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  • Tinubu’s First ECOWAS Challenge: Can He Restore Democracy to Niger?

    Tinubu’s First ECOWAS Challenge: Can He Restore Democracy to Niger?

    Barely three weeks after Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, promised to not tolerate coups in West Africa under his leadership as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), he’s faced with his first major test. 

    On July 26, 2023, news of an ongoing military coup in the Niger Republic sent the world into a frenzy, with it being tagged as the “latest coup in Africa”. Soldiers of the presidential guard had detained the president, Mohamed Bazoum, in his palace in Niamey; initially, the coup was met with resistance by other military units until they supported it to “avoid bloodshed”. 

    In the latest developments about the coup, on Friday, July 28, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the head of the presidential guard, declared himself the head of the transitional government, which he called “The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland”. 

    How did all this start? 

    The Niger Republic is no stranger to military takeovers, as this would be the fifth successful coup since its independence from France in 1960. As always, the coup plotters justify their actions with claims of poor governance, insecurity, corruption, and overall incompetence by the democratic government. 

    So far, the military has announced the closure of all land and air borders, the suspension of all institutions, and a nationwide curfew.

    Download the Citizen Election Report: Navigating Nigeria’s Political Journey

    How has ECOWAS reacted?

    In a statement on July 30, 2023, ECOWAS issued a seven-day ultimatum to the military group in Niger, demanding the restoration of President Muhammed Bazoum to office. They also threatened to take all necessary measures, including “using force”, to restore Niger’s democratic rule. If implemented, this would be the first time ECOWAS has considered using military power to reverse a military coup.

    However, in the meantime, the following sanctions have been put on Niger to pressure the military government: 

    • Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger
    • Establishment of a no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger
    • Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS countries and Niger
    • Freezing of all assets of Niger in the ECOWAS Central Bank and parastatals in commercial banks
    • Suspension of all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions within ECOWAS countries
    • Travel bans on all military officials and their families involved in the coup attempt, not excluding anyone who accepts a position in the military government. 

    What Does It Mean for West Africa’s Fight Against Terrorism?

    More insecurity

    For a long time, Niger has been very instrumental in fighting Islamic insurgents and militants in the West African Sahel region. Western countries have supported and served as critical partners in the fight against Islamic insurgents with their resources. For instance, the United States says it has spent around $500 million to boost the country’s security, and it also has a robust military presence in Niger. And France has also used Niger as its base for counter-insurgency troops for about a decade. 

    However, the recent coup will likely result in instability worsening the fragile security state, which could worsen and lead to consequences affecting Nigeria.

    Regional unrest

    Before the recent military takeover, Niger served as an example of relative democratic stability in West Africa’s Sahel region, especially compared to its neighbouring countries, Mali, Chad, and Burkina Faso, which have experienced coups since 2020. 

    But this troubling new development might indicate the growing political instability and dissatisfaction in the region and give way to even more attempted coups. 

    Tinubu’s response to addressing this issue matters as it can garner favour with international bodies amidst lingering concerns about his presidential legitimacy. And so far, his swift intervention has been met with interesting responses, as former President Muhammadu Buhari recently commended him for his decisive action.

    Tolu Omotesho

    , , ,

  • Tinubu Wants Obazee to Investigate CBN. But He Has a Dark Past

    Tinubu Wants Obazee to Investigate CBN. But He Has a Dark Past

    Let’s say you’re President Bola Tinubu. You inherit a central bank that has lost its way under the leadership of its governor, Godwin Emefiele, who made life hard for the average Nigerian. For instance, his mismanagement of the Ways and Means advance, where he printed and recklessly advanced money to the government, contributed to inflation. As the new guy, you’ve had enough of him and decided to suspend him. 

    So far—DSS detainment of Emefiele aside—everything seems textbook. Until you decide to appoint someone to probe everything the CBN has done. The appointee is a man with a controversial history—a man whose name is Jim Osayande Obazee.

    Who is Jim Obazee?

    Obazee was born on March 28, 1965. He’s from Edo state. He is an accounting graduate from the University of Benin and holds a master’s degree in the same course from the University of Lagos. Obazee is also a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management and the American Accounting Association. He holds a certificate in strategic financial analysis for business evaluation from Harvard University.

    Obazee was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) between 2010 and 2017. The FRC was formerly the Nigerian Accounting Standards Board (NASB). It sets the accounting standards used in Nigeria. In January 2017, he was sacked by President Buhari. It’s here that things get very interesting.

