Features
Nigeria At 50: Success And Failure
Nigeria achieved political independence from Colonial rule on October 1, 1960, eac:h of the three dominant political parties in the country then was in control of one of the three regions that made up the federation.
The Northern Peoples’ Congress was the ruling party in Northern Nigeria, the National Connial Nigerian Citizens (NCNC) was-the ruling party in the East, and the Action Group (AG) controlled government businesses in the West.
In fact, it was crucial for a proper appreciation of the politics of that period to actually note that each of the parties controlled the region of origin of its national leaders.
However, Sir, Ahmadu Bello, the NPC national leader and the Sar’duana of Sokoto was the premier of Northern Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the NCNC leader was until the December 1959 federal elections, the premier of Eastern Nigeria, while Chief Obafemi Awololo of AG led the officially recognised opposition in the federal parliament, (after math of NPC, NCNC plotion sequel to the 1959 election), he too had been premier of Western Nigeria before both Awolowo and Azikiwe resigned their office of premier in their bid for that of the federal prime minister.
The feature of politics worldwide after the collapse of first republic which hailed credible opposition, started new alternative party for second Republic, where Mallam Aminu Kano of the Northern Redemption party, the AG reemerged as UPN (Unity party of Nigeria), the NCNC simply re-christened NPP, the old NPC metamorphosed as NPN (National Party of Nigeria). That was how regional political sentiments began in Nigerian political battle field.
In fact, fifty years after attaining independence, corruption in Nigeria has indeed reached a massive proportion. Imagine, at the dawn of January 15, 1966, barely five years after Independence, Nigerians woke-up to a strange sound of martial music, which marked the beginning of the long military rule in the country.
In deed, the mission of the junta then was the destruction and elimination of the corrupt apparatus through which the first Republic Politicians sought to perpetuate themselves in power. In his address to the nation, the leader of the “revolutionary coup” Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, a major, vowed to deal decisively with the political profiteers, the soldiers, the men in the high and low places that seek bribes and demand 10% , those that have corrupted our society.
How, the objectives and promises remain a dream, since the military institution ‘s constitutional duty was not for governance but protection of lives and properties. Besides, Aguiyi Ironsi, late military head of state, who was toppled the same year, paving way for Yakubu Gowon.
In fact, Gowon’s government went through 30 months of gruesome civil war with Biafra. Nigeria emerged from the war more conscious of becoming a great nation, which with the emergence of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan come 2011 as the most aspiring educated leader in Nigeria, he will actualise the Nigerian dream of 20-20-20 vision.
It is on record that Nigeria and Nigerians have suffered on corrupt practices occasioned by bad administration in the hands of military leaders.
Perhaps’, the general malaise, indecision, indiscipline, corruption and economic waste that characterized Gowon’s post-civil war regime made Murtala Muhamed’s take over a welcome change.
Muhammed took the country through a dramatic and breathtaking pace of events. He purged the civil service and retired all the military governors and other top ranking officers involved in corruption. Unfortunately, he was assassinated on February 13, 1976 in an abortive coup led by Bukzuka Dimka, lieutenant colonel.
This brought Olusegun Obasanjo, general to power, albeit hesitantly. So on October 1, 1979, after general elections, the military handed over power to the civilian government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
Even though the Shagari administration launched an Ethical Revolution and went ahead to create a ministry of national Guidance, corruption assumed the status of a national monument.
In deed, politicians then, introduced some aspects of the corrupt apparatus for political control which led to the first military coup d’etat in first republic.
Consequently, on December 31, 1983, the military struck again in an attempt to avert a complete breakdown of law and order in the country as a result of continuing tension and massive corruption.
In fact, Muhamed Buhari, major general, took over the mantle of leadership. The regime accused the civilian- government of mismanagement of the nation’s economy, profligacy, corruption, indiscipline and the proliferation of public appointment in complete disregard to the nation’s economic realities.
Although, little progress was made in various directions, most of the problems proved in tractable and even defied the draconian decrees of the despotic government, that regime was cut short by almighty Ibrahim Babangida, a general, and military president, which his administration was characterized by high level of assassinations, corruptions, annulment of June 12 election and absent of social infrastructures nationwide. Babangida’s administration nevertheless recorded indiscipline in the history of the nation.
For Nigerian to be among the fast growing nation, there must be structural change, because the June 12, 1983, that Killjoy cycle that has been the burden of Nigerian’s social life since 1960 re-enacted its hold. The Abiku-child has died again.
A presidential election. Considered the freest and fairest in Nigerian’s history was annulled, shredding the soul of the nation, plunging her into another long military-induced nightmare from which the people did not recover until May 29, 1999.
