RADIO NIGERIA KADUNA @ 50 AND THE CHALLENGES OF THE NORTH

On the 15^th of March 2012, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Kaduna marked its 50^th year of existence. A grand and befitting ceremony was organized for a week to mark the anniversary of the station, which was well attended by many distinguished Nigerians from all parts of the country, who added colour and glamour to the august occasion.

The station now popularly known as Radio Nigeria Kaduna was established on the 13^th of March 1962 as the Broadcasting Corporation of Northern Nigeria (BCNN) by the late Premier of the defunct Northern Regional Government, Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardaunan Sokoto. The name of the station was later changed to Radio Television Kaduna (RTK) and in 1973 it became Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Kaduna, when the Television arm was taken over by the federal government as part of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) and the radio arm was incorporated into the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) under a central-body at the national level. It is now one of the six FRCN network stations spread across the six geo-political zones of the country.

Even though Radio Nigeria Kaduna was preceded by a few broadcasting stations in the north, that were established in the mid 1940s as relay stations, Radio Nigeria Kaduna gave birth to a more serious and sustainable broadcasting service in the region. By 1965, when the 25 kilowatts transmitter was supplemented with 200 kilowatts shortwave transmitter, Radio Nigeria Kaduna became the most powerful in the country. The station is still considered as the major Hausa radio broadcast station in the world with millions of listeners across the West-African sub-region.

The birth of Radio Nigeria Kaduna came at a critical time when the Northern region attained self rule and many of the people in the north were ignorant about what that meant. The station came at a time when the Northern region was the least known part of Nigeria to the outside world. It also came at a time when northerners needed to forget about their ethnic, tribal and religious plurality and unite under one umbrella and live in peace and harmony with one another for the rapid development of the region.

It was the full understanding of these challenges facing the region, that Sardauna deemed it necessary to establish a powerful radio station that will publicize policies and programmes of the government, promote peaceful and harmonious co-existence among all the northerners despite religious or ethnic affiliation, enlighten and educate the populace, and ultimately protect and defend the north and its interests.

Over the years, and even after its transformation to FRCN Kaduna under the control of the federal government, Radio Nigeria Kaduna strove to maintain the philosophies behind its establishment. It also played a monumental role in nation building and uniting the people of the region and the country as a whole. One significant contribution of the station was the sense of responsibility and professionalism it displayed during the most trying time of this country in the aftermath of 1966 Civil War.

The role of Radio Nigeria Kaduna in nation building is second to none. The popular attributes of radio as “a public rally of the millions” and “a companion in daily lives” can best be seen in the manifestation of Radio Nigeria Kaduna in the lives of millions of Nigerians, especially northerners. The station can be said to be the reason behind the high patronage of radio broadcasts by the Hausa-Fulani folks. It can also be conveniently argued that the station is responsible for making radio the major source of information among Hausa speaking people. The Station also rightfully deserves the credit of churning-out much of the finest journalists and broadcasters Nigeria has ever produced.

However, it is rather unfortunate that Radio Nigeria Kaduna is among the few pillars for the development of the north established by the late Premier, which are still struggling to maintain their grip and sustain the legacies envisaged by the founding fathers. Most of the establishments of Sardauna that used to be source of pride to the north like the Textile and Cottage Industries, NNDC, Ahmadu Bello University, the New Nigeria Newspapers among many others have over the years been left to die or are at the verge of collapse. It is highly regrettable that the northern region, which forty to fifty years ago used to be the envy of all other regions in the country, has been woefully neglected by its leaders.

It is very disheartening that Northern region that used to boast of having the most powerful radio station, the most influential newspaper, the most prestigious university, the most formidable political structure, the most viable economic base in the country, in short the region that used to lead the way for others to follow now has turned out to be the most backward and underdeveloped in all spheres of national life. The north has become a parasite where insecurity, begging and unemployment abound.

Radio Nigeria Kaduna, which celebrates its 50^th anniversary as one of the pillars established by Sardauna of Sokoto, could be said to be fortunate enough that it was taken over by the federal government, otherwise it would have been dead by now like the other institutions that remained under the control of the region.

