A Progressive Shift in Nigeria’s Education Policy

The recent decision by JAMB to allow candidates under 16 to be considered for tertiary education admission under strict conditions reflects a forward-thinking approach to educational policy in Nigeria. While the standard age remains 16, candidates who achieve an outstanding UTME score of 320 or above will now have the opportunity to prove their academic capability. This shift, supported by Minister of Education Olatunji Alausa and JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, recognizes the existence of gifted students who should not be held back by rigid age restrictions.

Prof. Ishaq Oloyede: A Leader in Modern Educational Reform

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, deserves commendation for spearheading this progressive reform. During a recent meeting with key education stakeholders, including Chief External Examiners, Chief Technical Advisors, and members of the Equal Opportunity Group, Oloyede confirmed the new policy and its rationale. He emphasized that while the 16-year benchmark remains the standard, candidates under this age may be considered under strict conditions if they demonstrate exceptional academic ability. His balanced approach acknowledges the importance of maturity in higher education while ensuring that truly gifted students are given the opportunity to excel.

The Failure of Former Minister Tahir Mamman’s Rigid Age Policy

The decision follows the recent reversal of the mandatory 18-year admission age policy introduced by former Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman. His policy, rather than being a strategic educational reform, was an outdated, rigid barrier to progress that ignored the realities of intellectual diversity. It failed to account for the existence of young prodigies whose cognitive development and academic prowess surpass those of their peers. Instead of fostering an environment where merit and excellence determine educational progression, Mamman’s policy shackled Nigeria’s most brilliant minds to an arbitrary number.

What If America Had Followed Tahir Mamman’s Backward Policy?

Had America followed such a backward, anti-meritocratic approach, a talent like Moro Ojomo might never have emerged. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Ojomo moved to the U.S. at the age of eight and, by 16, had enrolled at the University of Texas. If the American education system had imposed the same rigid age restrictions that Mamman championed, Ojomo’s development—both academically and athletically—could have been halted before it even began. Instead, the United States recognized his talent, allowing him to thrive in a system that values ability over bureaucracy.

Moro Ojomo: A Testament to the Power of Early Recognition

Ojomo’s success is proof that rigid policies like Mamman’s do more harm than good. He redshirted as a freshman but played in three late-season games, showing that he was more than ready despite his young age. He was a four-time first-team Academic All-Big 12 honoree, proving that intelligence and discipline can flourish when given the right opportunity. By his fifth-year senior season, he had recorded career highs with 32 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks before declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft. Over five seasons, he played in 50 games, accumulating 95 tackles and five sacks. His intelligence on the field is so pronounced that some say he predicts plays before they happen.

Most recently, Ojomo was part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ historic Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. This moment was a culmination of years of dedication, discipline, and—most importantly—an education system that did not stifle his potential with bureaucratic restrictions. Had America followed the regressive thinking of Nigeria’s former Minister of Education, Ojomo’s name might never have been known beyond Lagos. His dream, like those of many talented Nigerians, would have been buried under the weight of an archaic policy.

A Wake-Up Call for Nigeria: Stop Suppressing Talent

This is the stark lesson for Nigeria: If the country continues to allow individuals like Tahir Mamman to dictate rigid, outdated policies, it will continue to stifle its brightest minds. Nigeria cannot afford to be a nation that actively suppresses its own future. The education system must be designed to elevate talent, not restrict it.

Prof. Oloyede’s leadership in ensuring that JAMB remains adaptable and responsive to academic excellence deserves praise. His stance reflects modern educational thinking, where policies must be flexible enough to accommodate outstanding students who defy conventional timelines. By introducing a performance-based exception rather than a blanket rule, Oloyede has struck a balance between structure and opportunity. He understands that intelligence and readiness should determine eligibility, not an arbitrary age threshold that ignores real-world diversity in learning ability.

