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Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential Race: Now That Tinubu Is Here…

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3 years ago

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n what was completely unexpected to many, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu emerged the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress, APC from the party’s Convention without appearing to break sweat.
Congratulations to him for employing every trick in his arsenal as an old fox to corner a ticket many didn’t see coming.
Whether he is truly the kind of president Nigeria needs at this perilous time in our history will be very critically analysed in the coming months.
Until then, let’s look at things dispassionately. We now have three major candidates in HE Peter Obi of Labour Party, LP, HE Atiku Abubakar of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and HE Ahmed Tinubu of APC. Believe me, I am not trying to undermine the chances of NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso and APGA’s Prof Peter Umeadi.
Just permit me to concentrate on the earlier trio based on my mindset at this very moment.
Make no mistake about it, if the Presidential election is held coming Saturday, APC will retain power. They are the ruling party and they have all government institutions in place to roll over all opposition. However, that is if President Muhammadu Buhari doesn’t throw his incumbency weight behind PDP’s Atiku, as being widely speculated.
Under a free-and-fair election, PDP will come second. This is because they’re not just the main opposition with appropriate reach, they were also the former ruling party. Their structures, though thoroughly shaken after seven severe years, are still formidable enough to push Labour Party to third place.
HE Peter Obi and LP will come third if this election is held as being speculated in this write-up. Labour Party is yet to harness the millions of supporters of the former governor of Anambra State into a discernible electoral force that can displace the two major challengers in APC and PDP.
But all these can change in eight months if…
First, let nobody kid himself that Asiwaju Tinubu is an easy meal. From the little I’ve witnessed, he’s the most organised politician alive in this country today. He can play smooth and rough, more rough than smooth any way. His propaganda machinery is second to none in Africa. He owns major media houses. Those he doesn’t own, he easily buys over once the issue is electioneering. This is how he effectively dismantled PDP while ushering in Buhari in 2015.
But Tinubu’s behind-the-scene arms are rumoured to be even far more devastating. Grapevine has it he’s a master in creating chaos, however deadly, to discredit his opponents and use his media weight to make the artificial diversion stick. Those who claim to know say that Jagaban is capable of anything while some further add this is even talking lightly.
Moreover, Tinubu enjoys the tremendous goodwill nurtured over the years by giving birth to and positioning political godsons all over important political institutions in Nigeria. They say that whenever he tells them to jump, they only respond, “how high?” The manner he cornered the APC ticket from a very complex pool attests to this.
Nonetheless, the former two-term governor of Lagos State has his party’s poor performance in office to worry about. Nigeria came to her knees in all spheres of positive development under the seven years of APC leadership. From the dollar hitting over N600 exchange rate to every community in the country being under siege of all manner of AK 47 wielding criminals, Tinubu will need to base his propaganda houses in heaven to stand any chance of pulling the wool over the eyes of Nigerians a third time. The APC, under campaign by all four visible opposition parties, will lose whatever leadership appeal(if any) they still have at the moment. Let’s see what Jagaban and his kingdom of propagandists present in the days ahead, interesting days ahead.
For the PDP, they have in Atiku another super heavy weight. For all the positives Tinubu exhales,, the former vice president is not far behind, if behind at all. Money, affluence, experience, tact…Atiku has them. He also enjoys tremendous goodwill built over the years from his influential office as a smart customs officer through the eight years he served as a very influential vice president. His own political godsons are equally all over the place. How he managed to curtail the ragging bull called Nyesom Wike to wrestle home the party’s ticket is a reminder that wine gets better with age.
However, his burden will also be his party, the PDP. They stood a very big chance when they had Obi in their fold. Nigerians know their history of impudence and looting that paved way for APC’s coming seven years ago. Majority of Nigerians don’t trust them to have truly repented. If some voting Nigerians were in doubt, the party itself cancelling zoning, which was hitherto enshrined in their modus operandi, erased such doubts. That was the biggest manner to betray trust.
As if such heavy shot on the leg was not enough the party blocked the chances of Obi, the one individual that would have erased doubts and drawn voters appeal towards the party had they been reasonable enough to grant such exemplary aspirant the party’s ticket. Such callousness threw their hitherto assured chances of regaining power out of the window. I don’t see the magic they will perform under eight months to turn around majority of Nigerians who appear to have had enough of APC and PDP.
Will Peter Obi and Labour Party capitalise on the evident rejection of the two biggest parties to coast home?

