society
Nigeria: A Nation Betrayed by Power Failure, Oppression and Injustice
Nigeria: A Nation Betrayed by Power Failure, Oppression and Injustice
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
There comes a time when silence becomes a crime, when the very fabric of a nation is ripped apart by incompetence, corruption and shameless oppression, speaking out becomes not just a right but a duty. Nigeria, Africa’s supposed “Giant,” now groans under the crushing weight of persistent power failures, political injustice and a dangerous culture of impunity, while the world shamefully looks the other way.
Recently, in a scene that captured the tragedy of Nigeria’s endless decline, celebrated filmmaker Kunle Afolayan suffered a power blackout while in conversation with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in Lagos. That singular moment of lights out in Africa’s most populous nation during a global tech conversation symbolized all that is wrong with Nigeria today. It screamed volumes about decades of misrule, infrastructure decay and elite indifference.
As comedian Basketmouth once sarcastically joked, “In Nigeria, NEPA (Power Authority) is so consistent at failing that if they mistakenly leave the light for 24 hours, you start suspecting witchcraft.”
Unfortunately, this is no longer a joke. It is the grim reality of a country that generates barely 4,000 megawatts for over 200 million people, while Ghana, South Africa and Rwanda with a fraction of the population, struggles and still produces almost four times more.
Nigeria’s darkness is not only physical. It is moral. It is political. It is spiritual.
While citizens battle daily with no electricity, hunger, insecurity and despair, the so-called leaders indulge in unrestrained arrogance and scandalous misconduct.
A prime example is the recent injustice orchestrated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against popular activist VeryDarkMan. His “crime”? Daring to criticize Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his tone-deaf message from Rome during the burial of the late Pope Benedict XVI. While Nigerians wallowed in poverty back home, Akpabio had the audacity to declare from the Vatican that “poverty is not a crime but a virtue from God.”
Such statements would cause outrage in any sane society. But for my Nigeria, the APC instead issued VeryDarkMan a one-week ultimatum to apologise or face persecution. The very nerve! In a country where freedom of speech is enshrined in the constitution, activists are now criminalized for pointing out the emperor’s nakedness.
As comedian I Go Dye aptly puts it, “In Nigeria, the truth is an offence, but not a crime. However, telling the truth can earn you a life sentence of harassment.”
Another heartbreaking episode that underlines Nigeria’s descent into absurdity is the case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Earlier this year, Natasha accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment. Yet, in a shocking twist, she was recently forced to “apologise” in public, mockingly saying, “I forgot I won my Senate seat through erection, not election.”
This vulgar “apology” highlights the depth of coercion and humiliation women face in Nigeria’s toxic political environment. Where is the outcry from so-called human rights defenders? Where are the international watchdogs who profess to care about democracy and justice? Silence.
Nigeria today is a country where the victims are punished, and the powerful are glorified. A place where elections are rigged with reckless abandon, only for the oppressed to be told to “go to court” in a judiciary system more compromised than a pickpocket in a crowded market.
As renowned journalist Chido Onumah once observed, “Nigeria has perfected the art of normalizing abnormality. We have become so used to injustice that justice now feels like an attack.”
And the facts do not lie:
According to Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perception Index, Nigeria ranked 150 out of 180 countries, one of the worst performances globally.
Over 133 million Nigerians more than 60% of the population live in multidimensional poverty, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics.
In the World Bank’s 2024 Doing Business report, Nigeria slipped to the bottom third in ease of doing business, largely due to epileptic power supply and official corruption.
Yet despite these damning realities, the international community remains largely silent. No sanctions. No public condemnations. No real pressure on the Nigerian government to reform.
As Fela Kuti, the legendary Afrobeat pioneer and activist, once thundered, “My people are suffering and nobody cares!”
Today, his words echo louder than ever before.
It is a shame that while the world rightly condemns injustice in other nations, Nigeria’s slow motion collapse is met with diplomatic platitudes and cynical indifference. African lives, it seems, remain cheap even to Africans themselves.
