No fewer than 21 Heads of State, including Presidents Bola Tinubu and Paul Kagame, as well as former African leaders like Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Jacob Zuma, among others, were at the Independent Square in Accra on Tuesday for the swearing-in ceremony of Mr John Dramani Mahama as President of Ghana. And it could not have escaped the attention of these dignitaries (and presidential delegations from Western countries, including the United States) that the loudest ovation from the crowd was reserved for the military ruler of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. That Traore was invited to the ceremony was in itself a glaring indication of the contradictions within the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS). But the main concern for me is that the crowd of young people so heartily hailed a coup leader on a day that was ordinarily meant to celebrate democracy. Besides, by prancing around with gun-wielding bodyguards, Traore was allowed to put a stain on the ceremony by breaching security/protocol.

Interestingly, former ECOWAS Executive Secretary, Mr Muhamed Ibn Chambas, whom I met by chance at the venue, before he received me at his home later Tuesday evening, was not surprised. “Look at the demographics of those hailing the guy, they are young people,” he said while explaining the results of studies conducted within the subregion on democracy which should task our leaders. Respected academic, diplomat and statesman, Chambas is an authority on political developments within the subregion. ECOWAS president (2006 to 2009), Secretary-General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (2010-2012), Head of the Joint UN-AU Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur (2012-2014) and head of United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) from April 2014 to April 2021, Chambas provided rare insights into the challenges within ECOWAS and the future of democracy in Africa during our encounter at his Accra home on Tuesday night. But I don’t want to get ahead of myself.

The moment I arrived in Accra last Saturday, I could sense the mood of festivity and the feeling of great expectations for the incoming administration. The verdict of the former Convention People’s Party (CPP) General Secretary, Nana Yaa Jantuah, may have been harsh but it is also reflective of the general perception about the last administration. “When I say that Nana Addo has the tendencies of Nebuchadnezzar, people think I am joking. He awarded himself the title of the best president. What does that mean? He is an error, a mistake…he has brought darkness to this nation,” she said on TV3’s New Day last week. “The state of the nation is reflected in my pocket, your pocket, and everyone’s pocket. This Christmas, we could not even afford to buy chicken.”

But it was at his final State of the Nation address last Friday that (now former) President Akufo-Addo got his report card from the Deputy Minority Leader and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. Akufo-Addo’s “tenure in office will remain a timely reminder of how not to govern the country” he said before adding, “This abysmal record was confirmed on December 7th when the people of Ghana delivered the most overwhelming and emphatic vote of rejection any government has ever witnessed in the Fourth Republic.” Buah ended his speech by quoting a Biblical passage that drew parallel between the liberation of Israel from Egypt and the situation in Ghana. Facing Akufo-Addo who had wry smile on his face, the opposition lawmaker said: “Fellow Ghanaians, we are comforted and strengthened by the following words of scripture in Exodus 14:13 and I quote: ‘And Moses said unto the people, fear ye not, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord which he will show you today. For the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall see them no more’. Bye bye Mr. President, it is finished.”

Despite the poor organisation, Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony was attended by important dignitaries from across the world. In his speech, President Mahama assured Ghanaians that he would “have the humility to take responsibility for any challenges and be willing to ask for help in resolving them,” while outlining four key areas his administration will prioritise: Economic restoration and stabilization, Improvement of the business and investment environment, Governance and constitutional reforms and Accountability and the fight against corruption. “The business community must know that Ghana is back in business,” he declared.

Ghana may be back in business, but Mahama is inheriting a troubled economy. In its report on Tuesday, Reuters quoted Godfred Bokpina, a finance professor at the University of Ghana, saying “The average Ghanaian is growing impatient with our democracy. People have done their part by voting but they’re asking: what have they gotten from this democracy?” That of course is a feeling you get in many countries within the subregion, including Nigeria. But there are no easy solutions to the current challenges in Ghana. “The outgoing government kept the system running by bandaging open sores,” Bright Simons of Accra-based IMANI think tank, also told Reuters. “They left the festering wounds for him.”

When I spoke with Mahama four months ago at his Accra home during my last visit to Ghana, he was optimistic about winning the election. But he also knew the challenges he would face. “The economy is in crisis. Ghana has lost its position as the second largest economy in West Africa to Cote D’Ivoire. Until this (Akufo-Addo’s) administration, Ghana used to be second after Nigeria,” Mahama told me. “We have a debt crisis; investors have lost the confidence in our country with many businesses either leaving Ghana for other countries or shutting down completely.”

Mahama cited the example of the cocoa industry which he said has been grossly mismanaged, leaving many of the farmers frustrated. “With their excessive borrowings, they have destroyed the cocoa industry, just as they have done with the oil and gas sector”, said Mahama. “Rather than new investment what you have now is divestment. In fact, because of the toxic environment they have created, we have the worst FDI in recent history. They keep taxing the people, while borrowing heavily. They cannot even borrow again. Ghana has one of the worst inflations in the world.”

