Interior Ministry: From Applause to Nationhood

By Citizen Bolaji O. Akinyemi

The strength of every relationship is communication. Fragile as it may appear, it is the strand that holds people together and binds society. Much of the progress envisaged in policy implementation in the developing world is lost—not only to insincerity in policy conceptualisation but more critically to the failure of effective communication of policy.

The Ministry of Interior is arguably the most important ministry to Nigerians. It regulates migration and residency, oversees internal security architecture, manages citizenship and naturalisation, supervises correctional services, coordinates civil defence, and issues travel and identity documents that shape our global perception as a people. In essence, it is the guardian of Nigeria’s internal sovereignty and the custodian of the rights and mobility of its citizens.

By popular perception, the young minister in charge, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, is performing wonders. Yet perception is not a mandate. The key questions remain: what is the core mandate of the ministry? What does it want to achieve for Nigeria and Nigerians? What policy frameworks have been designed to deliver on this mandate? Most importantly, how are these policies being communicated to Nigerians for ownership, interrogation, and partnership in implementation?

A ministry as sensitive as the Interior cannot thrive on glamour or applause. It must instead ground its work in clarity, accountability, and a shared national vision. One of its foremost assignments should be the carving of a homeland philosophy—developing it into a national ideology that inspires Nigerian youth to value the motherland above any other place on earth.

This cannot be achieved by raising the cost of obtaining a Nigerian passport to one million naira; as long as one dollar exchanges for over ₦1,500 and the naira cannot buy a candy while a dollar can buy a meal, such pricing will not stop the “Japa” wave. Economic disempowerment, not cheap passports, fuels migration.

Lessons from Ideological Citizenship Worldwide

1. United States – The American Dream unified immigrants and natives under a common story of opportunity.

2. Singapore – Multicultural Meritocracy turned diversity into stability through merit and discipline.

3. Israel – Homeland Security Citizenship tied to belonging to service and sacrifice for the nation.

4. Rwanda – Ndi Umunyarwanda healed ethnic divides after genocide, making citizenship primary over tribe.

5. South Africa – Rainbow Nation recast painful diversity as a strength for reconciliation and nationhood.

These examples show that citizenship ideology is not abstract—it is the foundation for unity, stability, and progress in diverse societies.

Towards a Nigerian Citizenship Philosophy

Nigeria must articulate its own philosophy of citizenship, one that binds our many ethnicities into a shared nationhood. Such a philosophy could stand on these pillars:

Equality of Citizenship: No Nigerian is more Nigerian than the other, regardless of tribe, religion, or place of residence.

Service and Responsibility: Rights must be matched with duties—to serve, protect, and contribute to the nation.

Pride in Motherland: Cultivating values that make Nigerians see their destiny tied to the homeland, not merely to foreign lands.

Unity in Diversity: Making diversity a deliberate strength for innovation, resilience, and nation-building.

Rule of Law: Ensuring that the state protects rights without discrimination, so that faith in the system grows stronger than tribal bias.

The Ministry of Interior should be the midwife of this philosophy. Through policy, communication, and civic education, it must teach Nigerians what it means to believe, belong, and build.

The Dangerous Silence of the Ministry

But here lies the present failure: the silence of the Interior Ministry when rights of citizenship are openly trampled.

When in Lagos, the Igbo community—law-abiding citizens by law and birth—were told their votes and candidacy were inconsequential, where was the Ministry of Interior?

If in a city as “civilised” as Lagos, Nigerians can be profiled and excluded from full citizenship on account of tribe, what moral ground does the Ministry have to intervene when settler tribes wipe out indigenous villages in the Middle Belt or elsewhere?

A Ministry that cannot raise its voice when the essence of citizenship is attacked in peacetime cannot hope to secure its mandate in crisis. Silence in such matters is complicity; worse still, it makes a mockery of the very institution tasked with protecting Nigerians at home.

Beyond Applause

Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s heroism must therefore go beyond administrative efficiency or momentary reforms. His enduring legacy should be the laying of institutional foundations, the rebranding of the ministry’s mandate, and the communication of policies that give Nigerians a shared sense of belonging.

The Interior Ministry must step out of silence into vision. It must move from applause to nationhood.

Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi is an Apostle and Nation Builder. He’s also the President of Voice of His Word Ministries and Convener of the Apostolic Round Table. BoT Chairman, Project Victory Call Initiative, AKA PVC Naija. He is a strategic Communicator and the CEO, Masterbuilder Communications.

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SARKIN YAKIN BIU: EMIR PRAISES GEN. BULAMA’S SERVICE, SETS TURBANING FOR OCTOBER 11, 2025

His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Mustapha Umar Aliyu Mustapha II, Emir of Biu, on Thursday explained the reasons for conferring the traditional title of Sarkin Yakin Biu (Warrior of Biu) on Major General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, citing the retired officer’s distinguished military record and experience in counter insurgency operations.

