materials from up north and transport them for processing and ship some of it back to the north for consumption.

I will not discuss why 19 northern states believe they are okay with this type of poor electricity supply over the years. Your Kano and Kaduna textiles are dead; reptiles now live where we had textile machines and very many workers running shifts. Even on the planet Saturn, they are aware that no development happens without electricity in this modern age. But since Arewa leaders know an alternative way to do this, let us keep waiting for the miracle. I am sure it is very close to happening. Sokoto is just an inch away from advancing like South Korea, since Kaduna is already competing with Silicone Valley!

The other day, Dr Radda’s tape was virally circulated. He was still talking about workers, and how an Indomie Joint vendor earns better monthly income than them. The irony is that on 23 November, 2024, Daily Trust wrote a report that this type of business is crumbling. They cited that the astronomical rise in the prices of egg, milk, noodles and bread is telling on the business. Nigerians can no longer afford this. These food items have become a luxury to the who used to consume them. It is a pointer to the fact that people are getting poorer.

This was not always the case in Nigeria. Workers began suffering after Buhari did his trial and error economics for eight solid years, and now Tinubu is here to shut down the economy finally so that everyone can go and rest in their graves. Otherwise, ten years ago (2014 to be specific), a salaried worker on a minimum age of N18,900 could afford to buy a 50kg bag of foreign rice at N7,500 which he could feed his family for at least three months. He would still have the remainder of this salary which will at least cover his transportation to work. The political class destroyed this. The same political class which Katsina state governor belongs to.

In my opinion, the governor should realize that it is no longer the SMEDAN days. All Nigerians cannot be entrepreneurs. In every real national economy, the workers are always far more than the entrepreneurs. The earlier he and members of his social class come together to chart a sustainable economic plan for the north, the better for all of us. The South-West governors who have created economically viable environment are not begging their citizens to go into entrepreneurship. The citizens are identifying the opportunities already. When you put your house in order, you don’t need to tell anyone to start a business. People will naturally see the opportunities. This is why the South-West is ahead. It is not magic. They are deliberate about developing their environment, and this is a good one. Had other leaders developed their regions in a similar manner, we would not be fighting over the VAT sharing formula.

Arewa’s economic recovery starts from reviving the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) Limited to be what the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello meant it to be. Arewa governors should give politics a break and focus on governance by revitalizing the NNDC and truly investing in that company. NNDC was a big dream to save this region from the economic mess it has found itself today.

Sardauna was visionary and NNDC actually delivered on its objectives for decades before the Arewa governors class of 1999 to date decided to watch it die a slow and painful death, folding their arms and waiting for oil royalties from the newly found Kolmani oil in Gombe or Bauchi State. Arewa leaders should wake up and save this region. It is their responsibility. It is not the responsibility of Tinubu or FG or anyone. But your Excellency, please, allow workers to face their predicament. They were never in this situation until your political class decided to make them poor through extreme taxation and careless policies that spiked inflation to all record high. Therefore, if you cannot help them, you do not need to add insult to their injury.

El-Caleel writes from Kaduna State

By Shettima Dan’Azumi, ESQ

Northern Nigerian states are gradually losing a significant portion of their Federal Accounts and Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation shares, which is undoubtedly their biggest revenue source. From the Local Government Funds and Fiscal Reform Bills to dividends from NLNG shares of NNPC and, today, the National Lottery, all these are part of the pool that makes up the monthly national cake distribution known as FAAC.

These developments are not surprising to any student of development. We all saw it coming. Early this year, the Supreme Court, in a suit filed by the Federal Government, scrapped the States and Local Government joint account, which had previously entrusted local government funds to their respective states.

In another case, the Supreme Court also agreed with the AGF’s argument. It held that the NNPC’s stake (shareholding) in the NLNG, unlike the NNPC itself, actually belongs to the Federal Government, not the entire Federation. Those billions of dollars accrued to NNPC from NLNG annually are no longer to be shared with the States as part of FAAC. 