    What controversy has Obazee found himself in?

    In 2017, The Cable reported on Obazee, describing him as the “man of controversies.” Going back to 2013, he was accused of sexual harassment by his then-personal assistant. The complainant wrote a letter to the FRC describing how Obazee professed his love for her even though she was married. She claimed he transferred and eventually sacked her when she refused his advances. He defended her sack by claiming the complainant had a “history of poor performance at work.”

    Obazee has also sparred with influential people. These include the former CBN governor, Lamido Sanusi, whom he recommended for the sack due to financial recklessness. Based on the recommendation, former President Jonathan sacked Sanusi in 2014.

    Obazee also took on the founder of Stanbic IBTC bank, Atedo Peterside. In 2015, the FRC suspended Peterside’s FRC number and those belonging to senior bank officials over financial infractions. The FRC also imposed a ₦‎1 billion fine on the bank.

    In 2016, Obazee squared off against Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). The faceoff had to do with a directive that demanded heads of not-for-profit organisations step down after twenty years in office. This led Adeboye to step down while naming Joshua Obayemi as head of the RCCG in Nigeria while he remained General Overseer worldwide. Buhari fired Obazee and reconstituted the FRC board in 2017 due to the controversy this issue caused.

    What does Tinubu want from Obazee?

    According to Sahara Reporters, Obazee received his appointment letter dated July 28. The immediately effective appointment will see Obazee report directly to the president. Part of the letter reads, “You are to investigate the CBN and related entities using a suitably experienced, competent, and capable team and work with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to deliver on this assignment. I shall expect a weekly briefing on the progress being made.”

    What have reactions to his appointment been like?

    There have been mixed reactions to his appointment. Some have asked whether a thorough vetting process was conducted before the appointment.

    Others say the appointment was the right call.

    In any case, the next few weeks will be interesting to watch. The President and Emefiele will—for different reasons—be looking forward to learning what Obazee uncovers.

    Download the Citizen Election Report: Navigating Nigeria’s Political Journey

    Stephen Agwaibor

    , ,

  • Navigating Nigeria: Akpabio’s Gaffe, Tinubu’s List, and the Super Falcons

    Navigating Nigeria: Akpabio’s Gaffe, Tinubu’s List, and the Super Falcons

    Three significant events stood out this week in Nigeria. Depending on how you look at them, they elicited reactions ranging from sheer outrage to ineffable joy. For Navigating Nigeria, we’ll take you through the rollercoaster moments that made this week memorable as July comes to a close.

    Our journey begins in Nigeria’s Red Chamber, the Senate.

    Akpabio’s gaffe

    While Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, may have reached the apex of his political career, it seems he is still looking to outdo himself by how deep in trouble he can put himself in. We haven’t forgotten his public confession when as the Minister of the Niger Delta, he fingered members of the House of Representatives (HOR) whom he claimed benefitted from some lucrative contracts. It took the intervention of one of them on live TV to beg Akpabio to “off his mic” to stop him from incriminating everyone. 

    Akpabio, described as an “uncommon” senator, has promised to run an uncommon Senate. As he’s learning rather quickly, uncommon can become unpopular in a jiffy. In a viral video from a plenary session during the week, Akpabio asked the Senate to vote on a prayer to “let the poor breathe”. The manner of delivery, which appeared to be mocking, didn’t sit well with Nigerians. They lashed out at the uncommon senator.

    The office of the Senate President had to issue a press release. It clarified that it was a “harmless statement” based on a motion moved by another senator to halt the electricity tariff hike.

    Nigerians aren’t smiling during this period. The last thing they need is a legislature that makes fun of their plight. Let’s hope Akpabio has learned his lesson.

    Tinubu’s ministerial list

    President Tinubu’s ministerial list finally reached the public and was met with mixed reactions. Early observations indicated that the list had just 28 names. The names were also weighted in favour of career politicians ahead of technocrats. No portfolios were attached to them either, which is unusual. Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, said it was intentional. Here’s how he explained it to the press:

    “So many of these things have merits and demerits, advantages and disadvantages. I like the idea of attaching portfolios. I do because it makes it necessary for the Senate to know exactly what you’re asking and looking for.

    But for now, it’s been thought wise that we stick to the tradition of sending the names and then, while the screening processes are going on, allow Mr. President and his team to look at the portfolios and the characters and see how they fit.

    The first step that he has done is that these people can work wherever you put them. Except in specialized fields like attorney general and what have you. But in the main time, he believes most of them can fit in anywhere.”

