Can Nigeria, given her spiralling, be fixed? That’s a profound and heavy question. Let’s break it down carefully. When you ask if Nigeria can be fixed , you’re essentially asking whether the country’s current downward spiral — economic, political, and social — is reversible, and whether there’s a realistic path toward stability, justice, and prosperity. 1. The Nature of the Spiral Nigeria’s spiralling manifests in: Governance failures : endemic corruption, weak institutions, personalization of power. Economic distress : overdependence on oil, weak industrial base, rising poverty, unemployment, and inflation. Security collapse : insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, secessionist agitations in the southeast, farmer–herder crises in the middle belt. Social fractures : deep ethnic mistrust, politicized religion, widening inequality. 2. Can It Be Fixed? Yes — but not easily, and not by wishful thinking. The path to fixing Nigeria requires a transformation that i...

Here’s what’s at stake following the June 17, 2025 ruling by the Federal Court of Canada (Justice Phuong Ngo), which upheld the Immigration Appeal Division’s decision to deny asylum to Douglas Eghareuba, citing his past affiliations with Nigeria’s two major political parties—APC and PDP—and effectively classifying them as terrorist-related under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) . Key Implications 1. Heightened Immigration Scrutiny for Nigerians Abroad The verdict establishes that mere membership in an organization deemed to be associated with terrorism or democratic subversion may render an individual inadmissible—even absent personal wrongdoing . Former members of APC or PDP applying for asylum, visas, or other immigration processes may face increased scrutiny, rejection, or reputational risks if Western nations mirror Canada’s stance . 2. Democratic Legitimacy at Stake Both parties have responded strongly, calling the ruling misinformed, biased, an...

Whether Nigeria is a nation in the strict sense depends on how you define "nation." 1. Classical Definition In political science and sociology, a nation is: A community bound together by shared identity — usually common language, culture, history, myths of origin , and often religion. The glue is subjective belonging , not just political boundaries. A state , by contrast, is: A political and legal entity with defined borders, a government, and sovereignty. 2. Applying to Nigeria Nigeria is certainly a state — it has international recognition, fixed borders, and a functioning government. But in terms of being a nation : Criteria for a Nation Nigeria’s Reality Common language No — over 500 languages; English is official but not native for most. Shared culture No single culture; multiple distinct ethnic systems (Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Tiv, Ijaw, etc.). Shared history/myth of origin Pre-colonial histories are distinct; the unification in ...

Let’s put Nigeria under the dual-lens test : De jure sovereignty = “On paper” sovereignty (laws, recognition, constitution). De facto sovereignty = “In practice” sovereignty (real-world control, independence, effectiveness). Nigeria’s Sovereignty Checklist Dimension De Jure (On Paper) De Facto (In Practice) Notes Recognition by other states ✅ Full ✅ Full UN member, AU member, globally recognized. Defined territory & borders ✅ Full 🟡 Partial Borders legally intact, but porous with smuggling & insurgent crossings. Monopoly on legitimate use of force ✅ Full 🔴 Weak State security forces exist, but armed groups (Boko Haram, bandits, militants) hold sway in some areas. Control over internal affairs ✅ Full 🟡 Partial Constitutionally autonomous, but internal ethnic, religious, and regional tensions dilute control. Independence from foreign interference ✅ Full 🔴 Weak IMF, World Bank, donor states, and oil multinationals influence key po...

Let’s run Nigeria through the Westphalian sovereignty checklist like a strict examiner. The Peace of Westphalia (1648) established the modern idea of state sovereignty, which rests on four main principles: 1. Supreme authority within defined borders Westphalian ideal: The state must have exclusive control over its territory and population. Nigeria’s reality: On paper, Nigeria controls its 923,768 km² territory. In practice, some areas are contested: Insurgencies: Boko Haram/ISWAP in the North-East. Banditry: Large swathes of rural North-West. Separatism: IPOB agitation in the South-East. Militant groups: Niger Delta unrest. The state’s monopoly on violence is not absolute. ⚡ Verdict: Partial compliance — borders are recognized, but internal control is uneven. 2. Non-interference by external powers Westphalian ideal: No outside authority should dictate domestic policy. Nigeria’s reality: Economic policy is influenced by IMF/World Bank structural adju...

Whether Nigeria is a sovereign state “by all standards” depends on which standards it's being measured against — legal, political, economic, and even practical. Let’s break it down carefully: 1. Legal & International Recognition – Yes Definition of sovereignty (legal sense): A state with a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter relations with other states. Nigeria clearly meets these criteria: it has recognized borders, over 200 million citizens, an established government, and is a member of the UN, AU, ECOWAS, and other international bodies. Other countries treat Nigeria as an independent state, so in international law , it is sovereign. 2. Constitutional & Domestic Sovereignty – Yes (on paper) The 1999 Constitution declares Nigeria “one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation.” No external legal authority is supposed to override the Nigerian state’s decisions within its borders. Elections, law-making, and gov...

