The Lumine News

Category: Opinion

  • The Unyielding Struggle For Ogoja State: A Journey Through Political Apathy And Missed Opportunities BY OGAR EMMANUEL OKO

    The Unyielding Struggle For Ogoja State: A Journey Through Political Apathy And Missed Opportunities BY OGAR EMMANUEL OKO

     

    By: Ogar Emmanuel Oko

    In the early 1900s, shortly after the British took control of Northern Nigeria, there were few provinces spread across the British colony. The number of provinces increased significantly in 1914 after the amalgamation of the Colony of Lagos, Northern, and Southern Protectorate. The Governor-General of Nigeria, Sir Frederick J.D. Lugard, after World War II in 1945, increased the number of provinces to 88, which comprised 18 in the Western Region, 39 in the Northern Region, and 31 in the Eastern Region.

    Of all the 88 provinces, Ijebu Province, which was in the Western Region with its division in Ijebu-Ode and native authority in Ijebu-Remo, and Ogoja Province are yet to be created into states. Ogoja Province was classified into five sub-provinces in the Eastern Region. Its divisions were Abakaliki, Afikpo, Ikom, Obubra, and Ogoja itself. There were six native authorities in Abakaliki, eleven in Afikpo, and twelve in Ogoja, while Ikom and Obubra had nine each.

    On May 27, 1967, via Decree No.8, Gen. Yakubu Gowon dissolved the provinces and created 12 states. Nine years later, on March 17, 1976, Gen. Murtala Mohammed created Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Imo, Niger, Ogun, and Ondo States, bringing the total to 19 states in the federation. On September 23, 1987, the military junta of Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida added two states, Akwa Ibom and Katsina, making it 21. About four years later, on August 27, 1991, nine more states were created: Abia, Delta, Edo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Osun, Kogi, Taraba, and Yobe.

    When the nine states were announced, it was a disappointment to the young people of Ogoja under the aegis of the Ogoja Youth Movement (OYM), who had high expectations. The elites and powerful politicians were not surprised, as they were comfortable in Cross River State. During the military junta of IBB, many Ogoja sons were in the inner circle of the military president. Those that call the shots politically then were myopic, as such, they didn’t support the agitation for the creation of of Ogoja state.

    Another opportunity presented itself in 1996, this time during the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha. There were yearnings here and there for state creation. However, our people at the top showed great apathy. On October 1st, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa, and Zamfara states were announced. Again, Ogoja was missing.

    Since the advent of democracy in 1999, a few opportunities have arisen for the case of Ogoja State to be discussed. During the National Conference in March 2014, under the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, delegates from the Ogoja axis under the umbrella of Cross River State didn’t factor the Ogoja agitation into their agenda in a serious manner.

    In August 2021, the Senate Committee proposed the creation of 20 new states. Apart from the constitutional requirements, the committee considered what it termed “economic viability and genuine desire of the people.” Ijebu state was captured. Sadly, Ogoja wasn’t mentioned. This omission was a result of the lack of political synergy between our legislators and the then-governor.

    In July 2024, the honorable member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Hon. Godwin Offiono, along with four others, presented a bill for the creation of Ogoja State. It has scaled the first reading. Interestingly, the caucus of the Cross River 10th National Assembly, led by Senator Jarigbe Agom of the Northern Senatorial District, Senator Eteng Williams of the Central Senatorial District, and a few House of Representatives members, voted in favor of the creation. Thanks to the unity among NASS members.

    From the foregoing, it is clear that the creation of Ogoja State is long overdue. Ogoja was one of the largest provinces, and the agitation for its creation is justified. Its emergence is achievable, but its sad albatross is the petty and self-glorifying actions of a few narcissistic individuals. These individuals are overly consumed by their sense of self-importance, seeking validation for their diminished statuses. They are a small group of people parading themselves as leaders among the masses. They want to be the tritons among the minnows. They seek to introduce elements of party affiliation into the agitation. They are scared of intelligent people and often prevent anyone perceived as smart and brilliant from coming close to the struggle.

    Some of these obsessed individuals are those who converted a WhatsApp support platform of a PDP candidate into what they (he) call: “Who IS WhO IN NORTHERN CROSS RIVER.” If these folks continue to spearhead the agitation, it would be needless to dissipate energy as a pitfall would be imminent.

