LIST OF REASONS

INTRO: The recent visit of All Progressives Congress (APC) governors to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna has stirred political curiosity across Nigeria. Led by the Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, the visit came at a time when defections from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) are increasing—raising questions about the motive and timing.  Here are seven (7) reasons why this visit is politically significant: 1. Reinforcing Party Unity Amid Defections: The backdrop of the visit includes notable defections—such as former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai—who claimed to have Buhari’s blessing to join the SDP. The APC governors went to see Buhari aiming to present a united front, countering the narrative of a party in disarray and reassuring supporters of continued internal cohesion. 2. Buhari's Symbolic Power as Party Patriarch: Though no longer in office, Muhammadu Buhari remains the only former president pr...

INTRO: Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has reiterated the importance of integrity, accountability, and strategic leadership in the state’s public service, particularly among its top officials. His recent remarks during the opening of a five-day “Strategic Leadership and Management Course” underscore his administration’s commitment to strengthening governance through a competent and responsible civil service. The question here is why does he call for accountability?   The reasons why Governor Dapo Abiodun expects accountability in Ogun State Civil Service matters are:   1. The Civil Service is the Engine of Governance: Governor Abiodun requests accountability acknowledging that the civil service forms the bedrock of public administration. By calling for greater accountability, he recognizes the indispensable role top officials—such as permanent secretaries, general managers, and auditors—play in policy execution and service delivery. Ensuring they uphold integrity is e...

The emergence of Oba Akeem Owoade as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo has sparked widespread attention, not only because of the historical significance of the throne but also due to the monarch’s insistence that his ascension was not politically influenced but divinely orchestrated. The compelling reasons drawn from the monarch’s own reflections and the sentiments shared during his thanksgiving service are hereunder discussed.   The reasons why Oba Akeem Owoade’s emergence as Alaafin of Oyo is seen as divine are: 1. Absence of Political Influence: Oba Owoade publicly declared that he had never met Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State or former Senator Monsurat Sunmonu prior to his selection. This revelation counters public assumptions of political endorsement and underscores the purity and neutrality of his emergence. 2. Lack of Desperation or Manipulation: In his own words, the new Alaafin confessed that he was neither desperate nor scheming for the throne. This lack of ambition or b...

INTRO: On April 9, 2025, workers at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO) in Owo, Ondo State, commenced an indefinite strike over unresolved salary and welfare issues. The strike, led by members of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), is a clear expression of mounting frustration over prolonged neglect by the Ondo State Government.  The reasons why workers of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic are on strike are: 1. Non-Payment of Six (6) Months’ Salaries: One of the most pressing reasons for the strike is the accumulation of unpaid salaries. The workers revealed they are owed six months’ wages, a situation that has plunged many into financial hardship. During their protest, placards with inscriptions like “We are hungry, pay our six months’ salaries” captured the intensity of their grievance and the dire living conditions many now face. 2. Failure to Implement the National Minimum Wage: Despite a nationwide policy on t...

INTRO : The recent criticism by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) over Nigeria’s continued ban on 25 categories of imported goods has stirred fresh conversations around trade relations between both nations. The U.S. expressed displeasure over Nigeria’s protectionist policies, especially after President Donald Trump imposed a 14% duty on Nigerian goods entering the U.S. The USTR cited several concerns over how these bans negatively affect American exports and bilateral trade.    The reasons why the U.S. criticised Nigeria’s import ban on agricultural and pharmaceutical goods are: 1. Restricted Market Access for U.S. Exporters: The USTR emphasized that Nigeria’s ban on key product categories — including beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, and medicaments — has severely limited access to one of Africa’s largest consumer markets. American exporters see Nigeria as a growing economy with significant trade potential, but the restrictions are seen as a direct barrier t...

On April 7, 2025, Newcastle United delivered a dominant 3-0 victory over Leicester City, putting them in a strong position to secure a spot in the next season's Champions League. With this result, they condemned Leicester to their eighth consecutive Premier League defeat and reinforced their claim for a top-four finish.  The reasons why Newcastle United's 3-0 win over Leicester is crucial for their Champions League bid are: 1. Boost to Champions League Pursuit: The win propelled Newcastle United to fifth in the Premier League table, leveling on points with Chelsea in fourth place. This result is crucial for their Champions League chase, as finishing in fifth is almost certainly enough to secure a place in next season's competition. With only a few games left in the season and a game in hand over Chelsea, Newcastle is poised to seize this opportunity. 2. Early Goals to Secure the Match: The game was effectively decided in the first 11 minutes, with Jacob Murphy scoring twic...

INTRO : In a recent interview, Tope Fasua, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, controversially claimed that $1 remains valuable in Nigeria despite the country's high inflation and weak currency. His argument, which sparked criticism from many Nigerians, rested on the idea that the purchasing power of local currency in Nigeria should be compared to that of the United States, not based solely  on exchange rates. The reasons why Fasua insists that $1 is valuable in Nigeria are: 1. Purchasing Power Parity and Cultural Differences: Fasua argued that the purchasing power of $1 is significant in Nigeria due to cultural differences in spending patterns. He pointed out that while $1 may not buy much in a place like New York, in Nigeria, it can still purchase basic items, particularly street food like amala. This, he suggested, demonstrates that Nigerians can still get value for $1, even in an environment of high inflation. 2. Different Standards of Living: Fasua emp...

INTRO : The Nigerian naira experienced significant depreciation in March 2025, shedding 2.6% in the parallel market and 2.4% at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) window. Despite the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intervening with a substantial $668 million, several factors contributed to the naira's decline.  The reasons why the Naira depreciated in March despite $668m CBN intervention are: 1. Persistent Demand Pressure in the Foreign Exchange Market:  The primary reason for the naira's depreciation is the ongoing demand pressure in the foreign exchange market. As highlighted by Afrinvest’s monthly report, demand for foreign currency, particularly the US dollar, remained high throughout March. This persistent demand outstripped supply, driving the naira’s value down despite the CBN’s intervention. 2. Increased Importation and Dollar Demand:  Nigeria’s reliance on imports, especially for essential goods like fuel and machinery, has placed significant s...

The recent trade report revealing that the United States imported $643.1 million worth of goods from Nigeria in the first two months of 2025—representing a 32.4% decline from the same period in 2024—highlights a significant shift in US-Nigeria trade dynamics. Several factors can be identified as reasons for this downward trend as hereunder discussed.  The reasons for decline in US imports from Nigeria in early 2025 are: 1. Anticipation of New Tariffs:  One of the most critical reasons for the decline is the impending implementation of new tariffs by the Trump administration, scheduled to take effect on April 9, 2025. While oil and minerals are exempted, the broader uncertainty surrounding these tariffs may have discouraged American buyers from committing to new orders, leading to reduced imports in advance. 2. Drop in Non-Oil Exports: Despite the exemption of crude oil from the new tariff regime, the report showed a sharp fall in overall exports, particularly non-oil products....