About a month ago,  the national hydrological agency  issued another warning  that the country  might experience more flooding  this year. It is not, however, clear if policymakers and members of the public alike are taking the expert warnings seriously enough by embarking on actions necessary to avoid looming  disasters. Hundreds of people died last year while thousands were displaced by floods. Material damage was estimated to run into billions of naira across the country. A similar story is unfolding this year.  

According to the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) about  178 local government areas  in 32 states and Abuja were still at risk from severe flooding.

In February, the hydrological agency released a report entitled  the  Annual Flood Outlook (2023 AFO). On that occasion in Abuja, the director-general of NIHSA,  Engr. Clement Nze,  as usual, drew the country’s attention to  the imperative  of early action to mitigate the danger  of the predicted flooding.

The report specified areas of low and  high  risks of flooding in states such as .

Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Rivers. Some cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt were particularly mentioned  in the report as being prone to urban floods.

As predicted by the hydrological agency,   flood disasters were actually reported in April in about 20 states with the  loss of lives, massive displacements, devastated farmlands and submerged homes. The disasters have been reported  in about 50 local government areas spread across the affected states.  And, of course, the release of water last month from the Lagdo dam in the Cameroon  has also worsened the humanitarian crisis arising from flooding. The dam began releasing water in August at a rate of 200 cubic meters per second; but  the hydrological agency has reportedly reduced the  rate to 50 cubic meters per second. 

The pertinent question now is this: how are governments at all levels and indeed the public at large bracing up for more floods in the immediate future? The poor response to the flood alerts at official and unofficial levels could be located within  a general trend: the awareness about the issues of the environment is still at a low stage in this country. This is despite the yeoman’s  job of the few resolute environment activists making efforts to boost awareness as private individuals  and  organisations.      

In an important reflection on the recent earthquake in Morocco and the unfolding humanitarian crisis  resulting from the Libyan floods ,  a fellow columnist, Olusegun Adeniyi, observed last Thursday on this page that the  Nigerian government and people “are   too consumed by their existential challenges” to worry about the lot of the Moroccans and Libyans. Now, are  Nigerians in parts of the country even bothered about flooding  (in other parts of the country)  until they experience the disasters in their areas? Adeniyi underlined a trend of seeming indifference that  could possibly be explained by  the factor of mental and physical distance. The point at issue is  that the  same subjective distance  could be observed in relating to the flood disasters within Nigeria.  

What could be the explanation for the apparent irresponsibility  in matters of environment?  Flood alerts are largely ignored by the three tiers of  government as well as private individuals and institutions. Flooding and other environmental problems also constitute existential challenges. Yet they are not prominent among  the issues dominating the public sphere. Unlike ethnicity, religion and political partisanship, environmental topics are hardly hot enough for debates.

These environmental issues are a consequence of climate  change, which is a global issue of debate. Such a debate is not vigorous in Nigeria. 

The many dimensions of the environment  were not prominent as issues in the 2023 elections at the national and state levels. From the environmental degradation of the Niger Delta to the desertification of the Sahel, there is hardly any issue of the environment that is generating passion in Nigeria among political forces. None of the 18  parties  that presented candidates for the  presidential election could be described as a green party. Therefore, it should be not be a surprise when governments fail to articulate policies on the environment around which the public could  be mobilised. The orientation of the people can be changed in some cases when environmental policies are properly  articulated. Generating awareness about the environment should, in fact, be a part of the policy implementation. Doubtless, a politician who doesn’t  see environment as an issue while seeking power  would not prioritise the implementation of environment-friendly policies when he gets to power. 

In the specific matter of floods, it is important to distinguish between  the natural consequences of climate change  and man-made disasters caused by  sheer irresponsibility. Houses and factories are recklessly built on floodplains. Drains are blocked. With flood warnings, those located in the areas of   danger  ought to be moved out to a safe location. The responsibility should be  shared by governments and the affected residents for a humane process to take place. State and local governments should assist in providing temporary alternative locations. Relief agencies should respond to disasters   promptly. Instead of organised responses to the emergencies,  governments fail  to take their own bits of  the responsibility  while those who find themselves in vulnerable terrains inexplicably refuse to move out of danger. On a global level, experts have explained that centuries of  human activities especially carbon mission are partly responsible for climate change. At the country  level,  flood disasters are made more deadly and destructive because governments fail to provide adequate infrastructure and enforce regulations  while some of  the people fail to response to warnings coming from scientific agencies. The relief agencies are not efficient enough and their operations could be better coordinated. 

