There have been so much hues and cries amongst some Nigerians and public commentators about the exclusion of Nigeria from the recent BRICS conference hosted by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, despite its previous position as Africa’s leading economy. This has sparked debates among analysts who hold different views about the development. The conference which took place in South Africa recently admitted new members into the BRICS, which include, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Some argue that Nigeria’s drop in GDP following the devaluation of its currency may have been a reason for its exclusion. On the other hand, others believe that Nigeria may not have thought it expedient in its interest and necessary to join the BRICS, considering Nigeria’s historical role as a founding member of the defunct Organization of African Unity, where the policy of non- aligned nations was adopted by member-states, and its commitment to remain non-aligned during the Cold War till date, could have influenced its exclusion. But the BRICS organization cannot be said to have excluded a country that never applied for membership in a union that it may not have thought appropriate to join, at least not for now.

Further to the ongoing debate on whether Nigeria should remain non-aligned and not join BRICS, considering its historical ties with South Africa, its economic and diplomatic ties with the other members, and the rapidly changing dynamics of global power.

The critical issue on the exclusion of Nigeria from the BRICS conference ought to be analyzed, and exploring the potential reasons behind it, and juxtaposing the economic implications of Nigeria’s drop in GDP and its historical role as a non-aligned country during and after the Cold War.

Then considering the somewhat oscillating, uneasy and unpredictable relations between Nigeria and South Africa, particularly in light of Nigeria’s support during South Africa’s apartheid era, and recent xenophobic attacks on mainly Nigerian businesses/traders in South Africa and to a less extent, the reprisal attacks on South African interests in Nigeria.

Finally, the question should be, whether Nigeria should remain non-aligned and refrained from joining BRICS, given Russia’s declining influence and the recent invasion of Ukraine. And the fact that Nigeria has always maintained a historic, diverse, and cordial economic and socio-political relations with the Western bloc, comprising mainly, the USA, the UK and Europe.

Let me therefore highlight the dynamics that should inform and guide our foreign policy advisors of President Bola Tinubu on this recent euphoria of BRICS, which I will advise, Nigeria not to consider at this time, but maybe in the future. For now, the Tinubu government should concentrate on fixing and steading the wobbling ship of the Nigerian state, which finds itself in tempestuous waters of economic, political and social turmoil.

The following considerations should inform Nigeria’s decision to join BRICS, and keep to its age long non-aligned status, while still maintaining its cordial relations with the members of any country or bloc that have mutual respect for Nigeria and share our common interests and values to make the world and better and safer place.

First, Economic Factors:
Nigeria’s drop in GDP following the devaluation of its currency should focus more on fixing its ailing economy, debt servicing and generally have a firm and positive grip on its fiscal and monetary policies rather than being a pawn in proxy struggles for supremacy between the superpowers in any euphemistic union, at this point in time. Perhaps, Nigeria could consider joining in the future.

As the leading economy in Africa, Nigeria’s economic stability is crucial for the continent’s growth. However, the devaluation of the Naira, in any case, may have weakened Nigeria’s position, making it less attractive for BRICS membership. This economic factor, that is, if BRICS does extend invitation for membership cannot be overlooked, as BRICS seeks to strengthen economic ties among its members.

Secondly, Historical Significance:
Nigeria’s historical role as a founding member of the defunct Organization of African Unity and its non-aligned status during the Cold War, and thereafter could have influenced its exclusion from BRICS invitation if that was the authentic reason Nigeria’s commitment to non-alignment during a time of intense global power rivalry demonstrated its independence and desire to maintain neutrality. This historical significance may have clashed with the objectives and alignment of BRICS, informing Nigeria’s not expressing any interest in membership.

