Politics

By Uzair Adam Imam

The House of Representatives has resolved to support the Federal Government by cutting down its salaries by 50% for six months to address the high cost of food and support food sufficiency across the country.

This decision was made on Thursday during the plenary session in Abuja, and the lawmakers also appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience with President Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as it addresses the challenges and hardships faced by citizens.

The House mandated its Committee on Appropriation, Humanitarian Affairs, Finance, and Budget to ensure compliance with the resolution. The motion was moved by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (APC-Ogun State) and adopted by the House.

Additionally, the House of Representatives has pledged to support the Federal Government with ₦648 million for six months to address food sufficiency and the high cost of food.

Details later….

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Bashir El-Rufai, the son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has sent a cryptic message to President Bola Tinubu, warning that even the backing of the IMF and World Bank will not save him from being voted out of office after his first term.

El-Rufai asserts that no institution can prevent the people from voting out an incumbent government and that Tinubu’s governance has been an “utter failure” disguised as a “useless, dangerous, ethnocentric political strategy.”

The message comes amid tensions between Tinubu and El-Rufai’s camp after the former governor’s name was excluded from the ministerial list. Uba Sani, El-Rufai’s successor in Kaduna, has also lamented the enormous debts inherited from the previous administration, saying the state has limited funds to pay salaries.

Despite the World Bank and IMF lauding Tinubu’s economic reforms and offering support, El-Rufai’s son believes these institutions will not be able to prevent the president from being voted out if the people are dissatisfied with his performance.

The cryptic message serves as a warning to Tinubu of what the camp of El-Rufai and other disgruntled APC members have in store for 2027, which has been discussed privately but is now being made public.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A civil society group, the Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance (KCWGG), announced on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, that it has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, and his cabinet over alleged financial misappropriation of over N400bn during his administration from 2015 to 2023.

Speaking during a press conference held at Arewa House, Kaduna, on Wednesday, the chairman of KCWGG, Comrade Victor Duniya, stated, “Yesterday, the 2nd of July 2024, we officially lodged petitions at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the zonal office of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) Kaduna against the former governor of Kaduna State, Mal. Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai and many members of his administration.

“Our action was a result of the probe carried out by the Kaduna State House of Assembly Ad-hoc report on sourcing and usage of domestic loans from 29th May 2015 to 29th May 2023, which indicted the former governor and some of his key members.”

The ad-hoc committee report had indicted the former governor and some of his top government officials for the misappropriation of over N400bn.

Though the former governor has rushed to the Federal High Court seeking his fundamental rights, the civil society group (KCWGG) insisted that the anti-graft bodies should arrest the former governor and his appointees who were indicted in the probe.

Duniya maintained further, “Our petitions requested immediate investigations, arrests, and prosecutions of Mal. El-Rufai and his appointees involved in the mismanagement, siphoning, and many illegal financial and administrative activities contained in the report.

“Holding the former governor and those that looted the treasury and shortchanged the people’s interests accountable will deter other elected and appointed public officials from mindless looting of the public treasury with impunity.”

The petitioners told the two anti-graft agencies, “We have absolute confidence in the capacity and determination of the anti-graft agencies in combating corruption in Nigeria.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgain

The former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Kaduna State Assembly. The lawsuit was presented today, Wednesday, at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai is demanding a public apology from the lawmakers for a report they published, which he claims defamed him and his cabinet. The State Assembly’s report alleged that the former governor misappropriated over ₦423 billion during his tenure.

El-Rufai’s legal team argues that the report is both false and malicious, designed to tarnish his reputation and discredit his administration’s achievements. They assert that the allegations have caused significant harm to his personal and professional standing.

The former governor, noted for his developmental policies and efforts to improve infrastructure and education in Kaduna State, has consistently defended his administration’s transparency and commitment to public service. He maintains that the Assembly’s allegations are politically motivated and lack any substantive evidence.

The legal proceedings have drawn significant attention, with many awaiting the court’s decision on the matter. The outcome of this case could have substantial implications for El-Rufai’s political future and the current political landscape in Kaduna State.

