Politics

Nigeria: The Politics of the Hunger Protest and the Wrong Move for the Government’s Attention

Published

2 years ago

August 6, 2024

News Net Global

Nigeria: The Politics of the Hunger Protest and the Wrong Move for the Government's Attention

Nigeria: The Politics of the Hunger Protest and the Wrong Move for the Government’s Attention

By: Dr. James Bwala

In the legendary 1955 film Rebel Without a Cause, three middle-class teenagers unexpectedly commit three separate crimes and then claim their acts were due to the fact that they were frustrated with their parental situations. In real life, a rebellion sociology definition refers to when an individual rebuffs goals and means that are accepted by a society and replaces them with goals and means that are not accepted by the society. This claim is corroborated by the definition by Robert K. Merton, which defines rebellion as when an individual replaces goals, as well as means, that are accepted by their society with goals, as well as means, that are not accepted by their society. He also defines rebellion as being more extreme than retreatism.

The August 1–10 announcement of a peaceful protest was like the classical film Rebel without a Cause; in this case, however, I can say, Protest without a Cause. Although the protest was tagged as ‘Hunger Protest’, with a promise of a peaceful movement, the resulting end clearly indicated that more than issues of hunger, the protest has its own agenda to achieve beyond the surface to which it was organized. Political protest is defined as a variety of methods used by individuals and groups to express dissatisfaction with the current political system, often involving mass activism outside of traditional parliamentary channels, such as demonstrations, boycotts, and civil disobedience. What the organizers said is that the protest is going to be peaceful. But what we saw from day one to day five of this protest was the sociology definition in Robert K. Morton’s words: rebellion.

How can someone explain the sense of burning our national flag and raising the flag of another country or the military flag in democratic settings with a call for military intervention if the real reason behind the protest is hunger?

Hunger is defined by the United Nations as periods when people experience severe food insecurity, meaning that they go for entire days without eating due to a lack of money, access to food, or other resources. However, what we saw during this period is that hunger is more complicated than empty bellies. It interconnects issues of poverty, inequality, conflict, climate change, gender discrimination, weak government and health systems, etc., all of which play a role in driving hunger.

From the discussions arising on matters of the protest, the display and interplay of issues give a reflection of the kind of society that we are living in. A society where we have all failed to look beyond ourselves and our contributions to where we are currently living and choose to shift blame is typical of a Nigerian, who sees nothing wrong with his or her action or inaction but dares to condemn the actions of others. I have lived closer to one of the biggest internally displaced persons, the IDP camp in Maiduguri, and I got the figures of persons living at that camp standing at 38,000 in population. More than 12,000 households and that camp called “Bakassi IDP Camp” in Maiduguri gave me an understanding of the definition of hunger by the United Nations.

I have traveled far and wide in my work as a reporter. I have visited places affected by Boko Haram conflicts and banditry, especially in the Northeast, Northwest, and Central Nigeria. I have visited a few places in the southeast and south-south parts of the country, and I have been home in the southwest part of the country for the last two decades of my journey in the journalism mines field. I have seen the results of poverty and what our protesters tagged as the lead in the 10-day protests as the days count. In all these, I have learned lessons about the resilience of our people in the face of hunger. That hunger is the issue for this protest was something far from the truth, and still, I cannot comprehend why it has to be about the Tinubu administration. This is not about the hunger protest; it is about a political interest, and this is the wrong move to get the government’s attention.

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Many Nigerians have been brainwashed not to see anything good about the Tinubu administration but hunger and hardship in the land. They have seen nothing in the speech made by the president. They described the speech as empty because, according to them, it did not define what they had expected. Most of them speaking have held government’s offices at certain levels in their careers and have enjoyed government’s scholarship in one way or another. In their own eyes, what they have done or contributed is good enough to position them to criticize the government today. They never see their actions or inaction in the past as contributing to the mass neglect of their duties that informed and brought us to where we are today.