    Constitutional lawyer, Festus Ogun, isn’t having any of that.

    The Senate plans to begin screening on Monday. It’ll be curious to observe how that plays out. 

    Download the Citizen Election Report: Navigating Nigeria’s Political Journey

    All hail the Super Falcons

    [Osinachi Ohale and Onome Ebi celebrate at the full-time whistle. Photograph: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images]

    By the time you read this, at least two days will have elapsed since the events of that heroic night on July 27 in Brisbane, Australia. Nigeria’s female national team, the Super Falcons, beat Australia with a 3-2 score at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup.

    Football unites Nigerians more than anything, and for those 100+ minutes of that engaging contest, Nigerians went through all the motions together. 

    The match stats tell an exciting story. 

    For the most part, the Australians had control of the ball and dominated early proceedings. Nigeria, which had a solid defense for most of the game, conceded first in the 45th minute. The atmosphere was rapturous, and it looked like we would head into half-time with a loss. But the antifragile Super Falcons had different ideas.

    In what was effectively the last kick of the first half after 5 minutes of added time, Uchenna Kanu scored a wonderful goal—a combination of good play and a fortuitous deflection. Cue the reactions from Nigerians halfway across the world.

    1-1, halftime.

    By the second half, our ladies were amped. In the 65th minute, our star striker, Asisat Oshoala, was introduced to the pitch. You could hear the palpable silence in the stadium, almost as if the Australians could foretell the pain that was to come. 

    Osinachi Ohale put us ahead a minute later, despite getting a heavy knock in the process. 

    2-1, Nigeria.

    Oshoala tormented the Australian backline and got her reward in the 72nd minute after a mixup in the Australian defense allowed her to score a brilliant goal from a wide angle. Taking off her shirt in celebration may have earned her a yellow card, but the iconic celebration will live long in the memory of Nigerians. 

    3-1, Nigeria.

    [Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria celebrates after scoring her team’s third goal. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)]

    Her goal made her the first African woman to score at three World Cups. She previously scored in 2019 and 2015. And while the Australians managed to pull one back deep into stoppage time, Nigeria, led by coach Randy Waldrum, emerged triumphant with three goals and three points.

    3:2, Nigeria. FT.

    The result leaves us at the top of the table and in a good position to make the next round. A draw in our last game against already-eliminated Ireland would be enough. This is remarkable, given the team’s issues leading up to the showpiece. 

    Allegations of misappropriation, delayed payments, and a war of words between Waldrum and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) led many to fear the worst. But after a resilient showing against Olympic champion Canada, where we earned a point, there was some hope that the girls might be up to something, and they delivered in fine fashion.

    Whatever they do going forward, the Super Falcons deserve our utmost respect for acting professionally and bringing joy to the faces of millions of Nigerians. As always, we will be cheering them on and hope they have fun doing what they do best.

    Nigeria’s next match is on Monday, July 31, at 11 a.m.

    Stephen Agwaibor

    , , ,

  • Who Are the Women in Tinubu’s Ministerial List?

    Who Are the Women in Tinubu’s Ministerial List?

    In his manifesto document, President Bola Tinubu promised to increase women’s representation in government to at least 35% of all government positions, and right now, everyone’s watching closely to see if he keeps to his word. 

    On July 27, 2023, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, received the ministerial list from the presidential office. This list contained 28 names, seven of which were women. And while we still await the second half of the ministerial list, so far, 25% of the nominees are women. 

    Download the Citizen Election Report: Navigating Nigeria’s Political Journey

    Who Are These Women?

    Hannatu Musawa

    Hannatu hails from Katsina state and is a lawyer, politician and writer. She got her law degree from the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom, and Master’s degrees in the Legal Aspects of Marine Affairs from the University of Cardiff, Wales, and Oil and Gas Law from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. 

    Before her ministerial nomination, she served as the Deputy Spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC PCC). And in June 2023, she was appointed the Special Adviser on Culture and Entertainment Economy to the President.

    Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim

    Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim is a politician and businesswoman who served as the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) from December 2020 to May 2021. 

    Prior to her ministerial nomination, she currently holds the position of the Honourable Federal Commissioner of the National Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants, And Internally Displaced Persons Office. She has so far been instrumental in providing support and addressing the issues faced by migrants and IDPs. 

    Betta Edu

    Betta Edu, born October 1986, is a medical doctor, public health specialist, and politician currently serving as the National Women Leader of the APC, the youngest ever to attain the role. 

