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THE founding father of indigenous shipping in Nigeria, Chief Isaac Jolapamo has said that even if all indigenous shipowners get the $700m Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) today, there are no jobs because all the lucrative jobs are in the hands of the foreign ship-owners.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune exclusively in Lagos, the first President of the Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA) lamented that the foreigners have taken over most of the jobs and the Federal Government has, over the years, lacked the will power to enforce a ‘Nigerian first’ policy in the nations cabotage industry.

According to Chief Isaac Jolapamo: ‘There is nothing to celebrate in the Nigerian maritime industry after 65 years of independence. The people that conceived the industry 65 years ago and handed it over to us, it is not the way they are running theirs that we are running ours.’

When reminded that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has appointed Primary Lending Institutions (PLI’s) for the disbursement of the CVFF and that the banks have even started writing to indigenous shipowners to come and access the fund, Chief Jolapamo stated: ‘But we have been buying ships long before the advent of the Cabotage Act which birthed the CVFF.

‘The Cabotage Act was intended to give us more leverage, and that was why we fought for it. But as it is today, the Cabotage Act is not achieving the purpose for which it was enacted years ago.

‘I make bold to say that we had better access to job opportunities than what is available today, since the Cabotage regime began. Today, the foreign vessel owners are first choice when it comes to job opportunities in the Nigerian cabotage space.

‘When you look at the trend, the number of Nigerian owned ships that were in existence before the Cabotage Act was enacted has reduced. If government gives indigenous shipowners funds today, what will they use the funds for? The jobs in Nigeria’s shipping industry is still in the hands of the foreign vessel owners as at today.

‘Until the Federal Government enacts a law barring foreign vessel owners from competing with indigenous shipowners for jobs in the Cabotage industry, CVFF funds disbursement will be a waste of time.

‘Without such law, any shipowner that goes and take money from the CVFF will just run into problems.

‘Job availability is the soul of shipping globally. Every shipowner can always get funds. When I left NNPC in 1985 and Mobil asked me to do a job for them, what I did was to walk into a bank in London with the contract letter from Mobil. The name of that bank is BCCI. The bank provided funds for the job the moment they sighted the contract letter, and the job was done.

‘Once you have a job and you know how to run a ship, you will make money. So, job availability is key.’

Emerging Afrobeats artist Yemzoid has set himself apart with his latest singles Somebody and Lekeleke, tracks that many believe are strong contenders for industry awards. With their polished production, meaningful lyrics, and emotional depth, these singles demonstrate a maturity and artistry that could propel him into the spotlight at upcoming music award ceremonies.

Yemzoid views the tracks as a reflection of his personal growth. ‘These singles reflect my personal growth as an artist, showcasing maturity in both lyrics and delivery. They represent a new chapter in my music journey with a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of this world I am exploring,’ he said. This sense of evolution is evident in the refined storytelling and emotional connection woven into each song.

Somebody dives into the passion and vulnerability that come with loving someone, while Lekeleke celebrates the strength and independence of women. Together, they balance emotional sensitivity with empowerment, offering a blend of messages that resonate deeply with listeners. By centering women in his music, Yemzoid adds a socially conscious dimension to Afrobeats, which could earn him recognition in categories beyond just mainstream appeal.

As fans continue to embrace these tracks, conversations around their award potential are growing. Whether in songwriting, vocal performance, or even cultural impact categories, Yemzoid has delivered music that meets the criteria for critical acclaim. With Somebody and Lekeleke, he may not only win the hearts of fans but also secure his place among the new generation of award-winning Afrobeats talents.

A neurosurgeon, Professor Olufemi Adeleye, stated that the use of motorcycles and other single-occupant transport for mass transit is a brain-numbing, dangerous practice that should be urgently stopped to reduce the increasing cases of brain injury from road crashes in Nigeria.