I have the opportunity to speak with some high-level citizens who share their views and support for the protest. In our discussions, the list of those who supported the protest includes over 30 individuals. Some of them are friends of the president. I believe if they wanted to see the president, they could do so without stress. I do not know why they would stand so far and support or acknowledge the protest when they can easily approach the president and inform or give him advice that can move the nation forward. I could not be convinced, knowing the positions they held in the past, that their voices could not matter at this time and that only by supporting or nodding heads at the protest could they be heard.

We all know about government: the office, authority, or function of governing. Governing: having control over or ruling over oneself. We all understand governance as the activity of governing. Accordingly, governance is a set of decisions and processes made to reflect social expectations through the management or leadership of the government (by extension, under liberal democratic ideals, the will of ‘the people’ as they rule themselves). There are many issues implicit in this set of relationships whose core revolves around the notion of citizenship, as this defines the body politic over which claims of self-rule apply.

In the most general sense, we have the difference between a liberal democratic view that the government (state) serves citizens who have a natural claim to services as a benefit and right of citizenship on the one hand and, on the other, the counter-enlightenment view often associated with fascism: that the citizen must serve the state and has no rights other than those granted by the state. In what may be called the American model of citizenship, which, through our system of government practice, is a broadly endowed set of rights representing potential claims for benefits as defined by the state, what constitutes a valid claim by citizens is contested, and then the question of who qualifies to have claims met is debated. This offers us an opportunity to understand a number of pressing issues hotly contested: what is the proper role of government, who should have the right to make claims, how exclusionary or inclusive we should be as a society, how are rights defined and defended, to name but a few.

It was supposed to be a peaceful protest, as the organizers have told us. But what we saw on the streets on the first of August was nothing short of rebellion. They said it was hijacked, but who hijacked it? In what I saw on the streets, strong young men who do not qualify under the definition of hunger are those on the streets. In what I saw on the streets are young men who are raising another country’s flag other than my country’s flag. What I saw on the streets were the young men who were burning my country’s flag and chanting for military intervention. I ran through the streets and talked to some people within the bracket of hunger as defined by the United Nations; they are the onlookers and those who are praying that this does not escalate to a situation where we could not have a country to call our own because some disgruntled fools are let loose on our streets for political score cards in the name of hunger protest.

Dr. James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

Nigeria: The Politics of the Hunger Protest and the Wrong Move for the Government’s Attention

Politics

Midala 2027: A Call for Accountability in Hawul and Askira/Uba Constituency

Published

10 hours ago

February 22, 2026

News Net Global

Hon. Midala Usman Balami

Midala 2027: A Call for Accountability in Hawul and Askira/Uba Constituency

Dr. James Bwala

It is the right of every constituent member to ask questions of their representative on how they run with the trust we gave them. The best time to ask questions, however, is when the elections are approaching. For us in the Hawul and Askira/Uba federal constituency, this is the time for us to begin to ask our representative, Dr. Midala Usman Balami, what he did or did not do with the mandate we gave him on trust against all odds in 2023. This is the right thing to do because the relationship between constituents and their representatives is built on a foundation of trust and accountability. This trust is cultivated through promises made during campaigns, upheld by actions taken while in office, and reinforced through consistent communication and service to the people.

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In the case of Hon. Midala Usman Balami, the member representing the Hawul and Askira/Uba federal constituency in Borno State, that sacred trust appears to have been severely compromised. We, as constituents, find ourselves grappling with feelings of disillusionment as we witness actions that suggest not only a betrayal of our confidence but also an alarming disregard for the responsibilities entrusted to him.

The recent incidents involving Hon. Balami have elicited strong reactions from the electorate. Reports indicate that he allegedly placed a close friend in police custody following a minor disagreement, reflecting an unsettling pattern of using his position not for the benefit of the people but for personal aggrandizement. Reports back home suggest a total betrayal of trust as our people come with different stories that touch the heart. The stories we hear as we interview constituent members left us with the feelings that they leave with every day. Their lives, their stories tell of a tale our people had to deal with under what I can only call a detailed representation.

