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SILENCE IN THE FACE OF INJUSTICE: THE ISI-UZO EXAMPLE

Published

5 years ago

October 5, 2020

By Ifeanyi Ogenyi

Bishop Desmond Tutu once said: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality”.

The above quote aptly captures the position of most of the Isi-Uzo people who have chosen to be silent in the face of injustices against them in their Senatorial District.

A few days ago, I posed a question: “WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THE POSITION OF ISI-UZO IN THE POWER SHARING EQUATION IN ENUGU EAST SENATORIAL DISTRICT SINCE THE RETURN OF DEMOCRACY IN 1999 TIL DATE?

The above question attracted a lot of reactions but unfortunately, the answers elicited from the question were full of sympathy for Isi-Uzo people who have been strangely seen as a political orphan and the most unfairly treated Local Government Council in Enugu East Senatorial District has been so long denied the opportunities to represent the zone in any elective or representative capacity since 1999 till date.

Many agreed that for a very long time now, Isi-Uzo has been in political oblivion in the politics of power-sharing in the Senatorial Zone.

It is crystal clear that the injustices against Ndi Isi-Uzo are numerous and as an L.G.A, it has been practically excluded in the political dimension of power-sharing by the “Core Nkanu”.

The situation of political haplessness in which Isi-Uzo people found themselves in the Senatorial calls for concern of all the Stakeholders in the zone and all men of good conscience and a good sense of justice in Enugu redress the injustice.

It is very crucial to remind our brothers from other parts of the zone that Isi-Uzo is part and parcel of Enugu East Senatorial District and all other local government councils in the zone have benefited immeasurably from the zone except Isi-Uzo people.

In fact, it is safe to state that all the persons who had represented and still representing the zone in the Senate from 1999 to date seamlessly attained that position by leveraging on the block votes of Isi-Uzo people which had always been the deciding factors of who wins. Isi-Uzo has the most politically conscious people in Enugu East Senatorial District.

And it is indeed very unfortunate that after many years of a show of support and solidarity to other parts of Nkanu land by Isi-Uzo people, the kind gestures and goodwill extended unreservedly have not been reciprocated, rather, Isi-Uzo people appears to have been judged negatively by their brothers from other parts of Nkanu who incidentally were great benefactors of the goodwill.

There is no local government in Enugu East Senatorial District that has never had a fair share in the power-sharing except Isi-Uzo. All other five local governments namely: Nkanu East, Nkanu West, Enugu East, Enugu North, and Enugu South had once, twice, or even thrice had a bite on the cherry by representing the zone in one capacity or the other. Why is Isi-Uzo relegated to the background in the power-sharing? Why is Isi-Uzo dressed in the toga of “Political Orphan? Is it deserving of them?

Is 2023 not an opportunity to redress the injustices and unfair political treatments meted out to Isi-Uzo people in their Senatorial District? The time for the healing of the wounds should be by 2023. The moment to balance the imbalances.

The cardinal principles of justice, equity, and fairness should be applied in power-sharing especially so in choosing who occupies the Lion Building come 2023 when it is expected to be the turn of Enugu East Senatorial District to produce the next number one citizen of the State.

Hence, Isi-Uzo people should be allowed this time to occupy the seat of the Governor of the State if eventually zoned to Enugu East Senatorial District in line with the long-standing zoning arrangement in the State.

As deliberately poised as politics may appear, conceding the governorship position to Isi-Uzo will not only give them a sense of belonging in the zone but will also meet the ends of justice, equity, and fairness.
The case of Isi-Uzo is so pathetic that no Stakeholder in Enugu with an acute sense of justice should rest comfortably without seeing that justice is done because you don’t know when such a thing will befall any other L.G.A for whatever reason.

But the most worrisome of all is the pretentious attitudes and political posturings of most of the Isi-Uzo people in the face of the imbalances in the zone.

In the face of all these injustices, most of the Isi-Uzo people have chosen to hide in their trenches and to die in silence.
Where are the men? The time is now! Are Isi-Uzo people naïve? Not at all. While some have chosen to remain silent in the whole pathetic situation Isi-Uzo found itself, some have opined that it is too early to be talking about Isi-Uzo being allowed to occupy the Lion Building by 2023; and I asked what makes it to be too early for Isi-Uzo people to state the obvious? One thing that is clear is that power is not always gotten on a platter of gold, it is taken most time though not necessarily by force but by constructive arguments, agitations, engagements, and lobbying which all tools of power politics. And this is what is expected of Isi-Uzo people now, having known their political status in the power-sharing in the zone.

And for those who have chosen to be neutral and silent, it is very important to remind them that they are on the side of the oppressors and posterity will not kind to them.

