Procedures for the Creation of New States in Nigeria: Constitutional Provision and Legal Framework.

 Procedures for the Creation of New States in Nigeria: Constitutional Provision and Legal Framework.

 The persistent agitation and outcry for the creation of more states in Nigeria is alarming. This is not a new desire but an age-long one. This article considers the political system of government practised in Nigeria, federalism, an overview of history of creation of states and the constitutional procedures for the creation of states in Nigeria. A careful consideration of these constitutional procedures showcase that the procedures are cumbersome and stringent. The aim of paper is to educate the agitators of creation of more states in Nigeria on the constitutional procedures of creation of states.Also, considering the ever-impossible realization of the desire owing to the stringent constitutional procedures, it is suggested that there should be a recourse to the amendment of the constitution as regards the political system practised in Nigeria. 

The creation of new states has been a significant aspect of the country's political evolution, often motivated by demands for ethnic equity, resource control, administrative convenience, and reduction of marginalisation. Since independence in 1960, when Nigeria had three regions, the number of subnational units has increased through various exercises, predominantly under military administrations. The last states were created in 1996, bringing the total to 36. Under the democratic dispensation since 1999, the process has proven extremely challenging due to stringent constitutional requirements, and no new state has been created as of January 2026.

Pursuant to section 2(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999( as amended), Nigeria is a federation consisting of states and Federal Capital Territory. Also, by virtue of 3(1) CFRN,1999 (as amended) there are 36 states in Nigeria. All the states along with the FCT are enumerated in the above section. 

 Break down of the Constitutional Procedures for the creation of States.

Section 8 (1) (a-d) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is the only legal authority for the creation of new state in Nigeria. 

 

The procedure is as follows:

 1. Formal Request

A request for the creation of a new state must be submitted to the National Assembly. This request must be supported by at least a two-thirds majority of members representing the demanding area in:

(i) The Senate and the (ii) House of Representatives;

(iii) The relevant State House(s) of Assembly; and

(iv) The local government councils in the area. See s 8 (1) (a) 

2. Referendum

Upon receiving a valid request, the National Assembly directs the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a referendum in the area demanding the new state. The proposal must be approved by at least a two-thirds majority of the people in that area. See s 8 (1) (b) 

3. Approval by State

 Houses of Assembly

The certified result of the referendum must then be approved by a simple majority of all the States of the Federation, supported by a simple majority of members of their respective Houses of Assembly. This requires resolutions passed by simple majority in the Houses of Assembly of a majority of the 36 states (at least 19 states). See s 8 (1) (c) 

 4. Final Legislative Approval

The proposal must be approved by a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of members of each House of the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives). The National Assembly then passes an Act creating the new state, including consequential provisions for its name, headquarters, and amendments to the Constitution's First Schedule. See 8 (1) (d)

 

Going by the above constitutional procedures, it means that creation of states is a national matter which requires national consensus. This is provided to prevent unilateral or regionally imposed changes. 

In conclusion, section 8 (1)(a-d) CFRN, 1999 (as amended) is the legal authority in respect to creation of states in Nigeria. All the laid down processes must be followed. It is a bitter truth that the procedures are cumbersome. To achieve such a task in a country like ours which is divided with several factors such as ethnicity, regionalism, religions etc it is impossible. However, there is a way out from the conundrum. The agitators should consider seeking for the amendment of this particular section. Though this may seem strenuous too considering the provision of section 9 (3&4) CFRN, 1999 (as amended). From my book, seeking for the amendment of the constitution as regards the political system practised in Nigeria is more achievable than clamouring for creation of states.

San Afflatus. 

Sa

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Test of Territorial Jurisdiction: The Application of the Effects Principle in the US Military Operation in Venezuela.

 

Test of Territorial Jurisdiction: The Application of the Effects Principle in the US Military Operation in Venezuela. 

The effects principle is a concept in international law that allows a state to exercise prescriptive jurisdiction over conduct occurring outside its borders if that conduct produces direct, substantial, and foreseeable effects within its territory. This principle originated from the antitrust contexts (e.g., the U.S. case United States v. Aluminum Co. of America in 1945), it has been extended to other areas like criminal law, particularly in cases involving transnational crimes such as drug trafficking. 

This doctrine provides a legal basis for a country like the United States to apply its domestic laws extraterritorially, but it does not authorize enforcement actions (e.g., arrests or military interventions) on foreign soil without consent, which are governed by separate rules on sovereignty and the use of force.

In the context of the U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026, which resulted in the capture and arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, the effects doctrine primarily applies to the jurisdictional basis for the U.S. criminal charges against them, rather than the military action itself.

Application of the Effects Principle to the Charges

The U.S. indictment against Maduro and Flores, unsealed in the Southern District of New York, includes charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess such weapons. These supersede a 2020 indictment on similar grounds. The allegations center on Maduro's alleged involvement in the "Cartel of the Suns," a Venezuelan military-linked group accused of facilitating cocaine shipments from Venezuela through routes that ultimately affect the U.S. (e.g., drug imports contributing to public health crises, violence, and economic harm).

