Opinion
Open Letter To FUNAM
Some disturbing controversies concerning the Fulani race and the activities of the Fulani Ethnic Nationality Movement (FUNAM) in the past few years, can no longer be ignored. World Encylopeadia describes the Fulani as “primitive race of people of the savannas of Western Sudan; with brown skin. They are a Hamitic people, and have a nomadic lifestyle”.
Shakespeare’s Othello, the Moor of Venice, is a representation of the race of people of the savannas, of Arab origin, who allegedly invaded and conquered Spain until finally driven out in 1492. Not only are the Fulani a nomadic and wandering race of people, their occupation and lifestyle bring them in contact with other races and ethnic groups, giving rise to mixed breeding and integration. Therefore, the Fulani race cuts across several regions and countries, with trading, military and the rearing of cattle as major activities associated with the unique race. There are political elite too.
Various extractions of the Fulani race are easily hired as mercenaries, of which Shakespeare’s Othello is a classic example. In Sudan, Morocco and other countries, some extractions of the Fulani are notable for preparation of charms, amulets, or consulted as diviners, seers and marabouts, whose magical feats can be fascinating. Some go about in the company of herdsmen, as snake charmers. Thus they are rarely afraid of ferocious and dangerous animals in the savana grasslands, where they can live for several years. Fulani women folk are as resilient and enigmatic as the men too, for they have such stamina that they can give birth to babies in hostile environments, and walk long distances without any need for medical services. Like the Gypsies, the Fulani race retained customs in nomadic life and physical resilience from the Middle Ages, with little change in the modern times. However, the Fulani race is endowed with a unique mindset, which makes them see the vast territories of the earth as common heritage, where there should be an unhindered access.
The Fulani stock in diaspora are scattered across West Africa, and those of them in Nigeria have been described as having no roots or ideological learning, except the use of Islam as a weapon for political and economic hegemony. Thus during retired General Olusegun Obasanjo’s Presidency, the clamour for Sharia Law to hold sway in northern states was at the peak. Its proponents argued that Sharia law would reduce crime rate, promote Islam, enhance north’s political relevance and position the north to retrieve and hold power from the South. There was also the desire to attract grants from Arab nations, especially with Nigeria as a member of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC). However, the clamour for Sharia Law was seen as a veil to entrench northern Oligarchy.
The News Magazine, 24 July, 2000, wrote: “There is an institutionalised policy deliberately denying the existence of indigenous Northern Christians in the core-Northern States by claiming that 99.9 percent of the population is Muslim” (p.64). Such Northern indigenes who are non-Muslim, have a right to be protected in a democratic Nigeria, as a secular nation. Surely the Fulani in diaspora is a formidable force to reckon with; thanks to Islamic brotherhood. But when a state governor would say that “Islamising the state was a 1999 campaign promise fulfilled”, then there is an affront on the ideals of democracy.
There is a disturbing video going viral in the social media recently, where Nigerians are being told that Fulani jihadists are ready to take over Nigeria as a territory handed over to the Fulani by the British. There was a mention of the fact that key strong holds in Southern Nigeria are not only under the control of Fulani master-strategists, but also alluded to southerners as being “slaves” of the Fulani. Obviously anybody watching that trending video would feel bitter and as being under serious threats.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo first blew the whistle officially about Islamisation and Fulanisation agenda a few years ago. But far back, immediately after 1960, it became obvious to a few discerning Nigerians that the Northern power block had some hidden agenda, of which the 1966 military coup was a reaction. We may deny it, but a statement about “dipping the Qur’an in the Atlantic ocean”, provided some impetus for religious zealotry and fanaticism, whose tempo continues to wax strong. Similarly, for a spokesperson of the FUNAM to have announced that there exists a standing Fulani taskforce on jihadism, should have made Nigeria ‘s security agencies to bridle such activists.
Religious war, once it begins, the extent of damage and disruptions that would follow, can hardly be predicted, neither would pocket of conflicts cease easily. Currently the actions and utterances of various religious zealots and fanatics in Nigeria, are not helping matters, of which public lynching features as an example of fanaticism. But the situation becomes sadder when security agencies appear to be helpless in curtailing actions and utterances capable of plunging the country into a state of disaster. The case of Afghanistan took a similar pattern as what is going on in Nigeria, with bandits and other lawless groups playing the role that the Talibans did in Afghanistan. Would Nigeria become a better nation if Islam and Sharia Law dethrone other religions?
The tussles and animosities between Western and Islamic culture and worldview, resulting in the rise of aggressive movements like Al-Qaeda, ISWAP, Boko Haram, etc, are indicators that the two dominant religions of mankind have failed humanity. The other alternative can also be that humans have failed to live up to the true tenets of the existing religions. However, the militant and aggressive postures of proselytism are quite condemnable, as a means of advancing human status. Where aggressiveness and coercion feature in religion, the obvious conclusion is that narrow-mindedness fuels fanaticism.
