Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has stated that the North is not parasitic or dependent, particularly in economic matters.

Ndume, who represents the Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, said on Sunday that all states, zones, and regions in Nigeria are interdependent and rely on one another for survival, irrespective of their individual resources.

“The North was, is, and will never be a parasite or dependent on any region or even the country. We are assets, not liabilities, to Nigeria. Those who believe the current tax reforms are targeted against northern interests are naive. The law applies equally to all low- and middle-income Nigerians,” he declared.

The senator called for prudence and transparency in governance, emphasising the need for Nigeria’s resources to be effectively managed for the benefit of all citizens.

On the proposed tax reforms, Ndume criticised their timing and expressed concerns that the economic challenges faced by Nigerians could worsen if the bills were implemented without adequate consultation.

“I insist that the Tax Reforms Bills be withdrawn for broader consultations and engagement with critical stakeholders, including state and local governments and the private sector,” he said.

Ndume also urged the Federal Inland Revenue Service to focus on broadening the tax base and improving collection efficiency.

He called for greater contributions from commercial banks, which he noted declare significant profits annually.

“The FIRS should concentrate on expanding the tax net and improving collections. Additionally, accountability and transparency in tax administration must be enhanced,” he remarked.

He further advised the Central Bank of Nigeria to scrutinise commercial banks to ensure equity in their tax contributions.

Ndume raised concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform package, which includes the establishment of a Joint Revenue Board, a Tax Appeal Tribunal, and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman.

He argued that such reforms should be preceded by broader governance reforms to address Nigeria’s fiscal challenges.

“Our personnel and overhead expenditures for 2024 account for 50 to 60 percent of the budget. Yet, here we are in November, and only 20 percent of the budget has been implemented. Meanwhile, recurrent expenditure has already been exhausted.

“This means over N15tn to N20tn is going into personnel, debt servicing, and recurrent expenditure. We should reform the government, not only the executive – we need to reform the government holistically,” Ndume said.

He stressed the importance of holistic reforms across all arms of government, proper timing, and securing public support for successful implementation.

[OpinionNigeria]

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, as the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the President of the Court of Appeal respectively, hold the highest positions in the country’s judiciary. Yet, their actions—or more accurately, their inaction—have cast a deep shadow over the judiciary, leaving it tainted and compromised. This is not just a failure of leadership; it is a betrayal of their sacred duty to uphold justice, independence, and integrity in an institution that should be above reproach.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent speech at Yale University was a brutal and unapologetic critique of Nigeria’s descent into chaos under President Bola Tinubu. His indictment of the judiciary as a “captured” institution was a direct hit at its two top leaders. These women, entrusted with safeguarding Nigeria’s courts, have presided over a system that increasingly bows to corrupt hands, political interference, and financial influence.

A Judiciary in Free Fall

The judiciary is supposed to be the cornerstone of justice and democracy, a beacon of hope for the powerless, and a safeguard against tyranny. Yet, under the watch of Justice Kekere-Ekun and Justice Dongban-Mensem, it has devolved into a system that serves the highest bidder and political overlords.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the judiciary’s handling of election-related cases. Courts that should serve as neutral arbiters have instead become tools in the hands of political actors, embroiling themselves in internal party disputes that have no place in a courtroom. Obasanjo’s concerns about the “dark ways” of Nigerian elections are painfully accurate. Judges now actively lobby for seats on election tribunals, not to serve justice, but because these positions have become synonymous with personal enrichment.

Even more alarming is the growing trend of judicial appointments being handed out to the children, in-laws, and relatives of those already in power. Meritocracy has been replaced with nepotism, as connections and favoritism dictate who ascends to the bench. A judiciary that once prided itself on its impartiality and competence is now a breeding ground for familial privilege and entitlement. Is it any wonder that such a system has been captured? How can justice thrive in a judiciary where appointments are based on bloodlines rather than qualifications?

These tribunals have transformed into marketplaces where rulings are not determined by law or evidence but by who can offer the largest bribe. It is a grotesque betrayal of the judiciary’s purpose, and the fact that it occurs under the leadership of these two women underscores their failure to stem the tide of corruption and manipulation.

The Hypocrisy of Leadership

While some judges under their leadership strive to uphold the rule of law, what message do Justice Kekere-Ekun and Justice Dongban-Mensem send when they attend celebratory events hosted by Nyesom Wike—a politician whose cases could land in their courts at any moment? This is not just poor optics; it is a blatant disregard for the principles of neutrality and fairness. Their actions place every diligent judge under their leadership in an untenable position, forcing them to work in a system where political influence looms large and justice is increasingly a commodity for sale.

Obasanjo’s indictment of a “captured judiciary” should hit home for these two women. By failing to act, they have allowed the courts to be weaponized for political purposes, tarnishing the judiciary’s reputation both at home and abroad. The very integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process is at stake, yet they remain silent, complicit, and seemingly indifferent.