The occasion to celebrate 50^th anniversary of the station, which is considered as the mouth piece of the north, should be a time for sober reflection on the series of predicaments of the region today. It should serve as a wake-up call for all the political, traditional and religious leaders in the region and indeed all northerners irrespective of religious or tribal difference to rise up to the challenge and revive the basic aim of establishing the Radio Nigeria Kaduna, which is to protect and preserve the cultural, political, economic and social identities and pride of the north.

This is the time for all northerners to reclaim their lost glory and forge a better future for the region, amidst the rising uncertainty in the future of the nation’s federalism. Northerners should put their sinister and trivial interests behind, unite and set the region on a sustainable path for rapid socio, economic and political development. It is rather hypocritical to celebrate institutions that our actions over the years have defied the basic idea and philosophy behind their establishment.

50 years ago there was only Radio Nigeria Kaduna and a handful of other relay stations in the region. But today, there are over 50 radio stations spread across the region. The Radio Nigeria Kaduna should be seen to be leading the way in the area of broadcasting by exhibiting high sense of responsibility and professionalism in broadcast media content that will properly reposition and propel the northern region on the path towards rapid development.

CRIPPLING EFFECTS OF WITH-HOLDING 15 LG’S FUNDS BY FG

On Monday, March 12^th, media reports revealed that the statutory allocation of 15 local government councils have been withheld by the federal government for the months of December and January. The local government areas affected were those placed under state of emergency by President Goodluck Jonathan in December last year. They are Jos North, Jos South, Barikin-Ladi and Riyom in Plateau State. Also, Maiduguri Metropolitan, Ngala, Bama, Biu and Jere in Borno State. Others are Damaturu, Gaidam, Potiskum, Gijba and Barde in Yobe State as well as Suleja LGA in Niger State.

Funds due to the affected councils amounting to 2.886 billion naira are currently being withheld by the federal government since the declaration of emergency rule on the area as a result of the prevailing insecurity in those areas. Although a gazette sent to the National Assembly which confirmed intent of the President to declare emergency rule on the fifteen local government areas indicate that the affected areas would be subjected to direct orders from the presidency. It was never expected that the action would result in withholding their funds by the federal government.

Even if it is constitutional for the President to declare state of emergency on any state, local government or any part of the country when necessary, it is widely considered illegal for him to deny local governments their statutory allocation. This particular view is being strongly re-enforced by the fact that a court of law in the country once ruled against the decision of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to withhold the funds meant for local governments in Lagos state over a certain disagreement between the federal government and the state government. Although Obasanjo characteristically ignored the court order, his immediate successor Late Umaru Musa Yar’adua who demonstrated willingness to observe the rule of law released the funds. With-hold

After all, this is an emergency rule with a difference. It would be recalled that when Obasanjo imposed emergency rule on Plateau and Ekiti States, the action came with the removal of the elected governors of the two states. Another distinctive feature of this declaration of state emergency by President Jonathan was that only selected local governments that are still facing serious security challenges are affected. While this could be described as a score mark for the Jonathan administration, the with-holding of the statutory allocations due to the local governments for three months comes across as a condemnable act.

For local governments that can hardly generate sufficient funds internally to take care of their basic chores, the measure could mean the collapse of activities of the area councils. Without the federal allocation, most of the local governments could not pay their staff salaries, vehicles and generators could not be fuelled, in some cases, even basic stationery for the day-to-day running of the area councils could not be procured. Also, Primary health care centres, community schools and other sectors that heavily rely on the monthly allocation may not be able to function properly.  In other words, this is tantamount to strangling the areas and compounding their predicaments.

As necessary as the emergency rule could seem, it is important for the federal government to ensure compliance with the relevant laws and constitutional provisions guiding the action, and ensure the speedy release of the funds owed to the affected local government councils, so that social and economic activities could continue as smoothly as possible.

The various local government chairmen affected have openly complained over the measure, which as they rightly argued have negative implications to the smooth running of the local governments. The national assembly to which the matter has now been taken should expedite deliberation on the matter so that the presidency could be compelled to release the funds.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY AND THE CHALLENGES FOR THE NIGERIAN WOMEN

8^th of March every year has been set aside by the United Nations as the international women’s Day. Although the day was officially declared by the United Nations in 1977, the International Women’s Day, which was originally called International working women’s Day was first celebrated more than a century ago, precisely in 1909 in the United States and other European counties premised on the idea of promoting equal rights for women to vote and be voted for, to hold public office, and against gender stereotyping and other forms of discrimination.

