Nigeria

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has issued a strong denial of any involvement with a group of protesters in northern Nigeria who were seen carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans in support of President Vladimir Putin. 

In a statement released on Monday, the embassy noted that Russia respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and does not interfere in its internal affairs.

The statement described the protesters’ actions as “personal choices” that do not reflect any official Russian government policy or position. 

The embassy’s denial comes amid concerns about external interference in regional affairs, with Russia accused of involvement in recent political upheavals in several West African countries. 

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence, General Chris Musa, has condemned the protesters’ actions as treasonable and warned that they will face the full force of the law. 

The incident has sparked a diplomatic row, with Nigeria’s government facing pressure to explain how the protesters obtained Russian flags and what their motivations were.

By Mutalib Jibril

A few days back, I stumbled upon a post about two graduates from a particular university in Nigeria who went for a job interview. On getting to the venue, they started interrogating some workers in the organisation about the qualifications of the interviewer.

Unfortunately, the interviewer overheard their conversations and prepared to daze them with some basic questions in English, which he noticed most graduates usually struggle with. In no time, the interview commenced. It was a written test. They were handed their questions, and then they answered the questions.

Behold! They could not reach the cutoff mark, and they failed the questions. This is just one funny instance out of a thousand and one of how students often think their university is the best or better than others.

I agree that some universities are better than others in infrastructure, research innovations, and achievements. This is why we do have a university ranking annually.

However, I can categorically state that all universities have met the benchmark; better still, they have fulfilled all the criteria set by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC).

Any university that does not meet the set criteria for a particular course—let’s say Radiography, for instance, wouldn’t be accredited. Therefore, any institution running that course has met the requirements and been subsequently accredited by NUC.

Therefore, most students are oblivious that what makes an individual student stand out from their peers from other institutions is mainly tied down to individual sacrifices and effort.

This is not to say that the university doesn’t have a role in making students exceptional. No! Even if you attend the best university in Nigeria, the onus still lies on you to make yourself stand out. The school cannot teach you everything.

However, no matter the university you find yourself in, develop yourself and stand out.

It doesn’t matter if your university has the lowest ranking in the country; I know that no university would be accredited without meeting the requirements. Some standards must be met.

What matters is what you can do to ensure you are prepared for life after university and stand out.

Many people graduated from the least-ranking universities in Nigeria but are doing exceptionally well academically in Nigeria and abroad.

I have never heard of a scenario where a third-class graduate from a top-rated university is selected for a job over a first-class graduate from the lowest-rated university—I’m not talking about connections here. I am talking about employment based on merit.

It’s high time we stopped making unnecessary comparisons about universities. Let’s channel that energy toward making our self-development.

Mutalib Jibril wrote via mutalibdantanisabi300@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu is set to address the nation on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 7:00 am, amidst ongoing nationwide protests. The presidential spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, announced this in a statement on Saturday.

He stated that the address will be broadcast on television, radio, and other electronic media outlets through the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

The Daily Reality gathered that the broadcast will be repeated at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm on the same day.

This announcement comes as protests continue to sweep across the country, with various groups calling for attention to their demands.

The president’s address is expected to address the current situation and provide guidance to the nation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian military has asked both international and local media to stop covering nationwide protests over heightened economic hardships under President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Christopher Musa made the call for a media blackout on the protests during a press briefing on Friday.

“For the media, I want to appeal—I noticed yesterday all the stations are hooked up to the occasion. This is not an election. Don’t give them that coverage,” Mr Musa said.

He added that many of the protesters are attention seekers who want moments in the media.

“Some of them (protesters) are looking for moments to be on the screen. Together, I can assure you we are going to win,” Mr Musa stated.

The Nigerian military’s appeal for a media blackout on the protests comes on the second day of the nationwide demonstrations that have disrupted commercial activities across the country.

Both local and international media have reported developments on the protests, which have seen thousands of Nigerians take to the streets over the worsening cost of living crisis.

