RIGHT OF REPLY
In an age when we are told that everything is now television, in the sense of a constant flow of streamed images on our screen devices, an age when some commentators are openly predicting the end of reading, we must, from time to time, celebrate those who not only read but also find the energy to write in response to what they read. The act of reading, nearly as long established as human civilisation itself, is now sometimes thought to be under the threat of extinction. But whether these predictions are correct or merely alarming, it is safe to say that we are still a long way from the end of reading. More immediately, the White Paper column is always happy to recognise its readers, regular or episodic. Readers of opinion columns in newspapers are not only important members of the national conversation; they are, indeed, also writers in their own right. After all, to read is to re-write. And in that regard, I have reproduced below some reactions to recent White Paper columns over the past week in recognition of readers. Thank you, SAS.
Salam. Thank you for your piece about Aliko Dangote’s investment build-up. You should please publish and circulate this piece free as a piece of advice to looters of Nigeria’s treasury, especially the politicians, to please invest their loot in businesses that will yield benefits in the future in terms of job creation for poor Nigerian youths, instead of buying expensive houses, aircraft, luxury cars, and deposits in foreign banks. Everyone cannot [be] Aliko Dangote at a go, but small and medium-scale Dangotes should spring up to complement the efforts of the bigger Dangote. Thank you.
0802 858 7750
You people must continue to write and advise government about the governance legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello and Tafawa Balewa, particularly for a nation stepping up preparations for another October 1st celebration. Our founding fathers contributed as much as possible, but the current leadership leaves so much to be desired. We can’t continue to play politics with agriculture, the nerve centre of the North that was once a great shore-up to our increased revenue despite security concerns, aside from telecoms. Also, the banking and financial institutions that support agriculture must also be looked into since the Nigerian Agricultural and Co-operative Bank (NACB) is dead. BOA, the successor of the NACB, should be revived.
0810 822 4945
Hello, sir. Please support and push for a Jonathan/El-Rufai coalition. The PDP faction will present Jonathan, while the ADC will present El-Rufai. All the remaining platforms should adopt them. My name is Bashiru Yusuf, No. 84 Ireshe Road, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.
0702 684 6497
Hello, my brother. Yours on “Policing for Personal Profit,” Daily Trust, Monday, September 21, 2026, page 56 (Back Page), was an interesting read, a reflection of most happenings in our internal security architecture. I cannot imagine some police stations, for lack of ICT compliance, still use manual typewriters to do official police reports for loss of items or other needs of a police official report. This even goes with unofficial fees demanded at the station from persons requiring the reports. I hope governments at all levels will come up with better reforms to give us a well-secured society based on your honest recommendations and suggestions.
Alhassan Danjuma Aliyu, MSc. Provost, Rolim College of Hygiene and Health Sciences, Minna, Niger State.
0803 691 2830
A bunch of thanks for your piece of write-up, “Policing for Personal Profit.” You have opened the can of worms and even hit the nail on the head about the Nigeria Police. Once you enter the hands of any one of our security agencies, one becomes like a slave in their custody. You will witness all sorts of inhumanity, degradation, and violation of human rights. Thank you for your good work. May Allah protect you and bless you abundantly.
0704 718 7535
Correction, Suleiman. Sheikh Jingir is a Nigerian and is entitled to any wilful donation to facilitate his educational projects that benefit the public. Get your findings right. Those of us who are his students know him as a straight person. As Muslims, let us be fair to him.
Idris Datok, Jos, 0803 590 0363
Salam, Dr Suleiman. I have gone through your column, The White Paper, on “A Campaign of Accusations.” Frankly speaking, I enjoyed the topics. First, let me take the issues one by one. Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed’s comment on Vice President Kashim Shettima is pure politics. There is something behind that. As a Hausa saying goes, water does not acquire a sour taste for nothing. And, about Sheikh Sani Yahya Jingir, his Muslim-Muslim ticket started when Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leaders [said] Christians are the majority in Nigeria. So, that was the main reason many Muslims supported the ticket. And, last but not least, about General Musa and Malam Nasir El-Rufai, really, I am not surprised at what the General said. Though he was born and brought up in Sokoto, do not forget, the blood of ethnicity runs through his body. Thanks for your efforts. Alhaji Musa Hamza, Jos.
0803 637 5358
Salam, and good morning, Malam Suleiman. Since 2015 to date, Nigerian leadership has quickly accepted every offer made to her by the Saudi Arabian authorities. Saudi Arabian authorities and the remaining leaders of the Gulf countries are considered as puppets of the USA. Iran is now a force to reckon with in the Persian Gulf and the entire Middle East. Nigeria must learn a lesson from the Iranian show of force, which is globally acknowledged.
Barrister Tijjani Ahmad Dukawa, Kano
0803 803 2376
Salam, Dr Suleiman. I read your piece “Tinubu, Idris, and a Whole New 2027 Campaign.” I want to say that it is a half-objective and half-subjective opinion. In the first part, you have exposed your support for the Waziri of Adamawa, which you have every right to do. Then, in the other part, you showed a semblance of objectivity. Perhaps, it is because you are talking to your colleagues in the media industry? Comrade
Bishir Dauda Sabuwar Unguwa Katsina
0816 527 0879
Mal. Suleiman, I read your article today on the issue of fuel subsidy. However, you did not cite examples of one or two African countries about how they are handling theirs.
Danmaigona C. 0803 630 7559
“Pointless debate on Tinubu’s certificate.” Yes, Suleiman, you have nailed it. My kind regards. 0803 586 1818
Dr Suleiman. Good morning, sir. I just read your article on the visit of the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria and the statement of HRH Alhaji Sanusi to the President and on the economy, respectively. Walai, oga, you just nailed it. I just hope Yoruba people don’t call for your head. Best regards. Kayode Abisoye.
0802 302 6206
Dear Prof Suleiman, good day, sir. I just finished reading your piece “Tinubu’s Regional Federalism” in the Daily Trust. My initial fascination is how you saw through all the nuances. So, if this bodes well for the country, why has he not made it clear for all to see? Of course, the State Police Bill was the clincher. Even as flippant Nigerians continue to think it’s a lame formula for insecurity. Kudos, sir. I look forward to reading you again. Omega Juris Plus
0803 741 9255
Bravo! Your article illustrates the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about Tinubunomics. It’s now left to our northern leaders to confront the man and destroy the policy of Tinubunomics before all hell is let loose. M. Aisami.
0708 176 5900
Good day, Mr. Suleiman A. Suleiman. I enjoyed your “The White Paper Column.” True, Malami’s (Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation) assets are worth N212 billion in value, but you guys should make the same column on former CBN Governor Dr Emefiele, as partly written on page G25 in this same edition by one of your reporters, Mr Phillips Shimnom Clement. Why are you not doing a column on Emefiele? Or is it because the APC wants to stop Abubakar Malami’s governorship aspiration in the 2027 election? Please also write about Emefiele. Thank you.
0803 424 0684
Salam, Suleiman. The points you have made on the State Police make sense. But your last paragraph doesn’t give our northern legislators any hint as to what you think should be the way to go. Their votes will make a difference at the end of this debate.
Thank you.
0803 590 0363
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