Right now, the unfulfilled dreams of the Nigerian nation will be certainly fulfilled with the emergency of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan after 2011 general elections.
Going by investigations and analytical reports, military leaders especially, Ibrahim Babangida and Late general Sani Abacha left the oil-rich nation in deep financial ruin. Nigerians were appalled when it was revealed that they amassed stupendous wealth for themselves, their families and relations.
Besides, the class struggle for wealth as well as the glorification and deification of materialism has become the rule rather than the exception. In deed, no amount of draconian legislation or judiciary measures, divorced from the fundamental restructuring of the material base of the society, can eliminate or eradicate corruption in Nigeria. Corruption is indeed a wasting disease like cancer even if its beneficiaries regard it as mother’s milk.
Against this backdrop, there are comments of the active players mostly Northern leaders in Nigeria’s political scene since independence.
According to Sir Abubakar Tafawa Belewa (1959-1966), I have a really difficult job-trying to bring Nigeria into one, our fear is not that we shall
fail, our fear is that we might disappoint millions of fellow country men who have confided to us the task of managing their affairs.
In his own comment, Maj. Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi ( January 1966-July 1966) coined that, the Nigeria armed forces have been invited to form an interim military government for the purpose of maintaining law and order, but military leaders have completely failed Nigerians.
General Yakubu Gowon (July 1966-July 29, 1975) maintained that we consider it our responsibility to lay the foundation. of a self-sustaining political system which can stand the test of time in such a manner that each national political crises does not become a threat to the nation’s continued existence as a single entity and which will ensure an orderly transition from one government to another.
According to general Murtala Ramat Muhammed (July 1975-February 12, 1976), Nigeria has been left to drift, if this situation is not arrested, would inevitably result in chans and even bloodsh.
While, General Olusegun Obasanjo (February 1976-october 1, 1979), said that the brigand nature of political and state administration in Nigeria since 1948 has successfully reduced politics and administration to intra-elite squabbles and manipulation. The total devotion to this macabre politics has uninvitingly turned Nigeria into an odd paradox in several respects.
Alhaji Shehu Shagari (October 1, 1979-December 31, 1983) posited that, there is need for a dedicated leadership and citizenry imbued with faith to cultivate a wide spread national filling for “one Nigeria”
That Nigeria went through a period of unrest and political turmoil which threatened the corporate existence of our nation. It should be noted, however, that in the process of nation-building, these experiences are not uncommon. That many countries which are great today had similar experiences.
Major-general Muhamed Buhari (December 31, 1983-August 27. 1985) had this to say, we have dutifully intervened to save this nation from imminent collapse. This generation of Nigerians and indeed future generations have no other country than Nigeria. We shall remain here and salvage it together.
In his own statement, general Ibrahim Badamusi Babangida (August 27, 1985-August 26, 1993), said that Nigeria had since independence, a history mixed with turbulence and fortune. We also have witnessed our rise to greatness followed with a decline to the state of be wildered nation. Our human potentials have been neglected, our natural resources put to waste. A phenomenon of constant insecurity and overbearing uncertainty has become characteristics of our national existence. Remember the N 12.4 boil wind fall, the death of Dele Giwa, Kudurat Abiola and June 12, 1993 annulment remains a history for Nigerians.
Chief Ernest Shonekan (August 28, 1993-November 17,1993), reiterated that Nigeria was widely regarded as the natural leader of Africa, and we Nigerians had no qualms at portraying ourselves as such. Fifty years later, we mus-t admit that the dreams, hopes and aspirations raised have not been fully realized. Ours has been a history of one political crises after another, of economic opportunities lost.
In his own coment, general Sani Abacha (November 17, 1993-1998) described Nigeria as like a vehicle which has seen reduced to a cannibalised contraption. It is a vehicle heavily buffeted by the elements and badly battered by the military juntas.
The first president of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Ojiaku, 1981: 191), coined that let it not be said of us that we struggle all these years to win independence for our people, and when we had the chance to build a heaven on earth for them, we made a colossal mess of our country because, in our selfish materialism, we allowed our private prejudices and partial affections to distort our interest to our mother- land.
Let it again be said of us that when we obtained power, we regarded it as an end in itself and not as a means to bring peace, happiness and contentment to our people.
Perhaps, for fifty years of Nigeria’s independence, the North has controlled the affairs of this nation for forty-two years, while West had eight years of the – business of state. But Niger Delta Region has not being allowed to, irrespective of the presence of crude oil that sustain the national growth and economic vibrancy. This time is the turn of the region, under Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as the emerging president of Nigeria come 2010.