Professor Adeleye, in his inaugural lecture entitled ‘Adversity, Neurosurgery, Innovations: Ibadan’ at the University of Ibadan, stated that motorcycle crashes have overtaken motor vehicle crashes as the most frequent cause of brain injury in recent decades, exacting a heavy toll on the limbs and lives of people, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

According to him, ‘the victims are the young, productive members of the population, often the riders themselves. They suffer severe brain injuries, which many times require surgical operations that they cannot afford; as a result, they simply perish.

‘For, as it turns out, they are actually not making any sustainable living whatsoever from this brain-numbing, infernal trade. Hence, they languish in the emergency rooms of hospitals, unable to raise the funds for even the basic medical tests and investigations required, let alone the surgical operations.’

‘For instance, the in-hospital cost of all that is involved with basic remedial brain surgery in an average situation is about 1 million naira, more or less.

The donor said that requiring patients to pay out-of-pocket for hospital care is a harmful health-financing model that burdens people who are already very impoverished, living on less than 50 cents a day, and called for it to be phased out.

‘Surely, parents who live on less than 50 cents a day may, if necessary, be encouraged-even urged-to find a way to personally bear the cost, the $10 expense of those childhood diseases; although they would not receive all the help or aid they need when faced with the misfortune of caring for a child with brain cancer or similar serious illnesses,’ he added.

Professor Adeleye also encouraged fostering a spirit of invention in medical care despite the resource-challenged environment in Nigeria, rather than being carried away by high-tech gadgets, saying, ‘we should always focus on how to simplify, at least for now. Think global, act local.’

He added, ‘We should arm ourselves with the most up-to-date, cutting-edge knowledge and skills in our trades and disciplines, and then steer our minds toward finding ways to simplify them for local acceptability, relevance, and affordability. Many tools, gadgets, and pieces of equipment used in healthcare institutions are products of advanced technologies, which often make their deployment logistically challenging in low-resource areas.

‘Let us gain all the necessary foreign exposure, not just to become local champions, but also to look forward to returning home with an eye for simple measures and tools that are more appropriate for our environment.’

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government over what it described as persistent neglect, broken promises, and deliberate disregard for agreements reached with the union.

The union’s National Executive Council (NEC), which held its 52nd meeting at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, lamented that the government’s actions risk plunging the university system into another avoidable industrial crisis.

In a communiqué signed by its National President, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, SSANU expressed deep frustration at the Federal Government’s failure to renegotiate and implement the 2009 FG/SSANU Agreement, describing the silence of the renegotiation committee as ‘a betrayal of trust.’ The union warned that it would have no option but to act if the government failed to honour the two-week extension earlier granted by the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU. ‘If this pattern of neglect continues, the Union will have no choice but to explore all lawful and appropriate avenues to compel compliance,’ the communiqué read.

One of the key issues raised was the continued non-payment of two months’ withheld salaries of SSANU members who participated in the 2022 industrial action. The union described the government’s action as punitive and provocative. ‘NEC strongly condemns the continued withholding of salaries of SSANU members. and urges the Federal Government to immediately release the outstanding two months’ withheld salaries as a demonstration of good faith,’ the statement emphasised. It further noted that deductions already made from previously paid arrears were yet to be remitted to pension administrators, a development it described as an attack on members’ retirement security.

Equally troubling was the union’s position on the disbursement of earned allowances. SSANU accused the government of adopting discriminatory practices by allocating only ?10 billion out of the ?50 billion Earned Allowance fund to the three non-teaching unions. ‘This allocation is unjust, discriminatory, and fails to acknowledge the indispensable role SSANU members play in the effective functioning of Nigerian universities,’ the union declared, demanding the immediate release of the outstanding ?40 billion balance in line with the signed Memorandum of Understanding.