Similarly, VAT, a chunk of the non-oil revenue currently shared based on equity, derivation, and population formula amongst FG, States, and Local Government, will, if Emilokan’s Executive Bill succeeds at the National Assembly, now be shared based on derivation or consumption or both. Either way, I don’t see how the North can benefit. I will get to the reason shortly. 

Then came today, another blow in a Suit initiated by the Lagos State Government. The Learned Justices of the Supreme Court, while granting all the reliefs sought by the AG of Lagos State, held that revenues accrued to the Federation through the National Lottery Commission from the regulation and royalties of lottery and other online games are in reality within the Residual Legislative List, exclusive to States to regulate and generate revenues from. 

I believe there may be more of these seemingly harsh interpretations of the law in the near future because that is what the Constitution actually contemplated. 

If you put these chains of events together, you would only come to one conclusion: that full federalism is taking a crude shape in the country against the wish of everyone. We would have prepared for this time if northerners had been thoughtful and proactive. We would have confronted the issue of restructuring with strategy rather than our usual rejectionist attitude to achieve it on our terms and put a timeline for gradual implementation to minimise its impact. With our sell-out NASS members, who either do not appreciate where all this is headed or have been bought to look away, it’s only a matter of time. May Allah rest the soul of Senator Suke Yaro Gandi and the rest of his contemporary visionaries and patriots. 

What should we expect now? Our FAAC-reliant states will receive a shorter allocation. If VAT is to be shared based on derivation, then most of the Corporate Headquarters of businesses where the remittance of VAT takes place are far away from the north. What if it’s to be shared based on consumption? The follow-up question is: how do you determine the end users when you don’t have the data to prove where it is consumed? Even if this data exists, most of our businesses in the north, including Kano State, are not formal businesses, so their distributors are in Lagos and other Southern States. Our traders are running away from the institutionalisation of corporate governance frameworks in their businesses, which will give them the capacity to deal with manufacturers and wholesalers directly and document their dealerships properly. We are simply traders. 

The lottery is worse because most states think the whole business is haram. But, wait, is it not the double standard that you are operating a secular state, collecting VAT revenue generated from breweries and royalties from casinos, including the lottery, for all these years while still believing it’s haram? At least, it would soon be over, and we shall stick with halal revenues.

To cut a long story short, the North must wake up on governance and development issues. The culture of electing clueless governors and the dominance of corrupt and soulless political class must end. We must pay more attention to our manpower and skills development policies and reform our education systems because that’s what all these boil down to. EDUCATION! Our youth must stop social media praise-singing and political sycophancy and embrace education and skill acquisition. Our businesses must adopt corporate governance and innovation and be more industrious and forward-thinking. 

Because Emilokan is not your mate.

By Aiman Fodio

I respect Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as a leader and admire his dedication to charitable causes, especially education. He is, by no means, a saint; he is human, like all of us, subject to the frailties that come with the human condition. Yet, when we consider moral reasoning, pragmatism in leadership, ethical choices, and the complex compromises of politics, I believe he emerges as a stand-out figure in Nigeria’s presidential landscape today.

We all concur that the nation cannot grow without a productive, well-educated populace. Therefore, we must commend his efforts in providing scholarships and educational support to countless underprivileged youths. 

In Nigeria, where quality education is often reserved for the privileged few, he at least tried to bridge that gap. These are nothing short of transformative. He’s not just speaking abracadabra on X (Twitter) about change; he actively works to make it accessible, particularly for those who need it most. Don’t just come and tell me that he did all that with the government money or looted; I challenge you to bring someone with a comparable track record which surpasses his commitment to uplifting the marginalised.

As we know, Nigeria is a developing nation grappling with the intricacies of governance that differ from those in developed and developing countries. This climate needs politicians who starkly contrast with the transactional politics that often dominate our region. 

Kwankwaso is unique in that his power hinges on support from ordinary Nigerians, while many of his contemporaries are tethered to elite alliances. This dynamic has made him the Jagora—leader and guide—to many, though some may derisively label him the ‘Local Champion’.

