GROpinion
Think-home philosophy for the development of igbo land
The Igbo people of Nigeria make in majority the population of the 5 Eastern States of Enugu (the Political Central Headquarters), Anambra, Ebonyi, Abia and Owerri. In language and culture, the geographical and population map extends beyond the mentioned 5 States in the South-East geopolitical group. There is what Chinua Achebe called “the Igbo Problem in Nigeria”. In the positive, drawing from Achebe’s discourse, they are industrious, ubiquitous, skillful, intelligent and development-oriented. But in the negative, the average wealthy Igbo person tends to be vulgar through an ostentatious display of wealth, which often makes him boisterous in self-affirmation. However, what Achebe sees as negative is a universal primordial inclination that is inherent in human nature. Through proper personality and psychological maturation, many a man shed off such a negative attribution. That, is not exclusive to the Igbo.
Between 1967 and 1970, the Igbo in league with other people that populated the bight of Biafra fought against the rest of Nigerians for self-determination. The war was lost and won, though the cases of marginalization that caused the groundswell leading to that ill-fated war are still with us. Reflecting on what transpired in the Biafra-Nigeria conflict, Emefiena Ezeani chose the title: “In Biafra Africa Died”. There was a country, where a war was prosecuted almost out from nothing, except for the creativity of the Igbo who deployed skills in manufacturing warplanes, bombs and other war artifacts. Such a common patrimony has been squirreled away in individualistic mode of wealth acquisition among the Igbo. Up to now, we have a Nigeria where the rest of the 36 States are joined in a delicate union of mutual suspicion; where true federalism is choked up by “National Cake Sharing Syndrome” that submerge sub-regional development initiative save for Lagos that had a head start from the spoils of British colonial rule and situational advantage from the blessing of proximity to the Atlantic Ocean; where policy summersault is of natural occurrence; where monetary and fiscal policies are in clear negation of any thought-through sustainable development model; where the politicians are united not for their interest in driving the Nigerian project, but by self-serving interests that stand against the interest of the Nigerian populace whom they are expected to serve but not; where everything almost works in the reverse order: such as the usual insistence in electing leaders that do not have leadership credentials but must be foisted on the country in order to promote sectarian, sectional and tribal interest.
The Nigerian leadership conundrum seems to stifle the initiative capable of promoting the development of Igbo land. As I said earlier, the Igbo are ubiquitous, skillful and development-oriented. The Igbo have been instrumental in the development of Nigeria as their investments are spread across the length and breadth of the country, and in diaspora. But within the Igbo enclave, the investment portfolios of the Igbo are not fully present and represented. This current malaise requires a home-grown investment initiative or what I represent here as “Think-home Philosophy for the Development of Igbo Land”. Philosophy in a general sense involves a rational endeavor in which everything is subjected to critical examination. The outcome of the act of ratiocination yields the recipe for an action plan that would translate to a practical phenomenon. Just to apply the principle of dialectics in Philosophy that is used to question a state of affairs through the feedback loop of thesis, antithesis and synthesis, I may have to enquire thus: “The Igbo have investible wealth (thesis), yet there is no such investment within the Igbo enclave (antithesis), then, the possibility of reconciling the “thesis” and “antithesis” will yield: why can’t the Igbo leaders and Think Tank draw a blueprint for investing the Igbo wealth in Igbo Land (synthesis)?