The effects principle justifies the U.S. applying its laws (e.g., under the Controlled Substances Act and anti-terrorism statutes) to Maduro's conduct in Venezuela because the alleged activities—conspiring to flood the U.S. with narcotics—have direct and substantial effects on U.S. territory, such as increased drug addiction, overdose deaths, and related criminal activity. U.S. courts have long upheld this in drug cases, viewing intent to cause harm in the U.S. as sufficient for jurisdiction, even if the defendant never set foot there (e.g., precedents like United States v. Noriega and various cartel prosecutions). This aligns with broader U.S. practice in transnational crimes, where effects-based jurisdiction avoids the need for territorial presence.

While the doctrine supports the charging and potential trial of Maduro, it does not extend to the method of capture. Enforcement jurisdiction (e.g., arrests abroad) requires the host state's consent under international law, absent which it violates territorial sovereignty (per the Lotus case and UN Charter Article 2(4)).

The U.S. operation lacked Venezuelan consent, making it a breach of sovereignty and potentially an unlawful use of force, not self-defense (as drug trafficking does not constitute an "armed attack" under Article 51). U.S. courts may still proceed under the Ker-Frisbie doctrine, which allows trials despite unlawful abductions (e.g., U.S. v. Alvarez-Machain in 1992).

 Critics argue the operation sets a dangerous precedent for authoritarian states to justify similar interventions, undermining the UN Charter.

In summary, the effects doctrine underpins the U.S. legal authority to indict Maduro based on the domestic impacts of his alleged crimes, but the military "invasion" aspect raises separate violations of international law on force and sovereignty.

San Afflatus.

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A PASSIONATE APPEAL TO THE VIOLATORS AND SUPPORTERS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA.

CLASFON NATIONAL RELIGIOUS ESSAY COMPETITION: A PASSIONATE APPEAL TO THE VIOLATORS AND SUPPORTERS OF RELIGIOUS

FREEDOM RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA.

In the spirit of charity to all, malice to none, 1 I write this passionate appeal letter to

the conscience and heart of the violators and supporters of religious freedom rights

violations in northern Nigeria. Our Dear Motherland, Nigeria, is a variegated detail

interwoven with the varieties of diverse beliefs, ethnicities, languages and cultures.

Simply put, Nigeria is heterogeneous.2 However, in Northern Nigeria,3 this blessing of

multiplicity is being fought against by uncontroverted systematic, ongoing, and

outrageous violations of religious freedom. The prevalence of these vainglorious acts

injures the tender soul of our dear nation and threatens the very core of unity,

peaceful and meaningful co-existence we love.4

Pursuant to section 38 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as

amended) it provides that every citizen has the right to freedom of thought,

conscience, and religion.5 This is more than a legal provision but an inherent right of

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), s 38.every Nigerian—Christian, Muslim, traditionalist, humanist, or otherwise—to live and

worship without fear. The reverse is the case in the northern states; the enforcement

of blasphemy laws6 and Shari’a7 -based legal frameworks has led to the prosecution,

imprisonment, and even death of individuals for expressing their beliefs or daring to

differ.8 These laws, often misapplied to non-Muslims, defy Nigeria’s secular

foundation9 and breed division where there should be harmony.10

Over 13,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria between 2015 and 2023, making it

the deadliest country for Christians worldwide.11 Similarly, Muslims, too, suffer under

the weight of extremist violence from groups like Boko Haram, Islamic State West

Africa Province (ISWAP), and Lakurawa, who impose their interpretations of faith

through terror. Traditionalists and humanists face discrimination and attacks, their

shrines and voices silenced.12 This blatant occurrence of violence and intolerance

does not showcase or glorify any faith; it whittles us down.

To The Violators—State and Non-State Actors Alike:

Your actions and inactions (either directly or indirectly) through enforcing of

unconstitutional laws, keeping mute in cases of mob violence, or carrying out attacks

in the name of religion— exhibit a total betrayal to the essence of humanity . The

brutal killings, kidnappings, and forced conversions carried out by Fulani militants,

Boko Haram, and others heightened the frequency of air of hostility, fear and

division, not divine favor. The case of Deborah Samuel Yakubu,13 a Christian student

killed by a mob in Sokoto in 2022 for alleged blasphemy, and the subsequent

detention of Rhoda Jatau14 for sharing a message condemning the act, are stark

reminders of the injustice that festers when religious intolerance is allowed to thrive.

You erroneously believe your actions defend your faith, but they water down the core

principles of justice, compassion, and peaceful coexistence that all great faiths

uphold. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) spoke of mercy15 and justice16, just

as Jesus Christ preached love17 and forgiveness18 . Similarly, the traditional religion of

our forefathers teaches unity, tolerance and peace. None of these beliefs system

glorifies violence or the suppression of freedom of worship of another person.