Beyond internal university concerns, SSANU painted a bleak picture of the state of the nation, citing widespread insecurity, collapsing infrastructure, and worsening poverty. It decried the recent cholera outbreak in Zamfara and other parts of the country, the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment, frequent kidnappings, banditry, and devastating floods in Adamawa, Niger, and Lagos States as evidence of government failure to protect lives and maintain critical infrastructure. ‘Healthcare remains underfunded, agriculture and food security are under severe threat, and millions of Nigerians are facing acute hunger due to conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability,’ the union warned.

On education, the NEC said Nigeria’s schools continue to suffer from outdated facilities and gross underfunding, insisting that ‘the government must urgently meet and implement global best practices in education by funding the sector adequately.’ The union commended the slowing down in the creation of new universities, but stressed that quality, not quantity, must be prioritised.

On the economy, SSANU criticised what it described as reckless wastage in governance, even as inflation and fuel prices continue to crush households. While acknowledging the marginal stabilisation of the naira and a slight easing of inflation, it said Nigerians were yet to feel any real relief. ‘The escalating prices of petroleum products and essential commodities call for greater efforts to reduce inflation, which remains among the highest in Africa,’ the NEC stated.

The union also drew attention to the plight of its members in state-owned universities, singling out Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University in Benue State, where SSANU members are currently on strike over unpaid salaries. ‘This unacceptable practice must stop immediately,’ it warned. SSANU further demanded urgent nationwide expansion of solar power installations to address the epileptic electricity supply undermining teaching and research in universities. It accused both federal and state governments of mismanaging increased revenues, insisting that ‘there is no excuse for failing to prioritise workers’ welfare.’

On security, the NEC made a bold case for the formal recognition of traditional rulers as part of Nigeria’s security architecture. ‘Integrating traditional rulers into national and state security councils is not a ceremonial gesture; it is an urgent and practical step toward restoring public confidence and achieving lasting peace across the federation,’ the communiqué argued. It further called for targeted security emergencies in the worst-hit states, coupled with modern technologies, intelligence-led policing, and measures to address poverty, unemployment, and land-use conflicts fuelling violence.

To reposition universities, SSANU urged the government to grant full autonomy to university governing councils, strengthen research and innovation funds, and provide living wages with guaranteed, timely salaries to attract and retain the best talents. It also commended the introduction of the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), urging the government to expedite the disbursement of funds already subscribed to by staff.

The union reiterated its readiness to support nation-building, highlighting the expertise of its members in engineering, ICT, healthcare, administration, and finance. ‘SSANU is not merely an advocacy group but a reservoir of professional expertise ready to partner with government and development agencies,’ the NEC declared.

The Council demanded urgent action from the government on health, education, security, food production, and infrastructure. ‘Nigerians deserve concrete action, not promises,’ the communiqué stressed, calling on its members to remain steadfast, professional, and committed to the struggle for a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.

The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has again overruled the National Working Committee’s (NWC) decision to dissolve the Akwa Ibom State Executive Committee of the party.

The party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Honourable Debo Ologunagba, had on Tuesday announced the dissolution of the exco and named a 31-member caretaker committee to oversee the state chapter till further notice.

The caretaker committee, according to the NWC, is chaired by Igwat Umoren.

His Deputy is Harrison Ekpo, while the Secretary of the committee is Borono Bassey.

‘The NWC calls on all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Akwa Ibom State to remain united and continue to work together for the progress of the Party’, Ologunagba had stated.

However, 24 hours after, Anyanwu addressed a letter on Wednesday to the chairman of the sacked exco, Mr Aniekan Akpan, asking him to ignore the ‘purported’ dissolution of the exco and stay put in office.

‘For the purpose of clarity, that press release (by Ologunagba) should be discountenanced because there was no formal sitting of the National Working Committee (NWC) in which such decision was taken’, the National Secretary stated.

Anyanwu, who further declared the purported dissolution as ‘null and void and of no effect’, said Ologunagba, as the National Publicity Secretary of the party, had no powers to take any actions on behalf of the NWC, except when expressly directed to do so.

‘The State Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State stands undissolved.

