Précis
Every week, I share a run-through of events that shaped politics and society, here and elsewhere. Enjoy!
Nigeria and a global press association are mourning the demise of an accomplished journalist and erstwhile state governor who served and stood on the side of the people. North West governors appear divided over the best path to tread in stamping out banditry, kidnapping and sundry security issues in that part of the country. The National Action Committee on AfCFTA is leading a nationwide tour to harness the potentials and benefits of the trade agreement for citizens — with the grassroots as the top target. #EndSARS resurfaces in Lagos, following the proposed reopening of a toll gate where peaceful protesters were brutally dispersed last October.
Here is the serving for the week:
ADIEU LKJ
Chief Lateef Kayode Jakande, first civilian governor of Lagos, passed away on Thursday at 91. Beyond the avalanche of tributes that have greeted (and will greet) his demise, one can comfortably say his name and legacy will be remembered for a long, long time. And this is about his invaluable contributions to governance in Lagos, commitment to the journalism profession (locally and globally) and consistent ride with nationalism. Perhaps his staunch devoutness to the Awo philosophy and eventful years at the newsrooms of the Daily Service and the Nigerian Tribune prepared him so well for leadership: an attribute that propelled his single four-year term as governor to success and wide acclaim. The present crop of leaders have so much to relearn from this modest gentleman of the press and accomplished politician. Good night, Baba Kekere.
FOR FREE TRADE
How do we get the best from the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement? What are the roles Nigerians have to undertake and fulfil so well? Fellow citizens, you don’t have to overthink it. Thanks to the efforts of the National Action Committee on the AfCFTA. The body is currently coordinating the process of ensuring every Nigerian, regardless of the location, get to understand the essence of the trade pact. To bring this to fruition, the committee announced the commencement of a nationwide sensitisation and awareness tour. Kaduna and Bauchi have been picked as starting points for the engagement. The strategy is commendable for two reasons: (i) it is a timely step in getting relevant stakeholders on board and (ii) the unity of purpose will duly inform and create job opportunities at the grassroots and city centres. Progress.
AMNESTY VS CRACKDOWN
Have you been following the efforts of state governors to curb insecurity in the Northwest region, precisely the last two months? For Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara, dialogue and money will do justice to the security situation in that part of the country. And this is despite the failure of an amnesty programme initiated by his Katsina counterpart, Aminu Masari in 2016, to tackle kidnapping, banditry and rustling. Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Abubakar Bello (Niger) don’t share this sentiment: in fact, the latter visited Aso villa in January to give updates and appeal for federal support. Not much has happened since that visit, but the absence of coordination on the part of the governors can only make things worse for the region and her people. Disturbing.
LEKKI PROTEST
In the last 24 hours, security operatives in Lagos have been all over the place for the wrong reasons. In fairness, Nigerians are displeased that the Lekki toll gate complex, where the Nigerian Army brutally dispersed peaceful protesters last October, was recently okayed for reopening by the Justice Okuwobi-led Lagos state judicial panel of inquiry. The panel is yet to conclude its task of seeking truth and justice in the shootings and alleged killings that greeted the EndSARS protests. Despite this development, the handling of Saturday’s Lekki toll protest by law enforcement agencies (and the shameful support received by the Lekki Concession Company in arresting unarmed protesters) leaves so much to be desired. How do we restore the constitutional right to peaceful protest and dialogue in all of these? Ridiculous.
