GRPolitics
ActionAid Nigeria likens Buhari’s anti-corruption fight to ‘sweeping in the rain’
BY: Ikenna Oluka
ActionAid Nigeria said they have followed with keen interest the developments in Nigeria within the first quarter of 2019.
As an organisation working to end poverty, the Group said they believe that the process of achieving the mandate requires the functionality of every instrument of government.
A statement issued by the Board of Directors of ActionAid Nigeria after a review of the State of the Nation, and rising from the 38th Meeting of the Board held on the 23rd Day of March 2019 at Ibeto Hotel, Gudu, Abuja, NigeriaTuesday, March 26, 2019, reads:
“Not discarding the efforts of government in the areas of improving the economy and security, we believe that much more can be done to make Nigeria better and safer for the citizens.
“We have therefore reviewed with keen interest and taken cognizance of issues as they unfolded in government, politics, economy and security within the last quarter, particularly as they affect vulnerable groups like women, children, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and the youths. Consequently, we have decided to share our views with the following observations and recommendations:
OBSERVATIONS:
“The conduct of the 2019 general elections was observed to be largely peaceful. Though, several issues are of concern and need to be addressed before the next general elections in 2023.These issues include but not limited to prompt releases of funds to INEC; logistics challenges, smart card reader failures, security partisanship; transparency in vote tallying etc.
“The FG is commended for the giant strides recorded in strengthening the Nigerian economy after the last recession. This modest success however has been under intense strain due to the instability in oil receipts. This has also been worsened by debilitating high cost of governance.
“The rising posture of President Muhammadu Buhari in the campaign against corruption is commendable. However, the anti-corruption fight is like sweeping in the rain.
“Not many Nigerians still have corruption averse mentality. Corruption has eaten too deep into our national social fabrics such that it has been subtly taken as a norm in many quarters. This poses a threat to wholesome public service delivery.
“For the FG to sustain its campaign promises to the electorate, there is need to grow the government’s revenue streams, which can thereafter be invested in infrastructure; other development projects, and further stimulate economic growth. The purported plan to increase VAT could reduce overall consumption and further slow-down the economy, thus making it counter-productive.
“We appreciate the FG’s continued commitment to stemming the tide of crime and criminality. Despite that, insecurity has continued to be the order of the day. Safe spaces, especially for women are shrinking. Kidnapping and communal clashes have also intensified with attendant displacement of people.
While FGN’s youth empowerment initiatives like N-Power and the rest are commendable, Nigeria’s unemployment rate remains frightening. It is like seating the country on a keg of gun-powder because of the danger inherent in keeping an army of unemployed youths.
“The FGN through TETFund provides financial supports for the ivory tower but more needs to be done. This is because Nigeria’s educational system and institutions have been grossly underfunded over the years which has put to question the quality of learning taking place in these schools. A strong indicator of this manifests in the incessant and protracted industrial actions by labour unions in our tertiary institutions.
“The FG’s ongoing investments in Lagos-Ibadan-Kano rail line; aviation terminals; highway construction among others are pathways to national prosperity. We however observe that more needs to be done because poor infrastructure without a doubt, has very severe effect on peoples’ lives.
“The perennial electricity shortages, housing problems, lack of proper water and sanitation infrastructure are making Nigerian states unlivable. Similarly, infrastructure inadequacies, as well as inefficiencies in our transport sector such as roads, ports and rail transport are major hindrances to economic development.
“The FG has promised a more inclusive administration that will reflect diversity. This is inevitable because there is a widening gap of gender inequality in the Nigerian society. We have a social structure which enables men to dominate women. Women are still being continually discriminated against, and in most cases, this prevents them from attaining their full potentials.
RECOMMENDATIONS
“While we give kudos to INEC for its efforts in the last general elections, It Is evident that Nigeria’s electoral act and other related electoral laws need a total review in preparation for the 2023 general elections. As much as possible, our electoral process needs to be automated for better outcomes and value for money.
“The present government’s anti-corruption campaign is highly welcomed but there is need for a more strategic approach to the anticorruption fight. It implies strengthening our public institutions, making them more effective and efficient in service delivery. Overall, we need strong institutions capable of independent interpretation and implementation of public policy objectives in Nigeria. Similarly, the anti-corruption fight should go beyond the focus on the politicians but also beam its light on the public servants.
“Rather than an increase in VAT at this time, other avenues could be explored in the short term such as the removal of petroleum subsidy which many have argued does not benefit the Nigerian populace. The plugging of fiscal leakages, a move which is currently being enforced by the present administration, can also be further strengthened.
“If VAT increase were to be implemented by the government, several measures should be taken to ensure that the objective of the increase is realised. An instance is the provision of the relevant technology to ensure proper monitoring, collection and elimination of leakages. The VAT increase could be varied relative to the kind of goods/services being purchased, since the effect on the poor would be greater than on the rich. e.g. higher VAT rate on luxury items.