On what he would do differently in office, Mahama said his victory would create a new beginning. “Our policies will encourage new businesses, restore investors’ confidence, reduce recurrent expenditure and stablise economy.” He specifically stated that he will grant incentives to revive the cocoa industry. “How can we assist farmers? Water is important so for small scale farmers, we will help with boreholes and other inputs like fertilizer.”

Now that he has assumed office, Mahama must deliver on his promise. Meanwhile, Traore’s attendance of the swearing in ceremony continues to generate considerable interest. In his X post on Tuesday, Ali Nana, a Zimbabwean public affairs analyst, said the loud ovation received by Traore calls for introspection on the part of African leaders about service delivery to their people. I took up same issue with Chambas when I visited his home along with my friend, Mustapha Sanah (HRH Dalun-Lana Tapha Mahamadu II), Princess Hatiyyah Ibrahim Mahama, Alhaji Kamil and my son, Korede who joined me on the trip to Ghana.

Explaining why the crowd of young people hailed the Burkina Faso coup leader, Chambas said it is a combination of several factors, including the influence of social media and the demographics of the people at the venue. But there are also substantive issues that should not be ignored. “Polls after polls are saying that most people on the continent, about 80 percent, prefer to choose their leaders through democratic means so one can argue that our people are still for democracy. But when questions are posed about whether they are satisfied with what democracy offers them, the response is quite different. Less than 50 percent express satisfaction. That is the challenge our leaders must deal with.”

As a former ECOWAS president, Chambas also offers insights into what is going on within the sub-region, especially regarding recent coups in a number of Francophone countries. He located the problem in the overbearing disposition of France, and the disrespectful attitude of certain French leaders who treat these countries like French vassals, citing several instances he personally witnessed. He recalled a summit of African Heads of States of the Group of Five without prior consultation with or even notification to the leaders who took exception to the way the meeting was convened. He also highlighted ways in which France has mismanaged its relationship with countries it had colonised on the continent. “You can see what is happening now in Chad that has asked France to leave. For the first time you have the Foreign Minister of Chad responding to President Emmanuel Macron’s provocation.”

Chambas believes that the ECOWAS decision regarding Niger, which eventually culminated in three countries (including Mali and Burkina Faso), leaving the regional body was precipitate and counterproductive. “I didn’t understand the haste and the threat of military action against Niger. With what troops? And under which funding arrangement?” Chambas asked before disclosing that ECOWAS was goaded into the action by foreign actors, but the plot unravelled quickly because the Nigerien military rallied behind the coup. “By not distancing itself from foreign powers at a period we are witnessing a resurgence of Pan-Africanism”, according to Chambas, “ECOWAS made itself look as if it was serving the interest of others.” Chambas reeled out a catalogue of destabilising roles some foreign powers had played in the subregion, including the toppling of Muammar Ghadaffi in Libya despite warnings about the consequences for security in countries that are now under military rule.  

Being with Chambas, who clocked 74 last December, was like being in school on the politics of West Africa. But he insists that military coups offer no solution to any country, especially within the sub-region. And for his country, Ghana, where he was a Minister in the eighties and early nineties, Chambas has a word: “I urge Ghanaians to temper their expectations with a dose of reality. They must be patient, considering the challenges at hand. But I also encourage President Mahama to be accountable while his government must deliver on the public good.”

On the Ogbomoso Crisis 

In my column last week, I used a Tik-Tok video of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye to make my point about leadership. In the clip, Pastor Adeboye delivered what could be termed a ‘palace sermon’ to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Ọba Ghandi Afọlábí Ọláoyè, Orumógege III. I have learnt that the video is not new, that it was delivered at the coronation of the Soun in December 2023. I have also learnt that the contention over who becomes the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland was not instigated by the monarch and is between Dr Teliat Yunus and the Ayilara family whose candidate should fill the office.

I received a deluge of responses to my column, most of them arguing that I got the facts wrong. Let me take excerpts from the one by a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN): “I have followed this controversy very well. The problem is majorly by the ‘Imam’, who by some strange order of things is a ‘chief’ of the palace going by the fact that he occupies his ‘Imamship’ by appointment of the King. But he doesn’t think he is accountable or should show any regard to the current Oba for whatever reason, even though he is a very young man. Meanwhile, there’s indeed a palace mosque (Moshalasi Oba, just like Oja Oba) in the town, and it’s the King that appoints the Imam for that mosque. The Imamship is also a family heritage or title, and the status of the current occupier as a member of that family has been in controversy even before the ascension to the throne by the current Soun. I will forward to you the videos of some ‘sermons’ of this Imam that I have come across. You’ll see for yourself how uncouth, rude and insolent he has been carrying on via-a-vis the Soun. That he has not succeeded in causing a religious crisis is because of the general attitude of our (Yoruba) people to matters of differences in individual religious orientation.”

As I have explained to some of the Ogbomoso chiefs who called or sent messages, I have tremendous respect for the Soun whom I have known since the nineties at the ‘Apapa Family’ of the RCCG. My interest in the matter is that peace reign in his domain.

