Précis
Every week, I share a run-through of events that shaped politics and society, here and elsewhere. Enjoy!
America has a new leader at the helms, with his job (of restoring confidence and managing the global power’s diversity) well-cut out. Authorities in Nigeria have decided to offer relief, even if momentary, to citizens seeking to register and link national identification numbers to their SIM cards in the middle of a pandemic. A move that has not stopped generating reactions. It’s a cocktail of ‘eviction notices’ in Southwest Nigeria, with a sitting governor and a self-proclaimed activist dishing ‘generous servings’ to herders amid insecurity in the region.
Here is the serving for the week:
The Extension
Why do we love the taste of centralisation and forsake the beauty of breaking processes as a country? You have no choice but to think along this line when you consider the new February 9 deadline for Nigerians to link NINs to their SIM cards. It’s the third extension in five weeks; the announcement raises the question — why the insistence and rush at this time? Perhaps we need to remind both the Nigerian Communications Commission and National Identity Management Commission that the COVID-19 fight is not over just yet. Vaccines haven’t touched down; herd immunity isn’t in the cards. It makes no sense to press on with the exercise as it will amount to pushing a deadly virus out through one door and permitting it through another. Second thoughts.
Biden’s Burden
Can we overemphasize how Joseph Biden’s coming as 46th President of the United States of America cuts an intense prism (among allies and foes) on the global power and this era? It is a given that Donald Trump, his embarrassingly outspoken predecessor, made a mess of the American democracy with his racist and largely divisive agenda. And I like the response and steps of the new sheriff so far: America has rejoined the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accord. With his 100 Days Agenda, he is also seeking to rally more support for science to contain coronavirus, reunite families and provide economic relief for Americans. Managing the country’s diversity and uniting the badly-divided nation should be given due attention too. And as I wrote in a Twitter Fleet on January 20, it is best wishes (of wisdom and courage) for the Biden Presidency. Good luck!
Ultimatum ‘Galore’
Socio-cultural groups are playing with fire in their attempts to react to eviction notices issued to herders in the Southwest these past days. Chief Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho) fired the first of these notices, referencing the kidnappings and killings perpetrated by criminals in Igangan, Oyo State. But we have had violence rear its ugly head in Igangan following the subsequent visit of the “grassroots mobiliser” to enforce the order. Few days apart, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo issued another, asking herdsmen to vacate the state’s forest reserves and submit themselves for a registration process that will aid their business. Like Igboho’s, improved security is the defining factor here. However, descending into erroneous classification and ethnic profiling threatens the pursuit of peace and security. Caution.
Graphics support — Ola Abraham