By Abdullahi Algasgain

The attention of the Sokoto State Government has been drawn to a malicious publication credited to the Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) alleging a plan by the sttate government to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

The state government wondered how a responsible body like MURIC, claiming to be protecting the rights of the Muslims would descend so low and cheaply as to join hands with deluded mischief makers and enemies of progress to fabricate such a false and unsubstantiated story just to create an unfriendly atmosphere and fear in the minds of the law-abiding and peaceful citizens of the state.

We believe that MURIC is not the type that will be dancing to the tunes of enemies and mischief makers who are trying to take away the attention of the good people of Sokoto state and Nigerians on the transformative initiatives taking place in Sokoto State over the last one year.

We also like to assure MURIC that the present administration just like the previous administrations in the state cherishes and respects the Sultanate Council long before MURIC was established.

The Sultanate Council, which has a long standing historical importance is so reverred to all the people of Sokoto State, therefore we still hold the institution in very high regards and esteem.

This is not the first time stories such as this were fabricated to show that all is not well between the state government and the Sultanate Council, as some few months back we had a similar obnoxious story which the state government categorically condemned and denied in whole.

From the look of things,those nefarious detractors and distracting enemies of progress have not relented in their failed efforts to smear the cordial relationship existing between the state government and the Sultanate Council.

MURIC should have cared to find out if there was ever any query, warning or any threatening documents served on the sultan by the state government.

We equally like to remind MURIC that promoting Islamic affairs is the second item on the Ahmed Aliyu’s nine-point Smart Agenda,therefore Islam means so much to the present administration, coupled with the fact that Sokoto being the Seat of the Caliphate, is a 100 per cent Muslim-dominated society.

It is on record that no administration in the history of Sokoto State has done to Islam what the present administration has done in just one year. This we say without any fear of contradictions.

Therefore, for any one to think that the present administration could engage in acts or actions that could jeopardize the development of Islam is not only unfair but unjustifiable.

To put the records straight, we would like to tell the world that the relationship between the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration and the Sultanate Council under the leadership of our most respected monarch, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has been very cordial.

The present administration always consulted with His Eminence, the Sultan on issues affecting the state, and his invaluable contributions and inputs are always respected and included in policy implementation.

On the issue of sacking and transfer of some District Heads in Sokoto State, MURIC should know that the affected District Heads were accused of some unbecoming behaviours,such as land racketeering, aiding insecurity as well as insurbodination to the constituted authority.

In order to give them fair hearing the committee summoned all the affected District Heads, after which it came up with a whitepaper report, advising the government on what to do. And it was based on that and also in the public interest that the state government acted in conformity with the recommendations made by the whitepaper committee.

It is equally important for MURIC to note that nobody is above the law, therefore,the sacked District Heads are just reaping what they saw, and that the action taken by the Sokoto State Government was indisputably in the best public interest.

Abubakar Bawa
Press Secretary to
Sokoto state Governor
25/06/2024.

By Haroon Aremu

On a peaceful Sunday afternoon, I found myself immersed in the music of Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, a pioneer Fuji maestro known for his deep and meaningful lyrics that reflect Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. As I listened to a track titled “Adieu MKO,” which began with Nigeria’s newly adopted anthem, I was inspired to delve deeper into MKO Abiola’s legacy in relation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential journey and the adoption of the new anthem, as I began to wonder if all this could be a strategic message to Nigerians.

Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, a renowned Fuji musician, frequently added societal issues into his music, notably addressing the life and contributions of MKO Abiola. Barrister’s songs portrayed Abiola with admiration, acknowledging his philanthropy, political influence, and commitment to democracy. Barrister shared personal anecdotes, portraying Abiola as a humble figure despite his wealth and influence, creating a multifaceted portrayal of the Nigerian icon.

According to Historical research, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola began his journey from humble beginnings. Born into a low-income family in Abeokuta, Ogun State, he started earning money at a young age by performing odd jobs, including singing and drumming at events. His exceptional intelligence earned him a scholarship to attend the prestigious Baptist Boys’ High School in Abeokuta. Later, he received a government scholarship to study at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, where he earned a degree in accountancy.