How many people know the difference between another year and a new year? When, on the eve of a new year we shout “Happy New Year!”, how many have an understanding whether the new year they are ushering in will be just "another" year or they actually want it to be a “new” year different in many respects from the outgoing year? Someone said the new year, much like birthdays, should be celebrated with all sobriety because they move us closer to the grave! Rather than say “I am a year older today”, we ought to say that we are a year closer to our grave! This must be what scripture means when it admonishes us in Psalm 90:12 : “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom”

Many rejoice at the prospect of escaping the outgoing year because of the calamities, frustrations, and disappointments it might have visited on them. So, it is good riddance to bad rubbish! For others, it is not themselves but others that have been so unfortunate. Therefore, they give thanks that they did not partake in the troubles that were the lot of others. New year offers an opportunity to make good what went wrong or what didn’t add up in the outgoing year. Where lines did not fall in nice places (Psalm 16: 5), the new year offers another opportunity to set things on proper footing and hope - plan - for the best. Unless you know it and consciously work towards it, the year that rolls in may just be "another" year - and there may be nothing "new" in it or about it.

For those who have everything working well for them, will they still covet a new thing in the new year? The answer, I think, is yes! Everyone wants add-ons, regardless of how well served they have been in the past or are at the moment. Human needs, we have been told, are insatiable; so, everyone wants a turnaround that will make their best even better. Oh, there must have been many with bad memories of the year that was winding down who would never want to be reminded of it!

For such, the desire is something different, refreshingly different, in the new year. They want to forget their sorrows. They want to shut the door firmly against the past and look forward with hope towards the future. In the new year, they must recover all! And they must march forward and forget all the sorrows of the past.

Isaiah 43: 18 - 20 is apt here, for it says: "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it will spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen”

These are comforting words for anyone trying to put the past behind him or her and looking at the new year not just as "another" year but as a "new" year in truth and in deed: A year that forecloses the pains, anguish and sorrow of the past; that makes a way where there had been no way and brings hope where there had been hopelessness.

The wilderness is one place where someone can easily lose his way; the wilderness of life is a place of hopelessness where, whether one moves forward or goes backward offers no reprieve. Making a way there immediately brings hope - the hope of seeing light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how long. I have been in the desert of northern Nigeria before and I know that the most prized commodity there is water - not gold or rubies. Water in the desert means life. The absence or lack of it means sure death - slow and painful death.

A new year that brings happiness as opposed to another year with its drudgery, however, comes with a price. Newness of life, newness of hope, and newness of aspiration must consciously be harnessed. Scripture tells us how this should be done in Luke 5: 37 - 39 when it says: “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved…” Old habits that profited nothing in the previous year must yield way for new habits that will make the new year not “another" year but a "new" year indeed. New ideas, new thought processes, new and better ways of doing things are imperative to making the new year “new” indeed.

Scripture says "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21). If you can say it, believing it, you can do it! If you believe you can fly in this new year, then, believe you me, you will fly! If you can dream
it, you can achieve it. Most of the inventions we know today started as dreams. And some were even mistakes! So, don’t be afraid to make mistakes if you really want 2025 to be a “new" year and not “another" year - drab, lacklustre and uneventful in all its ramifications.

The quotes from the bible here do not foreclose anyone. If you are a Christian, fine; but if not, no hassles. Only “if thou canst believe…” (Mark 9: 23). God has constructed our mind as a powerhouse. What remains to be seen is the use to which the individual puts his or her own mind. This year, to make the year truly “new” and not “another" year, put your mind to positive use only. Hold on to the word of God that says: “Behold, I make all things new”. And as if He knows that you need further assurance, He follows this up by saying: "Write: for these words are true and faithful”!

May 2025 be a happy new year and not just another year to all my esteemed readers in Jesus mighty name!

FEEDBACK

And the man died…

Death will come when it will. It is the eventual end of all living things. Physical life is temporal.

Yes, you are right to demand for Government policies that will intervene in some cases but remember the case of Abiola's first wife? Money was put to shame! The woman died. Methuselah lived for over 900 years, but he still died. Once “Olojo” beckons, there is no controversy! The senseless destruction of life in some parts of the country and elsewhere in the world is a case of the wickedness of man. Even God regretted creating man (Gen. 6:5 & 6). Can you still remember the physical appearance of your progenitors 150 years ago? So in another 150 years, will your children's children remember you? It is a natural thing to die! If we were not to die and people like Adam, Abraham, Isaac and the others are still walking around today, how will it be? I believe God's plan for man to live for a while and die is the best. How the individual utilizes the opportunity will determine how people will remember him - and for how long. Sango was a king in Oyo, people turned him into a deity and still worship him up till today. Oranmiyan and many others were human beings who died but are still being remembered till today. Awolowo's actions in the old Western Region make people still talk about him. - Pa E. K. Odeleye.

Add to your write-up on the above subject-matter the state of our hospitals where we have qualified doctors willing to work but lack of medical equipment to handle patients with complications hinders them. There is nothing they do abroad that we cannot do here if the enabling environment is provided. You can imagine that UCH did not have electricity for months last year and the mortuary was becoming a health hazard! The problem is that we have arm-chair ministers, heads of departments and parastatals who should be on their feet to see that the work is done. Until we put sincere, selfless and hard-working people in positions of authority, Nigeria will forever be crawling. - Chief (Mrs.) Jumoke Anifowose.