A Call for Systemic Educational Reform in Nigeria

The decision by JAMB signals a progressive shift, one that should be further strengthened by institutional frameworks that support young, high-achieving students. Nigeria has many gifted individuals, and by recognizing them early, the country can cultivate a new generation of scholars, innovators, and professionals who will contribute significantly to national and global development. If America had taken the same outdated approach as Tahir Mamman, talents like Moro Ojomo might have been lost. It is time for Nigeria to fully embrace meritocracy and stop letting bureaucratic rigidity stifle its best and brightest minds.

Nations That Prioritize Talent Thrive—Nigeria Must Follow Suit

The reversal of Mamman’s policy should be seen not just as a victory for educational reform, but as an urgent signal that Nigeria must rethink the way it approaches talent development. Countries that excel prioritize talent and create pathways for success. Nigeria, with its abundance of gifted individuals, must not allow outdated policies to stand in the way of greatness.

Morotoluwa Ojomo is living proof of what is possible when talent is nurtured rather than suppressed. The future belongs to nations that recognize, support, and empower their best and brightest. Nigeria must choose to be one of them. Bureaucracy must no longer be a weapon against progress. Instead, Nigeria must build a system where the exceptional are recognized, supported, and propelled toward success—not trapped by arbitrary barriers.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly condemned the reported assault of a lecturer by a student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) over a TikTok recording.

In a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday, NANS Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advocating for students’ rights while emphasising the importance of discipline, respect for authority and adherence to institutional regulations.

“NANS has always been at the forefront of advocating for students’ rights, academic freedom, and a conducive learning environment. However, we equally uphold discipline, respect for authority, and adherence to the laws governing our institutions. It is in this light that we strongly condemn the reported incident at UNIZIK, where a student physically assaulted a lecturer over a TikTok recording,” Akinteye stated.

He described the student’s actions as unacceptable, stressing that universities should remain citadels of learning built on mutual respect. While acknowledging students’ rights to self-expression including social media use, he urged them to exercise such rights with responsibility and decorum.

Akinteye reiterated that NANS would not support any student who engages in unlawful behaviour, disrespects lecturers or tarnishes the image of the academic community.

“In light of this incident, we call on the management of UNIZIK to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation to establish the facts of the case. Due diligence must be observed, and all parties involved should be given a fair hearing. However, if the student is found guilty, appropriate sanctions should be applied in line with the institution’s regulations to serve as a deterrent to others,” he added.

Akinteye further emphasised that academic environments must remain spaces of respect, learning and professional engagement.

[Opinion Nigeria]

Bitcoin’s correction below $96,000 has caused the cryptocurrency market to turn “pink.”

This most recent rally is by no means inconsequential, as retail and institutional data indicate waning demand.

Although the asset seems to be moving independently of the fundamentals of cryptocurrency, it is being influenced by an unpredictable macroeconomic environment.

Bitcoin is still gaining attention, even though trade tensions between the U.S. and China are causing market jitters. Derivative structures, sentiment indicators, and investment flows all suggest a rise in caution.

The announcement of new Chinese tariffs on the world’s largest economy weakened risk appetite. Bitcoin immediately lost the bullish momentum that was part of a larger trend of people fleeing to safer assets in the face of trade tensions.

Although Donald Trump’s response, which imposed a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum, caused traditional markets to stabilize, the market swiftly recovered and regained confidence.

This political response also allowed Bitcoin to find some air. However, market fundamentals show that retail and institutional weakness indicators are present.

According to the data, institutional purchasing volumes are not impressive. $204 million was invested in Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. between February 3 and February 7, compared to $742.3 million worth of Bitcoin purchased by Strategy during that time. A definite sign that leveraged traders are lowering their exposure is the sharp decline in futures premiums, which went from 11% in early February to 8%.

Investors are choosing safe-havens, as evidenced by yield declines in U.S. Treasury notes. This momentum has made the U.S. dollar index show strength, reflecting an increase in risk aversion in international markets.

The U.S. Fed’s latest signals also show less incentive to cut rates quickly, further putting Bitcoin bulls in jeopardy.

