President Donald J. Trump has designed Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern!

The Nigerian State Is Losing Ground in Katsina — It’s Time to Invoke Section 305 The growing reports that armed bandits have negotiated peace accords with communities and local authorities across Katsina State are not just local developments — they are signals of a deeper collapse of state authority that demands urgent, constitutional action from the Presidency. If the claims that dozens of local government areas have effectively ceded authority to armed groups are true, the conditions for a presidential proclamation under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution have been met. The President must act. What has actually happened (what reputable reporting shows) Multiple reputable outlets report that community leaders and representatives from several local government areas in Katsina have held meetings and signed truce accords with bandit leaders as part of local “peace” initiatives. The Cable, Vanguard and Sahara Reporters have documented recent meetings and accords involving local councils and bandit representatives in parts of Katsina. Videos and photos circulating from these meetings show heavily armed non-state actors publicly present at local government gatherings and, in some cases, brandishing weapons while negotiating — an image that many observers interpret as an assertion of parallel authority. The Guardian and other outlets have published accounts and imagery raising alarm about bandits being openly empowered at local events. Some online reports and regional aggregators have gone further, reporting that as many as 12 local government areas have signed peace deals or participated in dialogues under which bandit leaders are treated as stakeholders. These claims have circulated widely on news sites and social platforms and are being used by commentators to argue that large swathes of Katsina are effectively outside normal state control. (Independent reports citing this number are available, though the figure has been contested and remains a subject of verification.) At the same time, the Katsina State Government has publicly pushed back against characterizations that it is negotiating with bandits as partners in governance, and some officials insist the engagements are limited community-level peace-building under federal frameworks such as Operation Safe Corridor. These official denials and attempts to frame the engagements as controlled reconciliation efforts have also been reported. The broader context makes these developments especially dangerous: Katsina has suffered large-scale attacks, mass kidnappings and deadly raids by armed gangs over consecutive years (e.g., major attacks and mass abductions documented by international agencies and wire services), demonstrating that the region has been in sustained, severe security crisis. That history underlines the stakes of permitting armed groups to gain local legitimacy. Why this matters constitutionally and practically The Nigerian Constitution explicitly empowers the President to proclaim a state of emergency when there is “an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security,” or when “there is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety” — among other triggers. This power exists to preserve the life, security and territorial integrity of the Federation when ordinary measures are manifestly failing. If local governments are entering accords that effectively recognize armed bandits as governance partners, and if armed groups are operating openly and coercively within council jurisdictions, then the State’s monopoly on legitimate force — the foundation of public order and the social contract — is being replaced by a parallel, illegitimate authority. That is exactly the threshold that, in constitutional terms, can justify a proclamation under Section 305. Evidence-based cautions (what verification shows and what remains contested) Verified national outlets confirm that multiple LGAs have held peace meetings and that bandit leaders have been involved in local-level accords; the exact number of LGAs involved is disputed in public reporting. Some sources say five LGAs were directly involved in the most recent meeting; other aggregators and regional sites report higher tallies up to 12 LGAs. Because of the political sensitivity, the figure varies by source and should be treated carefully in public statements — but the pattern of negotiated truces across several councils is clear. Official denials by state authorities do not, on their own, resolve the underlying reality that armed groups are publicly visible at community gatherings, that they have carried out lethal attacks and mass kidnappings in recent years, and that communities are resorting to local truces — sometimes under duress — to obtain short-term safety. Independent reporting and video evidence corroborate that armed actors are operating with visible impunity in parts of Katsina. The risk of inaction Allowing local settlement-with-bandits to become normalized carries these immediate dangers: 1. Entitlement for armed criminals. Treating bandit leaders as stakeholders rewards violence and encourages further armed predation. 2. Weakening of security institutions. When communities negotiate directly with criminals, the morale and role of police and the military are undermined. 3. Erosion of rule of law. Local pacts risk substituting negotiated impunity for justice for victims, including the families of those killed, abducted or dispossessed. 4. Contagion effect. If armed groups see that seizures of territory translate into political leverage, similar deals will proliferate elsewhere, further fragmenting the state. Reuters and other international outlets have documented how sustained banditry has produced cycles of mass kidnapping and terror in the region. A measured but urgent prescription 1. Transparent verification. The Federal Government should immediately commission an independent verification — involving the Inspector-General of Police, the Defence Headquarters, and credible civil-society observers — to map which LGAs have engaged in accords with armed actors, the terms of those accords, and whether any de facto transfer of authority has occurred. (Preliminary reporting suggests multiple LGAs are affected; precise verification is required.) 2. Constitutional recourse where necessary. Where verification confirms a breakdown of public order or the existence of parallel, coercive authorities in parts of Katsina, the President has the constitutional authority under Section 305 to proclaim a state of emergency in that part of the Federation to restore lawful order, disarm combatants, and re-establish civil governance. The Constitution envisages this remedy precisely for situations where ordinary executive and legislative measures are insufficient. 3. Clear exit and remedy plan. A state of emergency — if declared — must be accompanied by a time-bound plan: disarmament verified by independent monitors, prosecution of criminal actors, reconstruction of affected communities, restoration of local government functions, and safeguards to prevent human-rights abuses during emergency operations. 4. Public accountability. Where local officials have effectively ceded authority, there must be swift investigation and accountability — so that the citizenry understands how and why trust in state institutions was lost and what will be done to reclaim it. Conclusion Katsina’s recent peace accords with armed actors are symptomatic of a much larger failure — years of insecurity and impatience by communities that, in the absence of prompt and effective state protection, have turned to any available option for survival. Re-legitimizing the State, protecting citizens, and dismantling the political utility of violence are constitutional obligations of the President and the federal security architecture. The Constitution provides a lawful, extraordinary tool for a moment such as this. If, after independent verification, it is determined that public order and safety have broken down in parts of Katsina to the extent that ordinary government powers cannot restore them, the President should consider invoking Section 305 to safeguard lives, restore legitimate authority, and begin the deliberate work of rebuilding state capacity in affected communities. The Nation’s sovereignty and the safety of its people must not be bartered away for short-term quiet. If substantial parts of a State are effectively controlled by armed groups, the Union itself is at risk — and the Constitution equips the Presidency to act before that risk becomes irreversible. Reference: • The Cable — “Bandits reach truce deal with community leaders in Katsina” (Oct 2025). • Vanguard — “Bandit warlords, Katsina communities agree to lay down arms” (Oct 2025). • The Guardian (Nigeria) — reporting on bandit presence and community-level peace talks in Katsina (Sept–Oct 2025). • Reuters — reporting on mass attacks, kidnappings and insecurity in Katsina (2024). • Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999): Section 305 — procedure for proclamation of a state of emergency. #KingsleySAyinde

