The removal of fuel Subsidy and the subsequent price hike of petroleum products in Nigeria has been a contentious issue that has sparked socio-economic unrest. Most Nigerians are groaning from the hardship necessitated by ‘’Tinubunomics.’’ Petrol Stations have been abandoned for the rich; market squares have been deserted owing to highfalutin prices of food commodities; travelling has now become a luxury, Nigeria’s electricity supply that is largely epileptic, its tariff has  geometrically increased without improvement in output; school fees in States and Federal Universities have been over- a- hundred percent increased. Unfortunately, minimum wage is still at an unbelievable thirty – Thousand-Naira rate.

In all of these biting realities, the scores of the activities of bandits and terrorists are gushing -in from Benue, Taraba, Zamfara, Plateau and every nook and cranny of the country. Little wonder then, former Present Olusegun Obasanjo opined recently during a keynote address at the public presentation of a book titled, “Reclaiming the Jewel of Africa,” written by a former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, who had also served as Minister of Finance, Olusegun Aganga, that ‘’Nigeria is sitting dangerously on a keg of gunpowder’’ because of incongruent economic policies slipping many Nigerians into poverty.

However, the Federal Government has cautioned Nigerians to be patient, that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. Aye, this is what every administration tells Nigerians, perhaps this as become an already- made  mantra, after a careful study of the nature of Nigerians to be extremely hopeful people, with the mentality of suffering and smiling as lyricized by Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Indeed, our hope will not be extinguished by the labyrinths of ill-thought-out governmental policies that have over the years impoverished the common people whilst enriching the ruling class! The palliatives that the Federal Government has approved as cushioning the  adverse effects of the subsidy removal, that implies that over 12 million poor and low – income households in Nigeria will be given N8,000 per month for the next six months is likened to almajirinization of these Nigerians. Let me digress a little to drive home my point.

The word “Almajiri,’’ according to Cheta Nwanze, in his article, ‘’History of the Almajiri System in Nigeria,’’ Almajiri is derived from the Arabic “Al muhajirun”, meaning, “an emigrant”. It usually refers to a person who migrates from his home to a popular teacher in the quest for Islamic knowledge’’.  In pre-colonial era, this system of education taught their students Islamic principles, values, jurisprudence and theology. Many learnt farming, masonry, fishing, et cetera. In fact, the groundnut pyramid is attributed to the hard work and skills of the students who partook in the Almajiri system. Besides, when the colonial masters came, some of these students served has judges, clerks, and teachers who provided the colonial administration with the needed staff. This system was successful because the states, then, provided the funds for their studies.

However, the British stopped and abrogated the state sponsorship and the Almajiri school system on the note that they were religious schools, ‘’karatun Boko’’ and instead established and funded western education and schools. This resulted to the Mallams forcing their students to go into towns and cities to beg. When they go begging, they were handed ‘’kobo – kobo’’ that was usually next to nothing in catering for their daily needs. In the midst of this, their teachers imposed ‘’kudi sati’’ on the Almajiris, a kind of weekly payment to be made and indoctrinated them that it is better to beg than to steal. This was the turning point of the Almajiri system that his now synonymous with begging, abject poverty, destitution, radicalization, criminality, constitution of religious and social nuisances and its over dependence on the rich upper political class for their livelihood. The ‘sharing’ of N8000 to poor Nigerians would only turn them into beggars, plunge them into penury and on a long run, become another sets of bandits and terrorists. What can N8000 afford for a poor home in today’s Nigeria?  Let us assume they won’t buy fuel because they do not have cars and generators. But they are going to buy garri that was transported to the market; they are going to buy rice, oil, meat, fish, grains; pay house rent,  seek medical care, pay school fees, et cetera.   

To solve this crisis, rather than take to ‘sharing’ money as if it is an ‘’Owanbe’’ occasion, the Nigerian government must take a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the economic and social impacts of it policies. One approach is to diversify the economy away from oil and reduce the country’s over dependency on petroleum products. This can be done by investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, as well as promoting other sectors of the economy such as agriculture and manufacturing. By reducing the country’s dependency on oil, the government can reduce the impact of fluctuations in global oil prices and reduce the need for fuel subsidies.