Let there be justice, let justice, equity, and fairness reign in Enugu East Senatorial District.

In all, let our brothers from other parts of Nkanu land support Isi-Uzo come 2023 to be in the Lion Building. It will serve the best interest of justice, equity, and fairness; and Nkanu will ever remain great.

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Presidency Refutes Afenifere’s Deceitful Statement on President Bola Tinubu’s Midterm:

Published

6 days ago

June 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Chief Sunday Dare

The statement from a factional Afenifere group raises serious concerns about a penchant and deliberate attempt to find faults and trade in deceit instead of objectivity. The group has found it challenging to accept that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s comeback story is firmly underway.

The rebellious Afenifere claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s performance over the past two years has witnessed a regression in human development, economic mismanagement, and democratic backsliding.

This is a jaundiced view, echoing the view of opposition politicians, one of whom the group supported in the 2023 election.

A balanced assessment based on available data reveals a more objective and progressive picture, with significant achievements amid the challenges expected from a country like Nigeria with decades-old problems.

Beyond its confounding conclusions based on prejudice, the statement raises the following issues. With the ensuing point-by-point clarification, it will become clear that the group’s position is neither grounded in facts nor logic.

Economic Reforms and Their Impact

The factional Afenifere’s claim that Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, have led to “unmitigated sufferings” and “economic deforms” seeks to draw attention to some of the challenges but overlooks the macroeconomic gains. The removal of the fuel subsidy, announced on May 29, 2023, saved the government over $10 billion in 2023 alone, reducing fiscal strain and redirecting funds to other sectors. Unifying the foreign exchange market and the naira’s floatation aimed to address distortions in the currency market, boosted foreign reserves to $38.1 billion by 2024 and achieved a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion for the country.

Under the Tinubu administration, Nigeria’s annual inflation rate fell to 23.71% in April 2025 from 24.23% in the prior month. Food inflation, the most significant component of the inflation basket, remained elevated but moderated to 21.26% from 21.79%

While these figures indicate stabilisation, the immediate impact on ordinary Nigerians is not lost. The government’s cash transfer programme, which provides funds to the poorest households and benefits over 5.7 million households, is a credible outreach.

However, dismissing the twin policies as “unforced errors” ignores the unsustainable nature of the previous subsidy regime and multiple exchange rate systems, which were draining public finances. A more balanced critique would acknowledge the necessity of reform while emphasising the need for better-targeted social safety nets.

As of today, the Tinubu administration has recorded over 900,000 beneficiaries of the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, over 600,000 beneficiaries of the Students’ Loan Scheme, NELFUND, N70,000 minimum wage, NYSC monthly stipend increase from N33,000 to N77,000, Free CNG kits distributed to thousands of commercial drivers across Nigeria with CNG buses rolled out in partnership with state governments, leading to a significant drop in transport costs. The administration also recorded over $10 Billion FX debt cleared, Federal account allocation to states growing by 60%, enabling more local development projects, N50 billion released to end the perennial ASUU strikes, and over 1,000 PHCs revitalised nationwide with an additional 5,500 undergoing upgrades.

The administration also disbursed N75 Billion in palliative funds to states and LGs for food distribution and cash transfers, over 150,000 youths are being trained in software development, tech support and data analysis under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) project, over 20,000 affordable housing units under construction under the renewed Hope cities program launched across Nigeria, N200 Billion in Loans to farmers and agro-processors. Other gains: over two million Nigerians are now connected to new digital infrastructure and community broadband hubs and public WiFi projects, 3.84% GDP growth in Q4 2024 (highest in 3 years), over $50 Billion in new FDI Commitments, Net Foreign Exchange Reserves up from $3.99 Billion (2023) to $23.11 Billion (2024), over $8 Billion in new oil and gas investments unlocked, and over $800 million realised in processing investments in solid minerals in 2024 and inflation as at April was down to 23.17%.

It is now pertinent to inquire from opposition leaders about alternative strategies they would propose in contrast to this administration’s extensive list of significant achievements currently benefiting Nigerians in real-time.

Cost of Governance and the Oronsaye Report

The assertion that the Tinubu administration has failed to implement the Oronsaye Report and instead increased governance costs is inaccurate. The Oronsaye Report, which recommends the merger or scrapping of government agencies to reduce expenditure, has not been fully implemented and has drawn criticisms; it must be noted, however, that the administration has made some efforts to improve fiscal discipline. The fiscal deficit was reduced from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, and the debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from nearly 100% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024. The government also recorded over N6 trillion in revenue in Q1 2025, partly due to removing Ways & Means financing and fuel subsidies. These steps demonstrate fiscal prudence and will eventually translate into immediate, tangible relief for citizens. The administration is working earnestly to address these optics and prioritise cost-cutting measures, including implementing the Oronsaye Report, to restore public trust.

