Kehinde Fajobi
This week’s political landscape unveils a series of contradictions and power plays: the Oluwo of Iwo champions Sharia courts in the South-West amidst criticism, SERAP demands Tinubu’s transparency, and Akpabio brands Nigeria’s economy as “critical” under his party’s rule. Meanwhile, Labour advocates annual wage reviews, the PDP courts Kwankwaso’s return, and Oshiomhole credits the opposition for lending APC its “best player,” Wike. Each development underscores the complexities of governance, transparency, and reform in Nigeria.
The week was rife with debates, ironies, and strategies that highlight the nation’s struggles with governance, transparency, and economic reform. Key figures and institutions have made bold statements that provoke deeper questions about leadership priorities and public trust.
Oluwo Defends Sharia Court Plans in South-West, Cites Religious Rights
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, sparked controversy with his defense of plans to introduce Sharia courts in the South-West. He insists that this move aligns with constitutional guarantees of religious freedom for Muslims.
The announcement of a Sharia Court set to open in Oyo State by January 2025 has drawn mixed reactions. Oba Akanbi cited the South-West’s historical relationship with Sharia law, including the presence of Sharia-compliant banking systems and a century-old Sharia college in Iwo. He argued that Sharia courts provide a legal framework for Muslims to resolve issues like inheritance and divorce without infringing on other faiths.
Implications:
The Oluwo’s push for Sharia courts has ignited concerns over religious imposition in a culturally pluralistic region. While he frames this as an exercise in constitutional rights, critics argue that prioritizing one religious framework risks deepening religious divides. The South-West’s inclusive governance ethos stands at odds with such polarizing initiatives, raising fears of tensions within a historically harmonious region.
SERAP Urges Tinubu to Publish Assets, Set Leadership Example
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) called on President Bola Tinubu to publish his asset declaration and encourage other public officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, to follow suit.
In a letter dated December 28, 2024, SERAP commended Tinubu’s openness to considering asset publication but urged immediate action to set a standard of transparency. The group emphasized that enforcing the Supreme Court ruling preventing governors from seizing local government funds would further rebuild public trust.
Implications:
SERAP’s demand for transparency places Tinubu’s leadership under scrutiny. While his willingness to consider public asset disclosure is a step forward, delays could perpetuate a culture of secrecy that fosters corruption. By acting decisively, Tinubu could redefine governance standards, signaling a shift from opacity to accountability.
Akpabio Declares Nigeria’s Economy “On Life Support” Under Tinubu
Senate President Godswill Akpabio painted a dire picture of Nigeria’s economy, describing it as “on life support” when President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. Speaking at his constituency briefing in Akwa Ibom, Akpabio highlighted the severity of the country’s economic challenges and urged Nigerians to remain patient with Tinubu’s reforms.
While distributing empowerment tools and food items to constituents, Akpabio commended Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno’s inclusivity and leadership.
Implications:
Akpabio’s statement underscores a glaring irony. As a key member of the APC, his acknowledgment of the economy’s dire state under Buhari’s administration contradicts his party’s previous self-praise. Such double-speak raises questions about the APC’s capacity to address the issues it claims to have inherited. Calls for patience ring hollow for citizens burdened by rising living costs.
PDP Courts Kwankwaso Amid Claims of Party’s Decline
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is seeking reconciliation with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, despite his public declaration that the party is “dead.” Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagun expressed disappointment over Kwankwaso’s remarks but affirmed the party’s resilience.
Damagun emphasized Kwankwaso’s accomplishments within the PDP and offered assurances of reconciliation and opportunities for his return.
Implications:
The PDP’s overtures to Kwankwaso highlight its struggle to maintain relevance. While portraying itself as a resilient force, the party’s focus on reclaiming a critic reveals underlying vulnerabilities. Genuine reform, not nostalgia or desperation, is necessary for the PDP to regain public confidence.
Labour Demands Inflation-Adjusted Minimum Wage
Organized Labour proposed annual minimum wage adjustments to reflect inflation rates. Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), emphasized that waiting years for wage reviews erodes workers’ purchasing power. He argued that aligning wages with inflation is crucial for economic fairness.
Implications:
The proposal underscores the urgent need to address wage stagnation in Nigeria’s volatile economy. While the current Minimum Wage Act mandates reviews every three years, annual adjustments could protect workers from inflation’s corrosive effects. Failing to implement this reform risks exacerbating inequality and financial instability.
Oshiomhole Lauds Wike, Credits PDP for APC’s “Best Player”
Senator Adams Oshiomhole praised Nyesom Wike’s work as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), likening his appointment to a football club acquiring a rival’s star player. Speaking at a New Year luncheon, Oshiomhole applauded Wike’s enforcement of laws and improvements to the FCT’s environment.
Implications:
Oshiomhole’s praise for Wike exposes the transactional nature of Nigerian politics. His analogy highlights the ideological fluidity within political circles, where alliances are formed more for convenience than shared principles. While Wike’s performance draws applause, criticisms of his heavy-handed methods remain unresolved.
Conclusion:
This week’s political maneuvers reflect the paradoxes of leadership in Nigeria. From debates over Sharia law to demands for transparency, wage adjustments, and economic reform, these developments underscore the complexities of governance in a nation grappling with competing interests and urgent challenges.