Every religion preaches love and unity. The Quran says, “Let there be no compulsion

in religion…” (Qur’an 2:256). The Bible teaches, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

(Mark 12:31). How then are strife, hostility and violence among us? What then

justifies the burning of churches, the banning of Christian fellowships in universities,

the harassment of Muslims who reject extremism, or the brutal killing of innocents in

the name of “defending faith” or “fighting for God”? Peace must be restored in the

nooks and crannies of northern Nigeria. All hands must be on deck to achieve this.

To the supporters and the silent:

The hottest part of hell is reserved for those who keep quiet in case of injustice. Your

inaction heightens this crisis. At this instance, hands of supplication are all directed

at the Nigeria’s government, individuals, religious institutions, and NGO’s who always

 find solace in keeping mute whenever issue of violations of freedom of religion arises.

The welfare and security of the people are the primary purpose of government19. The

lackadaisical, nonchalant and abrupt failure of authorities to investigate and or

prosecute those alleged to be responsible for mob killings or attacks on religious sites,

send a message that such vainglorious acts are permissible. The hottest part of hell is

reserved for those who keep quiet in cases of injustice.

A Clarion call to action, tolerance, peaceful co-existence and unity:

I beseech you all to reflect on the motto of Nigeria that says, “Unity and faith, peace,

and progress …” 20. Let us all imbibe the spirit of tolerance, love and unity for the

betterment of our nation. One Nation, Great People.

To the violators: Dear Brothers and Sisters, let us embrace peace and desist from

attacks, dismantle the systems of oppression, and uphold the rule of law and the

motto of the Nation. Work to abrogate laws that criminalize and gag freedom of

expression, thought and religion, and ensure that Shari’a courts respect the rights of

all Nigerians, regardless of faith.

To the supporters and the silent: Open your mouth wide and cry out for justice,

plead for justice and accountability, and form an alliance with those that are

persecuted for their beliefs.

To the government: Gear up to your constitutional responsibilities, diligently

investigate and prosecute perpetrators of violence. Honor Nigeria’s constitutional

commitment to secularism21 and religious freedom.22

A vision for hope:

There is a great deal of strength in diversity. Nigeria’s diversity is a blessing if

properly utilized. There can be peaceful co-existence among the various beliefs. Faith

should be used to foster unity and not division. Thanks to Nigerian Inter-Religious

Council (NIREC)23 who has been seeking for mutual understanding among the various

religions in Nigeria. Also, let us borrow a leaf from the United States of America in

using community-based initiatives in Kaduna and Plateau to foster reconciliation and

peace building.

In oneness, we can end the persistent violence and violation that has become a clog

in the wheel of progress and peace of Nigeria. Behold, how good and pleasant it is for

brethren to dwell together in unity!24

1 National Park Service, Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address (Washington, 18 April 2020)

<https://www.nps.gov/linc/learn/historyculture/lincoln-second-inaugural.htm>accessed 3 August

2025.

2 US Terngu and UR Terngu, Conflict Management in a heterogeneous society: The Role of Social

Studies

Education<https://www.globalacademicgroup.com/journals/teacher%20perspective/CONFLICT%20MAN

AGEMENT%20IN%20A%20HETEROGENEOUS%20SOCIETY.pdf> accessed 3 August 2025.

3 US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIF), Factsheet: violent Islamist Groups in

Northern Nigeria (London, 1 February 2024) <https://www.uscirf.gov/publication/factsheet-violent

islamist-groups-northern-nigeria> accessed 3 August 2025.

4 ibid.

5 ibid.

6 Each of the northern state has its own Sharia Penal Code. However, in March 2002, these laws were

harmonized by the Centre for Islamic Legal Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to produce what is

known as the “Harmonized Sharia Penal Code”, 2002. For Religious offences see the Harmonized Sharia

Penal Code, 2002, ss 402-406.

7 Sharia is the body of law derived from the Koran and from the teachings and examples of Prophet

Mohammed (S.A.W).

8 Global Christian Relief, Christian Persecution in Nigeria <https://globalchristianrelief.org/christian

persecution/countries/nigeria/> accessed 3 August 2025.

9 CFRN, 1999 (as amended) (n 5) s 10.

10 Global Christian Relief (n 8).

11 Nk Chimtom, What is happening to Christianity in Nigeria is incomprehensible The Catholic World

Report (Cameroon, 18 July 2025) <https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2025/07/18/What-is

happening-to-christianity-in-Nigeria-is-incomprehensible> accessed 3 August 2025.

12 House of Commons Library, Freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria (London, 1 February 2024)

<https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-breifings/cdp-2024-0024/ >accessed 3 August 2025. 

13 O Brian, Pray now! Nigerian student brutally murdered for sharing Jesus 2022 Global Christian Relief

(18 May 2022) <https://globalchristianrelief.org/christian-persecution/countries/nigeria/> accessed 3

August 2025.