On Thursday, Peoples Gazette reported how poor telecom network coverage hampered the dissemination of information as protesters marched on the streets.

Citing sources in telecom companies, The Gazette reported that the NCC and NSA are slowing down internet speed across the country to suppress the flow of information from the protesters to other Nigerians and the outside world.

Not fewer than 11 people were killed on the first day of the nationwide protests over severe economic hardships.

Mr Musa’s call for a media blackout on the protests mirrors the actions taken during the EndSARS protests on October 20, 2020, when electricity was disconnected, and telecom networks were down at the Lekki Toll Gate before soldiers opened live rounds on protesters.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pledged to strengthen its partnership with the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) to enhance security presence at borderlines across the country.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this commitment on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, when he received a delegation from the DRDB led by Major General Emmanuel Ndagi. 

Adeniyi stated the importance of leveraging technological advancements to achieve economic growth, stating, “I see a lot of possibilities that will continue to evolve between the Nigeria Customs Service and DRDB in the area of technology because we live in the age of technology now.” 

He highlighted the NCS’s commitment to research and development, saying, “We believe that any organisation that ignores research and developments might be digging its own grave… We have set up a structure devoted to our special intelligence, and a Command and Staff College, where we engage our students in periodic research and operations.” 

Major General Ndagi, Director-General of DRDB, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “Addressing these challenges with compassion and jointly developing technologies that address border security concerns will help us to fortify our border areas.” 

The partnership aims to combat border crimes using geospatial intelligence and coordinate significant operations at border areas across the federation.

By Anwar Usman

Nigeria has over 200 million people from multiethnic and religious backgrounds, which has caused the country to suffer from various uncertainties. The country’s return to democracy in 1999 made the citizens think that a Messiah had come to their aid. Unfortunately, the truth is like the story of Judas, who was said to have betrayed Jesus Christ at Calvary.

Nigerians managed to follow whatever their leaders came up with mindlessly, without thinking of the negative consequences that such a policy would have on them. How do you even expect people who don’t know their democratic and civic rights to think in a way that depicts an environment of literacy? It’s almost impossible!

The imposition of artificial hardship, starvation, insecurity, unemployment, and so on made Nigerians reconsider their thinking and think differently. The only thing that an average Nigerian needs is “food.” Ask anyone, and they will tell you the same. Now, let me ask you (reader) this question: When Nigerians were not hungry, how many times have you heard of any protest/riot, especially in the north? 

No matter what the ruling class would do, an average Nigerian will tell you “Su da Allah” because they are contented and believe that Allah will take charge of that. That was when things were okay. The masses could afford 2/3 square meals daily, and things were readily available, not because Nigerian politicians were not looting.

Now, the devaluation of the Naira and the removal of fuel subsidies worsen Nigeria’s situation. The ruling class does all it feels like without any question from the citizens, even though people were said to be the backbone of democracy.

Experience of what Nigeria is about and how things have been going over decades triggered the situation in Nigeria today. A wealthy person today is bankrupt tomorrow and later becomes a beggar the next day.

The citizens of Nigeria are not violent. They accept whatever is imposed on them wholeheartedly, unlike people in other countries like Sudan, Kenya, etc. Kenyans, for instance, didn’t protest because of the high cost of food—no! It’s because of an additional levy that Nigerians endured over decades.

The only language that people in power understand is to go against their wishes. No government likes to be criticised. They know the sufferings of Nigerians, but all they do is give palliatives, cups of rice, and pasta or disburse N20,000using a random sampling technique.

For instance, the minister of humanitarians alone was accused of misappropriating 826 billion; likewise, the minister of finance, not to mention the CBN Governor and aviation minister, deceived Nigerians with a non-existent Nigerian airline, all during President Muhammadu Buhari. Nothing has been done about that yet.

Now that hunger has started killing people, the cost of living is high, including the devaluation of the Naira, which made people take a U-turn. It’s always said that “a hungry man is an angry man” Nigerians are ready to die! 