    The author is the publisher of the RABBIT PUNCH

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Ogar Emmanuel Oko, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent, or the organization the author works for 

  • Depression: Sometimes, Things Can Be So Frustrating That We Feel Like Killing Ourselves, You Are Not Alone In Your Struggles BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    Depression: Sometimes, Things Can Be So Frustrating That We Feel Like Killing Ourselves, You Are Not Alone In Your Struggles BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    A CURE FOR DEPRESSION

    Elijah was a depressed man who was running away from his shadow (1 kings 19:4-8). We often do this when faced with challenges beyond our control. Like Elijah, we feel restless and cumbersome (v. 5), with no appetite even to eat, and when we manage to eat, we feel like going to bed again (v.6). We feel hopeless and helpless and find it difficult to do our normal duties, especially when no one is bothering about us (v.7). In fact, Elijah felt like committing suicide and he said, “It is enough, Oh Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers” (v.4). His cure for depression only came as soon as he “arose and ate and drank and worked on the strength of that food for forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God” (v. 8).

    In this journey of life, depression can happen to anybody. Sometimes, things can be so frustrating that we feel like killing ourselves. Be careful! You are not alone in your struggles. You are neither the first nor last to go down the drain in this journey. I have often maintained a philosophy that can be summarised in my favourite slogan: “Life goes on!” Life must go on in spite of our many challenges. Believe it that you are not alone in your problem or difficulty. We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses, yes! and to us all, God offers a dose of remedies to cure our depressions. His lively words of encouragement in the scriptures are there as food to encourage us. There, he assures us that if we eat his body and drink his blood like Elijah did, we shall regain our strength.

    For the past several weeks, God has been assuring us of this truth, so why not give it a trial.To cure our restlessness, God offers us a step by step procedure of walking-along with him: First, learn to depend everyday on his word, never cease to fellowship with others, always walk in love just as Christ himself did (Eph.4:30-5:2). Our problem often is not our inability to follow these paths but our tendency to always grumble and doubt if indeed it’s true that these things can give us true happiness (John 6:41-51). Remember, it’s God’s promise, not man’s. Doubt no longer, my friend. Instead, like Elijah, “Arise and eat, else the journey will be too great for you” (I kings 19:7).

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Peter Obele Abue, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent, or the organization the author works for.

  • Letter To Next Obudu LG Chair…. BY AGBA JALINGO

    Letter To Next Obudu LG Chair…. BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    Dear Chair, you are not yet in office. I do not know who you will be. But whoever it turns out to be, I am writing you this letter because, I am still assuming, albeit confidently that with the Supreme Court judgment on LG allocation, which has ordered that FAAC allocation should be paid directly into LGA accounts, you will be getting an average of N200million monthly, as Obudu LGA Chairman. It could be much higher some months.

    I am taking this queue from what the Council got from federal allocation from January to December 2023. It amounted to N3.2billion only. That information is from BudGIT and the Budget office. Using the same template, you will receive nearly N10billion in a three year tenure, and that doesn’t include Internally Generated Revenue IGR. You will agree with me that this money is massive. The excuse for non performance was that, most of the money is captured by the State Governor and doesn’t get to the Council. Now that the governor may not be able to siphon the money again, there shouldn’t be any excuse for failure.

    Let us assume Mr. Chairman that, you spend half of your monthly N200m on your overhead and other pressing political exigencies, including the money you will ‘steal’, because you will, what will you do with the remaining N100million x 12 months x three years? How will you use it for the development of our LGA? Give us an idea! Break it down to the ordinary man because the LGA is for the ordinary man.

    Do you know the total number of schools and children enrolment and out of school children in Obudu? Do you appreciate the relevance of modern learning tools and technology in early education? Will primary education in Obudu under your leadership be free or paid for by pupils? Do you know the number of health centers in Obudu and their current state? Do you know anything about infant and maternal mortality and the trailing figures in Obudu? How many kilometers of roads does Obudu have? Which ones are in Trunk C? Which of them are more strategic to rapid development? Do you have this information? Does it ever cross your mind that these questions are pertinent?