‘Please, consider this letter as the rightful authority for you to continue in your duties as provided in the PDP Constitution, 2017 as amended’, he further directed the sacked chairman.

In Uyo, Akpan too has refused to comply with the directive of the NWC, describing it as ‘false’, as he remains the state chairman.

‘We have it on good authority that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party that claimed to have dissolved the state executive council did not convene any formal meeting to take such a decision.

‘The National Secretary of the party, Samuel Anyanwu, has issued a press release and conveyed a letter to us showing that there was no such meeting and affirming that no formal NWC meeting was held to dissolve the state executives of the party in Akwa Ibom’, he told journalists.

Tribune Online reports that the scenario playing out is a repeat of what happened last week when the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, wrote the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) notifying it of the decision of the NWC to postpone state congresses in Cross River, Plateau and Kebbi States to a new date after due consultations.

Anyanwu also immediately wrote to the INEC urging the commission to ignore Damagum’s letter because the congresses scheduled for Saturday, September 27, would be held.

The congress was indeed held in Cross River, returning Mr Venatius Ikem as the state chairman, though on Monday, September 28, the NWC disowned the congress, calling it a ‘carnival.’

Findings showed that the PDP moved to reposition the party in Akwa Ibom, following the defection of Governor Umo Eno to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in an a bid to cut ties between him and the state exco.

But Akpan, not willing to let go and now backed by some influential party leaders in Abuja, is staying put in office.

Before now, Governor Eno, in a leaked video, had spoken of his intention to work with both the structures of the PDP and the APC in the state for the unity of the state.

‘As a matter of fact, contrary to some insinuations, I want to run both parties (APC and PDP)? Far from it. And what is wrong with being interested? We would not leave the PDP for thieves to hijack and use it against us.

‘If anybody thinks we are going to do that, they have something coming. We will lead the structure of the party (PDP) so that they can work together (with APC). So that people don’t come from outside and think that Mr Eno has moved, let me come and hijack the party. Let the structure of the party remain.

‘They have done their congresses. That’s my position,’ the governor had revealed.

AIRTEL Africa Plc has expressed delight over the positive impact its partnership with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) is making in the lives of people, especially school children and teachers across Africa.

Chairman of Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr Segun Ogunsanya, stated this in Lagos at a press briefing to announce the official launch of Airtel Africa Foundation, a social arm of the company.

According to him, the Foundation’s collaboration with UNICEF, governments, local communities among others to transform lives and communities, especially that of the students and teachers across 14 countries where the company operates has been encouraging.

He noted that feedback and testimonials from direct beneficiaries has greatly encouraged the foundation to intensify efforts in transforming lives across the continent, disclosing that the collaboration has already connected more than 1,800 schools, benefitted over one million students, and trained more than 17,000 teachers in digital education across 14 countries.

Highlighting the broader mission of the Foundation for Nigeria and other countries, including Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Niger, DRC among others, Ogunsanya disclosed that the plan is now to directly improve the lives of no fewer than 10 million people across Africa by 2030.

According to him, the Foundation is not just donating resources, but building a pipeline of talent and fostering innovation to ensure the global digital revolution leaves no child and youths behind.

He listed four core pillars, Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection and Digital Inclusion (FEED) as initiative strategies to achieve the aims with education most priority.

Ogunsanya explained that those areas of intervention in the education sector will cover students, teachers and institutions.

According to him, the Foundation’s programmes target school adoption for infrastructure development, provision of ICT laboratories and computers, smart classrooms, free internet connectivity, full undergraduate scholarships in tech and STEM fields, mentorship and internships as well as training programmes for teachers.

He added that the Foundation would also leverage its Employee Volunteer Programme to teach students free of charge and mentor them where necessary.

Ogunsanya underscored the importance of quality education, saying that is the easier means to break circle of poverty and socio-economic inequality that many people entangled with today in Africa.

He explained further that an educated society would be financially literate and empowered to turn challenges to opportunities and in turn invest better in education of the next generation, protect the environment and also sustain good living for all.

