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Much Ado About BRIC(S)* _Where do Nigeria Fits in?_ ~Oti Joe ASHIA

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PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW EFCC CHAIRMAN AND SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION

*Much Ado About BRIC(S)*
_Where do Nigeria Fits in?_

~Oti Joe ASHIA

 

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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.

 

Much Ado About BRIC(S)*
_Where do Nigeria Fits in?_
~Oti Joe ASHIA

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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

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Politics

Nigeria Struggling: Tinubu govt’s performance unsatisfactory – Ewenla By Ifeoma Ikem

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Nigeria Struggling: Tinubu govt’s performance unsatisfactory – Ewenla

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

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A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Alimosho, Lagos State, and a member of the state’s disciplinary committee, Prince (Dr) Adedipe Ewenla, NiL DiL Bsc Msc. has given a scorecard of the performance of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration on its first anniversary in power.

Amb. Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, in a press release signed and made available to this medium, expressed his disappointment and concern over the state of the nation, citing insecurity, economic challenges, fuel scarcity, educational failure, and mismanagement of funds as some of the pressing issues facing the country.
He described the Tinubu administration as the worst in Nigeria’s democratic history, stating that it has failed to fulfill its primary purpose of promoting the welfare and security of its citizens.

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Ewenla emphasized that the country is facing an existential crisis due to the failure of successive leaders to address the problems of nation-building.

Ewenla urged President Tinubu to be truthful about the state of the nation and to take immediate action to address the suffering of Nigerians.

His words, “Tinubu should come out and tell Nigerians the true position of things in the country; the country has suffered enough and we need results fast.

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“After a careful study of the state of the nation and a review of administrations since Nigeria’s independence from colonial rule in 1960, especially in the civilian dispensation which started on May 29, 1999, the Tinubu administration emerged the worst in terms of not fulfilling the primary purpose of government, which is promoting the welfare and security of its citizens.”

Ewenla described the life of the ordinary citizen as a mess, owing to the economic hardship fuelled by high transportation, fuel price hike and exorbitant food items in the market, adding that this has made the country the laughing stock of its neighbours and beyond.

According to the PDP stalwart, “Nigeria is gradually becoming the permanent invalid ‘Giant of Africa,’ all patriots are ashamed of what is going on in the country as the polity is fast drifting towards its elastic limit.”
Ewenla therefore enjoined the Tinubu government to redouble efforts in turning around the fortunes of the nation, in line with the expectations of the citizenry and his administration’s promises of effective change.

I see nothing good in Tinubu administration more than high corruption and insecurity, he added

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Bichi Stakeholders Condemn Onslaught on Emirate By Kano Govt, Appaud Judiciary, Security Agents

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Bichi Stakeholders Condemn Onslaught on Emirate By Kano Govt, Appaud Judiciary, Security Agents

Bichi Stakeholders Condemn Onslaught on Emirate By Kano Govt, Appaud Judiciary, Security Agents

 

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The First Class Emirates of Bichi, have applauded the judiciary and security agencies for their steadfast commitment to upholding the constitution and the rule of law amid the ongoing emirship tussle in Kano State.

Bichi Stakeholders Condemn Onslaught on Emirate By Kano Govt, Appaud Judiciary, Security Agents

 

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Recall that the the Kano House of Assembly repealed the law which ex-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje used to dethrone Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi as Emir of Kano in 2020.

After signing the repealed law, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced the sack of five emirs of Bichi, Rano, Gaya, Karaye and Kano.

The Bichi Emirate Stakeholders, in a statement issued to journalists on Sunday, said they appreciate the judiciary for their courageous interpretation of the constitution, which has ensured that the principles of democracy and separation of powers are respected in Kano State.

The statement was signed by Malam Bello Salisu, Alhaji Uba Kunchi, Alhahi Sule Mu’azu Kunchi, Malam Muhammad Garba Yusuf, Alhaji Mudassir Ado Kunchi,
Alhaji Tukur Sani Kwa, Malam Kabiru Muhammad, Alhaji Musa Zangon Mata and 31 others.

“The First Class Emirate, of Bichi, wish to express our deepest appreciation to the judiciary and security agencies for their steadfast commitment to upholding the constitution and the rule of law” the statement reads.

“We commend the judiciary for their courageous interpretation of the constitution, which has ensured that the principles of democracy and separation of powers are respected in Kano State. You have indeed demonstrated a strong commitment to justice and the protection of the rights of all citizens, and we are grateful for your service.

“We also appreciate the security agencies for their professionalism and dedication to maintaining peace and order in the state, despite the challenges posed by the recent political developments. Your tireless efforts have ensured that our people can live in peace and security, and we are deeply grateful for your sacrifices.

“We are grateful for the independence and impartiality displayed by the judiciary and security agencies, which has helped to strengthen our democracy and ensure that the rights and dignity of all citizens are protected.

“The people and indeed leaders of the Bichi Emirates have endured the onslaught on their rights to this Emirate, and the actions of the judiciary and security agencies have averted the breakdown of law and order in Bichi Emirates in particular and by extension the other four Emirates.

“There is no gainsaying that all the Emirates have witnessed tremendous progress in infrastructural and socioeconomic development in the last eight years and upon no fault of any of the emirs these unpopular decisions were taken by the State Assembly and the executive arms of the Government of Kano State.”

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Kano: APC Assembly Members reject abolition of five Emirates, urge Gov Yusuf to respect separation of powers

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Kano: APC Assembly Members reject abolition of five Emirates, urge Gov Yusuf to respect separation of powers

 

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Kano State House of Assembly Members from the All Progressives Congress (APC) have rejected the abolition of the five Emirates in the state by Governor Abba Yusuf.

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The APC Assembly Members urged Yusuf to respect the separation of powers in the state and stop abusing his powers as executive Governor.

This was contained in a statement signed by their leader, Ayuba Labaran Durun, and made available to the press in Kano on Saturday.

Durun explained that their constituents have mandated them to reject the abolition of the five Emirates in Kano State.

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The lawmakers commended the judiciary and security agencies for upholding the rule of law and ensuring peace returns to the state.

They also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the separation of powers and the role he played in maintaining peace in Kano State and the country at large.

The APC Assembly Members noted that democracy only thrives when all three arms of government work hand in hand and respect one another.

The statement read, “On behalf of the All Progressives Congress State Assembly Members, we urge the Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusif, to respect the law and stop abusing his powers as executive Governor. We want to remind him that democracy and separation of powers require collaboration and checks and balances, not unilateral decision-making.

“As legislatures representing our various Constituencies in Kano State, our people have mandated us to reject the abolition of the five Emirates in Kano State, and we maintain our stance. We commend the judiciary and security agencies for upholding the rule of law and ensuring peace returns to the state.

“Our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu, has demonstrated a commendable commitment to the separation of powers and has played a vital role in maintaining peace in Kano State and the country at large. We appreciate his efforts and exemplary leadership.

“We emphasize the importance of respecting the rule of law and the need for all arms of government to work together in harmony to ensure peace, stability, and progress in the state. Let us work together to build a better future for the people of Kano State, where justice, peace, and prosperity reign supreme, and where the rights and dignity of all citizens are upheld and respected.

“Democracy only thrives when all three arms of government work hand in hand and respect one another. We must ensure that we uphold this principle in Kano State for the benefit of our people.”

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