    I am asking because we will track the money from Abuja down home. That is for your information. The reason is because the money belongs to us. Not you. If indeed the money is paid directly into our LGA account, we will not allow you transfer it to the Governor under any guise unless for pending or arising obligations. If for any reason, the Governor finds a means to withhold the allocation, even through the House of Assembly, we will rise together and fight with you until we get our money. I will personally join you in that fight.

    But what will you use the money for? We need to know. That is very critical. Say it in very clear terms. Write it down for us in black and white, let us copy it as your assessment card and marking scheme. In other words, we need to see your detailed work program.

    Also remember Mr. Chairman, the fourth schedule of the Nigerian Constitution, clearly spells out the functions of the Local Government Areas LGAs.

    1. Construction and maintenance of roads, gardens, street lights, drains, public highways, parks and public conveniences.

    2. Registration of deaths, marriages and births.

    3. Establishment and maintenance of slaughterhouses, markets and motor parks.

    4. Naming of roads, streets, and numbering of houses.

    5. Establishment and maintenance of cemeteries and burial grounds and homes for the destitute and infirm.

    6. Provision and maintenance of health services.

    7. Development of natural and agricultural resources, except for the exploitation of mineral resources.

    8. Provision of primary, adult and vocational education.

    9. Licensing of bicycles, trucks (other than mechanically propelled trucks), canoes, wheelbarrows and carts.

    10. Provision and maintenance of public transportation and refuse disposal systems.

    11. Assessment of privately owned houses or tenements for the purpose of levying such rates as may be prescribed by the House of Assembly of the State.

    12. Control and regulation of outdoor advertising, movement and keeping of pets of all descriptions, shops and kiosks, restaurants and other places for sale of food to the public, and laundries.

    With the exception of number 1, number 6, and number 8, which are government services, all the other nine functions of the LGAs listed supra, are revenue earners. Very heavy revenue earners. Look at the list again.

    How do you intend to leverage on those nine revenue earners to internally generate revenue for the upgrade of health and educational facilities in the LGA, without putting too much burden of taxation on the people? People will willingly pay taxes for development, but not for the upkeep of politicians.

    Tell us your reach and exposure. What strings will you be able to pull to attract external resources into the LGA within your tenure? Where are those places you can see opportunities outside the LGA?

    Apart from the recent surge in gang violence and the perennial communal clashes with the Tivs, Obudu is generally a peaceful place that draws people with its hospitable ambience. With the right balance and intentional strategies, proper harnessing of those revenue heads can yield as much as another 100million monthly, if not more.

    So dear Chair, kindly do the good people of Obudu and break these questions down in a simple document that we can understand and run with. That will help us to properly assess you and determine whether you deserve our vote or not.

    Thank you and God bless you.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Agba Jalingo, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • Who Is The Next Chairman Of Obudu LGA? BY AGBA JALINGO

    Who Is The Next Chairman Of Obudu LGA? BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    I am a bit excited at the ongoing effort to ensure LG funds get to elected Chairmen.

    Many persons have been talking to me from my LGA, Obudu in Cross River State, about their intention to run for Chairman in the planned election.

    On average, Obudu LGA gets an average of N200million monthly allocation on paper, before the capture of the money by the Governor. If for any good reason this money or even half of it, begins to end up with the elected Chairmen, I please want to say some things to those who want to run Obudu.

    If you don’t have anything in your brain about development of local communities, please bury the thought of running for the office. Look for another job or an appointment in Calabar. This is not about certificates obtained from UNICAL, it is about the existentialist challenges facing our people. It is about competence and exposure. Not distribution of palliatives and spreading gangsterism.

    Please you will not use zoning and acclaimed number of years spent in your party to seek emotional and undeserved favor; if you don’t have track record and competence.

    All of you hopping about and shouting how you have been loyal for years; loyal to what? That’s not a criteria for development.

    Your dubious god-fathers may get you the ticket and the office but you won’t have peace of mind in that office if you don’t have capacity. We will breathe down the throat of anyone who is going next into that office. The person must show evidence of performance. Enough of going in there and leaving without doing anything.

    Almost all the people aspiring for that office are my contemporaries. We are within the same age bracket. I do not have any interest but I have maximum interest in making sure that none of my contemporaries will enter that office and take Obudu people for granted again. Never again!

