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Nigeria And The Callous Call For Coup:Thanks But No Thanks

Published

8 months ago

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Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed

 

By Bala Ibrahim.

“As the Chief of Army Staff, my simple response to the call is, ‘Thanks, but no thanks!’ The Nigerian Army will not allow itself to be used to undemocratically sail some interests to power”-Lagbaja.

“Undemocratically sail some interests to power.” That’s the catch phrase to capture, from the powerful pronouncement of General Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff.

Anyone living in Nigeria today, is undoubtedly aware of the terrible situation of the country. Some are even calling it calamitous.Those who say so cannot be fully faulted, because, things are tough, very tough. All the ingredients of a tough life, as described by the dictionary, are visibly resident in Nigeria today, viz: economic hardship, trials, tribulations, and struggle. Some signs that may indicate that someone has had a difficult time or a hard life would be things such as physical signs of abuse or neglect, signs of poverty, depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues, or a lack of support from family or friends. These are descriptions from the dictionary about tough life and they seem to be simmering in Nigeria today.

What the dictionary did not say in answer to the meaning of tough life is the role of the government in a democratic arrangement. But indeed the Government has a share in the comfort or discomfort of the citizens of a country, Nigeria inclusive. It is not the ambition of this article to totally exonerate the government from blame, with regards to the misery of Nigerians, but it is the determination of the article to tell those who think that, through the call for coup, the solution to the problem would come, sorry, wrong number. It is simply akin to swallowing a nonsensical story hook, line, and sinker, without knowing what the real implication is all about.

A 2020 study found that, coups tended to lead to increases in state repression, not reductions. For Nigeria, repressive regime cannot salvage the situation. It would only worsen it. So, thanks for the call, but no thanks, according to the Army.

The Chief of Army Staff, who spoke recently in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom state, at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff combined Second and Third Quarters Conference 2024, pinpointed the origin of the call, thus:

“the pertinent issue that came up during the recent protest is the call for undemocratic intervention in governance by the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Although one can say this was coming from young Nigerians who never experienced the era of Nigeria’s extensive military rule and the concerted struggle by heroes and heroines of our current democratic dispensation to get the Nation on its current path”.

Methinks those calling for coup don’t even understand the real meaning of the consequences of coup or what repression is all about. With repression, even the freedom to think freely is suppressed. The freedom to desire something is suppressed. People pay heavy price under repression, because of the lack of freedom, topmost of which is the denial of the freedom of expression. Countries that go the way of coup often fall under sanctions, which ultimately worsen the living conditions of the people. So, thanks for the call, but no thanks, according to the Army.

Yes, when Nigeria’s situation is perused properly, especially against the backdrop of the incessant insecurity in the country, it would be easy to accuse the government of insensitivity, because there are those alleging that the Government is benefitting from the insecurity. But that can also be wrong. No government, no matter how careless, would want its citizens to remain unsecured.

The principal reason for the institution of Government as explained by the Social Contract theorists is the provision of security of lives and properties for the citizens. This is the ambition of every government every where in the world and Nigeria cannot be an exception. Even those who accuse the government of engaging in corruption, must know that without security, the so called corruption cannot thrive. So, every government, regardless of its mission, needs the security of its country. But, and I repeat but, that security can best be provided, when the role of the military is limited to the barracks.

By training and orientation, the military is a friend of the bullet and not the ballot. So, contrary to democracy, which is a combination of two Greek words, “demos”, meaning people, and “kratos” meaning power, or “power of the people through the ballot, the military comes under “militocracy”, which is an authoritarian government operating with the use of force, where the predominant power rests with the bullet.The opinion of the public is unimportant and can be silenced or side-lined with ease.

Since 2011, coups have become rampant in Africa, making the African Union to loose its grip on peace. It is alleged that, the actors, both local and international, are exerting their influence over these coups. And mostly, the end always fail to justify the means. Examples given are the events in Libya, Egypt and Tunisia in 2011, Burkina Faso in 2014 and 2022, Zimbabwe in 2017, Algeria and Sudan in 2019, Mali in 2020 and 2021, Guinea in 2021, Niger in 2023 and Gabon in 2023.

“Mostly, the governments that follow these coups have failed to address the circumstances that caused them. This, of course, leads to further coups. Succeeding regimes entrench themselves in power by corruption and by marginalising their political adversaries. Eventually, rising mass poverty provokes deep political disgruntlement. Political instability triggers a coup — and so the cycle continues”- Reuben Twinomujuni, Uganda.