Another approach is to use the palliative money to refurbish, at least, one of Nigerian’s moribund refineries. It is absurd that the National Economic Council does not consider this as an urgent remedy to nip in the bud the dilapidating economic circumstances that Nigeria is plunged into at the moment. It is crazily bizarre that a country as rich and blessed with petroleum products, amidst other natural resources as Nigeria cannot boast of a functional refinery in this time and age! A functional refinery in Nigeria would bolster Nigerian’s access to forex and also make fuel available and cheap. Imagine marketers buying fuel from our refinery with Naira! Imagine Nigeria exporting crude and refined petroleum products! Nigeria economy will jumpstart, there will be employment opportunities, the price of dollars will fall and prices of goods and services will come down for everyone to afford.

Another approach is to increase transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s oil resources. This includes addressing issues such has corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector, as well as ensuring that revenues from oil exports are used to benefit the country and its citizens. By increasing transparency and accountability, the government can build trust with its citizens and reduce the likelihood of social unrest.

In conclusion, the removal of fuel subsidy and the subsequent price hike of petroleum products in Nigeria is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. By diversifying the economy away from oil, increasing transparency and accountability in the management of oil resources, and refurbishing some of Nigeria’s refineries, Nigeria can build a more sustainable and resilient economy for the future. The Nigerian government must be circumspect of any approach it is adopting to bringing succor to its citizens. Targeting social safety net programmes like gifting money to some selected people isn’t of immediate need. The government after leveling up can implement targeted social safety net programmes to mitigate the impacts of the removal of fuel subsidy on the vulnerable populations. This can include programmes such as cash transfers, food subsidies, and job creation initiatives. By providing support to those most affected by the policy, the government can reduce the impact of the price hike on the most vulnerable members of society. To engage in giving meagre sum of money to some Nigerians would only impoverish them mentally, psychologically and this class of Nigerians may likely become pawns in the hands of politicians to win future elections. If this policy is implemented, this government would only succeed in spreading the Almajiri predicaments all over Nigeria.

Former Chelsea defender, Gary Cahill has backed centre-back Levi Co to have a big 2023/24 season.
Cahill said that Colwill, who recently signed a new long-term deal with Chelsea, has massive potential.
According to him, the 20-year-old defender is a very good player and will learn a lot
from teammate Thiago Silva at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking about Colwill, Cahill said (per Chelsea’s official website): “You look at attributes you want in a centre-back and ask: Is he tall and good in the air? Does he have a good presence? Is he quick? Does he take up good positions to receive the ball? Is he composed on the ball? Levi Colwill has those attributes – now he must keep learning and progressing.

“So will playing alongside Thiago [Silva], who has achieved so much in the game. He can soak up things from him, carry on learning and learning. It will be a big season for him. It is clear he’s got massive potential and is a very good player.”

[DailyPost]

President Tinubu’s tenure began with much anticipation as he unveiled his list of ministerial nominees to form his cabinet. Among the nominees, several states stood out with a higher representation, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to ensuring regional diversity and inclusivity. In this article, we will explore the states that received the most ministerial nominations and highlight the potential impact of their representatives in shaping Nigeria’s future under President Tinubu’s leadership.

1. Ogun State – 3 Nominees

Ogun State, located in the southwestern region of Nigeria, secured the highest number of ministerial nominations, boasting three esteemed individuals. Ishak Salak, Bosun Tijjani, and Olawale Edun bring a wealth of experience in various fields to the cabinet. Their collective expertise in public administration, business, finance, and governance positions Ogun State as a vital player in driving the nation’s economic growth and development.

2. Kano State – 2 Nominees

Kano State, known for its significant population and economic influence, obtained two ministerial nominations: Maryam Shetti and Abdullahi T Gwarzo. With diverse backgrounds and expertise, these representatives will champion Kano State’s interests while contributing to the formulation of national policies for social advancement and prosperity.