Speaking during a thanksgiving visit by family and friends of the newly appointed titleholder, the Emir said Major General Bulama’s long and exemplary service rising from a junior officer to the rank of major general before voluntarily retiring made him a fitting recipient. “He served in his place of origin at a very critical time when Boko Haram was a challenge in our state and Nigeria in general, he served as General Officer Commanding, 7 Division, and was actively involved in operations against the insurgents,” the Emir said. “He is a gallant soldier with humility and commitment to his people. Despite his retirement, we will not allow him to sit idle. That is why the Biu Emirate has appointed him Sarkin Yakin Biu. We hope he will bring his military experience to the service of the people of Biu Emirate, Borno State, and Nigeria as a whole.”

The Thanksgiving delegation was led by Prof. Lawal Bala Buratai, Vice Chancellor of the Nigeria Army University, Biu. In his remarks, Prof. Buratai commended the Emir and the council for the choice. “I am confident the Emirate will be proud of this appointment,” he said, urging broad support for the new Sarkin Yakin.

The Emir confirmed that the formal turbaning ceremony for Sarkin Yakin will take place on 11 October 2025.

Members of the entourage who paid the courtesy call included Brigadier General Abdullahi Dadan-Garba, Director General of the TY Buratai Institute for War and Peace Zannan Biu, Alh Shuaibu Warawa who represented Alh Ali Bukar Dalori APC Deputy National Chairman, Muhammad Bulama Saidu, former Public Relations Officer of the DPR, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Betara Biu and Chairman of the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, Engr. Jibrin Abdulmalik Bulama, Hon. Idris Abdulmalik Bulama, Islamic and Christian clerics from Shafa, support groups, and other well wishers.

Observers say the appointment signals the emirate’s intent to harness retired military expertise in supporting community security resilience and development as the state continues to recover from years of insurgency. The emirate has called on residents and stakeholders to attend the October turbaning and to lend their support to the Sarkin Yakin’s efforts.

The Akara and Pap Paradox: Unity vs. Division in Nigeria’s Political Landscape.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

In a hostel of 100 individuals, breakfast was served daily: Akara and Pap. Out of the 100, 80 expressed dissatisfaction, yearning for variety. However, their discontent was fragmented:

18 voted for Bread and Tea

16 for Yam and Egg Sauce

14 for Jollof Rice

12 for Spaghetti

10 for Indomie

10 for Moi Moi and Pap

Meanwhile, the remaining 20, who favored Akara and Pap, voted unanimously for it. Despite the majority’s discontent, Akara and Pap continued to be served each morning. This scenario underscores a profound lesson: a united minority can dominate a divided majority.

The Parable’s Political Parallel.
This hostel story mirrors Nigeria’s political landscape. While a significant portion of the populace yearns for change, their efforts are often diluted due to internal divisions. These divisions (be it along ethnic lines, party affiliations or personal ambitions) prevent a cohesive opposition from forming, allowing the status quo to persist.

As political analyst Bashir Adefaka aptly noted, “As long as 80% or majority of the population is stiff, selfish, divided and egocentric and bias, the 20% who constitute a minority will continue to rule and exploit the majority because they stand together”.

Historical Context: The 1914 Amalgamation.
The roots of Nigeria’s divisions can be traced back to the 1914 amalgamation by the British colonialists. This forced union of diverse ethnic groups without regard for their distinct cultures and interests laid the foundation for the country’s current challenges. The lack of a shared identity and mutual respect among the various groups has perpetuated divisions, making collective progress difficult.

The Power of Unity.
Unity is a formidable force. As historian Will Durant observed, “The political machine triumphs because it is a united minority acting against a divided majority”. This sentiment is echoed by various leaders and thinkers who emphasize the importance of collective action over individual interests.

Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar highlighted the need for “ACCEPTANCE, not just TOLERANCE,” stating that true unity involves embracing differences rather than merely enduring them.

The Nigerian Dilemma.
Nigeria’s challenges are multifaceted:

Ethnic Divisions: With over 250 ethnic groups, there’s a lack of a unified national identity.

Political Fragmentation: Numerous parties and factions often prioritize personal gains over collective goals.

Economic Disparities: Vast differences in wealth and development across regions fuel discontent.

Corruption: A pervasive issue that hinders progress and erodes trust in institutions.

These factors contribute to a scenario where, despite a majority desiring change, the absence of unity allows the entrenched minority to maintain control.

Lessons from the Hostel.
The hostel’s breakfast dilemma offers several lessons:

Unity Amplifies Voice: A unified group, regardless of size, can have a significant impact.

Division Weakens Influence: Fragmented efforts lead to diluted outcomes.

Collective Action is Essential: Achieving common goals requires setting aside individual differences for the greater good.

Moving Forward: A Call for Unity.
For Nigeria to progress, there must be a concerted effort to bridge divides:

Promote Inclusivity: Ensure all ethnic and regional groups feel valued and heard.

Foster National Identity: Emphasize shared values and goals over individual affiliations.

Encourage Dialogue: Open channels of communication to address grievances and find common ground.

Prioritize Meritocracy: Appointments and decisions should be based on competence rather than nepotism.

Final Reflection.
The Akara and Pap story serves as a poignant reminder: without unity, even the majority can be sidelined. Nigeria stands at a crossroads. To break free from the cycle of division and stagnation, its people must come together, transcending differences for a common purpose. Only then can the country hope to achieve the progress and prosperity it rightfully deserves.

Note: This article is a fictional piece created for illustrative purposes and does not represent the views of any individual or organization.