The tragedy of Nigeria is not that it has failed. It is that it continues to fail so spectacularly while those responsible are celebrated as “leaders” and “statesmen.”
In a functioning society, Kunle Afolayan’s blackout moment with Mark Zuckerberg would have sparked a national emergency. Heads would have rolled. A real government would have apologized to its citizens and moved swiftly to invest in energy and technology infrastructure. But in Nigeria, the leaders continue to jet around the world, spewing nonsense about “poverty being a virtue.”
Enough is enough…
Nigerians must understand that no messiah is coming. Salvation lies not in new elections rigged by the same old crooks but in a fundamental restructuring of the political system, anchored on accountability, competence and justice.
As Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie wisely put it, “There is danger in telling only one side of the story and for too long, the Nigerian leadership has controlled the narrative while silencing the people’s suffering.”
The time for polite complaints is over. The time for bold truth telling is now.
The youth, the activists, the comedians, the journalists, the true conscience of the nation must continue to shout, to organize, to resist. Not with violence, but with unrelenting exposure of the lies, the oppression and the corruption that are killing the country.
Nigeria must no longer be a nation where power outages, judicial corruption, political persecution and shameless injustice are “normal.”
As comedian Gordons famously said, “In Nigeria, God works overtime because even the angels are confused on who to help first.”
It’s time we stop exhausting even heaven with our irresponsibility.
The world must also pay attention. For every nation that ignores injustice in Nigeria today, remember: injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
The power failure that interrupted Kunle Afolayan’s meeting with Mark Zuckerberg was not just a technical glitch. It was the universe exposing the naked truth: Nigeria is in darkness and only Nigerians can fight their way into the light.
PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU AND GENERAL CHRISTOPHER MUSA: A NEW ERA OF SECURITY AND PROGRESS
By Prince Sunday Joshua Bako
President Bola Tinubu has made significant strides in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges since taking office, with notable important appointments and initiatives aimed at stabilizing the nation. One of his key important appointments is General Christopher Musa as the Minister of Defence, who has brought a wealth of experience and strategic thinking to the role.
General Musa, a seasoned military leader, hit the ground running, launching a series of bold operations to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency and other security threats. His approach has been characterized by speed, agility, and a deep understanding of the complexities of modern warfare.
In his first few months in office, General Musa has achieved significant milestones, including the liberation of over 1,500 hostages and the reclamation of strategic territories in Borra, as well as the introduction of mobile strike teams equipped with night-vision capabilities and armored vehicles.
The General established a dedicated Cyber Warfare Command to fortify Nigeria’s defenses against emerging threats, and introduced comprehensive health insurance for soldiers, covering combat-related injuries. Additionally, he has increased allowances for frontline troops by 20% in 2024, a move aimed at boosting morale and improving the welfare of security personnel.
President Tinubu has made historic and significant strides in addressing Nigeria’s security and economic challenges, implementing policies aimed at boosting growth and stability. His administration has launched initiatives to address banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, and has invested in infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and economic development.
The headlines speak for themselves what it was during the last tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure and the giant strides we have made now under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and General Christopher Musa as Defence Minister.
