* Addresses state of the nation, calls for ethical, leadership reform
One of the foremost faith-based organisations in Nigeria, The Muslim Congress, TMC, has called on the Nigerian government to prioritize the establishment of robust mechanisms that will make corruption among public officeholders exceedingly difficult and unattractive.
These, according to the Islamic group, must include stringent oversight, effective enforcement of anti-corruption laws, and the creation of a culture that fosters ethical leadership.
The advice was contained in a State of The Nation address (Series 24) by the organisation’s Committee on Social Mobility, the Economy & Politics, presented by the Chair of the Committee, Alhaji Abdul Wasii Taiwo Bangbala on Saturday, 13th January, 2024.
Alhaji Bangbala, who is equally the amir of TMC noted that the recent swirling allegations of corruption and financial impropriety involving some of the country’s principal public servants have cast a dark shadow over the integrity of Nigeria’s public institutions and have caused great dismay among the populace.
“We must not only condemn these ugly developments in the strongest of terms but also call on all public officers to re-examine their commitment to serve with sincerity and a sense of responsibility. The trust placed in our public servants is a sacred bond with the people they serve and any betrayal of that trust undermines the foundation of our democracy,” he said.
Alhaji Bangbala commended the swift reaction by the authorities in investigating the recent allegations against some public officeholders, saying that “it is heartening to see that measures are being taken to address these issues and restore faith in the institutions of governance. The commitment to upholding the rule of law and holding public servants accountable is crucial in rebuilding the shattered trust of the people.”
Muslim News gathered that the State of the Nation address touched on many issues affecting the country at the moment. These include food insecurity, depressed economy, harsh realities of privatisation, exodus of medical professionals from the country, scourge of fake university degrees, Kaduna military bombing of innocent Nigerians and the christmas eve Plateau killings.
The TMC said that government’s inability to effectively address the longstanding security crisis in Plateau State is a troubling reality that must be confronted.
According to the group, it is clear that once again, the government has failed in its primary duty to protect the lives and property of its citizens.
“This flagrant display of incapacity is unacceptable, and it is a stark reminder of the persistent failure of the government to secure the safety and well-being of the people. The time for action is long overdue and it is imperative that the government takes decisive steps to bring an end to the cycle of violence and impunity.
“The perpetrators of this despicable act must be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice to serve as a clear message that such atrocities will not be tolerated. The government must seek to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to find a lasting and sustainable solution to the incessant security breaches that have plagued the State for far too long. The road to peace and stability will require a collective effort from all stakeholders and for differences to be set aside in order to bring an end to the senseless bloodshed and devastation,” the group added…
Read details of the State of The Nation Address…
CORRUPTION IN PUBLIC SERVICE AND THE NEED FOR ETHICAL LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE REFORM
The recent swirling allegations of corruption and financial impropriety involving some of the country’s principal public servants have cast a dark shadow over the integrity of our public institutions and have caused great dismay among the populace. We must not only condemn these ugly developments in the strongest of terms but also call on all public officers to re-examine their commitment to serve with sincerity and a sense of responsibility. The trust placed in our public servants is a sacred bond with the people they serve and any betrayal of that trust undermines the foundation of our democracy. We urge the government to prioritize the establishment of robust mechanisms that will make malfeasance among public officeholders exceedingly difficult and unattractive. This must include stringent oversight, effective enforcement of anti-corruption laws, and the creation of a culture that fosters ethical leadership. We must strive to create an environment where corruption is not only discouraged but met with swift and severe consequences. In light of these distressing events, we commend the swift reaction by the authorities in investigating these allegations. It is heartening to see that measures are being taken to address these issues and restore faith in the institutions of governance.
The commitment to upholding the rule of law and holding public servants accountable is crucial in rebuilding the shattered trust of the people. By the same token, we also acknowledge and commend President Tinubu’s recent efforts to cut down the cost of governance. In these challenging times, it is essential that our leaders demonstrate prudent and responsible management of public resources. Every naira misused or siphoned through corrupt practices deprives our nation of vital development opportunities and erodes the social contract between the government and the governed.