That was very philosophical, cogent and reflective! Lo, of all the appropriate questions asked, the most useful to livelihood and to humanity is "What is the purpose of life, after all?" Lo, how beneficial it would be if people of power and means, and all of us, can ponder and make necessary amends! But most unfortunately, as the Scripture says, "The heart of man is desperately wicked, who can know it?" - Elder Olaitan Makanjuola.

Death is an in-built mechanism. All animals, anything with life, are programmed to die. The universe itself is programmed to stop existing one day! - Afuw 7777.

Now that the storm over a recent comment by Kemi Badenoch, the British Conservative Party leader of Nigerian descent, has lost much steam, it is time to critique the entire episode.
Let me start with Abike Dabiri-Erewa who started the fireworks.

According to the story, Abike had reached out to celebrate Kemi, as she usually does to Nigerian Diaspora achievers, on her landmark election to the Conservative party's leadership. But her goodwill gesture was ignored, and unrequited. She had disclosed this during an interview that unleashed a lynch mob on Kemi.

The question arises: Why was it difficult for Abike to make the information public instead of projecting Kemi as slighting and denigrating Nigeria? I see an ego factor here.

Abike, a three-term Federal House of Representatives member and CEO of Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) felt miffed that a younger person could show her such disrespect and wanted to get her pound of flesh, hence the negative portrayal of the British politician. That was an error of judgement. Had Abike demonstrated the maturity of her age, she would have tempered her apparent anger, knowing there could be other occasions of interaction, and the subject of her angst might even offer an apology. But her bruised ego and a sense of self-importance got in the way. So, 62-year-old Abike Kafayat Dabiri-Erewa, in an apparent vengeful fit, felt she must gaslight her ‘aburo’ (‘younger sister ‘), 44-year-old Olukemi Olufunto Badenoch, who she must have considered an effete snob, to teach her a lesson!

The lynch mob was unsparing, and Kemi Badenoch responded in kind, leading to brickbats. The critics denounced her for the alleged denigration of Nigeria, the country of her ancestry. An angry Kemi shot back that she was not interested in identifying with the corruption-ridden Nigerian state, hobbled by Boko haram insurgency, banditry and Islamic fanaticism, but rather with her Yoruba ethnic nativity. She would not want to be lumped with the northern part of the country which she considered an enemy to her Yoruba people. Her spokesman said she was not inclined to do public relations for Nigeria.

Kemi’s unrepentant stand incensed the critics. One of the first to jump into the fray was Femi Fani-Kayode, the loquacious ex-aviation minister during the Olusegun Obasanjo presidency, who in his characteristic vitriolic use of language poured venom on Kemi. Fani-Kayode, we all know, thrives on inserting himself into every controversy, apparently to retain visibility in the public arena. He is often precipitated in his interventions to steal the limelight. I concede that Fani-Kayode occasionally makes articulate public presentations, but his lengthy Kemi bashing was one of his many intemperate, vituperative inanities.

Prof. Ishaq Akintola, executive director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) became a police apologist, blasting Kemi for projecting the Nigeria Police as corrupt, contending that policemen stealing Kemi's brother’s shoes could not justify such generalisation. Do you mean it, Prof.? This is playing the ostrich, given documented evidence of not only police extortion and brutality but killings from ‘accidental discharge’ and deaths of suspects in police detention.

A most recent example was in central Kwara State, where rogue policemen, in mid-December 2024, detained a debtor to a brother of one of their colleagues and the man ended up dead in police custody.
Kehinde Yusuf described Kemi Badenoch “elenu razor’’ (A razor-sharp-tongued person) for her outspokenness, pointing out that ‘’with immensely astounding attributes which are undermined by equally fundamental flaws’’, she has ‘’the making of a tragic hero’’. That is morbid negativism.

Enter the big masquerade into the Kemi bashing arena - the vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima. While performing an official function on migration in Abuja, Senator Shettima could not resist the temptation of joining the fray. Displaying an expansive mood, as shown on TVC News, the vice president praised former British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, as a “very brilliant young man” who was ‘’originally from India’’, for not denigrating his country of origin. Wrong, Mr. Vice President. Rishi was born in the UK, but the words “originally from India’’ implied he was born in India and migrated to the UK.

Secondly, unlike Kemi who lived in Nigeria in her formative years, Rishi never lived in India, so, there is no basis for comparison. Rishi Sunak’s father was born in Kenya to Indian migrants, highlighting his generational distance from India. Describing Rishi as “very brilliant’’ was also meant as a put-down on Kemi. But pray what is “very brilliant” about a Prime Minister who led his party to its worst electoral defeat? Using such a superlative word that is not evidence-backed is spurious.
Shettima was also apparently, confused about which political party Kemi Badenoch is a leader. He had stated on live TV: Mrs Kemi Badenoch, the leader of British Labour, Conservative party …! This is the kind of embarrassing gaffe that happens when someone jumps, precipitately, into a fray.

The clincher was Vice President Shettima telling Kemi Badenoch that she could “remove the Kemi from her name if she does not identify with Nigeria.”