The interplay of factors on solving the problem is quite obvious and cannot be overstated. The politics and economics of environment will always come to the fore in finding solutions to environmental problems. Flooding is no exception to this rule. An observation made on this page five years ago in the context of the  flood disasters in parts of the country at the time  still remains valid: “Natural disasters do not seem to respect geo-political boundaries. Neither could environmental problems be defined in partisan terms. This is vividly evident in the grim expression on the faces of the poor victims of floods. In their distress, the displaced victims are not interested in the often-overplayed partisan differences among state and federal governments. The people simply expect outcomes of good governance.

“The economics of whatever solution government may come up with to tackle ecological problems is very important. After all, embodied in the revised national policy on environment  are steps to take in funding the policy- implementation including partnership with the private sector. Questions must, therefore, be asked about the management of the ecological fund established 42  years ago as a first line charge to address the problems of the environment. Statutorily, a 2% deduction is made from the federal account for this purpose.

“Unfortunately, for long the resources so pooled have largely become slush funds for successive federal and state governments. The judicious management of the ecological fund is so central to successful implementation of any policy on the environment that it can only be ignored at the peril of the nation. Perhaps, it might not be hyperbolic to suggest that henceforth the diversion of ecological funds be treated as a crime against humanity in view of the looming ecological disasters on the national horizon.

“Environment should also be a focus of politics. Hardly is environment made an issue of elections. Politicians with a passion for the environment are not many on the landscape. Experts may write technically sound policy documents on the environment. The outcomes will eventually depend on the orientation of the political leadership regarding matters of the environment.”

The import of the foregoing is that flood disasters could at least be mitigated if governments  and private individuals and organisations are adequately prepared for floods. It is a big relief  that experts are capable of predicting floods   in a fairly accurate manner every year. In this regard, time and synergy of purpose are essential to mitigate disasters. For instance, the national policies on the environment can only be implemented when the efforts of the state and local  governments are synchronised with steps being taken by the federal government. This would  provide the larger context for understanding the problem of lackadaisical response to flood alerts.             

It is a matter of obvious wisdom that the flood alerts are  heeded. The loss of lives, displacements and destruction  of property are not always  inevitable.

The President of the 10th Senate, Godswill Akpabio has accused the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, of attempting to sabotage the conduct of the last general election with the introduction of the naira redesign policy.

Akpabio made this claim while speaking on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday during the screening of the nominee for the position of CBN governor, Olayemi Cardoso and four deputy governor nominees for the apex bank.

Naija News recalls that Emefiele in October 2022 announced CBN’s plan to redesign N200, N500 and N1000.

He stated that the new notes would be in circulation on December 15, 2022, adding that the old naira notes would remain legal tender until January 31, 2023.

The policy which was implemented close to the general election led to the scarcity of the naira notes, which crippled the economy.

The senate president asked Cardoso if he would also meddle in politics like his predecessor.

Akpabio said, “Adams Oshiomhole thanks for the lecture. I identify myself with you since you didn’t ask any questions, I’ll like to ask one on your behalf.

“CBN Governor, will you uphold the integrity, steadfastness – to resist when politicians come to you to join the presidential race and display your posters even as a sitting CBN Governor in political conventions?

“Will you rush to display your profile electronically at political conventions while sitting as a governor because politicians have told you that you have enough money in CBN to do it?

“Don’t forget the fact that the money in the central bank isn’t for you. Will you have the courage to resist the temptation to listen to politicians and throw your hat into the ring and go back to your office and sit as CBN governor?

“Will you rush to sabotage the election in Nigeria by going for new notes, two days to the election when no country in the world changes new notes within one year, you do your own in 14 days or 11 to see how you can sabotage the election in Nigeria?”

The pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has lamented over the spike of insecurity in the country.

The group stated that Nigeria is becoming increasingly ungovernable, Naija News reports.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by its national leader and Secretary, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Olusola Ebiseni, respectively.

Afenifere noted that Nigerians are now alarmed over the spate of insecurity in the country, adding that the citizenry can no longer sleep with both eyes closed.

The group lamented that scores of university students abducted in Zamfara are still with their abductors and their fate remains unknown.

They noted that inspite of the pretences the country was becoming increasingly ungovernable and evidently ungoverned

Afenifere added that ”military officers were mowed down shamefully in Imo State.

“With hunger in their belly, Nigerians cannot sleep with the two eyes closed. Nigeria is becoming increasingly ungovernable and evidently ungoverned, in spite of pretences.

On the proposed strike by the NLC, the group said that “since the removal of oil subsidy and other economic policies hastily pronounced without planning for the collateral effects, the Nigerian masses have been abysmally pauperised.

“In reacting and calling for mass action in this regard, the NLC is living to its historic responsibility.”