THE FALLACY OF A BLAMELESS GOVERNMENT: A TREATISE ON THE MISDIAGNOSIS OF NIGERIA’S PROBLEM There is a growing movement in Nigeria, one that argues that “the problem of Nigeria is Nigerians.” They say, “Let’s forget government. Let’s focus on ourselves.” They point to the carpenter who cheats, the doctor who defrauds, the mechanic who lies, the teacher who neglects. Their conclusion? “The failure of the nation lies not in the state, but in the citizen.” At first, this sounds noble. Indeed, citizens must take responsibility for their conduct. But when examined closely, this argument is both shallow and dangerous, for it exonerates government and erases the moral and structural accountability of leadership. If those who govern us are not imported, if they are Nigerians, products of our culture, schools, and communities, then how do we separate “the people” from “the government”? When analysts say “Nigerians are Nigeria’s problem” yet conveniently remove government from their diagnosis, they reveal a deeper intellectual dishonesty: they seek to absolve power while condemning the powerless. If we follow this logic, then let us take it to its conclusion: If government is not part of Nigeria’s problem, then government is unnecessary. Let us abolish the state, dismantle its institutions, and return to a state of nature where everyone governs himself, a condition we already seem dangerously close to in our present national reality. But no sane society does that. Government exists precisely because human weakness demands structure, accountability, and justice. To say “government can’t do everything” is true, but it is not a message for Nigeria, where the question is not what government cannot do, but what it has done in accordance with its constitutional duty to ensure the welfare and security of the people. To now say “government is not responsible for anything” is not realism; it is tyranny wrapped in populist language and emboldening lawlessness. THE VANISHING IDEA OF ACCOUNTABILITY In mature democracies, opposition is the conscience of governance. In the United Kingdom, the opposition is not a passive critic, it is a government-in-waiting, armed with its own social, political, and economic programs. It presents viable alternatives to the ruling party, woos the people with ideas, and dissects every major policy, addressing the nation after each significant government statement. In the United States, the pattern is similar. After every State of the Union Address, the opposition delivers its own formal response, line by line, policy by policy, offering citizens an ideologically grounded alternative vision of governance. Opposition is not rebellion; it is a pillar of democracy. In Nigeria, there is no such balance. The President delivers an Independence Day address, and no opposition party steps forward to critique its economic assumptions, social content, or policy soundness. Instead, the duty of dissent has fallen to ordinary citizens. Today, it is the people, writers, journalists, social commentators, activists—who constitute the only meaningful opposition left. And when private citizens dare to speak truth to power, they are branded “bitter,” “unpatriotic,” or “the problem of Nigeria.” THE COLLAPSE OF TRUE DEMOCRACY Our democracy has been emptied of opposition, accountability, and courage. The ruling elite governs without scrutiny; the opposition sleeps without shame; and the people are told to be silent in the name of patriotism. We are witnessing a democracy that functions like an autocracy, where citizens are blamed for corruption while the corrupt are celebrated. The public good has been replaced with private greed, and moral responsibility has been outsourced to the powerless. THE TRUE DIAGNOSIS Yes, Nigerians must fix Nigeria but that includes those in power: ministers, governors, lawmakers, civil servants, and local officials who shape policy, control budgets, and enforce the law. Leadership is not a separate species; it is drawn from the citizenry. When you remove government from the analysis, you commit a grave intellectual error—you amputate the very organ that drives the body. Reform must therefore begin from both ends: A responsible citizenry, committed to integrity and civic duty. A responsive government, bound by law, transparency, and justice. You cannot cure a nation by blaming its patients while excusing its doctors. THE PATH FORWARD Let us rebuild a participatory democracy where government is not a deity but a servant; where opposition is not treason but patriotism; and where truth is not punished as disloyalty. Let us teach our children that governance is not an escape from accountability, but its highest test. A country that silences criticism in the name of peace is not seeking peace, it is postponing explosion. Nigeria must now choose: either to confront its leadership failures or to keep blaming its victims. Taiwo Akiniami