    So consider your options before running. Run away, if you don’t have a clear and practical program. Because me like this, I will drag you morning, afternoon, evening and night. I will drag you in the media, in the courts, physically, and spiritually. Enough of this suffering and looting. So help us God!

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Agba Jalingo, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • Agriculture, Nigeria’s Solution To Economic Woes BY INYALI PETER 

    Agriculture, Nigeria’s Solution To Economic Woes BY INYALI PETER 

     

    Nigeria is currently facing a severe economic crisis, characterized by soaring inflation and rampant food insecurity. Despite governments’ efforts through various policies aimed at mitigating this crisis, the desired results have yet to materialize. The consequences are far-reaching, with widespread hunger and anger pervading the nation as citizens struggle to afford even the most basic necessities.

    But where lies the solution? In my opinion, beyond the necessary calls for reducing the cost of governance, curbing procurement fraud, and reforming the legislative arm of government, the immediate and long-term solution lies in our rich soil and fertile land. We must return to our agricultural roots, for it holds the key to our prosperity. To achieve this, the federal government should enact a national policy, backed by law, requiring each state to allocate 30-35% of their annual budget to agriculture within a well defined period of time.

    The policy should mandate every state to focus on at least three crops, determined by soil fertility tests, to maximize yields and promote efficiency. For immediate impact, these crops should be selected based on their ability to guarantee two harvests per year or at least, once annually, ensuring a steady supply and reducing reliance on imports. A clear target should be set for each state to become an exporter of the crops they cultivate within a two years, thereby boosting local economies and contributing to national food security.

    For instance, if I were in a position of authority in my state, Cross River, I would prioritize investments in yam, rice, and cassava farming for short-term gains within the next year, while also investing heavily in rubber, cocoa, and palm for long-term benefits. Given their high yields and growth rates, cassava and rice can be cultivated and harvested twice a year, while yam can be harvested annually. With proper management, these crops have the potential to generate significant revenue for the state and create a substantial number of jobs for our people, thereby stimulating local economic growth and development.

    Vietnam, a country with a population of about 100 million, has successfully established agriculture as the backbone of its economy. In contrast, Nigeria, a country founded on agricultural produce before the discovery of oil, with a population of over 200 million, has struggled to achieve food security. While I understand the government’s desperation to address food shortages leading to the recent policy to open border for food importation, I still believe it’s an embarrassment that we’re resorting to this solution at this time. What’s even more striking is that we’ll be importing food from countries with smaller populations and landmasses than ours.

    To move forward, we must return to our roots. The government should establish credit facilities through banks and financial institutions for individuals willing to venture into farming. However, these funds should not be disbursed without strings attached. A robust monitoring and evaluation system must be put in place to ensure that the funds are utilized exclusively for agricultural purposes. Any diversion of funds for non-agricultural purposes should be met with swift prosecution, to deter abuse and ensure accountability.

    Many young people are now recognizing the potential and value of agriculture, dispelling the notion that it’s an outdated or uneducated people’s venture. Some are enthusiastic about returning to farming, but accessing the necessary funds to establish and grow their agricultural businesses remains a significant hurdle. Even when the government claims to provide funding, the amounts are often meager and insufficient for the ordinary Nigerians, making it difficult for young farmers to get started or scale up their operations.

    The federal government currently allocates approximately N30 billion annually to subsidize meals for the 112 unity schools across the country. This translates to a monthly disbursement of N2,487,056,400 to the Ministry of Education. However, it’s important to assess the effectiveness of this policy since its inception under the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Despite the substantial investment, there appears to be little tangible impact.

    Consider an alternative scenario: if these funds were channeled towards empowering 112 Nigerian farmers, each focusing on a single crop, the outcomes could be transformative. This investment would not only create numerous jobs but also significantly enhance food security and generate foreign exchange through exports, ultimately benefiting the country’s economy. The federal government should reevaluate this policy and explore more reasonable alternative to achieve sustainable impact.

    As a country, we must be deliberate about finding solutions to our economic woes. Like John Maxwell said, everything rises and falls on leadership. Our leaders must suspend non-essential spending and invest in agriculture. This will boost the economy through exports, generating significant foreign exchange, creating jobs, and improving food security.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Inyali Peter, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for 

  • No Mind Them, Idle Jobless People…. BY AGBA JALINGO

    No Mind Them, Idle Jobless People…. BY AGBA JALINGO

    No Mind Them, Idle Jobless People….