U.S. Economy Supports Fed’s Caution

“Overall, the economy is doing well,” Jerome Powell stated at his Senate hearing on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. As a result, he defended the Fed’s monetary policy wait-and-see approach. Even though inflation is higher than the 2 percent target, the Fed does not anticipate any more rate cuts in the near future.

• Monetary easing is anticipated to be restricted to 35 basis points by the end of the year.
• The dollar fell 0.17%, or 17 points, and is currently trading at 108 index points on the greenback index in response to this cautious approach.
• The spotlight now shifts to the inflation figures for January, scheduled to be unveiled on Wednesday.
• If these figures indicate persistently elevated inflation, they might prompt the Fed to prolong its stringent policy, curtailing any optimism surrounding a vigorous reduction in interest rates.

Powell will continue his hearing before the House of Representatives, posing a fresh challenge for the market, which will strive to adjust its forecasts concerning the U.S. monetary policy’s trajectory.

The market is also dealing with a fresh rise in protectionism. The threat of a trade war with the European Union has been reignited by Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% increase in customs duties on steel and aluminum imports.

The foreign exchange market reacted to these announcements immediately. The Japanese yen lost ground against the dollar, dropping 0.3 percent to 152.0, while the euro increased 0.22% to $1.03. Investors are looking to safe-haven assets in this uncertain climate, especially gold, which is seeing a resurgence in interest.

Global markets are becoming more tense as the Fed maintains its position and the White House toughens its trade stance.

[Nairametrics]

The House of Representatives on Wednesday initiated deliberations on four tax reform bills submitted to the National Assembly in 2024 by President Bola Tinubu.

These bills, scheduled for a second reading, had been pending for six months since their transmission, following recommendations from the Taiwo Oyedele-led Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.

The proposed legislation includes the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

However, the bills have stirred controversy, facing strong criticism and resistance from various quarters, including northern governors and opposition figures who have called for their withdrawal.

During Wednesday’s plenary, most lawmakers expressed support for the proposed reforms, but Sada Soli raised concerns about potential constitutional contradictions within some sections of the bills.

He particularly stressed the need for clear definitions on derivation to prevent ambiguity.

Soli remained optimistic that the committee assigned to review the bills would resolve any contentious issues before they are passed.

Additionally, some lawmakers highlighted the bill’s attempt to amend 40 existing acts, insisting that these amendments be laid before Parliament for proper scrutiny.

They also raised concerns about provisions related to multiple taxation on property transactions, which require both buyers and sellers to pay taxes.

More details to follow…

[NaijaNews]

Rather than argue over whether Nigeria has a transparent, global standard pricing mechanism for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol), maybe we should take a different view. Nigeria’s pricing mechanism is in transition and its current state may improve alongside living standards.

While that sounds very uncertain and many will find it harder to navigate, consider this, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicted the price of crude oil will expectedly decline in 2025, with Brent Crude to average around $74 per barrel.

This projected decrease in global prices by EIA, will directly impact domestic petrol costs, meaning that consumers will likely see petrol price drop at the pump. Underscoring the generally known fact that the primary driver of domestic petrol prices is the global crude oil price, which is largely influenced by factors like supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and OPEC production quotas.

We have seen that play out recently in Nigeria, when Dangote Refinery dropped its ex-depot price from N950 to N890, citing the ”positive outlook within the global energy and gas markets, as well as recent reduction in international crude oil prices.” Beyond these trends, fuel is priced on an import parity basis in Nigeria, which is consistent with the way it is priced in other African countries.

The play of the naira exchange rate also has an impact in pricing. Fluctuations seen in the exchange rates of the Naira in recent times have had a significant impact on the import and export of crude oil and refined products.
Depending on the direction it swings, procurement cost is impacted either negatively or positively which in turn reflects on the price the consumer pays at the pump.