If one says the protest wouldn’t bring anything positive, I wonder. Do you want things to continue the way they are till eternity? Do you like our younger ones to continue floating in the streets? What would you feel when you find out that the leaders of tomorrow embrace drugs? These are things that no one can resolve except YOU yourselves! These people don’t care if all our youth would embrace drugs. It’s an added advantage to them; they’ll only use them as thugs during the campaign.

Even if things would worsen due to this protest, let it happen. You must lose something to get something! Even if you’re not ready to die today, hunger might kill you tomorrow. We’ve seen many instances of people being depressed, suffering from hypertension, melancholy and other related disease that were not known before.

The same people who failed to apprehend Boko Haram suspects and left the northern states bloody are what some people are saying we shouldn’t protest against. Nigerians are now refugees. The neighbouring states granted them asylum. Guess what? The government is not ready to do anything. 

Do you think we should continue following these people suffering from Kleptomania? Fold out arms because you’re afraid of something? Look, even if you didn’t protest today due to fear of being killed, insecurity is there for you! And the future of youth and the younger ones is not safe.

If the government is ready to review and listen to the yearning and aspirations of Nigerians and implement the pending policies, including the subsidising of petrol and the Naira that’ll benefit the citizens directly, then the reverse is the case. We can have a dialogue and reach an agreement about what the government ought to do, and in that process, the protest can be suspended. 

We wouldn’t forget our brothers in Katsina and Zamfara who are waiting to either be killed or kidnapped; Something must be done about them, too. If not, mobilisation will continue, and we’re ready to sacrifice our lives for the betterment of future generations.

May Nigerians protest peacefully. May the protest yield a positive outcome, ameen.

Anwar is a Faculty of Communication at Bayero University, Kano student. He can be contacted via usmananwarhassan@gmail.com.

By Ibrahim Abubakar Lajada

In light of recent widespread protests across Nigeria, there are growing concerns regarding the potential economic impact of the ongoing unrest.

While acknowledging the importance of peaceful demonstrations as a means of expressing public grievances, it is essential to understand how these protests might lead to disruptions and slow down economic growth in the country.

While the right to protest is a fundamental aspect of democratic societies, it is important to recognize how prolonged demonstrations can influence economic performance.

I know many of the protest organizers in every state and I’m willing to engage with them on behalf of the government.

Economic disruptions resulting from protests

Protests, while often driven by legitimate issues, can have significant economic consequences, including:

Business Disruptions: Businesses in protest-affected areas may face closures, reduced operating hours, or interruptions in their operations. This can lead to financial losses, reduced productivity, and economic instability, particularly impacting small and medium-sized enterprises that are crucial to Nigeria’s economy.

Supply Chain Interruptions: Protests can disrupt key transportation routes and logistics networks, leading to delays and increased costs in the supply chain. These disruptions can affect various sectors, including manufacturing and retail, causing a ripple effect throughout the economy.

Investor Uncertainty: Persistent unrest can create an environment of uncertainty that deters both local and foreign investment. Investors may be hesitant to commit resources in a climate marked by instability, which can slow down economic growth and development.

Increased Government Expenditures: Managing protests and ensuring public safety can require substantial financial resources. Governments may need to divert funds from other critical areas, such as infrastructure and social services, to address the immediate needs arising from the unrest.

Balancing Rights with Economic Stability

It is crucial to balance the right to peaceful protest with considerations for economic stability. Constructive dialogue between protest organizers, government officials, and community leaders is essential to addressing grievances while minimizing economic disruptions.

Call for Constructive Dialogue and Solutions

I urge all stakeholders to engage in open, constructive dialogue to resolve underlying issues without causing undue harm to the economy. By working together, Nigeria can find solutions that address social concerns while supporting economic growth and stability.