Most (about 95%) oppose him with divisive ideologies that tarnish his reputation and undermine his connection with his supporters. Many view his popularity with scepticism, trying to erode his strong rapport with his base. Yet, Kwankwaso resonates with the public, not because of propaganda, but because of his track record and genuine empathy. For this reason, he remains one of the few politicians whose influence is authentically rooted in the people’s will, making him a formidable figure on the national stage.

One aspect of Kwankwaso’s political style that I find particularly troubling is the pervasive influence of godfatherism. It’s disheartening to observe his tendency to exert undue influence over his protégés, such as Governor Abba. This dynamic creates a political climate where loyalty to a godfather supersedes the imperative of serving the collective interests of the populace. 

Godfatherism has no place in a progressive political landscape; it stifles authentic leadership and compromises the integrity of those who are meant to govern. Kwankwaso should let Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf focus on the ideals that empower him, granting him the latitude to evolve and serve his constituents with the autonomy they deserve. That would earn Kwankwaso more respect.

Despite this concern, I firmly believe that Kwankwaso remains one of the most qualified and deserving candidates to lead Nigeria. The need to choose the “lesser of two evils” becomes glaringly apparent in a milieu often characterised by many less competent alternatives.

While no leader is without their shortcomings, his extensive experience and interest in uplifting the marginalised position him as a formidable candidate. We must weigh our options carefully, recognising that his potential to enact positive change far outweighs the flaws that may come with his political relationships. Ultimately, our choice should reflect the need for a leader who prioritises the people over personal ambition, and I still see that potential in him.

Aiman Fodio wrote via aimanfodio@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) from using its regulatory powers to impose fines, issue sanctions, or intimidate broadcast stations and independent media houses in Nigeria.

Delivering judgment in June 2024, Justice Nicholas Oweibo ruled that the NBC lacks the legal authority to unilaterally impose penalties, including fines, suspensions, or license withdrawals, on media organizations for airing content of public interest.

The judgment followed a lawsuit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

The lawsuit challenged a 2022 decision by the NBC to fine Trust TV, Multichoice Nigeria, NTA-Startimes, and Telcom Satellite Limited N5 million each for documentaries on terrorism, which the commission claimed undermined national security and contravened the Broadcasting Code.

In his ruling, Justice Oweibo affirmed that SERAP and CJID had sufficient legal standing to sue, stating, “This is a public interest case, and the plaintiffs are not meddlesome interlopers.”

The court declared that the imposition of fines by NBC without recourse to a court of law violated constitutional provisions on media freedom, fair hearing, and access to information.

The court also set aside the N5 million fines and granted an order of perpetual injunction preventing NBC or any other authority from unlawfully sanctioning or intimidating independent media outlets.

Justice Oweibo emphasized that only the courts, not regulatory agencies, can impose criminal sanctions like fines.

In response to the judgment, SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, called on the NBC to respect the rule of law and urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the judgment’s implementation.

He added, “This ruling is a victory for media freedom, freedom of expression, and the rule of law in Nigeria.”

The suit also criticized the use of “national security” as justification for suppressing information, arguing that such actions contravene both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties.

The court’s decision reinforces protections for independent media and affirms the judiciary’s role in safeguarding freedom of expression in Nigeria.

By Uzair Adam

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar were among the notable figures who attended the wedding Fatiha of the daughter of former Kano State Governor, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Kano on Saturday.

The grand event also brought together the groom and bride’s fathers, prominent businessman Dahiru Mangal and Rabiu Kwankwaso, alongside Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his deputy, Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo.

The wedding Fatiha was held at the Palace of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, and drew dignitaries from across the country.

The ceremony marked another significant gathering of Nigeria’s political and business elite, reflecting the strong ties among the nation’s leaders.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has officially flagged off the campaign for a School Feeding Program by HELLO INTERNATIONAL with the support of the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on school feeding, for the pupils of LEA Ngwak, in Bokkos LGA and LEA Kwaghas Bungha in Mangu LGA.

The event which was held at Lamond Hotel Banquet Hall Jos, aimed at improving nutrition among school children, boosting school enrollment, and enhancing learning outcomes.