Emphasising that though similar interventions would be extended to all the 14 countries where Airtel operates, Ogunsanya pointed out that Nigeria being the largest market for the company, would benefit most from the Foundation intervention activities.

He said the immediate plans for the country is to train no fewer than 26,000 youths, award 100 scholarships, connect 300 schools, and adopt 10 schools for long-term support, including facility renovations and smart classrooms.

Commenting on the company’s support for the Foundation, Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, also underscored the importance of citizens accessing quality and quantitative education, saying quality education would greatly enhance socio-economic development upon which citizens and the country will thrive.

He said this understanding is the very reason the Airtel Africa Foundation was born as a collective vehicle by the company to catalyse transformation, by systematically investing in the four pillars that underpin a resilient and dynamic society.

‘That is why for us as a company, we will continue to support the Foundation in its drive to transform the lives of our people,’ he pledged.

In his earlier remarks, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, also expressed happiness for the birth of the Foundation, and especially that Nigeria would be the most beneficiary of its intervention efforts across the four pillars.

He said the impact of such interventions, especially in the long run would be unquantifiable, commending the leadership of the Foundation for the initiatives.

Captain Bunmi Gindeh of the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has emerged the president of the National Association of Air Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) beating his rival, Francis Igwe, an aircraft engineer with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

ýThe election took place on Friday, September 27th I. Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, with Gindeh polling 51 polling while Igwe got 17 votes.

ýMudi Muhammad, an aircraft engineer at Arik Air, emerged the national deputy president. He had no opponent. While Adewale Adenugba won a second time as the first trustee.

ýOther elective positions were financial secretary, won by Edwin Udoh, Publicity Secretary, won by Blessing Ahmadu, Michael Nicholas won the position of second trustee.

ýSpeaking after emerging victorious, Gindeh expressed appreciation to the outgoing administration, saying they worked very hard to achieve a lot. ‘I must commend my predecessor, Abednego Galadima, for taking the initiative to set up a training institute. It was an amazing idea and we will work very hard to utilise that facility to meet with international standards. He performed well and we owe him a lot of gratitude,’ he said.

On how his campaign played out, he said: ‘There was an intensive campaign before now but we went to all the various chapters and spoke to them on why they should vote for us. We are a team. It wasn’t just me, the deputy president was the engine room of my campaign and I appreciate the work he put in.

ý’During the campaign, we talked about the welfare of our members and we would be pushing for standardised contracts across board like we have abroad. We are also going to advocate for safety for our members. We will also improve our secretariat so that it can be up to date.

ýý’One of the issues that came up during the campaign was that pilots would not have the time to carry out union functions but the beautiful thing which I have learned is to delegate responsibilities to my team. We would get more done that way. I was in the NCAA but was seconded to the NSIB, so my chapter is the NSIB. The public service rule is very clear on that,’ he said.

ýýMohammed who emerged as his deputy, expressed happiness, saying he is excited to work with someone whom he has always wanted to work with. ‘I want to work with Capt. Gimdeh because he has a big vision for NAAPE. The outgoing leadership has done their best and we are grateful to them. We are going to build on the foundation they have laid You can see that we don’t have anything pilots in the association but he has said that his goal is to bring in more pilots,’ he said.

ýIgwe, who conceded defeat, congratulated Gindeh and pledged to work to ensure that the association remains united. While the immediate past President, Galadima urged the newly elected administration to work for the unity of the association.

HAVING a baby is a life-changing experience. Being a parent is exciting but can also be tiring and overwhelming. It’s normal to have feelings of worry or doubt, especially if this is the first time. But if the feelings include extreme sadness or loneliness, frequent crying, fatigue, guilt and anxiety, it may be because of postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that happens after giving birth. It affects up to 15% of women. It’s common to experience hormonal, physical, emotional, financial and social changes after having a baby. However, these changes can cause symptoms of postpartum depression.

