Politics

Nigeria’s Politics, For Disintegration?

Published

14 years ago

June 4, 2012

Politics has been conceptualised by some politicians as game of do or die affair. But to political scientists, it is defined as the activities judiciously concerned with governing a society or nation by people with same political ideology or beliefs.

In Nigeria, it is clear that the activities of the Northern political stalwarts are very disey and capable of dichotomizing the stability of the Nigeria Sovereignty, which might likely lead the nation to disintegration.

Before Independence in 1960, there were two major entities existing distinctly as Northern and Southern Protectorates.

The buoyancy of the Southern – protectorate was the main sustenance of the Northern protectorate due to their lean economy. Infact, these necessitated the diplomatic device of integration with the Southern protectorate.

The scheming and tactics was implemented as the Southern region elites were lived to sign the agreement, which brought about the amalgamation of the two distinct entities in 1914 through the instrumentality of a British administration of Sir Fredrick Lord Lugard. The amalgamation led to the formation of an entity called Nigeria which later became the federated status in 1954.

It is on record that since 1914 till present, the Coastal part of the Southern region, now known as Niger Delta region has been under socio-economic and political pressure by the rest of the regions, particularly the Northern counterparts.

In the present dispensation, Nigeria has four cardinal regions named, East, West, North and South with what is known as six geo-political axis. Going by the six recognised geo-poltical zones of the four cardinal areas of Nigeria, the North Central zone comprises, Benue, Plateau, Kwara Nasarawa, Niger – Kogi states, including the federal capital Territory (Abuja), North Eastern Zones comprises Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, and Taraba states and North-Western zone comprises Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara Kastina, Kano, Jigawa and Kaduna States.

South Eastern zone is made up of Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi States, while Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Osun and Oyo States make up the South Western zone, with Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, Edo, Akwa-Ibom and Rivers States constituting the South-South zone.

It is obvious that amongst the six gro-political zones, close observation has indicated that it is only the South-South zone (Niger Delta region) that have not produced any Head of State or President by normal electoral procedures in Nigeria. The only privilege that came to the Niger Delta region was the recent one that brought in the incumbent President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan through the April 2011 general elections.

However, since the emergence of Dr. Jonathan to the seat of governance, there have been politically by motivated insecurity, the Boko Haram Sect believed to be sponsored by key political stalwarts from the norths who have vowed to make the country ingovernable for Jonathan.

It is note worthy that between 1960 and 2010, thirteen personalities have emerged as National Leaders of Nigeria, statistically, out of these lot, eight hails from the Northern geo-political zone, they are: General Yakubu Gowon (alias go on with one Nigeria), 1966-1875, General Murtala Mohammed, 1975-1976; Alaji Shehu Shagari, 1979-1983, General Mohammadu Buhari, 1984-1985; General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, 1985-1993; General Sani Abacha, 1993-1998; General Abdulsalami Abubakar, 1998- May 29, 1999; Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, 2007- May.

In the same vein, two of the National Leaders that hails from the Eastern geo-political zone were Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (the first Executive President at Independence – 1960 – Mid 196) and General Aguiyi Ironsi, 1964-1966. Two other leaders from the Western geo-political zone were Chief Matthew Olusegun Obansanjo (OBJ) and Chief Ernest Shonekan of the short-lived Interim National Government (ING), from August to November, 1993.

In addition to being sidelined in the leadership, the Niger Delta or South-South region was also relegated in the areas of Ministerial positions. All the while, it has been the Northerners usurping sensitive organs of administration as Petroleum, Energy, Power, Education, Agriculture etc. the only time Petroleum Minister was given to a true son of Niger Delta in the person of Professor Tam David-West, during the IBB Military regime, it became very controversial and agitated as unfounded allegations were levied on David-West to a point that he was replaced by a Northerner – Alhaji Rilwanu Lukman.

In the midst of the foregoings, Niger Deltas held her peace in order to move the nation forward, irrespective of the enormous economic viability and contributions of the oil rich States and communities, she was treated with ignominy.

For instance, under the present democratic dispensation, late Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua could only appoint a bonafide son of the core Niger Delta, on. Odein Ajumogobia, who was nominated for ministerial portfolio, a subordinate to a Northerner as Minister of State (Petroleum) before he was reassigned as Minister of Foreign Affairs after the demise of President Yar’Adua. It is thus amazing that Northern leaders are not satisfied with all this. This is the only explanation for their demand for more revenue allocation in recent times.

It is pertinent to note that some individuals and interest groups are through this means working assiduously to dichotomise the society which might lead to disintegrating the solid foundation laid by the founding patriarchs of this nation. By debating blindly and chasing shadows instead of reality, they inadvertently call for all other segments of the nation to have a rethink on their position in the country.

