Opinion

For many years, Gumi has attracted criticism because of his contacts with bandits. Some commentators have accused him of being too sympathetic to them. Others have questioned why he meets with them in their forest hideouts. But instead of seeing him as part of the problem, Nigerians should ask whether he can be part of the solution.

As LPG becomes more expensive, many households are forced to abandon it and return to firewood and charcoal. While these fuels may appear cheaper in the short term, their widespread use carries enormous long-term costs for the nation.

It must first be clearly stated that the North’s preference for Nigerian unity is not because it is incapable of standing on its own, nor because it is uniquely dependent on the present federal arrangement for its existence. Historically, the North demonstrated a strong capacity for political cohesion and governance under the regional system, where the Caliphate produced the Premier and the Sultanate provided the Governor. With a vast, geographically contiguous landmass, a dominant lingua franca and largely shared religious and cultural frameworks, a substantial part of Northern Nigeria has historically functioned as a coherent political space.

When a political party becomes a safe haven for every power-seeker and opportunistic defector, when individuals lacking genuine conviction flock like moths to the allure of authority, disaster is inevitable. Any organization founded on greed and self-interest is destined to crumble. The evidence is everywhere—politicians from all sides are converging on the ruling party. Governors, senators, and former adversaries now speak with a united voice. Their motivations are not rooted in patriotism or shared beliefs, but rather in personal gain. Their alignment with the APC is not a matter of ideology; it is a calculated move to maintain influence in the corridors where national resources are distributed.

It is well-documented that Christians in Nigeria have experienced significant targeting and fatalities at the hands of Islamist terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP over the past 14 years. However, it is equally important to note that Muslims have also been targeted and killed by these same groups during this period.

Strikes in Nigeria have become less of reform tools and more of blackmail strategies. From NUBIFE to ASUU to NUPENG, the pattern is the same. Leaders posture as defenders of the masses, but their actions cripple the very people they claim to represent. When NUPENG withdraws services, Abuja politicians grumble but survive. The real devastation is on the street, where every Nigerian is forced to pay more, suffer more, and adjust more.