Beyond his political aspirations, Abiola was a successful businessman who built a vast business empire with interests in telecommunications, oil, and banking. He founded the telecommunications giant ITT Nigeria and was also involved in the publishing industry, owning newspapers like Concord Press. His philanthropy earned him the title of “Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland,” a highly esteemed traditional title.

Abiola is most famous for his presidential bid 1993, which is widely believed to have been the most free and fair election in Nigeria’s history. Despite winning, the election results were annulled by the then-military government led by General Ibrahim Babangida, leading to a significant political crisis. After declaring himself the rightful president of Nigeria, Abiola was arrested in 1994 by the military regime of General Sani Abacha. He remained in detention for four years and died under suspicious circumstances on July 7, 1998, the day he was due to be released.

Despite the controversies surrounding his death, Abiola’s legacy as a champion of democracy in Nigeria is honoured. In 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously awarded him Nigeria’s highest honour, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), and declared June 12 as Democracy Day in recognition of his contribution to Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

Abiola was also a cultural figure with deep connections to the Yoruba cultural renaissance and promoted Nigerian culture globally. His influence extended beyond politics and business, impacting social and cultural spheres in Nigeria. He maintained extensive international connections in business and politics, improving Nigeria’s relations with other countries.

MKO Abiola embodied the patriotic spirit that “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” represented. As a businessman, philanthropist, and political leader, Abiola’s efforts were always aimed at uplifting Nigeria and contributing to its progress and unity.

The newly adopted anthem’s lyrics, emphasising unity and patriotism, reflect Abiola’s vision for Nigeria. He consistently advocated for a united Nigeria, free from the divisions that plagued the country. His presidential campaign in 1993 was a significant demonstration of his commitment to national unity and democracy.

Abiola’s contributions to Nigerian culture and his promotion of the Yoruba cultural renaissance align with the pride and national identity celebrated in “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” He supported cultural initiatives to foster a sense of pride and belonging among Nigerians.

The anthem’s call to serve the nation resonates with Abiola’s extensive philanthropic activities. He invested in education, healthcare, and community development, reflecting the anthem’s spirit of dedication to the well-being of Nigeria and its people.

The period during which “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was the national anthem corresponds with a formative time in Nigeria’s political history, including the early years of independence. Abiola’s political career, especially his role in the 1993 presidential election, continues the struggles and aspirations encapsulated in the anthem.

With some sense of factual comparison, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s relationship with MKO Abiola reflects a shared commitment to democracy, justice, and the advancement of Nigeria. Both leaders believed in the country’s potential and actively worked towards its progress. Tinubu and Abiola were influential figures in Nigeria’s political landscape, with Abiola’s 1993 presidential bid resonating with Tinubu’s political aspirations and being associated with the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Abiola’s leadership qualities, philanthropy, and vision for Nigeria deeply inspired Tinubu, who likely admired Abiola’s ability to connect with the masses and his unwavering dedication to democratic ideals. 

Like many other pro-democracy activists, Tinubu supported Abiola’s mandate and condemned the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, forging a bond rooted in shared democratic principles. Tinubu continued to champion democratic values, electoral reform, good governance, and the rule of law, echoing Abiola’s vision for a democratic Nigeria. 

Furthermore, both leaders have been actively involved in philanthropic activities and community development initiatives, aligning with Abiola’s legacy of social responsibility. The Fuji icon King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal has sung about Tinubu following Abiola’s legacy, highlighting their enduring connection and further reinforcing the significance of Abiola’s impact on Nigeria’s political landscape. 

Considering the recent anthem change by the president, one could perceive it as a message of togetherness and an assurance of following Abiola’s legacy, given the similarities between Abiola and Tinubu, including their association with Muslim-Muslim tickets and other shared values.

To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I implore all citizens to wish and pray to God to grant him insight and foresight. Imight (strength) need to realise the democratic journey that Abiola envisioned.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun is a youth Corp Member with PRNigeria centre, Abuja and wrote in via exponentumera@gmail.com.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

A United States congressman, Major Owens once said, ‘I have a great deal of respect and admiration for people who put themselves on the line.’

Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s political doppelganger, Awana Alhaji Gana, often describes him as an exemplary leader because, according to him, he was taught as a child in Islamic school that a leader is a servant of the people and a loyal servant sacrifices his life to protect his masters – the people.

Indeed, this was justified by Shettima when he was the governor of Borno State. He stood his ground to protect his people and never ran away from battle, putting his life on the line and confronting the monsters called Boko Haram.

He mobilised the police, rallied soldiers and established the Civilian JTF – a group of patriotic young people who are always ready to sacrifice their lives for their country – which helped to stem the tide of the insurgency.

The fear in Maiduguri in 2014 was so intense that some notable persons, politicians, and non-politicians had to relocate their families to Abuja. Shettima, who was abroad at that time, canceled the assignment, returned home, and mobilised residents to rise in defense of their ancestry. They succeeded in pushing the enemies back. That was the time when everybody thought the cursed elements had hoisted their flags in the city of Maiduguri.

Based on the sleepless nights he had endured in the latter part of his first tenure – moving from one shooting or bombing scene to the other and liaising with the federal government to protect Borno people – most observers actually thought he would just chicken out and not bother to seek a second term in office. But he contested, won, and sustained the fight against the enemies.

VP Shettima has always attracted the best brains to himself, being a first-rate intellectual as well. This was why it wasn’t difficult for him and this remarkable look-alike to find each other and connect.

Unlike other politicians who only read articles written by their admirers and watch activities done by others in their names without appreciation, Shettima keeps his eagle eyes around, following everything that involves his name and showing appreciation. He doesn’t look down on people, which is why his political network is full of diverse people of all classes.

This reminds me of the first time he called to appreciate me when I wrote an article titled “Kashim Shettima: Courage, Conviction Cannot Kill a Man,” in 2022 which was published in many national dailies across the country.

Interestingly, when VP Shettima met Alhaji Gana, who politically mimics him, he observed the striking similarities between himself and the latter.

Kashim Shettima is known for visiting his friends, honouring their special invitations, and standing with them during trying times. These quintessential traits have been maintained by his political doppelgänger whose friends work with him. Awana attends marriages, condoles with people who lost their loved ones, and organises a caricature of every political event the VP has attends.

VP Shettima once again showed the humane side of him recently when he posted on Facebook that: “On Tuesday, I paid a condolence visit to the family of my brother, friend, and colleague at Zenith Bank, Chief Kester Christopher Kenechuku Ogualili, who passed away on May 3, 2024. Kester and I have come a long way, and now that he is no more, we will step in to fill the vacuum created by his demise.”

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

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

Emir Muhammadu Sanusi’s two ascensions to the throne of the ancient Kano Emirate have been deeply intertwined with local and national politics. On June 9, 2014, Sanusi was installed as the 14th Emir of Kano by then-Governor Rabiyu Musa Kwankwaso, seemingly to spite former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. Earlier that year, on February 2, Sanusi had been dismissed from his position as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria for alleging that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) had failed to remit a $20 billion statutory fund to the federal government—a claim denied by Jonathan’s administration.

On March 9, 2020, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje removed Sanusi from the throne, citing his alleged disregard for lawful directives. However, the primary motive behind Sanusi’s dethronement was political, as he had been openly critical of several policies and projects of the Ganduje administration. Ganduje was angered by Sanusi’s penchant to play a dual role as a revered Emir and a social critic, an untenable combination in the Nigerian context.

On May 23, 2024, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reinstated Sanusi as the Emir of Kano after signing a state assembly bill that dissolved the five emirates created by the Ganduje administration and dethroned the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. Governor Yusuf’s decision to reinstate Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was also politically motivated, aimed at reversing Governor Ganduje’s actions and continuing the supremacy battle between former Governors Abdullahi Ganduje and Rabiyu Musa Kwankwaso.

