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Nigeria’s democratic backsliding

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Democratic Nigeria

By Aminu Ali

Freedom of speech is one of the cardinal pillars of democracy and an accelerator of transition to democratic consolidation.

But in Nigeria, free speech is routinely being threatened.

For instance, the incessant and flagrant clampdown on activists, journalists and preachers who are bold enough to call out the downright incompetence, impunity and cluelessness of those who lead them is quite alarming.

Some of them are being harassed and intimidated, others are detained for several months without trial or are being denied bail even after securing an order from a court of competent jurisdiction.

Freedom of expression, rights to lawful assembly and peaceful protest are inalienable as they are guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

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But while pro-government protesters are given the freedom to conduct their rallies, those oppose to its unpopular policies are being suppressed using state security apparatuses.

As Rosa Luxemburg aptly argues “freedom only for the members of the government, only for the members of the Party…. is no freedom at all. Freedom is always the freedom of the dissenters.”

An unrepentant fascist

As Buhari’s government intensifies its efforts to gag dissent, concerns about the shrinking of civic space and heightened risk of democratic regression are becoming more and more pronounced. This is evident in the scale of public outrage that trailed the illegal detention of the organizers of the #RevolutionNow, Omoyele Sowere and Bakare Mandate.

When civil rights are denied, accountability in governance is well-nigh impossible and, consequently, politics of irresponsibility prevails and the nation plunges into dictatorship.

Therefore, Nigerians need to be more vigilant in averting the seeming erosion of civic space and subversion of democratic norms. If we remain acquiescent, despondent or complacent in the face of ceaseless assaults on our civil rights, our rulers will become bolder in wrecking the ideals upon which democracy is built.

In 1983, Major General Buhari (as he was then known) overthrew a democratically elected government.

The military government he formed became notorious for promulgation of draconian and repressive laws, such as the infamous Decree 4, which criminalized dissent.

Nigerians forgave his heinous act and elected him as their civilian president.

Alas, the brazen violations of civil and democratic rights and the wanton disregard for the rule of law under Buhari’s watch give Nigerians the impression that he is an unrepentant fascist.

The overt endorsement of the Social Media Bill by the APC-led government is also a manifestation of its anti-democratic posture. In his inaugural speech in May 29, 2015 president Buhari acknowledged the role played by the social media in securing his election victory.

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Surprisingly, however, the government he leads is now unwilling to tolerate the censure his predecessor was subjected to by the same media he praised not quite long ago!

Rule of law under threat

Selective obedience to court order is now a commonplace in Nigeria. Governments swiftly obey orders that suit them while ignoring those that do not.

For example, when the Code of Conduct Tribunal granted an order to President Buhari to suspend the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, he happily implemented the order.

But when courts ordered for the release of Sowere and the leader of Islamic Movement in Nigeria, El-zakzaky, the same government has blatantly refused to comply!

What this means is that the State has now become a promoter of lawlessness.

The principle of separation of power is increasingly being threatened.

The legislature has been compromised; it is a bunch of yes boys of the Presidency.

Executive bills are being passed by lawmakers without robust debates and, worse still, sometimes even before they are privy to its content.

In essence, the legislature is seemingly a mere rubber stamp.

The judiciary is also not spared: intimidation of judges, disregard for court order and desecration of court are the order of the day. When the independence of these organs is undermined through whatever means, executive recklessness prevails.

Sham elections

The integrity of our electoral process is rapidly diminishing.

As I argued elsewhere, “voter suppression, ballot snatching and stuffing, vote-buying, violence, militarization of polls, among other forms of irregularities and malpractices, have become the defining features of our elections.”

The outcome of polls is not determined by popular vote. Consequently, elections no longer provide opportunities for the electorate to humiliate leaders who have under-performed.

In other words, those who have performed abysmally can secure reelection as long as they have control over security agents and possess money to hire thugs and buy votes.

Politics of brinksmanship is pervasive in Nigeria, largely because holding political offices is the most lucrative occupation, as holders have unfettered access to public purses.

And since we have no viable system of accountability, they brazenly plunder our collective patrimony, often without any serious consequences.