14 Alliance Defending Freedom International, Religious Freedom, Freedom of Expression

<https://adfinternational.org/cases/rhoda-jatau-nigeria> accessed 3 August 2025.

15 Quran 29:53 says, “Say, O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not

despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the

Merciful.”

16 ibid. 5:8; 4: 135; 16:90; 55:7-9.

17 Mathew 22:36-40; Colossian 3:14; 1 Corinthians 16:14.

18 ibid. 6:13-15; 18:35; Mark 11:25-26; Luke 6:37.

19CFRN, 1999 (n 5) s 14 (2) (b).

20 ibid. s 15(1).

21 ibid. s 10.

22 ibid. s 38.

23 Nigerian Inter-religious Council NIREC is a voluntary association made up of 50 members (25

Christians and 25 Muslims) formed by the representatives of the two principal religions (Christianity and

Islam), on the 11th September, 1999.

24 Psalm 133:1.

OLAWUNI SAMUEL IDOWU.

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY, WUKARI.

olawunisamuel440@gmail.com

09161107755

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THE MISPLACEMENT OF PRIORITY: PREVALENCE OF OFFICIAL CORRUPTION ON NIGERIAN HIGHWAYS BY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND ROAD USERS.

THE MISPLACEMENT OF PRIORITY: PREVALENCE OF OFFICIAL CORRUPTION ON NIGERIAN HIGHWAYS BY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND ROAD USERS. 

INTRODUCTION 

The hottest part of hell is reserved for those who keep quite at the instance of abnormality. It an open secret that all the highways in Nigeria have metamorphosed to a joint of money-collection by the government agencies entrusted with the function of seeing to the free flow of traffic. Mouth runs gape to see that drivers, passengers and other road users are not left out in this heinous act. Government agencies stationed at the various highways never give their eyes to slumber in taking what does not belong to them from any person who is at the wheel. 

I having been traveling for awhile on the Nigerian highways and I have taken cognizance of the corrupt practice that has taken preeminence over the official duty of the government agencies and the civil duty of the road users (driver, passenger, pedestrian etc.) alike. 

I remember sometimes ago, while I was en route to school, Unity School, Ejigbo in Ejigbo, Osun State. Our driver, a gentle old man, came across a Police Checkpoint on the road. As the usual manner, the driver stopped and the policeman advanced towards the bus. After the exchange of pleasantries, the policeman demanded for money from the driver. The driver obliged and gave the money to him. Immediately, we zoomed off. After leaving the scene, I reasoned within myself “what if the driver was a kidnapper and all the passengers in the bus were kidnapped?” I guess the rest would be story as the kidnapper would have had a lucky day. 

The prevalence of official corruption on Nigerian highways can be traced back to the inglorious days of the Nigeria police collecting 20 naira notes on the road. Presently, all the government agencies stationed at the road to allow free flow of traffic and to prevent crimes are guilty of this heinous crime. Sometimes ago, in my little head, I thought the Nigerian Army was not a part of this social-ill until I was disabused of this thought after seeing the Nigerian Soldiers on the road demanding and receiving bribe. Guess what? The soldiers collect more than the police. Indeed the highway has been commercialized. 

Official corruption on the Nigerian highways is not only peculiar to the Nigeria Police and the Nigerian Army; other government agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps, VIO, and Nigerian Custom Service etc. are also caught in the web of this heinous act on the road. 

One surprising thing about this illegal practice on the road is that both the receivers (government agencies on the road) and the givers (driver, passenger, pedestrian etc.) have taken it to be a call of duty to be carried out diligently. 

 Under the Nigerian criminal law, it is pertinent to state that any public officers including the Nigeria Police officer, Nigerian Soldier or any government security agent stationed at checkpoint that corruptly asks for, receives or obtain any property or benefit of any kind for himself or any other person is guilty of the offence of official corruption. (See paragraph 6 (1) of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), section 98A (a) of the Criminal Code and section 122 of the Penal Code). 

OTHER PARTIES TO THE OFFENCE OF OFFCIAL CORRUPTION ON NIGERIAN HIGHWAYS. 

It is trite that if there is no giver, there will not be a receiver. The givers in this heinous practice on the highways are the road users which are not limited to driver and the passenger. The driver being the one at the wheel knows that there is a fault somewhere and that he has violated one or two or all of the rules of traffic regulation, so in order to escape the wrath of the law, he offers bribe to a willing security agent on the highway either the ones in black, ash, white, or green color. It is a pity that Nigerians are massively corrupt. 

Furthermore, one other accessory to the offence of official corruption on the highway is the passenger. It is a trite principle of law that he who does a thing through another does it himself. A passenger, who encourages, advises or persuades a driver to offer money in form of a bribe to any government agent on the road is a principal offender to the offence of official corruption. See section 7(d) of the Criminal Code and the case of Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh & ors v. Director of Public Prosecutions (1962) LJJR-SC. With the travelling I have been engaging in across the country through the highways, I have seen passenger advising the driver to settle the men in black, ash, white, or green color as the case might be so that the journey could continue. Although, most passengers do this in order to avoid delay in transit. However, whatever the reason might be, such passenger who advises or persuades the driver to make such an offer is an accessory to the offence of official corruption. See paragraph 8 of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). 

