As part of the efforts to tackle liquidity challenges in the financial sector and boost lending to the real sector of the Nigerian economy, commercial and merchant banks have borrowed N8.2 trillion from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the first 17 days of business activities in January 2025, data provided by the apex bank has revealed.
Within the period under review, banks and merchant banks' deposits in CBN stood at N6.69 trillion, amid the banks’ efforts to lend to the real sector of the economy. Commercial banks and merchant
banks access lending from the CBN using the Standing Lending Facility (SLF) window. They also deposit excess liquidity with the apex bank using the Standing Deposit Facility window (SDF). The CBN provides the SLF, a short-term lending window for banks and merchant banks, to access liquidity to run their day-to-day business operations. According to
I Remain Speaker of Lagos House of Assembly, Defiant Obasa Dares Colleagues
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,
John Shiklam in Kaduna
Atiku, Mbah Express Sadness as 18 Die in Enugu Petrol Tanker Explosion
Gideon Arinze in Enugu
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, yesterday expressed sadness as a petrol tanker exploded along the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in the Coal City, killing 18 persons.
The explosion, which occurred around 11:30 am, caused widespread panic and affected another petrol tanker and six other vehicles.
It was not clear how the incident happened but witnesses told THISDAY that the explosion occurred when a fuel-laden tanker fell while navigating down the hilly busy expressway.
They described the blast as devastating, saying that the ensuing fire also gutted another truck behind it, leading to the escalation of the fire. Rescue efforts were hindered by the intensity of the fire, making it difficult for bystanders to access the scene.
Victims reportedly burnt beyond recognition, and were believed to be occupants of the vehicles caught in the inferno.
It was gathered that some of the victims were attempting to run away from the scene when they were caught by the fire.
Meanwhile, former Vice President, Atiku, has expressed profound sorrow over the incident.
In a statement posted via his X handle, he extended his condolences to the families and friends of the victims, describing the frequent incidents of tanker explosions as “a national emergency requiring immediate attention.”
“Oh dear, not again! My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all the victims of the fuel tanker explosion in Enugu State. May their souls find eternal rest,” he wrote.
The former vice president noted that the recurrent tragedies associated with fuel tanker explosions have reached alarming levels and called on the government to act swiftly.
“The incidents of tragic tanker
explosions have reached emergency levels. It is time for the government to establish an inquiry into this issue,”
Atiku added.
On his part, Governor Mbah, who was at the scene of the accident for an on-the-spot assessment, expressed sadness over the accident
The governor said the government had already swung into action to ensure that the victims received full medical attention, while also taking steps to forestall future occurrences, including enforcement of road rules and fixing the part of the federal road that was in disrepair.
Describing the accident as unfortunate, Mbah commiserated
with the families of the victims.
He further directed the FRSC Sector Commander, Enugu, Mr. Franklin Agbakoba, and the state Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Obi Ozor, to ensure that all tankers conveying inflammable substances in the state have anti-spill lock that will prevent spill in case of accident.
“This is an accident involving a tanker that preliminary investigation show may have had a break failure, fell down, had its product, premium motor spirit spilled from the tank and ignited. So, this is for us a tragedy where we have some casualties.
“But as I said, investigation is still at preliminary stages. The police and
I REMAIN SPEAKER OF LAGOS HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, DEFIANT OBASA DARES COLLEAGUES
Segun James and Esther Oluku
other law enforcement agencies are on it. We want to get to the root of this for us to understand the true cause of the accident.
“In the meantime, we have moved those that are in need of treatment to the hospitals for full medical attention. My Commissioner for Health and also my Special Adviser on Health, the Chief Medical Director of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUTTH), Parklane, Enugu, the police, and Federal Road Safety Corps are all involved. They have my instruction to ensure that maximum medical attentions were given to the survivors,” the governor stated.
Barely 48 hours after returning to the country from the United States of America and being unable to meet with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, a defiant former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, yesterday dared his colleagues, insisting that he remains the speaker of the state assembly. This is just as the state lawmakers asked the residents of the state to ignore the rantings of the former speaker, warning him not to heat up the polity.
process.
According to him, the election of Hon. Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker did not follow the law, declaring his removal null and void.
Addressing a mammoth crowd of his supporters at his official residence at the GRA, Ikeja, Obasa, who represents Agege, insisted that his impeachment did not follow due
TO TACKLE LIQUIDITY CHALLENGES, BOOST LENDING, BANKS BORROW
N8.2TN FROM CBN IN 17 DAYS
liquidity challenges in the financial sector.
The liquidity challenges can also be traced to low cash deposits by bank customers due to the high spending during the festive period, which created cash scarcity in banks.
In the first 17 days of January 2024, commercial and merchant banks borrowed N3.5 trillion from the apex bank, far below the N8.2 trillion they borrowed during the corresponding period in 2025.
The data by CBN showed that in 2024, both commercial and merchant borrowed an estimated N131.42 trillion over increasing demand for cash.
The N131.42 trillion borrowed in 2024 represented about a 636.6 per cent increase over the N17.84 billion banks and merchant banks operating in Nigeria borrowed in 2023.
As gathered by THISDAY, between 2024 and 2022, the CBN lent banks and merchant banks the sum of N160.41 trillion based on the variation of the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR).
The financial data of CBN showed that banks and merchant banks borrowed the highest amount in March 2024 and the lowest amount in January 2024.
Specifically, about N21.74 trillion was borrowed by banks and merchant banks in March 2024, while the lowest amount of N2.9 trillion was borrowed in January 2024.
These financial institutions in 2024 borrowed from the CBN at an interest rate of 32.50 per cent as the asymmetric corridor around the MPR at +500/-100 basis points.
The applicable rates for the SDF and SLF in 2023 increased by 50 basis points to 11.50 and 19.50 per cent, respectively, following the hike in the policy rate by 50 basis points to 18.75 per cent in June 2023.
The interest rate at which these banks and merchant banks borrow from CBN changed in 2024 amid the Monetary Policy Committee hike in MPR.
In 2024, the MPC members increased the interest rate from 18.75 per cent to 27.50 per cent amid its mandate to tackle the inflation rate and the unstable Naira in the foreign exchange market.
The Director of the Financial Markets Department, CBN, Dr Omolara Duke had in a circular stated that the apex bank allowed banks to borrow at a rate of 31.75 per cent when the MPR was at 26.75
per cent.
Banks can access the SLF through the Scripless Securities Settlement System (S4) within the specified operating hours of 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Additionally, authorised dealers are permitted to access the Intraday Lending Facility (ILF) at no cost, provided it is repaid on the same day.
Commenting on banks and merchant banks’ borrowing from CBN in 2024, a financial expert and vice president of Highcap Securities, Mr. David Adnori, said, “The development points to lack of liquidity on the part of banks. Monetary policy has been tightening and this has led to low liquidity. It is cheaper for banks to borrow from the CBN. This development is not positive but negative.”
“We cannot continue to tighten because it will reflect economic growth,” he added.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf stated: “This is a reflection of liquidity pressure some of the banks are going through. The facility is typically short-term.
“This may not necessarily indicate that the banks are stressed or unstable. Meanwhile, the recapitalisation of banks is long overdue. The minimum capital requirement of N25 billion is no longer adequate if discounted for inflation.”
However, THISDAY gathered that banks and merchant banks' deposits to CBN stood at N6.69 trillion in 17 days of 2025.
The increase is coming against the backdrop of CBN's removal of the cap on the remunerative policy, among others.
An SDF is an overnight deposit facility that allows banks to park excess liquidity (money) to CBN and earn interest.
The CBN governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso had disclosed that the apex bank removed the cap on the remunerable SDF to increase activity in the SDF window and manage liquidity.
SDF in 2024 witnessed significant patronage as banks and merchant banks' deposits reached the highest peak of about N8.12 trillion in August 2024. However, the CBN has over the years maintained that strong patronage at the SDF confirms healthier liquidity in the banking system.
The embattled lawmaker alleged that a fake mace was used to install Meranda as Speaker, adding that hundreds of policemen invaded the assembly on the day of his removal to intimidate his loyalists.
Obasa also alleged that some policemen invaded his official residence on the same day and prevented members of his family in the house from coming out.
While vowing to resume as Speaker, Obasa also said he would challenge his removal in court.
“The speakership is not Obasa’s title; it is like a general. When you go to war, you may come out or you may not come back. So, I am not disturbed, perturbed or worried about the purported removal," he said.
While hinting that the action must have had the tacit support of the executive arm of government in the state, he said that "however, things must be done properly.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police led police officers to invade the state assembly on the day of the removal, while over 200 policemen also invaded my private residence in Agege.
“They also blocked the gate to my official residence, while they prevented members of my family from going out of the house.
“I am not afraid of being removed; I have been a member of the House for almost 22 years and Speaker for
almost 10 years and I think I have contributed my quota. But why did they have to break the chamber and use a fake mace to carry out the removal? If they say they don’t want me again, it is fine, but let them follow due procedure. My status in the House is that I believe strongly that I remain the Speaker of the Assembly until the right procedure to remove me is followed,” he said.
According to him, the removal of speakers in the past was conducted in their presence, without police involvement and intrusion into the state legislative chamber.
"Rt. Hon. Pelumi is my brother and friend; when he was removed, he was on the floor of the House, probably even presiding.
When Hon. Funmi Tejuosho was removed, she was in the House and those who were suspended were also present.
"There was no involvement of the police, and the legislative chamber was not broken into. A fake mace was not brought to the House. I'm not afraid of being removed. If you have been a member of the House for over 20 years and Speaker for almost 10 years, you don't get disturbed. But let them follow the proper procedure, and let us close this matter,” Obasa added.
He debunked the allegation that he spent N16 billion to construct a gate at the assembly complex, describing the allegation as ridiculous.
Obasa said it was not possible to construct any gate with N16 billion, just as he also debunked the allegation that he bought 40 Hilux vans for
N40 billion as a speaker.
The former Speaker said he had not done anything wrong to warrant his removal, adding he had lived up to expectations, serving as a lawmaker for over two decades.
He stated that he believed so much in the assembly and would never partake in its destruction.
He appreciated members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their love for the party and the state.
Obasa also thanked the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu for her support, and President Tinubu, who he said would always be his father.
Obasa was removed on January 13, at a plenary, over allegations of multiple fraud and other acts of gross The House immediately replaced him with Meranda.
The Clerk of the House, Mr Olalekan Onafeko, was also suspended indefinitely, while the Chief Whip, Mr Mojeed Fatai, was elected the new Deputy Speaker.
Meanwhile, the state lawmakers, in a statement issued yesterday on their behalf by Ogundipe Olukayode have warned Obasa against actions capable of destabilising the legislative arm of government in the state and heating the polity.
The lawmakers reiterated their solidarity with the newly elected Speaker, Meranda, and their firm stance on the impeachment decision taken on January 13.
“It is imperative to clarify that over two-thirds of the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly
are solidly united behind the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.
“We stand by the decision taken to impeach Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and we shall defend our position to the letter,” the statement added. The lawmakers emphasised their commitment to good governance and harmonious relationship with other arms of government, stressing that the Assembly’s decision to remove Obasa as Speaker was within their constitutional rights.
“All members were elected from their various constituencies across the state, and we all have the inalienable rights under the necessary statutory orders to remove our principal officers, including the Speaker,” the statement stated.
The statement further described Obasa’s recent posture as “uncalled for and unparliamentary,” urging him to embrace peace in the interest of the state.
“I appeal to the former Speaker to toe the line of peace and harmony as being followed by others, as the current intransigent posture will heat the polity and not augur well.
“Any attempt to heat the polity will be resisted by the majority of distinguished members who unanimously elected Rt. Hon. Meranda,” the statement warned. The lawmakers pledged their resolve to protect the assembly’s integrity and uphold peace across the state.
“Peace, we want in Lagos, and peace we will achieve,” the statement concluded.
NORTHERN CAN: TINUBU’S MUSLIM-MUSLIM PRESIDENCY HAS DEMONSTRATED REASONABLE INCLUSIVENESS
mate, feels marginalised by his administration, Pam said “There is a reasonable inclusiveness in governance,” despite the MuslimMuslim presidency.
Pam said: “For me, the most important thing is a government that is inclusive and as far as they have done Muslim-Muslim ticket, we have also seen reasonable inclusiveness.
“But left for us, we will say ‘yes, let’s have Christians in certain positions like vice president and other positions to reflect our diversity.’
“We know the desire of people is to see that insecurity is addressed so that they can go about their normal daily activities without fear.
This is already happening; we want the government to declare a complete state of emergency on the issue of insecurity.
“We may have a Christian there and killings may still be going on, but it is something we still pray for. The Presidency will be good to bring a Christian as number 2.
“We will appreciate it, there is nothing wrong with that. Whatever way, the important thing is that insecurity should be tackled,” he explained.
He hailed the performance of the current administration, adding however that the government should do more to address insecurity.
“There are pockets of things here
and there that should be addressed.
“The situation is not as bad as the previous years when there were bombings,” he added.
He said the major challenge in the country is hunger, noting that prices of foodstuffs and other essential commodities are “crazy”.
“I think the major challenge now is hunger. People are suffering. Prices of commodities are crazy. That is what we are crying for now. But the President has said that with time, things would be better; let’s see how it goes,” Pam said.
Speaking earlier during the meeting, which was attended by a representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Pam expressed concern over the exclusion of Christians, particularly from the North-west from political appointments.
He said: “For example, in the North-West Development Commission, no Christian from the region was considered for appointment; instead, a Christian from the South-east was included.
“We appreciate the efforts made by Mr. President and his administration to address these issues, but we appeal for greater intervention to restore peace and stability in Northern Nigeria.
“We humbly request more
inclusion of Northern Christians in key political positions and decision-making roles.”
Pam lamented the menace of kidnapping for ransom, which has remained a pressing concern, causing fear and hardship for countless families across the North.
He added that the ongoing crises between farmers and herders have devastated lives, disrupted agricultural activities, and threatened food security in the region.
He also decried discrimination against Christians in some Northern states.
According to him, Christians still face challenges in acquiring land for church buildings and are also being marginalised in political appointments and other opportunities.
In his remarks, the SGF who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Christopher Tarka, said President Tinubu was committed to promoting good governance across the country.
He urged the CAN leaders to continue to pray for unity, love and peace in the region.
He said President Tinubu was fully committed to promoting good governance, equity, and inclusivity across all regions of Nigeria.
“Rest assured that this administration is determined to
address the pressing challenges facing the Northern region, including insecurity, kidnapping, farmer-herder conflicts, and economic hardship.
“The government is working tirelessly to restore peace, stability, and economic growth in affected areas”, Akume said.
He said the difficulties in acquiring land for church buildings and the perceived exclusion of Northern Christians in key political appointments were well noted.
“I will personally bring these issues to the attention of Mr. President to ensure that they are addressed appropriately.
"I acknowledge the concerns regarding the lack of representation of Northern Christians in the NorthWest Development Commission.
“While I appreciate the recognition of the steps already taken by the President, such as appointing a Christian as the SGF and other ministerial roles, I assure you that we will continue to advocate for greater inclusion of Northern Christians in decisionmaking positions.
“The government is working on robust policies and measures to address insecurity, ensure justice, and create economic opportunities that benefit everyone, particularly in the Northern region,” the SGF added.
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT ON THEIR MINDS…
Kano Agog as Emir Sanusi Holds Tijjaniyya Maulud Despite Police Ban
Shettima, Gov Yusuf laud Tijjaniyya sect for fostering unity
Thousands of followers of the Tijjaniyya sect yesterday trooped out in the commercial city of Kano to celebrate the 2025 Maulud of the late Sheikh Ibrahim Niass, the spiritual leader of the sect, despite the alleged effort of the police to abort the programme.
Earlier, the police had on Friday attempted to halt the Maulud over an alleged security threat, which the state government dismissed as fake and unfounded.
A combined team of security operatives had barricaded the venue of the Maulud programme, blocking all entrances leading to the venue.
But addressing a press conference, the state Commissioner of Information,
said: "It has come to our attention with great concern that security agencies have blocked the venue designated for this highly significant religious event.
"This action is not only unnecessary but also unjustified, as there has been no report of any security threat in Kano State, that would warrant such an extreme measure.
"The Kano State Government has not issued any complaints regarding insecurity, and we find the presence of security operatives at the venue of this significant religious activity unwarranted and unacceptable," he explained.
However, yesterday morning, thousands of the followers of the sect, led by Emir Sanusi and the Kano State Governor,
Again, Boko Haram Kills Army Commander, Other Soldiers in Borno
Two days after the killing of 20 fishermen at Gadan Gari fishing community in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State on Wednesday, Boko Haram/SWAP terrorists have reportedly killed an Army Commander, two other military officers and other soldiers at a military base in Malam-Fatori, the headquarters of Abadam local government area of the State.
Bama is in Borno central while Malam-Fatori is in Abadam local government area in the northern part of the state, between Borno State and Republic of Niger border.
In the latest attack, unconfirmed sources said for several hours on Friday, January 24, 2025, the terrorists attacked the 149 Battalion in Malam-Fatori and dislodged the base as soldiers who survived the deadly attack fled the area to a safer place.
The sources, who confirmed the attack, added that the insurgents attacked the base with multiple gun trucks, saying that the terrorists razed down many buildings and military
operational vehicles during the attack.
“Apart from the dead bodies recovered, many other soldiers were seriously injured while a yet-to-be ascertained number of personnel were still missing as of yesterday.
“The commanding officer of the battalion, two senior officers, including the base medical director, were among those who were feared dead.
“This comes a few days after the terror group launched a brutal attack on the military’s Forward Operating Base in the Damboa local government area of Borno State, killing a yet-to-be confirmed number of soldiers, with many believed to still be missing.
“25 Taskforce Brigade was attacked during the weekend with so many casualties. So far, we have recovered over seven bodies. The terror group invaded the camp FOB Sabon Gari around 4am on Saturday, using various weapons,” one of the sources said.
However, efforts to confirm the incident from military authorities proved abortive.
Abba Yusuf, defied the police alert and filled the venue of the programme beyond capacity.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Alhaji Babagana Fannami, praised the Tijjaniyya sect for standing over the past century in the true teachings of Islam.
Shettima, who was the Special
Guest of Honour at the occasion, eulogised the guiding principles of the 'Sufi' sect to humanity.
He emphasised the unwavering tenacity of the Tijjaniyya sect to lessons of Prophet Muhammad rather than compromising matters of the jurisprudence of Islam.
He, therefore, reminded Muslims to emulate the true teachings of Islam and avoid extremism.
Speaking, Governor Yusuf, lauded the efforts of the Tijjaniyya sect in maintaining peace and harmonious relationships with other sects in Nigeria.
"As your host, we have to appreciate all of you for coming to Kano from far and near to attend this year's maulud for Sheik Ibrahim Niass"
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who is also the national leader of the Tijjaniyya in Nigeria, sued for peace and urged the Muslims to be tolerant of believers of other faiths.
The leadership tussle in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has torn the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party apart as they disagreed over the appointment of legal representatives for the party.
This is coming ahead of Monday, January 27 commencement of the legal tussle for the substantive national secretary between Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Hon. Sunday Ude-Okoye.
The acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, has appointed a team of lawyers led by Mr JY Musa (SAN) to lead and defend him and Anyanwu at the Court of
Appeal and the Supreme Court.
But in a swift reaction, eleven members of the NWC wrote to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, protesting that the acting national chairman has no powers under the PDP constitution to appoint external legal representatives for the party.
In the letter signed by Damagum to J.Y Musa, he said: "I hereby instruct you to represent and defend us in the appeal under reference at the Supreme Court.
''Wherefore you need further information, I request that you contact me personally.''
But in a swift reaction, 11 members of the NWC have asked the Supreme Court to disregard
Hamas Frees
Damagum’s appointment of the SAN as the legal representative of the party in the suit of the substantive national secretary of the party.
In a counter letter made available to THISDAY, the 11 NWC members, said: ''Our attention has been drawn to a letter of instruction signed by the Acting National Chairman of the PDP purportedly on behalf of the party, the NWC and the National Executive Committee (NEC) appointing J Y Musa (SAN) to represent the party and all others at the Supreme Court in appeal emanating from Appeal No.CA/E/23/2024-Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu Vs Aniagu Emmanuel and three others.
''We respectfully urge the Supreme Court and everyone concerned to disregard the said letter.
''The National Working Committee (NWC) did not authorise the Acting National Chairman to issue the letter under reference for the Party, the National Working Committee or the National Executive Committee.
''For the avoidance of doubt, the responsibility of appointing external solicitors to handle cases on behalf of the party is that of the National Legal Adviser pursuant to Article 42 of the party’s constitution and not that of any other NWC member.”
Four Female Israeli Soldiers in Exchange for 200 Palestinian Prisoners
Four female Israeli soldiers taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023 have been released as part of a ceasefire agreement which also saw 200 Palestinian prisoners freed.
Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag, all aged between 19 and 20, were released to the Red Cross in Gaza City during a heavilychoreographed handover involving dozens of Hamas gunmen.
