society
Nigeria Is Sinking—Or Has Already Sank—Because It Has Never Had a True Natural Activist as President
Nigeria Is Sinking—Or Has Already Sank—Because It Has Never Had a True Natural Activist as President
*By George Omagbemi Sylvester*
Since independence (1960) till date, Nigeria has been governed by a long list of military rulers turned democrats, political opportunists, and power brokers driven more by ambition than by activism. The country is not just sinking; many would argue it has already sank. A nation so richly blessed with human and natural resources, yet so tragically mismanaged, has one fundamental and recurring flaw: Nigeria has never been led by a true, passionate, people-driven, natural activist as President. Not once. And this absence of authentic patriotic activism at the helm of affairs is the root cause of Nigeria’s perpetual regression.
Who is a Natural Activist?
A natural activist is not a professional politician who discovered “the people” after tasting the perks of power.
A natural activist is someone whose life is built around advocacy for justice, equity, development, and the empowerment of the masses. It’s someone who has consistently sacrificed personal comfort for the good of the collective, even before entering political office.
Let us think of the likes of Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso, Patrice Lumumba of Congo, or Nelson Mandela of South Africa—leaders who governed with the people in mind because their lives had already been a protest against injustice.
Nigeria’s Political Landscape: Bereft of Natural Activists From the first republic to the current dispensation, Nigeria has recycled a class of rulers disconnected from the pulse of the people.
While the names may change—Obasanjo, Buhari, Jonathan, Yar’Adua, Tinubu—the blueprint remains the same: politicking for personal gain, ethnic consolidation of power, and absolute disregard for the poor. Let us break it down.
– **Obasanjo (1976–79, 1999–2007)**: A former military general who returned as a “democrat,” Obasanjo’s second coming was marred by privatization scandals, excessive debt accumulation, and the infamous third-term agenda. Though praised for some macroeconomic stability, his administration hardly addressed the root causes of poverty and corruption. He was more of a power tactician than a people’s advocate.
– **Yar’Adua (2007–2010)**: A gentleman by all standards, yet not a natural activist. His brief tenure showed flashes of reform, but his political ascendancy was rooted in elite arrangements, not mass movement or public-driven ideals.
– **Goodluck Jonathan (2010–2015)**: A man who rose from a humble background, yes—but not an activist. His failure to confront corruption, his helplessness during the Boko Haram insurgency, and his excessive tolerance of inefficiency revealed a man unprepared to challenge the rot of the system he inherited.
– **Muhammadu Buhari (1983–1985, 2015–2023)**: Widely promoted as a man of integrity, Buhari’s civilian tenure will go down as one of the most economically devastating and socially polarizing in Nigerian history. Inflation soared, naira collapsed, insecurity worsened, and public institutions eroded under his watch. Activism was never his nature—discipline perhaps, but not a people-centered agenda.
– **Bola Ahmed Tinubu (2023–present)**: A political godfather and master strategist, Tinubu’s presidency has been about consolidation of political debts and patronage, not grassroots reform. Nigerians continue to suffer under the yoke of fuel subsidy removal without palliative alternatives, with worsening inflation, rising unemployment, and a sense of national directionlessness.
Why Activism Matters in Leadership Activism births empathy.
A true activist understands the hunger of the market woman, the hopelessness of the unemployed graduate, and the despair of the displaced family in the northeast. Activists don’t need a think tank to tell them what Nigerians need—they have lived it, fought for it, and been jailed for it. That moral conviction is missing in Nigeria’s leadership class. Instead, what we have are career politicians, most of whom see the state as a cash cow.
PDP: The Best Democratic Structure Nigeria Has Ever Had Despite its flaws and internal contradictions, the **People’s Democratic Party (PDP)** remains the best political structure Nigeria has ever produced in the democratic era. Its national outlook, internal zoning principles, commitment to electoral processes (especially under INEC leadership like Prof. Attahiru Jega’s during Jonathan’s era), and relatively peaceful transfers of power demonstrate a level of maturity the APC has never possessed. PDP is not perfect. It has harbored corrupt elements and mismanaged certain opportunities. But it has shown more commitment to democratic ideals than the APC, which has demonstrated autocratic tendencies, media repression, and election manipulation. Under PDP, Nigeria experienced her longest stretch of uninterrupted democracy (1999–2015), enjoyed debt relief, and implemented vital reforms in telecommunications, banking, and agriculture. Even under Goodluck Jonathan—often criticized for his slow pace—the country experienced freedom of speech, judicial independence, and a peaceful concession of defeat in the 2015 election. This singular act elevated Nigeria’s democratic image worldwide.
The Cost of Not Having an Activist-President
Here’s what Nigeria has suffered by not having a natural activist in Aso Rock:
1. **Corruption as Culture**: With no president ready to risk popularity for reform, corruption has become institutionalized. From inflated contracts to oil theft, leaders often turn a blind eye.
2. **Insecurity**: A true activist understands that every Nigerian life matters—Christian or Muslim, Hausa or Igbo, rich or poor. Instead, our leaders respond to crises with committees and condolence tweets.