It is more ironical that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has been focused as inferior who does not deserve or have right to contest for second tenure as a free citizen of Nigeria despite being the incumbent, having emerged from the so degraded Niger Delta region. His intention to contest is looked upon as an abomination. The Northerners are always claiming superiority over the Southerners. The position is: how long shall they continue to picture the Niger Deltan as kids? Of Course, that era of deceit is gone. This is time to arise and possess the rightful position of the so neglected region for decades.

Frankly speaking, based on the leadership statistics forestated, it is enough evidence that 2015 Presidential portfolio is due for the South-south geo-political zone again, which falls on the right peg of the incumbent President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. It is unforuante that the elderly is not dreaming for the progress and development of the younger generation in the system. Civilian administration is government of representation by the people and not by authoritative or dictatorial pattern. Therefore, politics should be in the spirit of sportsmanship and not of bitterness as viewed by some unscrupulous elements that bent on selfish interest. Remember one time American President Kennedy who asserted: “Think on what you can do for America and not what America can do for you”.

The Northern politicians should think the best to do, to move this nation forward and not to sponsor an unpatriotic group to cause security stress in the Nigerian environment. Without doubt, precious lives and properties of unquantifiable worth have been wasted in Nigeria, especially Christians dwelling and transacting business in the Northern domain. Meanwhile the Northerners are walking and transacting their business freely in the Eastern, Western and Southern axis of same country. Why the dichotomy? It is fascinating that the Leader of Boko Haram recently threatened the government of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan would be tracked down within the spectrum of one year because the sect was fingered as the cause of insecurity stress in the country.

There is no doubt that with the political insinuations of the Northern leaders does not portray the spirit of ONE NIGERIA. However, the south-South geo-political region will not continue to be fools, watching helplessly to her detriment. Therefore, good thinking citizens of Nigeria should delight on how to move the giant of Africa forward to a greater height of progress and manpower development and not for a retrogressive bargain. Enough is enough of the ugly characteristics against the South-South region!

Enoch Epelle

Politics

Senate Urges Tinubu To Sack CAC Boss

Published

22 hours ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

The Senate yesterday urged President Bola Tinubu to remove the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Hussaini Magaji, over what lawmakers described as a persistent refusal to appear before its Committee on Finance.

The resolution followed a motion raised by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu during a session where members of the President’s economic team were present for engagement with the committee.

Tension rose at the commencement of the meeting when agency heads were introduced and senators observed the absence of the CAC Registrar-General, who had been invited to account for the commission’s activities, particularly on revenue matters.

Moving the motion, Kalu expressed anger over what he termed repeated disregard for legislative oversight, accusing the CAC boss of consistently avoiding invitations to appear before the committee.

He said, “Since I came to the Senate, this CAC man has always given excuses that he is in the Villa or going to London. He is not above the law. This man is not coming to the Senate. Look at the ministers of finance and budget. They are both here. We summoned them and they came.

“But this man thinks he’s bigger than the Senate. We’re not going to take that rubbish again. He had refused on so many occasions to honour our invitation to appear before this committee. We have issues with the reconciliation of the revenue of CAC.

“I move a motion that the man should be reported to Mr President and ask for immediate removal because we cannot continue with him. Is that what we’re doing here? He should come and give us an account of what he had done.”

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, corroborated the concerns, pointing to unresolved discrepancies in the reconciliation of the commission’s revenues.

He noted that despite several invitations, the registrar-general had failed to show up to address the issues raised by senators.

“The registrar-general of the Corporate Affairs Commission has refused on so many occasions to honour the calls, invitations or summons of this most important committee.

“There are only about three committees that are in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Committee of Finance is one of those committees. Sections 88, and 89 have given us these powers.

“And as registrar-general, we have issues with the reconciliation of their revenue. Anytime he is invited, he will give us one reason or another, and he will send junior officers to come and talk to the Senate. That cannot be accepted,” he said.

In a further show of frustration, Senator Adams Oshiomhole proposed that the Senate escalate the matter by withholding approval of the CAC’s 2026 budget pending the registrar-general’s personal appearance before the committee.

Oshiomhole also suggested that the commission be restrained from spending its internally generated revenue without prior approval of the national assembly.

“This senate should decline to appropriate anything in the 2026 budget until we are satisfied that he has accounted for previous money and spending properly.

“And should he spend money that is not appropriated, he should be heading to Kuje prison,” Oshiomhole said.

The motion urging the President to remove the CAC Registrar-General was subsequently put to a voice vote and adopted.

The development underscores renewed assertiveness by the Senate in exercising its constitutional oversight functions, particularly over revenue-generating agencies.

The Corporate Affairs Commission, which regulates companies and business registrations in Nigeria, is a key contributor to non-oil revenue, making accountability and transparency central to its operations.