However, Israel accused Hamas of breaching the terms of the ceasefire because female civilian hostage Arbel Yehud was not included in Saturday's release and has delayed the planned return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza.
Hamas says the hostage will be released next weekend. It has not
provided any details.
Despite the dispute, Israel released the Palestinian prisoners - among them 70 people who were immediately deported to neighbouring countries via Egypt due to the seriousness of their offences.
Some of the prisoners will be transferred to Gaza, while others will be allowed to return to their homes in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The swap on Saturday was the second exchange since a ceasefire came into effect on 19 January. Three hostages and 90 Palestinian prisoners were released in the first swap a week ago.
Saturday's event in Palestine Square, Gaza City, was highly choreographed by Hamas, unlike last weekend's chaotic handover.
The four hostages emerged from cars and were shepherded by masked gunmen to a stage erected in the square, where moments earlier a Red Cross official had sat at a desk to sign documents with a Hamas fighter.
The hostages and the masked gunmen wore lanyards around their necks containing laminated ID badges, each with their own sort of accreditation for the event.
The stage was set up with a desk and flags, symbols of bureaucracy - but alongside the platform was a machine gun. The four Israeli women were seen waving, smiling and holding hands as crowds of Hamas gunmen and Palestinian civilians looked on.
Hamas – which gave each hostage a bag of items to take with them back to Israel – will hope these carefully crafted images project order as well as strength. The intended recipients of the message was likely aimed at both Palestinians hoping to run Gaza one day, and at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had vowed to destroy the group in the aftermath of the 7 October attacks.
For Israelis, there was huge relief that another four hostages - who were reunited with their families shortly after being freed - are safe. Their families released statements celebrating the women's freedom, with Daniella Gilboa's family saying she had "survived 477 days in hell in Gaza and now she has returned to a family embrace with us".
Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
L-R: Côte d’Ivoire Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador. Kalilou Traore; Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III; his wife, Olori Atuwatse III; and Cote d’Ivoire Deputy Senate President, Senator Fanny Chantal, during the women empowerment town hall meeting at the Olu’s palace in Warri, Delta State… recently
CONGRATULATIONS TO HIS EXCELLENCY...
US Orders Freeze of New Funding for Nearly All Foreign Aid Programmes
Stops issuing gender-neutral ‘X’ passports under Trump’s order
United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has sent an order to all US diplomatic and consular posts instructing a pause on "all new obligations of funding, pending a review, for foreign assistance programmes funded by or through the Department and USAID."
This is just as the country has also ceased issuing passports with a gender-neutral “X” option, the State Department said, following President Donald Trump’s order limiting government recognition of transgender identity.
The message was in line with the executive order President Trump signed on Monday to re-evaluate US foreign aid.
The order threatens billions of dollars of funding from the State Department and USAID for programmes worldwide.
The order said that across the US government, "it is currently impossible to access sufficient information in one place to determine whether the foreign assistance policies and interests supported by appropriations are not duplicated, are effective, and are consistent with President Trump's foreign policy."
Rubio's order went on to say that the State Department "needs a centralised repository from which senior Department, USAID officials, Ambassadors, missions and others can draw sufficiently detailed information from which the Secretary can make judgments."
It added: "Further guidance regarding a new or updated repository
and mandatory bureau submissions to it will be forthcoming."
Under Rubio's order, there is an 85day deadline for a "government-wide comprehensive review of all foreign assistance" to be completed, and, it stated, "a report shall be produced to the Secretary of State for his consideration and recommendation to the President."
The order also appears to impact current existing aid programmes, stating, "for existing foreign assistance awards, contracting officers and grant officers shall immediately issue stop-work orders, consistent with the terms of the relevant award, until such time as the Secretary shall determine, following a review."
However, Rubio indicated that US foreign military financing for Israel and Egypt were exempted from the order, as well as emergency food assistance and "salaries and related administrative expenses, including travel, for US direct hire employees, personal services contractors, and locally employed staff."
It is not immediately clear how the order will impact US foreign aid to Ukraine and other countries.
However, one of the officials noted that assistance programmes, such as those related to global health, which are targeted by the freeze, are in the US’ interest and had enjoyed bipartisan support.
“Making sure there are no pandemics is in our interest. Global stability is in our interest,” they said.
Democratic Reps. Gregory Meeks of New York and Lois Frankel of
Florida said in a letter on Friday to Rubio that programmes that appear affected by the freeze such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) “depend on an uninterrupted supply of medicines.”
PEPFAR and PMI were launched by Republican President George W. Bush and have long enjoyed bipartisan support.
They added that people around the world — such as in conflict-ridden Gaza, Sudan, Haiti and Ukraine — rely on the continued flow of aid from the United States.
The International AIDS Society warned yesterday that halting PEPFAR would place millions of lives in jeopardy. IAS President Beatriz Grinsztejn said in a statement: “This is a matter of life or death. PEPFAR provides lifesaving antiretrovirals for more than 20 million people — and stopping its funding essentially stops their HIV treatment. If that happens, people are going to die and HIV will resurge.”
Meanwhile, the US has also ceased issuing passports with a gender-neutral “X” option, the State Department said, following President Trump’s order limiting government recognition of transgender identity.
The move rolls back the option first introduced under former President Joe Biden’s administration and leaves an unknown number of people awaiting further guidance on the fate of their pending applications and already issued passports.
Trump, shortly after taking office
on Monday, signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to only give the option of male or female, as part of an array of actions aimed at quickly reversing policies enacted by his predecessor.
“In line with that Order, the Department’s issuance of US passports
will reflect the individual’s biological sex as defined in the Executive Order,” a US State Department spokesperson said Friday night.
The spokesperson said the department “is no longer issuing US passports with X markers” and has “suspended processing of
Delta Govt: We
all applications seeking a different sex marker than that defined by the terms in the Executive Order.”
“Guidance regarding previously issued X sex marker passports is forthcoming,” the spokesperson added, saying updates will be posted on the department’s travel website.
Have Not Borrowed Since Oborevwori Took Over
The Delta State Government yesterday reiterated that it had not borrowed any money since Governor Sheriff Oborevwori took over governance on May 29, 2023.
The state Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, who disclosed this at a press conference in Asaba, said contrary to reports by an online news medium, the state government had not entered into any borrowing relationship with any institution.
According to him, "this state has not entered into any borrowing relationship whatsoever, whether partnership, individual, corporate, bank, local, national or international.
We have not borrowed a dime since this administration took effect on May 29, 2023.
"I can state categorically in any forum I found myself, that Delta State remains, in terms of financial terms, the strongest financial state standing in this country.
"I say so with every emphasis
After Christmas Break, National Assembly Postpones Resumption over Budget Defence
Juliet Akoje in Abuja
The National Assembly has postponed its resumption, earlier fixed for January 28 till February 4 to allow for the completion of ongoing budget defence sessions.
The Clerks to the Senate and House of Representatives disclosed this in separate statements in Abuja.
In an internal memo titled: “Change in resumption date”, which was dated January 24, 2025, and addressed to all senators, the Clerk to the Senate,
Andrew Nwoba, wrote: “Please be informed that there is a change in the resumption date due to the ongoing budget defence.
“It has been rescheduled from Tuesday, 28th January 2025, to Tuesday, 4th February 2025, at 11:00 am. prompt.”
The House of Representatives has also announced the postponement of its resumption in a statement by its Spokesman, Akin Rotimi, titled: “House of Representatives Postpones Resumption of Plenary to Tuesday,
February 4, 2025”
“The House of Representatives has announced the postponement of its plenary resumption, previously scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, 2025. The new date for resumption is now set for Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
This development was communicated to honourable members through an internal memorandum issued by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, on the directive of the House leadership.
“The postponement is necessary to allow committees sufficient time to conclude ongoing budget engagements and defences with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“This measure ensures a thorough approach to legislative responsibilities.
“The House remains committed to fulfilling its legislative mandate for the benefit of Nigerians and appreciates the understanding of all stakeholders,” the statement explained.
because I know the finances of the state, and I say that we are clearly, the strongest financial state in Nigeria.
"I can stand this debate at any point in time because I know the balances as I speak to you today. I know the efforts that are being made by this administration.
"We have paid so much in terms of construction, we have made sure that all debts are being paid down as seriously as we can.
"We have also improved in terms of contractual relationships with our contractors. Before now, it was difficult for us to give our contractors advanced payments.
"We stand categorically, heads up, to state that this administration has not borrowed a dime since May 29, 2023.
Tinubu Departs Abuja Today to Attend African Energy Summit in Dar es Salam
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu will depart the nation's capital, Abuja today, January 26, for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit from January 27-28, 2025.
According to a statement issued yesterday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the summit, being hosted by the government of Tanzania in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank, aims to advance ‘‘Mission 300,’’ an initiative to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.
In Dar es Salaam, African leaders, private sector leaders, development partners, and civil society groups will strategise to accelerate energy access across the continent.
The summit will provide a platform for sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources to address Africa’s energy challenges.
Discussions will focus on accelerating energy access in underserved regions, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and mobilising private sector investment.
On the first day, at the ministerial level, participating countries, including Nigeria, will present their national energy strategies, termed compacts, detailing their approaches to achieving universal energy access within five years.
On the second day, Heads of State will endorse the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, outlining a unified roadmap for Africa’s progress towards the Mission 300 objectives.
President Tinubu will deliver a national statement reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to achieving universal access to energy and its leadership role in Africa’s energy sector.
He will also highlight Nigeria’s ongoing clean energy initiatives and its strategy to drive integrated energy delivery in the continent.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, and other top government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.
He is expected back in Abuja after the summit.
L-R: Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of Novena University, Chief Chuks Ochonogor; Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, HRM King Alfred Diete-Spiff; and Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Godwin Nduka, during the award of Honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) on the governor in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in the governance of the state at the 5th convocation ceremony of the institution in Ogume, Delta State…yesterday
RECOGNITION FOR ANTI-DRUG WAR...
L-R: Commander, Tincan Island Port Strategic Command, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mr. Ofoyeju Mitchell; Editor, Sunday, THISDAY Newspaper, Mr. Davidson Iriekpen;
Bassey; and Group Business Editor, THISDAY Newspaper, Mr. Eromosele Abiodun, during the presentation of the Best WADA Media Partner of the Year 2024 award on Iriekpen in recognition of his contribution and dedication to anti-drug abuse public enlightenment in Lagos…recently
Peter Obi: There are More Yahoo Boys in Government Than Outside
Segun James
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, has criticised the present administration, saying there are more “Yahoo people” in government than those outside.
Obi said this in his keynote address as guest speaker at the
fourth graduation ceremony of Nexford University.
At the event themed: ‘Lead the change; ignite your future’, Obi stressed that the country is at the mercy of corrupt officials feeding from the government coffers.
“For governance, don’t think when we talk about vices, it is only Yahoo boys. There are actually more Yahoo people
Account for N183bn LG Funds Received in Two Years, Ex- LG Chairs Tells Adeleke
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has been challenged to explain how his administration expended the N183 billion accrued to the local government councils in the state within two years.
Speaking with journalists on behalf of other ex-chairmen under the ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola-led administration, Mr Owoeye Abiodun disclosed that it was imperative to let the world know the huge amount of money allocated to local government councils in the state within two years (November 2022-November 2024).
“It is disheartening to note that between November 2022 and November 2024, a staggering sum of N183,196,629,321.19, being the allocation to the 30 local government areas of the state, have
been received and spent by the Ademola Adeleke’s administration.
“Despite the fact that the actions by the Adeleke’s administration are against the spirit and decision of the Supreme Court on the sovereignty of local governments in the country, especially as regards their funding, we are deeply concerned by the flagrant abuse and disregard to the judicial pronouncement of the highest court in the land.
“Curiously, our concern stems from the fact that Ademola Adeleke’s administration has embarked on this impunity without democratically elected local government officials in place,” he said.
Responding to the allegation, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described it as mischievous and misleading, promising to react to their figure and other issues appropriately.
in government than there are outside because we have turned the entire country into a crime scene where people inside are stealing and people outside are stealing,” he said.
He reiterated the need for quality leadership to manage the affairs of the country, urging the graduates to become positive change agents in their communities.
“It is about leadership and igniting the future. It is not rocket science but it is difficult. It is being able to have a strong character - the ability not to do the wrong thing.
“It is for you to help to bring a better change in that society that you want to live in. You have
acquired knowledge today; use what you have learnt to help us change society.
“You are a victim of Nigeria because our age and the age before has refused to do what is right and you are suffering it,” he added.
The former Minister of Solid Minerals, Obi Ezekwesili described service as the bedrock of leadership, urging the graduates to engage in services that impact positively in both their workspace and the country as a whole.
“Service is the best of leadership. We hope that you see graduation as the opportunity for service to the work.”
“The world of work you are in is different from our world
of work. This whole world that you are in, you have to master it,” she said.
The founder of the institution, Fadl Al Tarzi, highlighted that no fewer than 1,200 students graduated, earning both first degrees and Master’s.
He said the institution is poised on improving education with the aid of technology, attributing it to the support of the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support learning.
“We have Artificial Intelligence (AI) specialisation for almost five years actually and we have integrated AI in all our courses in all of our programmes,” he said.
He stressed that AI could help Nigerian talents connect with
global talents and improve the country’s economy.
“AI is going to improve the economy depending on how developed it is and it is going to unfortunately put people out of jobs whether in Nigeria and in other markets but it has the potential to increase productivity and to solve problems that could have taken years to solve significantly to accelerate research and development,” he said. One of the graduates, Yewande Matthew who finished first class in Digital Marketing, said her academic voyage was mixed with excitement and labour, attributing her academic feat to prioritising activities and effective time management.
Sterling Bank Petitions IG over Violation of Court’s Ruling, Abuse of National Assembly
Sterling Bank Limited has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, to address a series of alleged fraudulent and malicious schemes of Miden Systems Limited and its director, Dr. Brendan Innocent Usoro, who has allegedly resorted to the use of the National Assembly and the Police Force CID to harass the bank in a blatant bid to defy and evade compliance with a binding court-ordered debt settlement.
Miden Systems Limited had petitioned the House of
Representatives Committee on Public Petition on alleged mismanagement, fraudulent debit, and misappropriation of funds from its account domiciled with the bank.
But the bank in a statement by its Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Maurice, condemned the actions as a direct assault on judicial authority and the core principles of justice and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to holding the debtors fully accountable.
The statement noted that on October 18, 2021, the Federal High Court issued a decisive ruling that established the debtor’s liability
Bandits Abduct 22 in Fresh Attacks on Kaduna Communities
In a series of separate attacks, suspected bandits have abducted 22 residents from Kugauta and Kitanda, both within Kumana Chiefdom of Kauru Local Government Area (LGA) in Kaduna State.
A resident and student pastor, Emmanuel Johnson, disclosed that the attacks occurred around 10:30 pm on Friday. He explained that the bandits stormed Kitanda, abducting 12 people, mainly women and children, before attacking Kugauta, where 10 more were taken.
Johnson expressed deep
frustration over the persistent insecurity in the communities, lamenting that only three policemen were stationed to secure the village and nearby areas.
“Our communities are constantly under attack. People are being kidnapped daily,” he said.
“The three police officers here cannot secure us. The government must show that we, too, are Nigerians with equal protection rights.”
He further revealed that over N60 million had been paid in ransom to the abductors, with
several residents still in captivity.
Many villagers have been forced to flee their homes due to the relentless attacks, leaving the communities in despair.
The worsening situation, he said, had compounded residents’ struggles with poor infrastructure, including bad roads, lack of hospitals, and inadequate schools.
“We can’t even take our farm produce to the market because the roads are impassable,” Johnson added.
He urged the government to deploy more security personnel, establish police stations, and set
up army Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in strategic areas to counter the escalating threat.
He also called for offensive operations to dismantle bandit camps in the region.
“These bandits have crippled our economy and pushed us further into poverty. The government must act decisively to end this hardship,” he said.
Efforts to reach the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, for comments were unsuccessful as calls and messages to his phone were not responded to at the time of filing this report.
and mandated adherence to agreed settlement terms.
The statement added that despite the unambiguous nature of this judgment and the debtor’s acknowledgement of substantial outstanding debt, Miden Systems Ltd. and Dr. Usoro have engaged in a calculated campaign of non-compliance.
“This campaign has included misappropriating loan funds, manipulating corporate structures to shield assets, abusing legal processes to delay enforcement, and attempts at intimidating some bank officials,” the statement said.
The statement raised grave concerns about the abuse of the Police Force CID and the National Assembly by individuals seeking to evade their financial and legal responsibilities.
The bank accused Usoro of exploiting his political connections to obstruct justice, adding that some individuals allegedly acting on his behalf, along with the Nigerian Police, have resorted to intimidation and personal harassment of Sterling Bank’s executives.
“Sterling Bank remains steadfast in protecting its reputation, and the interests of its customers, asserting that the debtor’s actions have caused some financial harm. Consequently, the bank has sought the intervention of the IG to address these issues and ensure justice prevails,” the statement added.
Through its counsel, Kunle Ogunba (SAN), Sterling Bank submitted a petition to the IG on December 10, 2024, detailing allegations of financial misconduct by Usoro and Miden Systems Ltd.
According to the statement, these allegations include the diversion of loan funds for personal use, defaults on loan obligations, asset misappropriation, and illegal restructuring of the company’s shareholding.
The petition further highlighted efforts to obstruct justice through legal manoeuvres and intimidation tactics against the bank.
The bank called on stakeholders, customers, and the public to disregard unsubstantiated accusations and recognise the facts.
“The deductions from Miden Systems’ account, which have been called into question, were carried out under an agreement enshrined in a consent judgment issued by the Federal High Court in Lagos.
“This judgment, signed by representatives of both parties, confirmed the debtor’s commitment to liquidate the debt, including principal and accrued interest, as of June 10, 2021,” the statement explained. The statement added that on November 20, 2024, the Federal High Court dismissed an application by Miden Systems Limited and Usoro seeking to overturn the earlier judgment.
Donald Trump’s presidency has sent ripples across the globe, and Nigeria is no exception. From potential shifts in immigration policies affecting the Nigerian diaspora to trade policies that could disrupt vital economic ties, his “America First” agenda raises pressing questions about Nigeria’s future, writes Festus Akanbi
No power transition in any part of the world in recent times has ruffled feathers in the magnitude of that of the United States ofAmerica, where Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President, taking over from his predecessor, Joe Biden last week.
As it is, Nigeria is not left out in the emerging economic alignments and the ongoing global geopolitics in preparation for the Trump presidency and his confrontational style of governance.
Former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Joe Keshi, who spoke on the development said, “Several world leaders would be strategising on how best to deal with Donald Trump in the next four years.
“America has a global influence and most world leaders must find a way to work with him. The truth of the matter is that it’s going to be a stormy four years,” he stressed.
True to predictions, his inauguration has been trailed by positive disruption in the international economy as the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) reported last week that global stock markets, dollar, and oil price appreciations at the international market have all been touted as the major impact of Trump’s electoral victory.
Shaping International Commerce with a 4-Point Agenda
Speaking after his inauguration on Monday, Trump laid out his new administration’s “America First” economic agenda focusing on fighting inflation, promoting oil drilling instead of green energy, taxing foreign trade, and deporting unauthorised immigrants.
He said he would issue executive orders to promote domestic oil production and reverse Biden’s policies promoting green energy and electric cars. “Today I will also declare a National Energy Emergency,” he said. “We will drill, baby, drill.”
Trump said he would establish an “External Revenue Service,” that would collect tariffs on goods imported from other countries. Meanwhile, he has pledged to impose high tariffs on foreign trade, including on Mexico, Canada, and China.
He said he would issue executive orders on immigration, a major focus of his campaign rhetoric, including deporting immigrants. Experts said the restriction on immigrants could one way or the other affect the Diaspora remittances to Nigeria.
The Central Bank of Nigeria revealed that diaspora remittances processed through International Money Transfer Operators reached $4.22bn between January and October 2024. This figure nearly doubles the $2.62bn recorded during the same period in 2023.
On the morning of Tuesday, 21 January 2025, Marco Rubio was sworn in as the 72nd Secretary of State at 9:15 a.m., addressing State Department staff shortly thereafter. In his remarks, Rubio emphasised the administration’s overarching foreign policy goals: the Trump administration was on “a very clear mission” concerning foreign policy. He said, “And that mission is to ensure that our foreign policy is centred on one thing, and that is the advancement of our national interest, which they have clearly defined through his campaign as anything that makes us stronger or safer or more prosperous, and that will be our mission.” Secretary Rubio’s words set the tone for an assertive approach to global engagement, one that prioritises American interests above multilateral considerations.
Already, experts are worried the US’ exit from WHO will undermine her capacity and the world to be prepared and able to respond to health emergencies.
As American people settle for the reality of a regime change, Nigeria and other African countries are being forced back into the drawing board to rejig their plans in line with the emerging dispensation in the international arena.
Threat to Nigeria’s Fiscal Sustain- ability
In the first instance, analysts are worried that Trump’s energy policy could likely threaten Nigeria’s fiscal sustainability in a country where some 90 per cent of its revenue is dependent on oil. This is the position of SB Morgen Intelligence.
