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Nigeria’s Major Problem is Docile Citizenry- Pat Utomi
Nigeria’s Major Problem is Docile Citizenry- Pat Utomi
By: Michael Mike
Renowned political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has lamented that the major problem of the country is the docility of its citizens, insisting that many Nigerians are just at home with anything ditched at them.
He called on Nigerians to be dynamic and work on new approaches to hold government accountable, especially on their safety and general wellbeing.
Utomi made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a National conversation on building a new value system in Nigeria, with the theme, ‘A Public Sphere Conscious Movement –A Necessary Starting Point for the Journey to Redemption’.
He decried that the main problem with Nigeria is that the people are docile and not demanding accountability from the leaders and rather chose to accept a ‘ko mean’ ,that is just take it like that and manage.
He noted that: “But this is not working. We are creating poverty every day and I think this is a moral burden. Look at what the Zambian President is doing. So we need to re-think what we want and hold the leaders accountable. The day that person shows up in that fancy car, walk away from him and thrown eggs at him.
“We allow them to get away with what they are doing to us, so we need to have a new approach to holding them accountable.”
He also said that the pride and dignity of human beings have been eroded in Nigeria and people engage in ‘verbal terrorism’ in the name of politics.
Utomi said: “From basic changes, we can get to more important national issues for national development. Raising a new tribe of patriots in Nigeria is important for all, thus the need for state of the nation and the urgent need for renewed strategic conversation by a critical mass of patriots.”
He lamented that the present administration is towing the lines of his predecessor and even doing more damages, as can be seen in the appointments of partisan person as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), which shows that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, does not intend to make the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) work for democratic development of Nigeria.
Also speaking at the talk-shop, Dr. Sarah Jubril, a former Special Adviser on Ethics and Values to former President Goodluck Jonathan, urged Nigerians not to lose hope of a better Nigeria which pay premium on the wellbeing of citizenry.
On her part, Hajiya Nana Sani Kazaure, a spokesperson of Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, said that it is in the interest of the country for citizens to be positive about Nigeria’s chances to overcome its challenges and doors for prosperity.
Nigeria’s Major Problem is Docile Citizenry- Pat Utomi
Security operatives recover AK-47 rifle in Kaduna community
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition from a fleeing suspect.
Zagazola learnt that the recovery was made at about 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 11, 2026, during a routine patrol along the Kauru–Unguwan Ganye Road.
Security sources said the patrol team received intelligence about a suspicious motorcycle rider heading toward the area.
Following the tip-off, the operatives immediately mounted a snap roadblock along the route.
On sighting the checkpoint, the rider reportedly abandoned his motorcycle, dropped a bag and fled into nearby bush paths.
A search of the abandoned bag led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with its breach number filed off, one magazine and one 6.2mm live ammunition.
Security personnel have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspect.
Security operatives recover AK-47 rifle in Kaduna community
Suspected IED explosion foiled at Bayelsa State Secretariat, suspect arrested
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives have arrested a man following a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) incident at the Bayelsa State Secretariat in Yenagoa.
Zagazola reports that the explosion was heard on Feb. 11, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m., prompting an immediate response from police operatives attached to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit.
Sources said that the suspect, identified as Pentecost Elijah, 60, of Otuan in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, reportedly admitted to placing the suspected explosives in the secretariat complex.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspect claimed he sought to draw attention from the State Government due to perceived neglect.
The sources said that the area has been cordoned off, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, along with CBRN specialists, are conducting thorough sweeps of the complex. Authorities confirmed that the situation is currently under control, and investigations are ongoing.
Suspected IED explosion foiled at Bayelsa State Secretariat, suspect arrested
Korea, Kaduna Film Festival Spotlight Girl-Child Plight, Deepen Creative Ties
By: Michael Mike
The Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), has hosted a powerful screening of “Scars the Movie” alongside an intensive filmmaking workshop in Abuja, using cinema as a platform to confront social injustice and strengthen Nigeria–Korea cultural relations.
The event brought together filmmakers, actors, students and culture enthusiasts for a thought-provoking exploration of forced marriage, gender inequality and the transformative power of storytelling.
Scars the Movie follows the journey of Hasia, a 16-year-old girl with dreams of becoming a doctor, whose aspirations are crushed when her father forces her into marriage to settle a debt. Married off to an older wealthy man, she endures abuse, repeated miscarriages and isolation, while her education and independence are stripped away. The film lays bare the harsh intersection of poverty, patriarchy and silence that continues to affect vulnerable girls.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of KCCN Abuja, Mr. Jeon Ju-ho, described the screening as deeply significant, noting that it addresses an issue that transcends borders.
“Today is of immense importance because it speaks about life — and not just life, but the life of a girl child,” he said. “A child forced into the role of a woman, and brutally so. These are conversations we must not avoid.”
He emphasized that film remains one of the most powerful tools for sparking dialogue and social reflection.
Director-General of KADIFF, Israel Audu, explained that the film was deliberately selected to spotlight challenges prevalent in parts of northern Nigeria.
“Hasia’s story represents the painful reality faced by many young girls whose dreams are sacrificed on the altar of poverty and cultural pressure,” Audu said. “This film exposes the emotional and generational scars such practices leave behind.”
Beyond the screening, participants engaged in a practical workshop covering directing, acting and cinematography, designed to strengthen technical capacity within Nigeria’s fast-growing film industry.
Audu noted that the partnership between KADIFF and KCCN reflects a broader commitment to creative collaboration between Nigeria and South Korea. He said cultural exchanges — from film festivals to K-drama, K-pop, language classes, Taekwondo and culinary programs — have helped build mutual understanding between both nations.
According to him, more than 300,000 Nigerians have participated in Korean cultural programmes, gaining new skills and global exposure.
“These collaborations are not just about entertainment,” he said. “They are about knowledge transfer, talent development and economic opportunity. By sharing filmmaking techniques and nurturing creative talent, we can develop a richer, blended cinematic identity.”
The event underscored how film can serve as both a mirror and a bridge — reflecting societal challenges while connecting cultures across continents.
As discussions continue around protecting the rights of the girl-child and expanding Nigeria’s creative economy, stakeholders say partnerships like this demonstrate how art, when supported by international cooperation, can inspire change and deepen diplomatic ties.
Korea, Kaduna Film Festival Spotlight Girl-Child Plight, Deepen Creative Ties
Security operatives recover AK-47 rifle in Kaduna community
Farmer killed, another injured in herder attack in Yobe
Suspected IED explosion foiled at Bayelsa State Secretariat, suspect arrested
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