Admin
[OPINION] Our Wives, Their Mothers-In-Law: A No Love Lost State Of Affairs - Isaac Asabor
In many cultures, marriage is seen as the union of not just two individuals, but two families. It is a joyous occasion, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the bride and groom. However, beneath the surface of this celebratory union often lies a tension-filled relationship between wives and their mothers-in-law. This "no love lost" situation is a tale as old as time, and yet, it continues to manifest in modern marriages with remarkable consistency.
The question of why this tension exists is complex and multi-faceted, rooted in tradition, expectations, and the deep-seated emotions that come with the transition of roles within a family. Mothers, who have spent years nurturing their sons, often find it difficult to adjust to the new dynamic where another woman becomes the primary focus of their son’s affection. Wives, on the other hand, may struggle with the perceived intrusion of a mother-in-law into their new household, leading to feelings of resentment and defensiveness.
This struggle for influence and control can manifest in various ways, from subtle disagreements to outright confrontations. The recent incident at Lagos Airport, where a wife tore her husband’s passport, allegedly over her husband’s seeming extreme care and obsession for his mother (her mother-in-law), as implied in a video she did to explain what made her tore her husband’s passport at the airport, of all places, is a stark reminder of how volatile these relationships can become. The anger and frustration that led to such an act reveal the deep emotional turmoil that can arise when these familial tensions are left unresolved.
In many cases, the source of conflict lies in the expectations that mothers-in-law have for their sons' wives. They may expect their sons to be cared for in a certain way, to uphold traditions, or to maintain the same standards they were accustomed to in their family home. When these expectations are not met, it can lead to criticism, passive-aggressive behavior, or even outright hostility. For wives, the constant scrutiny and comparison can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of inadequacy and resentment.
Conversely, wives may feel that their mothers-in-law are overstepping their boundaries, trying to exert control over their household and their marriage. The struggle for dominance in the household, coupled with the natural desire to establish one’s own identity and rules in the marriage, often leads to friction. The competition for the son’s attention and loyalty can exacerbate these issues, creating an atmosphere of rivalry rather than harmony.
Against the foregoing backdrop, it is germane to opine that not a few husbands can afford to ignore the influence of societal expectations on this dynamic. This is as in many cultures, the relationship between a wife and her mother-in-law is often framed in negative terms, perpetuating a narrative of inevitable conflict. This cultural conditioning can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, where both parties enter the relationship with preconceived notions of animosity, making it difficult to foster a healthy and supportive bond.
So, what can be done to improve the relationship between wives and their mothers-in-law? The answer lies in mutual respect and open communication. Both parties must acknowledge the need to respect each other’s roles and boundaries. Mothers-in-law need to understand that their sons are now part of a new family unit, with their own rules and dynamics, while wives must appreciate the deep bond that exists between a mother and her son.
It is also important for husbands to play a proactive role in mediating and fostering a positive relationship between their wives and mothers. By setting clear boundaries and ensuring that both women feel valued and respected, they can help to mitigate conflicts before they escalate.
In the end, the goal should be to build a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding, where both the wife and mother-in-law feel secure in their roles. It is not an easy task, given the deep-rooted emotions and expectations involved, but with patience and effort, it is possible to transform the "no love lost" situation into one of harmony and support.
After all, the bond between a mother and her child is irreplaceable, just as the bond between a husband and wife is sacred. Finding a way to honor both relationships, while maintaining peace and respect within the family, is the key to ensuring that this age-old conflict does not overshadow the happiness that marriage should bring.
In fact, mediating between wives and mothers can be challenging, but it is crucial for maintaining family harmony. At this juncture, it is expedient to highlight some strategies for husbands to navigate this delicate balance.
Given the foregoing view, it is incumbent for husbands to always encourage both their wives and mothers to express their feelings and concerns openly, and create a safe space where they can share without judgment. This is as the husband should actively listen to both sides and validate their emotions.