A Judiciary Complicit in Nigeria’s Decline

The judiciary’s failure under these two leaders is not just an institutional problem—it is a national crisis. Obasanjo’s description of Nigeria as a “failing state” is not hyperbole. When the courts are seen as instruments of corruption rather than as protectors of justice, the entire fabric of democracy begins to unravel.

Involvement in election tribunals has become a lucrative venture, with judges vying for appointments because they know it is an opportunity to enrich themselves. This reality is a damning reflection of the judiciary’s state under Kekere-Ekun and Dongban-Mensem. Their inability to address these issues has eroded public trust to the point where the judiciary is no longer seen as an impartial arbiter but as a tool for political domination and financial gain.

Adding to this crisis is the nepotistic practice of appointing unqualified relatives to key judicial positions. Children and in-laws of powerful figures ascend to the bench with little regard for merit, further weakening the judiciary’s credibility. A judiciary where lineage matters more than competence is one that cannot deliver justice. It is a system designed to protect the interests of the powerful while leaving ordinary Nigerians at the mercy of corruption and inefficiency.

The Responsibility to Act

The time for platitudes and half-measures has passed. Justice Kekere-Ekun and Justice Dongban-Mensem must confront the reality of their failure and take immediate steps to restore the judiciary’s integrity. This requires more than symbolic gestures—it demands decisive action to root out corruption, distance the judiciary from political actors, and restore public confidence in the courts.

They must banish judges who actively seek out election tribunal positions for personal gain, impose strict ethical guidelines, and ensure that the judiciary is no longer a participant in internal party disputes. Above all, they must lead by example, refusing to associate with political actors like Wike, whose presence casts doubt on the impartiality of the judiciary.

The High Stakes of Inaction

If these two women fail to act, they will not just tarnish their own legacies; they will preside over the complete collapse of Nigeria’s judiciary. The consequences will be catastrophic. Public trust in the courts is already at an all-time low, and the continued perception of a “captured judiciary” will further alienate the populace, fueling political instability and deepening Nigeria’s democratic decline.

Obasanjo’s words at Yale should serve as a wake-up call. His critique was not just about the judiciary but about the broader implications of its failure. A captured judiciary is a captured nation, and if Kekere-Ekun and Dongban-Mensem do not act, they will be remembered as the architects of Nigeria’s descent into chaos.

Now is not the appropriate moment to seek a public affairs commentators to engage in media attacks against your critics, it is crucial to refrain from retaliatory measures and uphold professionalism by carefully reflecting on the feedback provided by writers or critics.

History Will Judge

The judiciary is on trial, and so are its two most senior leaders. Justice Kekere-Ekun and Justice Dongban-Mensem must decide whether they will be remembered as defenders of justice or as enablers of corruption and political manipulation. Obasanjo’s words were a painful reminder of what is at stake. If these two women continue on their current path, they will go down in history as the faces of Nigeria’s judicial collapse, complicit in the very corruption they were sworn to fight.

The time to act is now. The judiciary’s survival—and Nigeria’s democracy—depends on it.

The recent furore generated by the tax reform bills sponsored by the Tinubu administration has elicited the need to look at the entire concept of tax action in Nigeria. This article will look at an often ignored aspect of taxation, that of taxing residual wealth from generation to generation.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, rising inequality, and the need for sustainable public revenue, the reinstatement of the scrapped Capital Transfer Tax (CTT) emerges as a compelling solution. Inheritance taxes have been successfully implemented in many economies to enhance revenue generation, reduce wealth inequality, and improve equity in taxation. 

In Nigeria, the top 10% of the population holds almost 30% of the nation’s income.This figure has remained trended upwards in recent years, indicating a significant concentration of income among the wealthiest segment of the population. To put this into perspective, the income inequality ratio between the top 10% and the bottom 50% is 1 to 14. This means that, on average, an individual in the top 10% earns 14 times more than someone in the bottom 50%.

It’s important to note that income distribution figures can vary over time due to economic policies, market dynamics, and data collection methodologies. Additionally, while income distribution provides insight into economic inequality, wealth distribution—which includes assets like property and investments—can present a different picture and is often more skewed.

Addressing such disparities is therefore crucial for promoting economic equity and social stability in Nigeria. We can ill-afford to create a permanent elite class that enjoys privilege in perpetuity simply because their forbears were able, in whatever manner they did, to amass wealth in the past. 

This article explores the need for Nigeria to adopt inheritance taxation as part of ongoing tax reforms and compares inheritance tax structures in the UK, US and South Africa.

These comparisons highlight the potential positive impacts of inheritance taxes in fostering equity, funding development, and closing the wealth gap in Nigeria.