https://truthnigeria.com/

Nigeria Is in Crisis: She Needs Statesmen to Fix Her, Not Politicians “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” – Frederick Douglass “The greatest danger to the State is independent intellectual criticism.” – Murray Rothbard “The State is the systematization of the predatory process over a given territory.” – Franz Oppenheimer Introduction Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy by GDP, is battling an existential crisis. Over six decades after independence, the nation continues to lurch from one crisis to another — economic collapse, extreme insecurity, chronic corruption, social fragmentation, and institutional decay. The root cause? A bankrupt political class that thrives on manipulation, patronage, and a zero-sum view of power. The current Nigerian crisis cannot be resolved by politicians, for they are the very architects and beneficiaries of the broken system. It is statesmen — men and women of integrity, foresight, and sacrifice — who can heal Nigeria’s festering wounds. To understand the depth of the crisis and the way forward, we must take a comprehensive look at Nigeria’s historical trajectory, structural failures, and leadership deficit. 1. Nigeria’s Economic Nightmare: A History of Squandered Opportunities Since independence in 1960, Nigeria has earned over $1 trillion in oil revenue. Yet, more than 133 million Nigerians — about 63% of the population — live in multidimensional poverty (NBS, 2022). Nigeria overtook India in 2018 as the country with the highest number of people living in extreme poverty. Key Economic Indicators (1960–2024): Unemployment: Currently at 33% (NBS, 2023); youth unemployment is over 42%. Inflation: As of 2024, inflation stands at over 30%, driven by food prices, energy shocks, and monetary instability. Public Debt: Nigeria’s debt has ballooned from ₦2.4 trillion in 2006 to over ₦97 trillion in 2024. Debt servicing now consumes over 90% of government revenue. Currency Devaluation: From ₦1 = $0.80 in 1980 to over ₦1,500 = $1 in 2024. Industrial Collapse: Over 70% of Nigeria’s manufacturing firms operate below capacity or have shut down due to epileptic power supply, corruption, and insecurity. This economic failure is not by accident — it is the product of predatory governance. As Franz Oppenheimer rightly explained, when a band of elites seizes power to extract wealth by political means rather than by production or innovation, a parasitic state emerges — this has been Nigeria’s fate. 2. Insecurity: A Nation Under Siege The Nigerian state has lost its monopoly over violence. From Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast, to bandits in the Northwest, herdsmen militias in the Middle Belt, secessionist agitations in the Southeast, cult wars in the South-South, and rising urban crime, the entire nation is at war with itself. Casualty Statistics: Boko Haram Insurgency (2009–2024): Over 100,000 lives lost, more than 2.5 million displaced. Banditry in the Northwest (2015–2024): Over 12,000 deaths, hundreds of schoolchildren kidnapped. Farmer-Herder Clashes: Over 4,000 lives lost in the last five years alone. IPOB and Security Forces Clashes: Over 1,500 deaths since 2020. The inability — or unwillingness — of the political class to address root causes such as poverty, inequality, and ethnic tension has allowed non-state actors to flourish. 3. A Broken Social Contract The fundamental basis of governance is a social contract: the governed surrender certain freedoms in exchange for protection and services. In Nigeria, that contract is in tatters. Citizens receive neither protection, nor infrastructure, nor justice. Rather, they are taxed, exploited, and ignored. *Public trust in institutions is at an all-time low:* Police: Ranked among the worst globally in public perception and corruption. Elections: Marred by vote-buying, violence, and rigging — 2023 general elections recorded lowest turnout in history (27%). Education: Over 20 million out-of-school children. Healthcare: Nigeria accounts for 20% of global maternal deaths despite being only 2.5% of the world’s population. 