Again, husbands should clearly define boundaries for everyone involved, and discuss expectations regarding visits, involvement in decision-making, and personal space, In fact, a husband who is caught in the netting of disagreement between his wife and mother should always make sure that both his wife and mother understand these limits and respect them.
Also, he should arrange neutral settings for interactions, and avoid situations where one feels like a guest in the other’s territory. In fact, family gatherings or outings can provide a more relaxed environment for bonding.
In a similar vein, he should remind both parties that he loves them and that he wants happiness from them. Not to be forgotten in this context is that he should be empathetic enough by highlighting shared goals.
Most importantly, the husband should avoid taking sides. As the mediator, he should avoid favoritism, and acknowledge each woman’s perspective without taking sides, even as he should always be diplomatic and fair in his responses.
The husband, in this context, should always remember that patience and understanding are key considering the fact that arbitration is not about solving every issue instantly; it is about nurturing mutual respect and finding common ground.
Given the foregoing state of affairs in the tapestry of matrimony, it is not an exaggeration to conclusively opine in this context that there is no love lost between wives and their mothers-in-law.
Do Not Mistake Our Peaceful Attitude For Weakness – FG Sends Warning To Political Thugs Ahead Of Edo State Gubernatorial
The Federal Government has warned those planning to unleash havoc in next month’s governorship election in Edo State to perish the thought.
The government stated that it is ready to deploy the full weight of the law in dealing with such elements.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja at the third regular quarterly consultative meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security ICCES hosted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ribadu warned that President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to peace must not be taken for granted.
He said, “Any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the polls would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of our democratic values.
“We want to reassure you, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful election is unwavering.
“Those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness. We will defend the integrity of the polls using every lawful means at our disposal, and anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections will face the full force of the law. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls.
“To the voters in Edo State, you are encouraged to vote confidently, knowing that the government is standing with you and is determined to protect your voice. Your role in promptly reporting any suspicious activities or threats to the authorities is crucial. Together, our vigilance and unity will prevent any attempts to undermine the polls.
“To our security forces and election officials, your dedication and integrity are crucial. As the guardians of our democracy, you must ensure that every ballot is protected, every voter feels safe, and the sanctity of the election is upheld.
“Let’s move forward knowing that together we are stronger and that we will protect the peaceful conduct of the Edo State governorship election on September 21st, 2024.”
[NaijaNews]
Actress Omoni Oboli Becomes Grandmother As Son Welcomes First Child With Wife
Tobe Oboli, the 22-year-old son of renowned Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli, has welcomed his first child with his wife, Marelle Bergsma, just five months after their wedding.
The exciting news was shared by Omoni Oboli on Monday via her instagram page.
In a heartfelt post, the filmmaker expressed her joy and gratitude, sharing a video from Marelle’s baby shower and celebrating the arrival of the newborn, whom she called the “perfect gift from God.”
“Our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy. We never knew we could love a tiny human this much,” Omoni wrote. “Our baby Naya is here, and she’s the perfect gift from God. Our hearts are filled with so much love. Naya, mummy, daddy, grandparents, and uncles are all doing amazing. THANK YOU LORD.”
The actress also confirmed that both mother and baby were healthy, and the entire family was overjoyed by the new addition. The post has since been greeted with congratulatory messages from fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry, all sending their best wishes to the Oboli family.
Tobe, who is the eldest of Omoni Oboli’s three sons, was born in 2001. He got engaged to Marelle in January 2024, and the couple tied the knot in a simple ceremony held in Canada in March.
[Leadership]
10 key things to know about the Counter Subversion Bill
On Tuesday, a document titled the Counter Subversion Bill 2024 sparked widespread controversy on social media.
Sponsored by speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the bill has already passed its first reading.
The bill proposes severe penalties for Nigerians who fail to recite the newly approved national anthem or insult politicians and community leaders.
Major provisions of the bill include:
1. Penalty for national anthem violations: Failure to recite the national anthem or pledge could result in a fine of up to N5 million, a prison sentence of five to ten years, or both.