In simple language, those calling for a coup are simply calling for a vicious cycle, which is a sequence of reciprocal cause and effect in which two or more elements intensify and aggregate each other, leading inevitably, to the worsening of the situation. Nigeria is not destined for such scenario and God would not allow it. So, thanks for the call, but no thanks, according to the Army.

In addressing the issue of insecurity, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja gave the assurance that the military would soon surmount the prevailing security challenges facing the country, because, the conference had provided them the opportunity to make strategic projections for the fourth quarter and comprehensively review the counter-insurgency operations, anti-banditry efforts, and other critical operations across the country.

The task before every Nigerian I think, is to pray for the success of the military in this endeavor, and not for them to venture into the political arena of the country.

In most cases, apologists of coup are largely politicians that have lost elections, who always take advantage of the gullible and the easily deceivable, by merchandising falsehood, with the intention of injecting political tension in the country. Once there is such political tension, there would be strained relations or conflicts, depending on the magnitude of the lies peddled. These would pave way for power struggles, regional disputes, or other political factors between individuals or groups.

Those conversant with coups say, such tensions can lead to heightened hostility and potential overthrow of the government- an undemocratic regime change in short. Such change is not permitted by the constitution and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had told those with such thinking, to have a rethink. The President said he is not opposed to any regime change, but those angling for that, must wait till 2027. Even at that, they have to go through the ballot and not the bullet.

Only last month, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had his inaugural Council of State meeting, wherein many issues were discussed, including the hunger protest and the security situation of the country. The briefing by the National Security Adviser at the meeting, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, was particularly commendable, because he allayed everybody’s fears, they said. The NSA spoke on the tightness of the security around the country and also reassured all that, nobody will be allowed to truncate our hard earned democracy.

“Any change of government has to be through the ballot and not through the barrel of the gun, or through insurrection or through any other unconstitutional means. Only through the ballot box can any government be changed and reassured of the security readiness of all security agencies in the country to secure our territorial integrity and to protect Nigeria’s democracy.”- NSA Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Indeed those calling for the coup are not only callous, but seriously unserious and insensible. And the Chief of Army staff, Lt.Gen. Lagbaja had answered them, by saying: Thanks for the call, but no thanks.

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Opinion

Censoring the Uncensored: The irony behind Hisbah’s ban on Hamisu Breaker’s song

Published

5 hours ago

on

May 2, 2025

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By Ummi Muhammad Hassan

Following the ban by Hisbah on a new song titled “Amana Ta” by Hamisu Breaker, social media went into an uproar, capturing the attention of the public.

In the early hours of April 24, 2025, social media was filled with reactions following a press statement issued by the Deputy Commander of the Hisbah Board, Kano State chapter, Dr. Khadija Sagir, announcing the ban of Breaker’s new song. The reason cited was that the song allegedly contains obscene language.

This announcement, however, triggered a counterreaction from the public. Many became curious to know more about the song and the so-called obscene content, with some taking to their social media handles to express their opinions.

The irony of the situation is that Hisbah unintentionally gave the song more prominence, causing it to go viral. Many people who were previously unaware of the song searched for and listened to it, just to understand the controversy.

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In my opinion, after listening to the song, it contains no obscene language. Rather, the issue seems to lie with some young women who mimed the song in a suggestive manner after hearing that Hisbah had labelled it as indecent—as though to dramatize or reinforce the claim. Some even appeared as if they were intoxicated.

To me, this is both devastating and concerning, as it reflects the erosion of the strong moral standards once upheld by Hausa women. Many young people are now making videos lip-synching the song in indecent ways. It made me pause and ask myself: where has our shyness gone? I believe this question deserves a deeper conversation on another day.

In Breaker’s case, thanks to the Hisbah ban, he became the most trending Kannywood artist in April, and his song went viral—and continues to trend.

A similar incident occurred earlier this year when the federal government banned Idris Abdulkareem’s song *Tell Your Papa*. That action unexpectedly brought the artist back into the spotlight, causing the song to trend widely.

Social media has made censorship increasingly difficult. Once a movie, text, or song reaches the internet, it becomes almost impossible to control—even by the creators themselves.

While social media censorship remains a challenge, this recent incident highlights the need for the government to intensify efforts against the spread of indecent content—through Hisbah and agencies like the Kano State Film Censorship Board.