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Enugu Revenue Leader Details Tax Plans, Commits to Responsible Fund Management

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2 months ago

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August 8, 2025

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In a bid to address rising public concerns and social media speculations about taxation in Enugu State, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), Emmanuel Nnamani, has provided clarifications on the government’s tax policies. During a press briefing in Enugu, Nnamani dismissed what he described as “false and misleading claims” and reassured residents that the government’s fiscal operations are firmly rooted in law, transparency, and public good.

Clarifying Misinformation and Affirming Legality

Nnamani opened the session by stressing that no taxes or levies in Enugu State are imposed outside the provisions of the law. “Taxes and revenues in Enugu State remain within the limits of the law. We do not impose any levies outside what the law permits,” he stated, pointing to the Personal Income Tax Act (as amended) as the guiding legal framework.

He explained that the ESIRS collects personal income tax through two lawful means: Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) for those in formal employment, and Direct Assessment for informal sector workers. While compliance among salaried workers has been largely smooth, the agency sometimes employs legal enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance among self-employed individuals.

Formalising the Informal Sector

A key challenge, he noted, has been bringing the informal sector—especially market traders and transport operators—into the formal tax net. Upon assuming office, his administration discovered that an overwhelming 99% of informal sector actors were not remitting taxes to the state, largely due to the disruptive influence of non-state actors engaged in illegal collections.

In response, the government introduced a consolidated ₦36,000 annual levy for market traders. This amount, payable between January and March, covers all relevant state-level charges, including those by the Enugu State Waste Management Agency (ESWAMA), Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA), storage fees, and business premises levies. “Once this amount is paid between January and March, the trader owes nothing else for that year,” Nnamani clarified. Traders who fail to pay by March 31 are subject to enforcement.

For street vendors operating outside structured markets, an annual levy of ₦30,000 applies, with ESWAMA charges handled separately. Transport operators such as Okada riders, Keke drivers, minibuses, tankers, and trucks pay via a daily ticketing system.

A Human-Faced Approach to Enforcement

Although the law allows for a 10% penalty on unpaid tax and an interest charge tied to the Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Rate of 27.5%, Nnamani disclosed that the state has adopted a softer, pro-business approach. Instead of the full punitive charges, a flat ₦3,000 penalty is applied in most informal sector cases to promote ease of doing business and encourage voluntary compliance.

Taxation and the Cost of Rent

Addressing growing concerns over rising rent, Nnamani rejected claims linking the trend to state tax policies. He described the issue as a national challenge influenced by supply and demand, rather than fiscal policy.

Citing personal experiences dating back to 2015, he observed that a shift in private development preference – from rental apartments to gated residential estates – has contributed to the housing squeeze. “If we had more high-rise buildings, rent would drop,” he noted. The state government, he added, is taking proactive steps through the Ministry of Housing and Housing Development Corporation to build mass housing and student hostels near institutions like ESUT and IMT, freeing up central city housing and helping moderate rents.

Technology, Transparency, and Trust

In line with its commitment to transparency and digital innovation, the ESIRS has launched a tax calculator on its official portal – www.irs.en.gov.ng – allowing residents to compute their taxes with ease and clarity. “This is about transparency and giving our people confidence,” he said, inviting residents to compare Enugu’s tools with those in more advanced states like Lagos.

Understanding the Cost of Development

Responding to concerns that Enugu has become one of Nigeria’s most expensive states, Nnamani acknowledged the perception but clarified that the temporary inflation is largely demand-driven. With Enugu undertaking widespread infrastructural renewal – including smart schools, primary health centres, and hospitality infrastructure – the surge in construction activity has led to increased demand for building materials like granite and rods, which are sourced from other states.

“Once these projects are completed, demand will drop, and prices will stabilise,” he assured. He emphasised that the projects are visible testaments to what taxpayers’ money can achieve when properly managed.

A Call for Mutual Understanding and Civic Partnership

More than a tax clarification, Nnamani’s address served as a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between citizens and government. He appealed for public understanding, noting that when citizens fulfil their tax obligations, the government can, in turn, provide essential services and infrastructure that uplift everyone.

His message was clear: responsible taxation, managed transparently and invested wisely, is the bedrock of sustainable development. From roads to schools and healthcare to housing, Enugu State is demonstrating how taxpayers’ money, when efficiently deployed, can improve lives and build the future.

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Houston Gets a Taste of West Africa at Chef Kavachi’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Show, August 8

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3 months ago

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July 30, 2025

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When it comes to international culinary gems and cultures across the United States, the city of Houston is counted among one of the best places to experience an authentic taste of every corner of the world.

 On the evening of Friday, August 8th, Houstonians will have a chance to engage all of their senses into the world of real West African flavors at Grubido’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art Show, a free culinary and art experience taking place at Flatland Gallery (1709 Westheimer Rd.) in Montrose.