    She started her political career in 2015, when she was appointed as the Special Adviser on Community and Primary Healthcare to the then-governor of Cross River state, Benedict Ayade. In 2020, she served as the chairman of the Cross River state COVID-19 Taskforce, and later that year, she was appointed as the National Chairman of the Nigerian Health Commissioners Forum until her resignation in 2022. 

    Her recent ministerial nomination would make her the first female minister from Cross River state and the youngest minister in the Fourth Nigerian Republic. 

    Doris Anite Uzoka

    Doris is a medical doctor who has made great strides in the banking industry. She’s a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charter holder by training with a specialisation in Financial Risk Management and Portfolio Management. 

    She also previously served as a former General Manager of Zenith Bank and the Imo state Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Economy under then Imo state Governor Hope Uzodinma.

    Nkeiruka Onyejeocha

    Nkeiruka Onyejocha is a current lawmaker in the Abia State House of Representatives. She began her political career in 2002 with her appointment as the Abia state Commissioner for Resource Management and Manpower Development under then-governor Orji Kalu. 

    She joined the Abia state House of Representatives in 2007, where she sponsored a number of Bills, including the obligatory treatment of gunshot victims, before demanding a police report. She’s also executed projects to control erosion, improve security, and repair damaged roads. 

    Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye

    Uju is a lawyer, philanthropist, Nollywood producer and politician. She was the only female presidential aspirant of the APC in the 2023 elections before dropping out of the race.

    Despite being a member of the APC, she has never held a political role; she has contributed to rural areas and communities across several states by establishing health and skill development centres.

    Stella Okotete

    Stella is a human rights activist and politician who formerly served as Executive Director, Business Development, of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) under former president Muhammadu Buhari. She’s also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria, the Institute of Management Consultants, and an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. 

    Stella has vast experience in policy formulation and execution, export finance, and international development. She’s also a philanthropist who has helped Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri and the co-founder of the E’Girls Right Foundation, which caters to orphaned and abandoned children in rural areas. 

    Tolu Omotesho

    , , , ,

  • What Are the Visa-Free Countries for Nigerians? | Abroad Life

    What Are the Visa-Free Countries for Nigerians? | Abroad Life

    The Nigerian experience is physical, emotional, and sometimes international. No one knows it better than our features on #TheAbroadLife, a series where we detail and explore Nigerian experiences while living abroad.

    In July 2023, the Seychelles government banned Nigerian passport holders from applying for short-term or holiday visas.

    This led to a series of frustrated comments on the ban, with many Nigerians lamenting the recent blacklisting of Nigerians in other countries.

    But now that we’ve been visa-banned from these countries, what’s next? Well, according to the VisaGuide Passport Index, the Nigerian passport ranks 189th out of 215 countries in the world. This means that we can only travel visa-free to 26 countries worldwide.

    These 26 countries are:

    • Barbados
    • Benin
    • Burkina Faso
    • Cameroon
    • Cabo Verde
    • Chad
    • Cook Islands
    • Ivory Coast
    • Dominica
    • Fiji
    • Ghana
    • Guinea
    • Guinea-Bissau
    • Haiti
    • Liberia
    • Mali
    • Micronesia
    • Montserrat
    • Niger
    • Niue
    • Senegal
    • Sierra Leone
    • Saint Kitts and Nevis
    • Gambia
    • Togo
    • Vanuatu

    Are there any additional requirements?

    You still need to have a valid passport—typically for six months after your departure date—and you must buy travel health insurance in accordance with your destination country’s requirements for visa-free travel.

    The ‘Nigeria-Friendly’ Countries

    In countries like these, visa applications and immigration laws are more relaxed. You have the option of either applying for the visa online (as opposed to standing in long queues) or getting your visa on arrival.

    Countries that grant E-visas 

    Just think of the usual visa process, but online. You can submit your application online, including the visa payment.

    After your application is approved, you will receive an email confirming your visa status and a document you must print and bring when crossing the border/airport. Your visa will be registered online, but some officers may ask you for a physical copy of the permit; that is why keeping the copy on your person while travelling is important.

    Here are the 23 countries that grant e-visas for Nigerian passport holders:

    • Burundi
    • Cambodia
    • Comoros
    • Iran
    • Lebanon
    • Madagascar
    • Maldives
    • Mauritania
    • Mauritius
    • Mozambique
    • Namibia
    • Palau
    • Rwanda
    • Samoa
    • Somalia
    • Timor-Leste
    • Tuvalu

    The ‘Visa on Arrival’ Countries

    Every country has specific visa policies that include who is allowed to apply for a visa on arrival. This visa is usually given for Tourism, business, family, and medical purposes.