3. Katsina State – 2 Nominees

Hailing from the same state as President Tinubu, Katsina State also earned two ministerial nominations: Ahmad Dangiwa and Hanatu Musawa. As key stakeholders from President Tinubu’s home state, they are entrusted with advocating for equitable development and addressing the unique challenges faced by Katsina.

4. Kebbi State – 2 Nominees

Kebbi State received two ministerial nominations in Atiku Abubakar Bagudu and Yusuf Tanko Sununu. Their presence in the cabinet holds the promise of forging stronger collaborations with the federal government to address critical issues concerning agriculture, rural development, and other areas relevant to Kebbi’s growth.

5. Taraba State – 2 Nominees

Taraba State’s representation in President Tinubu’s cabinet comes in the form of two nominees: Uba Maigari Ahmadu and Sani A Danladi. These individuals are entrusted with advocating for the state’s unique needs and collaborating on initiatives to foster sustainable development and regional harmony.

6. Bauchi State – 2 Nominees

Yusuf M Tuggar and Ali Pate, the ministerial nominees from Bauchi State, are expected to play crucial roles in addressing the state’s infrastructural needs and enhancing its socio-economic prospects. Their experiences in public service and healthcare will be instrumental in driving positive change.

7. Lagos State – 2 Nominees

As Nigeria’s economic hub and the most populous state, Lagos secured two ministerial nominations: Tunji Alausa and Lola Ade John. Their appointment reflects the state’s prominent position in the nation’s economic landscape, and they are set to contribute to policies that advance Lagos and the nation’s interests.

8. Cross River State – 2 Nominees

Betta Edu and John Enoh represent Cross River State in President Tinubu’s cabinet. As nominees from this coastal state, they will focus on advocating for environmental preservation, tourism, and economic diversification to bolster the state’s potential and contribute to national development.

President Tinubu’s selection of ministerial nominees exemplifies his commitment to ensuring representation from diverse states across Nigeria. The states with the most nominated candidates hold significant responsibilities in addressing regional concerns while contributing to national progress and unity. As they assume their roles, the nominees from these states will shape Nigeria’s trajectory, working collaboratively to foster an inclusive and prosperous future for all citizens under President Tinubu’s visionary leadership.

[allmedia24]

In the context of violence against the French Embassy and the closure of Niger’s airspace, at President Macron’s request the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for the Armed Forces launched an operation to evacuate French and foreign nationals who wished to leave the country.

On Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 August, our embassy in Niamey, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs’ Crisis and Support Centre and the Ministry for the Armed Forces’ Planning and Conduct of Operations Centre evacuated a total of 1,079 people, including 577 French nationals. This evacuation operation was led by French military aircraft.

France also evacuated nationals from 50 other countries, particularly in Europe (Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland, Romania, Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland, Georgia and the United Kingdom), Africa (Benin, Senegal, Ghana, Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Nigeria, Chad, Congo, Ethiopia, Botswana, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, Mauritania, Togo and Tunisia), America (the United States, Canada, Brazil, Colombia and the Bahamas), Asia (India, Japan, Vietnam and South Korea), Oceania (Australia) and the Middle East (Lebanon and Turkey).

The Ministry of the Interior and Overseas France also contributed to this operation, through the work of emergency services doctors, who provided medical assistance on one flight, and the Ministry of Health, which was involved in dealing with medical cases on arrival.

In a spirit of European solidarity and with the aim of offering European countries the possibility of enabling those of their nationals who so wished to benefit from the flights it put on, France took the initiative of activating the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism (EU CPM). From the outset it included European nationals in the planning of evacuation operations.

To coordinate the operation, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs’ Crisis and Support Centre, which set up a crisis unit on Sunday 30 July, has been in permanent contact with our nationals on the ground and with all our partners. Our armed forces’ military assets, mobilized to ensure the safety of nationals, also helped make these evacuations a success.

[diplomatie.gouv.fr]

Regional defence chiefs in West Africa will conclude talks on Niger on Thursday, a week after the military coup that has forced neighbouring powers to consider military intervention in response.

