Politics

By Mohammed Kabir

The title of this piece was adapted from “A Physician’s Diary,” a Daily Trust’s column written by my friend Dr. Fatima Damagum. Titled “First, Do No Harm”, Dr. Damagum counselled her fellow medical practitioners to do no harm to patients with chronic and complicated illness when they are not so sure the prescribed treatments would improve the patients’ conditions. I am myself a victim of harmful decisions taken by medical personnel when I first lost my hearing at the age of 9.

The same principle applies to the newly sworn-in President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If his predecessor, former President Buhari, had done no harm after carrying out exhaustive analysis of the underlying challenges facing Nigeria when he assumed office in 2015, he would not probably have left the country worse than he met it. I know some people may argue that Buhari had left Nigeria better than he met it. That’s their opinion and they are certainly entitled to it.

Tinubu has achieved his lifelong ambition to become Nigeria’s President. He admitted it is the proudest moment of his life. However, he was quick to add that the proud moment is not for himself but for all the people of Nigeria. I sincerely pray and hope so. Nigerian leaders have penchant for making insincere political statements. Former President Buhari’s (in)famous “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody” is still vivid in our memories.

President Tinubu must quickly assemble his team and hit the ground running. There is no time to waste. Nigeria is currently in an ICU. It needs urgent diagnosis and quite possibly multiple surgeries. Sectors that need immediate priority attention include security, economy, power and national unity. This is not to say that other sectors like education, health, agriculture and foreign policy are insignificant.

On security, the President should sack the present crop of service chiefs he has inherited from his predecessor and replace them with more competent ones. If he and his team cannot identify qualified high ranking officers in the military and police to fill the top positions and drive his national security agenda, he should just manage with the current ones. The new President should please do no harm. Any thoughtless attempts to replace the service chiefs with indolent or incompetent ones will spell greater disaster for our country and worsen the prevailing security situation.

On the economy, the President needs to rescind his ambiguous statement regarding fuel subsidy removal. I am not sure it was a carefully thought-out policy statement. A first-hand and
more painstaking analysis is necessary to decide whether or not the fuel subsidy should be sustained. Former President Buhari who repeatedly called the fuel subsidy a scam before his ascension to power could not do away with it for eight long years. I am sure there is more to it than what the anti-subsidy elements are telling us.

It may be absolutely true that the fuel subsidy has been benefiting the affluent class. However, the reckless and ill-timed removal has translated to exponential rise in fuel price and caused a general galloping inflation. Nigerians are already fed up with the incoherent policies of the ruling party under former President Buhari and any attempts by President Tinubu to push for policies that will further aggravate the already precarious situation of the masses is likely to trigger nationwide anger and discontent.

President Tinubu should focus on blocking leakages in the oil sector, place a total ban on smuggling of petroleum products through our ever-porous borders and impose severe penalties on smugglers. The new administration should liaise with the Dangote Refinery to ensure availability of petroleum products, support the completion of the ongoing BUA Refinery, encourage the development and operational efficiency of modular refineries, and make concentrated efforts to revive our ailing refineries. Otherwise, President Tinubu should retain the subsidy payments and do no harm.

Still on the national economy, the President’s order for sacking the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the directives given to the relevant law enforcement agencies to immediately arrest and prosecute him for economic crimes and sabotage is a timely idea. No apex bank governor in the history of Nigeria has done so much harm and caused chaos and suffering to the unsuspecting citizens of Nigeria like Mr. Godwin Emefiele. The President’s statement on the unification of exchange rates is a good move but should be done with caution. His economic management team must come together and help him make informed decisions. Otherwise, he should just maintain the status quo and do no harm.

On power, the new President should declare state of emergency, set up a high-powered committee to review the current arrangements pertaining to the generation and distribution of electricity nationwide. The recent dispute between market operator and distribution companies caused avoidable intermittent blackouts across the country and crippled businesses worth billions of Naira. It is becoming quite obvious that a cabal has hijacked the power sector and it is fraudulently profiting from the present generation and distribution arrangements. The President should maintain status quo and do no harm if he cannot implement urgent reforms needed to guarantee uninterrupted power supply and foster the growth of SMEs.

On national unity, the country has never been so polarized. The Muslim-Muslim ticket generated enormous anger and pitted so many millions of Nigerians against one another. The new President should initiate people-oriented policies and programs that foster harmonious coexistence among Nigerias from diverse backgrounds. President Tinubu should work with the national assembly to enact relevant legislations that will transform the present six geo-political zones into six regional development agencies and foster inter-regional cooperation, as well as healthy inter-regional competition. If the president has no interest in prioritizing national integration and harmony, he should do no harm by allowing his belligerent supporters and overzealous political associates to calumniate and disparage members of the opposition and anyone who criticizes his policies.