Kemi is a Yoruba name, her ethnic group, which she reveres and proudly identifies with, so Vice President Shettima asking her to jettison the name was gratuitous and illogical advice.
Kemi had distanced herself from Northern Nigeria as having nothing in common with her Yoruba people. That was a bit of an exaggeration. We may also ask: What do the Nigerian tribes or ethnic groups have in common? Yet, Kemi’s comment could be seen as a reality check, not an umbrage, a wake-up call to the North’s leadership.

Prof. Rasheed Ojikutu, in a write-up in The Guardian of Sunday, 5 January 2025, titled: Garland for Kemi Badenoch, put it very succinctly: “A woman who says she is proudly Yoruba, but disregarded Nigeria as an entity may not be ‘’silly’’ after all because she certainly knows her onions. She is certainly not a fool in her attempt to “separate Paul from Barnabas’’.
Alluding to corruption, one of Kemi’s grouses against Nigeria, Prof. Ojikutu asked: ‘’Why do we want to nail Kemi Badenoch to the cross … why should someone with international repute not be ashamed about a country where an individual is alleged to have built 753 duplexes from the money taken from the purse of taxpayers?‘’ Kemi’s position about the North constituting enemies of the Yoruba is taken literally by many and condemned. But were the state governments in Yoruba land not forced to raise the Amotekun security outfits to contain perceived invading enemies (killer herdsmen) from the North?

Perhaps, Vice President Shettima’s angst was Kemi’s disparaging of Boko haram which possibly touched a nerve, considering that Shettima was governor of Borno state, the epicentre of Boko haram insurgency, between 2011 and 2019, when the insurgents were at their destructive peak, controlling many local government areas and unleashing a spate of bombings, including on the UN Office in Abuja.

Shettima, a state Commissioner who served in five ministries between 2007 and 2011 when he was elected governor, was a protégé of Governor Ali Modu Sheriff who has been tainted with allegations of sponsoring Boko haram which emerged in Maiduguri in 2002 during Sheriff’s governorship tenure (1999-2011). Following lingering allegations, Ali Modu Sheriff had to address a press conference in Abuja on 3 September 2014, three years after leaving office, to deny any links with Boko haram.

Vice President Shettima's decision to join the Kemi bashing attracted foreign media reportage.

The Independent, (UK) of 11 December 2024 captioned its story: Nigerian government hits out at Kemi Badenoch after she criticised the country. The story reads: “New Conservative leader is embroiled in a diplomatic row over comments she made about the African country where she grew up.”

It was projected as “a diplomatic row” because of Shettima’s status as vice president, which was probably lost on him.
The newspaper in a follow-up on 15 December 2024, captioned: “Nigerian VP who attacked Kemi Badenoch was accused of failures when Boko haram kidnapped 200 girls.” The Independent quoted Kemi’s allies as urging “people to scrutinise the record of Mr Shettima as being illustrative of the problems in Nigeria and its failings “.

The BBC on 11 December 2024 headlined its report: “Badenoch stands by Nigeria comments after criticism” while, the Voice of America (VOA), also on 11 December 2024 said: “Nigeria’s vice president slams British Conservative party leader.”

Shettima was governor of Borno state (2011-2019) and 2014 was the peak of the Boko haram insurgency with the most notorious incident being the kidnapping of 276 Chibok secondary school girls on April 14 that year, and the additional killing of an estimated 310 persons on May 5, at a staging base for rescuers of the Chibok girls.

According to statista.com, Boko haram attacks led to 38,255 deaths in Borno state between 2011 and 2023.

Speaking at Chatham House, London, in 2015, then Presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari stated that 14 Local Government Areas were under Boko haram control in Northeastern Nigeria - most of them in Borno state. He described the situation as “a big disgrace”.

Boko haram mutated into banditry in the Northwest, the twin evils which Kemi Badenoch distanced the Yoruba from thereby drawing the ire of Vice President Shettima.

It is intriguing what might have informed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pick Shettima, the former governor of Borno state, the epicentre of Boko haram as his running mate, and the appointment of Bello Matawalle, former governor of Zamfara state, the epicentre of banditry, as Minister of Defence!

Shettima, as vice president, should not have joined the lynch mob against Kemi, in the first instance. Many Nigerians, at home and in the Diaspora, are frustrated with the insecurity and level of corruption plaguing their country, contrary to Shettima’s grandstanding.

Kemi Badenoch’s knocks on Nigeria should be seen in the context of someone disappointed about the greatest Black nation on earth, the country of her ancestry, not living up to its billing.

I give the last words to Prof. Ojikutu: “Instead of being sheepishly dogmatic and unnecessarily self-opinionated, we should call on Mrs. (Kemi) Badenoch to bend her head for a garland because she is able to prick our memory to systemic failures in our nation building”.

Dr. Bisi Olawunmi is a Senior Lecturer at Adeleke University, Ede and a former Washington Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) 

He lamented that the ruling class are disconnected from the realities of ordinary Nigerians, blaming the hardship in the country on their negligence.