In its latest report titled ‘The Ripple Effect: How Trump’s Policies Will Impact Africa’, the Lagos-based research firm stated that Nigeria’s assumption of an oil price target of $75 per day may also be punctured with Trump at the White House.
“Nigeria’s 2025 budget, which hinges on an ambitious oil price target of $75 per barrel, faces significant risks,” it said.
Trump’s “Drill, baby, drill” mantra indicates
a substantial escalation in US oil production, a move expected to boost domestic drilling, asserting US energy independence as a dominant oil exporter. This surge in supply could create downward pressure on global oil prices, affecting countries dependent on oil revenues.
A fall in oil prices would undermine the economic growth projections of Nigeria, leading to potential cuts in government spending and delayed infrastructure projects.
Lower oil prices mean increased borrowing to cover budget gaps at rather outrageous interest rates for a country whose debt is expected to rise further to N187 trillion this year, according to investment and research firm Cardinalstone.
However, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) Dr. Muda Yusuf, said that Trump’s sweeping policy on the restart of oil drilling in the US and drive for investment would impact global oil supply, impacting Nigeria’s crude revenue and the naira.
“It will negatively impact Nigeria’s oil revenue. However, it may be positive for businesses because the reduction in crude price typically reduces the cost of energy locally. AGO, PMS,
and jet fuel prices will be reduced. It is a doubleedged sword,” he said.
Disruption to Global Trade
On his part, the Chairman, of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has revealed that the external revenue service announced by Trump could disrupt global trade. Writing on his X handle, Oyedele said: “During his inauguration, Trump made true his plan for external revenue service, adding, “Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we tariff and tax other countries to enrich our citizens. For this purpose, we are establishing the External Revenue Service to collect all tariffs, duties, and revenue.
“This move could disrupt international trade and further complicate the already complex global tax system, highlighting the importance of our ongoing tax reforms.”
Some analysts also believe that if Trump can calm down the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, (Russia is a major oil and gas producer)and he has the potential to do that— then we are likely to see more production of oil; if that happens, oil production will increase and prices will drop.
“It will affect Nigeria’s oil revenue, but it will benefit businesses because the local price of energy will drop. That is the nexus between what will happen with Trump’s policy and Nigeria’s domestic economy.”
Higher Dollar
Analysts fear that Trump’s “America First” agenda, which from an economic perspective means prioritising US issues is bound to produce a stronger dollar, which by definition means a relatively weaker naira—especially since the naira is often defined by its exchange rate with the dollar. Aweaker Naira, in turn, leads to relatively higher prices for internationally traded goods like fuels and staple foods, all else being equal.
Likely Cut in Global Interest Rate
On the macroeconomic level, “America First” might lead to a slower global economy, which could prompt interest rate cuts around the world. This would be beneficial for Nigeria and other countries facing foreign debt challenges. It could also result in lower crude oil prices, which may have mixed effects for Nigeria: negative if we see ourselves as a net petroleum exporter, but positive if we prioritise our role as a net consumer wanting lower energy prices.
Analysts said no one can determine Trump’s stance on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for now, given his emphasis on America. There is the fear that this policy which has helped surge Nigeria’s bilateral trade with the United States to over $10.6bn could be halted as a result of Trump’s disposition to discontinue the policy in 2025.
There is also a growing concern that these benefits could be eliminated or significantly modified when the law is to be renewed later this year.
Elder statesman and former minister of foreign affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has advised President Bola Tinubu to be wary of adopting a confrontational approach to issues involving Trump.
“That’s the advice I will give President Tinubu: try and avoid having a confrontation with him even if that means that he does things that annoy or does things that step on the interests of Nigeria. There are ways in which you could address his reaction without confrontation,” he stated.
Trump
Tinubu
Etete, Aminu’s Enduring Legacies in Oil Industry
As the implementation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Act of 2010 enters its 15th year, this landmark legislation has continued to deepen the participation of indigenous manpower and facilities in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry with the solid foundation laid by the former Ministers of Petroleum Resources, Chief Dan Etete and Prof. Jibril Aminu, to ensure the domiciliation of a large chunk of the yearly industry expenditure in-country, ejiofor Alike writes
The increasing involvement of local Nigerian companies in mega oil and gas deals has justified decades of efforts to increase the participation of indigenous players in the oil and gas business.
The signing of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content (NOGICD) Act of 2010 by former President Goodluck Jonathan on April 22, 2010 was a game changer in the participation of indigenous manpower and facilities in the oil and gas sector.
Before the NOGICD Act was enacted, two Ministers of Petroleum Resources, Chief Dan Etete and Professor Jibril Aminu had laid a foundation for the implementation of what was later known as the Local Content Policy in Nigerian oil and gas sector to persuade the International Oil Companies (IOCs) to domicile a certain scope of the industry jobs in-country to encourage indigenous participation, boost Nigeria’s GDP and curb capital flight.
Etete, a technocrat, and statesman, is a towering national figure, widely celebrated in the oil and gas industry as one of the pioneers of the campaign for the indigenous participation in the industry.
Indeed, his tenure as oil minister from 1995 to 1998 laid the groundwork for indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector.
Etete’s tenure prepared the policy instrument for the first marginal field bid round, conducted after his tenure in 2001, which transferred the ownership of oil fields that might not be economically viable to develop at a given time due to lack of infrastructure, their small reserves, and high development costs, from the IOCs to the Nigerian independent companies.
Under the Petroleum (Amendment) Act No. 23 of 1996, which was enacted during Etete’s tenure as petroleum minister, the President of Nigeria had the power to declare a field as a marginal field.
The marginal field award was to encourage local companies to participate in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry, which was the exclusive reserve of the deep-pocket multinational companies.
Before Etete’s efforts, Prof. Aminu had in 1990 as petroleum minister, championed the award of oil blocks to 11 Nigerian entities for the first time in the history of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
This discretionary award of oil blocks to grow the indigenous participation was premised on the fact that Nigerians who had worked in Shell, Chevron, Total, Mobil and other IOCs for several decades must have developed the skills and competences to operate small acreages.
This was also intended to help Nigerians to develop more capacity and capability in the global oil and gas business.
The awards of Oil Prospecting Lease (OPL) 135 to Queens Petroleum, OPL 453 to Cavendish Petroleum, OPL 205 and 206 to Summit Oil International, and OPL 75 to Atlas Petroleum were some of the positive results of these efforts.
As efforts to deepen local participation in the upstream sector progressed, indigenous players were also encouraged in the oil services sector, which was dominated by the likes of Schlumberger, Haliburton and Baker Hughes, among others.
The efforts initiated by Etete to encourage the indigenous participation culminated in the signing of the NOGICD Act of 2010 by former President Jonathan on April 22, 2010.
Before the Act was signed into law, indigenous manpower and facilities had accounted for only five per cent of the over $10 billion yearly industry expenditure due to the difficulty in implementing the Local Content Policy in the absence of effective legislation.
But with the enactment of the Act, it became mandatory for the IOCs to set aside certain categories of jobs in the industry for local manpower and facilities.
Within 15 years of the implementation of the Act, local content in the oil and gas industry grew to over 30 per cent from five per cent.
Today, Nigerians have developed capacity and capability to handle more challenging jobs in the oil and gas industry.
According to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), which was created to implement the NOGICD Act, the number of fabrication yards across the country has increased, with line pipes now almost wholly produced in-country.
Pipe coating plants are also springing up, which has curbed capital flight, ensured job creation and skill acquisition by Nigerians.
Before the NOGICD Act, there were only 44 registered indigenous service companies in the country.
But the figure has since risen to over 90, while
the rigs and marine vessels owned by Nigerians, which were less than five per cent before the enactment of the Act, have now grown to over 40 per cent.
The target of the NCDMB is to increase local content to 70 per cent in 2027, and retain $14 billion in-country yearly.
In the upstream sector, Nigerian independent companies have also grown the capacity to operate not only marginal fields but also larger acreages, accounting for the production of a significant chunk of Nigeria’s daily output of 1.8 million barrels of crude oil.
The ongoing divestments of onshore assets launched by the IOCs have also encouraged the local participation in the oil and gas industry.
However, Etete’s enormous contributions to the development of Nigerian oil and gas industry were nearly eclipsed by the controversy surrounding the OPL 245, which was the object of legal disputes and international arbitrations between the Nigerian government, Shell, and a Nigerian company, Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, between 1998 and 2011.
The administration of the late General Sani Abacha had on April 29, 1998 awarded OPL 245 to Malabu Oil and Gas Limited with a signature bonus set at $20 million.
Etete, the petroleum minister, was among the company’s shareholders.
The Nigerian military government also awarded OPL 246 to South Atlantic Petroleum, OPL 247 to Heritage Oil, OPL 248 to Zebra Energy, and OPL 216, to Famfa Oil Limited.
All these licences were awarded in accordance with the existing petroleum laws.
However, for unknown reasons, only OPL 245 was dogged by controversy and legal battles, which almost tainted Etete’s reputation globally.
By the terms of final settlement midwifed by former President Jonathan’s administration, Shell and ENI paid a total of $1.3 billion to Nigeria’s account at JP Morgan.
While $210 million of this amount was paid to the federal government as signature bonus, Malabu, the original OPL 245 allottees, received the balance.
But the agents of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari alleged corruption in the deal brokered by Jonathan.
It took Etete years of legal battles to clear his name and regain his integrity.
All attempts made by the Nigerian govern-
ment in Italian and French courts to prove that there was corruption in the OPL 245 deal proved fruitless.
A Milan court in Italy had in March 2021 acquitted Shell, ENI and their past and present managers in the OPL 245 dispute.
The sentence, read out in court by judge Marco Tremolada, said the companies and defendants had been acquitted as there was no case to answer.
Prosecutors had alleged that nearly $1.1 billion of the purchase price of OPL 245 was siphoned off to politicians and middlemen, including Etete.
Prosecutors had also called for Eni and Shell to be fined and for some of the past and present managers from both companies to be jailed.
But the court ruled that there was no evidence of corruption in the OPL 245 deal.
The acquittal by the Italian court was clear evidence that there was no corruption in the OPL 245 transaction.
In June 2022, the Nigerian government also lost its $1.7 billion claim against JP Morgan Chase Bank over the transfer of proceeds from the sale of the OPL 245 in 2011.
The federal government had sued JP Morgan on the ground of “Quincecare duty”, alleging that the bank “ought to have known” that there was corruption and fraud in the transaction.
But the Business and Property Courts of England and Wales Commercial Court, had in its judgment, said there was no proof that Nigeria was defrauded in the deal.
French government had also cleared Etete of the conviction of money laundering charges preferred against him in a French court.
This was contained in bulletin number 3, dated March 7, 2014, issued by the Ministry of Justice, Criminal, Cases and Pardon Division, and signed by the magistrate in charge of the national criminal record, Xavier Pavageau.
The French court had in 2007 tried Etete in absentia, and fined him for alleged corrupt enrichment.
The outcome of these cases showed that Etete was wrongly labelled, leading to a loss of over $10 billion by Malabu Oil and Gas to the corruption allegations in the OPL 245 deal.
As Etete turned 80 on Friday, January 10, 2025, the Nigerian oil and gas industry will continue to have cause to celebrate his enduring legacy, which could not be tainted by the unfounded corruption allegations in the OPL 245 transaction.
• Etete
• Aminu
SUNRISE ON RENEWED HOPE AN ERA OF UNITY AND DEVELOPMENT
Leaders
of the All Progressives Congress of Southern Kaduna extraction rally behind Governor Uba Sani, writes KABIRU ADAMU
In a move that signals a transformative shift in the political and developmental landscape of Kaduna State, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of Southern Kaduna extraction have pledged their unwavering support for Governor Uba Sani. This declaration was made during a strategic meeting in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area, where the leaders celebrated the governor’s birthday and also charted a course for the future of the region.
The gathering brought together prominent APC figures, including Hon. Godfrey Ali Gaiya, Dr. James Kanyip, Hon. Ado Dogo Audu, Hon. Mato Dogara, Augustine Beguwa, Shehu Tafa, Alhaji Abdulmalik Durunguwa, and Hon. Matthew Donatus. The leaders lauded Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to inclusive governance, infrastructural development, and enhanced security, positioning him as a unifying figure in Southern Kaduna’s diverse and complex political environment.
Governor Uba Sani has earned widespread acclaim for his proactive leadership and dedication to addressing the challenges facing Southern Kaduna. From completing abandoned projects to initiating new ones, his administration has prioritized tangible development that directly impacts the lives of the people.
Hon. Ado Dogo Audu, a respected APC leader and the group’s spokesperson, praised the governor’s visionary leadership. “Governor Uba Sani is a man of action. His dedication to inclusive governance and sustainable development has reignited hope across Southern Kaduna. We stand firmly behind his administration,” Audu stated. This declaration of support underscores the growing confidence in the governor’s ability to lead Southern Kaduna into a new era of progress and unity.
One of the key achievements of Governor Sani’s administration is its focus on infrastructure development. For years, Southern Kaduna has suffered from neglect, with numerous abandoned projects littering the region. The governor has made it a priority to reverse this trend by completing ongoing projects and initiating new ones to address critical infrastructure gaps.
Hon. Matthew Donatus, a member of the National Assembly representing Kaura constituency, expressed his admiration for the governor’s commitment to development. “Governor Uba Sani’s leadership has brought a new sense of purpose to Southern Kaduna. His actions speak louder than words, and his dedication to improving infrastructure inspired me to join the APC and contribute to this remarkable journey,” Donatus said.
The governor’s approach is creating a ripple effect, attracting key political figures to the APC and fostering a collaborative spirit aimed at driving meaningful change in the region.
Security remains one of the most pressing challenges in Southern Kaduna, a region that has historically been plagued by com munal conflicts and violence. Governor Sani has taken a proactive stance in addressing these issues, collaborating with the federal government, military, and other security agencies to bolster peace and stability.
The sentiment shared by Dr. James Kanyip, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, highlighting the governor’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, is the popular opinion among people of the state.
“Governor Uba Sani’s administration has demonstrated a clear understanding of the security challenges in Southern Kaduna. By fostering collaboration among all stakeholders, he has created an environment of trust and stability,” Kanyip noted. These efforts are yielding tangible results, with a noticeable improvement in security across the region. This has not only enhanced the quality of life for residents but also created a conducive environment for development and investment.
Beyond the validation of performance conferred on the government of Kaduna State under the dynamic leadership of Governor Uba Sani, the meeting in Kafanchan also served as a platform to reinforce the APC’s presence in Southern Kaduna. By rallying behind Governor Uba Sani,who is the defacto leader in the state, the leaders have consolidated the party’s influence in the region and position it as a formidable force in future elections.
Hon. Ado Dogo Audu emphasized the importance of unity within the party, noting that sustained support for the APC would attract greater representation of Southern Kaduna leaders in key political appointments.
“Our commitment to Governor Sani and the APC is unwavering. This is not just about politics; it’s about ensuring that our people have a voice in the corridors of power at both state and national levels,” Audu said.
Southern Kaduna is known for its ethnic and religious diversity, which has often been a source of tension. Governor Uba Sani has made inclusivity a cornerstone of his governance model, engaging with leaders across various communities to foster unity and mutual respect.
Augustine Beguwa, an APC chieftain, commended the governor’s efforts to bridge divides and promote harmony. “Governor Sani’s leadership is unifying. He listens to everyone, regardless of background or affiliation, and ensures that every voice is heard. This approach has brought a new sense of hope to Southern Kaduna,” Beguwa remarked.
By prioritizing inclusivity, the governor is creating a governance model that values diversity as a strength rather than a weakness.
This endorsement is coming on the heels of achievements recorded under the watch of the governor. Uba Sani has made unprecedented feats that no administration before him can rival. He is indeed the hope of many who have lost hope in political leadership in Kaduna State.
The Southern Kaduna APC leaders’ political statement marks a pivotal moment in the region’s history. It signals a renewed commitment to unity, progress, and inclusivity under a leader who has demonstrated a genuine care for the people.
JACK ETUK reckons that Zacch Adedeji, the boss at FIRS, has shown capacity, courage and competence
The chief revenue officer of the Federation and Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has been trending since the beginning of this year. And for the right reasons, too. Historically, the tax man has not always been the beloved of the people. Not even in the Western world is the revenue collector always welcomed. But in Nigeria, Adedeji, a first-class accounting graduate, with a boyish visage at 47, has bucked the trend. He has become the toast of the people.
One of such endearments came from the Joint Finance Committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives. On Wednesday, January 15, the Committee commended Adedeji, for leading the agency to surpass its 2024 revenue collection target of N19.4 trillion. By the end of 2024, FIRS had netted a whopping N21.6 trillion in revenue for that year, surpassing its target by over N2.2 trillion.
This joint committee is not always a place public officers go to and come out smiling. It’s a truth-telling committee especially so because of its primary duty: oversight of financial matters especially revenue collection. The atmosphere before the committee gets more febrile these days of dwindling oil and gas revenue. Some public officers have appeared before the committee only to be scolded, deprecated and strongly rebuked for their low revenue drive, tardiness of their ledger and obvious lack of transparency and fiscal frugality. Here, Adedeji ticked all the boxes to the acclamation of the committee members, who not only lauded his appetite for hard work evidenced by huge revenue collection but also his desire to maintain a high standard of integrity in the management of public finance.
Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Hon Saidu Musa Abdullahi, described Adedeji’s sterling performance at FIRS as unprecedented: “The feat attained by FIRS on revenue collection or generation in 2024 was unprecedented and a very wonderful one, worthy of commendation. That you surpassed the target set for the agency in the 2024 Appropriation Act, from N19.4 trillion to N21.6 trillion, is very cheering and encouraging,” an elated Abdullahi said.
Encomium for Adedeji also came from Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (APC, Delta South) who not only applauded Adedeji and his team but also charged them to deepen the collection process through strategic reforms. The senator pointed to an emerging global trend where countries around the world are turning to taxes to shore up their revenue base. The Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Sani Musa, could not pass off the opportunity to compliment Adedeji for being different and setting a new path of openness, innovation and engagement in the nation’s revenue-collection ecosystem.
Those close to him say they are surprised by his soar-away success in office. He came prepared. With his favourite mantra, “we tax the fruit, not the seed” and “we tax prosperity, not poverty,” he changed the concept of revenue collection as Nigerians knew it. Payment of tax is not punitive but an obligation. And the drive for revenue collection should have a human face. It should promote productivity, and not kill production. This has guided his work ethics and philosophy at FIRS and he never ceases to insist that taxation should be fair and justifiable. He believes that both the revenue collector and the payer should meet at the intersection of fairness, humaneness and evenhandedness. This gives no room for coercion and compulsion. And it has paid off as depicted in the financial results since he assumed office.
In 2023, in which he could only be assessed on the last quarter performance, FIRS exceeded its
revenue target of N11.55 trillion. It collected N12.36 trillion. But by the first quarter of 2024, the mojo of Adedeji was already in full plume. The Service set a new record in the first quarter of 2024 with N3.94 trillion, representing a 56% increase from same period of the previous year. This streak of superlative performance was sustained all through 2024, culminating in what is now described as “unprecedented”, a record N21.6 trillion. This performance has earned the confidence of the joint committee. They are confident that the FIRS will meet, some say even exceed, the 2025 revenue target of N25 trillion. President Bola Tinubu has pledged Renewed Hope as the beacon that will drive his administration for the good of the nation. It is broken down into components including guaranteeing internal security, job creation, improved investment environment, macro-economic stability, human capital development, poverty alleviation, and social security. To achieve this, the President will need to increase the nation’s revenue base, especially by innovatively widening the frontiers of non-oil revenue. Taxation is a critical tool to shore up the national revenue till. And this is why the effort of Adedeji is seen by many as a fitting complement of the President’s vision. The revenue man has revved the engine of Renewed Hope to the approbation of many Nigerians including the National Assembly. This feat is not an accident. It is the product of critical thinking, strategic innovation and courage to implement a blueprint. There is, therefore, the need to interrogate the process that created the atmosphere of success at FIRS. Productivity happens when human capital engage technology through the right process and at the right mix. This is exactly what Adedeji evolved at FIRS. A right mix of human capital and technology.
Adedeji integrated nine new modules into the TaxProMax system with the infusion of tech. With this, he achieved the automation of over 80% of processes previously manualdriven. This created a ‘One Stop Shop’ platform for all tax payers, big or small. The result is a fast, efficient, transparent and less obtrusive tax system that allows for flexibility and fairness for both the tax payer and the collector.
He focused on the advancement of human capital to cope with the changing dynamics of revenue collection and management in a digital age. He ensured that FIRS staffers are upskilled in relevant aspects of their jobs while also minding their welfare. He did not stop there.