4. Leadership Crisis: The Root of All Problems Politicians in Nigeria see public office as a reward and means of accumulation, not a platform for service. As the popular saying goes, “politicians think of the next election; statesmen think of the next generation.” From Tafawa Balewa to Buhari, Nigeria’s leadership has been largely reactive, transactional, and self-serving. Despite pockets of progress under leaders like Obafemi Awolowo (as Premier of the Southwest), Murtala Mohammed (as Military Head of State), or Dora Akunyili (as minister), the system remains rigged against visionaries and reformers. 5. A Compromised Constitution: The Sharia Contradiction The 1999 Constitution is riddled with contradictions and imbalances. It proclaims Nigeria a secular state, yet embeds Sharia law into the justice system of some states. This dual system undermines national unity and violates the rights of non-Muslims in affected regions. 12 Northern states operate Sharia courts, with cases of amputations, floggings, and religious persecution. This contradicts the universal application of civil law and creates two-tiered citizenship. The constitution, imposed by a military junta, was never subjected to a referendum and lacks legitimacy. Without a people-driven constitution, the Nigerian union remains structurally defective. 6. Why Politicians Can’t Fix Nigeria Politicians thrive on the status quo. Their loyalty is not to the nation but to godfathers, ethnic cliques, or economic interests. They: View governance as patronage. Weaponize poverty to win votes. Lack ideological commitments. Suppress dissent and intellectual independence — the very threat Rothbard warned about. *Nigeria is structured to benefit the elite at the expense of the masses. Expecting politicians to dismantle a system that enriches them is wishful thinking.* 7. Statesmen: The Urgent Need of the Hour A statesman is defined by vision, moral courage, and commitment to the public good. Unlike politicians, statesmen seek legacy, not luxury. Qualities we must demand in leaders: Character: Integrity, discipline, and faithfulness. Competence: Proven capacity to deliver and innovate. Conviction: The courage to make tough, unpopular but necessary decisions. Think of Nelson Mandela, Lee Kuan Yew, or Thomas Sankara — leaders who rose above their narrow interest to serve posterity. Nigeria has such men and women — in academia, churches, communities, and business. But they must rise. And we, the people, must create the platforms for them to lead. 8. A Call to Action: The Church Must Lead the Renaissance The Church — the Body of Christ — is not exempt. If we are truly the light of the world and salt of the earth, we must step out of the pews and into the public square. Silence in the face of injustice is complicity. We must: Mobilise at the grassroots: From Ward to LGA to State and Federal levels on the national Christian Political Platform; Christian Social Movement of Nigeria | Occupy.ng (Luke 19:13) Educate the people: Political awareness, voter education, and civic responsibility. Mentor new leaders: Through discipleship, leadership training, and character development. Build platforms: Political movements, advocacy groups, and value-based political parties. *The liberation of Nigeria will not come from the top. It will come from the bottom-up revolution of consciousness, anchored by godly leadership and a Christocentric political culture.* Summary Nigeria stands at the edge of a precipice. The failure of politics as usual is undeniable. The days of celebrating politicians who offer nothing but tokenism must end. It is time for statesmen — men and women of purpose, principle, and prophetic vision — to take the reins of leadership. Let history not record that we watched our nation crumble while we prayed passively. Let it be said that in the moment of Nigeria’s greatest peril, a generation arose, equipped not with guns, but with truth, courage, and a burden for the next generation. The hour is late. The need is urgent. The call is clear. Nigeria must be reborn — not by politicians, but by statesmen. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” – Proverbs 14:34 “If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray… I will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14 Let us answer the call. Written by: Kingsley Shola Ayinde For inquiries, permissions, or mobilization efforts click: Christian Social Movement of Nigeria | Occupy.ng (Luke 19:13) (CSMN) or call:+2348033642068; email: kingsleyayinde@gmail.com

Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria: Roles, Responsibilities, and Remuneration* By: Steve Bond Public Affairs Commentator Local Government Chairmen play a vital role in Nigeria's grassroots governance. Their responsibilities include overseeing local government administration, budgeting and financial management, infrastructure development, maintaining peace and security, policy implementation, revenue collection, and representing the local government. Responsibilities *Overseeing Local Government Administration*: Managing council operations, departments, and staff to ensure smooth delivery of services like healthcare, education, and sanitation. - *Budgeting and Financial Management*: Preparing and presenting the council's budget, ensuring proper utilization of local funds, and accounting for development projects. - *Infrastructure and Development Projects*: Leading projects that impact local communities, such as road grading, building health centers, and renovating schools. - *Maintaining Peace and Security*: Collaborating with security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to resolve conflicts and maintain peace. - *Policy Implementation*: Executing federal and state government policies at the local level to benefit the community. - *Revenue Collection*: Overseeing the collection of local taxes, levies, and rates to fund community development projects and council operations. - *Representing the Local Government*: Representing the local government's interests in meetings with state government, donor agencies, or international NGOs. Salary and Allowances The salary structure for Local Government Chairmen varies across states, but the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) determines their remuneration. Here's a breakdown: - *Basic Monthly Salary*: ₦336,000 to ₦400,000 - *Total Monthly Package (with allowances)*: ₦1,500,000 to ₦2,500,000 or ₦500,000 to ₦850,000, depending on the source and state - *Allowances*: - *Hardship Allowance* - *Constituency Allowance* - *Security and Duty Tour Allowance* - *Furniture Allowance* (once per tenure) - *Vehicle Maintenance* - *Entertainment Allowance* - *Housing Allowance* (or official housing) - *Medical Care* - *Security Personnel* - *Travel Allowances* Local Government Chairmen also enjoy other benefits, including: - *Official Vehicles* - Pension or Gratuity (depending on state laws) - *Other Support Services* to ensure effective discharge of duties Keep in mind that actual salaries and benefits may vary depending on the state and local government area.

https://www.silentslaughternigeria.com/

A heartfelt Father's Day tribute from Star Plus Battery, celebrating the often‑overlooked dads—dealers, distributors, and installers—who power Nigerian homes. Through their dedication, they ensure families stay lit during outages, support loved ones, and embody fatherhood both on and off the job. https://starplus.com.ng/blog/dads-who-deliver-power-saluting-the-backbone-of-our-battery-network-this-fathers-day/ #nigerianpowersolution #batterynetworkheros #fathersday #nigeria #powerbacjknigeria

https://starplus.com.ng/blog/celebrating-nigerian-democracy-day-with-long-lasting-power-supply/

*God Is Interested in Politics—Because God Is Interested in the City.* Politics, from the Greek polis, means the affairs of the city—and God has never been silent about the city. In *Zechariah 1:17b,* the LORD declares: *“My cities shall again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.”* This is not just a promise to ancient Israel, but a prophetic pattern for our time. God’s redemptive agenda always starts with the transformation of His people, then extends to the Seven Spheres of the Society or cities, and ultimately to disciple their nation. In *Zechariah 3:1–7,* God delivers Joshua the high priest—the spiritual leader—from satanic accusation. Then in *Zechariah 4:6–9,* He empowers Zerubbabel—the civil leader—with the Spirit of Grace: *“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”* God does not separate the sacred from the civic. He moves in both the temple and the Presidential palace, the pulpit and the public square. When the Church in Nigeria rises in righteousness and leadership, God will visit our national leadership with reform, prosperity, and restoration. Just as prosperity flowed from Jerusalem to all of Judea and beyond, so shall revival and righteous governance flow from God’s house in Nigeria to Aso Rock in Abuja, the corridors of power. *The solution to Nigeria’s problems will not come from foreign powers or political parties alone—it will come when the Church takes its rightful place and God visits both the ecclesiastical and the civil leadership by His Spirit.* Let the Church arise. Let the leaders be purified. Let the mountains become plains. *For the time has come for His cities to be rebuilt, His kingdom to be spread, and His glory to cover Nigeria as the waters cover the sea.* #KingdomGovernance #GodInTheCity #KingsleySholaAyindeMandate