The plight and state of some of the Fulani race in diaspora are pathetic and calling for some intervention by state authorities. In Nigeria there had been programmes intended to rehabilitate migrant or nomadic herdsmen, of which many universities in the North are handling such tasks. But such programmes cannot be successful in a situation where formal education, associated with Western cultures, is seen as abominable. To reject Western education and yet patronise the products and benefits of such education, cannot be described as reasonable.
For the Fulani race to allow the tag of terrorism to stick on to them would be used as mercenaries by power merchants and ruthless economic parasites. The issue of settlement in a homeland, like the Jews in diaspora, cannot be achieved by blusters and subterfuge. So, leaders of Fulani Ethnic Nationality Movement, should use dialogue and peaceful means to pursue their goal, rather than become terrorists and bandits. State authorities should bridle provoking activities of the Fulanis.
By: Bright Amirize
Dr Amirize is a retired lecturer from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
Quote:”While job seeking youths should continuously acquire skills and explore opportunities within their immediate environment as well as in the global space through the use of digital platforms, government, corporate/ multinational organizations or the organised private sector should generate skills and provide the enabling environment for skills acquisition, through adequate funding and resettlement packages that will provide sustainable economic life for beneficiaries”.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, recently urged youths in the Rivers State to take advantage of the vast opportunities available to become employers of labour and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the State. Governor Fubara noted that global trends increasingly favour entrepreneurship and innovation, and said that youths in Rivers State must not be left behind in harnessing these opportunities. The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, made this known while declaring open the 2026 Job Fair organised by the Rivers State Government in partnership with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in Port Harcourt. The Governor acknowledged the responsibility of government to create jobs for its teeming youth population but noted that it is unrealistic to absorb all job seekers into the civil service.
“As a government, we recognise our duty to provide employment opportunities for our teeming youths. However, we also understand that not all youths can be accommodated within the civil service. This underscores the need to encourage entrepreneurship across diverse sectors and to partner with other stakeholders, including the youths themselves, so they can transition from being job seekers to employers of labour,” he said. It is necessary to State that Governor Fubara has not only stated the obvious but was committed to drive youth entrepreneurship towards their self-reliance and the economic development of the State It is not news that developed economies of the world are skilled driven economies. The private sector also remains the highest employer of labour in private sector driven or capitalist economy though it is also the responsibility of government to create job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youth population in Nigeria which has the highest youth unemployed population in the subSahara Africa.
The lack of job opportunities, caused partly by the Federal Government’s apathy to job creation, the lack of adequate supervision of job opportunities economic programmes, lack of employable skills by many youths in the country have conspired to heighten the attendant challenges of unemployment. The challenges which include, “Japa” syndrome (travelling abroad for greener pastures), that characterises the labour market and poses threat to the nation’s critical sector, especially the health and medical sector; astronomical increase in the crime rate and a loss of interest in education. While job seeking youths should continuously acquire skills and explore opportunities within their immediate environment as well as in the global space through the use of digital platforms, government, corporate/ multinational organizations or the organised private sector should generate skills and provide the enabling environment for skills acquisition, through adequate funding and resettlement packages that will provide sustainable economic life for beneficiaries.
While commending the Rivers State Government led by the People First Governor, Sir Siminilayi Fubara for initiating “various training and capacity-building programmes in areas such as ICT and artificial intelligence, oil and gas, maritime, and the blue economy, among others”, it is note-worthy that the labour market is dynamic and shaped by industry-specific demands, technological advancements, management practices and other emerging factors. So another sector the Federal, State and Local Governments should encourage youths to explore and harness the abounding potentials, in my considered view, is Agriculture. Agriculture remains a veritable solution to hunger, inflation, and food Insecurity that ravages the country. No doubt, the Nigeria’s arable landmass is grossly under-utilised and under-exploited.
In recent times, Nigerians have voiced their concerns about the persistent challenges of hunger, inflation, and the general increase in prices of goods and commodities. These issues not only affect the livelihoods of individuals and families but also pose significant threats to food security and economic stability in the country. The United Nations estimated that more than 25 million people in Nigeria could face food insecurity this year—a 47% increase from the 17 million people already at risk of going hungry, mainly due to ongoing insecurity, protracted conflicts, and rising food prices. An estimated two million children under five are likely to be pushed into acute malnutrition. (Reliefweb ,2023). In response, Nigeria declared a state of emergency on food insecurity, recognizing the urgent need to tackle food shortages, stabilize rising prices, and protect farmers facing violence from armed groups. However, without addressing the insecurity challenges, farmers will continue to struggle to feed their families and boost food production.
