Politics

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 Zayyad I. Muhammad

Ghanaians have voted out the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the presidential election on 7 December 2024. The party’s candidate, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has conceded defeat to former President John Dramani Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The NPP’s downfall is attributed mainly to Ghana’s economic woes. Under its leadership, the country has experienced its worst financial crisis in decades, marked by skyrocketing food prices, rampant unemployment—particularly among the youth—soaring living costs, and an overwhelming debt burden.

Although no party in Ghana has ever won a third consecutive term, many observers and analysts believe the NPP was punished for failing to alleviate citizens’ economic hardship. Despite criticisms of Mahama’s previous tenure—characterised by a weak economy, allegations of corruption, and widespread power outages—Ghanaians have opted for his return. Mahama has promised to chart a new course for the nation – though politicians are like that!

What makes Ghana’s December 7 presidential election particularly striking is that even supporters of the NPP welcomed their party’s defeat. This unusual occurrence reflects the extent of the economic challenges faced by Ghanaians—challenges they claim are unprecedented in recent generations.

Ghana’s presidential election result sends a strong message and serves as an early warning to Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). For the majority of voters, particularly the masses, what truly matters are tangible results: affordable food, reduced living costs, and economic relief. They care little for figures, statistics, reforms, or long-term projections if their immediate needs remain unmet.

Nigerians today face similar struggles: soaring food prices, escalating petrol costs, and crippling transportation fares. These same issues that brought down Ghana’s NPP threaten to undermine Nigeria’s APC, which is already losing sympathy in its traditional strongholds, especially the North. However, the APC still has time to take stock, address these challenges, and implement meaningful changes.

Ghana’s ruling NPP’s defeat is a stark warning to Nigeria’s APC. When the economy fails, so does the people’s trust. Voters, particularly those struggling to meet their basic needs, will not hesitate to hold governments accountable at the ballot box. 

Rising food prices, high living costs, and unemployment are not just economic indicators—they are everyday realities that define the quality of life for ordinary citizens. If the APC fails to address these pressing challenges and provide visible, immediate solutions, it risks suffering a fate similar to Ghana’s ruling NPP. 

The Ghanaian experience highlights a universal truth: no amount of political rhetoric or long-term promises can outweigh the frustration of citizens whose daily struggles remain unresolved.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja, zaymohd@yahoo.com.

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

By Abubakar Hassan Muhammad BUK 

Kano State politics has been a subject of interest in Nigeria, especially since the Supreme Court judgment restored Abba Kabir Yusuf as the governor of Kano State. Yusuf, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had his election initially nullified by lower courts, but the Supreme Court unanimously upheld his victory in the March 2023 election.

The State has a rich history of leadership, dating back to the Kingdom of Kano, which existed from 1000 AD to 1349. The state’s capital and largest city, Kano, is Nigeria’s second most populous city after Lagos. The incumbent governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, was sworn in on 29 May 2023.

Kano State faces several challenges, including attacks by Islamist terrorist groups, inter-religious violence, and extreme poverty. The state operates under Sharia law within the legal framework of the Nigerian constitution. The Supreme Court’s decision to restore Yusuf as governor has received mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some praising the judgement and others expressing concerns.

The State has a diverse economy with a strong focus on industry, agriculture, and Islamic banking. The state is home to several large markets, including Kurmi Market and Kantin Kwari Market, which specialise in textiles and grains. Agriculture is also a significant sector, with crops such as millet, cowpeas, and sorghum being cultivated for local consumption.

Kano State politics are complex and multifaceted, reflecting the state’s rich history and cultural diversity. Under Governor Yusuf’s leadership, the state faces significant challenges and opportunities for growth and development. But he has been trying his best to overcome these challenges.

Abubakar Hassan Muhammad wrote via abubakarsadik2023@gmail.com.

By Tolulope Showande 

Social media has revolutionized political discourse, transforming how people engage with politics, share information, and influence change. Platforms like X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram have broken down barriers between citizens and leaders, offering a more immediate and interactive space for dialogue than ever before. However, this transformation is a double-edged sword, bringing opportunities and challenges to modern political communication.