The Historical Context of Inheritance Tax in Nigeria

Nigeria previously had a Capital Transfer Tax (CTT),introduced in 1979 under the Capital Transfer Tax Act, 1979 by the them Obasanjo military regime. The CTT was imposed on the transfer of assets, including inherited wealth, upon death or as a gift. However, due to administrative inefficiencies, tax evasion, and political pressures, the CTT was abolished in 1996, by the Abacha regime, in a move that cynical observers said was a move to protect the billions of dollars that he had spirited out of Nigeria. Since then, Nigeria has lacked any form of inheritance or estate tax, unlike its global counterparts.

The absence of inheritance taxes exacerbates wealth inequality, as large estates and inherited wealth accumulate tax-free over generations. As the country faces increasing fiscal pressure and economic disparities, it is imperative to consider the reintroduction of an inheritance tax system to address these challenges.

The Role of Inheritance Taxes in Equity and Revenue Generation

Inheritance taxes serve several purposes:

1. Reducing Wealth Inequality: By taxing inherited wealth, governments can prevent the perpetual transfer of wealth to a small elite class, fostering social mobility.Even in traditionally feudalistic societies like the United Kingdom, these taxes have been used as a portent force for good in ensuring a reduction of a permanent upper class that is based principally on privilege. Inherited wealth invariably serves as a disincentive to wealth creation based on merit, as it entrenches a permanent upper class.

2. Promoting Equity in Taxation: Inheritance taxes ensure that wealthier individuals contribute more to public finances, aligning with the principles of progressive taxation. There has been growing calls for the expansion of the tax net to capture even illicit wealth. It is a long established fact of tax law that the “burglar and the swindler, who carry on a trade or business for profit, are as liable to tax as an honest business man.”. So taxation can be used as a veritable tool to harness tax revenues from even dishonest activities. In the United States, when the government was unable to pin specific crimes against the Mafia dons, it resorted to tax evasion, which has a much less onerous burden of proof as it most times shifts this burden of proof to the tax payer rather than the tax man.

3. Revenue Generation: Inheritance taxes provide a sustainable revenue stream for governments, which can be used to fund infrastructure, healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation programs. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported that Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio was 9.4% in 2023, indicating a huge shortfall from the African average of 18.8% and the OECD average of 34,2%. 

Comparative Analysis of Inheritance Tax Systems

To highlight the benefits of inheritance taxes, it is useful to analyze inheritance tax structures in the UK, US and South Africa. Each of these countries implements inheritance or estate taxes with varying thresholds, rates, and impacts.

The United Kingdom

In the UK, inheritance tax (IHT) is levied on estates valued over £325,000 at a rate of 40%. However, the tax applies only to the portion exceeding the threshold, and several exemptions exist for spouses, charitable donations, and small businesses.

Inheritance tax contributes significantly to the UK’s tax revenue, generating approximately £7 billion annually. It is noteworthy that the new Labour government has widened the inheritance tax net to include family owned farms, with a net worth of over £1 million, in a bid to plug the much talked about £22 billion “black hole” in UK  government finances. 

The UK’s progressive inheritance tax system ensures that the wealthiest estates contribute more to public finances. Funds are often reinvested in public services, reducing the wealth gap. The UK system balances fairness with exemptions to protect middle-income families while ensuring wealth redistribution across the wealthier families. 

The United States

In the US, inheritance taxes are more complex, as they combine federal estate taxes with state-level taxes. At the federal level, estates exceeding $12.92 million for individuals (as of 2023) are subject to estate tax rates ranging from 18% to 40%. States such as New York and Maryland impose additional inheritance or estate taxes. The impact of some of these taxes may help explain the benevolence of wealthy Americans such as Warren Buffet and Bill Gates who plan to distribute majority of their wealth to charitable causes rather than leave their fortunes to be ravaged by inheritance taxes. A number of them have enrolled in the Giving Pledge, where they pledge to give away 50-99% of their wealth to charitable causes. 

Estate taxes contribute billions to federal revenue. For example, in 2020, estate taxes generated $17 billion in revenue. By taxing the largest estates, the US ensures that ultra-wealthy individuals contribute proportionally to public finances while avoiding undue burdens on smaller estates.

South Africa

South Africa imposes an estate duty of 20% on estates valued below R30 million and 25% on amounts exceeding this threshold. In addition, Donations and transfers to spouses are exempt. A primary threshold of R3.5 million ensures that smaller estates are not burdened unduly. Estate duties contribute a moderate amount to South Africa’s revenue base but are essential for addressing the country’s significant wealth inequality,nespecially along race lines. Given South Africa’s history of economic disparity, estate taxes help address structural inequalities by redistributing wealth.

Lessons for Nigeria: Benefits of Reintroducing Inheritance Taxes

From the above comparisons, several lessons can guide Nigeria in reintroducing inheritance taxes:

1. Revenue Generation for Development

   Countries like the UK and US demonstrate that inheritance taxes can contribute billions in revenue annually. For Nigeria, these funds could be used to improve much needed infrastructure (roads, railways, and power supply, education and healthcare etc. In addition, a portion of such taxes may be targeted at poverty alleviation and skills enhancement effortsthat eventually reduce poverty and reduce social inequality. 