Ecowas, the Economic Community of West African States, has imposed sanctions, issued threats of military force, and made diplomatic overtures in its push to restore the presidency of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was confined to his presidential residence last Wednesday.

It is not clear whether the defence chiefs' meeting in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, will provide further details about the bloc's threat to authorise the use of force if coup leaders do not reinstate Mr Bazoum by Sunday.

Niger has been isolated since last week's ousting of Mr Bazoum, who was democratically elected in 2021. He was confined to his presidential residence two days before Presidential Guard Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani declared himself as leader.

The coup has threatened international counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel region and also threatens to plunge one of the world's poorest countries deeper into despair.

Niger, which has a population of 26.2 million, received $1.8 billion in aid in 2021, according to the latest figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

That is more than any other West African country, except its large neighbour Nigeria, which received $3.5 billion for a population nearly 10 times bigger.

Foreign money accounts for a quarter of Niger's public spending, and international aid represents 9 per cent of its gross domestic product, according to economist Dominique Fruchter, AFP reported.

The EU, France and Germany have already suspended aid to Niger, where half the population live below the poverty line, while the World Bank has suspended aid to the public sector until further notice.

"To give up on this support, is to commit hara-kiri," Niger's Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou told broadcaster France24 on Sunday, referring to the Japanese term for ritual suicide.

Junta criticises 'inhumane' sanctions

In a televised address on Wednesday,Gen Tchiani said the junta "rejects altogether" sanctions introduced by Ecowas after an emergency meeting at the weekend.

The self-declared new leader of Niger has rejected sanctions imposed by Ecowas as inhumane, vowing to not bow to international pressure as regional leaders say they must prepare for the possibility of sending troops to the country.

The junta "refuses to give in to any threats, wherever they come from. We refuse any interference in the internal affairs of Niger", Gen Tchiani said on the eve of the country's independence day.

He said the sanctions were "cynical and iniquitous" and designed to humiliate the defence and security forces and Niger, and make the country ungovernable.

Ecowas has mentioned military intervention as a "last resort" if Mr Bazoum is not restored to power.

"The military option is the very last option on the table, the last resort, but we have to prepare for the eventuality," Abdel Fatau Musah, Ecowas commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, said on Wednesday.

[thenationalnews]

Professor Bolaji Akinyemi is always a delight to listen to  whether as a professor of Political Science in our International Relations graduate class in the early eighties, as Director General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) engaged in intellectual debates during seminars and symposia with his colleagues, or as Foreign Affairs Minister explaining his ‘audacious ideas about a strong and resurgent Africa’  and even as public intellectual taking the uninitiated through the labyrinth of diplomatic chess game. He was as usual at his best last Monday on Arise Television programme. And for little distraction by those self-proclaiming patriots who have no regard for Alexander Pope’s admonition that ‘only fools rush in where angels fear to tread’, Prof Akinyemi, our own inimitable Henry Kissinger had a simple advice “Don’t miss ingredients for making pepper soup with that needed for making egusi soup”.

Prof Akinyemi has never lost faith in Nigeria in spite of his over 40 years efforts to let our ill-trained and badly-recruited leaders understand that strong and vibrant external relations determine how the external world rates our domestic policies. He has in fact always believed Nigerian should play the role of Africa super power. It was for this reason he, among other audacious policies, initiated the Technical Aids Corps scheme that today thrives in other African and Caribbean countries and the concept of medium power to mediate if possible among warring rival super powers. It was during his period that ‘Africa as the centre piece of Nigerian foreign policy’ acquired real meaning as we led the apartheid war against hypocritical Britain and USA.

 It was therefore not a surprise that in the wake of recent Nigerien coup, he insisted Nigeria must take the initiative in the planned battle against the military adventurers whose forceful entry into politics did not seem to be an outcome of the usual manipulation of electoral process by greedy elected West African political leaders. It similarly did not fall into the category of conspiracy theories that often link military coups in Guinea, Sudan, Mali and Chad and elsewhere in the Sahel region to French colonial and post-colonial policies that only impoverish former colonies.

