Column No.6: Abuja’s security, Wike, Shettima’s birthday on my Nigerian mind

I can’t seem to remember if I have done this before, where I rounded up the main things on my mind on a particular week, and wrote about them itemized. Well, that’s what I’m doing this week, with things ranging from politics, to governance, and even security. I suppose it is because I feel strongly […]

I can’t seem to remember if I have done this before, where I rounded up the main things on my mind on a particular week, and wrote about them itemized. Well, that’s what I’m doing this week, with things ranging from politics, to governance, and even security. I suppose it is because I feel strongly about the topics, and I want to touch on them all. A friend I spoke to about this said ‘Isn’t that a fantastic problem to have, that of many choices?’ I ask you, dear reader, to be the judge.

Postscript: To everyone who’s ever written to this column – positively or negatively – I say ’thank you’. This is a reminder that you can please continue to send me emails, as well as text messages to the address and number provided above.

1. Security in Abuja: Last week, I was heading home from an evening function, at about 10:30 pm, and decided to take a route I have never used before, on the detour from Area 1 roundabout. I noticed from the ‘bush’ part of the project that a car was heading towards me, and it suddenly accelerated in an attempt to ram into the back side of my car, which it did. It revved again, as I negotiated the turn that would take me to the main highway, and zoomed in for another strike which it missed narrowly. I immediately hit the S on my gear and sped away from the scene, losing their lights in my rearview in less than 15 minutes. What could have played out had I stopped is unimaginable, as it was definitely a random attack which many a road user might have suffered in the past, or even continue to go through presently on that route and perhaps others. It goes without saying that Abuja’s security seems paper-thin these days, and I will do a full article on the disturbing trends soon. But before then, what is the police force doing about it, apart from prancing about like a leopard, doing nothing?
2. Wike’s Abuja (mis)adventures:

Speaking about Abuja’s security, or lack thereof, shouldn’t newly-minted FCT minister Nyesom Wike start by doing practical things like making sure street lights are fully operational so criminals won’t have the benefit of a cover of darkness within which to operate? It appears he’s taking his job to the grassroots rather too literally, chasing demolitions and such. Yes, that’s the easiest and cheapest way to get headlines and to project an illusion of sudden action. While a return to the masterplan is indeed a welcome thing, there are better ways to begin work than to apply a draconian approach to a national assignment before the ink he signed his lettr of appointment (assuming that’s how it is done) has even dried. I know: Nasir El-Rufai’s FCT shoes are colossal ones to fill and it’s easy for anyone to feel intimidated by the ex-minister’s achievements, but some human feeling and respect for legality would go a long way in avoiding human rights drama no-one needs right now.

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3. Kashim Shettima’s birthday: Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima was recently in the news, appealing to friends and well-wishers to change the way his birthday is celebrated as he clocks up 57 today, Saturday, September 2. On his Twitter handle, he urged well-wishers to refrain from placing adverts on newspapers or any paid channels to convey their birthday greetings. While some other public officials have said so in the past, for some reason it sounds more authentic coming from the VP, as anyone who has met him can attest to his humility and accessibility. Part of the tweet went: “In the spirit of our nation’s commitment to responsible resource management and responsive governance, I kindly ask you to refrain from placing birthday wishes on newspaper pages or utilizing paid channels to convey your greetings.” I would like to apologize for [politely] not listening to that line, and wishing Senator Kashim Shettima a happy birthday here, on the pages of a newspaper. But I have a good reason: He is, after all, a leader who has shown in his past and present political iterations a great and deep love for books and reading, as well as literacy and education. Also, long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Post-postscript: How time – and word counts – fly! I’m exceeding my limit, even if my short list has not been exhausted. That can only mean one thing: This list will be continued next week under a new title reflective of the items.