“The Federal Government needs to uphold social justice by demonstrating commitment and zeal towards the protection of lives and property as enshrined in the constitution by utilizing cutting-edge information technology for intelligence gathering to make crime and criminality difficult to perpetrate.
“We lend our voice again to the call for increased budgetary allocation and prompt release of funds to lift our education sector from the doldrums. The welfare of academic and non-academic staff, at all levels should be taken more seriously to increase their productivity, thereby adding more value to the sector.
Nigeria needs to tackle the challenge of infrastructure by providing the proper funding and cracking down on the embezzlement of funds earmarked for public infrastructure. Nigeria needs more power and better roads in order to stimulate our ailing economy.
“The workers in these sectors should be paid well, and those with good skills and strong ethics should be rewarded. Citizens should engage the duty bearers through peaceful movement, keeping the government on its toes on how important power supply is to the country.
“The factors and circumstances that perpetuate the inadequate representation of women in Nigerian society, which pose serious threats to Nigeria’s quest for democratic consolidation and sustainable development need to be addressed by the incoming administration for inclusion.
“The undue dominance of men in the socio-political sphere, including imbalances in political appointments is unacceptable.
“Stiff sanctions should be in place to stem corruption and increase foreign direct investment in Nigeria. For this to happen, there should also be more investment in modern infrastructure which will boost the economy. Single digit interest rate facilities should also be applied to starter entrepreneurs with a view to stimulating the economy”.
When the President called to inform me of his decision to magnanimously confer on me the the National Award of Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, on account of my much advertised role in the struggle for the validation of the June 12th election and affirmation of Chief MKO Abiola’s mandate, my first reaction was why only me and not all those unsung heroes.
Those officers and men who actively participated in that struggle, risking their careers and even lives.
Although I was one of the leaders of that movement within the military, my contribution was by no means bigger than theirs.
While I have been recognised and celebrated, including this National Honour by the President, they have remained anonymous.
It is therefore incumbent upon me to reveal the identity of these patriots if only to acknowledge and commend their contributions to the emergence of the current democratic dispensation.
The fact that Chief Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12th election won over 80% of the Armed Forces votes, clearly demonstrated the contribution of the other members of the military. I should add that this list is by no means exhaustive.
There are a lot more participants who have remained unknown to me since they served under others.
I apologise to all those whose names I must have missed. May God recognise and reward your sacrifice.
Top on my list is my deputy at the Armoured Corps Centre and School, Col MA Garba, whose commitment was so strong that he continued with the execution of our plans after some of us were arrested, detained and mercifully retired in October, 1993. He went on, as he should, to attain the enviable rank of a Major General in the army. Others are:
Others are:
-Lt col Lawal Jaafaru Isa.
-Lt col UF Ahmed.
-Lt col MS Dasuki.
-Lt col ML Gwadabe.
-Lt col J. Temlong.
-Lt col Musa Shehu.
-Lt col Chris Eze.
-Lt col HM Dzarma.
-Lt col Isa Jibrin.
-Lt col JOS Oshanupin.
-Lt Col A Oloruntoba(kabiesi Olugbede of Gbede kingdom).
-Lt col Moke.
-Lt col Happy Bulus.
-Lt col Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
-Col J Okai.
-Col E. Ndubueze.
-Lt col Yakubu Muazu.
-Lt col Yahaya Abubakar ( current Etsu Nupe).
-Major Saad Abubakar (current Sultan of Sokoto).
-Maj Abba Maimalari.
-Maj Jamil Tahir.
-Maj Buzugbe.
-Maj LP Aprezi.
-Maj MK Yake.
-Maj J Dawah.
-Maj Suleiman Wali.
-Maj Dauda Komo.
-Maj Lucky Torrie.
-Maj JS Zaruwa.
-Maj M Sumaye.
-Maj Sani Bawa.
-Maj Ndaliman.
Maj Ahmed.
-Maj M Bawa.
-Lt col JB Ahmadu.
-Capt Junaid Bindawa.
-Capt Lar.
I therefore accept this award with all sense of humility on behalf of all these officers and men. Obviously, it goes without saying that this award will be doubly more meaningful if the democracy we all fought for delivers the real dividends.
This can happen only if leaders at all levels govern with the fear of God and in accordance with the tenets of democracy.
It remains the hope and prayers of all patriots that nothing is done to derail this infant democracy.
To achieve the stability and progress of our democracy, leaders must prioritise good governance over politicking for self aggrandizement.
The three co-equal branches of government must operate independently while cooperating with each other.
One enduring lesson from the conduct of the officers and men is their decision to operate above sycophancy but to hold their superior officers to account.
