On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
A recent investigation by the BBC has uncovered a troubling pattern within parts of the United Kingdom’s immigration advisory system, where some legal advisers are allegedly coaching migrants to fabricate claims about their sexual orientation in order to secure asylum.
The undercover probe revealed that certain advisers and small law firms are instructing migrants to present themselves as gay or part of the LGBTQ+ community—regardless of their true identity—to strengthen their chances of avoiding deportation. In some cases, migrants were reportedly guided on how to construct convincing personal narratives, obtain fabricated evidence, and rehearse responses for asylum interviews.
These services, according to findings, often come at a high cost, with vulnerable migrants paying thousands of pounds for assistance that is both unethical and illegal.
Under UK asylum laws, individuals who face persecution in their home countries due to their sexual orientation may qualify for protection. This legal provision exists to safeguard people fleeing genuine threats, especially from regions where same-sex relationships are criminalized or socially dangerous. However, the reported abuse of this protection pathway raises concerns about the integrity of the system.
Authorities in the UK have reacted strongly to the revelations, warning that individuals found to have submitted fraudulent claims risk immediate rejection and possible deportation. There are also increasing calls for stricter oversight of immigration advisers to prevent exploitation and restore confidence in the asylum process.
Importantly, the investigation does not suggest that such practices are widespread among migrants themselves, nor does it undermine the legitimacy of genuine asylum seekers who face real persecution due to their identity. Instead, it highlights how a network of unscrupulous actors may be taking advantage of both the system and the vulnerable individuals navigating it.
The development has sparked broader debate about immigration controls, legal accountability, and the need to protect the credibility of humanitarian pathways without penalizing those who truly need refuge.
As scrutiny intensifies, policymakers are expected to consider reforms that strike a balance between preventing fraud and upholding the rights of legitimate asylum seekers.
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