Politics
Much Ado About BRIC(S)* _Where do Nigeria Fits in?_ ~Oti Joe ASHIA
*Much Ado About BRIC(S)*
_Where do Nigeria Fits in?_
~Oti Joe ASHIA
BRIC(S)– A few days ago, Mbotab Guibaldi, my Cameroonian friend, who is a research fellow at the World Bank Centre, Ofrima, invited me for a tea party which we later altered to a cocktail.
We then entered into a conversation on a variety of topical issues bothering majorly on political developments in Africa viz-a-viz the performances of African leaders that may have necessitated the resurgence of juntas, thinkering of seizing power from democratically elected governments in their various countries.
He tried to convince me that Leadership in Africa has failed hence the uprising.
He opined that with the Russian- Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Wagner group already emerging to support the Sahel Nations to help oust their democratically elected governments in those countries, he is suggesting that the way to go now is for African States especially Nigeria to start contemplating joining the BRIC(S).
He said Nigeria should be careful else there may be a coup d’etat waiting to happen.
On Nigerian Government’s recent policies, I tried to convince him on what may have prompted current government’s decisions which were of course long overdue and that three months (1/16th) on a scale of 4 years is too short a time to rate whether a government has performed or not, or whether its policies were pro-people or not.
There were aspects were we both shared similar views.
However, on BRIC(S), it was one discussion I was not too excited.
Before I go into my reason, I think a background may help.
The term BRIC is an acronym for (Brazil Russia, India and China) and was originally developed in the context of foreign investment strategies. It was introduced in the 2001 publication, ‘Building Better Global Economic BRICs’ by then-chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Jim O’Neill; it was coined by Roopa Purushothaman, who was a research assistant in the original report.
South Africa only joined in 2010 making the original membership to adjust the acronym to accommodate her – the reason it was changed from BRIC to BRICS or BRICK (the ‘K’ of which I am still thinking).
Regardless of the goal and objectives of this group, I was concerned if Mbotab actually understood that BRICS stood for BRAZIL RUSSIA, INDIA CHINA AND SOUTH AFRICA, a group of five nations that came together to forge a common front economically and politically.
Well agreed, the sole aim of most if not all relationships is for mutual benefits.
So why should a country like Nigeria, the largest and most populous black Nation, the most abundantly blessed Nation in terms of human and natural resources, join BRICS which is just a coinage of her existing membership?
It is instructive to note that the war between Russia and Ukraine that has left millions either death, injured and/or displaced has been on issues of Interests and rivalry on choice of association. And the key actor in this emerging marriage (BRICS), the Russian President, Vladimir Putin did not attend the three-day summit in person, as he faces an arrest warrant for war crimes in Ukraine issued by the international criminal court,
This has placed a huge burden on the bloc whose most inducing goal is to provide alternative Economic governance to the US dominance at the global stage.
On the other hand, South Africa has always proven to be Nigeria’s rivals economically, socially and ‘traditionally’ if you may like evident in the constant sanctions placed on Nigerian firms or vice versa and the xernophobic attacks on Nigerians in that country.
So why should Nigeria be so excited to join a club with South Africa and Russia as part of her Membership?
I do not think it is in our best interest of our corporate existence.
To butress my points I took him through a list of European countries who are doing perfectly well but are not EU Members.
In fact, some are progressing smoothly as ‘stand alone nations, yet, they are about a tenth of the size of Nigeria in both land mass and population.
The ones that caught my attention the most were Norway, Switzerland, France, Germany, Serbia, Belarus, etc.
Fortunately, these are among the best economies in the world.
My submission was that Nigeria do not need to be a member of any club, union, association, etc to develop.
We have all it takes to be a great nation.
Nigerians and her Leaders know what we need to develop.
It is not Grants.
It is not Aids.
It is not Loans.
It is not Donations.
It is not Goodwill.
What Nigeria needs is purposeful leadership and patriotism.
The Corruption that has eaten so deep into the fabric of an average Nigerian subconscious requires proper surgery.
We can be member Nation to the best performing blocs around the globe but if the main ingredients of growing economies ‘good governance and purposeful or qualitative leadership’ is missing, it will be as good as we were not even a member in the first instance because it will still be like what Robert Kyozaki termed *Rabbit Race* in his ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’
And like the proverbial *Rotten tooth*, _… until it is pulled out, the mouth must continue to chew with caution…_
Thank God the world is already heading to Artificial Intelligence- AI.
We have the resources to procure these Technologies to help develop our abundant natural resources and reset the country.
If Nigeria needs a mutual association to jump start her economy to enable her play in the global league, there is Germany with the Technology, Norway with the managerial expertise, Switzerland that has printed all our currencies including keeping the ones that has been stollen and laundered.
In my submission, I told him that Nigeria joining BRICS is like a student who would copy in an exam hall including the Name and Registration Number of his/her benefactor without knowing the implication.
Nigeria cannot be so enthusiastic to be identified with a country like Russia whose Leader has inflicted much pain on her neighbors Ukraine on mere diplomatic Interests when back home, Nigerian have continued to prevail on her President HE Sen Asiwaju Bola Ahmed TINUBU not to go to war with Niger over the military interference with the democratically elected government of that country?