Recall that the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) determined the process of pricing the product before the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The PPPRA utilized a pricing template to determine the open market price or the expected retail (pump) price for the product.
The template reflects the Free on Board (FOB) price in the originating market priced in $/mt. It is common knowledge that Nigeria references European petrol prices. Additionally, the template also reflects freight, lightering expense, Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) charge, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency charge as well as retail margins, financing cost, jetty throughput charge and storage charge. The exchange rate would convert the USD components of this pricing framework into naira, while conversion factor for petrol would be used to convert the petrol pricing from tonnes to litres.

The import parity principle is the basis for petrol pricing as explained by Dr. Kaase Gbakon, an economists and data analytics expert, ”the FOB petrol price is Platts 10ppm Amsterdam-Rotterdam barge.”

Kasse suggested that ”the Premium would very likely include a transport element to mirror clean tanker freight between Europe and West Africa, build up from the loading gantry at the refinery which includes Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) charge, inspection charge, distribution costs, and a margin.”

He noted that pump prices differ across the country driven by the distribution cost, with locations farthest from Lagos (where the refinery, for instance, Dangote Refinery) is located, subject to a higher price.

In September 2024, NNPL Limited published a new price template which it explained was used to settle the petrol offtake from the Dangote Refinery, many analysts argued that the template did not provide as detailed a breakdown of its components as the PPPRA template did. Amidst that, is the disparity in the pricing template adopted by the Dangote Refinery versus that used by the NNPC Limited (NNPCL).

However, analysts were able to conclude from the templates that petrol price in the country is based on the import parity pricing principle, given that Dangote Refinery neither clarified the offtake price nor did it dispute the pricing principle published by the NNPCL.

Quality Vs Pricing:
Meanwhile, technology plays a crucial role in determining petrol quality, which directly impacts pricing. Producing high-quality petrol requires a more complex refining process to remove impurities and achieve the desired standards. Naturally, this increases production costs. Meeting global environmental regulations further adds to the expense, as stricter standards demand more advanced refining techniques.

The conversation on petrol quality resurfaced in 2024, fueled by crude oil shortages affecting local refineries and allegations that some marketers were luring consumers with lower prices—a debate initially sparked by Dangote Refinery. This coincided with the discovery in February 2024 that NNPCL had imported a significant batch of adulterated petrol into the country . Around the same time, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) claimed its members could sell petrol at prices lower than those offered by Dangote Refinery to oil marketers.

When the $20 billion refinery Dangote refinery began production of fuel, its biggest constraint was accessing crude oil for its plant. Vexed by what it saw as sabotage, the controversial narrative suggested that oil majors were blocking the refinery’s access to locally produced crude and the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) was allowing petrol traders to import high-sulphur petrol thereby undermining its refinery. When PETROAN raised its own argument on pricing, Dangote responded by accusing them of importing substandard products which invariably will come cheaper.

The rift prompted an investigation by Nigerian law makers. A committee was set up in July 2024, to investigate alleged importation of dirtier petrol and the operation standards of the regulatory agencies.

The NMDPRA responded, saying that Dangote Refinery was barely 45% completed and unable to meet the country’s needs. Adding that petrol processed by the refinery is between 650 to 1200 parts per million of Sulphur, thus inferior to imported products.

Intriguingly, when members of the National Assembly visited the Dangote Refinery to investigate its claim on quality, tests result showed that Dangote Refinery’s diesel had a Sulphur content of 87.6 ppm, while two other samples taken showed Sulphur levels exceeding 1800 ppm and 2,000ppm, respectively. For context, the benchmark for Sulphur content for petrol imported into Nigeria is capped at 50 ppm. Whether the alleged ”inferior” petrol imported into the country is responsible for the frequent tweaking of its (Dangote) ex-depot price is yet to be determined, as the NMDPRA is yet to announce commencement of enforcing standards which it promised in 2024.

It is tough to find answers on what the appropriate price of fuel at the pump should be, given these chaotic, unpredictable and controversial circumstances. In longer term, a need for more investment in due diligence and supervision as well as enforcement will be needed to set the appropriate, recognizable process to determine who is complying on quality, pricing template, etc, processes investors could easily buy into and make bold investment decisions. Indeed, the process badly needs to be retooled for the economy to thrive and for the consumer to be at peace, but it could take a while.