MISPLACEMENT OF PRIORITY 

According to a popular maxim, “If the purpose of a thing is unknown, abuse is certainly inevitable”. It is high time the government security agencies stationed at the various checkpoints at all the highways in Nigeria knew their primary assignment and worked towards it. Pursuant to section 4 (g) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020 one of the primary duties of the Nigeria Police is to facilitate the free passage and movement on highways, roads and streets open to the public. Variably, the duty of the Nigeria Police on the highways is to ensure free flow of traffic. However, the reverse is the case as they have systematically metamorphosed to tax collectors at the various checkpoints.    

Also, it is high time the Federal Road Safety Corps were reminded of their primary duties on the road. Pursuant to the preamble of the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007, Federal Road Safety Commission is saddled with the responsibility of traffic management, preventing and minimizing accidents on the highways, the supervision of such users of highways, the regulation of traffic thereon and clearing of obstruction on any part of the highways and for educating drivers, motorists and other members of the public generally on the proper use of highways: and for related matters to safety on the highways. It is instructive to state here that it is the Act that establishes the Federal Road Safety Corps. See section 10 (1) of the Act (supra).   

In addition, by the provision of section 10 (2)-(11) of the Act (supra) the  functions and powers of the Federal Road Safety Corps are clearly enumerated. It is apposite to state here that collection of money or settlement is by no means a duty of the Corps. 

It is reasonably justifiable to state categorically that the primary duties of the government agencies on the highways does not in any way include collection of money at their various duty posts and checkpoints. It is a misplacement of priority.  

On the parts of the road users, it is a gross deviation from the civil duties of the citizens of Nigeria as contained in section 24 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999(as amended) to offer bribe to any government agencies on the road. By virtue of section 24 (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) (supra) it shall be the duty of every Nigerian Citizen to “help to enhance the power, prestige and good name of Nigeria…”. Similarly, it is a misplacement of priority on the part of the road users to offer or give bribe to the government agencies on the highways in the name of settlement as it is commonly called.      

CAUSES

1. Degeneration of societal values. 

Societal values consist of the norms, principles, philosophy and moral beliefs uphold by every member of the society departure from which render the society prone to societal-ills, immorality, crime and value degeneration. Pursuant to section 23 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 ( As amended), “the national ethics shall be discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, social justice, religious tolerance, self-reliance and patriotism”. However, with the prevalence of corruption in every nook and cranny of Nigeria, these social values as enumerated in the above section have been deflected. The government agencies saddled with the functions of keeping free flow of traffic owing to corruption have become agents of obstruction to the free flow of traffic through the illegal commercialization of the road. Similarly, on the part of the road users like the driver, passenger etc., corruption has eaten deep in them all. The lofty social ethics of Nigeria have been eroded. The road has turn to another illegal business point where money is exchange for dignity of labor, integrity, free flow of traffic and official duty.    

2. Ineffective Monitoring of the functions of the government agencies on the highways

Without gain-saying, it is an open-secret to everyone that there is lack of effective monitoring of the activities of the government agencies such as the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Army, Custom Officers, Vehicle Inspection Officers, FRSC, Traffic Warders, etc. on the highways. These government agencies are saddled with the responsibility of seeing to the free flow of traffic, detection and prevention of crime on the road, prevention of obstruction of traffic and road accident etc. However, owing to lack of effective monitoring by the appropriate government agency, there is a huge deviation from their primary duty on the high ways. 

This has resulted to abuse of road regulations by the road users. The drivers violate traffic rules and regulation with impunity because they know that the government agents on the road will not do anything other than to accept the usual kola/settlement. This showcases the high rate of corruption and value degeneration in Nigeria. Here nothing works!  

3. Bad behavior of both the government agents and the road users. 

One of the numerous appellations ascribed to Nigeria to showcase her moral decadence and degradation is that “Nigeria is massively corrupt”. This is to illustrate the general assumption that everyone in Nigeria is corrupt. Though this may not be totally correct. Both on the part of the government officials and the road users, greediness and covetousness have eaten deep on them all. The government officials are not content with their salary while the road users especially, the drivers are overzealous and rapacious to bite more than they can chew. This has resulted into making trade of the highways by both parties: the driver gives the policeman or any other personnel on the road bribe to allow him to pass despite having violated a traffic regulation and the latter receives the settlement being oblivion of his official duty.  