Therefore, struggles to capture and retain political office become a do or die affair.

More worrisomely, this politics of brinksmanship has made democratic consolidation difficult and, worse still, is aggravating democratic backsliding.

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From the foregoing analyses, one thing is very clear: Nigeria is experiencing what Nancy Bermeo calls democratic backsliding. This is driven by abuse of civil and democratic rights; disregard for the rule of law; weakened independence of the legislature and judiciary; decline in the integrity of electoral process and politics of brinksmanship; poor management of the country’s economy and imposition of unpopular/anti-poor policies, which makes the democracy unbeneficial to the toiling Nigerians.

The dwindling living condition of Nigerians, which is occasioned by imposition of neo-liberal and anti-poor policies, has become horrible.

Withdrawal of subsidies, devaluation of naira, increase in taxes and their attendant consequences on the cost of living, declined investments in social services – such as education, health, portable water and electricity – have not only denied us the dividend of democracy but have deepened the crises that pose existential threat to the country’s corporate existence.

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Nigeria is gradually getting enmeshed in debt crisis.

According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), 50% of the country’s revenue goes to debt servicing.

Also, a Premium Times investigation shows that a quarter of the 2020 budget will go to debt servicing.

Yet, Nigerian government has continued to borrow.

It’s unthinkable that while the government claims that it has recovered looted funds, blocked leakages and expanded our revenue base, it has continued to borrow money to carry out its obligations. One of the terrible consequences of this over borrowing is that the county is left with little resources to invest in the provision of essential social services.

From the foregoing analyses, one thing is very clear: Nigeria is experiencing what Nancy Bermeo calls democratic backsliding. This is driven by abuse of civil and democratic rights; disregard for the rule of law; weakened independence of the legislature and judiciary; decline in the integrity of electoral process and politics of brinksmanship; poor management of the country’s economy and imposition of unpopular/anti-poor policies, which makes the democracy unbeneficial to the toiling Nigerians.

Aminu Ali wrote from the Department of Sociology, Bayero University, Kano. He can be reached via email aminuali@yahoo.com

 

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Kano SSG assumes duty, pledges to operate open door policy

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

The newly appointed Secretary to the State Government of Kano State, Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim has assumed office on Monday. 

KANO FOCUS reports that his arrival ignited jubilations and enthusiastic reception by entire staff of the Cabinet Office.

A statement sent to KANO FOCUS on Monday by information officer cabinet office, Musa Tanko said some associates as well as other well wishers assembled at the cabinet office to welcome the new SSG.

The statement added that the staff described Ibrahim’s appointment as a homecoming, owing to the fact that he had served in the office in different capacities.

Receiving the SSG on behalf of the Cabinet Office community, the Permanent Secretary, Research, Evaluation and Political Affairs (REPA) Directorate, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Jalo, expressed delight for the appointment and stated that the choice of Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim was a welcome development and highly befitting.

He further stated that, the SSG knows the terrain of the job very well and expressed hope that Kano State is heading towards positive turn around at the state engine room and bringing the divident of democracy to the general public.

In a similar development, members of the Payroll Standing Committee led by their Deputy Chairman, Alhaji AbdulMalik Rogo, paid a solidarity visit to the newly appointed SSG, Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim.

Alhaji AbdulMalik Rogo stated that, immediately after the announcement, both conventional and social media platforms were agog with praises and well wishes were flowing in from different angles. This alone was a clear indication, that the appointment was well deserved.

He added that, this was part of the reason the committee members took the lead to celebrate the SSG. He pray to God to guide him to succeed in the newly assigned task.

Expressing his appreciation for the visit, the SSG stated that he has made a vow to Governor Yusuf, that he will put in his best to serve the state.

He also revealed that “Anybody or groups with meaningful ideas to further develop our dear state is welcome.” he assured that, he would operate an open door policy which has been his guiding principle during his civil service career.

“I am profoundly gratitude to Almighty Allah. As I appreciate His Excellentcy, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for reposing his confidence in me. To serve the state in this capacity. And I promise not to disappoint him,” he concluded.

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Breaking: Governor Yusuf Appoints Umar Farouk Ibrahim as Kano New SSG

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Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appointed Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.