Ibrahim Abubakar Lajada is a former presidential candidate and can be reached via Lajadaibrahim@gmail.com or +1 3143331112

By AM Ashafa

There has been nothing left that has not been said for and against the proposed nationwide protest in Nigeria. The government mobilised various people and groups to fight against it. In the first place, mercenary anti-protests amongst religious groups, youth groups, women, and tribal groups were brought or mobilised, allegedly spending a lot of national resources to campaign against the protest with some recorded successes and failures. 

The government also pointed at the opposition and other Jacobins as being behind the protest with the intent of taking over the government. Indeed, this may sound like Yahoo’s political argument. What has not been said much is that both the government and protesters are patriotic. The question is, who is more patriotic among them?

First, is a protest criminal? Is the expression of disliking government political decisions an act of criminality? Certainly no. On the other hand, is the government stopping a protest that, in its wisdom, tends to cause destruction to be allowed to happen? Certainly no. This means there’s a need to strike a balance. Any example of countries where protests turned into violence is mere pessimism. People won’t say that police brutality in response to protests was largely 95% of the reason why peaceful protests often turned violent.

The government has a responsibility to listen to its citizens. Citizens, not those controlling the government, own the police and all law enforcement agencies and machinery. The condition of members of the armed forces and their families in the harsh and messy socio-economic quagmire is no better than that of the entire citizens. Yet, they have a responsibility to save the citizens, the country, and the government that will make life bearable. 

The government must try hard not to criminalise protests. Protesters must try hard not to engage in violence and criminal destruction of public and private properties to vent their anger. When I heard one cleric saying obedience to all kinds of leaders in all brutal policies is obedience to Allah and doing otherwise with protests is criminal disobedience to Allah, I quickly reflected on the protestations in 1804 by Usman Danfodiyo, whose protestations brought about the Sokoto Caliphate that brought sanity to the Hausa society of the 19th century. 

My question to that cleric is, was he saying that Danfodio and the successive leaders of that largest political state in pre-colonial Africa were and are products of criminality? Certainly, Danfodio led a peaceful protest until the King of Gobir, Uunfa, responded with a high-handedness that the peaceful protesters couldn’t bear. The tide then turned, and the rest is history. 

We must always learn from history. Government and protesters must never ground our country. It’s for all of us. We have no other country but Nigeria. We must collectively refuse to be idiots in how we handle its stability and future.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Minimum Wage Amendment Bill 2024 into law, officially setting the new minimum wage at N70,000.

The legislation, which is subject to review every three years, was signed at the State House in Abuja on Monday. 

The signing ceremony was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other National Assembly leaders, who had expedited the bill’s passage.

President Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the National Assembly for their swift action on the legislation. 

According to the Head of Service, the new law demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of workers, saying “the new law will undoubtedly reassure the workers that the President cares about their welfare.” 

This is believed to be a step forward in bringing down the dire situations Nigerian workers are in, in the face of the unprecedented inflation around the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Northern Broadcast Media Owners Association (NBMOA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in what they describe as unfair practices by foreign TV channels. They allege that these channels operate without proper licensing from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

In an open letter, Dr Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, Chairman BOT of NBMOA, outlined the severe challenges facing indigenous private TV channels in Nigeria.

He highlighted issues such as inadequate facilities, stringent government regulations, high operational costs, and declining advertising revenues, which are exacerbating the struggles of local broadcasters.

The letter pointed out that the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) recently expressed similar concerns, noting that harsh economic conditions threaten the survival of many broadcast media houses.

BON called for a presidential media support initiative to provide concessions on tariffs and rates to prevent widespread shutdowns.

Ramalan criticized the alleged preferential treatment given to foreign channels which he claims operate without adherence to Nigerian broadcasting regulations and siphon significant advertising revenue that should have supported local channels.

He urged regulatory bodies like NBC and the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) to enforce laws equitably and ensure that all broadcasters, local and foreign, play by the same rules.

Ramalan appealed to President Tinubu to address the regulatory lapses and protect Nigerian broadcast media from unfair competition.

We humbly beg for Mr President to intervene to stop the illegalities by regulators and advertising agencies for the survival of indigenous television channels in Nigeria,” the letter