  Curated by Grubido founder and Culinary Cultural Curator Kavachi Ukegbu, the annual celebration of west African cuisine and artistry will once again open its doors to patrons to witness the delights of creating and eating Fufu (a starchy, dough-like food that is a staple in many West and Central African countries), and its delicious and diverse pairings of soups and stews that originate from various parts of the continent, and uniquely compliment the beloved food staple as a complete meal. The event will also celebrate the observance of National Fufu Day  in the United States on August 11th.

  From the process of how different types of fufu are grown and manufactured, to the careful guidance on properly preparing the fufu to be eaten, the ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art showcase will give patrons a full circle perspective and appreciation for the food staple that has gained global popularity on social media and in many countries around the world.

  Attendees will be treated to fufu and soup samples, live Afrobeats music, an impressive display of fufu inspired artwork and collectables from over the years, and the opportunity to purchase Grubido food products, t-shirts, and the official The Art of Fufu cookbook. Originally published and released by Chef Kavach in 2021, “The Art of Fufu is a fascinating and informative guide to fufu, one of the most delicious and beloved staple foods of West Africans.” All cookbook purchases at the event will be signed by Chef Kavachi.

Entry for this event is free to all guests, but RSVP is strictly required in advance. To RSVP for the upcoming Art of Fufu Food & Art show, please visit the official website online at www.TheArtofFufu.com, or contact Grubido at (832) 818-6847.

The Art of Fufu Cookbook is a culinary treasure that explores the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance of fufu. It is a testament to the artistry of West African cuisine and serves as a guide for those seeking to immerse themselves in this beloved dish.

For more information, please visit www.theartoffufu.com & www.artoffufu.com

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The Leadership Deficit: Why African Governance Lacks Philosophical Grounding

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3 months ago

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July 30, 2025

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Leadership across nations is shaped not only by policies but by the quality of the individuals at the helm. History has shown that the most transformative leaders often draw from deep wells of ethical, philosophical, and strategic thought. Yet, in many African countries—and Nigeria in particular—there appears to be a crisis in the kind of men elevated to govern. This deficit is not merely political; it is intellectual, philosophical, and deeply structural.

There is a compelling correlation between the absence of foundational wisdom and the type of leaders Nigeria consistently produces. Compared to their counterparts in other parts of the world, Nigerian leaders often appear fundamentally unprepared to govern societies in ways that foster justice, progress, or stability.

Consider the Middle East—nations like the UAE and Qatar—where governance is often rooted in Islamic principles. While these societies are not without flaws, their leaders have harnessed religious teachings as frameworks for nation-building, modern infrastructure, and citizen welfare. Ironically, many of Nigeria’s military and political leaders also profess Islam, yet the application of its ethical standards in public governance is nearly non-existent. This raises a troubling question: is the practice of religion in African politics largely symbolic, devoid of actionable moral guidance?

Take China as another case study. In the last four decades, China’s leadership has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty—an unprecedented feat in human history. While authoritarian in structure, China’s model demonstrates a deep philosophical commitment to collective progress, discipline, and strategic long-term planning. In Western democracies, especially post-World War II, leaders often emerged with strong academic backgrounds in philosophy, economics, or history—disciplines that sharpen the mind and cultivate vision.

In stark contrast, African leaders—particularly in Nigeria—are more often preoccupied with short-term political survival than long-term national transformation. Their legacy is frequently one of mismanagement, unsustainable debt, and structural decay. Nigeria, for example, has accumulated foreign loans that could take generations to repay, yet there is little visible infrastructure or social development to justify such liabilities. Inflation erodes wages, and basic public services remain in collapse. This cycle repeats because those in power often lack not just technical competence, but the moral and intellectual depth to lead a modern nation.

At the heart of the crisis is a lack of philosophical inquiry. Philosophy teaches reasoning, ethics, and the nature of justice—skills that are essential for public leadership. Nigerian leaders, by and large, are disconnected from such traditions. Many have never seriously engaged with political theory, ethical discourse, or economic philosophy. Without this grounding, leadership becomes a matter of brute power, not enlightened governance.

The crisis of leadership in Africa is not solely one of corruption or bad policy—it is one of intellectual emptiness. Until African nations, especially Nigeria, begin to value and cultivate leaders who are intellectually rigorous and philosophically grounded, the continent will remain caught in cycles of poverty and poor governance. True leadership requires more than charisma or military rank—it demands the wisdom to govern a society with justice, vision, and moral clarity. Without this, the future remains perilously fragile.

♦ Dominic Ikeogu is a social and political commentator based in Minneapolis, USA.

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