Legally and internationally, Nigeria is recognized as a sovereign state — but “by all standards” the conversation gets more complex. 1. International Standards of Sovereignty Nigeria meets the classical criteria for sovereignty under the Montevideo Convention (1933) , which, although not binding on Nigeria, is a widely accepted benchmark: Permanent population – Over 200 million people. Defined territory – Recognized borders, despite some disputes (e.g., Bakassi Peninsula before 2008). Government – A functioning central government with authority over its territory. Capacity to enter into relations with other states – Full diplomatic recognition and membership in the UN, AU, ECOWAS, OPEC, etc. On these grounds, Nigeria is undoubtedly sovereign . 2. Constitutional and Political Sovereignty The 1999 Constitution affirms Nigeria as “one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign state.” The Nigerian government exercises exclusive control over foreign affairs, defense, monet...

Whether the Nigerian Constitution is democratically legitimate is a layered question — and the answer depends on how you define “democratic legitimacy.” Here’s a breakdown: 1. The Process of Making the 1999 Constitution The 1999 Constitution was not produced through a broad-based democratic process . It was drafted under a military regime (General Abdulsalami Abubakar) and essentially handed down to the people without a constitutional referendum. The preamble famously says, “We the people…” , but in reality, “the people” never directly approved it — raising a legitimacy gap from the very start. 2. Democratic Legitimacy Criteria In political theory, a constitution is considered democratically legitimate if: a). It is created through the consent of the governed (e.g., via a constituent assembly and/or referendum). b). It reflects popular sovereignty — people have meaningful input into the rules that govern them. c). It can be revised through democratic processes without ...

If we’re judging Nigeria’s unity clause — “Nigeria is one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation” — on both democratic and moral legitimacy , the analysis splits into two dimensions: 1. Democratic Legitimacy Definition: A constitutional claim is democratically legitimate if it arises from the consent of the governed through an inclusive, participatory process. Problem of Origin: The 1999 Constitution was drafted under a military regime without a national referendum. Nigerians never directly voted on it, so the unity clause wasn’t explicitly endorsed by the people. Implied Consent Argument: Some argue that 24+ years of civilian governments operating under the constitution amounts to tacit public consent — people participate in elections, political parties accept the rules, and institutions function within the framework. Counterpoint: Implied consent is weaker than explicit consent, especially in a state with limited alternatives and where dissent (like secessioni...

The claim of indivisibility of the Nigerian state is a constitutional and political assertion, but it must be critically examined in light of Nigeria’s historical formation , particularly the 1914 amalgamation by British colonial authorities. Here's a nuanced breakdown of the issue:  1. What the Claim Means: The phrase “Nigeria is one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation” is found in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), Section 2(1) . It asserts that: Nigeria cannot be legally broken up. The unity of Nigeria is taken as a settled, non-negotiable principle. This reflects a legal and political stance , intended to promote national unity and deter secessionist movements (like Biafra or Oduduwa Republic).  2. But Historically – Nigeria Was Not Always One:  A. The Amalgamation of 1914 : Nigeria was formed by the British colonial administration through the merger of the Northern and Southern Protectorates . This union was not based on the consent of ...

The persistent agitation for Biafra restoration is fueled by several key factors, which include: 1. Historical Grievances: The memory of the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) and the perceived marginalization of the Igbo people and other southeastern ethnic groups foster resentment and a desire for independence. 2. Political Marginalization: Many Igbo and southeastern communities feel excluded from political power, economic opportunities, and resource control within Nigeria, fueling demands for self-determination. 3. Economic Disenfranchisement: The region’s rich resources, particularly oil, have not translated into proportional economic benefits for its inhabitants, leading to frustration and calls for autonomy. 4. Cultural and Ethnic Identity: A strong sense of cultural identity and the desire to preserve indigenous customs, language, and traditions motivate independence movements. . Insecurity and Violence: Ongoing insecurity, including clashes, violence, and alleged marginalization by...

Nigeria faces a complex web of destabilizing factors that feed into each other, creating a challenging environment for stability and growth. Below, is an outline of the key issues based on available information, critically examining their impact: 1. Security Challenges and Insurgencies: Boko Haram and Islamist Insurgencies: The Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, along with its splinter groups like the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), has killed tens of thousands and displaced over two million people since 2009. Despite military efforts, the groups remain resilient, exploiting governance gaps and local grievances. Their attacks, including mass kidnappings and bombings, destabilize the region and spill over into neighboring countries in the Lake Chad Basin. Banditry in the Northwest: Criminal gangs, often labeled as "bandits," have escalated violence in the northwest, engaging in mass kidnappings, cattle rustling, and village raids. Over 350 violent events and 1...

Here are some of the latest news headlines from July 13, 2025, based on recent reports: - Texas Floods: Search efforts for over 170 missing victims in Texas Hill Country have been paused due to heavy rain, with the death toll at 129. The region, devastated by floods on July 4, faces renewed flash flooding risks. President Trump commented that Texans had "a lot of warning" for the disaster. - Boston Fire: A fire in a Roslindale multi-family home displaced 10 people, with two rescued from windows. One resident and one firefighter were injured. - Gaza Strike: An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed 10 Palestinians, including six children waiting for water, with the Israeli military admitting it missed its intended target. - Trump Tariff Controversy: The EU and Mexico criticized President Trump’s proposed 30% tariffs, with Trump defending the policy as bringing in "hundreds of billions of dollars." - North Korea-Russia Talks: Kim Jong Un expressed "unconditional suppor...