On a final note, it appears the president is someone who is so eager to make statements. He should be made aware that the office he now occupies demands the highest level of restraint. His words must be carefully chosen in order not to jeopardize our staggering economy or the already fragile national unity. However, still President Tinubu needs to speak regularly to Nigerians about his policies and programs but also avoid making statements that are open to unnecessary speculations and allusions. Once again, president Tinubu, please do no harm. If you are not so sure about the feasibility, workability and sincerity of any proposed policy or action, just maintain the status quo ante bellum. So many millions of Nigerians, including those who did not vote for you are sincerely rooting for you and praying that you succeed.

Mohammed Kabir sent this article from Kaduna and can be reached via mohammedkabir.ibrahim@gmail.com

By Muhammadu Sabiu

President Bola Tinubu has approved the suspension of Godwin Emefiele, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. 

Willie Bassey, Director, Information Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said in a succinct statement on Friday night that it is in response to an investigation being conducted by his office and upcoming financial sector reforms. 

According to media sources, Emefiele has been instructed to immediately transfer control of his office’s operations to the deputy governor (Operations Directorate), who would serve in that capacity until the inquiry and changes are complete. 

Recall that there were many controversial policies that were introduced by the apex bank under the leadership of Mr. Emefiele. One of the policies that brought about the change of the Nigerian currency was seen by many people as an effort against the candidature of Bola Tinubu during the last general elections. 

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Immediate past Nigeria Interior Minister and two-term governor of Osun State, Abdulrauf Aregbesola, has disclosed that he is back to restructure the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Osun State.

On Wednesday, Aregbesola made his intention public while addressing party faithfuls at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo.

The former governor sought forgiveness of the party party members and stated that it is time for restructuring and reconciliation in the party.

He noted that he did not offend anybody, but said, “whoever feels that we offend him or she should forgive us.

“We seek forgiveness from those who thought we offended and those who sought our downfall.”

“We were here in 2019 after the Supreme Court affirmed the mandate of the former governor, Gboyega Oyetola. I called for unity in the party. I warned that disunity will not produce any good result. But devil didn’t allow them (those who handled the party affairs) to listen.

“We seek forgiveness from those who are smearing our image, though we never offended them.

“We supported them with all I have to see to their success. I didn’t ask for anything from them. I need to emphasize that I didn’t ask for anything from them. But they chose to repay evil for good.

“However, we are here for the restructuring of the party. That is why we are begging anybody that feels that we offended him or her to forgive us.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

Engineer Kailani Muhammad, an All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discard former governors roving around his administration.

He stated that the president should not appoint any of the former governors as they are bad people that his administration should not engage.

He also urged the president to discard ex-senators and ministers that did not perform well in previous administration.

He stated that “Those lobbyists are not good people and we don’t want them on the stage again. We have been circulating this crop of people every time.

“Let the President bring new people who have not stolen”, he advised.

Kailani is the National Chairman of Tinubu Support Network and Director-General of Amalgamated of APC group.

On the fuel subsidy issue, Engineer Kailani said, “This is the right decision because the immediate past administration shifted it. We have been postponing the evil day. A time has come for this country to measure up with the comity of nations.”

By Mansur Hassan, PhD.

The abuse of the Kano State master plan during the administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has led to a proliferation of illegal structures. These include shops built within school premises, encroachments on mosques, hospitals, graveyards, and other areas not designated for such purposes.

Urban planning principles dictate that every city should have distinct residential, commercial, educational, and industrial areas. In line with his campaign promises, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s decision to demolish these structures is a step in the right direction, aimed at restoring order and proper planning in Kano State.

Urban planning is crucial for the development of sustainable and functional cities. A well-designed master plan ensures that cities function efficiently, with designated zones for different purposes.

Residential areas provide housing and essential amenities, commercial areas drive economic activities, educational areas facilitate learning, and industrial areas promote economic growth and employment opportunities.

Under the Ganduje administration, the master plan of Kano State was severely abused. Illegal structures were erected without regard for zoning regulations, leading to numerous consequences. Shops built within the compounds of existing schools not only compromised the safety and security of students but also disrupted their learning environment.

Encroachments on mosques and hospitals within residential areas caused congestion and noise pollution, disturbing the peace and privacy of residents. Additionally, the encroachment of graveyards demonstrated a lack of sensitivity and respect for the deceased and their families.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s decision to demolish these illegal structures is a positive and necessary step toward restoring order and rectifying the abuses that occurred under the previous administration. By adhering to his campaign promises, the governor demonstrates a commitment to responsible urban development in Kano State.

The demolition of illegal structures will yield several benefits. It will reinstate order and organization, as buildings will be appropriately placed within designated areas. Schools will regain their intended space, ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for students.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to demolishing these illegal structures helps restore public trust in the government’s ability to enforce regulations and ensure responsible urban planning. It also highlights the governor’s long-term vision for the sustainable development of Kano State.