Al-Mustapha made these remarks shortly after a meeting with former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Speaking during an interview with DCL, the former Chief Security Officer to late General Sani Abacha noted that many are yet to grasp the full extent of the harm caused by the ruling class.

He said, “Even among the educated elite, many do not understand the level of damage done to the country. Those living in Abuja or other privileged locations often dismiss such concerns as mere exaggeration. They are unaware of the suffering of the people because they live in comfort, traveling by air and being welcomed with fanfare, oblivious to the struggles around them.”

Speaking on his recent meeting with El-Rufai, Al-Mustapha explained that it was part of a collaborative effort by patriotic Nigerians to seek solutions to the nation’s challenges.

He clarified that their discussions transcended partisan politics, focusing instead on Nigeria’s future.

“It was a meeting of like-minded individuals deeply concerned about the state of the nation. As the leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), I discussed Nigeria’s future with El-Rufai and other stakeholders, seeking ways to lift the country from its current predicament,” he said.

Al-Mustapha emphasized the need for collective action, irrespective of political affiliations, to address the country’s pressing issues and chart a path towards recovery and development.

[NaijaNews]

God forbid that something happens to Peter Obi. The consequences would be catastrophic. Nigeria’s political stability would be at risk, and the country’s image on the global stage would be severely damaged. The stark contrast in how Nigerian law enforcement treats , Felix Morka, the National Spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Rights Activist Olamide Thomas exposes a troubling double standard in the country’s justice system. Morka’s statement, a politically charged threat against Peter Obi, was made publicly on a national platform. Yet, the silence from the police and DSS is deafening, despite the clear danger posed to Obi’s life and Nigeria’s democratic stability. Meanwhile, Olamide Thomas was swiftly arrested, detained, and arraigned for making juju or spiritual remarks that, while unsettling, were symbolic and culturally rooted rather than criminal.

Why is a direct threat to a prominent opposition leader ignored, while an activist making culturally driven remarks faces severe legal repercussions? This disparity highlights the politicization of law enforcement and the judiciary, where those in power use state institutions to silence critics and protect their interests. The message is clear: political figures with connections are shielded from consequences, while ordinary citizens or government critics face swift and harsh punishment.

Olamide Abiodun Thomas, a human rights activist, was arrested and arraigned on charges stemming from remarks made in a viral social media post. These remarks were directed at Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, as well as top police officials, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and Police Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi. In her post, Thomas allegedly made spiritual or cultural statements, wishing misfortune and calamity upon these individuals. One of the charges against her specifically references a remark made in Yoruba language stating that Seyi Tinubu would die within the year and that misfortune had befallen the Tinubu family.

Despite the cultural context of her statements, Thomas was swiftly arrested, detained for weeks, and charged under the Cybercrimes Act. Her remarks, perceived as voodoo-like wishes or spiritual curses, were treated as criminal offenses with severe legal consequences. This case highlights the swift action taken by Nigerian law enforcement when statements are perceived as threats against those in power, contrasting starkly with their inaction in the case of Felix Morka’s direct threat against Peter Obi.

The case of Olamide Thomas underscores this inconsistency. Her statements, though perceived as spiritual curses, are deeply rooted in cultural beliefs. Such remarks could have been met with a symbolic response like “back to the sender,” a common Nigerian phrase. Instead, Thomas was detained for weeks, charged, and denied bail, raising serious questions about the proportionality of the response. It highlights the civil and somewhat comical nature of her remarks, which were blown out of proportion by law enforcement, further showcasing the selective application of justice.

In contrast, Felix Morka’s words — a direct threat against Peter Obi — have not resulted in any legal action. This glaring inconsistency reveals the selective application of justice in Nigeria. By allowing Morka to walk free while punishing Thomas, the government risks eroding public trust in democratic institutions and fostering a culture of impunity.

The Inspector General of Police and other security authorities  have a constitutional duty to protect all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations. They must invite Morka for questioning to clarify his intent and hold him accountable for his statements. Failure to do so sends a dangerous message: threats to opposition leaders are acceptable, and those in power are above the law.

To safeguard Nigeria’s democracy, law enforcement must act with consistency and fairness. Threats, whether symbolic or direct, must be addressed with equal urgency. Protecting opposition leaders like Peter Obi is not just about personal safety but a litmus test for Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.

The warning signs are clear, and the dangers are real. History has shown that ignoring threats to opposition leaders can have devastating consequences. God forbid something happens to Peter Obi — the question will linger: Why didn’t the authorities act when they had the chance? The time for action is now, before the damage becomes irreversible.

The Consequences of Inaction: A Catastrophe Waiting to Happen

God forbid that something happens to Peter Obi. The consequences would be tragic. Nigeria’s political stability would be in jeopardy, and the country’s image on the global stage would be severely dented.

History has shown us that political violence and assassinations can lead to long-term instability. The killing of an opposition leader like Peter Obi would not only cause widespread outrage but could also spark violence and unrest across the country. The social, political, and economic consequences would be devastating.

By taking proactive measures now, the authorities can prevent a potential tragedy and uphold Nigeria’s democratic values.