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The actions and inactions of our representative in the green chamber left our people in the mercy of political rhetoric on papers and tears of bitterness on the ground. His actions of putting a friend they called “Bold Lion” in police net have travelled to every home in both Hawul and Askira/Uba local governments, portraying a legacy mark he is bringing into our society. Such actions speak deeply within a society that values community and solidarity. To betray a friend in such a manner speaks volumes not only about his character but also the values he embodies as our elected representative. In the eyes of many constituents, this incident marks him as one of the worst representatives in the history of our local governments—a stark departure from the ideals we expect from our leaders.

The issue of resource allocation presents a critical disparity between Hon. Balami’s claims and his apparent lifestyle choices. He has frequently lamented the limited resources he receives as constituency allocations, arguing that these constraints hinder his ability to serve effectively. Yet, juxtaposed against this narrative is the observation of massive structures rising under his name and reports of his family residing abroad. The juxtaposition of his proclamations of scarcity with the visible evidence of wealth raises red flags and prompts serious questions: Where is this money coming from? Is it truly representative of the interests of our constituency, or has it been diverted towards personal gain?

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/

The constituents of Hawul and Askira/Uba are awakening to the realization that our trust has been misplaced. It is crucial to remember that while we do not harbor hatred towards Hon. Balami, it is our civic duty to hold him accountable for his actions. Our mandate as voters extends beyond mere electoral participation; it encompasses continuous scrutiny of those we elect to represent us. The upcoming 2027 elections present an opportunity for the electorate to reflect upon the performance of their representative critically.

We must ask ourselves: What legacy has Hon. Balami created during his time in office? Has he fulfilled his duties to the community, or has he prioritized personal interests over public service? These inquiries are essential in determining whether or not he deserves another chance at serving our constituency. The answers will lie not only in his public statements but also in the tangible impact of his policies and initiatives on our daily lives.

A representative who claims to be constrained by limited resources yet engages in lavish expenditures sends a message—either he is misleading us about the available allocations, or he is failing in his duties to prioritize the needs of the people. Either scenario is unacceptable. The integrity of our political system relies on honesty and transparency; both are vital components that influence public trust. As constituents, we possess the right to demand clarity about how our resources are being managed. The narrative of scarcity should not overshadow the realities of mismanagement or personal exploitation of public funds.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/

The impact of having a representative who does not understand the essence of accountability cannot be underestimated. The actions of Hon. Balami affect the broader landscape of governance and have insinuated a rift between his office and the very people he represents. What messages does this send to young citizens who look to our leaders as role models? The notion that public service can be synonymous with self-interest undermines the noble intention of political representation.

As we move closer to the next electoral cycle, the imperative becomes clear: we must illuminate the actions of Hon. Midala Usman Balami, bringing to light the discrepancies between his promises and his actions. A movement is taking shape within our constituency, fueled by a collective desire for change. This moment calls for an active engagement of all members of the community to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and mobilize efforts towards ensuring that our electoral processes yield representatives who embody the principles of integrity, humility, and commitment to service.

In this regard, it is essential to empower constituents with information. Knowledge is a potent tool in the fight against misinformation and the potential continuation of flawed leadership. Through community meetings, town halls, and social media platforms, constituents must share their experiences, concerns, and aspirations. Let us ensure that our voices echo the sentiments of powerlessness we have experienced under the current representation. By fostering a culture of active citizenship, we can lay the groundwork for a future where representatives recognize that their authority comes with responsibility, not privilege.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/

We must embrace the power of unity in the face of dissatisfaction. Engaging with local organizations, advocacy groups, and other community stakeholders can amplify our voice and strengthen our resolve to demand accountability. As constituents, we are collectively responsible for upholding the principle of representation; as such, we must refuse to remain complacent in the face of ineffectiveness and dishonesty. The upcoming elections are not just another chance to cast a vote; they are an opportunity to reclaim our agency as citizens who demand better governance.

Ultimately, our goal is not to vilify Hon. Midala Usman Balami but to challenge him to rise to the occasion. The political landscape often thrives on rhetoric, but we must transcend this by grounding our demands in reality. Let us engage in constructive debates, highlight the importance of ethical leadership, and advocate for policies that genuinely reflect the needs of the people. With concerted efforts, we can instigate change that compels our representative to recognize that his position is a privilege to serve rather than a platform to exploit.