Akinyemi also believes attempt by AU-led South Africa to give an ultimatum to the coup planners, was an attempt at undermining Tinubu’s leadership as ECOWAS chairman since by convention, it is the responsibility of ECOWAS leadership to first interfere in crisis afflicting the West African sub-region.

Predictably, he has hailed the decision of ECOWAS under the leadership of Tinubu to give the coup plotters a one-week ultimatum to hand over power to President Mohammed Bazoum  who remains the legitimately elected president and head of state of the Republic of Niger as recognized by ECOWAS, AU and the international community. The body has also threatened to ‘take all measures necessary’ ‘including the use of force’, to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger, in the event the regional body’s demands are not met within one week”. In this regard, ECOWAS has the backing of US and France.

Professor Akinyemi believes there is always a cost to leadership especially for a country like Nigeria that claims to be the giant of Africa. For him therefore, Nigeria has no choice but to lead the crusade, citing the case of Kenya, small players in the international arena that recently deployed Kenya soldiers to her troubled neighbours and Kenya police to Cuba, currently experiencing civil disorder in far-away South America.

In those days, talk of alternative to democracy and lusting after other world views apart from capitalism often attracted a death sentence. We saw it in Latin America where elected leaders were routinely toppled or assassinated.  In Africa we remembered how Nkrumah lost power. In Nigeria we witnessed how Murtala Muhammed, for declaring that Africa had come of age and should be allowed to take their destinies in their own hands, was brutally assassinated by Dimka. We saw how Buhari, for rejecting IMF loan and its ‘conditionalities’ which included the liberalization of our economy to allow free inflow of labour from western societies, was replaced by Babangida. We were recently told by Museveni of Uganda how six African Heads of state inside an aircraft going to mediate between Gadhafi and the West that was in breach of UN resolutions later bombed Libya where Gadhafi was killed like a criminal, were ordered by NATO to return to their states.

President Tinubu in his new role must learn how to walk the tight rope. The crusade must be about ridding Africa of its own demons including corrupt civilians autocrats. Coup planners are often aided by the West while those who do not have their backings have been likened by Professor Akinyemi to someone riding in the back of a tiger.

The West has never seen Africa beyond object of exploitation, From August 8, 1444 when Portugal through Lancarote de Feitas landed the first group of 235 slaves seized from modern day northern Mauritania in Lagos, Lisbon, the British and French and other European powers until 1870, about 426 years later exported slaves from the Gold Coast, Badagry and other parts of West Africa.

As colonized nations, African countries were repeatedly raped by the metropolitan power in order to resolve social conflicts and dislocations in the metropolitan states. At independence in 1960 after centuries of Belgium’s brutal reign, Congo had only about five graduates and about 600 Roman Catholic priests. Lumumba the elected Prime Minister later murdered by Belgian troops had only six years of schooling  while Mobutu, his successor who aided the West’s exploitation of Congo for another 30 years enlisted in the Congo Army as a cook.

While 80% of Nigeriens have no access to electricity, one third of electricity in France is said to come from Nigerien uranium. For this reason, many have argued that American and French military bases in Niger were to aid continued exploitation just as many others have also pointed out that ISIS and Al-Qaeda terrorists, purportedly being fought, were unleashed on the Sahel Region following the invasion of Iraq and Libya by the West in breach of international law.

Under neo-colonialism, which Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah said was the last stage of imperialism, African nations were further short-changed as they had no one to turn to for redress since the multinationals who inherited the new post-colonial states were driven only by profit motives. With globalization, African youths because of hostile environment created by IMF and World Bank are dying in the desert and drowning in the Atlantic Ocean to return to second slavery in Europe. From slavery to globalization therefore, what we have is but a change in paradigm. Nothing has changed.

 This is why President Tinubu’s crusade must  be about the above enduring African challenges and not about democracy, the new god which  different nations including  China, Russia and even some military juntas today claim to worship.

