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Opinion

2023 And The Nigerian Youth-Dul Johnson

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Dul Johnson

 

By:-
Dul Johnson
Department of English,
Bingham University, Karu
Nasarawa State

I am not one of you. I am one of those who enjoyed everything good in this country and ruined it. I am one of those who believe that, like the phoenix, Nigeria can, and will rise again. But this can only happen if the younger generation wakes up now; younger generation because that’s where the strength and force of this country lie.

The Nigerian youth have been bashed and battered from different angles: a poor and unstable education system, lack of gainful employment, poverty, exclusion from politics except when they are being exploited and so on. Having experienced these for many years the youth have become lethargic rather than think and act. Consequently many have lost confidence in themselves; in their ability to do anything. Many have turned to drugs, crime (of different kinds), or a life of idleness. Saner societies institute gradual succession programmes through which the youth are integrated into the socio-political system. This way they will play a role in the affairs of the society and get a grooming until they are ready to take over. It seems to me that it is time this happened in Nigeria. I say this confidently because I saw a jolt out of that state of lethargy in 2020.

What happened in 2020 showed that we are not done with the youth yet. They have not been completely destroyed. After all a few have distinguished themselves and broken out despite the stifling socio-economic conditions in the country. Armed with the internet, incensed by their experience with the corrupt SARS police unit, the youth showed that they were not the Indolent lot we thought they were. With a mutual purpose and pooling their energies, they called out SARS. The media savvy generation soon created a hashtag which quickly became the platform to call for the end of SARS—the symbol of all the rot and dysfunction that was Nigeria.

 

ASUU Strike And Posterity-Ameer Abdul Aziz

Saner societies institute gradual succession programmes through which the youth are integrated into the socio-political system. This does not mean that the youth will take over power: there is nowhere in the world that this happens. What it means is that the youth will count; that they will play a role in the affairs of the society in every facet. It seems to me that it is time this happened in Nigeria. I say this confidently because I saw a jolt out of deep slumber. The individual exploits no longer mattered as the youth are collectively harassed, extorted and maimed as a result of the stereotype forced on them. They must therefore awaken to the need to pool their collective force towards creating the desired change.
EndSARS was a revolution in its latent and modern form. The organisers knew the system and the forces they were up against and were therefore not aiming at the pyrrhic victory of the Eastern Spring movements. Violent revolutions, as we know now, have not helped any society as they end up being far more expensive than imagined, setting the societies several years back. Silent revolutions, which are intellectually engineered, are now the answer to societies’ social and political problems. That is what Nigeria needs. That is what we have needed these many years of wondering in the woods, and this is what the youth can give us easily. If they want. They have the capacity and the resources, but they have to be ready, mentally and physically. I thought they were when they went into action in 2020.

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The EndSARS revolution of October, 2020 was a silent revolution. It had the elements of a silent revolution, even when it was hijacked in the end. It was a huge success given the forces it was up against. How it was organized and the impact it made is the reason I am writing this piece, and the reason I think it is needed now more than ever before. I believe that the youth can come to the rescue of this country by employing and deploying the method and machinery that gave them success during EndSARS to turn the politics of this country around come 2023. The resolve and resilience of the Nigerian youth was tested and proven. It was like going through the crucible.

The value of that movement was not in ending SARS. It did not even have the power to end SARS. But the way in which it attempted to dismantle that institution, that movement could, and should, do more than remove SARS. What can bring SARS and our numerous problems to an end is putting an end to bad politics and bad governance using the same ‘silent’ revolution method. They have the numerical, intellectual and physical strength to make this happen. The youth also have the capacity to mobilize and network, both on the social and other media. Above all, they have the goodwill of a great number of Nigerians of the older generation who wish for a better Nigeria, and have the experience to share. Strength, numbers and mobilization skills need the experience component to bring about the desired change in Nigeria.

Many times when I have discussed this idea with my peers, the fear has been that the youth are like their parents; selfish, greedy, polarized along ethnic and religious lines and as corrupt, if not more corrupt than their parents. To succumb to this view is to believe that Nigeria is doomed; that there are no good people left in the country. It may be foolhardy to refuse to see Nigeria as a failed state but we will not be the first failed state that would bounce back. We have all that it takes to become a great nation, and everything that we need to become one of the richest nations of the world.