The international community is closely observing Nigeria. Human rights organizations, foreign governments, and global media outlets are paying heightened attention to the country’s political climate. The safety of opposition leaders is a fundamental pillar of any functioning democracy, and the world is watching how Nigeria handles this critical issue.

Failure by Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies to address the threat against Peter Obi would send a damaging message: that the safety of political leaders is not a priority and that threats to opposition voices can be tolerated. Such inaction could have severe consequences for Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and tarnish its international reputation.

The time for empty rhetoric has passed. The authorities must take immediate, decisive steps to address Felix Morka’s alarming statement. This should include inviting Morka for questioning to clarify his intent and assess any potential risks, providing 24/7 enhanced security for Peter Obi and his family to ensure their protection, and publicly reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding opposition leaders. These actions are essential to restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and demonstrating that the rule of law applies to all.

Nigerians from every sector must unite to demand accountability. Civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and concerned citizens must hold the authorities responsible for taking swift and fair action. It is no longer enough to observe from the sidelines; collective action is essential to preserve democracy.

Felix Morka’s statement is not just a political issue—it is a matter of national security. The authorities must act now to prevent any harm to Peter Obi and to uphold the principles that underpin Nigeria’s democracy. The cost of inaction would be immeasurable.

God forbid something happens to Peter Obi. If the unthinkable were to occur, the question would echo through history: Why didn’t the authorities intervene when they had the chance? The time to act is not tomorrow or next week—it is now, before it is too late.

[OpinionNigeria]

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained ten officers of its Lagos Zonal Command following investigation regarding some missing items linked to them.

The officers, who were arrested last week on the directives of the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede are answering questions relating to the theft of some operational items for which that they could not be accountable.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale stated that investigators are making good progress.

He stressed that those found culpable will be subjected to internal disciplinary processes.

[Leadership]

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, has expressed gratitude to Allah for the privilege to grow from an Almajiri school pupil into becoming the head of NNPCL.

In a post via X on Wednesday to celebrate his 60th birthday, the NNPC Boss expressed appreciation for the “exceptional” privilege given to him by former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu to serve as the last Group Managing Director of the NNPC and the pioneer CEO of the NNPC Ltd.

In the post, he stated that reflecting backwards alone cannot account for the profoundly eventful life he has spent on earth.

According to him, walking through good and bad times, travails and triumphs, pains and happiness, fails and successes, and many more are the events that only the sufficiency of Allah will explain.

Kyari stated: “Allah, by his grace, spared my life to this exceptional day, making it my 60th year from birth, even much earlier on the Hijri calendar.

“I am profoundly grateful to my country for giving me the opportunity to grow from an Almajiri (Tsangaya) school pupil to become the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company.

“Even more particular, I deeply appreciate the exceptional privilege given to me by Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve as the last GMD of the NNPC and the pioneer CEO of the NNPC Ltd.

“Reflecting backwards alone can’t account for the profoundly eventful life I spent to this date, walking through good and bad times, travails and triumphs, pains and happiness, fails and successes and many more that only the sufficiency of Allah will explain.

“At this milestone, I feel the obligation to serve with even greater conviction and with elevated expectation of eternal recompense so deeply pleasing.

“I am hugely indebted to my family for being nearly absent for most of my later years serving our nation and the common good.

“My deep appreciation to my family, friends and associates, my colleagues at work and my teachers (western and of Almajiri extractions), and many unmentioned people who account for many of my accomplishments, unconditional support and my overall wellbeing.

“This is a turning point, and I seek forgiveness from anyone I might have hurt unintentionally or unavoidably.”

[DailyTrust]

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has confirmed that Nigeria’s telecommunications tariffs will soon increase.

He, however, assured Nigerians that it will not be the 100 percent that telecom operators are pushing for at the moment.

TIjani disclosed this at the end of a stakeholders meeting with Mobile Network Operators, MNOs on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that very soon, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, would approve the new tariffs and make it public to Nigerians.

“You have seen over the past weeks that there has been agitation from some of these companies to increase tariffs. They are requesting a 100 percent tariff increase.

“But it will not be by 100 percent. We are still looking at that study, and NCC will come up with a clear directive on how we will go about it.

“We want to strike the balance as a government to protect our people but also protect and ensure that these companies can continue to invest significantly.

“We need to ensure that as a sector, we get our acts together and ensure that from the regulation side, we put the right regulations in place that can ensure the growth of this sector.”

The minister also noted that the federal government would no longer leave investments in infrastructure in the sector to private companies alone.

“As a country, over time, we have left this investment in the hands of the private sector. They typically invest where they can see returns in the short to medium term.

“We will not want this conversation to just be about tariff increase. I think what the world is talking about today is meaningful connectivity.

“You want to have access to very good quality service.

“A part of it that the consumers may not be aware of is the investment that needs to go into the infrastructure that is used to deliver these services,” he said.

The Executive Vice-Chairman, EVC, of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the meeting with stakeholders was about the sustainability of the industry.

“We have looked at all of these factors, and that is why, like the minister said, it is not likely that we are going to approve a 100 percent tariff increase.