~ Bamgbala, an energy enthusiast and social commentator, writes from Lagos.

Godswill Njoku (Dr Will), CEO of HOSPIYOU which Launches Global Operations 22^nd February ,2025 said in a meeting, “I Grew up in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, it is one of those unique cities in Africa, even though it was also plagued with its version of crime and poverty, if u were the smartest there then you’re most likely the smartest in the world because trust me like almost every City in Africa it is a very tough place to survive and Nigerians are very industrious people, when you walk down the streets you’d practically find everyone going about their business.”

In 2017, When Godswill (Dr Will) was 17 years old he attended the Einstein Science. Challenge Competition of Over 10,000 Students from the best schools in Nigeria and he emerged 1st Position and was named YOUNG EINSTEIN 2017.

Godswill Njoku (Dr Will) With The Former Deputy Governor of Rivers State and principal of NDSS

Also in 2016 , he Attended the Annual Nigerian national Olympiads and won 2nd position in Biology.

Also graduated high school as the best graduating student in 2017 from NDSS Niger Delta Science School , PortHarcourt, Nigeria, West Africa.

He Got admission to Study medicine at the Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria at the age of 17, “So I left Nigeria to pursue this dream of studying medicine and becoming a doctor, At that point I was trying to see if I could learn a Skill that would make me some money to sustain me in medical school and at the same time enable me still have enough time left to study my medical books and attend classes.

So that took me into researching and trying out many businesses like I once did an AIRBNB business, as well as hosting jobs, I tried out modelling and made some money from it and I spent over 4years acquiring numerous skills like AI use/applications in health care, Health technology, medical history testing, Machine Learning in Healthcare, business management, financial management, flying Helicopters, Leadership Skills, communication skills, video editing and many more from Udemy, LinkedIn, youtube. I took lots of courses, I studied for 8hours compulsorily everyday for over 5years.

Godswill Njoku (Dr Will) at the library studying

Studying and practicing Medicine and spending time in several hospitals in Africa and Europe with patients has opened me up over the years to the direct challenges people and patients face when it comes to them receiving proper Healthcare services. I discovered that the adoption of Technology in Healthcare especially in Africa would solve most of our healthcare challenges.

I started with the development of the HospiYou app because I had received so many complaints from people and patients about the numerous number of problems they face when it comes to their health care and I lost my best friend due to the poor health care system in Nigeria, Africa.

He wasn’t attended to in a timely manner and he ended losing his life, he was ill and then went to the hospital, from what I was told when my best friend Got to the hospital he was asked to sit down and he sat down there for almost an hour without his basic medical data even taken, then when he was finally asked to stand up he slumped and died, it was an extremely painful and sad experience genuinely hearing that this happened to my best friend whom was there for me while I was taking exams to leave Nigeria and go study medicine in Europe And I thought of no better way to fix this problems than through merging Artificial Intelligence , technology with Medicine and healthcare

My friend, Favour Chima whom died due to a failed health care system in Nigeria played a huge role in my life, he was there for me when I was doing my A-levels at Enugu State University Of Science and Technology and that was the loneliest / most depressing point in my life ever because I was trying to get admission to study medicine outside of Nigeria. He always cooked and cleaned, when I came back from school we usually go to play football or fetch water from the stream in Enugu, Nigeria back then. We squatted with my cousin in the same bedroom,1 room apartment for about 8Months until I finally left Nigeria to chase my dreams of becoming a doctor.