Sanusi’s journey from being the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to his dismissal, his installation as the Emir of Kano, his subsequent dethronement, and finally, his reinstatement is marked by political intrigue. It begins with confusion and ends in confusion. His return as Emir of Kano on May 23, 2024, might seem straightforward, but it is anything but simple. It’s akin to a complex mathematical equation that appears simple on the surface but requires the application of numerous mathematical laws to solve. Sanusi’s reinstatement is a product of intricate local and national political manoeuvring, with an eye towards the 2027 elections from all the actors.

Senator Rabiyu Musa Kwankwaso is determined to erase any traces of Ganduje’s influence in Kano politics. Initially, this strategy worked for Kwankwaso without significant interference from the centre. However, it has now dawned on Tinubu and his handlers that allowing the Kwankwasiyya group to operate unhindered could lead to the loss of Ganduje’s group support without gaining substantial assurance from the Kwankwasiyya group. In the 2023 presidential and governorship elections, Kwankwaso garnered 997,279 votes, while Tinubu received 517,341 votes.

In the gubernatorial race, Abba Yusuf Kabir of the Kwankwasiyya group obtained 1,019,602 votes, whereas Nasir Yusuf Gawuna of the Ganduje group secured 890,705 votes, a difference of 188,897 votes. Maintaining this voting pattern is crucial for Tinubu and his team heading into 2027. Some members of the Ganduje group are discontent with the centre after narrowly losing the gubernatorial seat at the Supreme Court. If they continue to feel unprotected despite their connections at the centre, Tinubu’s prospects in Kano for 2027 could be jeopardized. Thus, the centre’s support for Aminu Ado Bayero is not surprising.

The calculations in Abuja, though not overtly confirmed, seem poised to influence Kano’s political landscape at a critical juncture. Giving the Kwankwasiyya group free hands to operate as they wish would be politically risky for the centre. Abuja needs to have some strong feet on the ground in Kano. Kano votes are crucial in the north.

The ongoing power struggle in Kano is straightforward: it’s an attempt to balance interests, strike a political equilibrium, and prepare the ground for future battles. For the common man, the advice is clear: do not take sides, as these are political manoeuvres made with future gains in mind. However, the implementation of these decisions will inevitably have collateral damage. In politics, there is no provision for a collateral damage estimate (CDE)—becoming collateral damage means being in the wrong place at the wrong time. No harm is intended personally.

What’s happening in Kano? It’s a fascinating and high-stakes game—a zero-sum game, to be precise. The same thing happened. On October 22, 1983, Governor Abubakar Rimi established four new emirates in Kano State to diminish Emir Ado Bayero’s power and influence. After his inauguration, his successor, Governor Sabo Bakinzuwo, revoked the law and restored the emirs to their previous positions as district heads.

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

By Idris Ishaq Danwanka

I stand with my boss, the Bauchi State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, when he described the Bauchi State Governor as his Boss, His leader, and His Direction. The governor has consistently demonstrated kindness to the people of Bauchi State, initiating and executing numerous critical projects since assuming office. His tireless collaboration with the legislative arm of the government ensures the smooth implementation of these projects, providing the state with essential resources for its development.

However, it has come to my attention that certain individuals, particularly from the opposition party, have been attacking the Speaker’s Facebook post, which featured a picture of the governor with the caption: “Wannan shine Uban Gidana, Jagorana, kuma Alkibla ta. Abinda kace shi zamuyi, dani da magoya bayana, in shaa Allah.” The English translation of this Hausa statement is: “The man in this picture is my boss, my leader, and my direction. We will follow whatever you say, knowing fully that you will never lead us to harm, my followers and I, Allah willing.”

There is absolutely nothing wrong with what the speaker said. Unfortunately, due to political differences and a lack of substantial critiques, some individuals who are clueless about the nuances of political discourse are baselessly accusing the speaker of compromising the duties of the legislative body.

The accusations against the speaker are unfounded. To those critics, I pose the following questions:

– In what specific ways has the speaker failed to discharge his duties?
– What are the explicit duties of the speaker and the members of the State Assembly?
– What is inherently wrong with the speaker’s praise for the governor?

Here are a few key points in response to the criticisms:

– In every speech he presents, the governor refers to the speaker as his boss. What wrong does it do when the speaker also refers to the governor as his boss?