“I know that Nigerians are agitated to hear the exact percentage approved. There is still some stakeholder engagement that we are going through, but you will hear from us within a week or two.”

He said that the NCC had put a number of tools and instruments into place by revising its quality of service regulations for compliance service quality.

He noted that the MNOs must comply with simplified templates to show Nigerians charges per minute for voice calls, SMS, and a megabyte of data.

“We are moving away from the regime where you will have a main rate, and then you will now have a bonus that is at a different rate.

“It makes it often complicated and difficult for Nigerians to actually understand what they are being charged for.

“This is one of the things that, when we took a lot of time over the past year looking at data, there was this agitation that the MNOs are stealing our data,” he said.

Earlier, DAILY POST reported that Tijani was meeting with telco stakeholders amid increased pressure for a telecom tariff hike.

Meanwhile, telecom subscribers had also urged telcos to consider alternatives to tariff hikes.
This comes as telcos, including MTN and Airtel, had recently written to the NCC for fresh tariff hike approval.

DAILY POST recalls telcos recently threatened a shutdown of the sector if telecoms tariff hike is not approved.

Meanwhile, telecom subscribers had also urged telcos to consider alternatives to tariff hikes.

[DailyPost]

…suspect in our custody for further investigation – FCT CP  

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), police command has intercepted a white Peugeot 15-seater bus popularly known as ‘J5’ transporting 59 children suspected to have been trafficked.

The children are between four and 12 years old.

A team of policemen led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Sarki Umar was said to have stopped the vehicle with registration number KMC 283 ZJ along the Abuja-Kano route on January 6.

The driver, Ali Ibrahim, a Kano State resident, and his assistant, Alhassan Ibrahim, were apprehended on the spot.

Briefing reporters in Abuja on Wednesday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, (CP) Tunji Disu said preliminary investigations revealed that the children, who hail from different families in Kano State, were allegedly being transported to Nasarawa State under the guise of receiving training.

He said: “On January 6, 2025, at about 1530 hours, a team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Sarki Umar intercepted a white Peugeot 15 bus with Reg. No. KMC 283 ZJ along the Abuja-Kano route. The vehicle was driven by ALI IBRAHIM, a male resident of Kano State, accompanied by his motor boy, AL HASSAN IBRAHIM, also of Kano State.

“The bus was found to be transporting 59 male children aged between 4 to 12 years. Preliminary investigations revealed that the children, who came from different families, were being transported by one Idris Usman, a male resident of Nasarawa State.

“He allegedly travelled to Kano State to convene the children en route to Nasarawa State under the pretext of training them.”

Disu added that the incident has been classified as a case of suspected child abuse and trafficking, given the circumstances and the absence of proper documentation or parental consent for the movement of the minors.

“At present, the suspects, the vehicle, and all the children are in custody while a thorough investigation is underway. The Police Command is working closely with the FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS) to ensure that the children are safely reunited with their families and to bring all those involved in this act to justice,” Disu added.

The CP reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, particularly children, from exploitation and abuse in line with the Child’s Rights Act 2003.

Disu said: “We appeal to parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children”.

[TheNation]

The Oxford English Dictionary has expanded its lexicon with 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update.

The newly added entries include popular terms like “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi,” among others.

These words, deeply rooted in the everyday lives of Nigerians, highlight the influence of Pidgin English, street slang, and cultural expressions that are increasingly gaining global recognition.

Notably, some of the words, such as “japa” and “jand,” appear as both nouns and verbs in the dictionary.

Pronunciation guides have also been provided to assist non-Nigerians in accurately articulating the words.

A Nigerian English consultant to the Oxford English Dictionary, Kingsley Ugwuanyi, announced the update on LinkedIn on Tuesday.

He expressed excitement over his role in drafting the words and recording their pronunciations.

Ugwuanyi wrote, “I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Oxford Languages | OUP has officially published its latest updates, featuring an amazing collection of Nigerian English words that beautifully reflect Nigeria’s culture, creativity, and the unique ways we express ourselves as Nigerians.

“This time, I not only drafted most of the words but also had the incredible opportunity to provide their hashtag#pronunciations! So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my hashtag#voice bringing these words to life.”

Among the entries, “japa” is defined as “the emigration of Nigerians to other countries (esp. those in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity.”

“Agbero” is described as “a person (usually a boy or young man) who works as a tout, typically at car parks and bus stops, collecting money from passengers and drivers, and ushering passengers onto vehicles. ”

The term “419,” widely known in Nigeria, is defined as, “Fraud (now usually perpetrated on the internet) involving requests for advance payment in return for a substantial share of a large amount of money, which ultimately is never given. Frequently as a modifier, as in 419 email, 419 scam, etc. Cf. yahoo n.2”

Here is the complete list of Nigerian words added to the OED:

1. 419
2. abi
3. adire
4. agbero
5. area boy
6. cross-carpet
7. cross-carpeting
8. eba
9. Edo
10.  gele
11.  jand (noun, verb)
12. janded (adjective)
13. Japa (noun, verb)
14. Kanuri
15. Kobo
16. Naija
17. suya
18. Yahoo
19. yahoo boy
20. Yarn Dust