The above philosophy-based conceptualization will create the scenario of the development of the Igbo Land. We have had successive Governors of Igbo extraction, and other leaders who have not thought it wise to give birth to a home-grown investment and development initiative that will make the Igbo Land the destination capital of all investible wealth. When the whole of European capital was ravaged in the aftermath of the World War II, the Marshall Plan crafted by the then US Secretary of State, George C. Marshall, using the “Investment for a Purpose Initiative” was helpful to prop the European economy. Before China grew to become a global economic power, there was a development model of “Five-Year Development Plan” initiated by Mao Tse Tung (Mao Zedong). Chinese Government has not thrown such development model overboard. Before Singapore became a First World country, it took Lee Kuan Yew many years of sustainable development initiative to set the country on the path of continued economic growth and development. Before the once desert country of Dubai in United Arab Emirates bourgeoned into a Hi-Tech industrialized country, it took the foresight of Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum to first construct the first ever man-made harbor, and still implementing good economic policies made Dubai a free trade zone with great investment in the industrial and tourism sectors, and much more. The current leader of Dubai and the Vice President of UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum made the confession in his “Flashes of Thought”. Many related examples abound.
What has happened beyond our nose (since globalization has shrunk the whole global space into a tiny interactive village) will give us an insight into what the Igbo leaders and Think Tank have so far suffered all of us into. I will relate this situation to an expression used by a Manager of a Company in describing the competence of a staff in relation to job performance: “we enjoy his absence more than his presence”. That surmises what the Igbo leaders have made us undergo. You can imagine what this will lead to if the Igbo leaders of thought fail to make the Igbo economy viable. What I think should be done include: Creating Investment Trust Fund into which the 5 South-Eastern States must contribute part-percentage of its capital budget, which when grown over time would hold sufficient fund to engender “South-East Geo-political Development Master Plan”. Through this for instance, we can commence thorough Dredging of the whole of River Niger to have a deep Seaport in Anambra State. With sub-regional economic initiative, South-East and South-South geo-political zones can collaborate to have another deep Seaport in the coastal area of Calabar. Dry Ports could then be established in the non-costal States with the South-East geo-political zone. To complement the Maritime development would be a Highway road network intersecting all the States in South-East with Mono Rail Line on the median strip of the Highway to address land transportation deficit. In partnership with the Federal Government, the South-East States could frontload investment in Air transportation by having more Cargo Airports for freight handling. The business bubble in this area will burst into Aeropolis with great return in investment (ROI). To solve the power problem within the South-East region, the Thermal Power potential warehoused within Enugu Coal bed could be harnessed.
Up to now, Anambra has remained the economic hub of the region with pocket industrial layouts; Aba is only famous in textile and leather processing and production; Ebonyi State produces rice that is not sufficient enough to feed the intra-state consumption need; Enugu and Imo have remained the hospitality and tourism zones. The fact is that the South-East has not been able to harness its full development potential. To achieve this, a “Think-home Development Philosophy” is inevitable.
The hour has come for us to have “South-East Investment Promotion Council”. The potential development yield that it will occasion would be galvanized for importation through what may be called “South-East Central Marketing Company”. When we start, we will attract more investment capital through Direct Foreign Investment through bilateral trade agreements and MOUs with Trans and Multi-National Corporations (TNCs and MNCs). Let the Igbo leaders wake up to do the needful, since development is not a rocket science; it is planned, executed and monitored using home-grown Key Performance Mechanisms or Indicators. Development does not tolerate stopgap measures. A stitch in time saves nine.
Columnists
Atiku Abubakar’s Coalition on a Path to Failure after Struggles
By: Prof. Ojo Emmanuel Ademola
In Nigeria’s political landscape, Atiku Abubakar’s coalition stands as a significant challenger to the status quo but faces challenges like internal disputes, regional divides, and distrust among stakeholders. To succeed, the coalition must present a clear economic vision resonating with an informed electorate. Fostering unity, transparency, and inclusivity while addressing internal conflicts and regional disparities will enhance trust and strengthen its position in Nigerian politics.
Atiku Abubakar is leading a coalition of major political parties, including the APC, PDP, and Labour Party, to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. The coalition aims to tackle regional insecurity and economic issues, which Atiku believes the current government is mishandling. In response, President Tinubu is employing a carefully crafted strategy, termed a divide-and-rule approach by some analysts, to weaken this coalition. However, analysts suggest that Nigerians are increasingly focused on economic solutions rather than divisive politics.