Etuk, public policy analyst, writes from Abuja
Adamu writes from Abuja
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
TRUMP AND THE WORLD AHEAD
For good or for ill, President Trump’s policies are bound to have serious global implications
Mr Donald Trump as America’s 47th President has taken place with predictable policy wildfires. His inaugural address contained a wide range of far-reaching shock announcements on the new direction of America’s domestic and foreign policy positions. He has since followed with the signing of a slew of Executive Orders, most of which literally overturn long-standing commitments of the United States. Some of these foreign policy measures have serious implications for the wider world. President Trump has pulled the United States out of the Paris Climate Accord. In the same breadth, he has pulled the United States out of the World Health Organisation (WHO), ending a commitment that came into being almost at the birth of the United Nations after the Second World War.
Equally significant is the withdrawal of the mandate on electric cars, a policy reversal that has far reaching implications for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to cut greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming and forestall the worst impact of climate change. Along this same line, Trump has also signed an order suspending environmental regulations and speed permits for mining, drilling, pipelines and natural gas export terminals in the United States. While this policy aims at increasing America’s energy independence , increased oil and gas production will impact the global energy supply and oil prices. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) member states must be ready to take a price knock with unknown consequences for the economies of oil dependent states like Nigeria.
tow. Meanwhile, Trump’s hostile economic policies on tariffs are likely to swell the ranks of dissenting voices among nations poised to oppose the new American hegemony. Clearly, Trump is not likely to have an easy ride in world affairs.
Trump’s hostile economic policies on tariffs are likely to swell the ranks of dissenting voices among nations poised to oppose the new American hegemony. Clearly, Trump is not likely to have an easy ride in world affairs
In terms of American domestic policy, by far the most consequential immediate measure is the declaration of an emergency on immigration. Even before the inaugural address was read, immigration task office had stepped up patrols at the US southern borders while raids on illegal immigrants have begun in some states. On the very first day after his inauguration, Trump granted a mass pardon and commutation of the sentences of 1,580 persons convicted and jailed for their involvement in the 6 January 2021 insurrection on the US Capitol. Some of these convicts were involved in heinous acts like vandalism and killing of law enforcement officers, and were serving several jail terms in different parts of the United States. As it is, Trump has blurred the distinction between guilt and innocence in the emergent American world.
In a confirmation of controversial hints dropped during the campaign, Trump has also renamed the Gulf of Mexico as Gulf of America in addition to restating a determination to re-possess the Panama Canal from the control of Panama. All the posturing by Trump is based on the erroneous impression that we live in a unipolar world in which America calls all the shots. On the contrary, there is a countervailing authoritarian force led by China and Russia with countries like Iran, North Korea, and Hungary in
SUNDAY NEWSPAPER
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The electoral choice of Trump as the 47th president of the United States was made by American voters in exercise of their democratic rights. It may not matter to this domestic audience what the rest of the world gets to harvest from the policies and governance style of their new president. Yet, because America has become a symbol of democracy, Trump’s full meaning will invariably reverberate all over the world.
Even in the United States, many reasonable political observers do not necessarily see Trump as a quintessential democratic leader. He is at best an authoritarian conservative with a radical temper. But to his credit, he is now preaching inclusiveness and bowing to a new national culture that salutes the likes of Martin Luther King as an icon of American nationhood.
Based on Trump’s first outing on the job, his second iteration seems very much like moderation and modulation of his initial extremism and excesses. Yet the element of disruption is so central to the Trump political essence that his legacy in US global influence in the next few years is bound to destabilise the world order as we have come to know it.
Letters in response to specific publications in THiSDAY should be brief(150-200 words) and straight to the point. interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. we also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer
LETTERS AMERICA’S
At both the Capitol One Arena and Capitol Hill, I saw it. I observed it too. Tesla boss and the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, along with the officiating minister and a lady who introduced Donald Trump as the United States’ 45th and 47th President, used them.
I am talking about the lecterns emblazoned with the U.S. presidential seal. And yes, Musk, the officiating minister at Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, and the lady who invited President Trump for his oath-taking as America’s new President on January 20, 2025, all stood before the lecterns (at Capitol One Arena and Capitol Hill) and delivered their brief speeches.
Such an “aberration” can never happen in Nigeria. Our presidential seal is the exclusive property of the President. No one dares use it for public speeches. You cannot even come close to it. Stern-looking operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) would never allow you to attempt such proximity.
PRESIDENTIAL SEAL IS FOR EVERYBODY
But in America, it seems the presidential seal is neither treated as a priceless gold artifact nor as a cherished diamond. Americans and their president appear to attach little significant value to it, hence they care less about who uses it. Their president can use it, just as anyAmerican citizen can. One cannot help but admire the friendly and laidback approach of American politicians and public officials, even at grand events like a presidential inauguration. At such gatherings, there is an air of openness and accessibility.
This stands in stark contrast to the rigid and oftentimes intimidating demeanor of many Nigerian leaders, their protocol officers, and overzealous security details. Public events in Nigeria are often marred by a sense of exclusivity, with power-drunk leaders exuding an aura of untouchability.
A telling example of this contrast was seen during President Trump’s inaugural address. As he stood confidently behind the lectern, there
was no Aide-de-Camp (ADC) lurking like a sculptured idol behind him. He spoke directly to the American people, unencumbered by the presence of a uniformed officer standing guard.
This simple yet profound act highlights a leadership style that prioritizes accessibility over grandeur. In Nigeria, the image is vastly different. Our presidents and governors are frequently flanked by ADCs, projecting an image of power and control rather than humility and service.
The lessons for Nigeria’s political class are clear: leadership should be about service, not spectacle. The obsession with elaborate protocols, excessive security measures, and ostentatious displays of power creates a disconnect between leaders and the people they are meant to serve. American politicians have shown that humility and relatability are not weaknesses; they are strengths that endear leaders to their citizens. Moreover, the approachability of American public figures at events reflects a culture of trust
and mutual respect. In Nigeria, the excessive focus on security and protocol often makes public officials seem aloof and unapproachable. This is a stark reminder that governance should be about building bridges, not walls, between leaders and the populace. Another point of reflection is the symbolism of the U.S. presidential seal. Its accessibility to other speakers during public events signifies a leadership philosophy that embraces inclusivity rather than exclusivity.
This practice could inspire Nigerian leaders to de-emphasize the symbols of power and focus more on meaningful governance and citizen engagement. Ultimately, America’s relaxed and inclusive approach to leadership protocols serves as a blueprint for a more people-centered governance model.
Abdulsalam Mahmud, Deputy Editor, PRNigeria
Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi
Fusion of Tradition and Transformative Leadership
The Oluwo of Iwo, His imperial Majesty, King Abdulrasheed Akanbi is a monarch who is as controversial as he is visionary. He paints a portrait of a ruler who is both deeply rooted in his heritage and unafraid to innovate for the sake of progress. In a chat with Adedayo Adejobi, the Oluwo of Iwo shares his thoughts on the role of kingship, the future of Iwo, and his personal philosophy of leadership
edited by: VAN e SSA o BI o HA/vanessa.obioha@thisdaylive.com.
The Oluwo of Iwo, King Abdulrasheed Akanbi’s view of Yoruba culture is nothing short of profound. He begins by asserting with unwavering confidence that the Yoruba people are the first of mankind, a bold claim that underscores his pride in his heritage. “Everybody comes from the Yoruba lineage,” he declares, adding that even the Spanish and Arabic cultures trace their roots to his people. His conviction is backed by a passionate belief in the depth and richness of the Yoruba language, which he considers fundamental to the development of governance and democracy as we know it today.
However, the Oluwo does not shy away from acknowledging the flaws of the past. “What we got wrong was an authoritarian government,” he admits. “It’s time to rule as fathers, not oppressors.” His approach to kingship is rooted in service, not power. “A king raises kings,” he says, “not slaves.” This sentiment is a cornerstone of his reign, one that aims to return power to the people of Iwo and reorient the monarchy toward a more fatherly, nurturing role.
This philosophy has had a profound impact not only on his subjects but also on religious leaders. The Oluwo reveals that even pastors and Muslim clerics, once reluctant to engage with the idea of kingship, now seek to ascend thrones themselves—a testament to the cultural shift he has fostered. “We’ve taken away all the fetish things,” he explains, referring to the traditional religious practices that some associate with Yoruba kingship. “Kingship is a godly institution, not one of deities.”
As a monarch, bridging tradition with progress, at the heart of Oluwo’s monarchy lies a desire to preserve and celebrate Yoruba history while ensuring the kingdom’s prosperity in the modern world. One of his most ambitious projects is the construction of a vast museum in Iwo, dedicated to the preservation of Yoruba culture. From ancient artefacts to contemporary expressions of art, the museum will serve as a repository of the kingdom’s heritage, ensuring that future generations can access and appreciate the rich history of their
Kingship is a godly institution, not one of deities.
it comes to his artistic identity, he is unapologetically Yoruba. “I don’t think there’s any king in Yoruba land who dresses better than me,” he boasts, a testament to his pride in his heritage and his belief that tradition can coexist with modernity.
For the Oluwo, fashion is more than just personal preference; it is a powerful tool for conveying identity and authority. “Yorubas are civilized and lettered,” he reminds the writer, noting that the Yoruba people boast the highest number of professors in Africa. Through his attire, he signals to the world that the Yoruba are a people of both tradition and intellect, worthy of respect and recognition.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Oluwo’s rule is his unwavering focus on the welfare of his people. Kingship, he believes, is not about personal aggrandisement but about service to the community. Despite the trappings of power, the Oluwo remains grounded in his commitment to Iwo and its people. “I came from a comfort zone, which is Canada, to Iwo,” he recalls, reflecting on the personal sacrifices he has made to serve his people. “Today, I’ve made the place comfortable.”
Under his leadership, Iwo has seen significant progress. The establishment of a Federal College of Education in Iwo, infrastructural development, and an influx of investment from local and diaspora communities are just a few of the tangible results of his vision. His people, in turn, have embraced him with open arms, showering him with love and support. “Without sounding immodest, I’m the most loved, beloved king in my town,” he says with pride. His leadership style is a far cry from the oppressive, authoritarian models that have defined some monarchies in the past. “I don’t oppress my people,” he insists. “I love them, and they have shown me love in return.” This reciprocal relationship between the king and his people forms the bedrock of his reign, and it is this mutual respect that has allowed Iwo to flourish under his
people.
Yet, the Oluwo is not blind to the challenges of preserving tradition in a rapidly changing world. “How many oral stories can you keep in your brain?” he asks, acknowledging the limitations of oral history in the face of modern pressures. “So much history has been lost.” He points to the works of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a former slave who helped document
Yoruba history for the first time, as a turning point in the kingdom’s historical consciousness. But despite the challenges, the Oluwo is resolute in his mission to protect and perpetuate the legacy of his ancestors.
In his eyes, the loss of historical knowledge is not merely a matter of forgetting the past but of sacrificing a clear vision for the future. “A people without history have no clear future,” he asserts. This belief motivates his push to document the history of Iwo and the broader Yoruba culture, ensuring that the rich stories of his ancestors are not relegated to the shadows of time.
Among the more publicised aspects of Oluwo’s reign has been his approach to fashion, identity, and the power of symbolism. Widely regarded as one of the most sartorially advanced kings in Yoruba land, he has made headlines for his modern, cosmopolitan style. One of the most striking moments came when he appeared at a formal event in a suit and tie, an outfit that deviated from the traditional garb of his predecessors. The Oluwo defends this choice as a practical one. “When in Rome, behave like the Romans,” he quips, explaining that cultural adaptability is essential for survival in a globalised world. Yet, he is quick to assert that when
While some argue that the institution of the monarchy is outdated in the face of democratic principles, Oluwo believes that kingship still plays a crucial role in maintaining social order and guiding the nation’s moral compass. “Kingship has a great role to play in the country’s governance structure,” he asserts. However, he stresses that traditional rulers must be empowered and included in governance to fulfil their potential.
In his view, many kings are left to fend for themselves due to a lack of support from the government. This is particularly true in the realm of security, where traditional rulers often find themselves funding local police forces out of their own pockets. The Oluwo calls for greater government investment in traditional leadership, arguing that empowering kings could be a key strategy for improving security and social cohesion in Nigeria. When the crown is off, and the trappings of royalty fade into the background, the Oluwo of Iwo remains a man devoted to his people and his land. “I want to be remembered as a paramount ruler who dedicated my life to empowering my people,” he says, his voice imbued with a quiet, steadfast determination. For him, kingship is not about wealth, luxury, or personal glory; it is about the service of others, about building a legacy that will endure long after his reign has ended.
Oba Akanbi
...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous
Good Times are Here for Niger Delta
Good times are indeed ahead for the Niger Delta. This follows President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to boosting Nigeria’s oil production to two million barrels per day. Even as the government’s focus on enhancing oil output has led to increased investment and policy measures aimed at revitalising the sector, this presents significant opportunities for the region, which remains the heart of Nigeria’s crude oil industry.
Things, indeed, have begun to look bright for the Niger Delta. Let us start with the government’s strategic plan to reduce crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. As these have long hindered production levels, recent successes in curbing these challenges have allowed production to rise steadily, providing a more stable environment for further economic activities in the Niger Delta. With greater security, oil companies can now operate more efficiently, ensuring job creation and economic growth.
President Tinubu’s administration has also introduced policies that encourage international oil companies to ramp up production, which in turn increases revenue
for the federal government and local communities. These policies are expected to attract more foreign investment, leading to improved infrastructure and social amenities in oil-producing areas.
It is one of those times when analysts question the validity of an appointment. This time, there are relatively few voices raised against President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Dr. Kayode Opeifa to the position of the Managing Director (MD) of Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC). The majority of learned observers seem to recognise that this is a strategic decision rooted in Opeifa’s proven competence and experience.
Another key development is the government’s effort to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on refined petroleum imports by supporting local refineries like the Dangote Refinery. With increased domestic refining capacity, the pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves will lessen, and more funds can be allocated to regional development projects.
What about the ongoing transfer of oil assets to indigenous companies that is creating room for local participation in the sector? This initiative empowers Niger Deltans to have a greater stake in the oil economy, fostering economic inclusion and capacity-building. The local workforce can expect enhanced opportunities for training and employment within these newly acquired operations.
Moreover, there is also the government’s renewed engagement with Niger Delta communities, with continuous dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders and the federal government. With this level of engagement, analysts believe that it is only a matter of time before there are fairer revenuesharing agreements and community-driven development initiatives.
Kayode Opeifa: Right Peg in the Right Hole
Indeed, his track record demonstrates a deep understanding of transportation systems and the complexities of managing large-scale projects.
Having successfully tackled the infamous Apapa gridlock,Opeifabringsawealthofpracticalexperienceto his new role. The Apapa challenge, for example, which many considered insurmountable, was addressed under his leadership, demonstrating his ability to deliver results even in high-pressure situations.
His tenure as Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation introduced innovative policies that transformed urban mobility. From traffic management reforms to strategic infrastructure planning, Opeifa’s initiatives set new standards, showcasing his ability to think long-term and implementeffectivesolutions.
Any informed person will explain that leadership in public transportation requires both technical expertise and stakeholder engagement skills. Opeifa’s experience working with multiple government agencies, private stakeholders, and local communities equips
him with the ability to foster collaboration and drive meaningful progress in the railway sector.
The railway system is at the core of Nigeria’s economic development, so it requires a leader who understands both operational challenges and strategic growth opportunities. Opeifa’s experience in both urban and national transportation planning makes him uniquely suited to balance these priorities effectively.
A leader’s success is often measured by their ability to inspire confidence and rally support. Opeifa’s reputation among industry professionals, government officials, and the public suggests he has earned the trust necessary to lead complex transportation reforms successfully.
Opeifa’s appointment thus signifies a commitment to continuity and progress within the NRC. With his extensive knowledge, practical experience, and visionary approach, Opeifa is well-positioned to drive the railway sector toward greater efficiency and national development.
Empowerment or Subjugation? As Kano Governor Distributes Goats to Women
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano has embarked on an ambitious mission—arming 2,386 women with a total of 7,158 goats, one hoof at a time. Under the Livestock Fattening Programme, this initiative is valued at N2.3 billion, with a grand vision to lift women out of poverty and steer them toward self-sufficiency. It all sounds promising, but one might wonder—are these goats truly a ladder to empowerment, or just another tether keeping women in place?
The governor’s spokesperson assures observers that this project is more than just goat-giving; it’s an economic revolution grazing its way across all 44 local government areas. Future plans even involve distributing cows and rams, and expanding the livestock empire.
The idea of goat-based empowerment carries a certain charm, no doubt. Yet, in a state grappling with infrastructural challenges, limited access to education, and market constraints, it begs the question—how exactly does three goats per woman translate
into economic independence?
Moreover, the governor’s warnings against “misusing” the goats add an amusing layer to the equation. Are the women expected to resist the temptation of turning them into quick meals or selling them for immediate cash?
To the casual observer, this entire initiative feels like an elaborate dance—government officials patting themselves on the back while women are left to figure out how to turn bleating livestock into business success. It’s a classic case of giving someone fish instead of teaching them to fish— except in this case, they are given goats and asked to somehow build an empire.
The larger issue at play is the optics of governance—grand announcements and headline-grabbing gestures that often lack the depth needed for true impact. Shouldn’t empowerment involve choices, control, and the ability to break cycles of dependence? Without a solid support system, these goats might end up as little more than symbols of short-lived benevolence rather than sustainable progress.
Yusuf
Who is after Edo State Governor?
When the whispers of a secret wedding floated through the air, many shrugged it off as another tall tale. But when the bride’s family handed out invitations without naming the groom, curiosity turned into certainty. “Something fishy is going on,” said the streetwise observer. In Nigeria, where gossip travels faster than light, people are convinced Senator Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, is the mystery man.
The governor’s camp has worked overtime to dismiss the rumours, but the streets aren’t buying it. After all, this is the same man who struggled with budget figures. So, as some have uncharitably pointed out, it was the numbers that first confused him; now, love seems to have done the same.
Social media, the great amplifier of scandals, has had a field day. Memes of the governor fumbling budget numbers now share space with wedding speculations. “Na who send am?” quipped one commentator. The jilted guests, left counting their travel losses, are not amused, but for the rest of us, it’s premium entertainment.
Old proverbs warn against running when no one is chasing. It seems that certain people are working overtime to cast Okpebholo in the role of a rabbit sprinting frantically in the afternoon. Sources claim he barely knew the brideto-be, while others insist that he simply lost his nerve. Either way, the hasty retreat has left an expensive trail of abandoned flights, cancelled hotel bookings, and unclaimed aso-ebi.
Yet, through it all, the governor remains steadfast—at least in his denials. His media team insists he’s not the hidden groom, but in a country where denials are often confirmations in disguise, people remain sceptical. The streets have made up their minds, and their verdict is clear: “There’s fire under this smoke.”
But then again, all things considered, perhaps it’s all for the best. Politics is tough enough without adding wedding drama to the mix. For now, the governor can focus on roads, schools, and security— assuming, of course, those after him leave him some breathing space and wedding bells don’t come ringing anytime soon.
Power is Transient … How Political Allies of Former Lagos Speaker, Mudasiru Obasa, Abandoned Him
Power, like the morning dew, glistens in the early light but vanishes with the heat of the day. For over a decade, the influence of the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, was unquestioned, his words carried weight, and his allies rallied around him like bees to honey. But today, the once-bustling hive stands deserted.
To be sure, Obasa’s rise was nothing short of meteoric. From his humble beginnings as a councillor in Agege in 1999, he climbed the rungs of political fortune with a determination that would impress even the most ambitious. With each electoral victory—2007, 2011, 2014, 2019, and 2023—he solidified his hold,
eventually reigning as Speaker for a decade.
Like the proverbial pigeon, Obasa once basked in the loyalty of his political flock, certain of their unwavering support. Now, it seems that the Speaker’s confidence betrayed him. His bold, unsparing rhetoric against the governor and party elders became his undoing, according to analysts.
It wasn’t just the vote that saw him ungracefully impeached that stung—it was the deafening silence that followed. Former allies, who once jostled to be in his good graces, melted away like snow in the sun.
It would not be surprising if they now avoid his calls, refuse his invitations, and speak of him in whispers, if at all. Political friendships, like Lagos traffic, can be unpredictable; today’s
passengers will disembark when the ride gets bumpy.
And so, Obasa faces a new reality—one of solitude and scrutiny. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lurks in the background, an ever-present spectre that could turn his fall from grace into a full-blown tragedy.
There is an old saying: “When the drum changes its beat, the dancer must adjust.” Obasa, perhaps, failed to heed this wisdom, believing himself above the intricate rhythms of political survival.
Let power be wielded with humility, let alliances be nurtured with care, and let ambition be tempered with discretion. These are lessons from Obasa’s story.
obasa
okpebholo
opeifa
Tinubu
Kolawole Adesina: A Well-earned
Honour for a Man of Vision
Greatness is like a candle - its light simply cannot be hidden under a bushel. Dr. Kolawole Adesina, Chairman of Finchglow Holdings, has once again proven this to be true as he was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Science by the University of Lagos. The recognition, bestowed during the university’s 55th convocation ceremony, is something of a nod to his remarkable contributions to leadership, energy, and infrastructure development.
For those who have followed Adesina’s journey, this honour comes as no surprise. As the Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, a company with operations in 42 countries, he has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s energy sector and beyond. His leadership is defined by innovation, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to progress—qualities that continue to shape the industry and inspire future generations.
