Category: Opinion - Page 3 - African News Today

The Edo Example of Demystification of godfatherism in Nigerian Politics

21Sep

By Obiajulu Joel NwoluNo Comments

News, Nigeria

The Edo Example of Demystification of godfatherism in Nigerian Politics

The outcome of the Edo State governorship election has sent shock and excitement down the spine of many Nigerians depending on one’s political affiliation. But one fact that proponents of varying political factions tend to align with is the fact that a new order has been established, not just in Edo State or Southern Nigeria but across the country. One golden rule of exceling in politics in Nigeria has always been never to outshine the master but governor Godwin Obaseki has not just outshined his master nor only sent him into political oblivion, for the time being at least but demonstrated uncommon bravery and determination to faceoff against federal might. The victory of Obaseki at the poll on Saturday was a clear indication to political godfathers that the mandate to determine poli...

Obasanjo is Nigeria’s Divider-in-Chief – Presidency

13Sep

By adminNo Comments

Economy, News, Nigeria, Press Statement

Obasanjo is Nigeria’s Divider-in-Chief – Presidency

In his most recent statement former President Olusegun Obasanjo attempts to divide the nation while President Muhammadu Buhari continues to promote nation building and the unity of Nigeria. The difference is clear. From the lofty heights of Commander-in-Chief, General Obasanjo has descended to the lowly level of Divider-in-Chief (to adapt the coinage of Time). Before responding further to the unfair attacks on President Buhari and his administration by the former President, it is important that we categorically state that contrary to the assertions by a few analysts, the recent speech in which President Buhari advised West African Presidents against tenure elongation beyond constitutional limits has been consistent with his long held views on the need to adhere to the rule of law. ...

Nigeria Becoming a Failed State, a Basket Case Under Buhari- Obasanjo Lampoons President

12Sep

By Obiajulu Joel NwoluNo Comments

Corruption, Legislature, News, Nigeria

Nigeria Becoming a Failed State, a Basket Case Under Buhari- Obasanjo Lampoons President

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said Nigeria is gradually becoming a failed state and a basket case that urgently needs to be pulled from the verge of collapse. He said this in Abuja on Thursday while delivering a speech titled, ‘Moving Nigeria Away from Tipping Over’ at a consultative dialogue attended by representatives of Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum, Northern Elders Forum, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo and Pan Niger Delta Forum. The elder statesman alleged Nigeria needs to be rescued from the brink of collapse. He said he had never seen Nigeria so divided, noting that many of the problems hindering the growth of the country today were attributed to the recent mismanagement of Nigeria’s diversity. Obasanjo said “Today, Nigeria is fast drifting to a failed and badly divided state;...

Opinion: The Financial Costs of General Buhari’s CluelessNess By Reno Omokri

6Sep

By adminNo Comments

Economy, News, Nigeria

Opinion: The Financial Costs of General Buhari’s CluelessNess By Reno Omokri

At least three major UK based companies appear set to deliver a fatal blow to Nigeria’s economy due to the cluelessness of General Buhari’s administration. P&ID is already an infamous example of how having an inept leader is about to cause Nigeria to lose almost $10 billion from our foreign reserves, or other foreign assets, simply because Buhari did not set up his cabinet for six months after being sworn in, and left government to his unelected cabal, who were more interested in lining their pockets. Additionally, Buhari erroneously thought the P&ID contract was signed under former President Jonathan. So he dragged his foot and instead approached a US court for a subpoena, which he got, to search for hidden accounts held by Jonathan. Alas, he found n...

Nigeria – Are You A Unionist Or A Secessionist?

25Aug

By Ndidi UwechueNo Comments

Biafra, Human Rights, Legislature, News, Niger Delta, Nigeria, United Nations

Nigeria – Are You A Unionist Or A Secessionist?

25th August 2020 Given the bloody events in Nigeria, I strongly urge us to dialogue not only at national, but also at international levels regarding what I have termed the “territorial credence*” of Nigeria. That is, how real is this country called Nigeria? Such a dialogue is needed, and quite urgently too as it regards the legal existence and then the viability of “Nigeria”. Nigeria’s Union is founded on its Constitution. Before Independence in 1960 the ethnic nationalities that comprise Nigeria established, then agreed upon certain conditions that must be met and kept, if there was to be any Union. It is the 1999 Constitution that Nigeria operates today, and the important dialogue should be about the validity of this Constitution. Here is some basic information ...