          Over the years, the international women’s Day has become well recognized and it is celebrated in hundreds of countries across the globe. Every year, a theme for the celebration is chosen, in line with major challenges facing the women. The United Nation’s theme for the 2012 international women’s Day is “Empower Rural Women - End Hunger and Poverty”. Even though there is a universal theme for the celebration all over the world, the day is celebrated differently across the globe, much like the differences in the lives and challenges facing the womenfolk in various countries.

          For instance, this year, in Pakistan female family members of missing Pakistanis used the day to reiterate demands to know where their loved ones are. In Turkey, women spattered with aritifical blood protested domestic violence. In Sudan, the day meant freedom to hundreds of women and children Prisoners being released to mark the day, while Egyptian women marched to demand more significant influence in the new Egypt.

          However, the celebration of this year’s international women’s Day was low-keyed in Nigeria, not because they have fewer demands than do other women, but largely because most of the Nigerian women have become so detached from such luxuries, many of them have more serious and urgent needs to take care of, while many others are so backward that they don’t even have the slightest idea about the existence of the day, as revealed in the outcome of the various opinion polls conducted by many media outfits in Nigeria. This extremely sorry situation goes to show how critical the situation of Nigerian women has become today.

          In fact, it may not amount to an overstatement to say that the UN deliberately and carefully chose this year’s them: “Empower Rural Women - End Hunger and Poverty” in view of the critical situation of the Nigerian women. According to UN statistics, Nigerian women and girls constitute about sixty percent of the 45 million illiterates in the Country. This means that more than 27 million women and girls in Nigeria can neither read nor write. Also, according to the UN; women and girls in the developing countries constitute about 60 percent of the 1.4 billion people living in extreme poverty globally. Women work two-thirds of the world’s working hours, but earn less than 10% of the world’s income. In almost every sphere of human endeavour, the women folk especially in Nigeria have been relegated to the background. In education, civil service, politics, business and commercial activities, the role of Nigerian women is well below that of the men.

          Ironically, no one can argue against the unrivalled status of women in any community, and their immense contribution to the social, political and economic development of any society. They are the primary caregivers for the family; they play an important role as home managers, who engage in planning, organizing, directing and coordinating all the human and material resources for the benefit of all members of the family. The women-folk have great potentials necessary to evolve a new economic order, to accelerate social and political development and consequently transform the society into a better, if only they can be empowered. But this very important segment of the society has for centuries been playing victims of undue stigmatization and discrimination, largely occasioned by the religious and traditional beliefs of Africans.

          This year’s theme: “Empower Women - End Hunger and Poverty” is not only significant but timely, especially to the Nigeria women. There is an urgent and pressing need more than ever before to address this conscious or unconscious under-representation of the women in educational, economic, social and political spheres of human life, through genuine efforts by governments, non-governmental organisations and indeed all members of the community. When women are empowered, their families become healthier, children go to school, agricultural productivity improves and income increases. So in essence, empowering women, really means ending hunger and poverty.

DANGERS OF NIGERIA-SOUTH AFRICA RIFT

For years, diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa has been quite cordial. This cordial relationship between the two countries can be traced back to Nigeria’s instrumental role during South Africa’s liberation struggle against Apartheid regime, which was spearheaded by Nelson Mandela. Mandela who is highly regarded and revered by South Africans as well as the international community even once described Nigeria as the greatest ally of South Africa.

This means that the two countries enjoyed cordial bilateral relations until now, when certain unfortunate developments have begun to threaten this enviable relationship. The relationship between the two countries could be said to have become sour, when in the past few days the Nigerian government deported 44 South Africans on arrival at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Abuja. This act according to the Nigerian government was a retaliatory measure for what it described as “humiliated and ill-treatment” of Nigerians by South Africa, following the deportation of 125 Nigerians last Friday at the point of entry into Johannesburg.

The South African immigration authorities was said to have deported the Nigerians for alleged use of fake Yellow fever certificates. Also, the Nigerian Minister for Foreign affairs Olubenga Ashiru, who appeared before the National Assembly on the issue, said the South Africans were also deported was because of improper documentation of their Yellow fever card as well. He went ahead to say that it was also a retaliation to what he described as the “xenophobic tendencies” of the South Africans. The minister alleged that South Africans have the phobia that people are coming into their country to take away their wealth, jobs and livelihood.