By adhering to the master plan, the government can effectively manage the city’s growth and expansion while meeting the needs of its residents. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s decision to demolish illegal structures in Kano State represents a commendable effort to restore order and proper urban planning.

By rectifying the abuses that occurred under the previous administration, the government aims to create a more organized and functional city. This action reflects the governor’s commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises and ensuring the long-term development of Kano State.

As the city progresses, prioritizing adherence to the master plan will foster sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for all residents.

Mansur Hassan, PhD is a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics, Yusuf Maitama Sule UniversityHe can be reached via mhassan@yumsuk.edu.ng

By Muhammad Salisu

In 1973, there was a bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden. The robbery turned into hostage-taking. The hostages, however, later became sympathetic defenders of the perpetrators. This incident and its aftermath would later lead to the coinage of the psychological disorder known as Stockholm Syndrome.

A similar incident happened in which an American named Patty Hearst was kidnapped by a terrorist organisation called Symbiotic Liberation Army. Ms Hearst became sympathetic to the organisation and joined them in bank robberies.

Recently, in Nigeria, a train was attacked by bandits, and many of the train’s occupants were kidnapped. One pregnant victim was later released. However, in an interview, she defended the kidnappers’ actions. She literally became their mouthpiece.

Kidnapped victims may defend their kidnappers due to so many reasons. For example, it may be out of fear and so on.

Turning to the Nigerian political parlance, the Nigerian political class has, since time immemorial, held their masses hostage. The rulers loot public treasures; people are enslaved and impoverished. The ruling class enrich themselves and their families at the mercy of the masses. However, you find the masses who are the victims supporting the rulers.

In Nigeria, there are many reasons why people glorify those who enslave them. It may be to get what to eat; it may be because the ruler is from one’s family, religion, political party, region, or tribe. It may also be a clear case of Stockholm Syndrome!

Muhammad Muhammad Salisu wrote via muhdibnmuhd@gmail.com.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, on Friday, had a meeting behind closed doors with governors of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

President Tinubu, in a Facebook post, posted about the meeting with the governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“Today, I had the delight of welcoming distinguished Governors from our great party, the APC, to the State House.

“Together, we reaffirmed our commitment and united efforts in realizing our cherished vision for Nigeria. With every hand on deck, We are resolute in our pursuit of a prosperous nation.” the post says.

The governors were led to the State House by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, who recently assumed the role of Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, PGF.

Seventeen of the twenty APC governors were in attendance. However, conspicuously absent from the meeting were Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti State and Dr Nasir Idris of Kebbi State.

By Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia

It is no longer news that Alhaji Bola Ahmad Tinubu has taken over as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Nigerians are always happy when there is a change of leadership because we are a hopeful people. It doesn’t matter that we have been disappointed and had our hopes dashed many times over. Most of us believe that it shall be different this time around. Nigerians believe that the hardship that immediately greeted the inauguration of President Tinubu due to removal of oil subsidy is only temporary. This only shows how optimistic our hope can be.

Party stalwarts who have participated in campaign and are important enough to be remembered by Mr. President are even more hopeful. Offices shall soon be shared. Ministerial appointments, advisors and other aides of the President, Boards membership, headship of Government agencies are some of the ‘gifts’ given to individuals who have shown enough commitment to the project of selling Mr. President and his party to Nigerians.

Another way in which politicians compensate states that gave them a large number of votes is situating infrastructural and empowerment projects. 

To become the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju, a National candidate, polled  8,794,726 votes  to defeat Atiku Abubakar and 16 other candidates, some of whose influence does not transcend their states of origin. Out of this number of votes, more than thirty percent came from the North West. Thus, if political support is important to Tinubu, and of course it is, he has an obligation to thank the people of North West and to practically acknowledge that they are his people.

Now, how is Tinubu supposed to compensate the North West? To answer this question it is important to note that only an insignificant few of the more than two million voters mentioned above are politicians who are expecting contracts or appointment to public offices from President BAT. Thus, while those appointments and contracts may or may not affect commoners in the North West, there are things that affect their lives for which they need the attention of Government.

President Tinubu has taken over at a time when banditry has exhausted and impoverished an average villager in the North Western part of Nigeria. Banditry began as cattle rustling by people who believe that only they have the right to own cattle. It then metamorphosed into full scale armed robbery and occupation. As I m writing this, there are many communities under bandits’ control. Many of them decided to submit willingly out of frustration since their Government has failed to provide them protection.

For communities that have not submitted to the bandits’ authority, the attacks continue.

To rationalize banditry, a number of false narratives have been created and spread by bandits and their sympathizers. For example, it is common to hear people saying that banditry was brought about by the unfair treatment given to nomadic Fulani for decades. Thus, according to this narrative, what we are witnessing today is a backlash of this unfair treatment. Some years ago, I had a reason to write a rejoinder to a group of Islamic scholars who bought into this narrative and, instead of calling on the Government to deal ruthlessly with bandits, were asking for fair treatment of nomads.