My suggestion for the youth is simple. Revive the spirit of the 2020 movement with all the organizational acumen you displayed. Expand the network and use all the social and other media at your disposal. Think Nigeria. THINK NIGERIA! You do not have a political party and you do not need to form one. Your movement was stronger than a political party and it will be even stronger this time. Mobilize yourselves, keep talking and networking as you watch the political parties jostle. Never mind the fact that there will be detractors and black sheep amongst you. This is to be expected when you are dealing with human beings, but their numbers will be few and of no serious consequences. Watch the parties carefully. Analyze and discuss what they say. Analyze their manifestoes critically. Use experts when needed, and take their advice. Advise all youth (of voting age) to register and have their voter’s cards handy.

Make your decision close to elections. It may be difficult, but you must keep sentiments out of this project. Let your decision be a collective one; debate it on all possible platforms. Bear in mind that you are on a mission to save Nigeria. Find an appropriate slogan to capture this and let it be imprinted on everyone’s mind. In making the decision for a candidate, do not consider AGE, RELIGION or ETHNICITY. These are of no consequence if you think NIGERIA. All that is needed is to give your adopted candidate 75-95% of your votes and the real revolution would have started. Watch out for a ‘Dark Horse’ if there will be one. Whether it is at the state or national level, remember that someone has to be there. If there is no suitable dark horse, one of the numerous jostlers would definitely prove to have the intelligence and patriotic zeal to pull the country (or state) out of the woods.

To save Nigeria, you need to think Nigeria. To bring back the glorious days of Nigeria which you did not see but have heard so much of, you need to think Nigeria. And to THINK NIGERIA means to act as one; and the one force required to turn the political fortunes of the country around. I am behind you and with you. The progressives—by which I mean Nigerians who subscribe to egalitarian ideologies—are with you, and solidly behind you, and they can be found in all political parties.

 

Opinion

Ganduje’s Visit of Shame, By Adnan Mukhtar

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The visit of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to former President Muhammadu Buhari has given the All Progressives Congress a sleepless night.

At a time when the party should focus on how to better the life of Nigerians as a result of the hardship since the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the party has resorted to acting like an opposition.

It’s obviously clear that Atiku is setting a precedent for the party to follow. Even though he has told the world that his visit to the former President is a personal one, a post sallah visit as he told Nigerians on his Facebook Page; the former Vice President has reiterated his commitment to forming a formidable coalition that will defeat President Tinubu in 2027.

Shortly after Atiku’s visit, Ganduje rushed to the Kaduna residence of Muhammadu Buhari to visit him alongside some members of his National Working Committee.

When asked by journalists about his take on the Coalition; he replied, “We are not concerned about any coalition.”

If they are not concerned, then why the rush to visit Buhari after Atiku’s visit. It was the APC governors in the first place, as reported by some national dailies. The visit was to persuade Buhari to stop his people from joining the coalition.

Whatever, the upcoming coalition is for the good of this country, it is an effort to rescue the country in the hands of President Tinubu, who has inflicted hardship in all ramifications to Nigerians

There is kidnapping in the land, of recent bandits kidnapped a retired major General and former head of one of our critical national institutions NYSC, what confidence would it give our corps members.

The government is taking credit of his release, to this moment, the truth of the matter hasn’t prevailed. Was General Tsiga released after payment of ransome or rescued by security agencies?

Every well-meaning Nigerian should support the coalition, it’s is not about Atiku or El-rufai; it is about the future of Nigeria as a nation.

The APC as a party should call it’s son President Tinubu, to order so that he can do the needful to fix this country from the current mess, not following every footstep of Atiku.

Atiku is indeed a powerful opposition figure.

Atiku’s Visit to Binta Yar’adua

Shortly after his visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Atiku visited the wife of his lifetime mentor, General Shehu Musa Yaradua.

The visit symbolises Atiku’s loyalty to his mentor Shehu Yaradua even in death. I read in his autobiography how Shehu not only helped him but has later become his business partner. Shehu Yaradua was part of Intels, an investment where Atiku is a major shareholder.

It’s good to be loyal, Atiku is a loyalist of Shehu; a loyalty that should inspire the younger generation.

May our loyalty never be tasted!