Thirdly, Nigeria-South Africa Relations:
Nigeria’s support for South Africa during its apartheid era, both financially, diplomatically, and militarily, raises questions about South Africa’s gratitude towards Nigeria, if truly invitations were extended to other African countries to the exclusion of Nigeria.
Recall that Nigeria played a significant role in assisting and supporting South Africa during its struggle against apartheid, and it is reasonable to expect some reciprocity. However, if South Africa’s exclusion of Nigeria from BRICS is seen as spiteful, it raises concerns about the sincerity of their relationship.

Lastly, Russia’s Influence:
Joining BRICS, which is championed by Russia, may not be in Nigeria’s best interest considering Russia’s declining international influence. The invasion of Ukraine and subsequent economic sanctions have weakened Russia’s military and economic power. Nigeria should carefully consider aligning itself with a bloc led by a country experiencing a downturn in power, as it may not provide the desired benefits in the long run.

In conclusion, the exclusion of Nigeria from the BRICS conference, despite the fact that Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima was in attendance, albeit as an Observer, raises questions about the reasons behind it. While economic factors, such as Nigeria’s drop in GDP, may have played a role, historical significance and the Nigeria-South Africa relations cannot be ignored. Nigeria’s non-aligned status during the Cold War and its support for South Africa during apartheid may have clashed with the objectives and alignment of BRICS. Therefore, I would caution that Nigeria should carefully consider aligning itself with a bloc led by Russia, whose influence is waning internationally. Ultimately, Nigeria’s decision to remain non-aligned or join BRICS should be based on a thorough analysis of its own interests and the changing dynamics of global power.

In a week full of high drama on the international scene - the murder of Yevgeny Prigozhin in Russia; Donald Trump’s mug shot in a Georgia prison; India landing a spacecraft on the moon and the cable car rescue in Pakistan – the 15th Summit of the BRICS nations in South Africa managed to grab a few headlines. For Nigeria, the meeting turned out to be another humiliating moment as its application to join the economic bloc was turned down. Instead, Ethiopia, Egypt; Argentina; UAE and Saudi Arabia were invited to join with effect from January 2024. Twenty countries, including Nigeria and Indonesia applied to be members, and 20 others had expressed interest, but had not applied. So, why did our country seek to join BRICS in the first place, and why were we rejected and why was Ethiopia, a relatively smaller economy currently wracked by civil war, chosen? Is this rejection yet another national embarrassment for this country which had suffered severe mismanagement in the hands of its corrupt political leaders? Is this a vote of no confidence on the Tinubu administration?

Vice President Kashim Shetima who attended the conference in the place of the President said Nigeria wanted to be a member because we are seeking a partnership that provides opportunities for all to engage in trade, prosperity and shared progress with no marginalization based on geography, race and legitimate sovereign affiliations. In a statement he read at the event, the VP said: ‘’We want a partnership that guarantees a world governed by acceptable rules and norms. These nations confront historical developmental vulnerabilities and challenges that are beyond their control. Thus, it is imperative for us to unite within regional groups and forge a novel form of international cooperation’’.

Mr. Shettima said the objective of BRICS is to foster global economic governance reform while enhancing the representation and voice of emerging economies or developing countries. But the government is yet to make any statement on why our request was turned down. As in many other degrading instances, our leaders may just shrug this off and move on as if nothing happened. But at the heart of this snub is decades of mismanagement, corruption and incompetent leadership that have weakened this country. The world can no longer tolerate us. The rejection of Nigeria’s bid to join BRICS is among the worst diplomatic humiliation that we have suffered as a country. It is the ultimate chastening of a nation once referred to as the giant of Africa. Among others, it will deny us the opportunity to access capital in the group’s soon-to-be formed global development bank. How I wish we did not even bother to apply. Nigeria’s political class should cover themselves in sackcloth and weep in shame for one month. they have damaged this nation irreparably.

The group started as BRIC, an acronym for Brazil; Russia; India and China, in 2009 and in 2010, South Africa was admitted. Its vision is to serve as champion of the needs of the Global South. This includes the need for beneficial economic growth, sustainable development and the reform of the multilateral systems. According to South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, BRICS is committed to inclusive multilateralism and upholding international law, including the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter. The presence of the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres at the Summit and his poignant message on the need to uphold multilateralism supports this position.

