Athena Daily Brief – 6th October 2024
Today’s brief covers critical updates on public health challenges, governance innovations, electoral victories, and infrastructural improvements in Nigeria and West Africa.
- Cholera Outbreak Hits Borno After Flood
A public health crisis has gripped Borno State, with a cholera outbreak affecting over 451 people following devastating floods. The flood, which displaced more than two million residents, has wreaked havoc on the state’s healthcare system. Prof. Baba Mallam Gana, Borno’s Health Commissioner, raised the alarm during a press briefing, linking the outbreak to poor sanitation, overcrowded IDP camps, and a shortage of clean water. He called on all stakeholders to collaborate in tackling the spread.
Comment:
Floods have become a notorious precursor to cholera outbreaks in regions like Borno, where displaced communities are often left to fend for themselves under precarious living conditions. The health infrastructure, already fragile, is overwhelmed. While Governor Zulum’s administration has been applauded for its relief efforts, it’s not enough. The ongoing disaster underscores the need for a more proactive disaster management system, especially with climate-related events becoming more frequent. The state’s ability to act swiftly will determine how quickly the outbreak can be contained, but long-term solutions like improving sanitation and ensuring sufficient access to clean drinking water are critical to preventing future health crises.
- Nigerians to Process, Obtain Passports at Home
In a groundbreaking move, Nigerians will soon be able to process and receive passports from the comfort of their homes. The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced that an app designed for contactless passport processing will be launched by April next year. This initiative is targeted at Nigerians aged 18 and above who are renewing their passports, while first-time applicants will still need to appear for biometric registration. The aim is to eliminate the notorious hurdles associated with obtaining passports, which often involve middlemen and bureaucratic delays. The new system will also centralise passport production to streamline services both at home and abroad.
Comment:
This is an idea that addresses one of the most frustrating experiences for Nigerians—the passport processing. The digitisation of this process is not only a win for efficiency but also a major blow to corruption, as it reduces the influence of “passport fixers” who have long exploited citizens. However, the real test will be its implementation. If executed well, this could set the standard for other public services in Nigeria. Here’s hoping that by April next year, we’ll hear fewer horror stories about long waits and more success stories of smooth and seamless passport renewals.
- APC Sweeps Benue LG Poll
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured a sweeping victory in Benue State’s local government elections, clinching all 23 chairmanship and 276 councillorship positions. The election was hailed as free and fair by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), with five political parties, including the PDP and Labour Party, participating. Though some opposition parties, like the Labour Party, hinted at a potential review of the election outcome, overall feedback suggests a smooth and orderly process.
Comment:
While the APC’s dominance in this local poll is unquestionable, it’s hard to ignore the fact that one-party sweeps often raise questions about electoral competition and inclusivity. Were there truly level playing fields for all parties? Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration has been praised for creating a “hitch-free” election, but it remains to be seen whether this electoral process reflects genuine grassroots support or simply the overwhelming strength of a dominant political party. Either way, the APC’s clean sweep is another reminder of the need for robust political participation and a vibrant opposition to ensure democratic health at all levels of governance.
- Tunisia Votes in Presidential Poll
Tunisia held its presidential election amidst a lack of real opposition to the incumbent, President Kais Saied. The election marks the final phase of Saied’s significant power grab over the last three years, following the rewriting of the constitution and the jailing of political critics. With the country in an economic crisis, voter enthusiasm was low, particularly among younger citizens. Preliminary election results are expected by Wednesday, though early results may come sooner. International observers are concerned about Tunisia’s return to authoritarianism after the Arab Spring initially paved the way for democratic reforms.
Comment:
This election illustrates the delicate state of Tunisia’s democracy, once seen as the only success story of the Arab Spring. Kais Saied’s consolidation of power, including the silencing of opposition and the redrafting of the constitution, signals a return to autocratic governance. The lack of public engagement and low voter turnout suggest widespread disillusionment among Tunisians, especially the youth. Saied’s disregard for democratic norms could further destabilise the region, with political repression erasing the gains of the last decade.
- Doctors Worry as Patients Rely on AI for Drug Prescription
Medical professionals in Nigeria are raising alarms over the growing trend of patients relying on artificial intelligence (AI) for drug prescriptions. While AI can assist in healthcare, it lacks the ability to consider individual patient factors like medical history, allergies, and nuances revealed during physical exams. Public health experts emphasised that AI should complement, not replace, human medical professionals. They also warned about the risks of misinformation, algorithmic bias, and “hallucinations” generated by AI systems, stressing the importance of professional judgement in patient care.
Comment:
The rising dependence on AI for medical diagnoses and prescriptions reveals both the opportunities and challenges posed by new technologies. While AI has the potential to enhance healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas, it is no substitute for a human doctor’s expertise. The Nigerian medical community’s concerns reflect a need for robust regulation and public education on the responsible use of AI in healthcare. As technology advances, balancing its use with human oversight will be critical in preventing harmful outcomes.
- Major Ethnic Groups Call for Regional Government
Major ethnic groups in Nigeria are renewing calls for a return to regional government, arguing it would better promote development and address economic disparities. The call emerged amid divisions in the Senate during a retreat on constitutional amendments. The Northern Elders Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Afenifere all voiced support for regionalism, emphasising its potential to promote resource control, decentralisation, and fiscal federalism. However, concerns remain over the risks of regional fragmentation, increased rivalry, and elite capture of power at the regional level.
Comment:
The push for regionalism reflects the ongoing dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s current federal structure, which centralises power in ways that have contributed to inefficiencies and ethnic tensions. Advocates of regionalism argue that decentralising governance could provide more responsive and equitable local leadership. However, the risks of fragmentation and rivalry between regions cannot be ignored, particularly given Nigeria’s ethnic diversity. Any move towards regional governance must include safeguards to ensure accountability and national unity while allowing regions to thrive.
- State Governors Spent N69.71bn on Travels, Attract Zero Investments
In the first six months of 2024, 32 Nigerian state governors collectively spent N69.71bn on local and international travels, yet only Lagos, Abuja, and Ekiti attracted any foreign investments during the same period. Governors like Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Babagana Zulum (Borno), and Dikko Radda (Katsina) spent significant sums on foreign trips without any visible return in terms of capital inflows. The data, gathered from the National Bureau of Statistics and Open Nigerian States, highlights the disconnect between state expenditure on travel and the absence of tangible economic benefits.
Comment:
The stark contrast between governors’ lavish travel expenses and their failure to attract foreign investments is worrying. It’s a critical governance challenge in Nigeria. These figures reflect a broader issue of misallocated resources, where public funds are expended on non-essential activities instead of development projects that could drive growth. The public has every right to demand more accountability and transparency from their leaders, particularly in states where poverty and underdevelopment remain rampant. Leaders must reassess their priorities and focus on initiatives that yield concrete economic outcomes.