    That was the comment someone I know, wrote somewhere yesterday after the Managing Editor of CrossRiverWatch, Jonathan Ugbal was arrested in Calabar by the Police for joining the ongoing nation wide protest. Like I said, I know the person. He has never worked after his NYSC because there are no jobs in Nigeria. He is only waiting, hanging around politicians, abusing others for politicians and hoping to be made PA in Governor Otu’s government. But he is calling me and Jonathan, ‘jobless people” because we are protesting that the country should be better for people like him.

    The irony which I want to write about is that, it is those who suffer the most because of hardship in Nigeria that are up against those who can take care of themselves, but still choose to stake their lives for the poor. I work, I pay salaries every month end. I just did. I have been doing this for fourteen years. I pay office rents in Calabar. I have overhead cost every month. Jonathan works. He earns a pay. Apart from CrossRiverWatch, he is such a multi talented young man that is also doing several other things to augment his earnings.

    When we sent him to Government House in Calabar as CrossRiverWatch Correspondent under Governor Ayade, the Governor rather decided to turn him to SA Media. The governor told me and I asked Jonathan if he wanted the job and he bluntly refused. I called Governor Ayade and told him, Jonathan cannot be his SA. Governor Ayade is alive. Jonathan insisted that he wanted to learn and grow his career in journalism.

    I could have been anything that is not elected in the immediate past and present Cross River State Governments if I wanted to. I mean any position apart from the ones up for elections. I could even blend into a federal government hatchet man and make dirty money. I think I have the credibility and know many people in there to make that happen.

    But we have decided to carry placards not because we are suffering or incapable of eating. We are doing it for the sake of those who are abusing us. We also know how to stay away and enjoy ourselves and watch others being killed and brutalized on TV by security agents. We also can decide to travel abroad and stay there. We can get visas. In fact, our passports have some visas, and when we travel, we are in a hurry to return home.

    Falana, Sowore, and very many other comrades around the country, who always dare to stand in front of those armoured tanks are all employers of labor who can take maximum care of themselves and many others. They all have alternatives and can decide to keep quiet. Yet they stake their lives for those who abuse them for not giving up the fight for a better country.

    But that’s ok because no one sent us. It is a path we choose by ourselves. That’s how we are wired. Everyone cannot be like us but everyone of us desires a better country that will avail us opportunities. It is therefrom that we should look at the ongoing protest.

    It is true that there are elements who want to use the occasion to cause chaos. It is also true that the government is sponsoring violence to discredit the protest and clamp down on peaceful protesters. It is again true that, there are peaceful Nigerians who want to be provided safe passage to peacefully express their discontent with their government. The latter is where we belong and no one must try to take that away from us. It will only make things worse. A suffocated man is an angry man.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Agba Jalingo, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • Our Daily Bread: Learn To Feed Each Other By Sharing What You Have In Love BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    Our Daily Bread: Learn To Feed Each Other By Sharing What You Have In Love BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    OUR DAILY BREAD

    “Give us this day our daily bread”, we pray everyday (Matthew 6:11). What is this daily bread offered to us? In truth, it is the Eucharistic Jesus offered at daily Holy Mass. The international Eucharistic Congress held recently in Indianapolis, USA brought together more than 50,000 Catholics on fire for God and for this bread of life. It was a living testimony of the Eucharistic presence of Jesus OUR DAILY BREAD and how hungry our world is for HIM. Real strength can only come from the bread that God alone offers us through the Eucharist in his church.

    It is true we need our daily physical food and nourishment to survive, especially in these hard times. In fact, even as we speak, many families and their children will go to bed without adequate feeding and that’s why we often think of daily bread in terms of physical food only. But the point Jesus is making is that, unless we care enough to share even the little we have with each other, we will continue to be eternally hungry. And if we feed on his body and drink of his blood, we will be better equipped to share our lives with others especially those who need us most. He alone can give us that daily bread and until we settle for it, our hunger will continue to linger (John 6:1-15).

    Unfortunately, we live in a world where people care less about their neighbor’s needs, while greed and avarice, selfhood is assumed to be normative, and even often glorified. In such a world, our daily bread is only seen as food to feed our stomachs only and daily we struggle with each other as we compete for survival. Jesus makes it clear to the multitudes who were following him only for the loaves; that he offers more than physical food.