Many developing countries have often chafed against what they see as US imperialism and an unequal international system, and so, they like the idea of a group challenging the status quo. This is why BRICS appears so appealing and many want to belong despite the diverseness and oddities in its composition. Two of the founding members are the world’s largest democracy (India) and the world’s biggest autocracy (China). But BRICS is determined to forge ahead as a veritable alternative to western alliances. The Summit has asked member-states’ Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to work on the issue of local currencies, payment instruments and platforms and report back at the next Summit, which will hold in Russia. In other words, BRICS is considering an alternative currency to the dollar as the global reserve currency. That is a tall dream that would take years and a lot of hard work to materialize.

Before it expanded its membership this week, BRICS was already a politically and economically diverse group with 40% of the world’s population and 25% of global GDP. The expansion of its membership should make it a powerful economic and political force that would further serve as a counterweight to what it perceives as US dominance. BRICS is also setting up a development bank as alternative to the IMF and the World Bank. But it is unclear how the new members will affect the acronym by which the group had been known.

Relations among the BRICS nations have not always been chummy. China and India squabble over a section of their border, and now with six new members, the eccentricities are visible. Iran and Saudi Arabia are old political foes, although they have managed to patched things up lately. There have also been tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia over hydroelectric dam on the Nile.

Unlike the G7, BRICS are also ideologically diverse. India is pro West with an extreme right-wing leadership which believes in neoliberal economics. It is also pursuing an independent international economic policy. India is one of the top 10 global industrial powers; its huge population is matched by a strong industrial base and a powerful military. Though a huge segment of the Indian population is very poor, the country is a major exporter of manufactured goods and pharmaceuticals. It builds its own main battle tanks and warships. India is advancing in aerospace, having just this week landed a space ship on the moon, the fourth country to be able to do so, and the first country to land on the south pole of the moon. This was a very proud week for the country whose, science and technology are very advanced. The country has nuclear capability. It cannot be dictated to, and it adamantly refuses to be.

Ethiopia is not pro West. Its economy is smaller than Nigeria's but it has a record of defiance of the West. For some time now, the US has been pressing Ethiopia to privatize its banks, threatening to kick it out of AGOA but Ethiopia has refused. Ethiopia is not paying much heed to the US over its ongoing civil war either. It’s also quite close to China. In fact, it is more integrated into the China Belt and Road Initiative than Nigeria is, notwithstanding our bigger trade links with China. Vestiges of Ethiopia’s earlier close working relationship and ideological affinity with the Soviet Union also remain. In summary, Ethiopia or at least its rulers, may have more respect globally than Nigeria’s politicians.

Nigeria on the other hand is very poor, with a weak industrial and productive economic base. Its political leaders are among the most corrupt and incompetent set of people in the whole world. Nothing matters to them apart from their wellbeing, comfort and luxury lifestyle. Nigeria is not in a position to assert itself as an independent player in world affairs. Its economy may soon come under the ministrations of the IMF and World Bank. We need their seal of approval on our policy to get much needed support of the global investment community. Our leaders can't stand up to the West if they need to and our economy isn't doing that great. ‘’Nigeria’s membership of BRICS is therefore less likely given our poor economic status. At the moment, our foreign reserves position is lower than the market capitalization of three top South African banks’’, said an economist and banker who works for the Nigerian government.

It is an immense national tragedy that Nigeria was passed over for Ethiopia and Egypt. It is an awkward turn of events that the elites should talk about openly.

About 10 directors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration who have spent over eight years in office have failed to proceed on mandatory retirement almost one month after the newly revised Public Service Rules became operational.

The directors were said to have spent between nine and 12 years on the directorate cadre and were required to turn in their letter of retirement in compliance with the PSR which took effect from July 27, 2023.

Our correspondent reported that the new rule was expected to affect over 500 directors who have stagnated in their positions for eight years or more.