Ibrahim’s appointment takes effect from Monday, February 10, 2025.

According to the statement, Ibrahim was selected based on his extensive experience and expertise, which are expected to play a vital role in advancing the administration’s development agenda and keeping the state on track with its goals.

Umar Farouk Ibrahim brings over three decades of distinguished public service to his new role.

His career in the civil service, spanning from 1987 to 2023, has been marked by key leadership positions that significantly contributed to the governance and administrative structure of Kano State.

From March 2001 to May 2015, Ibrahim served as the Permanent Secretary for Research, Evaluation, and Political Affairs in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

In this capacity, he was instrumental in analyzing key policy options, advising the government on viable alternatives, and overseeing the implementation of these policies across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Following this, from June 2015 to March 2016, Ibrahim held the position of Permanent Secretary for the Administration and General Services Directorate.

His tenure in this role showcased his strong leadership and administrative skills. Notably, he served as acting Secretary to the State Government during annual leaves in 2013 and 2014, underscoring the trust and confidence placed in him by the state leadership.

In addition to his formal roles, Ibrahim served as Secretary for several high-profile committees, including the Coordinating Committee on Independent Power (2012-2015), the Committee on the Identification and Sale of Government Property (GP Houses) in 2012, and the State Payroll Standing Committee (2000-2004).

His early career also saw him play pivotal roles in community and educational reforms, such as his position as Secretary of the Inter-Community/Religious Consultative Forum in 1998 and the Committee on the Review of the Operations of the Agency for Mass Education in 1994.

Mr. Ibrahim obtained a B.Sc. in Political Science from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University in 1985, followed by several professional certificates that further enriched his qualifications.

As a seasoned administrator and retired Permanent Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and a commitment to excellence in his new role as SSG.

His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the administrative framework of the current government and facilitate the effective execution of its policies and programs.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that Ibrahim’s appointment would significantly contribute to realizing his administration’s vision for Kano State, emphasizing the importance of experienced leadership in steering the state toward sustained development and growth.

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Gov. Yusuf reconstitutes consumer protection council, appoints Zangina Jafaru E.S

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Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

 

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the composition of the Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KSCPC), to safeguard the rights and interests of consumers in the state.

KANO FOCUS reports that the newly constituted council comprises seasoned professionals, government officials, and business representatives to ensure fair trade practices and protect consumers from exploitation.

A statement by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa noted that the members of the council include Dr. Umar Garba Haruna, as chairman and Alhaji Zangina Jafaru serving as the executive secretary.

Alhaji Zangina Jafaru

Other key members of the council include Ibrahim Ahmad Gama (Member representing Kano Central), Hajiya Sadiya Umar Bichi (Member representing Kano North), Alhaji Hussaini Bello Gidado (Member representing Kano South) Alhaji Munzali Abubakar (Representative of business community I, Kantin Kwari Market), Ali Muhammad Adakawa (Representative of business community II, Kwanar Singa), Alhaji Ahmed Isah Chedi (Representative of business community III, Dawanau Market), and Sani Gambo (Representative of business community IV, Abubakar Rimi Market).

Others are Halima Yahuza Ahmad (Representative of the Ministry of Justice), Prof. Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad (Representative of the Ministry of Health), Aminu Gidado Yushe’u (Representative of Ministry of Environment), Bashir Shehu Gezawa (Representative of the Ministry for Local Government), Maryam Halilu Haruna, Director Special Duties, (Representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs), Bashir Uba, Director Investment, (Representative of the Ministry of Investment/Commerce), Faisal Mahmud (Representative of the Ministry of Transportation, Agency), Umar Zubairu (Representative of Special Service Directorate) and Shamsu Jibrin (Secretary/Legal Adviser.)

The Governor emphasised that the council’s primary mandate is to protect consumer rights and ensure that businesses operate under fair, transparent and lawful conditions.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to promoting good governance, market confidence and safeguarding the public from substandard products and unethical business practices.

The council members are expected to commence operations immediately, addressing consumer complaints, regulating trade practices, and fostering a healthy business environment across Kano State.

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