2. Reducing Inequality

   Nigeria faces a growing wealth gap, with significant disparities between the elite class and the broader population. By taxing inherited wealth, Nigeria can reduce the concentration of wealth within a small elite and promotesocial mobility and economic opportunity for underprivileged groups. In a country such as Nigeria with a vast gulf between the haves and the havenots, reducing inequality is key to societal stability and peace. 

3. Promoting Tax Equity 

   Inheritance taxes ensure that wealthier individuals contribute more to national development. Unlike consumption taxes (e.g., VAT), which disproportionately burden low-income earners, inheritance taxes target unearned wealth transfers, promoting fairness in taxation. So far, the uproar has largely been on the distribution of VAT revenues amongst states and regions of the federation. 

4. Administrative Considerations

   To ensure the successful implementation of inheritance taxes, Nigeria must set  reasonable exemption thresholds to protect middle-income families (e.g., estates below N50 million – this is just a suggestion, as an ideal figure will need more empirical research).

In addition, the proposed tax must simplify tax administration to prevent evasion and improve compliance, so that it doesn’t become burdened by evasion that is induced by complexity of enforcement. We must also enlighten the general public on the benefits of inheritance taxation for national development.

Conclusion

The reintroduction of inheritance taxes or the Capital Transfer Tax in Nigeria is a necessary step in achieving tax equity, reducing wealth inequality, and generating sustainable revenue for development. By adopting lessons from countries such as the UK, US, and South Africa, Nigeria can design a fair and progressive inheritance tax system that balances revenue generation with social justice.

At a time when Nigeria faces significant fiscal challenges and economic disparities, inheritance taxes offer a powerful tool to address inequality and fund essential public services. It is time for policymakers to prioritize equity in taxation and ensure that the wealthy contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development goals. Reintroducing the Capital Transfer Tax would not only align Nigeria with global best practices but also foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

Mr Emeka Ndu, is a  Price Waterhouse-trained chartered accountant and serial entrepreneur who has a passion for societal development and empowerment.

As the first full year of President Tinubu’s administration, 2024 has come with its unique share of challenges and triumphs. As we look back at the ongoing year, this is the perfect time to reflect on the President’s vision for a transformed Nigeria and how 2024 has provided numerous opportunities to manifest that vision.

On so many fronts, the outgoing year has brought significant policy and legislative milestones that are helping to cement the very foundations of the President’s grand vision for Nigeria. Take the examples of the Students Loan Fund and the Consumer Credit Corporation, two institutions targeted at putting more resources in the pockets of the Nigerian people, empowering them to turn their dreams into opportunities.

With the Students Loan Fund, we are seeing, for the first time in decades, Nigerian students at tertiary level, getting targeted federal assistance to pursue their academic ambitions, through long-term loans (and stipends) that are designed to not be burdensome in any way. In less than one year, more than 300,000 Nigerian students have already benefited.

With the Consumer Credit scheme, we are seeing affordable financing being made available to workers, to enable them afford life’s necessities. Every developed country is built around a functioning credit system that fuels consumer spending and translates into economic growth. Nigeria is now finally on that path.

Also in 2024, we also saw the first steps in the implementation of a new electricity framework in the country, conferring the State governments with greater agency and responsibility. Building on a recent constitutional amendment, the President signed into law the 2024 Electricity Act that is now guiding a pioneering set of States into rolling out their own regulated electricity markets.

Indeed, for Nigeria to be truly able to achieve economic development, we must allow the subnational governments more room for real economic impact. With the new Electricity Act, States can now play a much bigger role in attracting investments into on-grid and off-grid solutions, ensuring that more electricity gets to more Nigerians.

This concept of giving more power and opportunities to the States is one of the defining governing philosophies of President Tinubu – as Governor of Lagos two decades ago he was one of the leading advocates of true federalism in Nigeria. Now, as President, he has not abandoned those ideals. In July 2024 we saw the landmark ruling  by the Supreme Court, empowering local governments to an extent we have not seen in our recent history. The President has since empaneled an Inter-Ministerial Committee that will ensure the full enforcement of that judgement.

For the state governments, President Tinubu’s economic reforms have triggered a dramatic surge in revenues, which is allowing the States to do more for their people. The last FAAC meeting saw the sharing of a record 1.727 Trillion Naira amongst the three tiers of government. These resources are meant to deliver bigger dividends of development to Nigerians. 

For those who have taken the effort to be familiar with the ongoing tax reforms, the Bills currently before the National Assembly also represent another fiscal boon for the subnational governments, with the Federal government choosing for example to take an even smaller portion of VAT than it currently gets.