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan had in a memo dated July 27, addressed to all Permanent Secretaries, Accountant-General of the Federation, Auditor-General of the Federation and Heads of Extra Ministerial Departments, ordered strict compliance with the revised rules.

The new rules also introduced a tenure policy for permanent secretaries who are now required to spend four years in office which is renewable subject to performance.

But sources at the FCTA said the Director of Human Resource Management, Bashir Muhammad, and his counterpart at the Christian Pilgrimage Board, Dabara Vingo and others who were affected by the rule have yet to vacate office almost a month after the directive became operational.

It was gathered that Muhammad recently requested a three-month tenure extension from the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola.

An official stated, ‘’No fewer than 10 directors who have spent between nine and 12 years in office have refused to vacate office or retire as stipulated by the revised PSR. In fact, the Director of Human Resource Management has just asked the permanent secretary for three months’ extension in office.

‘’Though the request has not been granted, everyone in FCTA is worried by the refusal of the concerned officials to comply with the rules. We are hoping the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike would intervene speedily.’’

Ironically, Muhammad had in a circular dated August 9, 2023, drew the attention of the leadership of the FCT Administration to the HoS directive on the implementation of the PSR.

The letter with reference number: FCTA/HRM/ 141145/Vol.I was addressed to the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority; Secretaries, Mandate Secretariats; Heads of Departments, Agencies and Parastatals, Coordinators and Directors, FCTA Common Services Department and all staff.

It read, ‘’I am directed to refer you to the circular number: HCSF/SPSO/268/T3/2/37 of 27th July, 2023 from the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation and to inform you that the revised Public Service Rules has become operational in the services of FCTA with effect from 27th July, 2023.

‘’In this regard, you are to ensure full compliance with all the provisions of the revised PSR, particularly the provision of section 020909 on tenure policy for directors or its equivalent on Grade Level 17. Please, ensure strict compliance with the contents of this circular.’’

Muhammad could not be reached on Thursday as calls to his phone indicated it was switched off.

However, the FCTA Director of Press, Muhammed Sule, explained that the concerned officials had been directed to retire via a circular.

A source at the Federal Ministry of Health told one of our correspondents that all the directors affected by the tenure policy have retired as directed by the Head of Service.

“For instance, the Director, Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Morenike Alex-Okoh has left; the Director of Family Health, Dr Boladale Alonge has gone, and many others. The ones I know personally that have retired are about seven,” the source said.

Lamidi Apapa, National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has stated that only candidates he endorsed will be allowed to run in the November 11 governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo.

Apapa stated this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.

He claimed that the Court of Appeal’s decision in Owerri had confirmed him as the legitimate National Chairman of the party.

According to reports, the court dismissed the Julius Abure-led faction and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Apapa’s faction’s governorship candidates for the election.

You will recall that on the April 5 the FCT High court restrained Abure and others from parading themselves as national officers of the party. As a result, the party appointed the Deputy National Chairman, Alhaji Lamidi Apapa, as the acting national chairman of the party pursuant to its constitution.

Sequel to that the party under my leadership wrote to INEC changing its date of primary election earlier scheduled by Abure from April 15 to April 16. Notwithstanding the fact that he was under a restraining order, Abure still went ahead to conduct his primaries for Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa on those dates, he said.

Apapa said, on the other hand, his faction conducted primaries on April 16, making it two primaries conducted by the LP in the states.

Peeved by the primary conducted by me, a candidate who participated in the Abure primary took my candidate to court whilst maintaining that Abure’s candidates were the authentic ones. The case was frantically defended, and the Federal High court, Owerri Division, declared the primaries conducted by me as the authentic candidate as Abure was under a restraining order as at the time he screened candidates and conducted his primaries, he said.

Apapa stated that the court recognized him as the legitimate Chairman of the party.

He stated that, dissatisfied with the FHC decision, Abure’s candidates, including the winner of his primaries, filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal.