4. Get Rich Syndrome

It is a pity to say that we have found ourselves in a society where everyone wants to get rich by any means. The get-rich syndrome has eaten deep on the garment of virtually everyone in Nigeria. The driver wants to make millions within a day while the policeman and other government agents want to count thousands at the end of each day at his duty post. It is not surprising to see countless check-points on the traffic road which have been metamorphosed to money-collection points and money-making. This has devalued the primary purpose of check-points which is security purpose.  

5. Complicity of top brass government officials 

There is a maxim that says, “Let not the pot calls the kettle black”. The involvement of top brass government security officials in this illegal commercialization of the road adds to the main cause of the prevalence of the official corruption on the Nigerian highways. Superior officers that supposed to monitor the activities of their subordinate at the various check-point posts are accomplices in this crime. They contract with their subordinate to engage in this heinous crime with the aim of getting a considerable percentage at the end of the day.

It is shameful to state explicitly that the prevalence of the official corruption on the highways by the government agencies and the road users is also attributable to the complicity of the superior government officials. 

CONSEQUENCES

The importance of transportation in economic growth and overall development of a nation cannot be overemphasized. It provides the means through which goods and services are taken to the desired place. It is the channel through which goods are delivered and services rendered to customers. However, if the purpose of a thing is unknown, abuse is certainly inevitable. The government in its wisdom to enable free flow of traffic and maintenance of peace and order on the highways establishes agencies like the Federal Road Safety Corp, the Nigeria Police, Vehicle Inspection Officers etc. However, it is saddening to state that those agencies have deviated from their primary duties on the road and have delved into illegal commercialization of the highways. They are like the Church of Ephesus who had left her first love. Every check-point has become money-collection point. Below are some of the consequences of this illegal transaction on the highways:  

1. High cost of transportation 

Owing to the deviation of the government agencies from their primary duty on the highways to wanton collection of bribe, there is high cost of transportation. Reasonably, it is pertinent to trace the high increment of transport fare to the bribe being paid by the driver to the police, soldier, VIO, FRSC, or Custom officers on the road. All business persons including the drivers in the transportation industry do include the estimated cost of bribe to pay at every check-point to the total transport fare to be paid by the innocent passengers. They do this in order not to be at loss at the end of the day after giving the policeman or soldier on the highway all the proceed from the transport fare. This writer is certain that this fact is not unknown to the reader. 

 

2. Prevalence of Road Accident

It is saddening to state that a few incidents of road accident is attributable to the hot pursue of the government agencies stationed on the road to collect bribe or settlement from the driver or other road users. There have been reports of police officer chasing after a driver in order to collect their usual settlement. In the course of this chase, many road accidents have occurred which have claimed the lives of innocent passengers and other road users. It is high time the government expedited action to see to the eradication of the occurrence of official corruption on the highways.  

 

3. Prevalence of crime such as kidnapping, robbery, Armed Robbery, drug trafficking, human trafficking etc.    

It is pertinent to state that road is one of the channels through which criminal perpetuate their criminal activities. Nigeria has a high record of crime rate which occurs on the highways. This can be attributed to the derogation of the security agencies stationed at the highways from their primary duty to illegal commercialization of the road. For instance, so many passengers have fallen victims of kidnapping and human trafficking owing to the illegal commercialization of the road by the security agencies. The security agencies have derogated from their duty once the driver has bribed them. The police or any other security agents must ensure that proper check is done on a car and that all necessary information is received before allowing the passage of such a car. The reverse is the case on the Nigerian highways. Once the usual settlement has been paid or tendered by the driver, free passage will be allowed. Many innocent passengers have become victims of kidnapping as a result of this illegality. This supposed not to be so. 

4. Disobedience to traffic rules and regulations.

It is a trite principle of law that where there is no crime, there is no law. In Nigeria, there are several traffic rules and regulations enacted to ensure free flow of traffic. However, owing to the prevalence of official corruption on the highways by the government security agencies and road users, there is high rate of breakdown of these rules and regulation. This has resulted to deflection of the lofty objectives of the traffic rules and regulations. The driver and other road users violate these rules with impunity. This is because they believe that by mere offering of a certain amount of money to the traffic warder everything will be settled. This is wrong and illegal. 

4. High rate of traffic congestion 

Also, illegal commercialization of the road tends to bring about difficulty in free flow of traffic. In a situation where the police man or the traffic warder demands the payment of settlement from the driver and the latter refuses to oblige. The policeman or traffic warder may want to delay the movement of the driver thereby causing traffic congestion on the road. This is the usual practice in Nigeria. It is high time the government security agencies put an end to this illegal commercialization on the road.   

Solutions/Recommendations 

1. The importance of transportation cannot be overemphasized in the general development of a nation. In order to curb the new trend of official corruption on the Nigerian highways, the following are steps recommended:  
2. There should be an effective monitoring of the activities of the government security agencies on the road especially those at the various checkpoints. 
3. There should be prosecution of both the giver and the receiver of bribe on the highways
4. There should be sensitization about the traffic rules and regulations to all road users.
5. The government should establish a mobile court and empower such court to have power to try the offence of official corruption on the highways by the government agents and road users summarily.    
6. Harsh punishment should be stipulated for violator of traffic rules and regulations. 
7. The government should set up an agency that will receive and attend to complaint of road users against any government agencies that demands, requests, asks for or collects bribe on the road.  