The Presidential Initiative on CNG marked its first year of implementation recently, with the number of vehicle conversion centers in the country rising from fewer than 10 to more than 120. The goal is to make CNG a fuel of choice for private and commercial transportation in Nigeria, bringing down costs by as much as 50 to 60 percent. We are already seeing enthusiastic uptake of the initiative, and the government is supporting this by way of fiscal incentives and subsidized conversions.

The year is closing with the massive news of the final investment decision (FID) by Shell and its partners on the Bonga North deep offshore oil project, which is Nigeria’s first deep offshore FID in over a decade. This FID was preceded by the one by Total and NNPC Limited on the 300 million cubic feet per day Ubeta gas project. Together these two projects represent over 5 billion dollars in investment value.

These long-awaited investment decisions have now finally happened because the investors behind them can see, from the President’s policies and actions, that Nigeria is truly serious and ready for oil and gas investment. A series of presidential directives issued at the beginning of 2024 have unleashed the biggest wave of investor interest in our country’s energy sector in a while.

in 2024, our security forces neutralized more than 8,000 terrorists and bandits, and arrested 11,600 others, with more than 10,000 weapons recovered. Additionally, about 8,000 kidnap victims were successfully rescued. The goal is to keep driving down the numbers of victims, while scaling up efforts to make crime and criminality unattractive in Nigeria.

On the foreign affairs front, the 2024 has been a most encouraging year, despite several challenging geopolitical developments around the world, including in our corner of West Africa. This year Nigeria was awarded the hosting rights for the new African Energy Bank, which will prove to be game-changing for energy financing in Africa. As we reposition ourselves to be a global energy hub, this is a most fitting complement.

Nigeria is asserting itself as a country that cannot be ignored on the global stage. In 2024, President Tinubu hosted heads of State and/or government from India, the world’s largest democracy, and from Germany, Europe’s largest economy.

He was welcomed on a State Visit to France, at a very exciting time in the history of mutually-beneficial relations between Nigeria and France. Nigeria was specially invited to the G20 Summit for the second consecutive year running, and we forged deeper relations with South Africa through our joint presidential binational commission.

As we step into a new year, during which we will mark the second anniversary of the Tinubu Administration, we will surely see even more of the positive outcomes of the President’s reforms, in infrastructure, agriculture, security, healthcare, education, creative and digital economy and many other areas. The tax reforms, when passed into law and assented to, will cut personal and corporate income taxes for tens of millions of Nigerians, while also expanding VAT exemptions.

Consumer credit and student loans will reach many more people. Important indices such as foreign reserves position, trade surplus, oil production, and GDP growth are set to continue rising, even as greater work going into permanently taming inflation. The 2025 budget – the very fittingly-themed “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity” – is a convincing pointer of the federal government’s commitment to maintaining the positive course in which we are headed as a nation.

We will continue to seek the understanding of Nigerians on this journey of, in the President’s words in the 2025 budget speech, “economic renewal and institutional development.” The sacrifices will all surely be rewarded, and we shall surely and steadily advance towards our desired destination – a country where a progressively better life will be guaranteed for everyone, regardless of where in the country they happen to reside. Under President Tinubu’s watch, 2025 will represent a leap forward, towards that deserved destination.

Mohammed Idris, fnipr, is the Minister of Information and National Orientation

“My kind of loyalty was loyalty to one’s country, not to its institutions or its officeholders. The country is the real thing, the substantial thing, the eternal thing; it is the thing to watch over, care for, and be loyal to; institutions are extraneous; they are its mere clothing, and clothing can wear out, become ragged, cease to be comfortable, cease to protect the body from winter, disease, and death.” ― Mark Twain

In one village, there is a handsome and intelligent man named James. He is very clean and dresses well. He also speaks English and French very fluently.

Usually, when someone dies, the whole village will gather, and able-bodied young men will dig the grave, bury the corpse, and cover it very well. The women will prepare Abacha while the men will come with kegs of palm wine. It is very well organized, communally. Everyone plays his/her part to make the burden light for the bereaved family.

Every time this occurred, James came with a newspaper. He would find a very comfortable position, sit, and cross his legs, reading the newspaper while others worked on the grave. There seemed to be nothing wrong with this, as there were plenty of hands on the job.

One day, James’ father kicked the bucket. What a day! The whole village gathered as usual. But there was something strange about the gathering. Guess what? Every young man came there well dressed, with a newspaper and a chair. They all sat down and read newspapers! Onyema, who did not break slate way back in primary school days, also had one, even though he held it upside down.

There was an uneasy calm that enveloped the atmosphere. The environment was hot, even though it was early in the morning during the harmattan season. The dice was cast. It was payback time. James was about to receive the reward for his actions over the years.