Allegations of Prebendalism and Corruption

Afenifere’s claim that the administration favours “the privileged and connected” through corrupt palliative distribution and mega-project allocations is questionable. Reports of palliatives being mismanaged or distributed through unverified channels have no doubt surfaced, raising concerns about transparency.

The administration has taken steps against corruption, such as suspending Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu in January 2024 over alleged fund diversion, signalling some commitment to accountability. Critics may argue that more systemic action is needed, but dismissing all the efforts as propaganda overlooks these initial steps.

Without abusing Presidential powers, the administration is working on expediting action on all pending investigations and prosecution of corrupt practices. At the same time, critical agencies are collating credible evidence on ongoing corruption litigations. It must, however, be noted that in 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured a record-breaking 4,111 convictions, marking its most successful year since its inception. They recovered over N364 billion and significant amounts in foreign currencies, including $214.5 Million, $54,318.64, and 31,265 Euros.

The EFCC achieved its single most significant asset recovery in 2025, with the final forfeiture of an Abuja estate measuring 150,500 square meters and containing 725 units of duplexes and other apartments. The EFCC concluded the final forfeiture and handed the estate to the Ministry of Housing in May 2025.

Democratic Concerns and Centralisation

Afenifere’s accusation that the Tinubu administration is pursuing a “one-party state totalitarianism” and undermining democratic institutions is unsupported and lacks merit. The claim of neutralising the legislature and judiciary is also a false alarm.

The public should note that the Supreme Court has upheld opposition victories in states like Kano, Plateau, and Abia, suggesting judicial independence. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faced criticism for allegedly appointing individuals said to be ruling party affiliates, but no evidence confirms these appointees are card-carrying APC members.

The allegation that the Tinubu government cracks down on peaceful protesters is primarily unfounded. It is a regurgitated rhetoric deployed under previous administrations as a reflection of broader challenges in Nigeria’s democratic culture.

The issue of the State Police is more complex than the oversimplified approach of the factional Afenifere’s statement. Every administration policy is subject to security impact assessment before implementation, and there is a difference between the State Police being widely advocated and a Police State that critics may blame the Federal Government for if implemented without caution.

Security and Social Welfare

Contrary to the impression created, the administration’s security record is impressive. Over 13,500 terrorists, bandits, and insurgents have been neutralised and 7,000 arrested in the past year, though there is still some news of abductions and violent attacks. The administration’s proactive response to security-related matters has paved the way for more farmers to return to their farms, impacting food production and supply.

The administration also embarked on agricultural initiatives, including tractor procurement, fertiliser distribution, and increased mechanisation.

The government has also not relented on its Regional Development drive as the administration succeeded in establishing Development Commissions across 6 Geopolitical zones (South West, North West, North Central. North East, South East and the Niger Delta) to empower communities and accelerate developments.

Political Climate and 2027 Elections
The claims of government-sponsored conflicts within opposition parties lack concrete evidence and should be ignored.

Economic reforms are undoubtedly laying the foundation for long-term stability, with GDP growth at 4.6% in Q4 2024 and a Fitch B credit rating upgrade as evidence. Moody’s Investors Service’s latest upgrade of Nigeria’s rating from Caa1 to B3, with a Stable Outlook, indicates that the Tinubu administration is on the right path.

The government is not oblivious to some discontent and difficult times among Nigerians. There is an urgency to deliver more tangible results, which is guaranteed given the impressive performance of the administration in just two years.

Afenifere’s statement saw the cup as half empty. On the contrary, it’s half full. Under President Tinubu’s administration, some of Nigeria’s hydra-headed problems are being tackled headlong.

The administration has achieved fiscal improvements, such as reduced deficits and increased revenues, which will eventually translate into meaningful microeconomic relief for most Nigerians in the short term, even as the government moves to address these issues with greater empathy and transparency.

The administration’s demonstrable priorities are securing the nation, fixing the economy, and improving human capital development.

Responsible citizens and political leaders must work collaboratively with the administration to address the challenges and counter disinformation, as highlighted in the admonition against fake news and deceptive AI videos.

Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is turning the corner. From stabilising the naira and curbing inflation to reducing debt burdens and

expanding access to education and health, the administration delivers bold reforms with actual results. With improved security, regional inclusion, anti-corruption measures, and institutional rebuilding, Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete — but it is firmly underway.

– Sunday Dare is the Special Adviser to Mr. President on Media and Public Communications.

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