    The solution Jesus offers us is this: Learn to feed each other by sharing what you have in love (see verse 11) like Elisha the Prophet shared with the man who came from Baal-shalisha; ” they ate and had some left ” (2Kings 4:42-44). This kind of love if practised in communities will lead to the multiplication of our daily bread instead of poverty and want. May we come together daily to feed on that Daily bread that lasts for ever.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Peter Obele Abue, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • Do Protests Change Anything? BY AGBA JALINGO

    Do Protests Change Anything? BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    Kenya said they needed more money and wanted to increase taxes. The Kenyan government proposed raising US$2.7 billion by increasing taxes on essential goods and services, from cooking oil to bread. The bill also targeted digital revenue, where the bulk of young people generate their income.

    The people of Kenya said “NO” to their government proposal and took to the streets. They marched to their Senate and the lawmakers who were preparing to pass the bill into law, escaped through a tunnel. The government responded with violence and 35 youths were killed by security forces. But the GenZ youths remained resolute and stood their ground on the streets.

    When the government saw that the violence and deaths would not deter the angry youths, President Ruto did a u-turn and immediately withdrew the finance bill which sparked the protests. In a televised address, he announced specific austerity measures that included: The dissolution of 47 State corporations with overlapping and duplicative functions to save on operation and maintenance costs.

    He also suspended the appointment of 50 chief administrative secretaries that were challenged in court on the basis of the positions being unconstitutional.

    The President also announced that the offices of the First Lady and the spouses of the Deputy President and Prime Cabinet Secretary, would not be funded using public money.

    He fired almost his entire cabinet and announced significant cuts in earnings of cabinet members.

    He called on members of parliament to also follow suit and implement cuts in their own budgets and also promised prompt action on rogue security agents.

    The young people of Kenya won. Their victory came at a very high cost of 35 lives cut short by rogue security agents. They may not have ended corruption in Kenya, but they sent a very clear message to their leaders that they are still answerable to the voters. President Ruto knows that those events would repeat themselves if he forges ahead with anti-people policies. He is also aware that his re-election bid is hanging on the balance.

    In Nigeria, there is a planned protest against the suffering of the masses beginning August 1, 2024. Our protests have never been palatable over here. I have been on the streets protesting against injustice for most of my life. I am speaking from experience.

    Will the people join us to protest or will they sit back at home to just watch us on TV being beaten, tear gassed and dragged into waiting Black Marias? Because in Nigeria, there are people who feel that they are too big or too busy to protest, yet they complain the most about the country. These set of people believe that there are others whose job is to always protest when there is injustice, while their own preserve is to just watch the protesters on TV. They stand aloof when things go wrong and expect others to make the things right, while they watch from their window pews.

    There are others who have cheekily asked what protests can achieve. And there are those who claim they are kingdom children and even if a liter of petrol sells for one million Naira, their God will provide, so people should remain docile. But remember in 1 Kings 12, the eleven tribes of Israel did protest against high taxes imposed on them by King Rehoboam. They gathered in their numbers to protest to the King and called for tax cuts but when their King gave them deaf ears, the eleven tribes seceded from Judah.

    We are all in this together knowing nothing will change if we do not do something different. If our protests will ever bring us expected changes, then we all have to think of getting involved, for the love of our country.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Agba Jalingo, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • Nigerians: Redirect Your Protest, Hold Governors Accountable BY INYALI PETER 

    Nigerians: Redirect Your Protest, Hold Governors Accountable BY INYALI PETER 

     

    As Nigerians prepare to protest the widespread hardship in the land, it’s important to reassess the focus of their grievances. Although President Tinubu announced the tough but necessary decisions on subsidy removal and exchange rate floating, the real obstacles hindering Nigeria’s progress and causing the hardship are the state governors, who have mismanaged resources and prioritised corruption over development.

    While the President and federal government can undoubtedly improve in many areas, their efforts will be hindered if state governors remain unaccountable. The federal government’s initiatives to alleviate hardship are often implemented through the states, but governors continue to shirk their responsibilities.