    How do you apply for a visa on arrival?

    This visa is usually obtained at either the border or the airport. The steps include:

    1. Bring the required documents with you. Each country has its own checklist of documents that you must present to apply for a visa. The documents include:
    • A valid passport:  Your passport must be valid for at least one year and include copies of your previous visas (if any).
    • A passport-size photograph: The number of photographs may change depending on the country.
    • A completed and signed application form: You can check the website of that country’s embassy or immigration authorities to see if you need a printed copy of the application.
    • A card or cash to pay the visa fee: If you are required to pay beforehand, you must have proof that you have finished your visa application fee payment. Also, check whether you need cash in the currency of the country you visit.
    • A hotel reservation or a rental agreement This is used as accommodation proof.
    • A round-trip ticket.
    • A valid travel health insurance certificate.
    • A bank statement.
    1. Upon arrival, approach the designated area for the Visa on Arrival. Many countries will have a designated area to accept VOA applications, such as a counter or a booth; others will issue the visa directly at the checkpoint. You have to submit the required documents to the immigration or visa officer.
    2. Finish the requested fee payment for your visa application. The visa fee amount can change depending on the country you plan to visit. You may also be required to pay in cash (in that country’s currency), so check beforehand to be prepared.
    3. Wait until the border crossing issues your visa. This can take from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the country.

    Here’s the list of countries that issue visas on arrival:

    • Armenia
    • Bangladesh
    • Bolivia
    • Cambodia
    • Qatar
    • Egypt
    • Gabon
    • Georgia
    • India
    • Iran
    • Kenya
    • Kuwait
    • Laos
    • Mongolia
    • Myanmar
    • Malaysia
    • Nigeria
    • Nepal
    • Oman
    • Pakistan
    • Papua New Guinea
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Sri Lanka
    • Taiwan
    • Turkey
    • Thailand
    • Uganda
    • Vietnam

    Chiamaka Dike

    , ,

  • Who Are the People That Made Tinubu’s Ministerial List?

    Who Are the People That Made Tinubu’s Ministerial List?

    On Thursday, July 27, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, received the ministerial list from the president’s office. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, presented the list to Akpabio at exactly 01:19 pm.  

    Twenty-eight nominees have made the list, including 21 men and seven women. Who are they?

    Ministerial nominees

    Abubakar Momoh

    A lawmaker from Edo State. He was a former member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019.

    Yusuf Maitama Tuggar

    Tuggar is a politician and diplomat serving as the Nigerian ambassador to Germany. He hails from Bauchi state.

    Ahmad Dangiwa

    Architect and former CEO of the Federal Mortgage Bank. He’s from Katsina state.

    Hannatu Musawa

    Initially appointed by Tinubu as a special adviser on entertainment and culture, Musawa has now been upgraded to minister. She’s a lawyer and comes from Katsina state.

    Uche Nnaji

    A politician from Enugu state, Nnaji was the APC’s flag-bearer in the 2023 gubernatorial election.

    Betta Edu

    Edu is an APC national women leader and former commissioner for health in Cross River state.

    Doris Anite Uzoka

    Uzoka is from Imo State. Before her appointment, she was the state’s commissioner for finance and coordinating economy.

    David Umahi

    Umahi was the former governor of Ebonyi. He’s a senator in the tenth national assembly.

    Ezenwo Nyesom Wike

    Wike is a former governor of Rivers state. He was also a leading contender for the PDP’s presidential ticket before losing out and forming the breakaway group of PDP governors known as the G5 that opposed Atiku Abubakar’s ambition. He was instrumental, albeit in controversial circumstances marred by blatant rigging, to the APC winning the presidential election in Rivers state.

    Muhammed Badaru Abubakar

    Abubakar is the former governor of Jigawa state. He has also chaired presidential committees on fertilizer as well as non-oil revenue.

    Nasir El-Rufai

    El-Rufai is a former FCT minister and former governor of Kaduna state. He has served in various capacities in previous administrations and was a key ally to former President Buhari and now, Tinubu.

    Ekperikpe Ekpo

    Ekpo was a former senatorial candidate for the APC in Akwa-Ibom North West district. He would later step down for Akpabio, who emerged as Senate President.