With the potential admission of six new Nations including Egypt, Ethiopia, Argentina, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE into its ranks after their recent three-day 15th annual summit in South Africa, and even more in coming years, what will be the faith of this much talked about acronym BRICS?
*_©2023_The_Pen_Lieutenant_*
Port Harcourt
Governor Dauda Lawal Approves Gratuity Payment
The Zamfara State Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the release of funds for the payment of Gratuity Batch 3 for the 2024/25 period. This decisive action underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of retired civil servants who dedicated years of service to the state’s development.
The Accountant General of the State is already working diligently to ensure that all eligible retirees receive their payments promptly and efficiently, reflecting the government’s resolve to uphold transparency and accountability in the disbursement process.
This timely gratuity payment is a testament to Governor Dauda Lawal’s people-centered leadership, which recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of retirees to the progress and stability of Zamfara State. It also reaffirms the government’s pledge to honor its financial obligations without unnecessary delays.
The Zamfara State Government calls on all retirees in the affected batch to exercise patience as the necessary administrative and financial processes are finalized. Every effort is being made to ensure smooth and uninterrupted payments.
This initiative is part of Governor Dauda Lawal’s broader vision to empower citizens and retirees, strengthen confidence in public service, and sustain the morale of those who have committed their lives to the growth of Zamfara State.
Politics
APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition
*APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition*
The APC National Vanguard has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support a second term in office for Siminalayi Fubara, citing what it described as “impressive and verifiable developmental strides” across Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National President, Dr Gbenga Salam (JP), the group said its position followed an extensive assessment tour of key infrastructure and public service projects executed under the Fubara administration.
The APC National Vanguard said the appeal was based strictly on performance, arguing that governance outcomes should outweigh partisan considerations, particularly in a state as economically significant as Rivers.
“We respectfully urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to support the continuity of Governor Siminalayi Fubara beyond his current tenure, in recognition of his commitment to development, prudent resource management, and people-focused governance,” the statement read.
According to the group, its delegation visited multiple project sites across the state, observing ongoing and completed works spanning road construction, urban renewal, and public infrastructure upgrades.
It noted that the scale and distribution of these projects reflect a deliberate effort by the state government to extend development beyond traditional urban centres and into underserved communities.
“Our findings from the tour reveal a government that is not only active but intentional in its development agenda. The execution of capital projects across various parts of Rivers State demonstrates a clear understanding of the needs of the people and a commitment to addressing them,” Dr Salam said.
The group particularly commended what it described as prudent financial management by the administration, noting that the projects reviewed showed evidence of careful planning and efficient allocation of resources.
“At a time when economic pressures are evident across the country, it is commendable that the Rivers State government has managed its resources in a way that delivers visible and impactful development without signs of fiscal recklessness,” the statement added.
The APC National Vanguard further observed that despite political tensions in the state, the Fubara administration has maintained focus on governance, ensuring continuity in project execution and service delivery.
The group argued that such stability is critical for sustained development and should be encouraged rather than disrupted.
“Leadership must ultimately be judged by results. In Rivers State, there is clear evidence of progress—projects that are not only announced but executed, and policies that translate into real benefits for citizens,” Dr Salam noted.
The group warned that discontinuity in leadership could stall ongoing projects and reverse gains already recorded, stressing the importance of allowing a performing administration to consolidate its achievements.
“Rivers State is at a pivotal stage where continuity will allow for the completion of ongoing initiatives and the deepening of development gains. Supporting Governor Fubara for a second term is, therefore, a decision in the best interest of the people,” the statement said.
In addition to its call on the APC leadership, the group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu, expressing confidence in his administration’s broader economic and governance reforms.
The APC group urged Nigerians to remain supportive of efforts aimed at stabilising the economy and strengthening public institutions.
“We reiterate our endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to national development. With sustained support, the administration can consolidate its reform agenda for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Dr Salam added.
The APC National Vanguard concluded by calling on political actors to prioritise development and public interest over partisan divides, insisting that governance should always be guided by performance and accountability.
“Where leadership demonstrates prudence, delivers development, and remains focused on the welfare of the people, it deserves continuity. This is the position we have reached after a careful and independent assessment of Rivers State,” the statement added.
*Renewed Hope Ambassadors Step Into the Next Phase
Fresh from the successful APC 2026 National Convention, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National, Zonal, and State leadership gathered in Abuja over the weekend, for its fourth strategic meeting, setting the tone for nationwide grassroots activation ahead of 2027.
Chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma (Imo State) the Director General and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, alongside Deputy Director-General, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State as Secretary, the session reinforced one clear direction: One Party. One Message. One Mobilization whilst also laying out a strategic roadmap for the activation of the network across all communities in Nigeria.
Backed by the strength of 31 APC-led states, the Renewed Hope Agenda is taking Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of progress and reform to every corner of Nigeria.
From bold economic restructuring to initiatives like NELFUND, the increase in the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, and strategic investments in critical sectors, including PNiCGI, the mission remains clear: helping Nigerians understand both the purpose and the progress of the Renewed Hope vision.
This is coordination at scale. This is grassroots engagement with purpose. This is the next phase of Renewed Hope with One Party, One Message, and One Mobilisation framework
#RenewedHopeAmbassadors #APC #WeAreAPC
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