Adnan is a university lecturer and a communication strategist

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Opinion

2027:Why Fa’izu Alfindiki Is Municipal’s Best Choice For Reps

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From Danlami Gandun Albasa

There is no doubt that the former Chairman of Kano Municipal Hon Fa’izu Alfindiki (Jundullahi) can make a better candidate for the position of House of Representatives, in the forthcoming 2027. His name alone rings bell and sends fear to the ears and hearts of his political opponents. Kwankwasiyya especially and their hidden supporters.

It is very clear for all to come to term with me when I argue that Alfindiki is not only composed, but he has clear understanding of voters behavior in his constituency, Municipal local government and other Metropolitan areas.

I have my concrete reasons why Alfindiki stands better chance to be the candidate for House of Representatives seat from Kano Municipal, in 2027.

Let’s have a simple look at those reasons. See below for your perusal :

1. Apart from being the immediate past local government Chairman, whose understanding of grassroot politicians (yan dangwale) their needs and behaviors, become part and parcel of his political experience, his relationship with many categories of people gives him an edge over many others, who recently indicate their interest,

2. Alfindiki’s visibility in the social media, as both active user and active contributor in political discussions in the social media means a lot for his breakthrough,

3. Coming from Bakin Kasuwa side of the Municipal local government, will give headache for Kwankwasiyya or NNPP people. Who are densely populated there. So when Bakin Kasuwa politicians see their son contesting for the position, they will rally behind him for popular support and endorsement at all cost,

4. Fa’izu has no hidden relationship with Baba Ganduje’s enemies and political opponents. You cannot pinpoint any figure within Kwankwasiyya circle and get any link with him or her and Fa’izu Alfindiki. He is always straightforward,

5. Alfindiki has no history of abusing our pillars within APC or their families. He still believes, our pillars, ranging from Baba Ganduje, Abdullahi Abbas and the like, are still reliable and dependable. Nowhere in his political history, where he resorts to abusing the families of our leaders, at whatever rate and range,

6. Alfindiki is always up and doing in coordinating all parts of our great party APC to be strong and reliable political platform, and

7. Without any fear of contradiction, Alfindiki is responsible without pretending. He unifies supporters and does not believe in creating factions within the larger body of our great APC

TO BE CONTINUED

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Opinion

Letter To IGP On Reaffirming Respect For Traditional Institutions And The Role Of The Nigeria Police Force In Upholding Justice

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Sir,

We acknowledge the Nigeria Police Force’s recent decision to withdraw its invitation to the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II PhD, in connection to an incident during the Sallah celebration in Kano on March 30, 2025. While this move is appreciated, it is important to highlight that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is a noble institution revered for its commitment to maintaining law and order.

As such, we believe that the leadership of the NPF, particularly the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), should not be utilized as a tool for actions that could be construed as undermining this esteemed institution. The primary responsibility of the NPF is to maintain law and order in society, not to engage in actions that sow division or disrespect for the country’s revered institutions.

We wish to respectfully draw the attention of the IGP to certain issues that require immediate attention. First and foremost, addressing an Emir without the appropriate protocol is a sign of disdain, not only to the individual Emir but to the entire traditional institution. An Emir, whether alive,deposed, or deceased, should never be referred to without the prefix “Emir” or “His highnerss. Referring to the Emir as “Alhaji,” “Mallam,” or “Dr.” without the appropriate title raises concerns and may lead to suspicions regarding the position of the NPF toward the Emir, His Highness, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II PhD.

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Additionally, we believe that the question of whether the NPF’s press release, demanding that the Emir provide a statement, was necessary is a matter of concern. The state police command had already made arrests and issued an invitation to Sallaman Kano, the most senior aide in charge of palace affairs

This action should suffice for the continuation of the investigation without the need to escalate matters by seeking the Emir’s direct involvement. Further engagement with the Emir, if necessary, can be carried out through appropriate channels, in line with the traditional and legal protocols.

While we appreciate the IGP’s prompt action in withdrawing the invitation, we would like to emphasize the importance of maintaining respect for the traditional institution and ensuring that police actions do not inadvertently politicize or disrespect any parties involved. We trust that the IGP will take this into account as the investigation progresses and that professionalism, neutrality, and justice will guide the NPF in handling this delicate matter.

In conclusion, we hope that the NPF continues to uphold its role in a manner that respects the traditions and laws of our nation. It is essential that such matters be handled with the utmost care, respecting both the rule of law and the sanctity of the traditional institutions.

Tijjani Sarki
Vice President
Human Rights Watch and youth empowerment foundation, Kano, Nigeria
7th April 2025

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