    Nkeiruka Onyejeocha

    Onyejeocha is a lawmaker in the House of Representatives (HOR). She lost her position as deputy whip to a lawmaker from the Labour Party. She comes from Abia state.

    Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

    Tunji-Ojo hails from Ondo state. He’s a former business and management executive who forayed into politics by becoming elected to the HOR in 2019.

    Stella Okotete

    Okotete was, before her appointment, an Executive Director (Business Development) at the Nigeria Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank. A position she was appointed to by President Buhari. She has also served as a women’s national leader in the APC. Okotete comes from Delta state.

    Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye

    Kennedy-Ohanenye is a barrister from Anambra state. She famously ran for the presidential ticket under the APC before dropping out.

    Bello Muhammad Goronyo

    Goronyo is from Sokoto state. He was formerly of the PDP before he defected in 2019. Goronyo was a former commissioner of information and the Zonal Secretary North West of the APC.

    Dele Alake

    Alake, a long-time buddy of Tinubu, is the Special Adviser to the President, Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy. His position has now been upgraded to a ministerial portfolio.

    Lateef Fagbemi

    Fagbemi comes from Ijagbo, Kwara State. He is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). 

    Mohammad Idris

    Idris hails from Niger state. He was a former commissioner for information and strategy.

    Olawale Edun

    Edun is a banker with a corporate finance, economics, and international finance background. He was a former commissioner of finance in Lagos under Tinubu as governor. Prior to his nomination, he was a special adviser to the president.

    Waheed Adebayo Adelabu

    Adebayo is a former deputy governor of the CBN and a former governorship candidate of APC from Oyo State.

    Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim was born in Jos but was raised in Abuja. She’s a politician and businesswoman who has served as Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons under President Buhari.

    Muhammad Ali Pate

    Pate is a politician, physician, and professor of public health. Born in Bauchi state, he was a former minister of state for health. In February 2023, Pate was appointed Chief Executive Officer of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. He has, however, resigned his position to resume public office.

    Joseph Utsev

    Utsev has a background in engineering and hails from Benue state.

    Abubakar Kyari

    Kyari was a senator representing Borno North Senatorial District of Borno State from 2015 until his resignation in April 2022. He is a member and the acting national chairman of the APC.

    John Enoh

    Enoh is a former senator who hails from Cross River state.

    Sani Abubakar Danladi

    Danladi is a former acting governor and former senator whose tenure was shortlived after a Supreme Court ruling unseated him. He’s from Taraba state. 

    Download the Citizen Election Report: Navigating Nigeria’s Political Journey

    Stephen Agwaibor

    ,

  • The Key Functions of Nigeria’s Federal Agencies and Parastatals

    The Key Functions of Nigeria’s Federal Agencies and Parastatals

    There are over 100 federal government agencies and parastatals in Nigeria, and tracking their functions and responsibilities can be challenging. In this article, we’ll spotlight some of these agencies and tell you everything you need to know about them. 

    Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

    The NSCDC is a paramilitary agency officially established by Act 3 of 2003. However, its earliest operations started in 1967 during the civil war under the name “Lagos Civil Defence Committee”. At that time, one of the significant duties of this paramilitary group was to sensitise civilians to enemy attacks and how to protect themselves, for instance, by identifying bombs and bomb raids and diving into trenches during bomb attacks. 

    The name “Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps” was adopted in 1970 and transformed into a national security agency in 1984. 

    These days, the NSCDC works with the police to protect Nigeria and Nigerians from threats and any form of attack. Some of their primary functions are:

    • Maintenance of peace and order while also protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians
    • Ensures and recommends the registration of every private guard company under the Ministry of Defence
    • Supervises and monitors the activities and operations of private guard companies
    • Oversees the surveillance of government facilities, projects and infrastructures at every level
    Download the Citizen Election Report: Navigating Nigeria’s Political Journey

    Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

    The EFCC is one of the more well-known federal agencies in Nigeria. It was established by a National Assembly Act on December 12, 2002, under the administration of former president Olusegun Obasanjo. 

    One of the reasons behind the establishment of the EFCC was in response to the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF), which listed Nigeria as one of the 23 countries that were non-cooperative with the efforts of the international community to fight money laundering. 

    Since the establishment of the EFCC, the agency, especially under the leadership of its pioneer chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, has tried to tackle the problem of corruption and fraud plaguing the country. For instance, we’ve seen the arrests and prosecutions of politicians and high-level fraudsters such as Ade Bendel, Maurice Ibekwe, and Fred Ajudua. 