Barr. Mutfwang who spoke through the Chief of Staff, Government House, Jeremiah Satmak reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the education sector in the State, stating that addressing childhood hunger was a means to promoting education and securing the children’s future.

He acknowledged the efforts being made so far and challenged all to support the initiative for sustainability.

Plateau State Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Chrysantus Dawam in his remarks, said the initiative was not just about providing meals, but rather nurturing the future, empowering education and ensuring that no child goes hungry as they pursue their dreams.

He said HELLO INTERNATIONAL, a Non Governmental Organization had also generously donated shade of three classrooms and new set of desks for LEA Ngwak, and essential items for both schools such as school uniforms, sandals, bags and writing materials to ensure that the pupils had the resources they need to succeed.

He commended their vision and noted the significance of education, being a key to a brighter future, adding that a child needed to focus on learning and not to be worried about where their next meal was coming from.

Founder and CEO of HELLO International, Dr. Nkiruka Agbazue said they had a shared commitment to a brighter future for the children of Plateau State, in fostering hope, equality and opportunity for all.

She stated the organization’s dedication to providing essential resources, creating programs that uplift communities, and empowering individuals to build sustainable futures, and that it also aimed at creating an environment where every child would not worry about hunger, poverty, and lack of basic resources.

While appreciating the commitment of all in this cause, Nkiruka assured of the Organization’s willingness to continue to work hand in hand with the Senior Special Assistant to the President and the Plateau State Government to expand and improve the initiative, and enlisted the support of all in order to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

Also speaking was the Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding, Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, represented by Mrs. Kyenpia Best who commended HELLO INTERNATIONAL and the Plateau State Government for the step taken toward ensuring that no child in Plateau State faces the burden of hunger while striving for an education.

She added that the combined effort was an inspiring example, showing what is possible when the people come together for the future of their children, and expressed hoped that this initiative would not only continue but would expand to touch more areas of Plateau State and indeed, across the nation.

On his part, the Chairman, Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board Hon. Sunday S. Amuna, represented by the SUBEB Permanent Member II, Hon. Kassam Goodwin Dul also commended the intervention and assured that as an agency overseeing the Universal Basic Education sector, it would remain committed to supporting the vision by prioritizing the well being and the education of Plateau pupils.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Plateau State School Feeding Program Manager, Mrs Tongdyen Tajan Moltok said the program was initiated to address the issue of malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable children.

And as a step toward improving the lives of the children, she added that it would also strengthen the communities to build a brighter future for their children and urged all to work tirelessly to ensure the success of the program.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed strong support for the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in its decision to initiate a nationwide strike.

The strike threat follows allegations that military personnel were deployed to remove workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig, a move that has drawn widespread criticism.

In a statement issued on Friday, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the alleged military intervention, affirming the congress’s solidarity with NUPENG.

Ajaero warned of escalated actions from NLC if breaches of agreements and the use of security forces in industrial disputes persist.

This stance arises from a protracted dispute between NUPENG and the oil rig’s management, where agreements on employment terms reportedly remain unfulfilled.

Earlier in the week, NUPENG alerted the Federal Government, cautioning against military involvement and urging respect for previously established agreements.

On Thursday, however, a special naval unit allegedly arrived at the Oritsetimeyin rig to forcibly evict workers, prompting NUPENG’s strike warning.

Ajaero decried this development as an affront to worker rights, urging military and government officials to address the issue immediately.

“This unacceptable use of state security forces to intimidate workers undermines democratic values and workplace freedoms,” Ajaero’s statement read.

“The militarization of workplaces only harms our economy and violates the principles of industrial relations.”

NUPENG maintains that the eviction followed workers’ calls for adherence to agreements, including severance benefits discussed during prior meetings mediated by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The NLC’s statement specifically called out companies Dutchford E&P and Selective Marine Services for failing to honor these commitments.

The NLC is urging the Nigerian military, the National Security Adviser, and other key government figures to intervene and prevent further confrontations, emphasizing that industrial issues should not involve the military.