He added that the court of appeals had also upheld the Federal High Court’s ruling that Abure’s conduct was contemptuous because he was subject to a restraining order at the time of the primaries.

That restraining order is still in force even at the time this judgment was delivered, he said.

The Chairperson of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on the financial dispute between the Falcons and the Nigeria Football Federation, Blessing Onu, has ordered the football body to produce payment slips for women’s national team players and officials attending the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.

She stated this in Abuja on Thursday while questioning NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, who was present before the committee.

Onu requested that the NFF provide documents detailing how the Falcons were funded for the 2019 Women’s World Cup and a breakdown of match bonuses and payment slips for the team’s 23 players and coaching staff by August 30.

Gusau responded that no funding was available for participation but that the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand would provide $960,000 to all 32 qualifying countries.

According to him, these countries should use the FIFA preparation money to prepare their teams for the World Cup.

We can’t use this money to pay outstanding allowances for the 2019 Women’s World Cup, he said.

The NFF president stated that they typically received funding from the Confederation of African Football and FIFA, and that no payment was received from the Federal Government for its staff and officials.

He stated that FIFA covered the federation’s operational costs.

The Confederation of African Football provides $250,000 per annum as subvention funds, he said.

Onu accused Gusau of obstructing the investigation into the Falcons’ allegations of non-payment of allowances and entitlements.

Her statement came in response to the NFF president’s alleged refusal to accept the invitation of the ad hoc committee investigating the clash between the Falcons and NFF officials.

Onuh said;

It’s obvious that the NFF president is frustrating this ad hoc committee from investigating the allegations levelled against it.

The National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal in Lagos has overturned the election of Seyi Sowunmi of the Labour Party as a member of the Ojo Federal Constituency.

Honourable Lanre Ogunyemi, former Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared the winner of the constituency by the court on Thursday.

Ogunyemi had challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of his Labour Party opponent as election winner.

The three-member panel agreed with the petitioner that the Labour Party’s candidate was not qualified to run in the elections.

As a result, Ogunyemi was declared the winner.

The panel’s members included Chairman Justice Ashu A. Ewah, Justice Abdullahi A. Ozegya, and Justice M. A. Sambo.

This is another setback for the Labour Party, which won 38 House of Representatives seats in the 2023 elections.

Last month, the Delta State National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Asaba dismissed Ngozi Okolie, a lawmaker representing Aniocha/Oshimili Constituency in the National Assembly’s lower legislative chamber.

The tribunal declared Okolie and the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Ndudi Elumelu, the February 25 National Assembly election winners.

The three-member tribunal, led by Justice A.Z. Mussa, declared in a 107-page judgment that the LP candidate was wrongfully declared the winner by INEC.

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan has reacted to the loss of her world women’s 100m hurdles crown to Jamaica’s Danielle Williams on Thursday in Budapest.

Speaking after the race, Amusan said she will be back “stronger” next year.

It was quite “a journey getting into the final” despite all I had gone through in the last couple of weeks, the track and field sensation told journalists after the race.

“It has been God, my team and my family,” the 2022 gold winner told reporters.

She thanked all her fans for supporting her through the ups and downs, promising that she will be back stronger.

Amusan hopes to get her “medal” back next year.

“Yeah, it’s a tough one; nobody likes to lose but considering what I have gone through in the past couple of months, I’m so grateful that I came out,” she enthused.

Williams, the 30-year-old, who previously won in Beijing in 2015, timed 12.43 seconds to edge out Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico (12.44sec) with Kendra Harrison of the United States taking bronze (12.46).

Amusan and 2019 winner Nia Ali were never in the hunt, finishing sixth and last respectively.

Amusan was cleared of doping violations with the provisional suspension on her lifted ahead of the championship.

Last month, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) provisionally suspended the Nigerian track and field athlete for three missed whereabouts failures.

The suspension was announced after it was discovered that Amusan had missed three drug tests within a 12-month period. This charge carried a two-year suspension term, even if an athlete has never failed a drug test.