Clear guidelines should be put in place, requiring artists and filmmakers to submit their content for review and approval before public release. This, among other strategies, could help reduce the spread of inappropriate material.

Additionally, Hisbah should be more mindful of how such announcements are made, as they may inadvertently promote the very content they seek to suppress.

Ummi Muhammad Hassan, Ph.D., is a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Bayero University, Kano. She can be reached via email at: ummeemuhammadhassan@gmail.com.

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Opinion

After My Parents, Then Prof. Nelson Aluya A Tribute to a Mentor Who Changed a Life

Published

3 days ago

on

April 29, 2025

By

 

By Zubair A. Zubair

 

When Dr. Veronica, then a lecturer at the University of San Francisco, “adopted” me as her son in early 2020, I never imagined that a simple WhatsApp introduction would alter the trajectory of my life. Nestled in a group chat named “Nigerians in Diaspora,” I soaked up every opportunity she shared, scholarships, networking events, webinars. One afternoon in 2020, she tagged the president of the Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC USA), Prof. Nelson Aluya, in a post about an upcoming virtual panel. Without hesitation, I sent him a direct message expressing my eagerness to join the discussion.

At the time, Prof. Aluya was an Associate Professor of Medicine at Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey. His response was swift and generous: “Welcome aboard, Zubair. I look forward to seeing you there.” Little did I know that his simple act of inclusion would mark the beginning of a mentorship unlike any other. In that moment, I realized there was a connection. I had first encountered his name, and his eloquent voice, on NTA News in February 2018, when he spoke passionately about diabetes awareness. His clarity and compassion had captivated me then; now, I was on the verge of being guided by him.

A Promise to Mentor

During our first call in 2020, I nervously explained that I was a university student back home in Kano. Prof. Aluya listened intently, then made me a promise: “I will mentor you to become the leader Nigeria needs, confident, compassionate, and competent.” He introduced me to Aliyu Sulaiman, another aspiring youth leader, and together we launched a new WhatsApp group in early February 2021 called “Wake Up Africa.” Our shared mission was ambitious: to bridge divides between Africans on the continent, Africans in the diaspora, and people of African descent worldwide.

Trials, Tribulations, and Unwavering Support.
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Life’s challenges tested our resolve almost immediately. In March 2021, I lost my phone unexpectedly and was unable to rejoin the group for eight months. Just as I managed to reconnect in November, fate intervened again: during my “Use of English” exam, I misplaced my replacement phone. Forced offline once more, I spent two months unable to participate. Yet every time I resurfaced, Prof. Aluya reached out with the same warmth: “Zubair, we miss your voice. How can I help?” His unwavering support reminded me that mentorship transcends geography and setbacks.

From Virtual Chats to In-Person Impact
In January 2022, Prof. Aluya sponsored Aliyu, Shamsudden, and me to attend a Pan-African youth forum in Abuja. Walking into that conference hall, I felt the weight of possibility settle on my shoulders. Surrounded by young change-makers, I realized how vital our “Wake Up Africa” vision could be. Buoyed by this experience, Prof. Aluya challenged us to formalize our efforts. Thus, in February 2022, Youth Together Work Together (YTWT) was born a youth-led organization dedicated to community action across Nigeria.

Three Signature Projects
Under Prof. Aluya’s guidance and financial backing, YTWT executed three flagship initiatives over the next eighteen months:
1. Religious Tolerance Seminar (Kaduna, July 2022): Bringing together Muslim and Christian youth to foster dialogue and mutual respect.
2. Market Cleanup (Kano, August 2022): Mobilizing students, activists, journalists and traders to restore the city’s bustling markets, highlighting civic pride.
3. Youth Against Drug Abuse Campaign (Abuja, May 2024): Conducting workshops in schools, markets and community centers to educate peers on substance-abuse prevention.

Each project bore Prof. Aluya’s fingerprints: from strategy sessions over Zoom to on-the-ground coordination and resource mobilization.

Beyond Events: Lifelong Lessons
Prof. Aluya’s investment in me extended far beyond sponsoring trips. He guided me through public-speaking workshops, critiqued my writing, and introduced me to networks of professionals across healthcare, technology, and public policy. In July 2023, he arranged for me to attend a cybersecurity seminar in Jos; in April 2024, an IT conference in Ibadan; and this March, the ‘Come Talk Africa’ in Abuja. At each event, he reminded me: “Zubair, your voice matters. Use it well.”