Political analysts assert that Atiku Abubakar’s coalition faces immense challenges, indicating it is “dead on arrival.” Atiku Abubakar’s coalition is plagued by internal conflicts, particularly between him and Peter Obi over leadership and the presidential candidacy. Regional divisions have weakened the coalition, with the PDP losing influence in the South-South and South-East to Obi’s Labour Party. Trust issues persist as members question Atiku’s motives and whether the coalition serves a collective purpose. Amid Nigeria’s economic and political instability, the coalition struggles to gain support and maintain unity, highlighting the need for cohesion to navigate upcoming challenges, especially ahead of the 2027 elections.
Public opinion plays a crucial role in the success of political coalitions like Atiku Abubakar’s, influencing political dynamics significantly. Support from the public can enhance a coalition’s credibility and momentum, making it a stronger alternative to the current government. As politicians are attuned to public sentiment, aligning coalition goals with public concerns can motivate them to join or support the coalition. Positive public opinion leads to greater media coverage and supporters while mobilising essential resources for campaign efforts. Ultimately, electoral success depends on the coalition’s ability to connect with voters, making it imperative for Atiku’s coalition to engage with and address public concerns effectively.
Prioritising youth engagement, economic growth, and sustainability is essential for any administration aiming for progress. With Nigeria’s large youthful population, active involvement can enhance political participation, spark innovation, and build a strong workforce. Addressing the youth’s needs through targeted policies on education, job creation, and inclusivity is crucial.
Additionally, focusing on economic development is vital to tackle unemployment, poverty, and regional disparities, requiring policies that promote entrepreneurship and attract foreign investment. Emphasizing sustainability ensures economic progress while protecting the environment; this includes investing in renewable energy and eco-friendly technologies. President Tinubu’s commitment to these areas is key to fostering a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable Nigeria.
It’s an interesting perspective that Atiku Abubakar’s coalition might be seen as a distraction rather than a genuine attempt to address Nigeria’s challenges. In the digital age, where information flows rapidly and citizens are more informed, such strategies can indeed face significant hurdles. Here’s an expanded view on why this approach might struggle and what could be more effective:
Challenges of Distraction Politics in the Digital Age:
In today’s digital age, Nigerians have greater access to information through social media and online news, making traditional political diversion tactics less effective. This increased transparency allows citizens to monitor government actions closely and hold officials accountable. The youth, who are active online, prefer practical solutions over distractions, highlighting the need for meaningful policies to drive genuine progress and change.
Effective Strategies for Democratic Development:
Focusing on economic empowerment through sustainable initiatives such as job creation, small business support, and investment in technology can significantly improve citizens’ well-being. Enhancing education and skills for youth prepares them for the job market and strengthens the economy. Inclusive governance that addresses regional disparities fosters national unity and stability. Additionally, promoting environmental sustainability through green technologies and renewable energy ensures long-term prosperity and a healthier future for everyone.
Inspiring Examples:
Digital innovation has transformed governance and public services in Estonia, highlighting transparency and efficiency. Nigeria should adopt similar strategies to enhance its performance. Youth-led initiatives are crucial for economic growth and support young entrepreneurs. The tech industry in Nigeria is booming, with start-ups gaining global recognition.
Community engagement is vital for effective political movements, requiring grassroots involvement to address diverse needs. Leaders who connect with communities foster strong support, essential for successful governance. Nigeria can build a brighter future by embracing innovation, empowering youth, and engaging communities.
Distraction politics may have worked in the past, but the digital age requires more transparency. By focusing on real solutions and engaging with an informed electorate, leaders can foster democratic development and a brighter future for Nigeria.
Atiku Abubakar and his coalition have faced challenges in developing winning strategies. Let’s examine some democratic perspectives on the reasons behind this and potential alternatives.