Conclusion

Official corruption on the highways is a prevalent trend on the Nigerian road where every check-point has been turned into money-collection point. The government security agencies stationed at this various check-points have derogated from their primary assignment and delve into milking the driver of their daily bread. It is however, saddening to state that the prevalence of this heinous act is attributable to many factors. One of which is the complicity of the road users such as passenger, driver and pedestrian. There will be no receiver if there is no giver. The giver is the road user (driver, passenger, rider pedestrian etc.) who has violated the traffic rules and regulation of traffic and offered a bribe as a form of settlement to escape the wrath of the law. In the eye of the law, both the giver and receiver are guilty of the offence of official corruption. This heinous practice on the highways has resulted into numerous atrocities. It is high time the government took drastic steps to curb it and make the road clean.  

Writer: San Afflatus.

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Sowers Taraba Chapter 2025 Outreach: Sowing the Word of Life.

Photo taken at Jauro Isa during evening Evangelism 

 Sowers Taraba Chapter 2025 Outreach: Sowing the Word of Life. 

Sowers Theater Ministry, Taraba Chapter is one of the numerous chapters of the Sowers Theater Ministry whose vision is "Taking the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the ministry of the Holy Ghost to the unreached and underevangelised parts of the Earth through the show of love and creativity within the enclave of their culture." 

 

As custom demands, the Chapter embarked on her annual missionary outreach from 20th-23rd March, 2025 at Jauro Isa in Bali Local Government Area and Shangham in Ardo Kola Local Government Area Taraba State. 

Five volunteers and two missionaries from Calvary Ministry (CAPRO) participated in the outreach. 

Photo taken at Shangam during evening Evangelism 

The mission fields happened to be fertile grounds for missionary outreach. In a bid to take the gospel to other unreached place, Shangham, we decided to trek for about 5 hours through the hills to Shamgham. Thank God, the trekking was not in vain, as we were able to meet virtually all the villagers at the Market Square. 

We paid courtesy to the appropriate persons and we were welcomed with kunu and other local food. After resting for a while, we began the sole business of the day, to preach the gospel. 39 persons were preached to and 13 gave their lives to Christ.

Photo taken at Shangham after trekking for 5hrs through the hills. 

To the glory of God and to the shame of the devil, a total number of 33 souls were won for Christ, 4 persons were baptized with the  Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues and Sowers School of Discipleship (SDS) class was conducted for 5 persons. Also, voluntary teaching through Volunteer Tachers Network (VTN) was conducted for 17 children. 

Photo taken at Shangham Markert Square.

Below are the strategies utilized during the course of the outreach: 

1. Film Show 

2. Open crusade 

3. Evangelism 

4. Friendgelism 

5. VTN

6. Welfare 

Photo taken at Jauro Isa during evening Evangelism 

The Great Commission is a pivotal assignment given to every believer to carry out. (See Mathew 28:18-20). Sowers Theater Ministry is a missionary organization whose vision is anchored on the Great Commission, "Taking the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the ministry of the Holy Ghost to the unreached and underevangelised parts of the Earth through the show of love and creativity within the enclave of their culture." 

It is pertinent to draw the attention of everyone to the trite saying that soul wining is the heartbeat of God. 

In every missionary outreach, make sure you Pray, Give, and Go. 

God bless Sowers Theater Ministry! 

#Sowers Theatre Ministry 

Olawuni Samuel Idowu,  Zonal Coordinator, Sowers North-East Zone.

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This Day in History: February 14St. Valentine beheaded

This Day in HistoryFebruary 14St. Valentine beheaded

This Day In History: February 14

On February 14, around the year A.D. 270, Valentine, a holy priest in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius II, is said to have been executed.

Under the rule of Claudius the Cruel, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns. The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. Claudius believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families.

To get rid of the problem, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.

When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. The sentence was carried out on February 14, on or about the year 270.

Legend also has it that while in jail, St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it “From Your Valentine.”

For his great service, Valentine was named a saint after his death.

In truth, the exact origins and identity of St. Valentine are unclear. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, “At least three different Saint Valentines, all of them martyrs, are mentioned in the early martyrologies under the date of 14 February.” One was a priest in Rome, the second one was a bishop of Interamna (now Terni, Italy) and the third St. Valentine was a martyr in the Roman province of Africa.

Legends vary on how the martyr’s name became connected with romance. The date of his death may have become mingled with the Feast of Lupercalia, a pagan festival of love. On these occasions, the names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed. In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius decided to put an end to the Feast of Lupercalia, and he declared that February 14 be celebrated as St. Valentine’s Day.

Gradually, February 14 became a date for exchanging love messages, poems and simple gifts such as flowers.

