Most Nigerians are tense and not at ease. The reasons are plausible. The scourge of hunger, spiralling inflation, insecurity, and a sense that the country is in distress stares us all. The cumulative effect of these is anger in the land. A combination of hunger and anger is a time bomb. It is the emotional underpinning of every populist revolt. 

There is absolutely nothing a hungry and angry man or woman cannot do. The signs are self-evident that the product of hunger and anger is upheaval. Ask the residents of Minna, Suleija, Kano and most recently Osogbo. They took to the streets last week to register their frustrations and distress on the level of hunger in Nigeria. Other cities may follow suit if the government does not respond promptly and concretely.

Nigerian workers represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have already given the federal government two weeks to implement policies that will reduce the impact of the government’s economic policies on citizens. 

The NLC and TUC said they are concerned about the “non-implementation of the 16-point agreement reached with the Federal Government on October 2, 2023.” “These agreements which were reached with the federal government were focused on addressing the massive suffering and the general harsh socioeconomic conditions prevalent in the land,” they added. Labour further acknowledged the fact that widespread hunger is now ravishing millions of Nigerians, with the workers’ purchasing power significantly eroded, while insecurity has assumed an increasing dimension. 

These harsh economic realities have widespread social implications, including increased crime rates and social unrest. We have increased poverty levels, making it difficult for individuals and families to meet their basic needs. Many people struggle to afford necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education.

Nigeria’s economic hardship exacerbates existing social disparities. Vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and older people, are disproportionately affected. These demographics face increased challenges in accessing resources and opportunities causing   significant psychological toll on individuals. Anxiety, stress, and mental health issues are becoming more prevalent as people grapple with financial uncertainty and the challenges of making ends meet. This hardship strains social cohesion, increasing community tensions and contributing to social unrest or conflict as people express frustration over economic inequalities and lack of opportunities. Traditional community support systems have become strained as individuals and families face economic difficulties. Networks that once provided a safety net may find it challenging to cope with increased demands for assistance.

This economic uncertainty is negatively affecting investor confidence. Foreign and domestic investors are increasingly hesitant to invest in Nigeria despite the effort of the current government to woo them . This lack of foreign direct investment and local investments has led to a slowdown in economic growth. We are experiencing one of the worst exchange rate fluctuations in our history. Within one year, the exchange rate has increased by about 200%, which has devastated businesses, particularly those reliant on imported goods and services, and foreign investors considering the Nigerian market. 

Small businesses, which often form the backbone of many economies, face closure or reduced operations due to economic challenges. This directly impacts entrepreneurs and employees, leading to financial insecurity. And migration patterns are changing as many are either ‘japaing’ to faraway lands seeking better economic opportunities while others are internally displaced due to insecurity and banditry . This internal and external displacement has potential social and cultural implications for communities.

It may not have occurred to the leadership that the just concluded AFCON football tournament may have been the pause to a potential national upheaval. The emotional attachment of citizens to the game of football resonates. By the last count, as a country, we have lost not less than six persons during the Nigeria-South Africa semi-finals clash. Citizens may have channelled their emotional reaction to the economic hardship to their passion for football.

 It has been proven elsewhere that sports, in general, and football in particular, can relieve people in distress. It has put a pause in wars. It happened during World War One (1914), the Nigerian-Biafra Civil War (1968), and Côte d’Ivoire (2005). Although there is no consensus or empirical evidence yet, the love and passion for football have been an antidote to the potentially provocative reaction of Nigerian citizens to misery, anger, and hopelessness.

Psychologists have told us that football triggers a chemical known as endorphins, responsible for happiness and a relaxed mood. It promotes social bonding, community spirit, and a sense of patriotism that can help our anxiety. Football also acts as a distractor and relieves us from stress, the type most Nigerians are going through. In fact, “Football is the ballet of the masses”, as posited by Dmitri Shostakovich.

Football is more than just a game. It’s about life, struggle, and the beautiful moments that relieve us from our daily concerns. To the average Nigerian, football brings out 90 minutes of pure nationalism in us. In economic challenges, sports, especially football, provides a sense of unity and joy that transcends financial worries. The beautiful football game lifts  spirits, create camaraderie, and offer respite from economic anxieties. Football tournaments unite communities, fostering a sense of pride and joy that transcends economic challenges. The AFCON tournament entertained us and reminded us that, despite our differences, we can come together for a common passion.