The House of Representatives has extended an invitation to the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) with the aim of safeguarding the royalties stemming from the songs and lyrics of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, famously known as Mohbad.

The singer’s management had earlier shared an update on their fight to retrieve his royalties and music catalogues from Naira Marley’s label.

The management revealed that before the singer died, he was in court to retrieve most of his songs and unpaid royalties.

In recent development, an adoption of a motion to retrieve his royalties by Rep. Babajimi Benson (APC-Lagos) was raised during the resumed plenary session in Abuja on Tuesday.

In presenting the motion, Benson highlighted the tragic and mysterious passing of Mohbad on September 12, a somber event that has continued to capture headlines and spark discussions both within and beyond the nation’s borders.

Benson pointed out that there have been protests and processions by youths chanting Mohbad’s name while demanding a thorough investigation. These gatherings have culminated in a tribute concert attended by numerous musicians.

He emphasized that Mohbad’s fans are grappling with the abrupt loss of the artist, noting that Mohbad, also known as “Imole” in Yoruba, was an advocate for peace and illumination through his music.

Benson also shed light on the fact that Mohbad parted ways with his record label, Marlian Records, owned by Azeez Fashola (Naira Marley), in 2022, citing several grievances, including unpaid royalties.

The lawmaker averred that this issue underscores a broader problem wherein artists encounter difficulties in asserting their rights. He suggested that it reveals a troubling industry practice wherein young artists find themselves ensnared in unfavorable contracts and face intimidation when seeking to terminate these agreements.

His words;

“Mohbad left his record label, Marlian Records, owned by Azeez Fashola (Naira Marley), in 2022, citing various grievances, including unpaid royalties. This issue is indicative of a broader problem in which artists encounter challenges asserting their rights.

“Most of the proceeds of the late artist are still going to the Marlian Music Group, and there have been no moves from any agency to protect the Estate of the late singer who is currently the 46th best-selling digital artiste in the world,” he said.

“A disturbing industry practice has come to the fore. Evidence of mistreatment highlights the struggles of young artists who, in their quest for success, become entangled in parasitic contracts and face bullying when they seek to exit these agreements”

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has described the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the headquarters of fraud in the country.

He stated this on Tuesday during an interaction with a cross-section of Nigerians in an online interactive forum HaveYourSay247, moderated by Rudolf Okonkwo.

Adebayo recalled how he warned stakeholders about the insincerity of the electoral umpire months before the February 25 presidential election, stressing that INEC was just fooling everyone with its promise to transmit results electronically.

The legal practitioner questioned how anyone could trust INEC to conduct a credible election when one can’t go to them to register a political party or file reports or invite them to party conventions without inducing them with money.

“INEC is the headquarters of fraud,” he declared.

Commenting on his campaigns during the election, Adewole said he went to the nooks and crannies of the country and that even great Nigerians like Obafemi Awolowo and Nnamdi Azikiwe, at the height of their popularity, did not succeed in becoming president.

“The world hasn’t had more than nine people like Zik, yet he couldn’t win the election to become president of Nigeria,” he argued.

Speaking further on why he didn’t challenge the outcome of the presidential election in court, the SDP candidate said that it would have been a waste of time as not every wrong can be remedied by a court.

He said: “The court is not a place you go and complain in general terms.

“99% of wrongs in society cannot be remedied by the court. When you approach the court, you have to narrow your complaints down to specific legal issues. This is something that election petitioners must understand.”

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, has again appealed to the organised labour not to cripple the economy of the country with its proposed indefinite strike.

The minister said he has already met one of the most critical demands of the Congress.

Lalong made this known in an interview with Daily Trust on Monday night.

He said he was able to deliver on the first promise which was the release of the detained members of executive of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), he would also work and deliver on other demands.

Lalong, who spoke through the spokesman of the ministry, Olajide Oshundun, maintained that the ministry had never relented in ensuring that good working environment is provided for workers across length and breadth of the country.

The minister said the government would soon make a pronouncement on the new wage award for workers, saying the NLC should give little time rather than paralysing the economy.

“We have not stopped on our roles. The federal government has not relegated its roles and responsibilities in ensuring peaceful working environment and the government has been appealing to the NLC to give some little time for the issues to be resolved.

“You would recall that when the NLC delegation came, the first two major items on their list was the release of the NURTW members of executive that were arrested and detained. The second one is the wage award.

“The Honourable minister promised them and he delivered on the first one. He personally visited the office of the Inspector-General of Police last week twice and secured the release of the detained NURTW workers.

“In fact, today (Monday), the released officers, led by their Chairman, Tajudeen Baruwa, came to the the ministry to appreciate the two ministers because two of them jointed visited the IGP.