    According to the EFCC, their vision is to create a Nigeria free from financial and economic crises. They plan to achieve this by adequately executing their functions, which involve:

    • Investigating all financial crimes such as contract scams, money laundering, illegal fund transfers, counterfeiting, and advance fee fraud
    • Collaborating with government bodies locally and internationally to eradicate economic crimes
    • Enlightening the public against economic and financial crimes within and outside Nigeria
    • Adoption of measures to identify, trace, freeze, confiscate or seize proceeds received from terrorist activities

    Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)

    The ICPC was inaugurated on September 29, 2000, following the recommendation of former president Olusegun Obasanjo.

    It was established by the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and has the major responsibility of:

    • Receiving and investigating reports of corruption and other offences as stated in Act 2000
    • Examining and enforcing the correction of corruption-prone systems and procedures
    • Enlightening Nigerians against corruption and other related crimes. 

    While it may seem like there’s an overlap between the responsibilities of the EFCC and the ICPC, there’s a major difference between both agencies. The ICPC is limited to investigating and prosecuting corruption in the public sector, but the EFCC is empowered to fight corruption at all levels, i.e., both private and public. 

    Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)

    The FCCPC is a federal agency established in 2019, birthed by a merger between the Nigerian Consumer Protection Council (NCPC) and the Nigerian Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (NCCPC). This occurred following the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, signed into Law by former president Muhammadu Buhari. 

    The FCCPC aims to protect consumer rights and promote fair market competition. Some of 

    the functions of this federal agency include:

    • Investigating and enforcing consumer protection laws in Nigeria 
    • Educating, advising and enlightening consumers on their rights 
    • Encouraging fair market competition by investigating price fixing and market allocation
    • Regulating and sanctioning misleading advertisements

    State Security Service (SSS)

    The State Security Service, also known as the Department of State Services (DSS), concerns itself with detecting and preventing crimes that threaten Nigeria’s internal security.  

    Its roots can be traced to the military regime in Nigeria, when General Olusegun Obasanjo enacted NSO Decree No. 16 (1976), which resulted in the establishment of the Nigerian Security Organisation (NSO). However, under the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida’s administration in 1985, he restructured the NSO through Decree No. 19 of 1986, also called the National Security Agencies (NSA) Decree, 1986. This led to the emergence of three separate security agencies:

    • The State Security Service (SSS)
    • The Defence Intelligence Service (DIS)
    • The National Intelligence Agency (NIA)

    And some of the major functions of the SSS involve:

    • Prevention of any crime against Nigeria’s security
    • Investigation and prevention of threats of terrorism, espionage, sabotage and separatist agitations
    • Upholding and enforcing Nigeria’s criminal laws
    • Protection of top government officials like the president, vice president, senate president, speaker of the house of representatives, governors, and other visiting dignitaries.

    Tolu Omotesho

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  • QUIZ: What Kind of Minister Are You?

    QUIZ: What Kind of Minister Are You?

    Tinubu’s ministerial list is officially being announced today. Let’s find out what kind of minister YOU would be if you were in power.

    Chiamaka Dike

  • QUIZ: Can You Guess How Broke Nigeria Is?

    QUIZ: Can You Guess How Broke Nigeria Is?

    Did you know that you can join the fight against extreme poverty in the country? Find out more in this report.

    Tolu Omotesho

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  • How Benedict Odiase Put Nigeria’s National Anthem to Music

    How Benedict Odiase Put Nigeria’s National Anthem to Music

    If you’re a Nigerian reading this, then the National Anthem is not news to you. You must have probably heard it in school growing up, on television, or at public events. 

    But do you know who made it? Do you know about everyone involved? 

    Benedict Odiase

    Odiase is widely credited for being “the man behind” Nigeria’s national anthem. 

    The anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” was originally written as a poem by five different writers, and it was Odiase who was tasked with putting the poem to music. He did this by creating a melody that would capture the patriotic and aspirational spirit of the poem. 

    Before we go into what makes this anthem unique, especially with the words reflected, there are four things you should know about the Odiase, the composer.

    He was born during the colonial era 

    Odiase was born in Edo State during the British colonial era on August 25, 1934.

    He was a police officer

    Odiase served in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from 1954 to 1992 and was also the Music Director of the Nigerian Police Band and the Mid-West State Police Band.

    He directed Nigeria’s current national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” in 1978

    In 1978, Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee”, was changed to “Arise, O Compatriots,” under the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo. The former anthem was changed to promote national ownership, as the composer of the previous anthem was a British expatriate. 