FOOD INSECURITY, DEPRESSED ECONOMY AND THE HARSH REALITY OF PRIVATION
The current food insecurity crisis in Nigeria demands urgent and concerted action. We cannot turn a blind eye to the plight of millions of Nigerians who are facing severe deprivation due to economic downturn and insecurity. Nigerians are facing the harsh reality of privation due to the depressed economy, which has led to a sharp rise in food prices. It is indeed alarming that food inflation jumped to 32.84% per cent in November, following the removal of petrol subsidies and naira merger policies. As a result, citizens are experiencing severe economic hardship, further compounded by the rising cost of living.
The impact of the depressed economy has been felt nationwide, with the agricultural belt in the North-Central region suffering from the chilling state of insecurity. This has made farming and other economic activities a perilous endeavor for many, exacerbating the food insecurity crisis. It is an established fact that the lack of access to food is attributable to conflict, climate change, and a weak economy, all of which are prevalent in Nigeria and aggravated by poor governance. Insurgents and criminal elements have inflicted untold suffering on innocent citizens, hindering economic activities and exacerbating the food insecurity crisis. It is, therefore, crucial for the President Tinubu-led government to make concerted efforts to address the insurgency and rampant criminality that are contributing to the dire situation. It is imperative to address the root causes of this crisis.
Efforts should be made to strengthen agricultural practices, improve infrastructure, and provide support to farmers and vulnerable communities. We urge all stakeholders to collaborate and prioritize initiatives that will bolster food production, distribution, and accessibility. Furthermore, governance reforms aimed at addressing corruption and improving economic policies are essential to mitigating the impact of the economic downturn on food security. The government must prioritize the welfare of its citizens and take decisive actions to alleviate their suffering.
ADDRESSING THE DISTRESSING EXODUS OF MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
The alarming trend of mass migration of medical professionals in Nigeria is quite disturbing with potential for grave consequences. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has sounded the alarm that if this distressing exodus continues, we may lose about 50% of our skilled healthcare workforce by 2025. This is an appalling prospect that demands immediate attention and action. As of May 2022, Nigeria had trained approximately 100,000 medical doctors, largely at public expense.
However, it is disheartening to note that a significant portionabout 70%of these skilled professionals have opted to migrate to countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia, where they perceive their services to be better valued. The exodus of doctors and other health professionals poses a grave threat to the delivery of quality healthcare in our country and exacerbates the existing healthcare crisis. Other health workers like medical laboratory practitioners, pharmacists and nurses are also departing Nigeria in large numbers due to poor working conditions and inadequate remuneration.
They are compelled to seek better opportunities abroad, driven by the desire for improved welfare and recognition of their valuable contributions to the healthcare sector. The underlying factors leading to this mass migration are deeply concerning. Health professionals in Nigeria work long hours in poor health facilities with aging infrastructure, and often face inadequate remuneration. Therefore, the government must, as a matter of urgency, make frantic effort to improve the working conditions, provide adequate remuneration, and invest in modern healthcare infrastructure to create an enabling environment for healthcare professionals to thrive.
Additionally, efforts should be made to prioritize the welfare of healthcare workers and this can only be achieved with concerted effort aimed at improving the health sector funding in the national budget, thereby discouraging medical tourism and reversing the countrys worsening health sector.
TACKLING THE MENACE OF COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS
The proliferation of counterfeit goods has become a major problem, with devastating effects on the health of our citizens and the local manufacturing industry. The alarming rate at which fake and adulterated products are being mass-produced in Nigeria is deeply disturbing. From counterfeit foods to medicines and medical implements, the market is flooded with imitations that pose serious health risks to consumers. Despite the regular seizures of these fake products, the production and distribution continue at an alarming pace, endangering the lives of Nigerians and undermining the efforts of legitimate manufacturers. The scale of this problem cannot be overstated. Fake and substandard products not only jeopardize the health of consumers, but they also erode the trust in our local manufacturers who adhere to high-quality standards.
The influx of counterfeit goods from abroad, coupled with the activity of local counterfeiters, has created a crisis that demands urgent and decisive action. In light of this, it is imperative that our regulatory agencies, especially the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and its sister agency, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), are adequately equipped with the necessary manpower, equipment, and funding to effectively combat the influx of fake and substandard products. Strengthening these agencies is essential to safeguarding the health and well-being of our people and to protect the integrity of our local industries. We call on the authorities to take stronger actions to stamp out this menace. The health and safety of our citizens, as well as the vitality of our economy, are at stake. The government must implement robust measures to crack down on counterfeiters, both domestic and international.