2. Destruction of national symbols: Anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols or defacing a place of worship with intent to incite violence will face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
3. Unauthorised activities: Setting up illegal roadblocks, performing unauthorised traffic duties, imposing illegal curfews, or organising unlawful processions could lead to a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both.
4. Insulting leadership: Insulting, defaming, or bringing disrepute to community, religious, or government leaders carries a fine of N4 million or a two-year prison sentence.
5. Threatening national security: Engaging in activities that foster mistrust, intolerance, or violence threatening Nigeria’s peace and security could result in a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison term, or both.
6. Illegal occupation of public or private spaces: Forcefully taking over places like worship centres, schools, or public arenas can lead to a fine of N5 million or up to 10 years in prison.
7. Disregarding Nigerian sovereignty: Pledging loyalty to or supporting organisations disregarding Nigeria’s sovereignty could result in a fine of N3 million or a four-year prison sentence.
8. Foreign interference: Receiving financial or political support from foreign entities that conflict with Nigeria’s interests could lead to a fine of N15 million or a 20-year prison term.
9. Undermining national security: Any activities that disrupt community harmony, disturb peaceful coexistence, or undermine national security could result in a fine of N3 million, five years in prison, or both.
10. Disobedience to authority: Persistently disobeying or disrespecting constituted authority could lead to a three-year prison sentence on the first offence and seven years for subsequent offences, or a fine of N5 million.
In response to public outcry, Abbas defended the bill, stating that its primary aim is to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework by addressing subversive activities, similar to laws in countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, and Canada.
He emphasised that the House of Representatives, as the “People’s House,” encourages robust public engagement and welcomes input from Nigerians to shape the outcome of the legislation.
[Businessday]
Protesters Who Invaded Kano Court Carted Away Ganduje’s Corruption Trial Documents – Gov’t
The Kano State government has said those who invaded the State High Court during the nationwide protest carted away some of the documents used in the corruption trial of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Daily Trust reports that Kano government had dragged Ganduje, his wife, Hafsat, Umar, his Son, Umar Abdullahi, and five others to the court over 8 charges bothering on misappropriation, and diversion of funds during his eight-year tenure as governor.
The court is among the properties vandalised and looted by hoodlums during the #EndBadGovernance protest.
On Wednesday, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf visited the court to assess the damages.
The governor was conducted round the court premises by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Haruna Isah Dederi, Chief Registrar of the High Court, Alhaji Abdullahi Ado Bayero, and some judges.
According to the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Yusuf described the vandalization as a staged-managed mission in which hired miscreants carted away corruption charges documents of Ganduje who is facing multiple charges before the court.
“It is very unfortunate that enemies of Kano State hired undesirable elements to vandalized one of the historic public buildings with a mission of averting corruption charges against the Ag. National Chairman of APC and former governor of the state Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his family and aides,” Tofa said in a statement.
The statement added that the miscreants destroyed virtually all units of the High Court including the office of the state Chief Judge with loss accruing to more than N1 billion through stealing of office equipment, destroying offices, burning cars and other relevant materials crucial to the dispensation of justice.
Yusuf called on youth in the state to desist from being used by detractors to engage in violence.
He advised them to rather concentrate on skill acquisitions for better future, emphasizing that government would not relent in securing the lives and property of people of Kano.
He commiserated with the Chief Judge, Dije Abdu Aboki and the entire Judiciary family for the ugly incident, urging them to brace up to cover what was lost in the courts proceedings for the benefit of the common man.
He also commended people of the state for their support and cooperation to present administration, and prayed for sustenance of the tempo for peace, stability, and prosperity, and economic development.
[DailyTrust]
Tribunal sacks Enugu Rep member, declares LP candidate winner
The House of Representatives tribunal has sacked the member representing Igboeze North/Udenu federal constituency, Simon Atigwe.
The tribunal also declared Dennis Nnamdi Agbo of the Labour Party, LP, the actual winner of the Igbo Eze North/ Udenu Federal constituency rerun election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Atigwe of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the winner of the re-run election held on February 3rd, 2024.
INEC announced that the PDP’s candidate polled 23863 votes to defeat Agbo who secured 23226 votes.