    The lyrics of the anthem were taken from five of the best entries in a national contest. 

    The winners were P. O. Aderibigbe, John A. Ilechukwu, Dr. Sota Omoigui, Eme Etim Akpan, and B.A. Ogunnaike.

    What Are the Details About These Men?

    P. O. Aderibigbe was a Nigerian lawyer and poet. He was born in 1933 in Ibadan, Nigeria. He attended the University of Ibadan, where he studied law. After graduating, he worked as a lawyer in Lagos. He was also a member of the Nigerian National Anthem Committee, which was responsible for selecting the winning poem for the national anthem. Aderibigbe died in 2010.

    John A. Ilechukwu was a Nigerian journalist and poet. He was born in 1937 in Nsukka, Nigeria. He attended the University of Ibadan, where he studied English. After graduating, he worked as a journalist for the Daily Times of Nigeria. He was also a member of the Nigerian National Anthem Committee. Ilechukwu died in 2012.

    Dr. Sota Omoigui was a Nigerian physician and poet. He was born in 1936 in Benin City, Nigeria. He attended the University of Ibadan, where he studied medicine. After graduating, he worked as a physician in Lagos. He was also a member of the Nigerian National Anthem Committee. Omoigui died in 2017.

    Eme Etim Akpan was a Nigerian lawyer and poet. He was born in 1938 in Calabar, Nigeria. He attended the University of Ibadan, where he studied law. After graduating, he worked as a lawyer in Lagos. He was also a member of the Nigerian National Anthem Committee. Akpan died in 2019.

    B. A. Ogunnaike was a Nigerian engineer and poet. He was born in 1938 in Ibadan, Nigeria. He attended the University of Ibadan, where he studied engineering. After graduating, he worked as an engineer in Lagos. He was also a member of the Nigerian National Anthem Committee. Ogunnaike died in 2014.

    Odiase, the composer, passed away in 2013, aged 78. 

    Before his death, Odiase was a national award winner. In 2001, he received the Order of the Niger Award for his composition of the National Anthem. 

    Odiase got the National Anthem copyrighted 

    Odiase still earns royalties from the National Anthem since he copyrighted it through the Musical Copyrights Society of Nigeria (MCSN). 

    It’s worth mentioning that his family previously filed a lawsuit against MTN Nigeria in October 2013, seeking N1.5 billion in damages for unauthorised use of the National Anthem as a ringback tone.

    MTN, in response, attributed the mistake to their content providers and asserted that they should not be held responsible.

    A Brief Rundown of What the National Anthem Means

    Let’s start with the first four lines:

    Military recruitment and patriotic values

    Arise, O Compatriots, 

    Nigeria’s call obey, 

    To serve thy Fatherland, 

    With love and strength and faith

    In the third line, “to serve thy fatherland” refers to Nigerian military recruitment. It means that Nigerians should be ready to defend the country when necessary.

    The three principles of love, strength, and faith are the virtues every patriotic Nigerian must have for the country. Love for the fatherland, strength to make it past economic hard times, and faith that Nigeria can overcome every obstacle it faces. 

    The fight for independence and democracy 

    The labour of our heroes past,

    shall never be in vain

    To serve with heart and might,

    One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity

    “The labour of our heroes past” refers to the wars that our forefathers and national heroes fought for the nation. 

    These include the battles against British colonial masters and the fight for national independence and democracy with the likes of Sir Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, MKO Abiola, etc.

    The National Prayer 

    The second stanza of the National Anthem is often referred to as “The National Prayer”, as it contains prayers for the country. It reads:

    Oh God of creation,

    Direct our noble cause,

    Guide thou our leaders right

    Help our youth the truth to know,

    In love and honesty to grow

    And living just and true,

    Great lofty heights attain,

    To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.

    The first line of the anthem is suggestive of Nigeria’s religious sentiments. Christianity and Islam are the most dominant faiths in the country, with 50% of Nigeria’s population being Muslim and 40% being Christian. 

    Both share a common denominator in their belief in a supreme being, i.e., God. 

    The second, third, and fourth lines are a plea to God to help Nigeria with three things—direct the affairs of the nation, help our leaders make the right decisions, and give understanding to the youth. 

    The fifth and sixth lines are a continuation of the prayer to God, the future of the country should mature with love and honesty, guided by truth.

    The last line is a call for national peace from conflicts and wars and a nation where legal justice is met in cases of wrongdoing. 

    Chiamaka Dike

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