And so, the corpse was there, but no one was digging the grave. James came out of the house and saw the situation. He was helpless. He is the only young man in the family. His other two siblings are girls. He broke down and wept like a child. He wept not for the dead but for himself. He realized that he was a living, dead man. He pleaded for mercy to no avail. Finally, he dug the grave alone while others read their newspapers.

In a country governed by foreigners. A country that has at its head Indigenes of some tribes I love Nigeria, I sincerely do because I possibly have no choice, I could love America, England, Poland, or even neighboring Ghana and become a Nigerian-Arabian or Israeli-born Nigerian it makes no difference because we are Nigerians, we are who we are…exceptional in our way…a people who for several decades have placed their hands on the self-destruct button but somehow it never detonates, we have remained on the 11:59 threshold of everything deadly, dangerous and anti-people yet it never hits 12.

So, I love Nigeria, the land where everything, anything, all things are possible, it depends only on where you stand and what you can benefit from.

From Lagos, our own New York, to Abuja, the expensive London with Beverly Hills homes only for the rich and mighty, to Rivers, Imo, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, our cowboy Texas…We have our Chicago-styled Police; then we have so many Bronx sites where you could get anything from fake passports to late Abacha or Abiola’s signatures.

Need I tell you about our own Afghanistan, our own Syria, or our emerging DRC, or don’t you know there are parts of Nigeria competing favorably with Mexico in terms of abductions and kidnapping?

Nigeria…God’s own country in black Africa, how many times have I been told that even God is Nigerian, especially when we have goofed and expect a miracle or when we are losing a soccer match?

Nigeria is the only country in the world that has no Citizens. What we have in Nigeria are indigenes. All your Privileges, Rights, and Duties as a supposed citizen depend on your “Indigeneship.” Loyalty and Patriotism to Nigeria because of that is zero. Everybody is a Tribal Lord. You cannot be anybody or authority if you don’t subscribe to any clan, state, zone, or tribe.

The Army is a National Body. It has people from all walks of life and tribes as its members. It has a Defence Academy in Kaduna. You were born in Kaduna to Abeokuta parents or even Bolawa Parents from Potiskum. Another one might have Ijaw parents from Delta or Nkanu Parents from Enugu. All born and bred in Kaduna.

If they want to join the Army, Nigeria, a country without citizens, will ask the candidates to go back to their state capital. The capital of their tribe and the center for national disintegration.

Every form you fill out in Nigeria will want to know your tribe and religion. Who Born You? Government officials represent their tribes in government and not Nigeria. Nobody represents Nigeria in anything. We only stand for our tribes to whom we owe our Indigenship.

Every government policy is tailored to denying true Nigerians their citizenship. Every government policy is tailored to promoting Indigenship as against citizenship. That is why Nigeria today is without protection. All the Tribal Lords in Government at all levels work to protect their tribal interests.

Nobody cares about our national interest. They loot and loot and loot the country dry because they have no citizen stake and patriotism. Only indigenous sentiment is what prevails. This is because the government of Nigeria does not care about building the citizens of Nigeria. They are building Indigenes.

The first time I was told that I was not an indigene and could not go to Secondary School with my mates after our Primary school was during an interview by the school Board. I didn’t know until then that being an indigene of certain places and leaving those places to go and stay outside what they call a catchment Area could be detrimental to your existence as a Nigerian.

Early enough in life, I discovered that the government of Nigeria does not give me many options. I must be an indigene to be somebody or something.

True Nigerians are suffering. True Nigerians are relegated because, like James, many just sit to read newspapers, many just sit and read newspapers while Nigerians die in Ibadan because of N5K Charity, at an Islamic High School, others meet their death at a Christian church in Abuja in another stampede to get rice.

We are almost at the end of another year. Maybe we have not collapsed as a nation, but we are still debating whether we are making any progress, patriots like us who keep digging want to see Nigeria win, but the association of newspaper readers want otherwise, will we ever get it right—Only time will tell.

In the labyrinth of Nigerian politics, a leader’s temperament can often dictate the trajectory of his or her career and influence. Nyesom Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is a man whose political antics are as well-known as his accomplishments. However, his penchant for confrontational and domineering politics, commonly referred to in Nigerian parlance as “gragra”, has stirred debates about its appropriateness in the delicate dance of governance and diplomacy. While Wike’s boldness has brought him success, his style raises fundamental questions about the sustainability of his methods in fostering unity and achieving national progress.

In Nigerian slang, “gragra” connotes an aggressive, combative, and often impatient approach to situations. This style, marked by impulsive decisions and a lack of subtlety, might achieve short-term victories but often proves detrimental in the long run. Wike exemplifies this style in many ways. Known for his fiery rhetoric, public criticisms, and unyielding demeanor, he often approaches politics as though it were a zero-sum game where one either wins decisively or loses entirely.