Preventive interventions are crucial in addressing postpartum anxiety and depression. However, the use of psychoactive drugs by nursing mothers can cause several problems, such as severe sleepiness, decreased response to cries, changes in s3xual function, fatigue, confusion, and low blood pressure.

These drugs also have sedative effects on the infant who receives breast milk. Therefore, their use during breastfeeding is limited.

While some mothers may choose not to take medication during breastfeeding due to concerns about potential side effects on their babies, herbal remedies, including curcumin, have garnered attention for their potential therapeutic benefits.

Turmeric is an edible root used in cooking. It’s powdered into a bright yellow spice popular in Asian cuisine. Turmeric also has a history of medicinal use. It contains an active compound, curcumin, that has also been used for many years in the treatment of various diseases.

Additionally, epidemiological studies have indicated that individuals who consume curcumin daily exhibit better brain function and higher cognitive abilities.

Research has found that curcumin has the potential to improve a number of health conditions, including depression. This includes postpartum depression and anxiety in first-time mothers.

A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial in Iran had provided strong evidence that curcumin can be a beneficial and accessible complementary treatment for managing postpartum depression and anxiety in new mothers, offering a valuable alternative where conventional treatments may be restricted.

It found that curcumin effectively reduces postpartum anxiety and depression, suggesting it can improve the mental health and quality of life for first-time mothers.

The trial published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies included 96 first-time mothers in Tabriz City, Iran, who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (48 women) or a control group (48 women) using a random block method.

The intervention group received 500 mg curcumin capsules, while the control group received a placebo, both taken once daily after meals for eight weeks starting seven days after delivery.

They were all women aged 18 or older, residing in Tabriz City, with no chronic liver/kidney disease, no history of depression or other mental disorders, no alcohol/drug consumption, no natural birth or caesarean section within the last 12 hours, and not taking drugs causing depressive symptoms.

The women were contacted weekly by phone to check on the baby’s weight and remind them to track capsule use and report side effects.

Depression was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and anxiety was measured with the postpartum-specific Anxiety Scale Research Short-Form (PSAS-RSF).

The study found significant reductions in both depression and anxiety scores in the curcumin group compared to the placebo group. Four individuals in the curcumin group and one in the placebo group reported gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and stomach pain.

It therefore suggested curcumin’s potential as a cost-effective and accessible adjunctive therapy due to its efficacy, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness, particularly given the limitations of conventional medications during breastfeeding.

They declared that further large-scale clinical trials are recommended to validate its efficacy in diverse populations and establish standardised guidelines for clinical use.

Curcumin supplementation may serve as a beneficial non-pharmacological intervention for postpartum women by promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and supporting reproductive health. Its multifaceted properties can address various postpartum challenges, making it a valuable addition to recovery strategies.

A study found that curcumin application led to a greater reduction in wound healing scores, particularly for perineal repair after episiotomy, compared to traditional treatments like povidone-iodine.

Curcumin influences hormonal balance and ovarian function, potentially aiding in the recovery of reproductive health post-delivery.

Its ability to modulate hormonal pathways may support women experiencing reproductive disorders, thus enhancing overall well-being during the period after child birth.

While curcumin shows promise as a supportive intervention for women after childbirth, it is essential to consider that individual responses may vary, and further research is needed to establish standardised guidelines for its use in this population.

INDEED it is an irony that as a young school teaching, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari (who was to later emerge as the First Executive President in the America styled administration of the defunct second republic) has in 1948 written strongly against the amalgamation. The Northern opposition to the amalgamation process was to be re-enacted against in 1953 debates leading to the call for the independence of the country, when Sir Ahmadu Bello was quoted as saying that the ‘amalgamation process’ was a ‘mistake of 191’. In his book on ‘Nigeria’ the German author Walter Schwarz had quoted Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto as saying ‘I would rather be called Sultan of Sokoto than President of Nigeria’. The above underscores the position about the faith in the geographic expression called Nigeria, previously held by the Northern political elites.