Sadly, this does not appear to have a positive impact on our political leaders. Sycophancy everywhere has become the scourge of selfless and accountable leadership. It is the reason for the arrogance and vanity we see in our leaders at all levels. Men of straw are widely and falsely being elevated to the position of icons by self seeking sycophants.
Mr President must lead in a war against sycophancy in all its forms. This must allow for no exceptions including the rapidly growing trend of naming and renaming public institutions, facilities and other infrastructure after a President or State Governor while in office.
The other day, the Senate President was reported to have predicted that President Bola Tinubu will win the 2027 election with 99.9% of the votes! Even allowing for the fact that this Senate President is widely known for his humorous incitement, Mr President will do well to shun such oracles.
God bless Nigeria.
Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, Colonel (Rtd)
The Kogi State Government has commended Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Member Representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, for his unbending commitment to the security and wellbeing of his home state, describing him as “a patriotic Kogite who leads by example.”
Faleke, an indigene of Kogi State, recently donated a brand-new Hilux patrol vehicle to support the operations of the newly commissioned Smart Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekinrin-Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area.
The high-tech facility which was facilitated by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund in its collaboration with the Government of Kogi State to ensure security at every corner of the state by modernizing and digitizing security operations in the state.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, conveyed the appreciation of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to the federal lawmaker, stating that Hon. Faleke has demonstrated what it means to place security above politics and people’s well-being above personal ambition.
“The Government of Kogi State wishes to reecho the open commendation earlier given by His Excellency during the commissioning of the Smart Police Divisional Headquarters,” Fanwo said.
“As a Government, we appreciate the demonstrative contribution of Hon. James Faleke to the security architecture and infrastructure of the state. This is how to lead the people with emphasis on security above politics, patriotism above scheming with the lives of our people.”
Fanwo added that Hon. Faleke has played key underground roles in support of intelligence, logistics, and coordination with security agencies, working quietly but effectively with the State Government to ensure lives and property are better protected in Kogi State.
The Commissioner expressed confidence that Faleke’s latest intervention would significantly strengthen security not only in Ijumu but across Okunland, Kogi West, and the entire state.
“This is one intervention that we are sure will improve the security of Ijumu, Okunland, Kogi West, and Kogi as a whole. This is how to make an impact without playing to the gallery. What the people need are concrete interventions that can save lives, not selfish arrangements that protect personal interests at the expense of the people.
“The people know those who are genuinely working for their security, those working closely with the State Government to achieve lasting peace in Kogi State. They also know those who are merely playing politics with the lives of the people.”
The Government urged political and business leaders of Kogi origin to emulate Hon. Faleke’s sense of responsibility and selfless service to the people.
“Hon. James Faleke has set an example for others to emulate. He has shown that the lives of his people matter. He is not doing all of these to protect a personal interest or his investment or the investment of his friends. He is doing it to protect the Kogi people, his people”, he said.
Fanwo also disclosed that the Government is closely monitoring the activities of illegal miners and their collaborators, vowing that those compromising the security of the state through economic sabotage will face stiff consequences.
“We are aware of the activities of illegal miners and their enablers. Let it be known that the state will not tolerate any action that puts the lives of our people at risk. We are taking bold steps to ensure that criminal actors do not jeopardize the peace we are working hard to build.”
The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with patriotic stakeholders like Hon. James Faleke in its mission to secure every corner of the state and preserve the gains already made in law enforcement and public safety.
GRPolitics
The Intellectual Sins of June 12: A Reckoning with Nigeria’s Democratic Conscience
Article Written by Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola
Every June 12, Nigeria observes a significant date that embodies both the aspirations for democracy and the painful betrayal of that dream. This day commemorates the 1993 presidential election, celebrated as the most free and fair in the country’s history but ultimately annulled by the military regime led by General Ibrahim Babangida.
While the focus has often been on the political and military figures involved, there has been less emphasis on the intellectual shortcomings that contributed to this democratic failure.
These shortcomings—the “intellectual sins” of June 12—include silence, complicity, and ideological failures that continue to impact Nigeria’s pursuit of democracy.
The Election That Could Have Changed Everything:
On June 12, 1993, Nigerians came together to vote for Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, a well-known southern Muslim celebrated for his wealth, philanthropy, and political acumen. His electoral victory was more than just a tally of votes; it became a powerful symbol of national unity and a collective longing for civilian governance following years of military rule.
The military’s annulment of the election results, based on vague security concerns and claims of irregularities, was profoundly disappointing. This decision was not merely a political manoeuvre; it represented a significant betrayal of the democratic values that the election was meant to uphold.
The Silence of the Intellectual Class:
One of the most troubling aspects of the June 12 crisis was the widespread silence—or, even worse, the rationalizations—by many in Nigeria’s intellectual elite. University professors, public commentators, and thought leaders, who should have served as the nation’s moral compass, largely failed to speak out against the annulment. Some even justified it, wrapping their arguments in legal jargon or appealing to national stability.