Wike’s leadership style has earned him both admirers and detractors. Admirers see him as a courageous leader unafraid to speak truth to power, while detractors view him as a divisive figure whose methods undermine the very cohesion necessary for effective governance. For instance, his outspoken criticisms of both opposition and allies, from internal squabbles within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to his confrontations with fellow politicians, frequently overshadow his achievements, leaving questions about whether his “gragra” is an asset or a liability.

In politics, perception is almost as important as performance. A leader’s ability to inspire confidence among his or her constituents, allies, and even opponents is crucial for creating an atmosphere conducive to progress. Confrontational politics, however, breeds division and resentment. Wike’s approach often leaves him in a precarious position where he must rely solely on his own charisma and resources to advance his agenda. This can lead to political isolation, a dangerous scenario in a system as collaborative as Nigerian politics.

Moreover, his methods risk alienating the very people he seeks to lead. Take, for example, his tenure as Rivers State governor. While his administration delivered on infrastructure projects and improved security in the state, his confrontations with local and national figures often diverted attention from these achievements. Critics argue that his governance style could have been even more impactful had he spent less time on public spats and more on building bridges.

Politics is often described as the art of negotiation, persuasion, and compromise. Effective leaders are those who can rally people around a common vision, even when disagreements arise. Diplomacy and tact are essential tools in fostering relationships and maintaining the delicate balance needed for progress.

Wike’s recent actions, including his public criticisms of fellow politicians and perceived high-handedness in governance, have raised eyebrows. For example, his declaration that “Rivers money is not Abuja money” during his governorship was a pointed jab at federal authorities. While his rhetoric earned him applause for standing up for state autonomy, it also strained relationships with key stakeholders who could have been instrumental in furthering Rivers’ interests.

Nigeria’s political landscape is replete with examples of leaders who fell from grace due to their inability to manage relationships. The late Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim, a respected politician, once remarked that politics is about people and the relationships you nurture. Leaders who alienate others in their quest to dominate often find themselves isolated when they need support the most.

Consider the case of former Lagos State governor Akinwunmi Ambode, whose failure to manage political relationships within his party cost him a second term. Despite his stellar performance in infrastructure development and urban planning, his lack of diplomacy alienated key stakeholders, leading to his ouster during the party primaries. Wike risks a similar fate if his confrontational style continues unchecked.

As the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Wike has stepped onto a larger stage where his actions and words carry even greater weight. The FCT is not just a region; it is the administrative and political nerve center of Nigeria. Managing the FCT requires a nuanced approach that balances the interests of diverse groups, from residents to international stakeholders.

Wike’s initial days in office have been marked by decisive actions, such as the demolition of illegal structures and attempts to restore the city’s master plan. While these actions resonate with his reputation for taking bold steps, they also highlight the need for a more inclusive approach. Critics argue that while enforcement of the law is necessary, doing so without adequate consultation and consideration of the human impact risks creating resentment among affected populations.

Wike’s intelligence, experience, and achievements are not in doubt. However, to sustain relevance in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, he must temper his “gragra” with humility and diplomacy. The ability to listen, build consensus, and embrace differing opinions is what distinguishes great leaders from merely effective ones.

For instance, his relationships with other political figures could benefit from a more conciliatory approach. Rather than burning bridges with allies and opponents alike, Wike should focus on creating alliances that amplify his influence and effectiveness. This is particularly important as he navigates the complexities of federal politics, where success often depends on collaboration rather than confrontation.

Wike’s leadership journey offers valuable lessons for other politicians. While boldness and decisiveness are admirable traits, they must be balanced with tact and empathy. Nigerian politics is not a battlefield; it is a forum for collective problem-solving. Leaders who approach governance with a combative mindset risk alienating the very people they are meant to serve.

Wike’s tenure as FCT Minister provides a unique opportunity for him to demonstrate that he can adapt his style to meet the demands of national leadership. Nigerians are watching, not just for his ability to deliver infrastructure and services, but also for his capacity to lead with grace and inclusivity.

In politics, passion without restraint can become a liability. Wike must recognize that governance is not about scoring points in a personal vendetta but about creating a legacy of progress and unity. The question remains: Will he adapt, or will his “gragra” continue to overshadow his potential for greatness?

In the grand scheme of things, Wike’s gragra is both a blessing and a curse. While it propels him to act decisively and stand firm in the face of opposition, it also risks alienating allies and undermining his broader goals. As he continues his journey in national politics, Wike must embrace a more diplomatic approach, recognising that true leadership lies in bringing people together, not driving them apart.

Ultimately, “gragra” nor good for politics. The time has come for Wike to refine his approach, proving that boldness and diplomacy can coexist in the pursuit of progress and unity.

Without a doubt, Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s combative and controversial political figure, has earned a reputation for his fiery rhetoric and unapologetic “gragra” style of politics. As Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Wike’s approach often reflects an unyielding determination to push his agenda, regardless of dissenting opinions. While some argue that his boldness and decisive actions are what Nigeria needs in its leadership, others view his style as polarizing and counterproductive. For instance, his strict enforcement of policies in the FCT has been praised for attempting to restore order and discipline in Abuja, but it has also drawn criticism for displacing vulnerable communities and creating tension among stakeholders.  