By Mukhtar Jarmajo

Certainly, a democratic system of governance is predicated on the idea that, as long as the people can elect their leaders in the three strata of government and representatives in the legislatures, society will be better, given that government policies and programmes will reflect the people’s yearnings and aspirations. While this is true, to fully realize this ambition, the full participation of the citizenry in the entire democratic process cannot be overemphasized.

Citizens must uphold their responsibilities in the name of nation-building by electing only leaders who genuinely understand society’s challenges and are sincerely willing to address them. This crop of politicians can be identified through their campaign manifestos. The issues raised, ideas discussed, and points made during campaign rallies, discussions, and interviews by aspirants tell significantly how they feel about their society and their burning desire to work towards raising the people’s living standards to a higher threshold.

Therefore, it is essential for voters to consider the backgrounds of political candidates and their plans when choosing at the polls. For Nigeria’s democracy to thrive, everyone must work to educate the public about the importance of active participation in the democratic process and making informed choices at the ballot box.

This, most probably, is retired Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar’s school of thought, which is why he has remained steadfast in talking to the people, especially in Bauchi State, on the need to engage in the politics of principles while prioritising the general development of the society. 

Notably, Abubakar contested for the governorship position in Bauchi State in the 2023 elections under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform. This has been his call since the 2023 election campaigns.

At every forum, he praises the politics of principles, noting that it is the only path to a better society. Through the politics of principles, the nation will get the right leaders who can work hard to deliver democratic dividends to the people. When the right leaders are in place, the children of ordinary citizens will gain access to quality public education and enjoy the same advantages as everyone else, enabling them to attain their full potential and realise their ambitions.

More so, there will be access to affordable quality healthcare services; food will be sufficient and available on every home’s table; there will be more jobs for the teeming youth; affordable housing will be made available so everyone can live in decent shelter; and, most importantly, the security of lives and properties can be assured.

Jarmajo wrote from Kukadi/Gundari Ward, Misau Local Government, Bauchi state. 

By Uzair Adam

On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed treason charges brought against several minors involved in the August #EndBadGovernance protest, following the Federal Government’s decision to withdraw the case.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu approved the dismissal after Mohammed Abubakar, representing the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), moved an application for discontinuation.

Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), cited Sections 174(1)(b) and (c) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 as the legal basis for withdrawal.

The DPPF also requested that proceedings exclude the minors from the courtroom, in compliance with Section 266(b) of the ACJA and the Child Rights Act.

Defense lawyers, including Femi Fanala (SAN), did not oppose the application, leading Justice Egwuatu to officially drop the charges.

This decision comes after 114 protesters were granted bail of N10 million each with two sureties by Justice Egwuatu last Friday, following their arraignment on charges of treason and related offenses.

Health concerns prevented five minors from attending the arraignment, while four defendants reportedly collapsed in court, prompting a brief adjournment.

Further proceedings for both groups of defendants are scheduled for January 24, 2025.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed the AGF to ensure the release of the minors involved in the protest.

By Anwar Usman

The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation has confirmed the deactivation of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System for Federal Tertiary Institutions.

This comes after the Federal Government’s decision to remove these institutions from the IPPIS platform.

Bawa Mokwa, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the OAGF, made this known in an interview with journalists.

Mokwa stated, “It was only natural for the IPPIS platform for FTIs to be shut down, given the Federal Government’s directive to remove these institutions from the system.”

He added that November salaries for FTIs would be processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

Institutions are expected to prepare their payrolls in Excel format and bring them to IPPIS for verification and validation.

In response to concerns about possible changes to salary account details, the OAGF clarified that it has issued no directive instructing workers to change the financial institutions linked to their IPPIS accounts.

Mokwa reiterated that workers’ welfare remains a top priority, assuring that no misleading or panic-inducing instructions would be given.

He explained that any decision to change salary accounts is entirely personal for each worker, with no mandate from the IPPIS office.

Workers with valid reasons for changing their salary accounts were advised to follow the official procedures provided by the OAGF to ensure a smooth transition without payroll disruptions.