  Nigeria faces a complex web of interconnected challenges that threaten its stability. These factors stem from a mix of historical, social, economic, and political issues, compounded by ongoing security crises and governance failures. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key elements destabilizing Nigeria, grounded in the current context and available information: 1. Security Crises and Armed Conflicts: - Boko Haram and ISWAP Insurgency**: The northeastern region, particularly Borno and Yobe states, remains plagued by the Boko Haram insurgency and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). These groups continue to launch deadly attacks, including suicide bombings, abductions, and assaults on civilians and military targets. For instance, a 2024 attack in Yobe State killed at least 128 villagers, and ISWAP claimed responsibility for killing 20 Nigerian soldiers in Borno in January 2025. These attacks have displaced over 2 million people and created a huma...

The terminology—"farmer-herder clash"—commonly used to describe the violence involving herders and farmers in Nigeria, particularly in the context of the South-East and other regions has been under scrutiny. Let’s critically examine whether this label is appropriate given the dynamics described: an "invasion" of farmlands and killings by "fully armed and aggressive" herders against farmers with "no armed resistance." The analysis will consider the nature of the violence, power imbalances, and the implications of the terminology as of March 07, 2025. Breaking Down the Terminology: "Farmer-Herder Clash" The phrase "farmer-herder clash" implies a two-sided conflict where both parties—farmers and herders—engage in mutual violence or confrontation. It suggests a degree of symmetry, where each side contributes to the escalation, typically over resources like land or water. This framing has been widely adopted by media, government re...

Cultivating a viable book reading culture requires a multifaceted approach that focuses on accessibility, community engagement, and education. Here are some strategies: 1. Enhance Accessibility - Library Development: Invest in public libraries with diverse collections, comfortable reading spaces, and regular events. - Digital Resources: Promote e-books and audiobooks to reach a broader audience, especially in areas with limited physical resources. 2. Community Engagement - Book Clubs: Establish local book clubs to encourage discussion and social interaction around reading. - Author Events: Organize readings and talks with authors to inspire interest and make connections between readers and writers. 3. Educational Initiatives - School Programs: Incorporate reading programs in schools, emphasizing the importance of reading for personal and academic growth. - Reading Challenges: Create community-wide reading challenges to motivate individuals and families to read more. 4. Promote Local Li...

The United States of Biafra (USB), as redeclared by the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) on November 29, 2024, in Lahti, Finland, faces a complex challenge in advocating for international recognition of its self-referendum and sovereignty. The self-referendum, conducted from February 1 to November 28, 2024, reportedly garnered over 50 million votes, according to BRGIE claims, signaling strong support among Biafrans for independence from Nigeria. However, achieving recognition from the international community—including sovereign states, the United Nations (UN), and regional bodies like the African Union (AU)—requires a strategic blend of diplomatic, legal, political, and grassroots efforts. Below are actionable strategies the USB could pursue, grounded in historical precedents and the current geopolitical context. 1. Leverage Diplomatic Engagement Target Sympathetic States: The USB can build on historical ties with the five countries that recognized Biafra during the 1967–197...

Here’s a clear, step-by-step explanation of how the United Nations typically supervises a referendum, based on historical practice and established procedures: UN Supervision Process for Referendums Request and Authorization Who Initiates: A request for UN supervision must come from a recognized authority—usually the government of the state involved (e.g., Nigeria for Biafra), a colonial power (in decolonization cases), or parties to a peace agreement. Rarely, non-state actors (like the BRGIE) can appeal through sympathetic UN member states, but this lacks precedent for secession within sovereign nations. UN Body: The UN Security Council or General Assembly authorizes involvement via a resolution. The Security Council is key for binding action (e.g., Resolution 1246 for East Timor), while the General Assembly often handles decolonization (e.g., Tokelau, 2007). Mandate: The resolution specifies the UN’s role—full supervision, observation, or technical assistance. Mission Setup UN Team: A...

The question of whether the Biafra self-referendum requires proof of supervision or verification for acceptance by relevant authorities for Biafra recognition involves both practical and legal considerations under international law, as well as the specific context of the ongoing efforts by groups like the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE). Background on the Biafra Self-Referendum The Biafra self-referendum, initiated by the BRGIE on February 1, 2024, is an effort led by Simon Ekpa to poll individuals of Biafran descent on their desire for independence from Nigeria. This process, which concluded its first phase by May 30, 2024, and reportedly involved over 30 million votes by that point, aims to demonstrate popular support for Biafran sovereignty. The referendum has been conducted largely through electronic and physical voting, with plans for a formal declaration of independence by December 2, 2024. However, its legitimacy and recognition hinge on how it is perceived by the in...