READ ALSO:https://newsng.ng/lent-and-ramadan-tribute-to-the-jagaban-of-burgu-and-the-jagoran-arewa/

As the clock ticks toward the 2027 elections, we, as constituents of Hawul and Askira/Uba, stand on the precipice of decision-making. Let us not forget that each action we take, every conversation we have, and every vote we cast shapes the future of our constituency. Together, we can forge a path toward accountability, transparency, and effective representation. It is time to lift the veil on the actions of Hon. Midala Usman Balami demands explanations for the disparities between his claims and his reality and ultimately makes an informed choice for the future of our beloved constituency.

Together, let us reclaim our trust, dignity, and future. The fate of our constituency rests not only in the hands of our leaders but also in ours as the vigilant electorate. Let this be a wake-up call for all of us—a reminder that our collective voice is powerful and capable of enacting real change.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

Midala 2027: A Call for Accountability in Hawul and Askira/Uba Constituency

Politics

APC conducts congress in 17 local councils in Yobe

Published

22 hours ago

February 22, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

APC conducts congress in 17 local councils in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

The All Progressives Congress (APC) local government congresses were conducted successfully in all the seventeen local government areas of Yobe state.

The exercise was conducted by consensus throughout all the 17 local government areas of the state and monitored by the staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The chairman of critical stakeholders of the Nangere local government area, who is also the former deputy governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Aliyu Saleh Bagare, expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the congress.

He commended the party stakeholders of Nangere local government for their maturity, adding that this shows the strong structure and the unity of the party in the area.

Yobe State Commissioner of Works, Engineer Umar Wakil Duddaye, who is also a strong stakeholder of the party, expressed his happiness with the smooth conduct of the congress.

Engineer Duddaye urges the newly elected party executives to observe their success as a call to serve all the APC members in the Nangere local government, Yobe state, and Nigeria as a whole.

APC conducts congress in 17 local councils in Yobe

News

Zulum Present as INEC Monitors APC Ward Congress in Mafa Ward

Published

3 days ago

February 20, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Zulum Present as INEC Monitors APC Ward Congress in Mafa Ward

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday, travelled to Mafa to witness the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congresses.

Zulum, who was accompanied by APC’s Deputy National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Hon Mohammed Jaha (Babawo), and the Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, expressed satisfaction with the seamless and orderly conduct of the process.p

The governor’s entourage also comprises the APC State Chairman, Bello Ayuba, Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai, among other senior party executives.

Party members across Mafa ward converged to elect new executives. The exercise, which was held simultaneously across the 312 wards in Borno State, was conducted by consensus to ensure unity and harmony within the party.

Borno State Commissioner for Health, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, chaired the ward congress committee, while the Mafa Local Government Electoral Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Salihu Muktari, monitored the exercise.

Addressing party faithful shortly after the conclusion of the exercise at Mafa, Zulum expressed gratitude for the peaceful atmosphere. He commended the party’s national leadership for deploying a competent team to oversee the process.

“I am happy with the smooth conduct of this exercise. There was no rancour, no bitterness, and that is the spirit of the APC family. I want to commend the committee sent by the APC national headquarters for their diligence and fair play,” Governor Zulum stated.

The governor also lauded party stakeholders and members in Mafa for their maturity and commitment to the party’s internal democracy, urging the newly elected ward executives to see their emergence as a call to service.

“To the new executives, this is not about personal glory but about taking the party to greater heights at the grassroots. You are the closest to the people, and you must work to unite our members and strengthen our structure,” he added.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward/Local Government Congresses Screening Committees, Screening Appeals Committees, as well as the Ward/LGA Congresses (election) and Congresses Appeal Committees members, headed by Prophet Jones Erue, were also in Mafa to observe the conduct of the exercise.

Zulum Present as INEC Monitors APC Ward Congress in Mafa Ward