3. **Brain Drain**: The mass emigration of young Nigerians (“Japa”) is a direct consequence of failed leadership. Youths no longer see a future in a country where hard work is not rewarded and where dreams are constantly suffocated.
4. **Economic Collapse**: With inflation at record highs, unemployment skyrocketing, and the naira in freefall, one wonders how long Nigeria can survive. An activist-president would prioritize local industry, cut government waste, and protect the poor—not travel the world seeking loans while public universities are closed for months.
5. **Loss of National Identity**: Tribalism, religious bigotry, and ethnic chauvinism have replaced national unity. A true activist leader would rise above ethnic sentiments and unite the nation with a common purpose.
What Nigeria Needs Nigeria doesn’t need another politician in agbada with empty campaign slogans. It needs a leader who feels the pain of the people—deeply and personally. Someone who has *fought* for the people, not just *spoken* to them. We need an activist-president who is not afraid to call out the elite, challenge the status quo, and lead reforms that may upset the powerful but uplift the powerless. Until then, Nigeria will continue to oscillate between failure and disaster. We need a president who sees Aso Rock not as a throne of privilege but a platform for purposeful struggle
Nigeria is where it is today—sinking, or perhaps already submerged—because its leaders have lacked the authenticity, empathy, and passion that only natural activists possess.
No nation can rise above the quality of its leadership. We’ve had generals, technocrats, politicians, and businessmen. What we haven’t had is an activist—someone who fights for the people before, during, and after power.
It is time for Nigerians to rethink leadership.
We must demand more than polished grammar and political propaganda.
We must demand passion, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Only then can we begin to pull this nation from the depths of despair.
Until such a leader emerges, we may continue to shout “Up NEPA” as if it’s a privilege to have light in 2025. And that, fellow Nigerians, is the greatest embarrassment of all. —
Security Expert Backs IGP Disu’s Record, Affirms Legitimacy Of Tenure
Recent operational achievements by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, particularly in Kwara State, have once again drawn attention to his tactical leadership and commitment to confronting criminal elements across the country.
According to a renowned security expert and CEO Of the Western Eagle Security Ltd, Mr Mogaji Busayo, during a recent security engagement in Kwara State, the IGP demonstrated decisive leadership through a series of strategic actions aimed at strengthening security architecture and restoring public confidence. Among the notable steps taken were leading security clearance operations targeting bandit hideouts and criminal enclaves, Conducting operational inspections and strategy reviews at the Kwara State Police Command, declaring a firm commitment to reclaim communities from bandits and kidnappers threatening residents amongst others.
Mogaji described IGP Disu as a tested and trusted tactical officer whose professional record and field experience position him as a capable leader in the ongoing fight against crime and insecurity in Nigeria.
According to him, the impressive operational strides recorded under the current police leadership have further reinforced the need for stability and continuity in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
He therefore addressed the ongoing public discourse regarding the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, explaining that the July 2024 amendment to the Police Act 2020 by the National Assembly clearly provides that an Inspector-General of Police is entitled to serve the full tenure stated in the appointment letter, even if the statutory retirement age of 60 is attained within that period.
Mogaji noted that historically, several past Inspectors-General of Police were unable to complete a full four-year tenure, largely due to retirement age limitations and the absence of clear statutory provisions guaranteeing the term of office. He further noted that the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was also legally appointed to serve a four-year tenure under the same statutory framework but chose to retire earlier than expected due to family reasons, a decision which did not in any way affect the legality of the tenure provision itself.
He further highlighted that the formal swearing-in of the current Inspector-General of Police by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks a historic turning point in the administration of policing in Nigeria, noting that no previous Inspector-General of Police had been formally sworn into office prior to assumption of duty.
According to him, the oath of office administered by the President is the first ever and not only symbolises institutional reform but also reinforces the legal and constitutional validity of the four-year tenure now attached to the office of the Inspector-General of Police.
The security expert also referenced past legal controversies surrounding the tenure of former Inspectors-General, including litigation initiated by legal practitioner Maxwell Opara, which challenged the continued stay in office of former IGP Mohammed Adamu after retirement from service.
Similarly, in a judicial pronouncement delivered in Suit No. FHC/AKW/CS/58/2023, filed by Okechukwu Nwafor, the court held that only an officer within the prescribed rank and with not less than four years remaining in service could validly be appointed Inspector-General of Police, a matter that previously generated debate during the tenure of former IGP Usman Alkali Baba.
Mogaji stated that the recent legislative clarification, combined with the formal swearing-in of the present IGP, has effectively resolved those ambiguities, ensuring that the tenure of IGP Tunji Disu is firmly anchored in law and due process.
He urged the public to focus on the ongoing reforms and operational gains within the Nigeria Police Force, emphasizing that sustained leadership stability will further enhance the capacity of the Force to tackle crime and strengthen national security.
Under Siege: Nigeria’s Spiraling Insecurity in the Tinubu Era
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“As Violence and Kidnappings Surge, Nigerians Face a Humanitarian and Security Crisis Amid Perceived Government Inaction”
Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, the promise of a “Renewed Hope” has been starkly overshadowed by a relentless wave of violence and insecurity across Nigeria. Despite early pledges to prioritise national safety, the reality for millions has been a harrowing descent into a pervasive climate of fear. From the rugged terrains of the Northwest to the insurgent‑heavy Northeast, criminal cartels, bandits and extremist groups continue to challenge the state’s ability to protect its citizens.