– The Speaker’s loyalty to the governor does not impede his ability to perform his constitutional duties regarding the executive arm.

– As a citizen of Nigeria, the speaker is entitled to the same rights as everyone else, including the right to freedom of expression and the press, as provided in Section 39 of the Constitution.

– The Speaker is genuinely impressed with the governor’s leadership style and ability to implement beneficial policies and programs for the state.

– Recently, the governor has flagged off the dualisation of access road in Ningi, and work is in progress… the speaker’s local government, from GSS Ningi to Gudduba. This project, long sought after since the creation of the local government, was approved due to the harmonious relationship between the Executive and Legislative branches.

– ⁠Note that this is the speaker’s personal opinion and that of his supporters (constituents), to which he is constitutionally entitled.

These and many other reasons have prompted the speaker to laud the governor and refer to him as his boss. Ultimately, we are fully committed to following the speaker’s lead and hold no regrets, retreat, or surrender for following the speaker’s directions.

We will always follow his leads and instructions and obey his commands. Our loyalty to the speaker is uncompromising.

Sen. Idris Ishaq Danwanka wrote via idrisdanwanka@gmail.com.

By Abdul Sale

The perception of an average young man in Nigerian life is to have a good-paying job, own a house and settle down with his wife. After that, nothing more or less, while in foreign lands, the reverse is the case as struggles to have different means of income usually start after marriage. However, on the other hand, gathered a handful of Nigerians who have zeal and set their minds on travelling abroad looking for greener pastures, which, to them, is the only way to make it to the promised land.

In 2019 alone, during the Buhari administration, over twelve thousand Nigerians, especially professionals like doctors, nurses, medical lab scientists, engineers, and care workers, travelled to Canada as a result of low remuneration and bad conditions of the working environment. They alleged that the Federal Government refuses to address this. At the time, Nigeria fell into recession, which devastated the economy; then, the Japa trend (jakpa Yoruba word meaning “to flee or run”) became an anthem in Nigeria, especially in the southern part.

Thousands of Nigerians have fled to oversee countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and other European countries to better their lives and families. In the northern part of Nigeria, the trend was not popular then, even though there were hundreds of northerners who had travelled abroad.

Moreover, I have noticed a wave of japa in the northern part of Nigeria lately, especially in the core north; the emergence of travel agencies and travel agents helped. Hundreds of Arewa youths have fled to countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Jordan, and Kuwait, spending around 2 to 3 million Naira.

In some cases, Nigerians embark on the journey through land borders en route to Niger, Libya, Algeria and Morocco, which mostly ends in tragedy. For instance, Aljazeera reported that at least 61 refugees and asylum seekers, including women and children, have drowned following a “tragic” shipwreck off Libya, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) says.

On June 14, 2023, the Adriana, a fishing boat loaded with 750 people en route from Libya to Italy, went down in international waters off southwest Greece. There was a series of similar tragic stories as Flavio Di Giacomo, an IOM spokesperson, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that more than 2,250 people died in 2023 on the central Mediterranean migrant route.

More than 153,000 refugees and asylum seekers arrived in Italy in 2023 from Tunisia and Libya, according to the United Nations refugee agency. One would wonder what triggers this massive wave of migration, especially among youths who are perceived to be the backbone and the future leaders of society.

The country’s economic situation is one of the driving forces that pushed some Nigerians to make that decision. Our leaders should, as a matter of urgency, create policies and bring ways to improve the country’s economic situation, thereby creating an enabling environment for the people to flourish their businesses.

Federal and state governments should invite foreign investors to come and invest in Nigeria to employ the thousands of unemployed graduates in the country. Moreso, the military and other security agencies should always respect the fundamental human rights of the citizens, as Nigeria is labelled as a country with high cases of human rights violations.

As we are reaching the second quarter of 2024, many Nigerians, especially youths, are ecstatic and happy about 2024 democracy day, full of hope and dreams that they wish to accomplish this year. Therefore, the government in power should redouble its efforts in helping these ambitious youths to realise their dreams.

Abdul Sale wrote via abutalatu72@gmail.com.