Nationalist movements

The first major constitution for the country since the fusion of administration (amalgamation in 1914) was the Sir Hugh Clifford’s Constitution of 1922). Though the constitution was handed down in veiled reaction to a steady growing feelings of Nationalist movement, its provision failed to completely address the crux of the expectations of the Nigeria elites. The divergence of opinions as between the colonialists and Nationalists may be understandably traceable to a crisis of loyalty and allegiance. The British had for several years after the purported amalgamation, failed and or neglected to translate the full text of the legal concept of amalgamation into a political reality. As much as possible Nigeria had remained a union only for economic reasons and until after the first world war the Northern and Southern sections were being administered as two distinct countries, the south enjoying all the trappings of a normal colony/possession protectorate having an Executive and Legislative councils whilst the Northern part of the country was being ruled by the Governor’s proclamation. In view of this therefore it was difficult for a common outlook amongst the British officials in the North and in the South on the one hand and their wards in the others.

When however following the promulgation of the constitution of Sir Arthur Richards and the division of the country for administrative purposes in 1939, into the Eastern, Northern and Western group of provinces, the colonial administration was reaction to the political reality in Nigeria.

Ever since this administrative division, regional parties had grown from trial organisations. Invariably the largest number of these parties membership were drawn from the regions of the party leaders. The Nigerian Youth movement form in 1934 by Dr. J. C. Vaughan, Ernest Ikoli and Samuel Akinsanya soon disintegrated because of trial jealousies and machinations of rival supporters of Samuel Akinsanya and Ernest Ikoli whop fought over Dr. Kofoworola Abayomi. It was this unhealthy state of affairs which watered the soil of decampings and new entrants into political struggle that greeted the formation on the 24th of August 1944 of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). Suffice it to submit that the emergence of NCNC marked the beginning of Nigeria’s tortuous journey into Nationhood. As events were changing in England politically. The effect of the second world war which was going on can also not be over emphasized in considering factors which convinced the British in believing that there must be a gradual process towards a progressive disengagement from her colonies. With the intention of forestalling nationalist demands the British unfolded their plans for constitutional reforms in Nigeria.

Preparation for independence

The Richard constitution therefore tried to address some of the demands of the nationalists by enlarging membership of the legislative council to forty-three. For the first time also the jurisdiction was countrywide unlike what happened before wherein the Northern region was being administered separately. The constitution also contained the provision which related to election of four members, three representing Lagos and one, Calabar. Regional legislatures were established in Enugu, Ibadan and Kaduna with an upper house of Chiefs in the North where the Emirs have been so important and necessary for the purposes of the Colonial administration.

The powers of these regional legislatures were clearly defined. They included mainly a consideration of budgets and also serving as electoral colleges for the legislative council in Lagos. The Richard Constitution was the first attempt in Nigeria’s history of arranging within a Constitutional framework an arrangement to associate different ethnic groups with one another for the purpose of governance. Notwithstanding the far-reaching provisions, the Nationalists were far from being placated and called for a situation wherein more people would be elected. The constitution was also seen by some of the Nationalists as a subtle device by the British to perpetuate the division in the country by creating regions around which vested interest would revolve.

As political awareness increased there arose the need to accommodate people of similar political learnings. The action group emerged from a cultural association of the Yorubas called ‘Egbe Omo Oduduwa’ of which Chief Obafemi Awolowo was Secretary. The Northern Peoples Congress emerged from similar cultural movement in the North called ‘Jaman Mutane Arewa’.