Agbo who had earlier won the February 25th, 2023 election but was sacked by the appellate court proceeded to the tribunal to challenge Atigwe’s declaration.
His lawyers argued that the rerun election was marred by wrong computation of results and substantial non-compliance to the electoral act among others.
In their ruling on Wednesday, 14th August, the Tribunal headed by Justice H N Kunaza said that the petition had merit and declared Dennis Nnamdi Agbo the actual winner of Igbo Eze North/ Udenu Federal constituency.
Justice Kunaza’s panel declared invalid, null and void the 2000 votes added to the PDP candidate and restored the votes of 25th February 2023 of 14229 for the PDP and 28870 for the LP candidate Rt. Hon Dennis Agbo.
It also held that Atigwe was not duly elected by the valid votes cast as the petitioner won with 23,221 and PDP 21,863 votes and as such, the certificate of return issued to Atigwe should be withdrawn and issued to Agbo.
[DailyPost]
Gruesome murder of former EKSU deputy VC tragic, disturbing — EEI
The Empower Ekiti Initiative (EEI) has expressed shock over the tragic murder of the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof. Olaofe.
The initiative extolled the late Don who was kidnapped and later murdered for dedicating his life to education and public service.
It lamented that his untimely death represents a grave loss to our academic community and society at large.
The statement said: “In recent months, Ekiti State has been plagued by escalating insecurity and a disturbing loss of lives. The brutal nature of Prof. Olaofe’s kidnapping and murder is a stark reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective approach to addressing these growing security challenges.
“We vehemently condemn this abhorrent act of violence and extend our heartfelt condolences to Prof. Olaofe’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those who were touched by his remarkable contributions. His legacy of scholarly excellence and commitment to societal advancement will forever be remembered and honoured.
“In response to this tragic event, we make the following urgent recommendations to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the State Government to address the escalating violence and enhance public safety: Strengthening Law Enforcement: Allocate additional resources and support to law enforcement agencies to bolster their effectiveness and ensure a rapid and robust response to criminal activities, including kidnapping and murder.
“Enhancing Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering: Invest in state-of-the-art surveillance technologies and intelligence systems to better monitor and prevent potential threats, ensuring timely intervention in cases of violence and abductions.
“Promoting Community Policing and Engagement: Develop and implement community policing strategies that encourage collaboration between law enforcement and local communities, fostering trust and cooperation in the fight against crime.
“Ensuring Accountability and Justice: Commit to a transparent and rigorous investigation into Prof. Olaofe’s kidnapping and murder, ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice and that the rule of law is upheld.
“Supporting Victims and Families: Provide comprehensive support services for the families affected by violent crimes, including counselling, legal assistance, and protection measures.
“Implementing Preventive Measures: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on crime prevention and the importance of reporting suspicious activities, fostering a culture of vigilance and community responsibility.
“Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration: Facilitate better coordination and information sharing among various security agencies to enhance overall effectiveness and efficiency in addressing security challenges, particularly those involving kidnappings and violent crimes.
“The safety and well-being of our citizens are of paramount importance, and Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the State Government must take immediate and decisive action to address the root causes of violence and ensure a secure environment for all.
“We call upon all stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and the public, to unite in this critical effort to restore peace and security in Ekiti State.”
Speaker bows to pressure, withdraws controversial counter subversion bill
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislations following widespread public concern.
The decision, announced in a press statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Krishi, on Wednesday was said to have come after extensive consultations with various stakeholders and a careful assessment of the nation’s current circumstances.
The Counter Subversion Bill, which was introduced on July 23, 2024, sparked public debate and raised concerns about its potential impact on civil liberties.
The statement read, “In response to the voices and concerns of the people, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation.
“His decision to withdraw the bill reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House of Representatives remains a true representation of the people’s will.”
Krishi noted that the withdrawal of the bill underscores Tajudeen’s pledge to never support any legislation that could potentially disrupt the peace and unity of the nation.
“Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, a champion of the people’s interests, has always prioritised listening to the citizens and fostering unity. His decision reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the People’s House.
“He acknowledges the significance of the concerns raised and the attention the Bill has garnered, reaffirming that he will never support any action that might disrupt the peace and unity of our nation.
“The public is hereby notified of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and other related ones introduced on July 23, 2024,” he added.
The Counter Subversion Bill 2024 went viral on social media on Tuesday after it scaled through the first reading and proceeded to the second, where its general principles would be debated on July 23.
It aims to impose stringent penalties on Nigerians who fail to recite the newly approved national anthem or abuse politicians or community leaders.
According to the bill, anyone found guilty shall be fined up to N5 million and would face five to 10 years prison sentence or both.
[Punch]
Didi Walson-Jack assures reinvigoration of civil service
The newly sworn-in Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF), Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has promised to build and improve on the foundation laid by her predecessor, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan.
She made this known on her assumption of duty, where she was received by Permanent Secretaries along with Directors and Staff on Wednesday 14, 2024 in Abuja.
“I will work assiduously to escalate ongoing reform initiatives in the Service, deliver on the Mandates of the Office, in sync with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present Administration”, she vowed.
She thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment and expressed her commitment to maximizing the use of technology to drive transformation in the Service.
“I intend to maximize the usage of technology in driving transformation in the Service, it is uncompromisable,” she said.
Mrs. Walson-Jack also urged staff to be more proactive in their service delivery, saying
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, Mr. Raymond Omachi, assured the HoSF of staff commitment to duty and absolute loyalty to the system.
The HoSF was received by Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and Staff on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, in Abuja
[Vanguard]
[OPINION] From Olympics to telecoms, the world brooks no tardiness - Okoh Aihe
The 2024 Paris Olympics Games ended on Sunday in a blaze of glory. The French gave their elevated understanding of beauty and creativity while Hollywood gave a little snippet of what awaits the world in Los Angeles in four years’ time.
The Olympics wasn’t just about games, it was about doggedness and discipline, it was about the capacity of humanity to push the body beyond human elasticity and achieve results beyond the attainment of ordinary humans, it was about people who wanted to put their names in the stars and affect human memory ever after.
Nigerians are aghast that no athlete from the Nigerian team made it to the podium, after N12bn spent on just over 80 of them, belatedly. Some Nigerians did though, they came with the rest of the world where their talents were oiled for success. It would have been a major testimony if we won a medal, just any medal. The journey of failure remains the superstructure of our daily existence, especially at the level of governance.
All the while, watching the Nigerian contingent in Paris reminded me of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, not because of the sprint master, Usain Bolt or the American swimmer that enjoys water more than fish, Michael Phelps, but because of a peculiar Nigerian story which ace sports journalist, Onochie Anibeze, we fondly call coach, shared with us.
According to the story, it was time for Nigeria to do a particular race and organisers were calling former Nigerian sprinter, Innocent Egbunike, to come and prepare his team. Unfortunately, Egbunike came with the American contingent, not Nigeria’s and therefore would not be able to do anything for Nigeria at the time. We just needed somebody to organise them, the organisers informed, because they will get on the field and won’t have their things properly put together, their jerseys may not be of the same colour. Several Olympics later – London, Rio, Tokyo and now Paris, Nigeria has hit the nadir of sports failure. We hardly disappoint the world.
Not only that, there is something about Nigeria which gives the impression that the world must wait for us to get up and get going. And because the world has no room for tardiness, even very small countries like Saint Lucia with a population of 186, 856 and Botswana, a population of 2, 719, 694, have sprinted ahead of the self-acclaimed giant of Africa that used to dominate in sprint, boxing, weightlifting and football. Nigeria’s population is presently guesstimated at 232, 679, 478. Yes. In everything, we guess. In everything, we joke.
Thank God for D’Tigress and Coach Rena Wakama, the country’s memory at the Olympics would nearly have been obliterated!
Paris only provided a global screen for the world to look at our tardiness as a nation. There are things happening in order sectors, that viewed collectively, will nearly run us to the conclusion that this country ain’t going anywhere yet.