The silence in this situation was not neutral; it was an act of complicity. During times of national crisis, when the intelligentsia chooses to remain silent, this absence is not merely a lack of comment—it is an endorsement of the status quo. Nigeria’s intellectual class’s failure to provide a strong defence of democracy in 1993 highlighted a more profound issue: a lack of genuine commitment to democratic governance.
Ethnic Chauvinism and the Failure of National Integration:
The annulment highlighted the fragility of Nigeria’s national identity. Although Abiola had widespread appeal across the country, the decision to invalidate his victory was perceived mainly as influenced by northern political elites who were uneasy about a southern Muslim becoming president. This perception, whether accurate or not, strengthened the belief that Nigeria’s democracy is held captive by ethnic and regional interests.
Once again, the intellectual class fell short. Instead of confronting the ethnicization of politics, many scholars and commentators either overlooked it or contributed to it. The chance to use June 12 as a catalyst for national integration and civic nationalism was missed.
The Legal and Constitutional Vacuum:
The events of June 12 highlighted Nigeria’s fragile legal and constitutional framework. The annulment of the election exposed the country’s institutions as inadequate in preventing executive overreach and safeguarding the electoral process. At that time, there was a lack of an independent judiciary capable of contesting military actions, an ineffective legislature to oversee government activities, and a civil society that was not sufficiently strong to mobilize in response.
The Institutional weakness in Nigeria was not a coincidence; it stemmed from years of intellectual neglect. The country’s legal scholars, constitutional designers, and policy thinkers did not create a system robust enough to resist authoritarian tendencies. Consequently, the annulment of electoral processes directly resulted from this inadequacy.
The Myth of Transition Without Transformation:
The military’s commitment to transitioning Nigeria to civilian rule was fraught with inconsistencies. The annulment of the June 12 elections exposed the illusion that democratic governance could be realised without a fundamental change in the country’s political culture. The transition program itself was characterized by a top-down approach, a lack of transparency, and a focus on maintaining the interests of the elite.
Many intellectuals were drawn into the myth surrounding a purportedly democratic transition process. By actively participating in advisory roles, they inadvertently lent credibility to a system that lacked true democratic principles. Their failure to critically examine the underlying foundations of this transition program represents a significant intellectual oversight.
The Repetition of History:
The aftermath of June 12 has had lasting repercussions for Nigeria, as the country seems trapped in a cycle of repeating past mistakes. Key issues such as electoral malpractice, the dominance of elites over democratic institutions, and the suppression of dissent are still prevalent in the political landscape. Unfortunately, society has not fully grasped or embraced the vital lessons from June 12, indicating a failure to learn from history.
The recurring failures In Nigeria’s democracy highlight a deeper intellectual shortcoming, as there is a reluctance to engage in critical self-reflection and necessary institutional reform. It is simpler for leaders to honour June 12 through ceremonies and speeches rather than address the uncomfortable realities that emerge from this historical moment.
A Path to Redemption:
Nigeria needs to initiate a new democratic renaissance to address the intellectual shortcomings highlighted on June 12. This revival should focus on enhancing civic education, implementing institutional reforms, and reaffirming a strong commitment to democratic values.
1. Enhancing civic education within society is essential to ensuring the vitality of democracy. This involves prioritizing the teaching of democratic principles, critical thinking, and active citizenship in schools, universities, and media outlets. By doing so, citizens will become more aware of their rights and responsibilities, thus fostering a more engaged and informed populace.
2. Strengthen Institutions: A functioning democracy requires that the judiciary, electoral commission, and legislature operate without political interference. Achieving this necessitates legal reforms and a significant cultural shift in how power is exercised and contested within society.
3. Empower a New Generation of Public Intellectuals: Nigeria requires independent thinkers who prioritize democratic values over ethnic or political affiliations. These intellectuals should courageously challenge authority and advocate for democratic principles, unafraid of potential repercussions.
4. Confront the Past Honestly: The June 12 crisis serves as an important historical event that should be incorporated into school curricula and discussed in public forums. It carries significant moral lessons that are essential for understanding the past. By acknowledging and confronting this history, Nigeria can work towards establishing a more just and democratic future.
Conclusion: Democracy as a Moral Imperative
June 12 serves as a powerful reminder of Nigeria’s complex democratic journey, highlighting both its potential and challenges. Rather than merely marking the date with hollow statements, engaging in a genuine reflection on the past is essential. The mistakes of that time—characterized by silence, complicity, and ideological failures—should not be repeated. As we honour this day, we must recommit ourselves to the ideals embodied by Abiola’s victory, including justice, unity, and the empowerment of the people.
Democracy transcends being merely a system of governance; it is fundamentally a moral obligation. Every citizen, particularly those influential in shaping public opinion, has the responsibility to uphold and defend democratic principles with bravery, clarity, and firm conviction.
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