Former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and spokesperson for the ninth Senate, Senator Ajibola Basiru, were on Thursday officially ratified to replace the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Abdullahi Adamu and former National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore.

The decision was taken barely an hour after President Bola Tinubu arrived at the Transcorp Hilton, venue of the NEC meeting, on Thursday.

The President arrived at the Congress Hall of the hotel surrounded by stern-looking security operatives suspected to be officers of the Department of State Services at about 11.35am.

Following the announcement of their appointments, supporters of Ganduje and Basiru broke into jubilation that almost disrupt the programme temporarily.

Among the dignitaries that arrived early for the NEC meeting were Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello; former governor of Osun State and pioneer chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; acting National Chairman of the party, Senator Abubakar Kyari; former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and Spokesperson for the ninth Senate, Senator Ajibola Basiru.

Aisha Falode, the Chairperson of the Nigerian Women’s Football League, has said that FIFA will still pay the 2023 Women’s World Cup prize money through the country’s federation.

FIFA secretary-general, Fatma Samoura following the qualification of Super Falcons to the second round of the Mundial, reportedly said the world’s football governing body would send unpaid allowance to the country’s women’s football team to the players directly.

FIFA had announced that every player participating in the World Cup group stage will earn $30,000.

The match bonuses will increase to $60,000 in the second round of the competition.

By this virtue, each player of the Nigerian team is expected to earn at least $60,000 for reaching the round of 16 in Australia and New Zealand.

Falode, while making the clarification during a chat with Lagos Talks FM on Wednesday, said that the World Cup prize money will be “ring-fenced” to ensure it gets to the players without interference from a third party.

She noted that Falcons’ prize money from the ongoing World Cup will still be routed through the NFF.

She said, “FIFA did not say it would pay the players directly. It says working through the member association – working through your federations, we will pay you this money through the federations,” the NWFL chair said.

“FIFA will pay the federations the money, and the federation pays the players with the instruction. Everybody knows it is there in black and white.”

Nigeria will battle England in a second-round contest on Monday.

National Legal Adviser of All Progressives Congress, Ahmed El-Marzuq, has resigned from his position in the ruling party’s National Working Committee.

El-Marzuq, believed to an ally of former National Chairman of APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, reportedly threw in the towel on Wednesday.

Sources at the national headquarters of the party in Abuja confirmed that the legal icon has been under some form of pressure following the exit of Adamu.

The erstwhile national legal adviser was in the news three months ago when he recommended the expulsion of former National Vice Chairman for Northwest, Mallam Salihu Lukman, over his decision to take the party and his leadership to court.

El-Marzuq’s suggestion was contained in a leaked ‘legal opinion’ written to Adamu dated 28th April, 2023.

His resignation was the fourth after the exit of Adamu, Lukman and the immediate past National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

Efforts to get the reaction of the National Publicity Secretary of APC, Felix Morka, were unsuccessful.

Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, Nze Chidi Duru, however confirmed the report.

Following a series of calls to him and a number of other NWC members to authenticate the report, Duru replied via text message to confirm El-Marzuq’s departure.

“Yes,” he said but declined to comment further.

A chieftain of the Labour Party, LP, Kenneth Okonkwo, has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for nominating 47 persons for ministerial appointments.

Okonkwo wondered why the administration considered setting up what he described as ‘the most bloated bureaucracy in the world’ when according to him, the nation is heading towards being the poorest country in the world.

The Nollywood veteran actor’s assertion was contained in a post via his Twitter handle on Thursday.

He claimed that the constitution allows only 37 ministers and not 47.

“What a regime? We are heading towards being the poorest country in the world, and this regime is considering setting up the most bloated bureaucracy in the world, which will lead to the highest cost of governance in the world. 47 Ministers when the government is only compelled to have 37.

“The money to be used to pay them will eventually be extorted from Nigerians through inordinate taxing and over-pricing of essential commodities and borrowing from outside sources because APC regimes produce nothing. I pity Nigerians under this clueless regime,” he tweeted.