“So, the federal government is reaching out to labour to appeal to them, to give the government a few more weeks. A pronouncement would be made with the regard to the second issue which is the wage award,” Oshundun told our correspondent.

Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) across 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have concluded arrangements to meet on Tuesday (today) with a view to deciding on whether to declare a total shutdown of the economy.

The decision of NLC on indefinite strike, which would be taken at its emergency meeting is coming on the heels of the expiration of an ultimatum given to the federal government to resolve all issues surrounding removal of fuel subsidy.

Nigerian forward, Gift Orban has been slammed with a two-match ban after receiving a red card in the game between his team, KAA Gent and KAS Eupen.

Gift Orban received his first red card as a professional footballer on Sunday, September 24, as Gent came from behind to defeat Eupen 2-1 in a Belgian Pro League encounter at the Ghelamco Arene.

In the 45th minute of the game, the referee confirmed Orban’s dismissal following a VAR review for elbowing Rune Paeshuyse in the neck in an off-the-ball incident. That led to a straight red card for the youngster.

Due to the suspension, Gift Orban will miss the league match between the Buffalos and league champion Antwerp. He is likely to also pay 1,500 euros as a fine.

If the Super Eagles invitee had received a straight red for acting violently, he would have been suspended for multiple games, but since it was his first infraction, his punishment was more lenient.

A statement from the Belgian FA read, “The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office ruled that it involved ‘physical misconduct’, and more specifically a brutal push with high intensity’. For Orban, it is the first red card in 57 professional matches. According to the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office, that clean criminal record works to his advantage.

“A minimum suspension of two matches – being the lower limit as determined in the indicative table – is appropriate,” it said. Furthermore, a fine of 1,500 euros is requested.

The club also announced that they would consider any recommendations for a peaceful resolution and will decide on the sanction later today, September 26.

Recall that Orban missed the Super Eagles’ 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification game against So Tomé and Principe earlier this month due to fitness issues. He has suffered from an injury and troubles with his form so far this season. In his previous five appearances for Gent, he hasn’t scored a goal.

However, he has managed to score six goals in 11 games for the Belgian team across all competitions.

[NaijaNews]

President Bola Tinubu has approved payment for the procurement of 12 attack helicopters for the Nigerian Army.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja made this known at the maiden Nigerian Army Aviation Seminar’s opening on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that the 12 MD 530F Cayuse attack helicopters would operationalise the Nigerian army aviation unit, which was set up to improve ground troops’ agility, responsiveness, and efficacy during operations.

The COAS added that it would also contribute to the overall operational success of joint and coalition troops.

Lagbaja explained that the army aviation was generally separate from a nation’s dedicated air force, but usually equipped with helicopters and light support fixed-wing aircraft.

He appreciated the president for buying into the aspiration of the Nigerian army to have an equipped aviation unit, which would support ground troops as they focus on tactical and operational engagements.

According to him, the experiences of nations like the United States, Pakistan, Colombia, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda are instructive in this area.

“The army aviation arms of these countries have shown effectiveness in countering contemporary security threats and providing vital support to ground forces.

“In view of the need to realize this, and in its bid to appropriately respond to contemporary and emerging security threats, the Nigerian Army resuscitated its aviation aspiration in 2014.

“I am happy to inform this gathering that the Nigerian army is willing to learn from the army aviation journeys of the countries mentioned earlier.

“Our willingness to learn from them is to adapt their best practices to suit our unique operational environment and avoid their mistakes.

“I can proudly report that since 2014, the Nigerian Army has made commendable progress in training pilots, aircraft engineers, technicians, and other ground support crew,” he said.

The COAS said that the army had submitted the aviation outfit to the Nigerian Air Force for proper mentoring.

On the seminar, Lagbaja said it was to discuss likely challenges the unit may face and proffer innovative solutions.

“Therefore, this seminar is a platform for us to deliberate on critical issues and share invaluable insights regarding the future of the Nigerian army aviation, even before that future comes upon us.

“Ideas generated from our deliberations are expected to help strengthen the capabilities through capacity building, infrastructure development and guide further acquisition of cutting-edge platforms and technologies,” he added.

The Acting Coordinator, Nigerian Army Aviation, Brig.-Gen. Musa Alkali, said the unit would play pivotal role in bolstering ground operations and addressing the current security challenges confronting the nation.

Alkali said the reestablishment of army aviation was a decisive step towards enhancing operational reach and effectiveness in countering contemporary threats to Nigeria’s sovereignty and national security.

He added that the seminar was significant to the continuous efforts to operationalise the aviation unit.