    Ironically, the governors are the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy removal, receiving a substantial increase of over 100% in federal allocation. Besides, they have also benefited from other initiatives, such as the NG-CARES programme, which has allocated significant funds to 34 states (as detailed in the attached newspaper publication). Despite this considerable windfall, there has been no corresponding improvement in their performance, development, or enhancement of the standard of living for Nigerians.

    The current revenue sharing formula is allocated as follows: 52.68% to the federal government, 26.72% to states, and 20.60% to local governments. Beyond the federal allocation, the states also receive a substantial share of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, with 50% allocated to states, 15% to the federal government, and 35% to local governments.

    In Nigeria, prior to the landmark Supreme Court judgment, states had total control over local government funds. This means that when you combine the percentage of FAAC allocation to states and local governments, states effectively receive 48.32% of the country’s total revenue; while for VAT they receive 85%.
    This clearly highlight governors significant financial leverage.

    However, instead of utilizing these resources to benefit the Nigerian people, governors have crippled the local government system, denying local areas essential services and development, and prioritizing corruption and mismanagement over tangible development. This entrenched culture of neglect and poor performances by most governors has exacerbated the suffering of the people, perpetuating a cycle of underdevelopment and hardship.

    See what Chief Nysom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has achieved in Abuja within one year. Apart from Lagos, which state governor can show similar evidence of performance? He did same as Governor of Rivers State and is showing it in Abuja.

    The resources available to governors are more than sufficient to stimulate the economy, but they choose not to act. Unfortunately, they are hardly held accountable for their inaction. Nigerians have always directed their protests solely at the federal government, overlooking governors maladministration and impunity. If the hardship must be addressed, then Nigerians must demand accountability from all levels of government, particularly the governors.

    Ideally, the protest should be directed towards the real problem – the governors excesses, impunity, and maladministration not the President and federal government always. Let’s demand transparency, accountability, and tangible development from our state governments, too.

    As a nation , we must acknowledge that the federal government alone cannot solve Nigeria’s problems. The states must take responsibility and act as partners in progress, not just beneficiaries of federal allocation.

    Those planning the protest should redirect their grievances and hold the governors accountable.

    Inyali Peter, Ph.D

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Inyali Peter, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

  • A Good Shepherd Is The One Who Listens, Seek Counsel, Prays And Takes Good Care Of The Sheep BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    A Good Shepherd Is The One Who Listens, Seek Counsel, Prays And Takes Good Care Of The Sheep BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    THE GOOD SHEPHERD

    In the biblical sense, a good shepherd is the one who listens, seeks counsel, prays and takes good care of the sheep. In a way, all human beings created by God are called to be good shepherds. Not just adults with responsibility, but anyone with a vocation in life is called to be a shepherd. For some. it is in a higher degree than others but the question for everyone should be: What kind of shepherd are you; a good or a bad one?

    Zedekiah the king of Jerusalem was a bad shepherd. He listened to wrong advice and he rebelled against the King of Babylon, thus ensuring the ruin of his people. Nebuchadnezzar sent his army against him and reduced him to ruins. It was at this time that Jeremiah the prophet was preaching and he reminded the leaders of his time who were corrupt and incapable of leading the people that they should not be like Zedekiah; like shepherds who lead their flocks to destruction. “Woe to you says the Lord…you have scattered my flock…and you have not attended to them. Behold I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord” (Read Jer. 23:1-6).

    It is very easy to be a bad shepherd when you listen to wrong advice. When you don’t seek the counsel of those wiser than you or when you think you know it all. No human being is perfect and that’s why they say pencils have erasers so that we can correct our mistakes and move on. The problem is that most people (especially those who attain higher position in life) neither pray nor listen to advice. What did Jesus do when he sent out his disciples and they came back with the news that they had done well? He said to them: “Come away to some lonely place and rest” (Read Mark 6:30-34). That’s what true leaders do. When they get feedback, they come away to some lonely place and pray about it, reflect upon it, before they act.

    Sometimes people get so busy in life that they forget to reflect, seek advice, listen to others and do things that will positively benefit or effect the lives of the people they are responsible for. That’s not shepherding. While we seek to shield ourselves from bad shepherds and vouch to be better shepherds ourselves to others, let us realize that it is the Lord Himself that’s our ultimate Shepherd and will always lead us to greener pastures.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Peter Obele Abue PhD, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.