Ultimately, the Disciplinary Tribunal announced the verdict which stated, “Tobi Amusan has not committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) of three Whereabouts Failures within a 12-month period”.

The claims that Julius Abure has been sacked as the national chairman of the Labour Party by the Appeal Court are false, the party hierarchy has said.

The party said the judgement of the appellate court is, in fact, a fatal blow to the suit of the Lamidi Apapa-led faction.

LP leadership said the Court of Appeal in Owerri dismissed the appeal filed by one Mr Basil Maduka, who it said is contending for the Labour Party governorship candidacy for Imo State.

The LP, therefore, called on members, supporters and the general public to distance themselves from what it described as “falling and compromised members of the party”, who it said have since been shoved out of the party.

The party in a statement issued on Thursday by the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, claimed that Apapa’s camp had misinformed the public by twisting the judgement of the appellate court.

There were reports in some newspaper on Wednesday that the Court of Appeal in Owerri on Thursday sacked Julius Abure as Labour Party National Chairman.

It was also alleged that the court, in the same judgement, recognised Lamidi Apapa as the National Chairman of the party.

According to the statement, the court held that the appeal was not necessary as the decision of the trial court was in its favour and that mere comments of the trial judge in the matter was not a judgement and, therefore, should be discountenanced.

Ifoh explained that the Labour Party had asked the Court of Appeal to quash the comments of the trial court in the Federal High Court in Owerri and also told the court that Senator Athan Achonu won the party’s primaries.

He further added that “It is, therefore, important to state that neither the Federal High Court Owerri nor the Court of Appeal Owerri, which sat in Abuja today, made any orders in the matter other than for lack of locus standi against the plaintiff (Basil Maduka).”

The party rather insisted that “the status quo remains with Senator Athan Achonu as the validly nominated candidate of Labour Party for 2023 Imo governorship election”.

Explaining further, Ifoh stated that the Court of Appeal judgement and the endorsement of Senator Achonu by its national leader Peter Obi, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, the Labour Party National Chairman Julius Abure and other stakeholders and party members, have settled the gubernatorial ticket issue.

A new report has revealed that a rising number of Nigerians are falling victim to a deceitful scheme that involves paying substantial amounts in naira for job opportunities that do not actually exist within the United Kingdom’s skilled worker visa system.

The recent investigative exposé by Sky News, released on Wednesday, highlighted the distressing situation of Nigerian migrants coerced by “travelling agents” into paying exorbitant sums to enter the UK, only to find themselves stranded and without the promised employment upon their arrival.

According to the report, a Nigerian woman, who paid £10,000 to an “agent” for a skilled worker visa that was supposed to secure her a job as a carer in the UK, has been left stranded.

The unnamed woman said she arrived only to find out the job did not exist upon her arrival.

The report showed “how the skilled worker visa system is being abused, with middlemen allegedly being paid huge sums of money to arrange jobs in the UK as carers that do not exist. Many of those who can’t get work are struggling to survive, turning to food banks and even sleeping rough.”

The founder of the Nigerian Community Centre in Rochdale, Mary Adekugbe, says those on skilled worker visas now needing support is a big issue that is increasing her workload—something she describes as “shameful”.

“About 15 of the 35–40 people who generally come to the weekly food bank have skilled worker visas. We are overwhelmed. People are desperate. It’s so worrying,” she said.

Also, a community volunteer, Jones Adekube, lamented the situation of another homeless lady who was too shy to speak with the correspondent.

Adekube said, “Last week we gave her bread and tuna because that’s what she can eat easily without cooking or warming.

“She did some work when she came in. Initially, they gave her one shift a week, which is 12 hours a week. As time went on, there were no shifts.”

According to the report, in the 12 months to March 2023, 170,993 skilled worker visas have been awarded. In the health and care sector alone, grants have increased over two and a half times and represent over half of all work visas issued in the same period.