I don’t know of any group of Nigerians that is not complaining of unfair treatment. In fact, Nigerians, especially the proletariat, have for long been unfairly treated by the elites and the system they control. Does that mean every Nigerian should acquire arms and become armed robber? Surely no. Injustice does not justify crime. This narrative is thus faulty in every ramification. It is unfortunate that some people in Government have been deceived into accepting it.

Another narrative is that banditry taking place in the North West and North Central geopolitical zones is a fight between Hausa farmers and Fulani cattle-rearers. This is even as we saw travelers who are not Hausas being intercepted and burnt alive. We also saw Fulani cattle rearers  who refused to join criminal gangs being attacked and killed in their homes. Yet, the immediate past central Government bought into this narrative and asked Governors of the affected states to negotiate with bandits. If nothing else, those negotiations exposed the identity of the criminals. They appeared before press cameras and confessed their crimes and gave conditions to Government. They continued with their crimes almost immediately after the 2016 and 2019 peace accords. 

Another false narrative is that banditry is being executed by foreigners from other West African countries. Yet, during the failed peace negotiations all the bandit leaders were Nigerian Fulani whose ancestry is well known. In fact, all the bandits known to be operating in the North are like that. Now that they have occupied many rural communities their identities are even more exposed. 

This is the number one problem of the North Westerner that Tinubu should confront even if it means stepping on some of the biggest toes in this country.  Fortunately he has come at the same time with Governors who are interested in fighting crimes. In particular, the new Governors of Katsina and Kano have shown early signs that they mean business as far as crime-fighting is concerned. Working with them closely would help President Tinubu. Zamfara that has been serving as the hideout of bandits has also a new Governor.

Professor Abdussamad Umar Jibia wrote from Bayero University, Kano. He can be contacted via aujibia@gmail.com.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has cried out over a siege on their office by the Department of State Services, DSS

In a press statement released by the Commission on Monday, they alleged that the DSS denied their operatives and members of staff access to their office at No.15 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi.

They said the DSS barricaded the entrance of their facility with armoured personnel carriers.

The Commission described the development as strange, stating that the Commission and DSS had cohabited in that facility for 20 years without issues.

The EFCC also made it known that the development has disrupted their activities and has wider implications on the fight against corruption.

“By denying operatives access to their offices, the Commission’s operations at its largest hub with over 500 personnel, hundreds of exhibits, and many suspects in detention have been disrupted.
Cases scheduled for court hearing today have been aborted, while many suspects who had been invited for questioning are left unattended.
Even more alarming is that suspects in detention are left without care with grave implications for their rights as inmates.
All of these have wilder implications for the nation’s fight against economic and financial crimes,” part of the statement reads

As at the time of writing this report, the DSS is yet to give reasons for the siege.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana 

An expert in agricultural economics will soon be chairing the National Economic Council, NEC. Kashim Shettima is an economic strategist whose skills in profit and wealth maximization earned him accelerated promotions in the banking industry. 

Apart from the inimitable Jim Ovia, the founder of Zenith Bank, nobody professionally grew faster than the Vice President-Elect, who championed the cause of Zenith Bank’s growth.

Shettima’s eye-catching performance in the banking system endeared him to the then Governor of Borno State, Dr Ali Modu Sharif, who first appointed him as Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development in 2007. He would later become Commissioner of Agriculture as well as Commissioner of Health, and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Every transition in Shettima’s life is merit-based. He doesn’t get things on a platter of gold.

The former banking guru is known for his honey badger courage, who never hesitates to attack animals much larger than itself, including lions and crocodiles.

Shettima knew the consequences of standing with his boss, President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the time, all abandoned him, but the lion’s bravery in him motivated him to stand by what he firmly believed in. His bravery is worthy of emulation because he always hunts big and gets them. 

The former Governor, in his campaign, has explicitly spoken about the issues affecting this country and extensively suggested realistic mechanisms with which the problems of unemployment and insecurity would be addressed. His focus is largely on the youth, the leaders of tomorrow. 

Like Tinubu, who used his global-certified skills in profit and wealth maximization and management to transform a super slum Lagos into Shangri-la, Shettima similarly rehabilitated Borno when he was governor. The state was overwhelmed by insurgents, but he never feared rebuilding and reforming every facility they destroyed. 

Even strategic attacks on his convoy didn’t stop him from travelling to LGAs to give them hope, reconstruct their houses, and sympathize with them. 

Nigeria is suffering from massive unemployment, insecurity, and a poor road network, among other developmental challenges. I am confident Shettima and Tinubu will rewrite Nigeria’s story in the most brilliant way.

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