Within Finchglow Holdings, Adesina’s influence is unmistakable.
Bishop David Oyedepo’s dedication to building the world’s largest church auditorium, The Ark, is a remarkable feat, especially because The Ark, with a seating capacity of 109,000, is set to surpass all previous records. Such monumental achievements are rare and require exceptional vision, strategic planning, and an unshakable belief in purpose.
economic sectors. With operations spanning nine major strategic locations across Nigeria, Finchglow stands as a shining example of his unwavering pursuit of excellence.
In Lagos, where the award was presented, Adesina stood among other distinguished honourees, but his story carries a unique resonance. His journey adds flavour to a narrative of determination and the boundless potential that lies within those who dare to dream big. Like the eagle that soars effortlessly above the storm, he continues to chart new heights in every endeavour.
The Finchglow Holdings team all believe that this honour is a shared one. So, they raise happy fists at Adesina’s dedication, hard work, and an unshakable belief in the future.
Indeed, the honorary doctorate is a well-earned feather in Adesina’s already distinguished cap. While this recognition is a grand milestone, it is but another chapter in a legacy still being written.
Seyi Tinubu Keeps Them Guessing about His Alleged Gubernatorial Ambitions
As Bishop Oyedepo is Set to Dedicate World’s Biggest Church Auditorium
The Ark’s grandeur goes beyond its physical scale; it embodies the growth and expansion of the Living Faith Church over the years. Transitioning from the 50,000-capacity Faith Tabernacle to a structure more than twice its size tells one that Oyedepo is very aware of the increasing global demand for spiritual connection.
Others might think that this is just a matter of fancy on the bishop’s part, but it is not so. Achieving such a milestone requires more than just resources; it demands resilience and grace under pressure. But it checks out with Oyedepo’s journey from the early days of his ministry to this point has been marked by challenges and triumphs.
His leadership style, rooted in discipline and unwavering focus, has been instrumental in making the Ark project a reality. Leaders with similar dedication and vision, such as those behind global megachurches and influential institutions, share a common trait—an ability to inspire others to rally behind
a cause larger than themselves.
The Ark’s construction also reflects meticulous planning and a deep understanding of modern infrastructure requirements. With features such as a basement that can accommodate 330 cars, 1,200 restrooms, and advanced climate control systems, the structure is built to ensure convenience and efficiency.
These considerations point to Oyedepo’s emphasis on excellence and functionality, setting a benchmark for future religious edifices worldwide. Such attention to detail reinforces the belief that faith-driven projects can be executed with precision and sophistication.
As the Ark nears completion, anticipation within the church community continues to grow. Ultimately, the Ark’s completion is set to be a defining moment in the history of the Living Faith Church and beyond. Like other products of the man’s mind and faith, Oyedepo’s legacy continues to inspire many to believe in the power of faith-driven initiatives.
COZA First Couple, Pastor Abiodun Fatoyinbo and His Wife Modele, Celebrates 25th Anniversary and Biodun’s 50th Birthday
As January 31 approaches, the atmosphere at the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) is filled with anticipation, the reason being that Pastor Abiodun Fatoyinbo is set to mark his 50th birthday, while he and his beloved wife, Modele, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. This double celebration is a big deal for the house, especially with the triumphs and trials over the years.
Pastor Fatoyinbo, who founded COZA in 1999 while studying at the University of Ilorin, has built a reputation as a charismatic leader with a global following. Together with his wife, Modele, they have steered the church through periods of remarkable growth. Their journey, however, has not been without challenges, and their ability to remain steadfast has drawn admiration from their congregation and beyond.
In recent years, Pastor Fatoyinbo faced serious allegations that threatened to overshadow his ministry. The accusations, widely discussed in the media and public forums, greatly tested him, enough to overwhelm. But he maintained his innocence, stepped aside temporarily, and eventually sought spiritual guidance and reflection.
Then there were rumoured health challenges for the pastor, leading to serious concerns about his well-being. But he has since made a strong recovery and gradually resumed his pastoral duties. His return to the pulpit has been marked by renewed energy and a message of overcoming adversity, which resonates deeply with his followers.
With the upcoming milestone, the members of COZA can barely keep their excitement, celebrating the endurance and dedication of the couple. Even now, the pair remained a source of
The company, a trailblazer in the aviation industry, has carved a niche for itself by offering travel management, cargo services, and specialised training across various inspiration for many within the church community.
Lagos politics is becoming more and more of a theatre where every whisper is amplified into a thunderclap and a person like Seyi Tinubu is cast as an enigma. While factions clash like waves against a stubborn rock, he simply watches— silent, composed, and perhaps even amused. Some hail him as the next big thing, others decry him as the embodiment of dynastic overreach, yet the man himself offers nothing but a measured smile.
Political enthusiasts and armchair analysts alike have taken it upon themselves to script Seyi’s future. Some are already drafting victory speeches; others are sharpening their critique. The din grows louder, from street corners to social media, yet Seyi moves through it all like a man walking through a mist—unfazed, untouched.
Endorsements pour in from every corner, each group claiming to know his heart’s desires better than he does himself. From the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders to grassroots loyalists, the message is clear: they want him on the ballot. If words were votes, he would have won by a landslide already.
Opposition voices, however, are equally fierce. Critics see in him the shadow of his father, warning that Lagos must not become a family heirloom. The Lagos PDP has drawn its battle lines, insisting the state will not be ‘served’ to him. Yet, for all their fervour, they are left fighting an opponent who has yet to step into the ring.
The entire drama unfolds like an elaborate chess game where one player refuses to move. Even seasoned political observers are left guessing—calculating, recalculating, and recalibrating their projections. It’s almost as if Seyi enjoys the spectacle, letting Lagosians duke it out in his absence.
Whether he steps forward or steps aside, one thing is certain: Seyi has mastered the art of political suspense. For now, he watches as others draw battle lines, place their bets, and stake their reputations on a man who has yet to say a single word.
Tinubu
Adesina
The Fatoyinbos
Oyedepo
KwAM 1: Something About That Call
One faceless group has sent a petition to the EFCC accusing my BMWdriving brother of all sorts. The petition that has received so much media attention was written by a body that called themselves the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking Initiative and signed by one Fejiro Tega.
The petition accused Mr Udom of diverting N1.5trillion of our money using security votes which according to them did not reach one single security man in the state.
They went further to say that of the N3 trillion that entered the state during his tenure, they could not find N700billion. They said my brother left a staggering debt profile of N300billion and finally claimed that he spent N100billion on 31 industries out of which they claim to have seen only four which even now collapsed after inauguration.
They ended by saying that his house in Lagos is worth over N3billion and that he was building a new one.
See the talk in that petition was too long and too plenty, no energy to read everything.
But let me say this very quickly, that I think it is Mr Udom’s political enemies
The Fuji legend recently lost his dear mum and everybody who is somebody sent consolation messages to him. One message however triggered massive debate on one platform that I belong to: President Tinubu’s call. Apparently, President Tinubu had called the Fuji maestro to condole with him and as it is wont to be, KWAM 1 had released a clip of him receiving the phone call. The call was that of an egbon and an aburo as the mutual love and respect was apparent.
The argument was straight forward. People had gone to town citing Kwam 1’s huge influence as an artiste as a reason for the call. They argued that for a president to call KWAM 1 from outside of the country shows just how much he had achieved as an artiste and his influence in the space.
You guys know that me I burst bubbles for a living. I took my time to pour very cold water on the argument.
I said, mbok that call was not because KWAM 1 had achieved anything on the scene as compared to what our Afrobeats stars have been achieving, but the call came as a result of his membership in the “establishment.” That was a call amongst buddies and very close friends, and had nothing whatsoever to do with his accomplishments as a musician.
This is not to deny his contributions to the genre. He has maintained relevance in the space for decades and this must be commended. But this also brings to the fore the incestuous relationship he has with his colleagues. The mindless fight over supremacy over a genre that has seen
that are doing this, because the Tega man is not from our state and as such the EFCC should not take the petition seriously until a bona fide Akwa Ibom man signs it. Secondly, the most important industry built by Udom is still standing – the cathedral. So what is this petition all about? That one cathedral is more than all the 31 ghost firms that have been quoted in that “yeye” petition.
This is nothing but a witch-hunt. Did the security men in the state complain that they did not get their allowances? Abi can they not see that it is the relative calmness of the state occasioned by Udom’s pioneering administration that has led his successor to build on by declaring the happy hour policy?
Me, I think that these people are very envious of Udom’s remarkable achievements in Uyo. Uyo and indeed Akwa Ibom now parades skyscrapers, attracting so many global brands to the place. In fact, I can tell you very personally that Udom left Uyo as one of the top five most developed cities in the world, complete with trams that convey commuters in the sky linking villages like it is in Sweden.
These people have not visited Uyo, they just took a work of fiction to EFCC who are busy looking for
its best days. Mbok, who cares who is the Oluwaye of Fuji when we are only listening to it in Isale Eko or whenever Okoya is throwing a party.
Fuji as a genre is dying. No new discovery, no new style and no blast in recent times. What we however see is infighting, leadership struggle and all of that negativity which is not doing the genre any good.
So, the question is, when last did KWAM 1 release any major work? When last did he play a major concert? When last did he do a tour, and let’s even be serious, apart from private and strategic parties all over the South-west, where else does KWAM 1 play?
Truthfully, in the last 10 years, can you still call him a musician? All we have seen are numerous name changes and a push into other areas like hospitality, real estate, child bearing and marriages plus politics which could have prompted the call.
KWAM 1 is a major influence in the establishment as can be seen with his prestigious traditional title. He played a major role during the last elections and is a major force in that space with access to very powerful places all over Yoruba land. The man is an enigma, a powerbase by himself and an untouchable so that call was not because he filled the Madison Square Garden or got nominated for the Grammys, na to political mobiliser that must be kept happy as we approach 2027. Let’s get it right.
I have said my own, anybody who does not agree, can come and beat me. It’s that simple.
exhibits that have been stolen by their people just to discredit and discolour the most performing governor since the history of the state.
My brother Udom, mbok, ignore these ones, they are drunks. Who in his right senses cannot even see the massive development in your state? They are even beefing your N3 billion house. Mbok Abasi, was the governor of the oil rich Akwa Ibom expected to come back and live in a police barracks? They should go and sit down abeg. This is just bad belle. Did we say our N1 trillion has gone missing? Leave us in our land o, we are happy with Udom and we don’t need him prosecuted, abi is it your money?
Udom, you try. You really try.
rASAq oKoYA: AN eNTrepreNeUrIAL pATrIArCH
Recently, the enigmatic and enduringly influential businessman and elder statesman celebrated his 85th birthday at his palatial home in Lagos.
As expected, the party pooled everybody that matters. From the dancing Governor who revelled in the immense talent of his nephew superstar Davido, to great Dele Momodu to my man Sanwo-Olu and
so many others.
The party was truly a testament to the grit determination, the effusive hard work and the sole courage of this gentleman who started from selling buttons to finally emerging one of the biggest industrialists on the continent. I have remained highly intrigued with his journey. His story is massive and madly inspirational as it tells of a different rag-to-riches ensemble. A journey with no real shortcuts and a life of abiding philanthropy that continues to marvel and beholden the world. As I was not invited, I will try to rise above my anger and envy and just send a huge birthday greeting to one of the truly greats in this our country. Happy birthday Chief Rasaq Okoya, but don’t try it next year. Don’t try it again, that you will do this kind of party and you won’t invite me, I dare you sir. Lol.
LeNo ADeSANYA: A FUNNY KIND oF MATTer
My friend Obinna Ihunna used to say “Bathe a pig, cloth a pig, a pig is still a pig.” He also used to say that “if you play in the mud with a pig, people will not know the difference.”
Today Obasanjo and Buhari are revelling in the mud with a “pig” in far away Paris. The humiliation of it all getting our two past presidents to go
IN DeFeNCe oF MY BroTHer, UDoM eMMANUeL
Tumaka
ogbuku emmanuel
okoya
KwAM 1
and testify in a court is doing so much damage to our country’s reputation. The optics are not good at all and this is what you get when you play in the mud and cloth a pig.
I am not calling Mr Leno a pig o before they come and beat me, it is the system that threw him up and so many like him that I am calling piggery. The rent system where anything and everything goes is the piggery. Reading the whole story, I am irritated to the point of vomit. From the signing and cancellation of agreements, the negotiations, the relationships, all you sense is a cacophony of noise in the piggery.
Our leaders, our businessmen all wallow in the dirt and stench of the piggery as they “roli poli” in the mud with all of them splattered to the point where they have all carried themselves to faraway Paris to dance naked with Nigeria risking $2.3billion in damages. All of these could have been avoided if due process, integrity, professionalism and ethical commiserations were placed above ‘paddy paddy’ considerations in dealings.
My own is that, I really do hope that Nigeria is not funding this trip to Paris because I no think say Buhari can buy business class ticket o. They should use their own money this time, so they can really feel our disappointment. Thank you.
CHIef SAmUel OgbUkU: 25-YeArOlD VIrgIN
You guys may not know this gentleman so let me introduce him. He is the MD/CEO of interventionist NDDC. NDDC is the development corporation of the Niger Delta that was established amongst others to ensure the rapid socio-economic development of the oil-rich region as a direct response to the restiveness of the region. Agitations for an equal share of oil revenues in terms of development of the core region had reached a crescendo and this was the government’s brilliant response. The commission I hear is celebrating 25 years of existence and the truth must be said that rather than engender development all we have seen mostly is avarice, leadership tussle, a hotbed of corrupt influences, all leaving the region in a state of palpable devastation.
I have heard some very good things said about chief. They say he has come with a different ethos to do the work. I am being put under pressure to write “nice things” about him but when I don’t see the things, do I manufacture them?The challenge to chief is for him to use the opportunity of the 25-year anniversary to carve out a strategic intent that would touch very critically the lives of the people of Niger Delta. That is the pledge I require from you today, I beg you, my brother. You can do this please just do the right thing and then we can all party. For now, postpone the celebrations’ and let’s get back to the drawing table. Well done my brother. Later.
JOe AJAerO’S wArpeD ‘pOSITION ON TelCOS TArIff
The NLC President needs to go back to school. His reactions remain very archaic hence his seeming ineffectiveness. He has not won any battle since he emerged and that is because he comes at issues without perfect understanding. Take for example this increment in tariffs by the telcos. They asked for 100% after over 25 years of operations without any increment but operating with over 1,000% increase in inputs, and got a 50% approval.
NLC now came out in its usual shallow manner to cry on the effect of the increments on the salary of workers. He claimed that workers spend about 10% of their income on communications and as such the telcos must revert.
This one-sided push by the NLC is the main reason why they will be ignored and will continue to be ignored. They never look at it from the perspective of the other person.
Power costs are over 1,000% increase, human capital cost the same and if you factor in the fact that they are competing with global brands for critical human capital, it makes the
need to edge very paramount. The forex crises being another major issue in an industry where importation of strategic inputs is almost 100%.
So, at the MTN boardroom, it’s not the 10% of the NLC’s 100,000 members, N10,000 salary they are looking at but the whole gamut of servicing the over 60million subscribers they have on all of their network.
femI fANI-kAYODe: A SeArINg pAIN
January 15, 1966, was a day Nigeria came of age. Some young elements went on a killing spree and by the time they finished, Nigeria had lost its virginity. I recently read Chief Femi Kayode’s rehash of the happenings and I ran into the toilet to vomit. Such barbarism unleashed on mostly unarmed citizens by so-called well-trained soldiers remains quite confusing. So, they were corrupt, they mismanaged the economy and they engaged in nefarious activities and because of that you castrated them in front of their wives? You plucked their eyes and tied them to the back of land rover jeeps and drove them down rough roads till they died?
Nigeria must confront this barbarism with a view to not letting it ever happen again. The wickedness of that day continues to permeate our dealings through the so-called revenge coup, the civil war where man’s wickedness to man was institutionalized, down to the terrorism that we face today in some parts of the country. No respect for human dignity. Why pick up a prominent politician and beat him up in front of his family? Why kill a pregnant woman with her husband after jollying and partying with them
the previous night?
It is for this reason that I have decided to give a voice to those women and children who woke up to the carnage of that January morning, watching with fear the mauling and mutilation of their fathers.
We must connect to our humanity, we must respect human dignity, we must listen to the cries of the helpless, the weak and the innocent.
Once you enter a police station, it is slaps and kicks; the man kicks and slaps his wife, soldiers will brutalize you for wearing camouflage and the big man will get you beaten to a pulp if you refuse to come into his house to deliver a package.
I have commissioned Prof Yerima the erudite professor to execute a stage play that will look at it from the angle of the children and mothers who were irretrievably traumatised that day. We need to see their tears, hear their cries, listen to their voices, just maybe it will trigger a national redemption. I have heard that the issue is very sensitive. For me, it’s not about the raison d’etre or the politics or whatever, it is about the humanity of it all. Why the barbarism? That is the question that must be answered. Thank you!
The NLC market is not representative of the telcos market or anybody’s market for that matter and this is why the man fails in every battle.
He needs to understand the shifting market place. The telcos understand these and play to it very effectively and that is why they return the trillions that they do. Now that revenues have come into the conversation, the telcos must themselves find a powerful middle ground. Even at current tariff rates, they still return massive revenues although the forex crises erodes a significant proportion of the returns and as such, we see this increment as a kind of an edge.
But that said, the balance between huge profits for shareholders and a maximal corporate responsibility, especially in a challenged market must be put on the table during deliberations.
In doing these, other measures of ramping revenues must also come into play – market expansion to pull in the remaining 40 million that have not been connected, tariff variations between markets and cost control in the industry amongst others.
These are the issues Joe refused or could not put on the table and this is why his petition like the rest would be trashed in the bin.
For record purposes, I kinda support the increment. Come and beat me.
Thank you.
CHANTAl eDgAr: rAISINg A STOrm
Chantal is my daughter and she has scattered the internet. We recently had an interview on my podcast, expecting to have a lovely father and daughter Christmas chat.
My people, I ran into a storm. Parents are selfish, she shouted. Parents are jealous of us because we don’t have to work to go to school. Parents don’t just understand us and they are sad. My people, as the volley came out of her mouth, me and my producer Tosh went silent. Ohh my God, this was a full-blown battle of the generations and I decided to fight back.
You Gen Z’s are rude and drug laden, I fired back and she came back: “You are more, it’s just that there is social media in our time so you hear more about us, you guys smoke “igbo” much more than us.”
Kai, I was not going to give upyou guys are sexual perverts. sex everywhere and she fired back – you guys were pregnant on your wedding day, got deflowered in secondary schools and ended it with “you guys are hypocritical.”
After the interview, I chased her down the Raymond Njoku Street studio to beat her and she ran faster than me and escaped.
My people, the podcast has gone viral hitting over 60,000 views with her generation proclaiming her a hero for speaking truth to power and my generation, heckling her as a spoilt child of a mad man. Me, I am still looking for her to beat. Kai. Have you spoken or hugged your child recently?
lAmI TUmAkA: A gOlDeN SHOUTOUT
Let me quickly send a befitting shout-out to a golden girl, Lami Tumaka. Lami has been a very strong pillar in the Public Relations space in the country. Using the platform afforded her by the NIMASA, she significantly contributed to the growth of not only the industry but also that of some professionals in the space. She is now retired and enjoying the fruits of her huge labour.
Recently, she celebrated her birthday and the whole world came tumbling down at Abuja in honour of such a remarkable lady. Here is to such a brilliant and wonderful aunty, happy birthday ma and may God bless you with good health and long life.
NNPCL: Tinubu is Taking In-country Gas Utilisation to Unprecedented Levels
Rolls out five mini-LNG stations in Ajaokuta this week
Described by nigerians from all walks of life as unprecedented, President Bola tinubu will perform the groundbreaking ceremony for five mini-LnG plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. nnPC Ltd’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye spoke to a select group of newsmen where he shed light on the historic milestone and what it means for nigeria’s gas-to-power aspirations. He also spoke on the company’s several other gas and power projects that are currently on the verge of completion. peter Uzoho was there. excerpts:
what is the wisdom behind the renewed focus on gas and power projects by the NNpC Ltd?
As you know, nigeria is blessed with abundant natural gas, estimated at about 209 trillion cubic feet (tcf). therefore, there is the need to harness this natural gas for industries and to generate power to enable prosperity and economic growth. It is safe to say that nnPC Limited’s recent renewed vigour towards gas and power projects is informed by our unflinching commitment to support the Federal Government’s drive towards improving nigeria’s power generation, engendering industrialization and fostering economic growth and development. everywhere you go in this country today, there is that urgent necessity to utilise natural gas in establishing industries and providing power to spur economic growth, to create jobs for our teeming youth and to drive prosperity among nigerians. remember also that there has been a deliberate effort by the government to ensure that gas becomes an engine room for economic growth and development in the country. what we are doing is simple. we are deliberately keying into that agenda. And that is evident by the network of our gas pipeline infrastructure which is well-spread across the country.