Agomuo resides in Port Harcourt.
Godspower Ibe Agomuo
From the fore going, the fight against drug trafficking should be treated as an international challenge with open collaboration, if the world leadership must win the fight!.
The circumstances or should I say the improvement on drug related activities are modifying and updating on daily basis. A close friend of mine in the United States of America who recently visited Jamaica, came with a lot of complicated information about drug trafficking and transaction. Being a qualified Nurse in US and on a visit to the Reggae Country (Jamaica), she said she was put aback when a man approached her and introduced himself as a Pharmacist. According to her, she immediately picked interest due to her professional background. To her, a business partner is birthed. But she was shocked to the narrows on learning that drug dealers or traffickers and subriquited Pharmacist in that Country. From her account, they ( The Jamaican Pharmacists), are the first set to people to meet and greet you at the Airport. No government or authority challenges them in the open due to the sophisticated nature of their transportation
Come to think of it, who would want to attack a Pharmacist on duty? Nigerians are not left out in the improvement on drug deal. A chat with a confident in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) Rivers State Command, so revealed. The Officer draw my attention to the movement of Dispatch Riders. He said part of the reasons they ride with almost speed equivalent of the thunder lightning, is to meet up with the appointment of delivering hard drug consignment to a client of theirs. According to him, those guys popularly referred to as Yahoo Boys are the ones who now payroll dispatch riders so that they can deliver their consignment ( hard drugs) on schedule no matter the sort of traffic or weather condition. The fear of loosing rich clients and that of the unknown treatment that may come of the Boys, as the officer puts it, drives the Riders crazy thus the reason to speed even at the expense of their lives.
The account of a prominent Party Promoter, Wayne Anthony, as obtained online recently, also pointed out that ‘No Legislation Will Stop Clubbers From Doing Drugs’ Party promoter, Wayne Anthony, arrived in Ibiza, a Spanish Island in 1988, at the same time as dance music and the party drug ecstasy. Despite hallucinating badly enough to make him give up the lifestyle forever, he says laws will never stop clubbers taking drugs. “I don’t think you can control these things,” said former party promoter Wayne Anthony. He arrived in Ibiza in 1988 and began setting up club nights and raves in some of the island’s most iconic venues. In the years that followed, the sleepy Spanish island turned into a raver’s haven of clubbing and hedonism, with party drugs like ecstasy commonly found. “What Ibiza represented was this beautiful, hot island which was visually stunning and we knew you could party there quite legally,” said Wayne. “You didn’t have to look over your shoulder. You could just be as free as you possibly could be.”
That freedom came with a price. Along with the lavish clubs, all-day-benders and hot Spanish sun came drug cartels and crime. The city transformed into one the world’s most vibrant party capitals, “fuelled by a dangerous and lucrative drugs trade which drew as many criminals to its shores as it did party animals”. Wayne, one of the contributors to the documentary, spoke to Sky News ahead of its release.”I’m not going to sit here and say the cartels aren’t there. They are all there and they’ve been there from the ’90s,” said Wayne. But he said most people tried to ignore the organised crime going on around them. According to Wayne, clubbers usually took the approach of: “‘Give me 10 E’s . Behind the scenes of the filming of Ibiza Narcos with Wayne Anthony. Behind the scenes of the filming of Ibiza Narcos with Wayne Anthony. Hallucinating giant spiders Although he described the Balearic island as the “motherland”, it was eventually a bad experience with drugs that convinced Wayne it was time to leave Ibiza.
He’d been partying for days when he realised he’d taken too many drugs. A friend told him to drink cough medicine, dangerous advice that he now says could have killed him. “I saw the worst hallucination I’ve ever seen in all of my life. I ended up locking myself in the villa with all the shutters down. When he sobered up, he realised he had “come to the end” of his party life on the island. “I never looked back. I never took another drug. I got away from the club world.” ‘I don’t think you’re going to be able to stop it’ Despite his life-changing experience, he doesn’t think criminalising drugs is a good idea – or particularly effective. “If you’re old enough to vote for who’s going to be a world leader, if you’re old enough to put your name down on debt for 25 years, I feel like you should be old enough to govern what you put inside your own body, you know?” said Wayne.
Back to Nigeria, some illicit drugs worth over N30billion seized at Onne Port in Rivers State.