All these are happening after prolonged mutual understanding and respect between Nigeria and South Africa, which was evident in the immense support that Nigeria gave towards the struggle for the independence of South Africa. Anybody familiar with the history of the relationship between the two countries would therefore not only develop a feeling of disappointment but will begin to perceive the dangers that the emerging conflict portends for the whole of Africa.

Certainly, the recent deportation game between the two countries will not augur well for both of them. It should be realized that the call by the Nigerian Senate for the cut of diplomatic ties with South Africa by instructing the closure of Nigeria’s embassy in South Africa and vice versa, and the federal government’s threat to South African companies like MTN, Shoprite, Massmart and Stanbic IBTC Bank in which South Africa has a major stake is outrageous and uncalled-for.

As serious as these issues in contention appear, it is still important and even morally compelling for the two countries to adopt positive posture so that such issues can be resolved amicably. The two countries should handle the situation with maturity, and do not let it escalate. Leaders of the two countries should sit on a round table, engage in dialogue, understand each others’ differences and grievances and arrive at a solution that will be both practicable and beneficial to the feuding parties in particular and Africa as a whole.

Nigeria and South Africa should realize that they represent Africa’s greatness as they possess the most glaring potentials for prosperity, which can only be nourished in an atmosphere of peace and cordiality between them. There cannot be a worse disappointment than the current rift that is threatening to pull Africa’s greatest assets further apart.

At a time when individual African countries and the whole continent are facing serious challenges coming mainly from the western world, it will amount to a clear suicidal mission for the two countries to engage in a conflict that will event become an ill-wind to all Africans. The earlier the rift is resolved the better for Nigeria, South Africa and all African countries.

RADICAL SHAKE-UP IN THE NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE

          In its resolve to implement the new Police Reform towards addressing the rising level of insecurity in the country, the Federal Government has in the past few months, embarked on radical shake-up of the Police force.

          Beginning with the sudden sack of Hafis Ringim in January this year, who was replaced by Mohammed Abubakar as the Inspector General of Police, other massive compulsory retirement of dozens of Assistant Inspectors General (AIG’s), Deputy Inspectors General (DIG’s) and Commissioners of Police (CPs)  followed, thereby giving room for the promotion of other junior officers to fill in the gap.

          Most recent of such drastic reshufflment in the ranks of the Nigeria Police force was the compulsory retirement of 13 (AIG’s) and over 10 Commissioner’s of Police, as was widely reported in the national dailies of Tuesday, March 6^th 2012.

          Typically, those retirements and promotions have generated a lot of controversy among Nigerians, especially the senior officers in the force who were affected by the shake-up. Several petitions were filed by the officers against the promotion of some junior officers, which according to procedure would amount to sending the superseded seniors on compulsory retirement to pave way for the new bosses to work effectively. However, the Police Service Commission has countered the petitions against the new promotions, stressing that according to the new Police Reform Document, promotions are pegged on performance, diligence, competence, integrity, among others.

          Many Nigerians could support the Police Service Commission in its conclusion that the past leadership of the force have failed to perform up to the standard. Also, series of events that have taken place in the recent past with regards to security challenges support the argument that the leadership of the Police Force was incompetent. The inexcusable escape of suspects from Police custody,  the way and manner terrorist attacks flourish and are staged successfully all over the country, the spate of armed robbery and other vices are all indicative of the incompetence and failure of the Police force in discharging their duties and responsibilities effectively. In fact, in many quarters, the Nigerian Police are blamed for the escalation of the Boko Haram insurgency, because of the way and manner they mishandled the situation when the leader of the group was arrested and later murdered. And ever since the group waged war against them, the Police have failed to protect itself, the officers have become the prey, and in most cases, Police stations are left empty because of fears of being attacked. It now appears that the police have withdrawn back, they have accepted their defeat and given way to the military to do their job, to protect them and the ordinary civilians.

          It is therefore hoped that the recent reshufflement and massive shake-up taking place in the Police force will reposition it well towards improving its performance and effectively handling the security situation in the country. Those who were retired should accept their destiny in good faith and continue to render their technical assistance and advice to the new leadership towards addressing the barrage of security challenges facing the country. They should also desist from making statement or taking actions that would undermine the efforts of the new leadership.