Tell us a bit about some of these gas-to-power projects there are a lot of them. the Obiafu-ObrikomOben (OB3), Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) and escravos Lagos Pipeline Systems (eLPS) gas pipelines are clear examples. they are all geared towards deepening domestic gas utilisation. we are building massive infrastructure in-country to ensure that gas reaches every nook and cranny of this country.
Last year, Mr. President commissioned the second phase of the AHL gas processing plant, the 300mmscuf/d AnOH gas processing plant, and the AnOH gas pipeline project. there are a few Independent Power Projects (IPP) that we are currently involved in too and we are working tirelessly with our partners to deliver them. the nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (nMGP) is also another strategic project we are working hard to deliver on behalf of the Federal Government. this is a regional onshore and offshore gas pipeline intended to deliver natural gas resources from nigeria to about 13 countries in west and north Africa and, eventually, to europe.
we have recorded some impressive milestones towards advancing the 5,660 kilometres long project. In pursuing this project, we are bringing to the fore the strategic importance of the project to all the 13 countries involved and by extension to the entire African continent. we are confident that the US$25bn project will be pivotal in stemming energy poverty on the African continent. we are equally upbeat that all these gas pipeline projects will provide the necessary intervention required in revitalising manufacturing and other businesses across our industrial corridors and even beyond. we shall continue to deliver more strategic projects for the benefit of our country. we are not relenting until nigeria attains the desired levels of industrialisation, power generation and economic prosperity.
we are also embarking on other initiatives which include the development of several gas-based industries in industrial hubs at strategic locations nationwide. this is also aimed at boasting fertiliser and chemical plants, among others.
Energy industry experts always talk about the difficulty in securing financing for projects, especially gas projects that require a lot of
money to be executed. How have you been able to navigate this challenge?
Sure, funding is key in delivering these gas projects. In our own case, we try to let our partners understand the criticality of gas development for our country and the potential mutual advantages for both parties.
A good example is our engagement with institutions like the African export Import (Afrexim) Bank and the proposed Africa energy Bank in financing a critical energy infrastructure such as the nMGP.
In our interactions with these financiers, we let them understand that we are partnering to provide the gas volumes required for the economic growth and development that this country urgently needs. So far, we have provided enough incentives, equity facilities and investment opportunities for investors. In some cases, we have even gone to the extent of securitising the products that would be transported through these pipeline networks.
Aside from these big-ticket gas pipeline projects, the NNPC Ltd is involved in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and miniLiquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects. Is that move also part of the plan?
Yes, this is true. Considering the need to use gas as an alternative fuel for motorists across the country, we have since keyed into the Federal Government’s Presidential CnG Initiative (PCnGI). CnG is primarily used as a transportation fuel for buses, trucks, and some cars. It is also a useful fuel source for power generation. experts will tell you that the use of CnG in automobiles is 40 per cent cheaper than using Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).
Last year, we inaugurated the 5.2mmscuf/d Ilasamaja (Lagos) CnG mother station. recall also that the nnPC retail Ltd inaugurated 11 CnG stations across various locations in Abuja and Lagos. we have been working with our partners to deliver 100 more CnG stations this year. these CnG stations represent a bold step in extending our CnG presence
nationwide, and obviously in demonstrating our commitment to help diversify nigeria’s energy mix. through more collaboration, we have partnered with players such as nIPCO Gas Limited and other players to build more state-of-the-art CnG stations across the country, all in continuation of our quest to expand the nation’s CnG infrastructure, improve access to CnG and accelerate the adoption of cheaper and cleaner alternative fuel for vehicles such as buses, cars, Keke nAPeP etc.
this year, we shall take many more Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) to roll out additional CnG mother stations. we have also upgraded scores of CnG refuelling stations nationwide. All these efforts will significantly reduce the cost of transportation and engender sustainable national economic growth and development.
How about the Mini-LNG projects?
Like the CnG, the LnG is a cleaner-burning alternative to traditional fuels such as petrol and diesel. It is used in power plants to generate electricity, while industries use it as a fuel source for various processes requiring thermal.
Since last year, we have gone into strategic collaboration with our partners, signing various agreements for the development of gas projects in line with the Federal Government’s drive to deepen gas usage. the mini-LnG projects are some of these initiatives.
I am happy to inform you that this coming week, on the 30th January 2025 specifically, we are holding the groundbreaking ceremony of five mini-LnG projects in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. Five mini-LnGs in one fell swoop! this is unprecedented in the history of nigeria; it has never happened before. Under the theme “From Gas to Prosperity: Catalysing nigeria’s economic Growth”, the epic ceremony will see Mr. President performing the groundbreaking for brand new five mini-LnG projects namely: nnPC Prime LnG, nGML/Gasnexus LnG, BUA LnG, Highland LnG and LnG Arete.
Again, why am I referring to it as unprecedented? this is because it is virtually the first time such engagements would be held. Imagine taking five Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) and holding groundbreaking milestones on these multi-milliondollar projects! the nnPC Ltd is proud to have
led this development, with significant private sector participation. If anything, this response clearly demonstrates the private sector’s positive response to Mr. President’s and nnPC’s vision on gas, which is aimed at fostering gas-fueled prosperity while making energy more accessible and affordable to our citizens.
What are the specifics of these projects?
the nnPC Prime LnG is a Small-Scale LnG (SSLnG) project aimed at supporting FGn’s policy on Gas. Located in Ajaokuta, Kogi State on a 33 hectare of land, the project has been established as a Special Purpose vehicle (SPv) to drive the implementation of the project. the SPv is jointly owned by nnPC trading Limited (ntL), a fully owned subsidiary of nnPC Limited and Silver Peaks Limited with equity holding of 90:10 respectively.
the nGML/Gasnexus LnG project involves the phased construction of a 20MMSCFD Mini-LnG plant with phase 1 being the development of a 7.5MMSCFD plant. natural gas supplied via the existing Oben-Ajaokuta pipeline will be liquefied at the LnG facility, transported via CnG fuelled trucks (fitted with cryogenic tanks) and re-gasified at each customer location for use. the project aims to deliver a cost-effective, long-term, dedicated, secure and reliable natural gas solution to industrial and commercial customers.
the BUA LnG is a partnership between the nGML and BUA Industries Limited (BUA) to develop a 700tPD (using 35MMSCFD) Mini-LnG plant in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. natural gas supplied via the existing Oben-Ajaokuta pipeline will be liquefied at the LnG facility, transported via CnG fuelled cryogenic trucks and regasified at BUA’s Sokoto Cement plant.
Highland LnG is also a Small-Scale LnG facility which will provide natural gas to industrial and commercial customers not connected to nigeria’s pipeline network and support off-grid power generation under the electricity Act 2023. the facility also supports the government’s push for gas as a transportation fuel through the Presidential CnG Initiative (PCnGi) by enabling LnG-to-CnG conversion via the LCnG process.
LnG Arete Ltd, is a fully nigerian-Owned Company with top-tier experience and expertise spanning the entire oil and gas value chain. Incorporated under nigerian law in March 2023, LnG Arete Ltd envisions providing clean and secure liquefied natural gas as a cost effective and accessible alternative energy source.
What is your message to Nigerians in the wake of this groundbreaking?
Our message is very clear: we remain committed to utilising our natural gas resources to bring affordable energy to nigerians. while we execute some of these small-scale mini-LnG projects (usually about 30mmscuf/d), we are also taking the lead in the federal government’s autogas initiative. we have also signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) and project development agreements for floating LnG projects, another first in the country. So, many more good things from gas are coming. All these initiatives are aimed at delivering turnkey gas solutions, equipment and infrastructure to the industrial, commercial, power generation, and automobile sectors. At the end of the day, we want to use gas to take us out of these challenges by providing access to electricity, clean cooking fuel, autogas and feedstock for other industries, thereby generating wealth and improving the wellbeing of nigerians. we will not relent in our renewed focus to leverage the nation’s gas assets to significantly generate value and opportunities for all nigerians. the nnPC Ltd will take in-country gas utilisation to unprecedented levels. this is the promise.
Tinubu
ARTS & REVIEW ARTS & REVIEW
A publicAtion
Witty Lines and Vibrant Brush Strokes
with bold brushstrokes and incisive wit, Josy ajiboye, Nigeria’s master visual storyteller, has vividly captured the nation’s turbulent journey, laying bare its complexities, contradictions, and beauty. . okechukwu Uwaezuoke writes
As the sultry morning merged into a languid afternoon on Friday, January 17, Josy Ajiboye’s words set the tone for the conversation with his guest.
Seated in the serene veranda of his Ilasamaja home studio—a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling Lagos mainland—the 77-year-old artist offered a revealing insight. “Basically, I’m an artist,” he says, as if reminding those familiar with his cartoonist persona that there’s more depth to his creative genius than initially meets the eye.
Reviewing his cartoons, which he meticulously arranged in albums, Ajiboye’s eyes sparkle with nostalgia and pride, betraying a deep affection for a craft that transcends mere doodles on paper. His work is a thoughtful reflection of his philosophy, maturity, and unique worldview. Moreover, unlike many contemporary cartoonists, who rely on superficial headlines and shallow humour, Ajiboye’s cartoon strips, which ran for decades in the Sunday Times, a Daily Times Publications title, offer a masterclass in subtlety and nuance.
As he flips through these albums of his past work, memories of his time at Daily Times come alive. From his modest beginnings as an assistant senior artist to his promotion as group art editor, Ajiboye’s talent and dedication earned him a revered place in the publication. His cartoons not only entertained but also made bold social statements, striking a chord with the public.
But with great power comes great responsibility, and the artist’s fearless commentary on the country’s turmoil ignited a fire that refused to be extinguished. The powers that be took notice, their watchful eyes narrowing as he found himself squarely in the authorities’ crosshairs. One incident remained etched in his memory—the denial of a passport to attend a London training, a blatant attempt to silence his dissenting voice.
The cartoon in question? It was a masterpiece of satire, a clever critique of the then government’s alleged manipulation of the 1979 electoral process. The artist had depicted a cat catching a mouse, with the map of West Africa serving as the backdrop. The caption, “Democracy Murdered Again,” was a searing indictment of the government’s actions. It was a powerful statement, one that had clearly ruffled the feathers of those in power.
Then, there is a photograph of a painting he once produced, which was about the first O’oni. Ajiboye takes pride in his unique composition and interpretation style, embodied in this stunning, albeit slightly surrealistic, depiction of the “O’oni”—a true masterpiece. As he recounts, the entire picture was already vividly conceived in his mind’s eye before he began to paint.
Depicting the inaugural priest-king of Ile-Ife, the 42” x 31” oil painting presents a majestic bust in earthy hues, which imbues it with an aura of inapproachability. Regally asserting its presence, the bust commands the viewer’s attention. The topless figure it depicts exudes quiet authority, lavishly adorned
cascades down the right side, drawing the eye to intricate textures and patterns that invite the viewer’s touch. On the left, the legendary staff of Oramiyan stands sentinel, a monolithic reminder of the ancient town’s storied past. Soft, warm sunlight trace bold lines across the horizon, casting a golden glow over the ruins in the background, which whisper tales of old Ile-Ife. This captivating scene pays homage to the timeless Yoruba saying, which loosely translates in English as: “Here is where the sun sets to light up the world.”
Later in his studio, where canvases stacked like treasures hold the stories of his brush, the artist proclaims his artistic creed. At its core lies a critique of politics and social life, intertwined with a documentary gaze that captures the heartbeat of his reality.
As he delves into the complexities of documentation process, his approach becomes clearer: not to replicate reality, but to reimagine it. By doing so, he breathes new life into the familiar, inviting viewers to see the world through his eyes. A striking example of this creative alchemy is a recent painting inspired by a 1964 photograph of his wife. Frozen in time, her gentle posture is transported to a realm born from his imagination, where the past and present converge.
Ajiboye’s artistic journey meanwhile began with his learning to read and write in English and Yoruba. His creative spark ignited, and drawing became integral to his life. With no mentors, his natural talent earned him top honours in school. Chiefs, who visited his father’s palace back then, used to be transfixed by his artwork, asking, “Did you really draw this?”
Growing up within the palace walls, Ajiboye was enveloped by the beauty of art, courtesy of the renowned Bamgboye family, master woodcarvers from Kwara State. However, turning his passion into a livelihood seemed a distant dream. After his parents’ passing, Ajiboye joined the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM)—which later became the Evangelical Church of West Africa, or ECWA—in 1961, taking his first steps as a trainee artist. Under the guidance of seasoned mentors, he honed his skills, later advancing them at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.
Ajiboye later freelanced, illustrating for Daily Times, where he caught the attention of the chairman, Babatunde Jose. Despite initial reservations, Ajiboye accepted a lucrative offer, enticed by the promise of creative fulfilment. However, he soon found himself at odds with the chaotic work environment. Disheartened, he resigned, but the chairman’s persuasive efforts eventually drew him back. He went on to spend 29 eventful years at Daily Times, navigating its bureaucratic red tape and leaving an indelible mark.
As the septuagenarian looks back on his life’s work, he knows that his unwavering passion has been the driving force behind his success. Inspired by the likes of Professor Wole Soyinka and Onyeka Onwenu, he chose art over wealth, and in doing so, discovered a sense of purpose that illuminated his path.
His studio
One of his old cartoons depicting the naira as a distressed currency with trappings of office—including a headgear and bead necklaces—while grasping what appears to be an inverted cow horn in his left hand.
Ajiboye's oil painting on the first O'oni of Ife
Ajiboye
ENGAGEMENTS
Limits of the American King
Barelyoneweekintohisrefurbished presidential tenure, America’s DonaldTrump seems poised to set new precedents in the model of the Presidency as the pinnacle of America’s democracy. An elected president of a republic is strutting and pronouncing like an emperor. Ordinarily, an American king would be a freak oddity. But here comes DonaldTrump, an emperor in business suit.
From a bumbling and bigoted first term, the newly minted Donald Trump seems to be a refurbished version of his original version. A combination of sickening egotism and perennial television consciousness has now become an urgent desire to be historical. He has relentlessly branded his return to the White House as the ‘greatest political come back’ in modern history. He has spent the week touting his America as the dream nation, the “ golden age of America”, forgetting that the triumphs he is already claiming are indeed the achievements of his immediate past predecessor whose record he has been so viciously shredding.
Right from his inauguration, he has unleashed a slew of wild changes in both the presidency as an institution and indeed the place of the United States as a nation. Against the backdrop of his landslide electoral victory, he stepped onto the podium of presidential power with an air of absolutism which is unlikely to help the presidency as an institution governed by the constraints of constitutionalism. Trump has an addiction to saluting and dressing himself in superlatives. In his mind, he is the greatest thing that has ever happened to the American presidency.
Nonetheless, his predecessor’s lack luster style and business as usual Washington manners created a backdrop of anxious expectation and excitement about the return of the more dramatic Trump. Unlike his first inauguration which was greeted by a divided nation, this time around there was a veneer of unity of purpose and reconciliation in the Capitol Rotunda where the inauguration took place. A cross section of his predecessors and the Washington political elite conferred a certain air of unity on the event. Moreover, Trump was surrounded by some of the richest business elite especially the leaders of the tech industry.
Right from the inauguration ground, Mr.Trump launched what he himself called a sane revolution. His dream of the new America is one in which the nation reassumes a supremacist position among nations. It is a new America that looks out first for itself and relates to the rest of the world from a nationalist almost isolationist perspective. It is: “America First” in real practical terms once again. In relation to the rest of the world, Trump’s America is a somewhat isolationist, ultra nationalistic nation.
Trump has boasted that he would slam all manner of prohibitive tariffs on nations as close and strategic as Canada, Mexico and China. Under his new hostile foreign policy posture, he has renamed the Gulf of Mexico into the Gulf of America, He is looking to forcefully snatch Greenland from Denmark and to retake the Panama Canal from Panama. The king can literally see no obstacles to his absolutism. The king is the state and this one state is the king of all nations!
He has since magisterially pronounced to the World Economic Forum in Davos that nations and companies who want to do business with the US must be ready to move their manufacturing operations to the US or face the penalty of hostile imperial tariffs. He would increase the mandatory contribution of NATO nations for their joint defense fund from 2% to 5%. Europe has heard him but is keeping silent for now. On his first day in office, Mr. Trump has pulled the US out of the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization. He has also claimed credit for the tenuous ceasefire accord between Israel and Hamas over Gaza. On his much-trumpeted bluster to end the Russia-Ukraine war in a day after assuming office, he has merely scorched the snake of Russia’s authoritarian and ambitious Putin. It seems that he has just reminded Messrs Xi Jiping and Vladimir Putin that they are both at the helm of an authoritarian counter weight to the West. He is likely to hit a brick wall of resistance to his absolutist posturing if he fails to embrace
diplomacy and tact over the Ukraine war. Russia and China will be only too happy to puncture his balloon of bluster.
Taken together, the utterances and actions of the comeback Trump clearly indicate a clear imperial absolutist slant which will put democracy to test and also place the new global order under a severe stress test.
Inside America itself, his stiff position against illegal immigration has already kicked off with raids on illegal immigrants in major cities. Combat troops and immigration goons are scouring major cities in places like churches, hotels, hospitals and schools in search of undocumented immigrants. His executive order banning automatic citizen rights for children born in the United States has already been blocked by a judge as a violation of the constitution. The possibility that more court actions will challenge a number of his imperial executive orders that infringe on citizens rights is clear and present. The judiciary is more likely to temper Trump’s bravado and absolutist pretensions in due course. Either in terms of his domestic or foreign policy activism, everything about the new Donald Trump rings of power absolutism and even naked imperialism. He is proceeding as though the electoral mandate that returned him to the White House is a blank cheque to carry on in office as he alone deems fit.That would be putting his new mandate to too much test and pushing the chances of his elevated office to the limits.
American democracy is the result of an outright revolt and rejection of royalty and absolutism. Everything in the American constitution is a rejection of an imperial order. In real practical terms then, the powerswhichAmericandemocracyconfer on a president are every inch subject to the limits placed by the US constitution and the institutional guardrails of American democracy: the judiciary, the media, the popular pressure of civil society etc.
Even when a president’s party has an overwhelming majority in Congress as
Trump indeed now virtually does, the responsibility of Congress to curtail and limit the absolutism of the president often transcends partisan frontiers. That is what has prevented the United States from degenerating into an absolute monarchy in the last over 200 years.
The institutions of American democracy may sometimes be tortured and mangled by changing political exigencies but they remain in place as checks and balances against those who may be tempted to usurp the advantages of electoral political advantage to disfigure the liberal democratic essence of America’s ultimate republican order.
Even though it is still quite early in the day of his rowdy return, Trump seems poised to push the American presidency in illiberal directions. He may want to arm twist his partisan majority to derive advantages that may force those opposed to his imperial views and tendencies.
Yet the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of Americans to freely disagree with their president and his party cannot be casually eroded. We cannot expect what obtains in illiberal states like Russia, Turkey, Rwanda or Hungary to happen in the United States.
Perhaps the strongest guardrail against the rise of presidential absolutism in today’s America is the sanctity of the constitution and the power of the Supreme Court to uphold the constitution against the absolutist ambitions of an individual president no matter how popular he may be. Mr. Trump’s personal idiosyncrasies may tempt him towards absolutist and authoritarian flirtations but the powers of the constitution, the Supreme Court and Congress remain as perennial barriers to extremes of power absolutism.
On the international plane, the global order in the post Second World war era is a complex of interconnected international relations held together by a network of alliances, alignments and interests. No nation, no matter how strong its military and economic power, can pursue its interests in random violation of the interests of other nations. Therefore, when Mr. Trump adopts a rhetoric that appears to threaten other nations in the international community, he risks alienating America’s allies. Worse still, the powers of any one nation cannot block the
ability of other nations to enter into and pursue fresh alliances in order to protect and advance their own national interests.
In the post Cold War era, the world has rapidly shifted from a unipolar world to one in which the polarity of international power is now scattered among centres of power both old and new. Broadly, we are now looking at a new world order in which the triumphant Western bloc is being actively counter balanced by a new authoritarian centre of power led by China and Russia with nations like North Korea, Iran, Hungary and Turkey in fellowship. In addition, other minor coalitions and blocs have risen as we see with the birth BRICS nations. Therefore, the possibility of Individual national leaders emerging as absolutism leaders has been reduced to nearly nil. More impossible is the prospect of absolutist nations to lord it over other nations. Over time, Mr. Trump will come to a realization of the naked reality of the new world order and the limits it poses to absolute unilateral power.
Beyond the limitations of power and politics at the individual national level and even among nations, a new determinant of power has emerged. Technology has emerged in recent times as a major determinant of national power and precedence. Information technology was until very lately the major determinant of gradations of power among nations. Even that has now been superseded by the graduation into Artificial Intelligence –AI. The race among great nations is going to be a race to lead the AI race in the next few years. It is perhaps beneficial that Mr. Trump has gathered the world’s most powerful technology oligarchs into a future AI conglomerate. Whether his rowdy personal ego will allow him to maintain the harmony among the tech oligarchs to work harmoniously for America’s global superiority is going to be the determinant of the road ahead. It can only be hoped that Mr. Trump does not mistake his transient enabling political advantage for a blank cheque to absolutism. He must not allow this political moment to blind him to the contradictory nature of power absolutism in a fast changing world. Economic reality and diplomatic compulsion are likely to work together to tame Trump’s present idealism and absolutism illusions.