The question of whether Wike’s “gragra politics” is a blessing or a curse depends on perspective. On one hand, his proactive stance could drive much-needed reforms in governance, bringing accountability and action to sectors plagued by stagnation. On the other hand, his confrontational approach risks alienating key allies and fostering an atmosphere of fear rather than collaboration. Critics argue that governance thrives on diplomacy and inclusiveness, elements often overshadowed in Wike’s method. As Nigerians debate his legacy, one thing is clear: Wike’s unrelenting style has left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape, sparking conversations about the balance between assertive leadership and collective progress.  

A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, on Sunday appealed to President Bola Tinubu to rescue Nigerians from a debt trap in order to fulfill his Renewed Hope Agenda and allow citizens to breathe.

Okechukwu lamented that he cannot fathom how the Renewed Hope Agenda will bring the intended succor to Nigerians when the country is burdened with all manner of debts, both local and foreign, “prohibitive interest rates on treasury bills, dangerous dollar-denominated loans, and short-term Eurobonds, making the fiscal restructuring of debt service imperative.”

In a statement he signed, Okechukwu humbly appealed to the president, citing Benjamin Franklin’s admonition that “he who goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing,” and called for a high-powered panel of inquiry to reexamine Nigeria’s debts to uncover genuine and less-than-transparent debt transactions.

He cautioned that the huge debt burden threatens Nigeria’s nascent democracy and drains resources meant for health, education, and poverty alleviation.

According to Okechukwu: “It is regrettable that the budget for Defence (N4.91tr), Infrastructure (N4.06tr), Education (N3.52tr), and Health (N2.48tr), totaling N14.97tr, is far less than the N15.8trillion budgeted for debt service.”

Okechukwu acknowledged the removal of fuel subsidies, giving kudos to President Tinubu, but lamented that the humongous debt service has now become the new anti-production elephant in the room.

He said: “Yes, the fuel subsidy is gone, albeit the subsidy regime had links to the planlessness and squandermania that governed the sordid debt exercise. Or do we forget outliers like when Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current WTO President, instituted a panel that probed and found that the fuel subsidy was riddled with corruption, upon which the culprits resorted to kidnapping her mother?”

“Accordingly, Mr. President should dust off Okonjo-Iweala’s files and other bad loan files with the intent to recover monies and return Nigeria to a productive economy.”

Okechukwu recalled with nostalgia that Nigeria’s first loan from the Paris Club in 1964 was $13.1 million for the construction of the Niger Dam. He also mentioned Nigeria’s debt relief deal under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration in 2005, where $35.994 billion in debt was canceled.

He noted, paradoxically, that today, Nigeria’s debt burden stands at N121.67 trillion, equivalent to $91.46 billion USD.

“The only way to break the fetters of the debt burden, as we did in 2005, is through fiscal restructuring. In other words, a high-powered multilateral panel of inquiry must ascertain our actual debt and seek debt cancellation,” he said.

On what must be done, the former Director General of Voice of Nigeria urged President Tinubu to make bold decisions.

Okechukwu added: “I agree totally with President Tinubu that we must make bold decisions, even though they may be painful. Accordingly, the necessary bold decisions at this critical juncture are not excessive taxation or high tariffs, but a multilateral, high-powered panel of inquiry comprising eminent local and international statesmen to reexamine our domestic and foreign debts as the only answer to save Nigerians from the debt trap.

“And secondly, plug corruption and restrict borrowing to only critical infrastructure through humanitarian groups like SUKUK and friends of Nigeria.”

The Ondo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Dr Kayode Ajulo, has warned that any traditional rulers found culpable in land grabbing would be sent to jail.

Ajulo, who was reacting to the Anti-Land Grabbing Bill before the state House of the Assembly, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure that some traditional rulers were behind cases of land grabbing.

“Government will not shy away from stepping on toes. I must confess, I like to speak my mind, that some of our traditional rulers have caused a lot of problems when it comes to the issue of land grabbing.

“They may be in their palaces, but send people out to cause mayhem. Many a time, we see how they use cutlasses to cut each other’s heads.

“Anytime some Kabiyesi are being picked, with due respect, and sent to jail on this issue, nobody should complain.

“We know what is good and we know what is bad.

“The law is proposed to ensure legislative promulgation in addressing unlawful entry of landed property and violent conduct related to landed property,” he stated.

The commissioner said that Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa also recently signed an Executive Order to address the issue of land-grabbing

According to him, there is a need to tackle the menace appropriately.

“Last week, the governor signed Executive Order 2024 to tackle the menace in Ondo State.

“Don’t be surprised, and I’m not a prophet of doom, many may be affected.

[TheNation]