Challenges Faced by Atiku Abubakar and His Coalition:
Progress in Nigeria’s political landscape hinges on overcoming formidable hurdles such as the lack of a unified vision, deep-rooted trust deficits, and intricate regional and ethnic divides. The coalition must navigate complex agendas and historical disappointments to present a cohesive front and inspire confidence among voters. Addressing Nigeria’s diverse societal scope requires inclusive strategies that bridge demographic disparities and deliver tangible solutions to pressing economic and social woes. By forging a unified vision, rebuilding trust, and fostering cohesion among varied communities, the coalition can chart a path towards transformative change and sustainable development in the nation.
Engaging Democratic Views:
To succeed, a coalition must first establish a unified vision that transcends individual ambitions and resonates with the broader public. Rebuilding trust is key, requiring transparency, accountability, and consistent communication to demonstrate a commitment to democratic principles. Inclusivity in policymaking is vital, necessitating engagement with diverse groups to address regional and ethnic needs effectively. A strong focus on the economy, with clear and practical plans for job creation and infrastructure investment, is essential for garnering voter support. Additionally, prioritizing youth engagement through education, skills development, and political participation initiatives can ensure a more inclusive and sustainable political strategy.
Inspiring Examples:
Building grassroots movements is essential for a coalition’s success, as local networks create strong support. Digital campaigns via social media and online platforms can broaden the coalition’s reach. Collaborative leadership fosters voter confidence, as united leaders convey solidarity and commitment.
Atiku Abubakar and his coalition have struggled to meet essential foundational criteria. Despite the challenges they face, there are effective strategies they could implement to enhance their prospects. However, various reasons limit their ability to adopt these strategies. Instead, they should foster unity, trust, inclusivity, and economic development. By doing so, they can craft a compelling vision that truly resonates with the Nigerian public.
In conclusion, Atiku Abubakar’s coalition is at a pivotal moment, with the potential to either reshape Nigerian politics or struggle with its challenges. To succeed, the coalition must present a unified vision that resonates with all Nigerians. It needs to rebuild trust through transparency and accountability while addressing the diverse needs of the country’s various regions and demographics. By focusing on economic empowerment, youth engagement, and sustainable development, the coalition can provide a compelling alternative to the current administration. In a time when voters seek genuine solutions and meaningful change, the path to success lies in tackling the real issues facing Nigeria and engaging the public in a transparent and inclusive manner.
GROpinion
Insecurity In Zamfara – Hold Lawal Accountable, Not Matawalle
Writes Nasiru Aliyu, Media Advisor to the Hon. Minister
The recent protest organized by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Akida Forum raises significant questions about political motivations and accountability.
Led by Musa Mahmoud the APC AKIDA group staged a demonstration at the Abuja headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding an investigation into the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, amid allegations linking him to banditry in the state.
The protest, predominantly featuring hired women and youths from Abuja, was framed as a response to escalating security concerns in Zamfara.
However, the underlying motives appear to be rooted in political rivalry rather than genuine concern for public safety.
The leader of the APC Akida Forum Tijjani Ramallan claims that Governor Dauda Lawal has accused Matawalle of collusion with bandits, suggesting that such ties have perpetuated the insecurity plaguing the region.
A critical point overlooked by Mahmoud and his supporters is that Matawalle is no longer the executive governor of Zamfara.
The current governor, Dauda Lawal, now holds the title of the state’s chief security officer, and therefore, he bears the primary responsibility for addressing the security crisis.
Instead of engaging in a blame game, Lawal should focus on implementing effective strategies to combat the rampant insecurity and provide the dividends of democracy to the people of Zamfara state.
The animosity towards Matawalle seems to stem from his previous role as the Director General of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign in the Northwest, where he played a pivotal role in securing significant electoral support for the current president.
This success has reportedly fueled envy among some political figures like Tijjani Ramallan, including Musa Mahmoud and others who may feel threatened by Matawalle’s rising profile.
It is noteworthy that allegations against Matawalle have been investigated by the National Security Adviser’s office, which found no evidence to support claims of his involvement in banditry.