• Trump
IN THE ARENA
Addressing the Menace of Tanker Explosions
Following the tragic tanker explosion that claimed 102 lives in Niger State recently, Davidson Iriekpen writes that beyond the customary verbal condemnations of the incidents and consolations of the victims, the government should initiate deliberate measures to prevent a reoccurrence
Atotal of 102 lives have been lost so far in the tragic tanker explosion that occurred recently along the Dikko-Maje Road in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.
Many people are currently receiving treatment for severe burns while several houses and shops were completely destroyed in the inferno, resulting in the loss of millions of naira.
Eyewitnesses said the accident occurred when a tanker carrying 60,000 litres of petrol overturned and another was brought to transfer the petrol it was conveying into it. However, youths and women reportedly rushed to the scene to scoop petrol from the overturned tanker when the explosion took place.
Reacting to the incident, the state Governor, Umar Bago, when he visited the scene of the explosion, described the explosion as pathetic. He decried the recklessness of some drivers, and directed that they should follow under-the-bridge and take a U-turn appropriately. He called on the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to establish a detachment in the area to ensure the enforcement of the directive while calling on relevant transport unions to cooperate with them.
While mourning the victims, President Bola Tinubu directed relevant security and road safety authorities to take action to prevent the recurrence of such incidents nationwide. He also tasked the National Orientation Agency (NOA) with sensitising the public about the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
Consequent upon the president’s directive, the federal government had set up a committee comprising the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and other critical stakeholders like NEMA, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association (IPMAN) and all other stakeholders to determine the remote and immediate causes of the incident and how to avert the occurrence or the recurrence of fuel tanker explosions.
The logical questions to ask are: Is the current explosion the first in the country? Will it be the last?
Tanker explosions in Nigeria and the deaths recorded have become regular incidents in recent years with no genuine attempts to tackle the malaise.
In 2020, the FRSC listed 1,531 fuel tanker accidents which claimed over 535 lives. Between September 2024 and now, 265 persons have reportedly been lost to incidences of tanker explosions in parts of the country.
For instance, in October 2024, more than 177 peo-
ple were killed after a nearly identical incident took place in Majiya, Jigawa State.
In September of the same year, another 59 people were killed in Niger State after a fuel tanker collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle.
In November, a tanker exploded at Gamoji, along Kano-Maiduguri highway, claiming many lives.
Last December, a fuel tanker involved in a crash exploded in Agbor, Delta State, killing at least five people and destroying many homes and shops.
A similar incident occurred on Wednesday, January 14, 2025 at the Epe-Ijebu Odeyemi expressway.
After the October 2024 incident, President Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reviewing and enhancing fuel transportation safety protocols. He also said police would strengthen measures to prevent further accidents, including increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and other highway safety mechanisms.
While many have linked many of the deaths from tanker explosions to increasing poverty, others feel that it is sheer stupidity and foolishness for people
to scoop fuel from fallen tankers, given the explosions in previous incidents.
Beyond the incessant tanker explosions in the country, trailers and tankers have killed thousands of people with no consequences to their drivers and owners.
It is really high time Nigerians began to question the relevance of the police, FRSC, VIOs, LASTMA and other traffic agencies in various states of the federation if they cannot ensure safety of the roads.
One-way driving especially by security agents has now become too common on major highways, leading to many deaths.
Each time an accident occurs, while the driver disappears, the vehicle will be taken to the police station, where it will be sometimes for two or more weeks only to be released to the owners after money has exchanged hands.
Not only are some of these vehicles in terribly bad condition and shape, but they are hardly properly registered with the relevant agencies.
Rather than apprehend the drivers of these
p OLITICAL NOT e S
heavy-duty trucks and other commercial vehicles that cause mass deaths in the event of an accident, the police, FRSC, and VIOs allow them to drive dangerously on the roads and go after private car owners who they extort.
When a tanker conveying fuel exploded at the Otedola Bridge in Lagos in 2018, destroying 55 vehicles comprising 32 SUVs, 18 cars, seven buses, three trucks and one tricycle, it exposed the dubiousness of truck drivers and their owners.
The investigation conducted by the Lagos State Government showed that the vehicle, with registration number NSR 888 YQ, was registered in Kano, and not authorised to transport fuel—let alone 33,000 litres.
The alarming revelation did not spur relevant agencies to intensify truck audits and prosecute those responsible for the manipulations of their documents to serve as a deterrent to others.
It took the latest inferno for the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FSS), Abdulganiyu Jaji, to wake up from slumber with a call for urgent safety reforms in fuel transportation, describing the rising frequency of tanker explosions as worrisome and preventable.
The controller-general specifically called on fuel station owners and tanker operators to address the issue of reckless driving by their drivers, particularly on major roads and hazardous bends. He also warned the public to steer clear of accident sites involving fuel tankers.
In addition, Jaji highlighted the urgent need to modernise the Fire Service Act of 1963 which he said is outdated and inadequate to address today’s safety challenges.
In his reaction, the Sultan of Sokoto and PresidentGeneral of Jama’atu Nasir Islam (JNI), Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, expressed worry that tankers conveying petroleum products are now sources of disastrous road accidents, with agonising loss of lives and property. He called on the federal government to review the safety protocols guiding fuel transportation in Nigeria.
The revered monarch called on all relevant transport and/or road unions to begin to sensitise and educate their members on dangers associated with reckless driving, especially one-way driving, which has now become too common on the Nigerian highways.
“There is the urgent need for the FGN to review the safety protocols guiding fuel transportation in Nigeria, as the repeated explosion calls for serious review, while surveillance should, maximally be accorded to explosion-prone highways,” he added.
Governments at all levels should stop the customary verbal condemnations of the incidents and consolations of the victims and initiate deliberate measures to prevent a recurrence.
Hamdiyya Shariff Must Not Be Harmed
The current travail of 18-year-old Hamdiyya
Sidi Shariff in the hands of the agents of Sokoto State Government, is an assault on free speech and democracy, and therefore, unacceptable.
Shariff was arrested and put in prison for allegedly lamenting the rising killings and general insecurity in the state on social media.
In a viral video, she revealed how bandits pillaged their villages without any restraints, and how displaced women seeking refuge in the state capital are now being sexually exploited due to abject poverty and squalor.
First, she was abducted by armed men while on her way to collect her phone from a charging point, beaten, thrown out of a moving tricycle and left with
severe injuries.
Again,shewaschargedbeforeaShariacourtforusing abusive language and criticisms against constituted authority.
Last week, Amnesty International raised concerns over her safety, calling for an investigation into alleged threats to her life and that of her lawyer, Abba Hikima.
The Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi,saidapartfromfacingpersecutionforexercising freedom of expression, Shariff and her lawyer were being subjected to threats, including phone calls and in-person confrontations by sponsored thugs and individuals.
He described as deplorable, Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s frightening intolerance of dissenting voices through
heavy handed clampdown on critics in a free society.
He said no one should be punished solely for expressing an opinion that is contrary to that of the government.
The actions of the Sokoto State government represent an alarmingabuseofpowerandacalculatedattempttointimidate andpunishthosewhospeakoutfortheirsociety.Thehostilities beingfacedbyShariffandAbbaHikimaareincreasinglymaking their appearance in court in Sokoto dangerous.
Instead of suppressing dissident voices, the state government should direct all its efforts and energy towards curbing the insecurity and poverty in his state.
The agents of the state government should leave the promising young lady alone. She is too young to be subjected to any kind of torture and deprivation of her freedom at this stage of her life.
Photo: Google
Aliyu
BRIEFING NOTES
As Court Tackles FRSC’s over Substandard Number Plates
Nigerians heaved a sigh of relief with the recent Federal High Court judgment halting the tyranny of officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps who sometimes extort or harass motorists on the roads for the substandard vehicle numbers plate supplied by the agency, ejiofor Alike reports
Motorists and other road users in Nigeria were elated with the recent judgment delivered by Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court, in Lagos, restraining the officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from arresting vehicles with faded number plates.
Before this development, officers of the FRSC and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) were clamping down on motorists, extorting and harassing them on the roads for using faded vehicle number plates, which drivers blamed on their poor quality.
Agents of some state governments and other law-enforcement agents had also followed the footsteps of FRSC and imposed fines on motorists with defective vehicle registration number plates, including fading ones.
Motorists were made to pay a heavy fine of up to N20,000 and directed to procure a new number plate for no fault of theirs.
The latest approved number plate bears the inscription of the Nigerian map.
Many Nigerians had wondered why the FRSC and other agents of government should punish motorists for using substandard plate numbers sold to them by the FRSC.
They blamed the FRSC and their contractors for providing poor quality plate numbers that could not withstand the weather conditions and laying ambush on the roads to extort and harass the users of such plate numbers.
However, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT VIO), Mr Kalu Emetu, had told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the arrest of motorists with faded plate numbers was not to extort them but to ensure compliance with traffic rules.
Emetu argued that all vehicle number plates must be visible from at least from 50 metres, otherwise it was an offence to use it.
He said that if a clear view could not be achieved, then the number plate was not performing its function.
“For example, if a vehicle is stolen, it’s the number plate that will be used to identify the vehicle to report to security agencies.
“Car owners should avoid the use of hard sponge and all types of cleaning agents because it could affect the number plate paint,” he said.
Emetu stated that the VIO resorted to enforcement of fines after it carried out a series of enlightenment programmes on radio.
“We have been going on air to explain the need to have a clear and bold number plate,” he reportedly added Motorists however, insisted that the VIO should
blame the FRSC for the substandard number plates, which fade easily, instead of heaping the blame entirely on them.
But in defending the clampdown on motorists, the FRSC Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem, had dismissed the allegation of low quality of the number plates, insisting that the vehicle number plates were produced under strict supervision of its quality control officers.
In an interview with NAN recently, he revealed that the materials for the number plates were being procured from an unnamed recognised manufacturer whose standards could not be compromised.
Kazeem further added that vehicle number plates have a minimum life span of five years if properly used; “that is why there is provision for replacement”.
The FRSC spokesman accused car wash attendants of damaging number plates by using abrasive materials to clean it.
“For example, the use of thinner, a chemical for cleaning tiles. The weather in some parts of the country also contributes to fading, considering where the vehicle is parked,” he reportedly claimed.
However, car wash owners, motorists and car dealers have disputed this claim and blamed the fading of the plate numbers on their poor quality.
Analysts have also described the action of the FRSC in punishing motorists for its own incompetence and deception as wicked, callous and insensitive.
But relief came for motorists following a suit filed against the FRSC on February 13, 2024 by a legal practitioner, Chinwike Ezebube. The presiding judge, Justice Aluko restricted the corps from imposing fines or punishing drivers for driving with a faded number plate.
Among the issues raised, Ezebube asked the court to determine “whether the defendant, pursuant to Section 5 (g) and Section 10 (3)(f) of the Federal Road Safety Commission Act 2007 being the sole designer and producer of vehicle number plates in Nigeria, is not absolutely responsible for the quality
Notes for file
and durability of the vehicle number plates as are produced by it?
“Whether the defendant can make it an offence and impose a penalty against the plaintiff and or other Nigerians for driving a vehicle with faded vehicle number plates due to poor quality production as designed and produced by the defendant?”
The lawyer also prayed the court to order the FRSC to replace faded number plates at no cost due to their poor-quality manufacturing.
He argued that the FRSC, as the sole designer and producer of number plates in Nigeria, bears full responsibility for their durability.
He further insisted that the agency cannot justifiably impose penalties on vehicle owners for issues arising from the substandard quality of the number plates.
However, BO Nnamani, counsel to the FRSC, filed a counter affidavit asking the court to dismiss the plaintiff’s suit with punitive cost.
But the judge agreed with the plaintiff in his judgement delivered on Friday, January 17.
Justice Aluko, in his judgment, held that “while the defendant cannot criminalise the use of faded vehicle number plates, stating that the plaintiff has a duty to approach the defendant for a replacement of his faded vehicle number plate upon payment of the requisite fees for that purpose.
“By way of conclusion, I hold the view that the defendant cannot criminalise the use of faded vehicle number plates and has no power to impose a fine on the plaintiff for using a faded vehicle number plate or impound the plaintiff’s vehicle on such grounds without the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
“An order of the honourable court restricting the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) from declaring it an offence to drive with a faded vehicle number plate is granted.
“An order of the honourable court restricting the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), from imposing any fine or punishment on the plaintiff for driving with a faded vehicle number plate is granted
“An order directing plaintiff to approach defendant for the replacement of his faded vehicle number plate LSD905EQ and that defendant shall replace the same upon payment of the reasonable and requisite fee is granted.”
Meanwhile, Nigerians, especially the residents of Lagos have applauded the judgment.
In separate interviews with the NAN, the residents urged the FRSC to ensure the production of quality number plates that would not fade.
They wondered why the FRSC would inflict pain on vehicle owners by imposing fines for the fading of the number plates it produced.
r idiculous N8bn Demand by p ower Ministry
The proposal by the Federal Ministry of Power to spend N8billion in the 2025 budget to educate Nigerians on the importance of timely payment of electricity bills is one of the most insensitive, condemnable and wasteful spending ever proposed in the power sector since the sale of Nigeria’s power assets to the private sector.
The federal government had in 2013 sold the assets to the private sector that has the deep pocket to finance power supply because the government claimed that it lacked the funding capacity.
Ironically, the same government has continued to make huge financial commitments in the sector.
Having taken over 60 per cent of the assets and become in charge of collection of electricity bills, the private sector is sup-
posed to sensitise the public on the payment of bills and not the federal government.
That is why the proposal by the power ministry to spend N8 billion in 2025 to educate Nigerians on the importance of timely payment of electricity bills is ridiculous, insensitive, wasteful, unacceptable and highly condemnable.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had during his budget defence at the National Assembly claimed that the sensitisation would address the challenges of power theft, poor payment habits, and the protection of national power assets.
He argued that the campaign would be conducted through multiple media platforms, including social, digital, and print, to reach Nigeria’s diverse population of over 200million effectively.
Nigerians, particularly the National Assembly
should reject this demand.
If the federal government has N8billion to spend on a sector that is owned by private investors, the money should be invested in building power assets to improve power generation, distribution and transmission, and not on needless sensitisation of Nigerians.
It is good that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), through its President, Joe Ajaero, has condemned the N8billion demand, describing the ministry’s demand as “absurd”.
According to him, the power sector in Nigeria is at the brink of collapse as the helmsmen have repeatedly shown gross incompetence.
“Whereas the minister seeks N8 billion (Eight Billion Naira) to educate us, contractors in the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) who help in delivering capacity are owed over N200billion,” he added.
The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, yesterday, ordered the dissolution of the Sharia panel set up at the Central Mosque, Ado Ekiti to ensure law and order as well as peaceful coexistence in the state.
Adejugbe spoke in Ado Ekiti during a meeting he held with the chiefs, and indigenes of the community, as well as the Chief Imam and President of the League of Imams and Alfas in the South-west, Edo and Delta states, Sheik Jamiu Kewulere; and other Muslim leaders over the tension in some quarters over the sharia panel.
This came barely two days after the state government said that the existing legal structure in the state did not recognise the Sharia Court or Sharia Arbitration Panel.
The state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Dayo Apata (SAN) had spoken in reaction to news reports on the first public sitting of a Shari’ah Panel in the state, which resolved two marriage disputes.
He had stated that the Customary Court, Customary Court of Appeal and High Court had been handling issues relating to Islamic, Christian and traditional marriages and inheritance without any rancour or agitation.
Adejugbe said: “Based on this Sharia issue, I summoned the Chief Imam and his lieutenants, members of the Ewi-in-Council, the President of Ado Progressives Union and Ado sons and daughters to discuss the matter because it is a sensitive issue.
“We all listened and it appears they set up a committee at the Central Mosque to listen to disputes. According to them, they have good intentions and it was an internal arrangement that has nothing to do with any external person or somebody influencing them.
“I told them the mood of the nation will not allow such to happen now; that they should revert to how the founding fathers of the mosque had been settling disputes in the past without setting up a committee.
“I told them that there is no need for the committee and they should dissolve the committee henceforth. That is the decision of the Ewi-in-Council and that is the position of all Ado sons and daughters.
“The panel stands dissolved. If
we should allow such committees, the Christians too will want to set up committees in their various churches; the traditional worshippers too and before you know it, it will lead to crises.”
Speaking earlier, the Chief Imam, Kewulere, who confirmed setting
up the committee, which he said had resolved a marriage dispute and adjourned on a second matter, dismissed all insinuations that it was set up for sinister motives. Kewulere, who said that Muslims and adherents of other religions had been enjoying cordial
relationships, said, “Basically, the committee is to look into matters of inheritance in the interest of our members.” He dismissed insinuations that it was to create a crisis and also debunked any external influence or link.
Alleged N1.3bn Fraud: Court Fixes February 27 for Arraignment of Obanikoro’s Son, Gbolahan,
Wale Igbintade
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed February 27 for the arraignment of Gbolahan Obanikoro, the son of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, and four other individuals over alleged conspiracy, obtaining by false pretences, and involvement in a N1,356,057,330.43 fraud.
Also to be arraigned alongside Obanikoro are: Adejare Adegbenro, 51; Balmoral International
Limited; M.O.B. Integrated Limited; and DDSS International Company Limited.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa set the date on Friday after the defendants failed to appear for their scheduled arraignment.
The Inspector General of Police, through the Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Ikoyi, Lagos, had accused all the defendants of conspiring between May and September 2013 to fraudulently obtain the sum of N1,356,057,330.43 from Access
Bank Plc (formerly Diamond Bank).
They allegedly misrepresented themselves to the bank’s staff and officers, claiming that they were involved in the business of importing cars from Dubai for sale in Nigeria and that the money was needed to finance the importation of a set of brand-new cars for resale.
The defendants are also accused of converting, transferring, retaining, or taking possession of the funds, knowing or having
Others
reason to know that such funds were proceeds of unlawful activity. Additionally, they are alleged to have unlawfully converted the sum of N1 billion belonging to the bank for personal use.
At the hearing on Friday, the prosecutor, M.Y. Bello informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the arraignment of all defendants. However, he requested a new date to allow all the defendants to appear in court and take their pleas.
EFCC Names Administrative Building after Slain Operative
A chieftain of the Labour Party in Abia State, Mr. Nwabueze Onwuneme, has warned the Julius Abure-led faction of the party to retrace its steps and let the wishes of the majority of the party prevail by stepping down and relinquishing the leadership of the party to the caretaker committee set up by the leaders and members of the party at large.
He remindedAbure that Governor Alex Otti and Mr. Peter Obi are the heart and soul of the party and the reason why the party is popular.
He warned that Abians whom Dr. Otti has greatly changed their quality of life by his high flying performance might be left with no choice than to prevail on the governor to leave the party in order not to play into the hands of the people using Abure and his cohorts as pawns to destroythepartyandweakenitschances in the forthcoming elections in 2027 knowing that the party with Obi and Otti are highly sort after and loved by the Nigerian masses.
Onwuneme in a statement made available to newsmen on the current judgement of the Court of Appeal which upheld the leadership of the Abure-led faction, warned him not to bask on it as it does not reflect the true wishes of the majority members of the party and Nigerians at large.
alex Enumah in Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has named the administrative building at its Training Academy in Karu, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, after the late Aminu Sahabi Salisu, an Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC (ASE11), killed by a suspected internet fraudster, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu on January 17, 2025.
The gesture, according to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede, was to ensure that “every officer who lost his life as well as those who are fatally injured are not forgotten”.
The late operative was killed in Anambra State.
Speaking yesterday at the 2024
Awards and Recognition Ceremony, which held at the EFCC Academy, Karu, Olukoyede, also assured that the commission will continue to provide all kinds of support to families of deceased personnel, so as to motivate personnel to give their best in the service of their fatherland.
The chairman who described the occasion as one of the most defining moments in the annals of the commission congratulated winners for their commitment to the core values of professionalism, courage, and integrity.
He also thanked all the staff of the EFCC, stating that their collective efforts ensured that the commission retained its position as the most effective anti-corruption agency in Nigeria.
“In 2024, we actually broke
new grounds in terms of records of convictions and asset recovery. In future, we can look back and recall 2024 as the year our agency made history with the single largest property forfeiture and single largest arrest in an operation. There are other milestones which time will not permit me to enumerate today.
“Our impact in helping to stimulate the economy through enforcement action in dealing with currency racketeering and other acts of economic sabotage are immeasurable. I want to congratulate all the winners for their roles. I can only charge you all not to rest on your oars. Excellence is not about doing things right once in a while, it is about doing things right all the time. You need to continue to offer your best as the
reward for hard work is more work. Government expects us to do more and we cannot afford to fail”, the EFCC boss said.