On the positive side, social media has democratized information. It gives marginalized voices a platform to be heard and enables grassroots movements to gain momentum without the backing of traditional media outlets. 

Hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter and #EndSARS have brought global attention to issues of racial injustice and police brutality, mobilizing millions to take action. Social media also allows citizens to hold politicians accountable. Missteps or controversial statements can go viral within minutes, forcing leaders to address public concerns swiftly.

Yet, the characteristics that make social media powerful also make it dangerous. The speed and reach of these platforms have facilitated the spread of misinformation and fake news, which can polarize societies and undermine democratic processes. 

Algorithms designed to maximize engagement often amplify sensational and divisive content, creating echo chambers where users are exposed only to viewpoints that reinforce their beliefs. This has led to heightened political tribalism, replacing meaningful debate with hostility and extremism.

Furthermore, the lack of regulation around social media use in political campaigns has raised concerns about transparency and manipulation. From targeted ads to the misuse of personal data, these platforms have become tools for influencing elections, often in difficult-to-detect or counteract ways. The 2016 U.S. presidential election and the Brexit referendum are notable examples of how social media can be weaponized to shape public opinion.

Despite these challenges, the role of social media in politics cannot be dismissed. It has become integral to modern governance, activism, and public engagement. To maximize its benefits while mitigating its risks, there must be a collective effort to promote digital literacy, implement stricter regulations on political advertising, and hold tech companies accountable for their role in shaping public discourse.

Social media is a powerful tool, but society must ensure it is used responsibly. If used thoughtfully, these platforms have the potential to foster a more informed, connected, and active citizenry capable of addressing the complex challenges of our time.

Tolulope Showande sent from Bayero University, Kano, via tshowande@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kano state Governor, Abba Yusuf, has accused his predecessor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, of promoting corruption and nepotism in the management of urban planning and land allocations during his tenure.

Governor Yusuf vowed to expose and correct the mistakes made by Ganduje, who is currently the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Comrade Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf criticized Ganduje’s administration for alleged corruption, mismanagement, and urban planning failures.

He vowed to restore order through reforms, emphasizing accountability, innovation, and sustainable development.

Governor Yusuf also launched the recertification of Certificate-of-Occupancy (C-of-O) for efficient and transparent land management system in the sate.

Governor Yusuf described the development as a milestone for creating an efficient and transparent land management system.

He flagged off a comprehensive recertification of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) to ensure accurate, secure land records, protect investments, and resolve disputes, urging landowners to comply promptly.

According to the Statement, central to the reforms is a state-of-the-art Geographic Information System (GIS) to modernize land management, improve urban planning, enhance taxation, and eliminate revenue leakages.

Measures also include banning inappropriate land allocations and setting up a State Task Force on Development Control to address urban development challenges and protect Kano’s cultural heritage.

Governor Yusuf highlighted the complete renovation of KANGIS and the Ministry’s facilities, now equipped with modern ICT infrastructure to enhance service delivery, reflecting the administration’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and development.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has uncovered warehouses where federal government palliative rice, marked as “not for sale” and bearing the image of President Bola Tinubu, was being re-bagged for potential resale.

The operation, led by the commission’s chairman, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, revealed the illicit handling of approximately 28 trucks of 50kg rice, valued at over N1.4 billion, around the Kano Western Bypass.

“This is a serious case of mismanagement and diversion of public goods. These palliatives were meant for the poor and vulnerable, but some individuals are profiting from the people’s suffering,” Rimingado stated during the raid on Tuesday.

One suspect has been apprehended, and investigations are underway to identify others involved in the scheme.

The commission pledged to recover the diverted palliatives and ensure their proper distribution to intended beneficiaries.

Rimingado assured the public of the commission’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable, stating, “We will leave no stone unturned in bringing those behind this act to justice.”

The incident has sparked outrage among residents, with many condemning the misuse of resources meant for the less fortunate.

A community leader in Hotoro, Garba Isah, described the act as “shameful and heartless,” adding, “People are struggling, yet some individuals are stealing from the poor. We commend the anti-graft agency for their swift action.”

The commission has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving government relief materials.

It reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and accountability in addressing corruption and ensuring public resources reach the vulnerable.

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.