ENDING THE SCOURGE OF FAKE UNIVERSITY DEGREES
The media report which detailed how an investigative journalist acquired a degree from a university in Benin Republic in two months has revealed a pressing issue that has besieged our educational landscape and professional integrity. The prevalence of an educational racket orchestrated by certificate entrepreneurs from neighbouring countries has reached alarming proportions. The unscrupulous elements at the center of these unwholesome practices have been actively engaging agents in Nigeria to offer admissions and confer counterfeit degrees across diverse fields of study to certificate-hungry Nigerians. Their audacious actions extend to the mobilization for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, legitimizing what are nothing more than spurious credentials. We commend the federal government for taking decisive action by suspending the evaluation and accreditation of university degree certificates from the countries fingered in the certificate racket. We also welcome the release of a list of unaccredited private universities labeled as ‘Degree Mills’ by the National Universities Commission. These measures are essential steps in safeguarding the sanctity of our educational system. It is regrettable that the aftermath of this racket has led to a surge in the proliferation of fraudsters across various professional fields.
From counterfeit pharmacists to sham doctors and deceitful journalists, the impact of these developments has been far-reaching, undermining the credibility of our professions and posing serious risks to public welfare. It is, therefore, incumbent upon all critical stakeholders to unite in combating these disgraceful and unhealthy practices. Educational institutions, regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, and the wider community must collaborate to stem the tide of this menace. We call upon the authorities to utilize the full capacity of the state machinery to eradicate this nefarious trend, ensuring that the integrity of our educational system and professional standards is preserved.
THE PLATEAU STATE BLOODBATH: AN AWFUL INDICTMENT OF GOVERNMENT INACTION
The recent bloodbath on the eve of Christmas in Plateau State has become one too many. The series of senseless and barbaric attacks on villages in Bokkos Local Government of the State resulted in the loss of nearly 200 innocent lives and burning of over a thousand homes. The inability of the government to effectively address the longstanding security crisis in Plateau State is a troubling reality that we must confront. It is clear that once again, the government has failed in its primary duty to protect the lives and properties of its citizens. This flagrant display of incapacity is unacceptable, and it is a stark reminder of the persistent failure of the government to secure the safety and well-being of the people. The time for action is long overdue, and it is imperative that the government takes decisive steps to bring an end to the cycle of violence and impunity. The perpetrators of this despicable act must be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice to serve as a clear message that such atrocities will not be tolerated.
The government must seek to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to find a lasting and sustainable solution to the incessant security breaches that have plagued the State for far too long. The road to peace and stability will require a collective effort from all stakeholders and for differences to be set aside in order to bring an end to the senseless bloodshed and devastation. For the government, a sincere commitment to addressing the root causes of the security crisis in Plateau State will require a comprehensive
THE KADUNA BOMBING AND THE NEED FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
On Sunday, the 3rd of December, the tragic accidental bombing in Tundun Biri, Kaduna State, has left a deep scar in the hearts of Nigerians. An air strike, intended to neutralize terrorists, tragically claimed the lives of over 120 innocent Muslim faithful who were gathering for a religious celebration. It is indeed distressing that the Nigerian Army, their swift acknowledgment of responsibility and apology notwithstanding, failed to exercise the necessary caution and precision in their intelligence operations, leading to such devastating civilian casualties. This incident is even more alarming given the occurrence of similar tragedies in the recent past. It is deeply concerning that the Army seems to have not learned from previous mishaps, and the recurrent mistaken bombings of the very people they are entrusted to protect is unacceptable. The lack of thoroughness in intelligence-based operations is evident, and it is imperative that the Army makes public the specific errors that led to this tragic event.
Furthermore, there must be transparent and decisive actions taken to prevent such a grave mistake from happening again in the future. A thorough review of procedures and protocols is necessary, and the government must ensure a comprehensive investigation to identify the root causes and implement measures to avert such calamities. We call for accountability and demand that the government and military authorities take decisive steps to prevent the reoccurrence of such tragedies. We stand in solidarity with the affected families and echo the urgent need for a thorough and transparent review of procedures to ensure the safety and protection of innocent civilians in the future.