“Like I said a few days ago when I addressed staff virtually, we have taken delivery of CNG buses to alleviate staff transportation challenges. We are also taking steps to address the issues of insurance for staff and the general condition under which we work to ensure that your welfare is guaranteed at all time”, he said.
According to the executive chairman, plans were under way to provide a 20 years Life Assurance policy as well as property assurance, adding that 84 units of housing accommodation have been secured in Lekki, Lagos and would soon be alloted to staff of the commission.
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Vento Furniture, Mr. Ismet Erarslan; Brand Ambassador, Dr. Ali Nuhu; lucky winner, Mrs Toluwani Wabara; and General Manager, Mikano Motors, Hassan Ghandour, during the key presentation ceremony to the lucky customer in the Vento Furniture win-a-car promo in Abuja…recently
Nigeria in BRICS: Partner Membership as Means of Strategic Autonomy
BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) is an informal group of countries seeking a shift from the classical policy of ‘balance of power’ to ‘rebalancing of power’ in international relations, but the definienda of the new balance of power are yet to be well delineated. It should be recalled that the 16th Century witnessed much of colonialism and wielding of much power by religious monarchs. Legal scholars provided legal doctrines to guide international law and relations. Hugo Grotius’ writing on The Rights of War and Peace, in 1625, was noteworthy. He was considered the ‘Father of International Law’ by especially positing that inter-state relations was not only governed by law, but also that relations between States was also governed by altruism and morality.
More important, there was a shift from the religion-driven law to natural law. The doctrine of pacta sunt servanda was then a major feature. With the then 30-year old war dovetailing into the signing of the 1648 Peace Treaty of Westphalia, the doctrine of sovereignty was not only established, so was the state system. This state system continued with various politico-intellectual challenges until the Congress of Vienna of 1815 during which agreement was reached to have a ‘balance of power,’ which is about distribution of power with the aim of ensuring stability or equilibrium among countries in such a way that there would be no one with the capacity to impose its will on all others.
However, an enduring balance of power has not been possible since then in spite of the efforts of the 1919 League of Nations and those of the 1945 United Nations Organisation. As a result, there has been perception of ‘balance of power’ as an ‘imbalance of power.’ This is gleaned through the policies of the Bretton Woods institutions. Imbalance of power led to BRICS as an idea to begin with and establishment of a group that is now asking for the ‘rebalancing of power’ in international relations. The membership of the BRICS is currently generating concerns internationally, including Nigeria.
BRICS and Nigeria’s ‘Partner Membership’
Nigeria’s ‘partner country’ membership of the BRICS and the intellectual controversies it is currently generating cannot be well understood without first putting the understanding of the dynamics of the BRICS in context, especially the nexus between Nigeria’s partner membership and Nigeria’s ‘strategic autonomy.’ As submitted by Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (HMFAYMT), ‘strategic autonomy’ is the ‘fulcrum’ of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT). Based on this submission, this column observes and posits that it is the quest for a new status of ‘strategic autonomy’ that not only explains Nigeria’s preference for the status of a ‘partner member,’ but also makes it a desideratum to seek the status of ‘partner membership.’
First, the origin of the word BRIC is traceable to 2001 when Jim O’Neill, Chief Economist with Goldman Sachs, coined the word in his prognosis of the BRIC as individual countries. As a group, the four countries adopted the acronym, BRIC, to found in 2009 an informal organisation. In this regard, the Foreign Ministers of the BRIC met informally on the margins of the UNGAin 2003 and for the first time in 2005, the BRIC, but without Brazil, met for a Standalone Summit in Vladivostoc, Russia. A standalone meeting is one that is held independently of the regular or recurring meetings for specific purposes.
Again on the side-lines of the UNGA, in 2006, the BRIC defence Ministers met. More significantly, in 2008, Russia played host to another Standalone meeting of the BRIC Foreign Ministers in Yekaterinburg. All these preparative meetings paved the way for the first BRIC’s summit held in Yekaterinburg in 2009. This was the genesis of the BRIC. South Africa was invited to join in 2010 and this enabled the addition of ‘S’ to the acronym, to form BRICS. Thus, the BRICS has been operating informally
: 0807-688-2846 e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com
since then. In other words, it does not operate on the basis of a treaty or have an administrative structure like a secretariat to coordinate its activities. The administration of the group is done rotationally by the country hosting the annual summits. Its cardinal objective is self-help by seeking a new order and rejecting the old. The BRICS wants to have an alternative, if not be the alternative, to the Bretton Woods institutions. Consequently, the West, and particularly the United States, sees the development as a major threat to the current international economic order. And true enough, the BRICS, as individual countries, can constitute serious threats because of their shared values.
As noted in the Commons Library Research Briefing of John Curtis on 11 November, 2024, the BRICS has many interesting shared values: enhancement of economic development; promotion of multilateralism and opposition to non-UN sanctions; and quest for global governance reform, especially at the level of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the Bretton Woods institutions. In fact, the major concern of the BRICS is how to reduce reliance on the US dollar. In other words, if a country does not support multilateralism, is not opposed to non-UN sanctions, does not support the reform of the UNSC or does not support the reduction in the heavy reliance on the US dollar, the country does not qualify to be considered as a member, regardless of the country.
Without any whiff of doubt, Nigeria has been in the forefront in the advocacy for UN reform, fairness and justice in the conduct and management of global questions. In various ramifications, Nigeria is very qualified to have been invited as an originating member rather than membership by accession or conferment.
Even though both terms, non-alignment and strategic autonomy, are couched in words that gave similar meanings, there is no disputing the fact that the meaning of strategic autonomy being the fulcrum of Nigeria’s foreign policy is different in the context of PBAT’s general administration. It simply means that Government will not allow itself to be unduly influenced in decision-making; that policy decisions will be taken on the basis of objectivity; and that, in the context of Nigeria’s foreign relations, Nigeria will not be deterred by foreign influences. What is particularly noteworthy here is that such a strategic autonomy cannot exist in a vacuum. This is where the 4-Ds are quite relevant. How does each constituent impact on strategic autonomy as an objective? To be strategically autonomous, does Nigeria need to be democratic? What role can Nigeria’s demography play in the attainment of strategic autonomy? What about the Diaspora? The ultimate objective of the 4-Ds is development and so is the essence of strategic autonomy. The way forward cannot but be the conceptualisation of strategic autonomy as a special foreign policy objective to promote Democracy, the Diaspora, Demography, and Development. In other words, the quadrilateral pillars of strategic autonomy should be the 4-Ds.
It is therefore not a surprise that Nigeria sought membership of the BRICS and the status of a ‘partner country.’
In its Press Release No: MFA/PR/2025/5, the Federal Government of Nigeria ‘accepted the invitation to join BRICS as a Partner Country. The formal acceptance to participate as a Partner Country underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international collaboration, leveraging economic opportunities, and advancing strategic partnerships that align with Nigeria’s development objectives.’ Explained differently, Nigeria sees the BRICS as a ‘unique platform for Nigeria to enhance trade, investment, and socio-economic cooperation with member countries.’
And perhaps more importantly, the Press Release says the ‘partnership also aligns with our national aspirations for inclusive growth, regional integration and active participation in shaping a fair and equitable global economic order in line with our ethos of strategic autonomy.’ From the foregoing, there are two critical issues that have not only paved way for intellectual lull between this Column, Vie Internationale, and Nigeria’s HMFAYMT, especially in terms of the place of strategic autonomy in Nigeria’s foreign policy. The lull has generated further conversation amongst notable diplomatic scholars and will be discussed subsequently in this column.
Meanwhile, we are much enthused with the various right of replies to my position, and also much happier because the Press Release has lent much credence to my advocacy for the reconceptualization of the diplomacy of 4-Ds as foundational pillars and instruments of strategic autonomy as a foreign policy objective and grand strategy. As noted earlier by HMFA-YMT, strategic autonomy is the ‘fulcrum’ of the administration of PBAT. This is where what I have called ‘Tuggarisation’ in Nigeria’s foreign policy is relevant, particularly as a possible foundation for a foreign policy grand strategy.
Currently, Nigeria does not, stricto sensu, have any relevant foreign policy beyond tactical foreign policy that does not have a foreign policy focus to implement. What the 1999 Constitution as amended considers as foreign policy foci, either severally or collectively are not objectives. Notable real foreign policies of Nigeria include ‘No compromise with Apartheid’ formulated by Foreign Minister (Dr.) Jaja Nwachukwu; Nigeria’s formulation of exception to the rule of non-intervention in the domestic affairs of other sovereign states as provided for under Article 2(7) of the UN Charter. Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa made it clear that the brutal killing of President Sylvanus Olympio of Togo by mercenaries could not and should not be considered as an internal affair of any sovereign state. So should apartheid in Southern Africa not be seen as an exclusive preserve of South Africa.
In fact, when Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher violated the policy of ‘No Compromise with Apartheid,’ by selling Nigeria’s crude oil to South Africa using indirect means, General Olusegun Obasanjo promptly nationalised the British Petroleum and the Barclays Bank to the dismay of the British Prime Minister. The actions were manifestations of Nigeria’s foreign policy focus of defending black dignity. However, the policy is no more with the demise of apartheid. Non-intervention principle has also entered into désuétude with the right of the African Union and the international community to intervene in any country in the event of abuses in political governance. The International Responsibility to Protect (IR2P) is a case in point. The inclusion of the right in the African Union Act is another example. Consequently, there is the need to redefine what Nigeria’s foreign policy focus is all about in international relations.
Nigeria-BRICS Partner Membership
In this regard, we contend that ‘strategic autonomy’ should be capitalised on as a technique of political governance under PBAT but, more significantly as a foreign policy focus with the ultimate objective of evolving a foreign policy grand strategy. This is where the beauty of ‘Tuggarisation’ largely lies and why there is the need to further intellectualise the notion of ‘strategic autonomy’ to enable the use of foreign policy to address domestic questions. The BRICS may provide a first opportunity.
Currently, BRICS comprises eleven full members of which four are original members (Brazil, Russia, India, and China, that is , the initial BRIC); one member by accession (South America), and thus changing the acronym from BRIC to BRICS); and six members by kind invitation (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia). Membership by invitation should have been seven had Argentina accepted to join. This means that those countries that accepted to join have compelling reasons, like those refusing to join also have their reasons.
The category of membership that is generating much interest and controversy is that of partner-country membership of which Nigeria is the ninth member after Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. Nigeria’s partner membership of the BRICS+ is quite interesting in light of the implications of international politics of it. On the one hand, there is the US-led Western hostility to the aspirations of the BRIC+ which requires a well-measured approach and response by Nigeria since she wants to join and use the BRICS+ for economic development purposes. This is where emphasis should be placed on strategic autonomy as a foreign policy objective and technique at the level of Nigeria.
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Tinubu
Obasa to Lagos Lawmakers
“But why did they have to break the chamber and use a fake mace to carry out the removal? If they say they don’t want me again, it is fine, but let them follow due procedure” – Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, telling the state lawmakers that his impeachment was illegal
SIMO N KOLAWOLE
It’s 30 Years of Revolution
Mr ‘Folabi Lawal, of blessed memory, told me this fascinating story sometime in 1998. He was the THISDAY bureau chief in Abuja, officially designated as deputy editor, nation’s capital. Mr Nduka Obaigbena, the chairman and editor-in-chief, had asked Lawal to send a document to him in Lagos “by the next available flight”. But when Lawal got to the airport, the last flight had left. Unlike now, flights were few and none operated beyond 5pm or so because of a lack of capacity to manage late flights at the local airports. Distraught because he knew how important it was to get the parcel across, Lawal returned to the office and gave the chairman a call to deliver the not-so-pleasant news.
‘Chairman, I tried my best but there was no flight,’ he said, subdued.
‘You mean there was no flight at all?’ Obaigbena asked him, clearly disappointed.
‘None, chairman,’ Lawal replied.
‘Not even a presidential jet?’ Obaigbena replied, apparently without batting an eyelid.
Lawal laughed. Presidential jet was not an option anybody who loved himself would consider. Nigeria was under the iron grip of Gen Sani Abacha, as citizens — including journalists — were being arrested, detained, disappeared, or simply assassinated over mere suspicion of being sympathetic to the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which was at the forefront of the opposition to his military regime. Bombs were going off and NADECO was being held responsible. How would some journalist approach the pilot of the presidential jet and hand over a parcel to him to deliver to Lagos at the height (and in the heat) of the Abacha dictatorship? It was unthinkable. It was impossible.
But that is how to get the best out of Obaigbena. Tell him something is impossible and you are challenging him to prove that impossible is nothing. Otherwise, he would not have started THISDAY in 1995. It was unprecedented that anyone would start a newspaper in Nigeria without first investing in a mammoth printing press. That was the first law. And that was the most expensive capex item which discouraged many would-be publishers from pursuing their passion. You needed a sugar daddy to start a newspaper. THISDAY successfully entered the newspaper industry without owning a printing press and soon enough, many daily publications started coming on stream. It was possible.
When THISDAY was about to roll out in 1995, I was working with the TEMPO/TheNews group. Mr Eniola Bello was the deputy editor of PM News, an evening newspaper published by the group. He reported for work one day and told us that Obaigbena — reputed for publishing the defunct THISWEEK, Nigeria’s first all-colour, all-gloss weekly newsmagazine — was about to start a newspaper and that he had decided to join the pioneer team. It was greeted with scepticism: some of his colleagues doubted it would be a success. Bello, who would become THISDAY MD in 2005, never looked back. And when THISDAY started coming out, initially at weekend, it was an instant hit.
Abacha, in one of his moments, had shut down The Guardian, Concord and Punch in 1994. In those days, journalists didn’t need to commit any serious offence to be hammered by the military junta. The military guys were so, so power drunk. They were walking on our heads as they liked. Not only was The Guardian shut down but its head office was also bombed. And as if that was not awful enough, the late Mr Alex Ibru, its publisher, was shot in broad daylight at Falomo, Lagos, by Abacha’s killer squad in 1996. He narrowly escaped death but lost an eye. Abacha had dropped Ibru from his cabinet in 1995, apparently because he failed to turn his newspaper into a mouthpiece for the junta. When the major newspapers were shut down,
Obaigbena
THISDAY and a couple of others came in to fill the gap but were not expected to survive the re-opening of the established newspapers. That is not the kind of thing you tell Obaigbena. You are only challenging him. In fact, you are provoking him. By the time the newspapers were re-opened, THISDAY had carved its own share of the market in such a manner that if it was not your first choice, then it would be your second. It did not set out to be the newspaper to be read by every Danladi, Emeka and Babatunde. It set out to be the unputdownable newspaper among the rich and the powerful in business, politics and the diplomatic community.
Whereas you might not see THISDAY in Kabba or Kaura Namoda, you would see it in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt — the power houses of Nigeria. You might not see THISDAY in Kainji, you would see it in Kakawa, Lagos, which serviced the biggest corporate offices in Nigeria. The strategy was very clear. It became the newspaper that leaders in business and politics wanted to clutch, the newspaper that befitted their status. It was the newspaper every office worth its salt wanted to buy for its executives, the newspaper they desired to advertise in, the newspaper in which they wanted their stories and photos featured. Those who said THISDAY would soon die ate their words. Impossible is nothing.
How did THISDAY do it? I did not join the newspaper until August 1997. But from the outside, there were many things I liked about it. One, it served readers the best stories in business and politics. The stories were well-sourced and authentic. I would never forget how it broke the news of the death of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, foremost nationalist, at a time nobody was ready to touch it. He had been falsely reported dead in 1989 in one horrible moment that left the Nigerian media with egg on the face. Although THISDAY did its home work before reporting the Great Zik’s death in 1996, it was not an easy decision. But that authenticity perhaps finally accentuated THISDAY’s authoritativeness.
Two, THISDAY treated breaking news stories with such flair and speed like no other newspaper did. It usually devoted the first two pages to what it called “Behind the News”, exploring various details and angles in bits and pieces. Moreso, the weekend editions of THISDAY were so well packaged that the weekly newsmagazines coming out on Mondays were
left with mostly crumbs. There are those who believe that THISDAY did things so well that it effectively killed the weekly newsmagazines which specialised in in-depth treatment of news. I have to say here that no study established a causal link between THISDAY’s robustness and the demise of newsmagazines. It is just an educated assumption.
Three, Nigerian newspapers used to dedicate their back pages to sports, general news and cartoons. THISDAY broke the tradition by doing daily analysis, with business taking the space on Mondays and politics dominating the other days. The analyses were accompanied by Business Notes and Political Notes, which gave short and sharp takes on developments in those sectors. Over time, the back page transformed to a space for regular columnists. THISDAY back page became the page of choice for many readers and it started churching out a new class of columnists. The variety across political, ethnic and ideological lines was something that marked THISDAY out and so it has remained till now.
Four, THISDAY reported business like no other newspaper did, and this uniqueness might have raised the bar too high for business-only publications. The newspaper had a partnership with the Financial Times of London and ran the Management Series, which was as good as attending a business school. This was a must-not-miss for many in the business community. The newspaper also pioneered reporting the daily transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (now the Nigerian Exchange Group, NGX) with the table of the share prices of all quoted companies, not just the top gainers and losers as was the easy thing to do then. It was a logistical nightmare but, remember, impossible is nothing.
Five, THISDAY established its foothold on the media landscape by going colour. Let me clarify here that it did not pioneer colour newspapering in Nigeria — that distinction goes to Sunray of Port Harcourt. However, THISDAY was the first to publish colour on a daily basis. Newspaper managers who sniggered at it and said THISDAY would soon die later jumped on the bandwagon. The first colour pull-out, I think, was a THISDAYStyle publication on Princess Diana’s funeral in August 1997, edited by Jamin Ohwovoriole. That was also the month Mr Eziuche Ubani recruited me for THISDAY and, along with my late pal Emeka Enechi, we started the all-colour pull-out, SportsXtra, on Sundays.
There are several things that have marked THISDAY out in the last three decades which I cannot write within this space. For instance, Nigerians used to read different versions of a Lagos/Ibadan-based newspaper same day. The first edition with stale news was for far-flung places. The second edition with fresh news was for the south-west and Abuja. THISDAY broke the jinx in 2000 with simultaneous printing in Lagos and Abuja. There was a price to pay, though: THISDAY often arrived late on the newsstands, so much so that frustrated vendors branded it as an evening newspaper. Nevertheless, every newspaper worth its salt started producing a single edition nationwide with fresh stories. Sure, not everybody has the same feelings about THISDAY. That is the way life goes. For me, I have only fond memories. I left the newspaper in 2012 after two spells, during which I was appointed features editor at the age of 25, Saturday editor at 29 and editor of the daily newspaper at 34. Credit to Obaigbena for birthing his vision and sustaining it with constant innovation. Credit to all the members of staff — past and present, dead and alive — who tilled the land and toiled day and night to help build the THISDAY brand. Credit to those who have supported the business over the years. At 30, THISDAY deserves its flowers for revolutionising newspapering in Nigeria. Impossible is nothing.
And Four Other Things…
DAWN OF A NEW ERROR
President Donald Trump is back! Not one to do anything without drama, he started season two of his tragicomedy right at his inauguration on Monday, hitting out at his predecessors (who were in attendance) and promising that America was going to be great again with his return. To keep touch with his base, he signed bundles of executive orders (EOs) that created the impression that the so-called Free World is now being led by a medieval emperor. Trust the American system to keep him in check, though. A court has already suspended the EO that abolished birthright citizenship. My sense is that most of those EOs are useless, but at least they will keep his gullible fanbase happy. Cruise.
DUMBER PLATE
Justice Akintayo Aluko of the federal high court sitting in Lagos has restrained the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from impounding vehicles with faded number plates. Mr Chinwike Ezebube, a legal practitioner, filed the suit against the FRSC in February 2024. Ordinarily, this judgment should have been made summarily — in 10 minutes if possible. FRSC is the sole designer and producer of the number plates. If the ink fades, how can it be the fault of the vehicle owner? Please help me understand. Yet, motorists have been fined for the defective number plates. That is the sort of oppression the Nigerian state subjects us to. It is hard to understand. It beats logic. Absurd. IT IS POSSIBLE
My friends always ask me why I still believe Nigeria can be great despite all the glaring defects and decay. Here is another answer. Barely a week after the wife of Mr Hakeem Odumosu was kidnapped, police rescued her, killed two suspects and arrested two others. You know why? Odumosu is a retired assistant inspector-general of police (AIG). That is why. If it was Citizen Tamedun Lakasegbe that went to report to the police that his wife had been kidnapped, it would be a different matter altogether. What this tells me is that the capacity is there but it is only used for the rich and the powerful. When ordinary Nigerians begin to matter in our system, our greatness will begin to explode. Unstoppable.
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On Friday, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, chairman of the senate committee on interior, made a startling statement: that retired military generals are behind illegal mining activities in the country. “The ongoing illegal mining across the country is being carried out by retired generals, and we know them. They use helicopters to cart away gold, making billions of dollars, while the country suffers,” he said. He said he even wrote to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari over the issue years ago. I find this very exciting. I believe the security agencies should engage with Oshiomhole so that he can help them with investigation. He seems to have the master list of the illegal miners. Wonderful.