Independent monitoring groups and international bodies such as Amnesty International estimate that over 10,000 Nigerians have lost their lives in violent attacks since Tinubu took office. Alongside this grim death toll is the dramatic escalation of abductions and the “kidnap‑for‑ransom” economy, which reportedly drained more than $1.4 billion (about ₦2.23 trillion) from families in the administration’s first year alone. This financial drain has compounded psychological trauma and deepened economic hardship.
“Nigeria’s security crisis is not merely a law enforcement problem,” says Prof. Abuja‑based security analyst Dr. Chukwuemeka Eze, “it is a symptom of systemic governance failure; where the state cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens.”
In the Northwest and Northcentral regions (including states such as Zamfara, Kaduna and Plateau) armed gangs have razed villages and forced farmers to pay “harvest levies” just to access their own lands. This has devastated local food systems and contributed to rising inflation.
Meanwhile, in the Northeast, fractious insurgent groups such as Islamic State West Africa Province and factions of Boko Haram continue to mount attacks against military and civilian targets. While the military claims to have “degraded” these groups, they remain capable of coordinated assaults, keeping large areas of the region under persistent threat.
Adding a new layer of complexity is the emergence of the “Lakurawa” group in the Sokoto‑Kebbi axis, signalling that old threats persist even as new ones take root.
Critics argue that the Tinubu administration’s focus on economic reforms (such as fuel subsidy removal and currency realignment) has come at the expense of human security. Former defence policy adviser Prof. Ayo Ajayi of Ahmadu Bello University notes, “Security is the foundation of economic growth. Without it, reforms risk becoming hollow promises for millions who live daily under threat.”
Late in 2025, President Tinubu declared a national security emergency and authorised the recruitment of additional security personnel. However, many Nigerians perceive these measures as reactive rather than proactive. The government’s increased reliance on non‑kinetic strategies (such as negotiations and amnesties for some criminal elements) has been met with scepticism.
Observers argue this approach has inadvertently emboldened criminal networks, turning kidnapping into a low‑risk, high‑reward enterprise. Although the state has acquired new military hardware and reshuffled service chiefs, these changes have yet to translate into a sense of safety for ordinary citizens.
The situation is not merely a security challenge but a humanitarian crisis. Civilians are being displaced, families are paying enormous ransoms under duress, and school abductions have uprooted thousands of students from classrooms.
Political scientist Dr. Yemi Ogunleye of the University of Lagos warns, “When the monopoly of coercive force shifts from the state to non‑state actors, the very fabric of democracy is threatened. Citizens must feel safe within their borders; otherwise governance itself becomes irrelevant.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) insists it has the experience and strategy necessary to confront Nigeria’s security challenges, arguing that decisive leadership and strengthened community defence initiatives are critical. Many Nigerians now look back on previous administrations with the hope that a change in leadership might bring a corresponding shift in national safety and stability.
Until the state can effectively reclaim its monopoly on the use of force and protect lives and properties, the “Renewed Hope” agenda will continue to ring hollow for millions living in the shadow of insecurity.
Published on Tuesday, March 17, 2026
society
MAIDUGURI EXPLOSION: SECURITY FORCES WORKING TIRELESSLY TO END INSECURITY – GEN. CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE URGES CALM
*MAIDUGURI EXPLOSION: SECURITY FORCES WORKING TIRELESSLY TO END INSECURITY – GEN. CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE URGES CALM, CONDOLES WITH BORNO OVER BOMB BLAST*
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative has extended its profound condolences to the government and resilient people of Borno State following a tragic bomb blast in Maiduguri town on Monday evening.
The attack, was condemned in the strongest terms in a statement signed by the Initiative’s Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and made available to the press.
In the statement, the Initiative conveyed a powerful message of reassurance from its Grand Patron, His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, the Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It emphatically noted that “both the sponsors and the terrorists’ end will be soon,” asserting that the insecurity plaguing the nation will become “a thing of the past.”
The statement urged citizens nationwide, particularly those in affected areas, to remain calm and steadfast, affirming that the nation’s security architecture is more determined than ever. It highlighted that Gen. Musa, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is working day and night, coordinating all security agencies to restore lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
“This tragic incident only strengthens our resolve,” the statement read. “The Minister of Defence and our gallant troops are engaged in relentless, tireless efforts to dismantle the networks of terror and bring a definitive end to this scourge. The light of peace is breaking through, and the end of this darkness is in sight.”
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative expressed unwavering confidence in the strategic leadership of the Minister of Defence and the overarching vision of the Renewed Hope Project, which prioritizes the safety and security of every Nigerian as its cornerstone.
The public is assured that the Federal Government, under President Tinubu and through the diligent execution of the Minister of Defence, is deploying every necessary resource and strategy to secure the nation. Citizens are encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with vital information and to maintain hope, as a new dawn of sustained peace and stability is being forged.
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