In addition, parts of northwest and northeast Nigeria have experienced changes in rainfall patterns making less water available for crop production. These climate change events have resulted in droughts and land degradations; presenting challenges for local communities and leading to significant impact on food security. In light of these daunting challenges, it is imperative to address the intricate interplay between insecurity and agricultural productivity. Nigeria can work toward ensuring food security, reducing poverty, and fostering sustainable economic growth in its vital agricultural sector. In this article, I suggest solutions that could enhance agricultural production and ensure that every state scales its agricultural production to a level where it can cater to 60% of the population.
This is feasible and achievable if government at all levels are intentional driving the development of the agricultural sector which was the major economic mainstay of the Country before the crude oil was struck in commercial quantity and consequently became the nation’s monolithic revenue source. Government should revive the moribund Graduate Farmers Scheme and the Rivers State School-to-Land agricultural programmes to operate concurrently with other skills acquisition and development programmes. There should be a consideration for investment in mechanized farming and arable land allocation. State and local governments should play a pivotal role in promoting mechanized farming and providing arable land for farming in communities. Additionally, allocating arable land enables small holder farmers to expand their operations and contribute to food security at the grassroots level.
Nigeria can unlock the potential of its agricultural sector to address the pressing needs of its population and achieve sustainable development. Policymakers and stakeholders must heed Akande’s recommendations and take decisive action to ensure a food-secure future for all Nigerians.
By: Igbiki Benibo
Quote:“.Across Abuja, Anambra, and Lagos, a common thread emerges: a disconnect between authority and empathy. Government actions may follow policy logic, but citizens respond from lived experience, fear, and frustration. When these realities collide without dialogue, the streets become the arena of engagement”
It was a turbulent week in the country, highlighting the widening gap between government intentions and public perception. From Abuja to Anambra and Lagos, citizens poured into the streets not just over specific grievances but in frustration with governance that often appears heavy-handed, confrontational, or insufficiently humane. While authorities may genuinely act in the public interest, their methods sometimes aggravate tensions rather than resolve them.
In Abuja, the strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) brought the capital to a near standstill. Their demands included five months’ unpaid wages, hazard and rural allowances, promotion arrears, welfare packages, pension and National Housing Fund remittances, and training and career progression concerns. These are core labour issues that directly affect workers’ dignity and livelihoods. Efforts to dialogue with the FCT Minister reportedly failed. Even after a court ordered the strike to end, workers persisted, underscoring the depth of discontent. Threats and sanctions only hardened positions.
The FCT crisis shows that industrial peace cannot be enforced through coercion. Dialogue is not weakness; it is recognition that governance is about people. Meeting labour leaders, listening attentively, clarifying grey areas, and agreeing on timelines could restore trust. Honesty and negotiation are far more effective than threats.
In Anambra, protests by Onitsha Main Market traders followed the government’s closure of the market over continued observance of a Monday sit-at-home, linked to separatist agitation. Governor Chukwuma Soludo described compliance as economic sabotage, insisting Anambra cannot operate as a “four-day-a-week economy.” While the governor’s concern is understandable, threats to revoke ownership, seize, or demolish the market risk escalating tensions. Many traders comply out of fear, not ideology. Markets are social ecosystems of families, apprentices, and informal networks; heavy-handed enforcement may worsen resistance. A better approach combines persuasion, dialogue with market leaders, credible security assurances, and gradual confidence-building. Coordinated political engagement with federal authorities could also reduce regional tensions.
In Lagos, protests erupted over demolition of homes in low-income waterfront communities such as Makoko, Owode Onirin, and Oworonshoki. The state defended these actions as necessary for safety, environmental protection, and urban renewal. While objectives are legitimate, demolitions drew criticism for lack of notice, compensation, and humane resettlement. Urban development without regard for human consequences risks appearing elitist and anti-poor. Where demolitions are unavoidable, transparent engagement, fair compensation, and realistic relocation must precede action to maintain public trust and social stability.
Across Abuja, Anambra, and Lagos, a common thread emerges: a disconnect between authority and empathy. Government actions may follow policy logic, but citizens respond from lived experience, fear, and frustration. When these realities collide without dialogue, the streets become the arena of engagement.
Democracy cannot thrive on decrees, threats, or bulldozers alone. Leaders must listen as much as they command, persuade as much as they enforce. Minister Wike should see labour leaders as partners, Governor Soludo must balance firmness with sensitivity, and Lagos authorities should align urban renewal with compassion and justice. Protests are signals of communication failure. Dialogue, caution, and a human face in governance are not optional—they are necessities. Police and security agencies must respect peaceful protest as a constitutional right.
By: Calista Ezeaku
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