At the same time that the Olympics was in full swing in Paris, some Nigerian officials were meeting with representatives of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in Abuja. That meeting would have gone unnoticed but for some very little news that filtered out of the meeting location at Mbora in the Federal Capital Territory.
While Nigeria was previously seen as a gold fish in providing regulatory standards for the global community, a new study by the ITU which was presented at the meeting, points to the contrary, requesting the Nigerian government to provide clarity in whom the international community and businesses should deal with because of regulatory overlaps of agencies that seem to be functioning in the same sector.
Some of the agencies identified in the document include but not limted to: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), National Identity Card Management Commission (NIMC) and National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).
The study, Collaborative regulation: Accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation, was to help Nigeria prepare for the next phase of growth in the fast expanding digital ecosystem. All of a sudden, a country that used to receive high level invitations to speak at international conferences concerning the exponential growth of its telecommunications industry, has come under the radar, needing help, obviously.
“For over twenty years, ITU and our partners in the wilder global regulatory community have made enormous progress in analysing, mapping and understanding the evolving role that regulation plays in society and in economies. Through this effort, we now have a clear-eyed view of the path ahead for all countries, no matter where they are, in their journey towards fifth generation collaborative digital regulation, or G5, that has emerged as the gold standard for regulators and policy makers seeking to promote an enabling environment for digital transformation. The G5 framework marks a shift of scope beyond a narrow consideration of telecommunications/ICT to a far broader one of each country’s readiness to exploit a fully enabled digital economy and society,” said Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director, Telecommunications Bureau (BDG), International Telecommunications Union (ITU), as he explained some of the activities of his organisation.
The study points out some level of unwieldiness and contradictions in the entire ecosystem that need to be addressed urgently if Nigeria is to rise beyond the level of old glory to attain new heights.
The study also observes that “there is currently a proposed NITDA Amendment Bill (2022), which is expected to repeal the 2007 Act. An overriding objective of the NITDA Amendment Bill is “to create an effective, impartial, an independent regulatory framework for the development of the Nigerian information technology sector and support the develoment of the digital economy” including through promoting access, research, consumer protection, and innovation, amongst others.
In proposing a clear approach towards G5 regulation, the study suggests that “the institutional frameworks should support role clarity, policy coherence, and lean governance. While responsibility for digital transformation at the federal level is shared between the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy agencies (such as NCC, NBC and NITDA), there are a large number of other government agencies that impact digital transformation and e-government implementation, which leads to issues of responsibility overlaps and ineffective coordination. In instances where there are overlaps, gaps or lack of clarity, as in the case of NCC and NITDA, there is a need to clarify uncertainty, take steps to reduce forum shopping, and address ineffective policy implementation,” the document stated.
Interestingly, the study predates the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2024, introduced by current minister of the Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani. The Bill is described as an Act to enable the growth of Digital Economy and digital governance in Nigeria.
Under the APC administration, two Bills have been introduced into the digital ecosystem, the NITDA Amendent Act 2022 by Isah Pantami and the recent one by his successor. They must have their reason that concentrates efforts on Bill making to harvest the fortunes of what seems a ready made industry. That is what they call low hanging fruits.
Beyond the superficial good intentions are the subterranean plans that polarise the agencies and industry and make them easy targets for a ministry and supervising ministers whose intentions are difficult to justify. The Bills seek to whittle down the regulatory powers of existing agencies and subordinate them to the whims of new laws being dressed up at the National Assembly. Bosun’s National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, actually suggests that only the Nigerian constitution will take precedence over the Bill when passed. Were the National Assembly to go beyond superficiality, they will throw the Bills away, or at best, hammer them into shapes that will enable them function justifiably in their respective fields.
Without doubt there is growing confusion in a sector that was examplary in the past. The ITU which promoted Nigeria as a model of good regulatory jurisdiction, has, in the study, asked the Nigerian government to make intervention that can restore the industry back to its glory days and position it for the digital opportunities ahead.