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
Politics
Ogun 2027: Senator Adeola Yayi Promises Inclusive Governance, Says, Ogun APC Primaries Peaceful, Transparent
Ogun 2027: Senator Adeola Yayi Promises Inclusive Governance, Says, Ogun APC Primaries Peaceful, Transparent
…Dismisses Claims of Discontent Over Emergence as APC Consensus Candidate
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Ogun State All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election, distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has assured the people of the state that he would run an all-inclusive government if elected governor in 2027.
Fondly called Yayi, the senator currently representing Ogun West in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly made this known on Thursday, May 21, 2026, shortly after participating in the governorship primary at Pahayi, Ilaro Ward 1.
Speaking with journalists, Senator Adeola Yayi assured party members that he would not disappoint them if elected governor, pledging to deliver good governance while sustaining the developmental strides of the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
According to him, “I want to assure the people that I will run an inclusive government and carry everyone along. It will be an administration that leaves no group or interest behind.”
The senator commended party faithful for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the governorship primaries, noting that the exercise reflected the unity and cohesion within the party.
Senator Adeola Yayi further expressed delight that the primary election was conducted peacefully across the state, describing the turnout of party members during the direct primary exercise as a strong indication that the APC remains formidable and well-positioned to record landslide victories in the 2027 general elections.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun for sustaining the internal democracy for which the ruling party is reputed, while reiterating his readiness to run an open and inclusive administration.
Fielding questions during the press interaction, the Ogun State APC consensus governorship candidate dismissed claims that some aspirants were aggrieved over his emergence as the party’s consensus candidate.
According to him, his emergence was not imposed on the party but was the outcome of extensive consultations and consensus among stakeholders and party leaders across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“I am not aware of any aggrieved aspirants over my emergence as the governorship consensus candidate of our dear party. The decision to present me as the consensus candidate was not foisted on the party.
“Rather, it was the result of far-reaching consultations and agreements among stakeholders and leaders of the party across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“To my knowledge, nobody was cheated and nobody was disenfranchised. I received overwhelming support at the Ogun State APC strategic meeting held at the party secretariat. Thereafter, I met with other aspirants, and we are all committed to working together for the betterment of the people of Ogun State”, he stated.
The senator, who was widely cheered across Ilaro metropolis, polled 3,023 votes at Pahayi Ilaro Ward 1, 2,601 votes in Ilaro Ward 2, and 2,419 votes in Ward 3. He later monitored the exercise in Ilaro Ward 2 and Ward 3, where party members and supporters hailed him enthusiastically at every stop.
The massive turnout of APC members across polling units in Ogun West, and indeed across Ogun State, was seen by observers of the scene as a demonstration of the widespread acceptance and popularity of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations among the people, without any form of inducement.
Politics
Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors Hails Rivers APC Over Peaceful Conduct of Guber Primaries
*Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors Hails Rivers APC Over Peaceful Conduct of Guber Primaries*
Charges Chinda to Be Magnanimous in Victory as a Patriot
The Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors (RCA) has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the peaceful and orderly conduct of its governorship primaries, describing the process as a shining example of political maturity and a departure from the state’s history of acrimonious contests.
In a statement signed by Comrade Jude Chuks and issued shortly after the declaration of Rt. Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election, the group praised the APC leadership and stakeholders for ensuring a rancour-free exercise.
The Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors, a prominent support structure aligned with the broader Rainbow Coalition political movement in the state, noted that the smooth conduct of the primaries reflects growing commitment to unity, dialogue, and collective progress ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We congratulate the Rivers State APC for conducting a credible, transparent, and peaceful primary. This achievement underscores the maturing democratic culture in our state and sets a positive tone for the political season,” Chuks read.
The group specifically hailed the withdrawals of key aspirants, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Tonye Cole, which paved the way for Chinda’s emergence, describing the moves as “statesmanlike decisions taken in the supreme interest of peace and party cohesion.
While celebrating the outcome, the Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors charged the new flag bearer to remain magnanimous in victory and demonstrate the spirit of a true patriot.
“Victory at the primary is not an end in itself but a call to higher responsibility. We urge Hon. Kingsley Chinda to extend a hand of fellowship to all other aspirants, stakeholders, and even those outside the APC.
“True leadership demands inclusivity, humility, and the ability to heal divides rather than widen them,” the ambassadors emphasised.
They further appealed to Chinda to prioritise broad-based consultations, youth and women inclusion, and the welfare of Rivers people in his campaign and future governance plans, noting his legislative experience and cross-party relationships as key assets.
The group, however, expressed optimism that, knowing Chinda’s antecedents as a seasoned lawmaker, bridge-builder, and consistent advocate for good governance, he will unify the party, foster inclusive development, and deliver people-oriented leadership that prioritises the welfare of all Rivers people across party lines.
Politics
Obasa Warns Dissidents as Agege Affirms Hamzat as APC governorship candidate
Obasa Warns Dissidents as Agege Affirms Hamzat as APC governorship candidate
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has issued a strong warning to dissidents within the All Progressives Congress, APC, that are spreading false reports about the House of Assembly primaries held Wednesday, May 20 across all the wards in the local government.
Supervising officers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the immediate past Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, High Chief Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, and Barrister. Azeez Oladapo Ninalowo as winners of Agege Constituencies I and II respectively. Egunjobi polled 10, 126 votes while Ninalowo scored 12, 455 votes. Both candidates had earlier emerged as consensus aspirants during a caucus meeting of the party presided over by Speaker Obasa last Tuesday.
Obasa spoke at the Agege Stadium earlier today, Thursday, May 21, as the APC faithful and stakeholders converged in their thousands to affirm incumbent deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, as the consensus candidate of the party in the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking on the outcome of the primaries, Obasa declared: “We’ve done everything according to the dictates of the party. Dr Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat is our governorship candidate. Senator Idiat Adebule is our candidate in the Lagos West Senatorial District, and Mudashiru Obasa is the candidate for Agege Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Collectively, we have decided and we are standing by the decision of our members.”
He commended INEC and security agencies “for helping us to have a free, fair, and transparent exercise devoid of violence and disorderliness.” The Speaker also praised party members for their loyalty and steadfastness, stating: “Agege is always here for the party. We are always present. When you are a member of a party, you should always participate in all its activities. Why will anyone who isn’t here claim to be part of us?
“You can’t be absent from all primaries and still claim that you are with us. We have conducted House of Representatives, Senate, House of Assembly, and Governorship primaries, yet some disgruntled party members have consistently stayed away. It is not possible. They are not part of us.”
Further, Obasa said: “We should be mindful of the people we send to represent us in any position. If they disregard us, we will wait until their tenure expires and remove them. The beauty of any political structure is continuity. Agege remains a shining example of a well-structured political organisation at the local government level.
“Nothing was done by subterfuge; everything was done in the open. INEC, DSS, Police, the media, and party leaders were all present. There’s nothing to fear. If anybody is initiating fake reports, let them continue. Anybody who has a problem should go and challenge the result in court. After the general election, maybe they will wake up,” he added.
With Hamzat’s candidacy sealed and Obasa drawing a hard line against internal dissent, Agege has sent a clear message: the APC’s fortress stands on loyalty and discipline, and those unwilling to march in step will be left behind as the party advances toward 2027.
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