          On the other hand, the junior officers that were elevated to the ranks of DIG’s, AIG’s and CPs should see the promotion as a call to service. They should see it as an opportunity to contribute their quota towards nation building. They should learn from the mistakes of their predecessors and bring in new innovations that would improve the performance of the Police. They should also have a clear understanding of the daunting challenges facing them in terms of loss of confidence from the citizens and the rising level of insecurity across   the nation, and therefore, brace-up to face the challenges with total commitment, dedication, patriotism, high-level of professionalism and sense of responsibility.

The government should also step-up efforts in reviewing salaries, allowances and other entitlements and welfare packages of the Police, as well as provide all the necessary equipment and facilities that will aid the police in discharging their duties effectively. The citizens should also play their own part by being law abiding, and assisting the authorities with useful intelligence information and other support and cooperation that would be needed from them.

Radical shake-up in the ranks of the Police force is only one step towards enhancing the performance of the police, but all stakeholders must put heads together to achieve a better result.      

REVENUE ALLOCATION: WHERE NORTHERN STATES GOVERNORS GOT IT WRONG

Recently, there have been calls for the review of the revenue allocation formula to address the apparent lopsidedness against the northern states in the manner national revenue is distributed. The demand, which was spearheaded by the Northern Governors’ Forum through its Chairman and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu was premised on the argument that the current allocations, where many northern states receive an average of 4b naira monthly, while some other states with much smaller populations in other regions especially the South-south receive 20 times more, is unfair and inequitable.

The demand for the review of the revenue allocation formula to ensure fairness in favour of northern states was supported by many loud voices in the region, including the Area Consultative Forum (ACF). The overwhelming support that the move receives from many quarters in the region may have been informed by the apparent and extreme imbalance in the manner the north and some southern states are developing. Other reasons always being advanced to stress the need for the review of the existing revenue allocation formula is the alarming rise in the levels of poverty, illiteracy and general backwardness of the region. These are clear and verifiable facts that are strongly supported by numerous available statistics. Outlining these issues revolving around the rising poverty, ignorance, de-industrialization and constant regression of the region’s social, political and economic base is enough to earn the governors’ forum the people’s sympathy, which would be translated into a support for the clamour for the review of the revenue allocation formula they have been championing.

However, the northern governors are supposed to focus much of their attention and efforts at harnessing the regions considerable population and vast, rich agricultural potentials that can be utilized for its development. It is a well known fact that, the north has the potential to provide enough food for much of Africa, to support a vibrant agro-allied industrial base. It is a region that has more solid minerals under it than almost any other part of the country, but it is very disheartening that it is still described, of course with good reasons, as the most impoverished and underdeveloped part of the country. This is because most of the state governors in the north have failed to tap into these precious potentials to initiate and sustain genuine development process.

No doubt, no any good and well-meaning northerner could oppose the call for the review of the revenue allocation formula to redress the lopsidedness against the north. This is because among other reasons, the north is the country’s biggest part and a n unrivalled contributor to national development particularly in view of the role it played in the exploration of the oil resources, during and after the colonial period.

But as the northern governors push for more revenue from the federal coffers, it is very important for them to utilize whatever they generate currently to bring about genuine development of their respective states and the region at large. They should also be seen to be tackling the current state of insecurity in the region, while at the same time putting serious efforts towards reviving agriculture, revamping the region’s textile and cottage industries among other critical sectors of the region’s economy that have been left to die.

Most importantly, the northern governors, who spearhead this demand for the review of the revenue allocation formula, and on whose shoulders much of the political leadership of the region rests, should ensure the rebirth of purposeful and value-oriented leadership that has for long been lost in the region. This is because many ordinary northerners have lost confidence in the capacity and willingness of the leaders to perform, and they are of the view that even if the region is given more allocation from the federation account, it would just end up in the pockets of a few corrupt and self-centered leaders.

Therefore, the northern governors should ensure prudence, transparency and accountability in the way they handle public funds, so that they can regain their lost confidence in the eyes of the public. They should also intensify efforts in addressing basic development issues like health, education, security, poverty reduction and the creation of job opportunities with or without bigger revenue allocation, to ensure rapid socio-economic development of the region.