His mentorship taught me resilience in the face of failure, humility in success, and generosity without expectation. When I doubted my talents, he reaffirmed them. When I feared I wasn’t enough, he declared that I already was.

A Mentor’s Legacy

Mentors come and go, but rare is the one who reshapes your understanding of service, leadership, and compassion. Prof. Aluya did more than fund projects, he believed in my potential when others did not see it. He challenged me to think bigger, serve better, and lead with my heart. Without ever asking for thanks, he gave of himself freely: his time, his wisdom, and his unwavering belief in Nigeria’s youth.

Conclusion

My parents gave me life and love. After them, Prof. Nelson Aluya gave me purpose and direction. As I prepare to graduate and embark on my own journey of service, I carry his lessons with me: to uplift others, to persevere through adversity, and to lead with integrity. This tribute, published today, is but a small token of my gratitude, and a reminder that some of the greatest gifts we receive are the people who see our potential before we see it ourselves.

“A mentor is not always the one who stands at your side, it is the one who reaches out to lift you higher.”
– Prof. Nelson Aluya

By Zubair A. Zubair
Kano, Nigeria

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Opinion

Can the Trump Trade Policies Affect the African Economy?

Published

3 days ago

on

April 29, 2025

By

Dr Muttaqa Yushau

 

 

 

By MuttaqaYusha’u

myushau@gmail.com.

 

Since his re-election as President of the United States, Donald Trump has vowed to raise trade tariffs, particularly on Chinese imports. However, his protectionist trade agenda extends beyond China, affecting several countries, including those in Africa, even though Africa trades relatively less with the U.S. compared to other regions of the world.Trump’s trade policies are rooted in protectionism — an approach aimed at shielding American products from foreign competition. By doing so, the administration seeks to boost domestic employment, increase production, and promote shared prosperity for Americans.

However, the impact of these policies will vary across countries, depending on the extent of their reliance on the American market. The key question is: Can Trump’s trade policies significantly affect the African economy?According to the United States Census Bureau, Africa accounts for approximately 1.5% of total U.S. trade — a relatively small share. In 2023, African exports to the U.S. were valued at around $32 billion, with key sectors including crude oil, textiles and apparel, agricultural products, automobiles, and precious metals. Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), many African countries have enjoyed duty-free access to the U.S. market, especially for textiles and agricultural goods.For instance, Lesotho, a small country in southern Africa, is highly dependent on textile exports to the U.S.

The textile industry in Lesotho employs around 12,000 workers, representing 42% of the total formal employment in the manufacturing sector. Similarly, South Africa exports automobiles, agricultural products, and minerals to the U.S., with the auto industry alone contributing significantly to employment and foreign exchange earnings. A 10% tariff on African exports would likely slow down these sectors, reduce export earnings, and contribute to rising unemployment. Many companies would be forced to lay off workers, deepening social and economic challenges.Moreover, tariffs would make African goods less competitive in the U.S. market, potentially eroding the gains made under trade agreements like AGOA. For example, textile exports from Africa under AGOA account for about $1.3 billion annually, providing jobs to tens of thousands of workers, particularly in countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Lesotho. The imposition of tariffs on AGOA-eligible goods would undermine the core objectives of the agreement, which aims to promote economic growth through trade. It would also discourage investment in sectors that had been built around preferential access to the U.S. market, ultimately threatening job creation and industrialization efforts across the continent.One key lesson from these developments is the urgent need for Africa to deepen intra-African trade as a strategy for economic resilience. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2021, provides a major opportunity for African countries to integrate their economies and trade more among themselves. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), AfCFTA has the potential to boost intra-African trade by 52% by 2025, creating a larger market for African producers and reducing dependency on external markets.Recently, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, stressed that the new U.S. tariffs, especially those affecting sectors like textiles in Lesotho, offer a wake-up call. She emphasized that African countries must seize this opportunity to strengthen their own markets, foster regional value chains, and build resilience against external shocks.In conclusion, while Africa’s direct exposure to Trump’s trade policies may seem limited, the localized impacts on sectors like textiles, agriculture, and automobiles could be significant. These changes reinforce the importance of regional economic integration and the need for African countries to diversify their trading partners and domestic markets. Africa must act swiftly to turn challenges into opportunities and chart a more self-reliant and sustainable economic future.

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