1. Boko Haram Insurgency: 55 people killed in two raids near Maiduguri (2015)
2. Takum Taraba State Attack: 21 people killed (2015)
3. Agatu Massacre: Thousands displaced in Benue State (February 29, 2016)
4. Akure Cult Attack: 103 people killed (2017)
5. Ogbagi Akoko Bank Robbery: 20 people killed (2017)
6. Boko Haram Attack on Military Base: 66 personnel killed in Geidam (2018)
7. Kpanche Attack: 40 people killed in Kogi State (2018)
8. Izi Communal Clash: 85 people killed in Ebonyi State (April 2019)
9. Anguwan Aku Attack: 78 people killed in Kaduna State (April 2019)
10. Kankara Attack: 96 people killed in Katsina State (April 2019)
11. Safana, Dutsinma and Danmusa Attack: 67 people killed in Katsina State (2020)
12. Baga Convoy Attack: 30 people killed (2020)
13. Effium Attack: 14 people killed in Ebonyi State (2021)
14. Kurebe Ward Attack: 77 people killed in Niger State (February 2021)
15. Ebenebe Burial Attack: 20 people killed in Anambra State (February 26, 2022)
16. Owo Church Attack: 40 worshipers killed in Ondo State (June 5, 2022)
17. Aba Military Patrol Attack: unspecified number of Soldiers killed in Abia State (2022)
18. Niger State Terrorist Attack: Over 380 people killed (2022)
19. Ogun State Cult Violence: 8 people killed (2022)
20. Katsina Bandit Attack: 87 bandits killed (2022)
21. Northeast Nigeria Islamist Militant Attack: 340 people killed (2022)
22. Boko Haram-Related Violence: Over 5,000 fatalities (2016)
23. Herder-Farmer Clashes: 794 died in violence in middle belt region
24. Kidnapping: Growing industry flourished with high-profile cases
25. Niger Delta Militancy: Attacks on oil installations
26. Pro-Biafra Movement: Tensions and violence in southeast region
27. Islamist Insurgency: Thousands killed and displaced throughout northern Nigeria
28. Banditry: Increased attacks in northern Nigeria
29. Armed Robbery: historic threat to citizens
30. Cult Violence: Frequent attacks and killings during 8 years.
31. Terrorist Threats: US warns citizens in Nigeria to flee (2022)
32. Security Personnel Attacks: 238 police officers killed (2022)
33. Impeachment Attempts: Lawmakers try to remove Buhari (July 2022)
34. Boko Haram Amnesty Program: Controversy over government’s handling
35. Deradicalization Programs: Initiatives to reintegrate former militants who later rejoin insurgency
36. Operation Safe Corridor: Program to rehabilitate Boko Haram members end in controversy
37. National Counter Terrorism Strategy: Updated in 2016 failed
38. Military Campaigns: Operations against Boko Haram and other groups collapsed
39. International Cooperation: Support from US, UK, and other countries
40. Humanitarian Crisis: Displacement and economic impact
41. Economic Consequences: $100 billion disappeared or lost due to insecurity
42. Agricultural Impact: Farming disrupted in northeast and North West region
43. IDP Crisis: Over 4 million displaced
44. Security Budget: Increased spending with mixed results
45. Corruption Allegations: Questions over security fund management
46. Leadership Criticism: Analysts question Buhari’s approach
47. Ethnic and Religious Tensions: Ongoing conflicts
48. Porous Borders: Security challenges due to border control issues
49. Armed Groups: Rise of non-state actors
50. Civilian Casualties: High numbers reported throughout Buhari’s tenure
– Prince Sunday Joshua Bako Danborno is an All Progressive Congress Stalwart and Real Estate Merchant
society
King Of Knossos, His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson Received Allocades from UKA.
King Of Knossos, His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson Received Allocades from UKA.
His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson, President Of International Council of Archbishops And Bishops for Charismatic And Pentecostal Churches. A citizen of United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA), King Of Knossos in Greece.
While he was installed as King of Knossos promised sustained development and a lasting legacy for the island kingdom, assuring citizens that his reign will bring “a lot of things” for the benefit of the people.
Pledges Development and Lasting legacy.
Adding that his administration would focus on building the island to his taste, driving growth and progress, stressed that his reign would harness the full potential of the Knossos Kingdom, promising to introduce new infrastructure, attract investment, and strengthen the kingdom’s socio-economic standing. “We stand to gain a lot of things because the king is going to build that island to his taste, bringing development, bringing a lot of things,” he said.
The monarch expressed confidence that his leadership would open opportunities for growth while upholding the traditions of the kingdom.