News

Amend Constitution To Accommodate State Police, Tinubu Tells Senators

Published

22 hours ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to the leadership of the 10th Senate to amend the constitution to provide a legal framework for the establishment of State Police to tackle insecurity nationwide.

President Tinubu made the appeal during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

The president said that the creation of State Police has become urgent to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, strengthen grassroots policing, and enhance states’ capacity to respond swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions.

He noted that a decentralised policing structure would complement existing federal security architecture and promote intelligence-led, community-focused law enforcement.

“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause. What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking how best to amend the constitution to incorporate the State Police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear,” he said.

The president commended the cordial relationship between the Executive and the Senate, saying that unity is needed to defeat terrorism and banditry in the country.

“It is a good thing that we are working in harmony, we are looking forward to a country that evolves, a country that takes care of its citizens and protects all.

Tinubu thanked the Senate for its unflinching support towards achieving various economic reforms of his administration, especially the fuel subsidy removal and tax reform policy.

“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together. What we gave up and what we stopped is monumental corruption in the subsidy system. We don’t want to participate in monumental corruption and arbitrage foreign exchange.

You don’t have to chase me for dollars; you could see what Nigeria is today. You should be proud, and I am glad you are. What we are enjoying is a stable economy, and prosperity is beckoning us. We need to work hard, and this attendance means a lot to me,” the president said.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the president for hosting the leadership of the Senate to the Interfaith breaking of fast.

He commended President Tinubu for providing the visionary leadership the nation needs at this critical time, stating that the administration’s bold reforms have now brought more revenue to governors at the sub-national level for the development of critical infrastructure.

The Senate President prayed for the administration, and for the nation’s peace and prosperity.

Politics

FCT COUNCILS’ ELECTIONS: PDP WINS GWAGWALADA CHAIRMANSHIP AS APC SECURES AMAC, BWARI

Published

5 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

Alhaji Mohammed Kasim, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has won the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Philip Akpeni, the Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), announced the results on Sunday morning.

Alhaji Kasim polled 22,165 votes to defeat Alhaji Yahaya Shehu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 17,788 votes.

Alhaji Biko Umar of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) scored 1, 687 to come in third place.

“I am the returning officer for the 2026 FCT Area Council, Gwagwalada chairmanship held on Feb. 21, 2026,” Akpeni said.

“That Mohammed Kasim of PDP, having certified the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”

In the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, the APC candidate, was declared the winner of the chairmanship poll with 40,295 votes.

Andrew Abue, the Collation Officer for AMAC, said Hon. Maikalangu, who is the incumbent AMAC chairman, was returned elected having scored the highest number of votes cast.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) came second with 12,109 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 3,398 votes.

According to Abue, the total number of valid votes in the chairmanship poll was 62,861, while the total votes cast stood at 65,197.

He added that the number of registered voters in AMAC was 837,338, while the total number of accredited voters was 65,676.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr. Joshua Ishaku of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Bwari Area Council Chairmanship election.

Announcing the result on Sunday in Bwari, the Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Mohammed Nurudeen, stated that Ishaku polled a total of 18,466 votes to emerge victorious in the February 21, 2026 poll.

“I am the Returning Officer for the 2026 FCT Area Council, Bwari chairmanship held on Feb. 21, 2026. That Joshua Ishaku, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” Nurudeen said.

According to the results declared, the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secured 4,254 votes, while the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) polled 3,515 votes to place second and third respectively.

The declaration adds to the series of results emerging from the 2026 FCT Area Council elections, as political parties assess their performance ahead of future contests.

INEC UPLOADS 2,602 OF 2,822 FCT CHAIRMANSHIP RESULTS ON IReV

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had uploaded 2,602 out of the 2,822 expected polling unit results from Saturday’s chairmanship elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as at 5:55am on Sunday, data retrieved from its Result Viewing Portal (IReV) showed.

According to The Tide source, the figure represents an overall upload rate of about 92.2 per cent across the six area councils of the territory.

A council-by-council breakdown indicates that Municipal Area Council recorded the highest number of submissions in absolute terms, with 1,309 of 1,401 polling unit results uploaded, representing 93.43 per cent.

In Gwagwalada Area Council, 330 of the expected 338 polling unit results had been uploaded, representing 97.63 per cent — the highest upload rate among the six councils.

In Bwari Area Council, INEC uploaded 463 of 485 polling unit results, translating to 95.46 per cent.

In Abaji Area Council, 129 of 135 polling unit results had been uploaded as at 5:55am, representing 95.56 per cent.

In Kwali Area Council, 164 of the expected 201 polling unit results were available on the portal, representing 81.59 per cent.

In Kuje Area Council, 207 of 262 polling unit results had been uploaded, representing 79.01 per cent — the lowest rate among the six councils as at the time of review.