This blood chilling development forced the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency at the Onne Port, following what authorities described as repeated incidents of importation of dangerous cargo, including arms and ammunition through the said port. To this effect, the government said it was immediately implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port for the next three months by conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers in the premises.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, in charge of the port via a press conference, said it henceforth, unveiled the seizures of illicit goods by the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. In defence for his action, Adeniyi said the recurring incidents posed a threat to national security, adding that the health of citizens at the Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo, describing it as a disturbing trend.
The customs boss stated, “Earlier today, I joined numerous stakeholders to take a significant step towards the cause of trade facilitation through the inauguration of upgraded facilities provided by the West Africa Container Terminal, Onne. “As I express delight that trade facilitation is getting traction in Onne Port, I cannot help but call your attention to a grave concern. This has to do with the repeated incidents of national security breaches unfolding in Onne Port. I appreciate your presence, as we all have a shared responsibility in safeguarding our national security. As we are all aware, the policy thrust of Mr President supports the re-energising of our business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow our capacity for exports, Our emphasis has been to promote initiatives that speak to Trade facilitation and economic development. “It is a matter of regret that criminal elements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches”.
“The attempts to test our will through the importation of dangerous cargo through this port has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in Onne Port, coming on the heels of a seizure of a huge cache of arms a couple of months ago. It is disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts. Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens. Today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of the Area 2 Command. On display are twelve containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination. Seizures on Display include: Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a Paid Duty Value (DPV) of N4,716,573,846.
“Others are, three x 40-feet containers containing 380,000 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, and other items, with a DPV of N17,432,506,000 were seized”.
According to the report, more seized items were, “Five (5) x 40-feet containers; Containing 892,400 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 1,300,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,250,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, and other items, with a DPV of N8, 128,568,295,90. This very action of the Nigeria Customs Service, further complicated the hope of how soon the fight against drug trafficking could be brought to a halt owing to its high profile nature.
Another hair-raising report of the illicit drug deal has it that when NDLEA bursted a Snake-Guarded Shrine Used For Storing Illicit Drugs sometime ago in Edo State. This very news report was published in The Tide Newspaper on June 24, 2024. According to the report, NDLEA said its operatives uncovered a shrine, guarded by a snake, being used for storing illicit drugs, during an operation in Edo State. The Agency in a statement by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, added that its operatives discovered a specially constructed large hole in a wall, hidden behind wallpapers and fetish objects used for drug storage. It further noted that methamphetamine, Loud, Colorado and Arizona, all strong strains of cannabis with a total weight of 8.743kg among others, were recovered from the shrine.
To be cont’d
King Onunwor
The persistent clash between farmers and herders in Nigeria has been a longstanding issue. These conflicts, often, over resources like land and water, have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of large numbers of people, deep-seated mistrust between communities and insecurity. Herders, traditionally nomadic, move their livestock in search of grazing land and water. Farmers, on the other hand, require the same resources for their crops. This competition often leads to clashes, especially in areas where land is becoming increasingly scarce due to population growth, climate change, and environmental degradation. As these clashes intensify, there has been a growing call for sustainable solutions. Two weeks ago, President Bola Tinubu took a bold step towards tackling the issue by inaugurating the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms and creating the Ministry of Livestock Development.
The committee which has the president as the chairman and the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega as the deputy chairman has the mandate to address obstacles to agricultural productivity and open up new opportunities which benefit farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain as well as propose recommendations aimed at fostering a peaceful co-existence between herders and farmers, ensuring the security and economic well-being of Nigerians.The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development was part of the recommendations of the National Livestock Reforms Committee. Part of the 21 recommendations submitted to the president include: “This agenda should include the establishment and resuscitation of grazing reserves as suggested by many experts and well-meaning Nigerians and other methods of land utilisation.
“Create the Ministry of Livestock Resources in line with practice in many other West African countries. In the alternative, Federal and State Governments should expand the scope of existing Departments of Livestock Production to address the broader needs of the industry,” among others. Experts in the agricultural sector have posited that the livestock industry can create millions of jobs directly in farming, processing, and distribution, and indirectly in related sectors like feed production, veterinary services, and marketing. It provides livelihoods for rural populations, helping to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life in rural areas. It also increases the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange earnings through the exports of livestock and livestock products such as meat, dairy, wool and leather.
According to them, a well-funded livestock industry supports the growth of agro-processing sectors, such as meat packing, dairy processing, and leather manufacturing, adds value to raw products and creates additional economic activity as well as stimulates the development of supply chains, including logistics, packaging, and retail, contributing to broader economic growth. It enhances economic resilience by diversifying the agricultural sector and providing a buffer against crop failures or other agricultural shocks and many more. Some other agriculturists have also opined that the livestock industry in Nigeria is currently underdeveloped and that by the creation of the ministry of livestock development will open up the industry which will be a huge money spinner for Nigeria.