This investigation contributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to retain Matawalle in his ministerial position, where he has reportedly managed security matters in the Northwest with professionalism.
Adding to the complexity of this situation, a Kano High Court recently issued a restraining order against Governor Lawal and others, prohibiting them from continuing their smear campaign against Matawalle. This legal development underscores the court’s recognition of the potential harm caused by unfounded allegations and the need for accountability in political discourse and the state government has found an ally in APC AKIDA led by Tijjani Ramallan.
Despite the court’s intervention, Governor Lawal continues to leverage media platforms to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation, linking him to banditry and corruption without substantiating evidence.
Such tactics appear to be desperate attempts to undermine Matawalle’s credibility, likely motivated by Lawal’s desire to solidify his political standing.
The ongoing campaign against Matawalle by Lawal and his associates raises serious concerns about the integrity of political discourse in Zamfara.
It is imperative for the public to remain vigilant against misleading narratives and to recognize the broader implications of such political maneuvers.
The Kano High Court’s ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the need for responsible governance.
In conclusion, the focus of accountability in Zamfara should shift towards Governor Dauda Lawal, who now holds the reins of security in the state.
Instead of casting blame on former officials, Lawal must take ownership of the security situation and work towards tangible solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of the people of Zamfara.
Furthermore, since Matawalle operational visit to sokoto led to the elimination of Bandit leader Halilu Sububu who is alleged to have died with the treasure of the sponsors of banditry in zamfara state, the pain propelled them to further embark on campaign of calumny.
The recent activities of some individuals with one Davids Iyida attempting to sabotage the MoMo Payment Service Bank project intended to benefit, especially Enugu Ezike people, have raised significant concern and outrage within the community.
Such actions aimed at undermining a project with immense potential to uplift and empower the people of Enugu Ezike can only be described as malicious.
The MoMo PSB project is designed to bring financial services closer to the people of Enugu Ezike, facilitating easier access to banking and financial transactions.
This project is expected to create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. In a region where such opportunities are rare, the MoMo PSB project represents a beacon of hope for many residents.
It is particularly baffling and disheartening to witness a member of the community collaborate with outsiders to hinder the progress of their own people.
The reasons behind such alliances remain unclear, but the impact of these actions is evident and deeply troubling. Working to obstruct the project is not only delaying progress but also actively working against the welfare and advancement of Enugu Ezike.
The efforts to destroy Kingsley Ifeanyi Adonu’s good intention, despite all the positive contributions he has made, are nothing short of wickedness.
Adonu, a visionary entrepreneur and the leading MTN Partner in the South East, has dedicated significant resources and efforts to bring the MoMo Payment Service Bank project to fruition.
His vision for the community includes economic growth, financial inclusion, and overall development. Attacking his vision is an attack on the progress and future of Enugu Ezike.
The question that lingers in the minds of many is: Why sabotaging our own benefits? In a time when unity and collective effort are paramount for the community’s advancement, such actions of sabotage are counterproductive and harmful. The community needs all hands on deck to drive development and improve the quality of life for its residents. Internal conflicts and malicious actions only serve to set back these efforts.
Despite the challenges and the malicious attempts to derail the project, it is important to reaffirm that S Mobile Group vision for establishing a MoMo Payment Service Bank in Enugu Ezike will prevail.
The community stands behind this vision, recognizing the immense benefits it promises to bring. Efforts to hinder progress will ultimately fail in the face of collective determination and support.
The actions of these ungrateful individuals, aimed at sabotaging the MoMo PSB project, are grave disservice to the community of Enugu Ezike.
In a time when progress and development are desperately needed, such malicious activities are deeply regrettable.
However, the vision and determination of Kingsley Ifeanyi Adonu and the community’s support ensure that the project will succeed, bringing much-needed growth and prosperity to Enugu Ezike.
Let it be known that no amount of sabotage can dim the light of progress and unity.
Nwodo, a public commentator writes from Enugu State
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