It is not the narrative of government officials nor the ingenuity of “palace jesters” that have kept the country calm in the past few weeks. With AFCON  now over, it is time  the government acted fast to relieve the tension in the land. If the AFCON has brought welcome distraction, its end could unleash a collective depression from the present crises of hunger and poverty. Attention will return to domestic issues. Economic and existential problems will magnify. As hunger escalates, misery reigns, and prices of essential food items surge, the government cannot misread the morbid silence enveloping the land as normal. It is not. As seen elsewhere, the anger and hopelessness associated with this situation is a natural path to popular revolt. The government can get away with impunity but not with the chronic hunger of the ordinary man drawing complementarity from  the anger of the elite. 

The signs that danger lurks can only be ignored by all at significant risk to the country’s existence.

Addressing economic hardship requires honesty, inclusiveness, innovative thinking and sustained government and private sector efforts. Policy reforms, anti-corruption measures, diversification of the economy, and investments in education and infrastructure are some strategies that can contribute to economic recovery and long-term stability. Also, targeted interventions that focus on social welfare, education, healthcare, and community development are crucial to improving the well-being of individuals and fostering resilience in the face of economic challenges. Economic hardship and poverty are the worst forms of violence against the people. They are like punishment for a crime you did not commit.

The government must create an enabling environment to confront hardship and poverty. Franklin Roosevelt aptly posits, “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” And Mahatma Gandhi argued that “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” 

AFCON was the opium of the Nigerian masses. It has come and gone with its glory, impact on our collective psyche, and the emotional relief it gave us during these harsh economic times. The emotional excitement about the nation is a passing mass phenomenon. It can only last long and linger afterwards if the populace feels the government has given them so much. The excitement of a football tournament turns into heightened anger soon after the excitement blows over if there is no realistic solution to the misery. The danger lies in the government assuming that post-AFCON, if nothing realistic is done to ameliorate the economic hardship millions of Nigerians face, things will continue as normal. That may be a pipe dream. With the opium effect of AFCON gone, many Nigerians will focus on demanding an improvement in their quality and standard of living. This demand may come in ways we never anticipated, as demonstrated by the uprising in a few flashpoint areas across the country. We must not allow this to happen, for it may not portend well for Nigeria. Now is the time to “let Nigerians breathe” and avert possible doom.

As the nation mourns the loss of Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC and philanthropist, Herbert Wigwe, who passed on in a tragic helicopter crash alongside his wife and son, Isiokpo, his hometown in the Ikwerrre Local Government Area of Rivers State, has declared seven days of mourning in honour of their illustrious son.

The declaration was made by the Nye-Nwe-Eli of Isiokpo, His Royal Majesty, Eze Blessing Ahiazunwo Wagor.
Starting Wednesday, the seven days of mourning will witness the closure of all businesses on the first and last day, with half-day operations on the other days.

[NaijaTimes]

The United Kingdom will today enter into new economic and trade partnerships with Nigeria to facilitate new opportunities in sectors such as energy, legal and financial services.  

The British Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch together with her Nigerian counterpart Doris Uzoka Anitie- the Minister for Trade and Investment will put pen to paper in the first of its kind “Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP)” trade partnership with an African country. 

This is according to a statement by the UK’s Department of Business and Trade detailing the activities of the visit of Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch to Nigeria.  

UK Lawyers to practise in Nigeria 

According to the statement, the new trade partnership aims to eliminate barriers in the legal services and film industry by allowing UK lawyers to practise international law in Nigeria and foster collaboration between the film and media industry in both countries.  

• It stated, “It will see Nigeria commit to working towards removing barriers preventing UK lawyers from practising international and foreign law in Nigeria, a step that could significantly increase UK legal services exports. It will also pave the way for further collaboration in the film and media industry and encourage world-leading UK education providers to offer high-quality education in Nigeria.” 

Total trade between the UK and Nigeria totalled £7 billion ($8.8 billion) in the year to September 2023.  

What the trade Ministers of both countries say 

Speaking on the agreement, Ms. Kemi Badenoch noted that the ETIP will unlock future opportunities for both countries and enhance trade relations with one of the biggest and fastest growing economies of the world.  

On her part, Nigeria’s trade Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anitie stated that the new partnership will move relations between both countries from mere historic ties to economic progress by opening market access for trade.  

• She said, “This partnership will see Nigeria-UK relations move beyond one of shared history and strong ties to one of shared economic prosperity. From increasing market access and supporting our vibrant businesses to creating more jobs and accelerating greater investments in sectors of mutual interests.” 