A visionary leader, King Benny Terry Danson brings decades of transformative leadership to the role. As King of Knossos, Greece, he spearheaded initiatives that:
– *Revolutionized infrastructure*, driving economic growth,
– *Attracted global investment*, boosting the kingdom’s profile,
– *Strengthened socio-economic standing*, uplifting citizens.
_“We stand to gain a lot of things because the king is going to build that island to his taste,”_ he declared, emphasizing growth with tradition. His leadership in Knossos serves as a model for the UKA’s aspirations.
As President of the International Council of Archbishops and Bishops for Charismatic and Pentecostal Churches, King Danson wields global spiritual influence, aligning faith with progress. He has:
– *Fostered interfaith dialogue*, promoting unity,
– *Championed humanitarian causes*, aiding vulnerable communities,
– *Guided spiritual growth*, inspiring millions worldwide.
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In a landmark royal decree, the Office of the Minister of Information & Culture of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) has announced the appointment of *His Imperial Royal Eminence, King Sir Benny Terry Danson*, as the _Acting Admin King_ of the UKA Throne. The nomination was issued through an official directive from the UKA Throne and is intended to pave the way for King Sir Benny Terry Danson’s eventual ascension to the title of *Official Emperor Admin* of the Throne, subject to the completion of necessary formal and constitutional processes.
The UKA Throne emphasized that the appointment underscores its unwavering commitment to *competence, dedication, and integrity* as the guiding principles for all administrative functions within the government structure. Officials stated that the decision is a strategic move to reinforce national leadership and accelerate the kingdom’s vision of becoming a more efficient, progressive, and unified nation.
The new Acting Admin King will oversee initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth, improving public service delivery, and promoting collective national development among citizens and followers of the UKA. The government expressed deep appreciation for the continuous love, loyalty, and support shown by the populace, noting that public engagement is essential for the kingdom’s shared prosperity and advancement.
Further details regarding the formalization of the appointment, including ceremonial schedules and administrative timelines, will be released to the public in due course through official communication channels.
*Report Highlights:*
– *Nominee:* King Sir Benny Terry Danson, Acting Admin King.
– *Objective:* Transition toward becoming Official Emperor Admin of the UKA Throne.
– *Focus:* Strengthening governance through competence, dedication, and integrity.
– *Impact:* Expected to drive national efficiency, progress, and unity.
– *Next Steps:* Official ceremonies and constitutional procedures to follow.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) is a sovereign entity dedicated to fostering global unity, humanitarian progress, and financial innovation. It operates under a regal framework that blends imperial tradition with futuristic economic strategies, including asset-backed digital currencies and sustainable development programs.
Emperor Nobiliis Solomon Winning is a transformative leader of the United Kingdom of Atlantis, driving innovative projects in finance, humanitarian efforts, and global development. His reign focuses on merging traditional monarchical values with modern technological advancements, exemplified by initiatives like the ATC digital currency.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis looks forward to achieving new milestones in governance and global impact under the stewardship of Emperor Solomon Winning to His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson.
His Imperial Royal Eminence Archbishop King Benny Terry Danson has advised politicians contesting in the upcoming elections to maintain peace and ensure stability in the country.
In a statement, Archbishop Danson also appealed to the President of Nigeria to consider the plagi situation of citizens and ease the burden of fuel price hikes, which have led to soaring transportation costs and inflation ¹ ² ³.
“With the current fuel price hikes, Nigerians are facing unprecedented economic hardship. It’s imperative that the government takes immediate action to cushion the impact on citizens,” Archbishop Danson said.
The Archbishop’s call comes as petrol prices hit around ₦1,300 per litre, with diesel prices exceeding ₦1,500 per litre, sparking concerns of inflationary pressures and economic instability.
Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview
Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.
Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.
The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.
Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.
According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.
“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.
He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.
Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.
The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.
“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.
During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.
However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.
According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.
The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.
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