NIMC and the Corrupt Process of Obtaining a National Identity Number: Need to Reform Commission

24Aug

By Obiajulu Joel NwoluNo Comments

Corruption, News, Nigeria

NIMC and the Corrupt Process of Obtaining a National Identity Number: Need to Reform Commission

In 2017, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) was established by the NIMC Act No. 23 with the mandate to establish, own, operate, maintain and manage the National Identity Database in Nigeria. The commission was tasked with the responsibility of registering persons covered by the Act, assign a unique National Identity Number (NIN) and issue General Multi-Purpose Cards (GMPC) to those captured The commission headed by Aliyu Aziz issues National e-ID card, verifies identity as well as harmonize and authenticates data. While the NIN can be assigned to every Nigerian and legal residents without age limitations, the National e-ID card can only be given to Nigerians and legal residents registered in the database who are 16 and above. For a commission that plays such a critica...

Opinion: The Deceit Of Amending the Null and Void 1999 Nigeria Constitution

11Aug

By Ndidi UwechueNo Comments

Biafra, Human Rights, Judiciary, Justice, Legislature, News, Niger Delta, Nigeria, United Nations

Opinion: The Deceit Of Amending the Null and Void 1999 Nigeria Constitution

11th August 2020 For the sake of authenticity and thus validity, Nigeria’s Constitution must truly be made by the people, and not be imposed upon the people (unawares) as was the 1999 Constitution. In the past twenty-one years much has been written about the forgery that the 1999 Constitution is. Briefly, “We the people” did not prepare or agree any part of this Constitution as falsely claimed in its preamble. Furthermore, the current Nigeria is not a Federation as stated in the Constitution, instead it operates under a Unitary system. These are just two ways that make the 1999 Constitution a clear forgery. Since the 1999 Constitution is a forgery, it is not binding because it is NULL AND VOID. It therefore cannot be amended but as a forged instrument must be disc...

Thugs or Doctors: NMA and Another Challenged System

9Aug

By Obiajulu Joel NwoluNo Comments

Judiciary, Justice, News, Nigeria

Thugs or Doctors: NMA and Another Challenged System

It would seem a familiar scene in Nigeria to witness a squabble and exchange of punches in a motor park. But the events that took place at Michael Okpara Square in Enugu on Thursday took a different dimension, as medical doctors who ought to be life savers ended up injuring one another. The case of Nigeria can best be related to that of a patient with varied organ challenges. Nigeria is like a patient whose body system needs urgent medical attention but the physicians who ought to attend to the patient are instead chasing after rats in the bush. The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) made a mockery of the medical profession and lent credence to the urgent need for institutions in Nigeria to be put under intensive care, when it turned its supposed election in...

Igbo Elites to Join Kanu in Fight for Biafra If South-East is Denied Presidency in 2023, Says Okwesilieze Nwodo

6Aug

By Obiajulu Joel NwoluNo Comments

Interview, News, Nigeria

Igbo Elites to Join Kanu in Fight for Biafra If South-East is Denied Presidency in 2023, Says Okwesilieze Nwodo

Former National chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Okwesilieze Nwodo has said Igbo leaders will join forces with Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to demand Biafra Republic if the South-East region is denied a shot at Presidency in 2023. Kanu has been vocal in the demand for an independent state of Biafra over claim that Igbos are relegated to second class citizens in Nigeria. He disclosed this in an interview with reporters where he equally lauded Tanko Yakasai, elder statesman, who endorsed Igbo Presidency in 2023. Nwodo said the Igbo had underdone continued neglect for over 50 years, urging those who desire a brighter future for their children to cast a vote for a president from Igbo extraction. He said, "Yakassi's call is very fair...

Africa, World Risk ‘Generational Catastrophe’ on Education, UN cautions

4Aug

By Obiajulu Joel NwoluNo Comments

Africa, African Development, Covid-19, Economy, Education, Employment, Finance, Interview, Life, News, Press Statement, Safety, Science, United Nations, Youths

Africa, World Risk ‘Generational Catastrophe’ on Education, UN cautions

The United Nations (UN) cautions that Africa and the rest of the world could witness a “generational catastrophe” due to the closure of schools around the world amid the COVID-19 scare. This was disclosed by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a communique. Reports suggest as at mid-July, at least 160 countries had closed their schools keeping more than 1 billion students at home while at least 40 million children have missed out on pre-school. Guterres said ensuring the safe return of students to classroom must be a “top priority”. “Now we face a generational catastrophe that could waste untold human potential, undermine decades of progress, and exacerbate entrenched inequalities,” said Guterres as he launched a U.N. “Save our Future” campaign. He further stated that, “...