Visit to Finance Minister and CBN Governor 

During her visit to Nigeria, Ms. Badenoch will tour the location of a new Charterhouse school, marking the first UK independent school in West Africa.

Additionally, she will engage in discussions with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Finance Minister to address trade barriers hindering UK businesses. 

[Nairmetrics]

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, has urged state governors to release grains to the people to cushion the effects of the rising cost of foodstuffs.

Barau hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ordering the release of 102,000 tons of rice, maize, millet and others to address the high cost of commodities.

The federal government had through the Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention, headed by the Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, on Thursday, ordered the release of 102,000 tons of grains to Nigerians. 

The Deputy Senate President, in a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, said the move would go a long way in cushioning the effects of the rising cost of commodities in the country. 

He urged states and local governments to emulate the federal government by releasing grains to the needy in the country. 

Barau said in the coming days, he would distribute rice to 200,000 households as part of his contribution to address the challenge.

“At this trying period, we should all support the federal government to address the challenges our country is facing. As we all know the rising cost of food is a global phenomenon and our country is not unaffected by it. 

“I, therefore, implore states and local governments to distribute food items to those in need across the country to cushion the effects of the rise in the cost of food items,” he urged.

[DailyTrust]

A deputy director in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Michael Onyeka Ogbu, has explained why the apex bank released $6,230,000 as payment to some international election observers prior to last year’s general election.

Ogbu, who is currently a Deputy Director and Head of the Service Delivery Division at the CBN, said the funds were released because the request documents contained evidence of approvals by the then President Muhammadu Buhari and erstwhile CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele.

The deputy director said this while testifying yesterday as a prosecution witness in the trial of the former CBN governor.

Emefiele is facing a 20-count amended charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) in which he is, among others, accused of engaging in criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence.

He is, in the amended charge, accused of forging a document, titled: Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions, dated: January 26, 2023 with reference number SGF.43/L.01/201 and purported same to have emanated from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) to the governor of the CBN.

Emefiele is alleged to have, on February 8, 2023, knowingly obtained by false pretence $6,230,000.00 by falsely representing that the SGF vide a letter, dated: January 26, 2023, with reference number SGF 43/L.01/201 requested the CBN to provide a contingent logistic advance in the sum of $6,230,000 “in line with Mr. President’s directive”.

Ogbu, who was led in evidence by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), said he served as the Branch Controller until he was redeployed last September.

He recalled that on February 8, last year, there was a request for payment addressed to the Branch Controller.

Ogbu said after going through the documents and was satisfied, he minuted on it to the Head of Business Services Unit for processing and payment.

On whether the money was eventually released, the witness said: “Payment was eventually made. The $6,230,000 was paid on September 8, 2023. The payment was in cash.”

At that point, Oyedepo handed the witness a bundle of documents, which Ogbu identified as the documents he referred to.

Identifying each of the documents one at a time, the witness said the first page “is the payment slip, which was issued at the point of payment from my bank to the person nominated to receive the payment”.

He added: “The second page is the memo from the Banking Services Department authorising the branch to make the payment of $6,230,000.

“The third page is the request of the Director of Banking Services Department for approval of the Governor for the payment.”

The witness explained what pages four to six contained.

Ogbu told the court that the presidential approval was addressed to the then SGF, Mr. Boss Mustapha.

Oyedepo was about tendering the documents when he noticed that some of them were not properly certified.

The laywer prayed the court to be allowed to tender them as they were with a promise to replace them later with properly certified copies, a request the defence lawyer, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), rejected.

He also urged the court to grant him a stand-down of about 30 minutes to get the documents certified, which Burkaa also rejected.

Burkaa argued that it was impossible for the prosecution to have the documents certified within the 30 minutes Oyedepo requested for.

He urged the court to instead grant an adjournment to allow the prosecution sufficient time to put its house in order, an option the judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, felt comfortable with.

With the agreement of lawyers to parties in the case, Justice Muazu adjourned till February 13 for continuation of trial.

[TheNation]

Access Holdings Plc on Monday announced the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer.

This follows the death of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe.

Wigwe died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, son, and a former chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimboloa Ogunbanjo on Friday

A statement made by the company’s Board of Directors and dated February 12, 2024, stated that the appointment was subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria

“Further to its announcement dated February 11, 2024, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) has today announced the appointment of Ms Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company following the unfortunate demise of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Herbert Wigwe, on February 9, 2024.

