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The revolution in Nigeria is about to start: Are you ready?
The 2023 general election is the most talked about and galvanized election in the history of Nigeria. People are very conscious of their environment and what is happening, and the reasons are clear. Nigeria bleeds from a very terrible bad leadership, and citizens are in acute pain and horrifying agony – hungry, brutalized and traumatized. Except those living pretentiously, otherwise Nigerian citizens at different levels are battling against evil dominion in their struggle for survival from a country so corruptly and incompetently led by APC under Buhari. So, the much-awaited political uprising in Nigeria is about to start.
Every policy made by the politicians controls our lives and shapes the future, hence we can no longer afford to leave politics solely into the hands of these people that have blatantly abused every privilege and grossly condoned and supervised corruption that made Nigeria the 154 least corrupt nation out of 180 countries in the world, second in West Africa, and earned her the award as the capital city of poverty, and the second most terrorized in the world only after Iraq. Never again will we allow our destiny to be in the hands of those political buccaneers we have seen without principle shamelessly go back to their vomits and behave like “playboys” – without control and integrity. They have deceptively turned our joy to sorrow. Enough is enough. Every registered voter must go and collect his/her PVC. Registering for the PVC is one thing, collecting the card is an alliance that compliments the registration, and voting is actually the final process that adds value to the other two processes. None of these three processes can be meaningful without the other. According to INEC, millions of voters card are still in their offices nation wide uncollected. I appeal to all political parties to spread this message of card collection during their campaigns at the campaign grounds, and ask their entire supporters group to energize the people and make sure that their group members collect their PVCs before they are used to rig the election.
As the campaign for political offices officially starts, let me advise the good citizens of Nigerian to be reasonable in their choices and actions and ponder on where we are and going to. They should avoid hate speech and violence as they canvass for votes for their preferred candidates. Politicians on their parts should be decent and civil in their campaigns. They should eschew lies and propaganda, show dignity and advise their supporters to embrace peace. Their campaign should be issue based.
Truth should be told at all times, Nigeria is indeed at the verge of anarchy and disintegration. We cannot continue to pretend otherwise. We all have got responsibilities because Nigeria belongs to all of us. This election is very important to the life of Nigeria, and if we get it wrong, we all will pay dearly for it. Therefore, permit me to be unequivocal in stating facts without any consideration to political correctness. We cannot afford to make the same mistake we made in 2015 by wrongly choosing tragedy and incredibly consolidated the same disaster in 2019 against all odds. But today, the signs are everywhere that Nigeria is even in a more precarious situation and on a life support now than she has ever been. And if we are not critical, futuristic and wise, and peradventure fail to elect a president that events have proven not to be corrupt and greedy, someone with good character, mentally and physically able and with the required capacity to pilot the affairs of Nigeria, the consequences this time will be disastrously too fatal.
Sincerely, the tendency that Nigeria may not be lucky again to survive such a silly or avoidable mistake makes any trial by error in our choice of a president an ugly gamble too high a risk to take in a heterogeneous and pluralistic tensed society like ours. To a sane person with a discerning heart, it would be a hazardous error that could be heavily costly and perhaps irreversible when made. Thus be warned Nigerians. Jettison not only your political apathy and enthusiastically participate actively in the 2023 general elections by collecting your PVCs, but also vote wisely by making sure that whosoever that will become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023 must be qualified, competent, visionary and tolerant with unquestionable character and has the required capacity to lead. No reasonable person should vote any candidate based on sentiments of tribe and religion or monetary inducement. Additionally and very importantly too, the commander in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari is legally obliged in making sure that INEC officials are well protected and all necessary logistics and materials they need to execute the uphill task are timely provided too, and conducive atmosphere equally guaranteed. This becomes crucial in view of the accusation that some APC members in an evil union with a few INEC officials manipulated the PVC registration machines in order to rig the election. The allegation is a weighty one that should not be treated with kid gloves. It is not enough for INEC to announce to Nigerians that the evil done has been reversed, but justice will only be seen to have been done when the perpetrators of the evil are made publicly known, sacked from their duty posts and prosecuted before the election. INEC as an electoral umpire must on its part be impartial and respect the rule of law in distributing electoral materials, counting results and declaring winners etc. Anything contrarily will spell doom and more evil for Nigeria. And the collateral damage to us as an entity and its brutal consequences in our individual lives are something no one can accurately predict, but one thing is certain, it will be acidic. Patriotism should be the watchdog. Therefore, 2023 is a litmus test and our collective choice must be a wise one that will not later be full of regrets, tears, pains and sorrow.
Most of the contemporary problems and suffering in our society are decades of build-up from the lukewarm attitude and ignorance of the majority not to participate in politics, vote massively and qualitatively too during elections on flimsy excuses. We want a paradigm shift because the archaic ways of electing our leaders because of ethnicity, religion and the influence of money, bags of rice, tomatoes, onions or packaged garri in sacks with sugar etc. are no longer acceptable. Anyone who must govern us henceforth must have conscience and be competent. He should not be surrounded with allegations of corruption and embezzlements. His capacity, sound health to lead and source of wealth should not be in doubt or shrouded in secrecy.
Who the cap fits, let him where it. Our destiny is in our hands and the choices are starring before us today. We must elect one with the capacity to restore hope in the hopelessness state of the economy, corruption and insecurity in Nigeria or we continue our old ways that will not only keep Nigeria to her status of a crippled giant but also add to it a blind giant of Africa. I would have said let your conscience guide you in your choice, but it would be wrong knowing that your conscience failed at all times when it mattered most. It never guided you well in 2015 and never got prickled in 2019 for the calamity of 2015, therefore, I recommend Peter Obi for you. We all will be beneficiaries of a competent, qualitative and good governance of fairness and justice under his presidency.
Are you ready for the revolution? Please go and collect your PVC. It is your licenced AK47, configured for your use only. When the time of shooting (voting) comes, if you are critical in your viewing, you will aim accurately, and when your aim is accurate, you will shoot wisely, and he/she who shoots wisely misses no target. Peter Obi has rekindled hope of equity, unity, fairness, freedom and liberation for oppressed Nigerians. Vote for Peter Obi.
Stand up, sit down, bend right, bend left or even squat, the buttock will always remain at the back. Truth has no duplicate. Peter Obi is the wisest choice in 2023.
♦ Uzoma Ahamefule, a refined African traditionalist and a patriotic citizen writes from Vienna, Austria. WhatsApp: +436607369050; Email Contact Uzoma >>>>
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.
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
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.
Enugu Revenue Leader Details Tax Plans, Commits to Responsible Fund Management
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