In Nigerian politics, the phrase “The North will remember? No, they won’t” coined by former President Olusegun Obasanjo encapsulates a deeply troubling reality. It reflects a cynical understanding of political engagement, where the promise of basic sustenance—a cap of rice, a sachet of oil, and some spaghetti—becomes a tool for electoral manipulation. This assertion is not merely hyperbolic; it is a stark depiction of the exploitation of poverty and the reduction of political agency to the fleeting satisfaction of immediate needs. This essay critically examines this claim, delving into the dynamics of political patronage, the ramifications of such governance, and…
Author: TheStories
The concept of treason, a charge historically reserved for acts of betrayal against a nation, has recently been weaponized against a most vulnerable group: children. The unlawful detention and arraignment of helpless minors for treason by the federal government is a chilling assault on justice and a grave violation of human rights. Yet, amidst this darkness, a beacon of hope shines brightly: the legal practitioners who selflessly volunteered their time and expertise to champion the cause of these innocent children. Their unwavering commitment to justice deserves not just our gratitude, but the highest recognition – medals of honor. By Abdul-Azeez…
The news of the National Grid’s latest collapse, leaving the nation shrouded in darkness, is not simply a technical inconvenience but a stark indictment of systemic failures within our energy infrastructure. This recurring crisis, far from being a mere “embarrassment,” as the Federal Government nonchalantly labelled it, represents a dangerous disregard for the well-being of citizens and a crippling blow to the nation’s economic and social fabric. While the immediate cause may be a technical breakdown, the root of the problem lies in a complex web of systemic issues, including inadequate planning, corruption, and a lack of accountability. By Abdul-Azeez…
The recent release of children detained in Nigeria, following a federal court order and swift action by President Tinubu, offers a glimmer of hope amidst a disconcerting trend of arbitrary detention and the erosion of fundamental rights. While the decision to free these children represents a victory for justice and the protection of innocence, it also underscores the deeply problematic nature of the situation that led to their wrongful imprisonment in the first place. We will critically analyze the circumstances surrounding the children’s detention, the court’s ruling, and the government’s response, highlighting the systemic flaws that necessitate a more holistic…
The wife of the Defence Minister, Magajiya Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, visited Mrs. Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja, the widow of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja, at the Nigerian Army Barracks in Asokoro, Abuja, to offer her heartfelt condolences. The visit by the wife of the Defence Minister, which took place on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, was marked by solemn expressions of sympathy for the family, friends, and colleagues of the late military leader. During the visit, Hajiya Magajiya expressed her grief and paid tribute to Lt. General Lagbaja’s lifelong dedication to national service. “I received the news with…
This discussion, as usual, is not going to make me any more popular among the ruling elites, but the truth is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the crowd that surrounds him, and most of the Northern elites are disastrous to Northern Nigeria and are a monumental failure to the citizens of the country. All of them would rather and do, work for themselves and the devil than for God, the nation, and the citizens they are supposed to serve. Hence the out-of-this-world corruption that has been their sole reason for acquiring mundane power in the country. By Abdu Labaran Unfortunately,…
The narrative of Nigeria is one of promise and peril, a tale woven with threads of cultural richness and historical complexity. In recent years, the nation has witnessed a disturbing escalation of violence, pervasive poverty, and a government that appears paralyzed in the face of mounting crises. As Nigeria teeters on the brink of state failure, it becomes imperative to analyze its plight through the lens of broader global dynamics, particularly those articulated in the influential essay “Why Nations Fail.” This critical examination aims to dissect the central arguments of the essay and explore how Nigeria’s challenges resonate with the…
The EndBadGovernance movement in August 2023 exposed a deeply fractured social contract in Nigeria, a nation grappling with crippling economic hardship and persistent governance failures. The protests, fueled by a collective yearning for change, were met with a heavy-handed response from the authorities, epitomized by the arrest of 76 individuals, including 30 minors, on charges as serious as treason and inciting a military coup. This essay critically examines the arrest and detention of these minors, exposing the dangers of conflating legitimate dissent with criminal intent, and the need for accountability for the state’s actions. By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman The arrest and…
The Jigawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised concerns over alleged attempts by detractors to create a crisis within the party by launching smear campaigns against state leaders. According to a statement signed by Aminu Sani Gumel, the Jigawa APC chairman, certain individuals have been observed spreading falsehoods on social and mainstream media to destabilize the party. The APC claims that these attacks are part of a calculated effort by “enemies of the party” who seek to disrupt the state’s leadership. “These elements, who aren’t even card-carrying members of the party, are using a few narrow-minded…
The Sokoto State opposition party PDP, has now found a disturbing new pastime in sponsoring and spreading fake news. This attempt has not only become a celebrated trend but has also became a weaponized tool to embarrass the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu. By Bello Shehu Tamaje Through strategically fabricated stories, the opposition seeks to convince the public that the current government is failing, making imaginary allegations and claiming irresponsible expenditures on projects being executed, which they labeled as unnecessary and irrelevant. The overall aim of these tactics is clear: to paint a picture of a government indifferent to the…