“The appointment is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” the statement read in part.

Agbede who joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General, has nearly three decades of professional experience cutting across banking and business consultancy services.

She served in different roles at the bank including, Head, Group Human Resources between 2010 and 2022 before she was appointed the company’s founding Executive Director, Business Support in 2022, a role she held until her new appointment

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos and a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Cranfield University UK in 2002.

She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

[Punch]

I don’t think the founding fathers of this country wanted a single party structure. Not at all. They were aware of our diversity as a people. I don’t think a single political party or tribe or group can pocket this country for long.  Any attempt to try it, will end in futility no matter the desperation.

Yes the founding fathers went to London to seek independence, but they went divided. They had their own prejudices even while requesting for independence. They played a cat and mouse game. They went to London under different slogans, proposals and prayers but none of them wanted a single party structure. 

The Constitutional Conference held from May 23 to June 26, 1957 in Lancaster House in London, and presided over by the Colonial Secretary, Mr. Lennox-Boyd was anything but “cordial”.

Even before the conference, division was apparent. The division still exists till today. 

Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro (22 July 1923 – 15 December 2010) from Uromi in Edo state of the then Action Group had moved a motion on March 31st, 1953 during budget sessions in the federal house, Lagos on behalf of his party and was seconded by Chief Festus Olawoyin Awosika(1911-1965), the Bajulaiye of Ondo Kingdom on self government, at the Parliament before the London Conference. 

In moving the motion, Chief Enahoro declared “Mr. President, sir, I rise to move the motion standing in my name, “that this House accepts as a primary political objective the attainment of self-government for Nigeria in 1956”.

Sir, this motion is an invitation to the Honourable Members of this House to associate the highest legislature of our land with the expressed desire of the peoples of this country, whose views we all represent, for political autonomy in 1956. It seeks to provide representatives from all parts of the country with an opportunity to exchange views on the most burning question of our time. It is an invitation to this House to make a declaration of objective with regard to Nigerian freedom.

I do not propose, sir, to go into the arguments for self-government because I am satisfied that it is generally accepted on all sides of the House that self-government for this country at some future date is a desirability. Therefore I propose to deal with this motion in two main parts and very briefly –namely, of what significance is such a declaration of objective and secondly, why should the objective be 1956? Sir, I believe that a declaration of objective by this House has become a matter of supreme importance in our march towards self-government.

For the time being, this Legislature is the supreme voice of the people of this country, although not all majority decisions which have been taken in this House in the past could hope to survive the test of a referendum. It is essential, in my view, to assess why a formal motion of this nature the honest feelings of various sections of the House and to discover to what extent these feelings may truly reflect the aspirations of the politically conscious citizens of this country”.

Self-government is after all, sir, a subject on which it is of the first importance that people should believe rightly, and I cannot overstress the great inspiration and succour which various political parties in this country would derive there from if the demand for self-government in 1956 were to enjoy the full force of the backing of the highest legislature of the country”. 1956 is a convenient date, especially when the other two reasons are added, 1956 marked the end of the Macpherson Constitution. I therefore beg to move”. 

The motion led to riots in Kano thereafter which broke out in the ancient city in May 1953. The nature of the riot was clashes between Northerners who were opposed to Nigeria’s Independence and Southerners, made up of mainly the Yorubas and the Igbos who supported immediate independence for Nigeria. The riot that lasted for four days claimed many lives of the Southerners and Northerners and many others were wounded.

Chief Awosika was elected into the Western House of Assembly in 1951. He was later elected into the House of Representatives on January 10, 1952 along with Prince Adeleke Adedoyin alias SERIKI TULASI, Dr. I. Nimbe, K. Momoh, J.G. Ako, S.O. Ighodaro, E.A. Babalola, Tony Enahoro, Moyo Aboderin, C.A. Tewe, F. Agidee and A.O. Ogedengbe. 

Others elected were T.A. Odutola, T. Akinbiyi, O. Akeredolu-Ale, J. Oroge and Alhaji Dauda Adegbenro. 

In 1954, he was appointed the central Minister of Works. On October 18, 1955, he became the Minister of Finance in the Western Region, succeeding Chief Obafemi Awolowo GCFR, who later became Premier of the Western Region. 

However on May 27, 1956, Chief Awosika was among the four Ministers that were defeated in the general elections to the House of Assembly. Others who lost in the election were S.O. Ighodaro, Minister of Health, Mr. Augustus Meredith Adisa Akinloye, Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources and J.F. Odunjo, Minister of Lands. A parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education, Mr. Kessington Momoh was also defeated.