Reports have shown that a Livestock Ministry can play a pivotal role in mitigating conflicts between farmers and herders by implementing policies and programmes aimed at fostering coexistence and sustainable resource management. The Ministry can work towards clearly demarcating grazing routes and farming areas. This would reduce instances of trespassing and accidental crop destruction, a common flashpoint for conflict. While introducing rotational grazing systems can ensure that land is used sustainably, preventing overgrazing and land degradation, establishing water points and boreholes specifically for livestock can reduce competition for water resources. Similarly, promoting the development of pasturelands through reseeding and controlled burns can improve grazing conditions.
According to a veterinary doctor, Dr Andrew Obadiah, by providing training for herders on sustainable livestock practices and for farmers on conflict resolution, both parties can understand the importance of coexistence. He said that extension services of the ministry can offer advice on improving livestock health and productivity, reducing the need for large herds and extensive grazing. “Setting up local committees involving both farmers and herders to mediate disputes can provide a platform for dialogue and peaceful resolution. Encouraging community-based conflict early warning systems can help prevent clashes before they escalate”, he emphasised.For Mrs. Stella Ugwu, a farmer, having a ministry dedicated to the development of the livestock industry can help in diversifying income sources for both farmers and herders and in turn reduce dependence on land.
”For instance, promoting agro-pastoralism can provide farmers with livestock and herders with agricultural produce”, she explained, adding that providing incentives for adopting sustainable practices, such as subsidies for fodder production or crop insurance, can ease economic pressures. Ugwu was however of the opinion that the creation of a new ministry to handle livestock affairs was uncalled for, since the job can effectively be done by the Technical and Service Department of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and food security and its equivalent on the states level.In some countries, the establishment of a Livestock Ministry or similar bodies has shown promising results. For example, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture includes a dedicated department for livestock which has successfully implemented programmes to improve pastoral livelihoods and reduce conflicts.
In Kenya, the establishment of the National Drought Management Authority has helped manage resources better, thus reducing clashes between herders and farmers during dry seasons.The president of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Othman Ngelzarma, sees the Ministry of Livestock Development achieving the same feat for Nigeria in the near future. He told newsmen that, “MACBAN expresses its deepest appreciation to the Federal Government for creating a ministry of livestock to unlock the trillion-naira livestock economy and create qualitative and productive jobs across the value chain to improve the Nigerian economy. With this development, MACBAN believes the hope of the Nigerian pastoralists is now achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
However, the Middle Belt Forum took a different view of the proposed Ministry of Livestock Development, saying it was not enough to sustainably resolve the decades-long farmers-herders crisis in the country. According to the National President of the association, Mr. Bitrus Pogu, what is needed to end the perennial farmers/herders clashes is a deliberate action by regulatory bodies and the government to stop criminal elements from carrying out deadly attacks on innocent Nigerians, mainly farmers. Hear him: “If the reason for creating the Ministry is to stop clashes, I think it is wrong because all of these attacks and killings that are happening have nothing to do with conflicts between farmers and herders. “Farmers have never connived at any given time to go and attack herders, but rather, criminals who happen to be Fulani gang up and attack farmers, kill, maim and chase them out of their ancestral homes.
“Then, the Fulani will come and occupy them. So, it is more about invasion, criminality, and terrorism. And the majority of those they hire to do these evils are not even those who have cattle. So, a deliberate action has to be taken by the government against the perpetrators, which will address the criminality.” Mr. Pogu suggested that the government should adopt ranching for productivity and enduring peace between the pastoralists and farmers in particular and the entire country in general.While the establishment of a Livestock Ministry presents a viable solution, it is not without challenges. Funding constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and corruption can hamper its effectiveness. Additionally, deeply ingrained cultural practices and mistrust between farmers and herders can be difficult to overcome.
Critics argue that without a holistic approach that includes land reform, climate change adaptation, and broader economic development, a Livestock Ministry alone may not be sufficient. Therefore, it must work in tandem with other governmental and non-governmental bodies to ensure comprehensive solutions. “A dedicated Livestock Ministry, with its focus on sustainable resource management, conflict resolution, and economic incentives, offers a promising avenue to address the root causes of these clashes. However, its success depends on effective implementation, adequate funding, and the cooperation of all stakeholders involved. With the right strategies and commitment, devoid of any political or selfish interest, it can play a crucial role in fostering peace and prosperity in affected regions”, they advised.
Calista Ezeaku