With the formation of the Action Group and the NPC, the NCNC was increasingly identified with the Igbo aspirations. They represented the stage of political situation in the country when in 1951, the Macpherson Constitution came into operation. The constitution actually formalized the informal division of the country into regions by the Richard Constitution. Slight modifications were made in the constitution to enlarge membership of the Legislative and Northern House of Assembly continued to be bicameral i.e. the Governors still had reserve powers like under the Richard Constitution and could be invoked to guarantee law and order and good government. Nigeria still continued to operate a Unitary system since all the subordinate lieutenant-Governors in the regions were still loyal to the Governor General and the state legislature still served as electoral colleges for the central legislature the constitution was still a far cry from true federalism.

In 1953, when Anthony Eronmonsele Enahoro moved a motion calling for the independence of the country in 1956, the British government was quick to point out to the uneven development in the country and the hostility existing between Northern and Southern elites. The motion was roundly condemned as been unrealistic by the Northern Peoples Congress Leadership, Sir Ahmadu Bello later opined that independence at the time the southerners wanted it would have been suicidal for Northerner if they had accented to it. He meant by this that the North would have been at a disadvantage in that most of the administrators would have been southerners because there were few qualified Northerners at the time. Opposition of Northerners to independence earned them public jeers from a motley of crowd in Lagos an unfortunate development which further convinced the Northerners that maybe they after all did not have much in common with southerners.

In 1953, the AG sent a delegation led by Chief S. L. Akintola to the North to appeal to the masses. It was a wrong step forward and the delegation was attacked by rioting NPC supporters which resulted in mutual killings and Northerners and Southerners living in Kano. Alarmed by the violence, the British government became more convinced that a large measure of regional autonomy was expedient and that only a federal system could hold Nigeria together.

PDP is confused, members of the public should disregard the claim, says APC spokesperson

THE Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday raised an alarm over an alleged plan by the sacked APC chairmen in the state to illegally pay out almost N13 billion of the state’s local government funds as legal fees.

The party therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the matter, saying that in a leaked letter trending online, one of the sacked chairmen instructed UBA to pay a law firm (name withheld) 15 percent of the allocation paid into the council’s account last week as legal fees.

PDP chairman in the state, Hon Sunday Bisi, described the directive as illegal, saying that the party even gathered authoritatively that the APC ex-chairmen in all the 30 local government councils gave the same instructions to the bank.

‘The total balance in all LG accounts is about N85 billion. Fifteen percent of that amount translates to N12.75 billion which these APC men wanted to pay out as legal fees. Fortunately, the Oyo State High Court order of last Friday stopped them and their scheme,’ he disclosed.

He alleged that the ex-council chairmen used non-council staff members as treasurers and co-signatories of the letters.

‘There is no officer designated as treasurer in the local government scheme of service across the country. Yet these people used individuals who are not local government staff to fill the nonexistent position of treasurer.

‘One of those so used to sign the letter is a non-teaching staff (member) of a private polytechnic in Boluwaduro Local Government Area.

‘It is shocking,’ the PDP chairman said.

According to him, the letter was written a few days ago, instructing a 15% deduction from the accounts of local governments to be paid to a legal practitioner with a UBA account.

The PDP said the sacked chairmen signed ‘IR- REVOCABLE LETTERS OF DE- DUCTION in favour of the law firm, which were forwarded to a branch of UBA.’

The said deduction was to commence from February 2025 to September 2025.

‘The APC has descended to the lowest level with outright impunity and deliberate trampling on the law and the constitution.

‘Despite a court order and a subsisting case before the Supreme Court, the APC is violating all known laws and public finance rules and regulations,’ Hon Bisi said.

An Oyo State High Court on Friday granted an injunction restraining UBA from allowing any payment out of the accounts opened by the APC ex-chairmen, into which the CBN paid the local governments’ seized seven-month allocations.

‘We call on the Inspector General of Police to open criminal investigations into these letters and their authors. All perpetrators of this illegality must be brought to book,’ the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, the APC spokesperson, Chief Kola Olabisi, described the claim as falsehood, saying it is far from the truth. He charged members of the public to disregard it.

Olabisi said it is a plot to give APC a bad name in the face of members of the public, and that PDP is confused and does not know the right direction to take any longer.