Credit: History.com Editors

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MY NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE ON AN AEROPLANE. - Pastor Benny Hinn

MY NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE ON AN AEROPLANE.

- Pastor Benny Hinn

Often, when one of God’s angels comes to your rescue, you won’t realize it at the time. The truth of the situation will dawn on you later.

You may be driving on the highway and suddenly your car swerves to avoid a terrible accident. It all happens so quickly you don’t know what is going on. But a few minutes later you exclaim, “Ahh...Godj ust saved my life!”

Think back on the times the Lord has sent guardian angels for your protection.

I can still recall the moment I heard the pilot say, “We’re in trouble!”

Those scary words woke me from my sleep. We were in a small single engine Cessna at 11,000 feet, returning to Orlando from Naples, Florida, in May 1983 about 1 a.m. The sky was pitch black and there were six of us on board.

“I think we are out of fuel,” the concerned pilot told us as the engine sputtered and stopped. I could feel my heart pounding against my rib-cage and thought, “God in heaven, I could be with You any minute.” Then I began to ask myself, “Am I ready? Am I ready?”

When facing death, that question becomes most powerful. I knew that my answer could leave no room for doubt. Was I ready fort eternity?

If you find yourself in the same situation what will you be asking?

Are you ready?

As the plane was falling and the pilot was anxiously searching for an emergency landing site, suddenly my mind flashed back to an

event that happened eight months earlier.

In September 1982, my father, Costandi, passed away. At the funeral home, the director approached me and said, “Reverend Hinn, your father needs a necktie. Could you get one for him?”

Immediately, I took off the tie I was wearing and handed it to themortician. Later, after the funeral service, I was standing before the

coffin at the cemetery. As they were lowering the casket of my dear father into the ground, an incident happened that I had almost dismissed from memory. But now as the plane was plummeting, I remembered it all too clearly.

As the pallbearers lowered the coffin, I experienced something quite unusual. Even though I had given my necktie to my father, I suddenly felt a tightening around my throat, as if my own necktie was choking me. I then heard a voice say, You will be dead in one year. I  immediately replied out loud, “No, I won’t.”

 When Satan speaks, you had better talk back, even if people are around. I  looked upward toward the sky and said, “God in heaven, the devil can’t do that!” And instantly I heard the unmistakable voice of the Holy Spirit. The words He spoke were all I needed. The Spirit softly whispered, “I won’t let you die.”

Now, on the plane, I remembered those words: “You will be dead I  one year!” But I also recalled the reassuring voice of the Holy Spirit.It took just a second for the entire scene to flash through my mind. Then the peace of God washed over me like a warm blanket and I knew I would not die. I blurted out to the other nervous passengers, “Don’t worry. We’re going to be all right. The Lord just told me!” For I’d heard His voice again on that plane.

Usually, I am excitable, but at that particular moment I became calm. Without the roar of the engine, the silence was deafening in the plane. The pilot spotted an airstrip near Avon Park, Florida, and did his best to maneuver the troubled craft to the runway. But with mo power it became impossible—and he missed his target.

The plane crashed!

We smashed into a tree and the small aircraft rolled over four times. It was totally demolished—the wheels were ripped off and remained in the tree. The fuselage was so damaged that an onlooker would doubt there could be any survivors. The engine was torn from its housing and we hung upside down.

The door of the plane had disappeared as I crawled out to realize that there was not a scratch on my body. Thank God, I was unharmed.

In the darkness, I began to run in circles for help, not knowing where I was or what direction to go. All I knew was that we were in the middle of a farm. Then I thought, “What in the world am I doing?” I had better go back and help the other passengers.”

I ran back to the plane to discover that I was the only one who had escaped injury. The heads of the pilots were jutting through the broken windshield. They were making horrible sounds as I tried to pull them out of the wreckage, but the twisted metal was wrapped around them, making it impossible. Another passenger, a businessman, had injuries to his head, and it was apparent that his eye had popped out of the socket. I reached over and pushed his eye back into place in the name of the Lord.

Miraculously, not one person was killed in the crash. As the ambulance was approaching the site—which seemed to take

forever—I began to cry, “Oh Lord, the devil wanted to kill me, but Your angel was by my side. You alone have preserved me Because You have a purpose for my life. Otherwise, I would be dead right now. Thank You, Lord.”

Later I learned that at the exact moment our plane was experiencing engine trouble, a woman was awakened from her sleep in California. She told the story of how God woke her, saying, “Benny Hinn is in danger! Pray!” She added, “The devil wanted to snuff out your life!”

How well I knew it! I will never forget the tension-filled moment when I asked, “Am I ready?” In my heart of hearts I knew that I was, and I also understood that God was not finished with my assignment on earth.

Earlier, the Holy Spirit had given me the assurance, and now an angel of protection was guarding my life.

Credit : Jesus SAVES TV

Am I ready? 

Are you ready?

Are we ready?

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