One of them who lost the election Samuel Osarogie Ighodaro born on March 21, 1911 later served as Minister of Justice and Attorney- General, Western Region, 1959-63. He quit politics  and  served as Senior Lecturer, University of Lagos, 1966-67; appointed Judge, High Court of Midwestern Region (now Edo State), 1968-73; and later became the Iyase of Benin. 

Four other Ministers were elected: Chief Anthony Enahoro, Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Jonathan Olawale Odebiyi, Minister of Education, Mr. I.O.O. Oshuntokun, Minster of Works and Chief C.D. Akran. 

In 1957, the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Tewogboye II made Chief Awosika, the Bajulaiye of Ondo Kingdom.

The Northern leaders objected to the motion. The motion angered them. They fought back instantly.

To be concluded 

Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, said Nigerians are still suffering from the impact of the policies of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

Oshiomhole stated this in an interview on Channels Television.

The former governor of Edo State said President Tinubu should not be held responsible for the right or wrong decisions taken by the previous administration.

Oshiomhole said he (President Tinubu) always places national interests above partisan interests.

He said, “My first loyalty is to Nigeria. At some point, before the last president left office, I lamented loudly what I saw as reckless policies that were designed to dehumanize the population that was already in pain.

“I felt that it is not what the then president promised. I dissociated myself from those policies and I’m happy that I was not the only one.

“There were governors who approached the court to denounce some of those policies. It is the long term consequences of those policies that we are still grappling with now.

“Yes, it is our party platform. Like Tinubu also said, he was not a minister or adviser. He never took a contract in that government and he cannot be held responsible for what the government did right or wrong,” he said.

A former Vice Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the north-west, Salihu Lukman, has begged President Bola Tinubu to be responsive to the sufferings of Nigerians.

Lukman, who made this appeal in a statement, said Nigerians are becoming impoverished and can no longer afford basic medication.

The APC chieftain said he is heartbroken because the performance of Tinubu in the last 10 months betrays all the expectations “we had.”

“President Asiwaju Tinubu, APC leaders and Nigerian politicians can do better.

“How can anyone with the faintest of conscience live a normal life with a reality whereby the same citizens who elected them as leaders are impoverished by decisions we took as a ruling party?

“Is President Asiwaju Tinubu at all aware that the majority of our citizens, including relatively high-income earners cannot afford medication when they are sick?

“The belief of many of us, and indeed most Nigerians, is that President Asiwaju Tinubu is a responsive politician who will not recklessly take any decision without weighing its consequences on the lives of citizens.

“Being human, our expectation is that, if decisions are taken with grave consequences such as withdrawal of subsidy and floating the exchange rate, being the responsive leader he is.

“It is our expectation he will quickly review and recalibrate such decisions with the overall objective of protecting the welfare of citizens. That is what progressive politics is all about.

“May God Almighty touch the heart of President Asiwaju Tinubu and all APC leaders, and indeed all Nigerian politicians, to understand that millions of Nigerians are confronted with life threatening reality today.

“Just like we asked for the votes of citizens during elections, citizens are asking leaders, especially President Asiwaju Tinubu, to be responsive to today’s reality.”

Lukman added that it is difficult to predict where the country is headed under Tinubu.

A fresh crisis has hit the Labour Party as its National Treasurer, Mrs. Oluchi Oparah, has demanded that the National Chairman, Julius Abure render an account of party funds over N3.5bn being proceeds of sale of forms and sundry fundraisers for the 2023 general elections.

Oparah made the demand at a press conference in Abuja, on Monday.

According to the treasurer, the National Chairman has prevented her from exercising her constitutionally assigned role of handling the party’s accounts.

She equally alleged that the chairman has shunned all entireties to open the party’s books for scrutiny since the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms closed before the 2023 general elections.

Oparah said, “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the press. I stand before you today with a heavy heart and a sense of duty to the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice. With great reluctance and deep concern, I am compelled to publicly address the media regarding the egregious financial mismanagement and corruption that have plagued our beloved party under the leadership of Mr Julius Abure, the current National Chairman.

“As National Treasurer, I am constrained to come before you and the public today because the internal mechanisms of our party have failed woefully to bring Mr Abure to account for his brazen abuse of office and misappropriation of party funds.

“ His appetite for power has grown unchecked, and he has deliberately undermined my duties and authority as stipulated in the party’s constitution.”