Godswill Njoku(Dr Will) and his late best friend Chima Favour

Building HospiYou was not an easy process, mostly on the financial end because I had to use the little money I was making from doing other jobs to fund this project and at some point I owed two months of house rent in Europe because this Global Project needed too much finance to Build it, it was a painful and joyous experience, it was at the same time my 2 uncles that live in Switzerland and UK who were sending me stipends to ease my medical school training gave me an ultimatum to either stop the app or they’d stop sending me money because they thought I was using my feeding money to build the app which sounded so ignorant, so they finally stopped sending me stipends and then I had to start washing cars and go homeless to keep up the development of Hospiyou’s app, I was sleeping under the cold, walking the streets and not knowing where the next meal would come from, painful because I had also reached out to venture capitalists investment firms and some individuals during the idea stage of HospiYou to help fund me with some money to help me and my team build this Hospiyou App and get it to market but a few declined and most just said I should come back when the product is already on the market, it was painful that they couldn’t see my vision like I saw it , it was painful that they didn’t believe in my vision to revolutionize the Global and African health/medical landscape by merging technology and artificial intelligence.

Well , Joyous because even while building the app in very uncomfortable conditions I knew my Why? I didn’t want anyone to feel the pain of losing their lives or the lives of their loved ones due to the poor healthcare system in Africa, That was my motivation. The Building condition was so bad that I’d have to send the CTO Akomas Ifeanyi and other developers money to buy fuel and data so that they can code the Hospiyou app, even the CTO sometimes used his own feeding money to buy data and fuel just to be able to code at night. If there was one thing we all shared to make the building of the Hospiyou app a success it was the fact that we all had a passion for a better Global Healthcare system and this was our own way of making a Change.

Hospiyou,inc is a health technology company focused on building products and medical devices that would be making Quality Healthcare affordable and Super Assessible to everyone from anywhere and at any time, Hospiyou,inc recently released it’s First medical products an AI Powered Telemedical Application that enables patients and users take AI diagnostic tests from the comfort of their homes and enables them have Remote consultations (Video calls, Voice Calls, Chat system) with medical professionals from across the Globe. With many more unique features like MOBILE PHARMACY, INHOME NURSING CARE SERVICES, AMBULANCE SAAS SYSTEM AS A SERVICE, MEDICAL ROBOTS, WEARABLES, HOSPIYOU FOR MEDICAL FACILITIES etc.

Hospiyou,inc which is officially Incorporated in Delaware, USA  aswell as registered in Nigeria, also has an office in Bulgaria and with the Hospiyou app visible and in over 170+ countries.

Godswill Njoku(Dr Will) at Sveta Marina Hospital,Bulgaria, Europe with a colleague 

The impact HospiYou would have especially on the Health Care System in Africa and future diseases cure research and other technological advancements that it has envisioned would be monumental . HospiYou which was cofounded by Godswill Njoku(Dr Will) and Akomas ??????? , happened when Godswill Njoku finalised on the concept/idea and reached out to Akomas Ifeanyi who was his classmate in high school, NDSS  Port Harcourt, and who is now a Software Engineer. So Akomas Ifeanyi loved the idea. And Godswill Njoku also reached out to Birthright Ntuk who is a  Senior Product Designer at HospiYou aswell as Philip Ogbeye who attended Einstein  Science challenge with Godswill Njoku(Dr Will) and was 2nd Runner Up. And subsequently a plethora of amazingly smart and Humanity driven people joined in the vision of HospiYou to make health care accessible to anyone from anywhere and at anytime.

Godswill Njoku (Dr Will) CEO AND COFOUNDER OF HOSPIYOU with Akomas Ifeanyi CTO AND COFOUNDER OF HOSPIYOU 

[DailyTrust]

Argentina star Giovani Lo Celso has reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent claims about being more complete than Lionel Messi.

According to Celso, Messi needs no further explanation as he is the best in the world.

The debate on who is the greatest player ever between Messi and Ronaldo is arguably the most popular in football history.

While a section of football lovers believe that Messi is the ‘GOAT’, greatest of all time, others see Ronaldo as the best football has ever known.

This debate has been going on for over 16 years now even after both players left Europe for Asia and America, respectively.

Ronaldo recently declared himself the most complete footballer of all time.

He said: “I’m the best player in football history. I am the greatest scorer in history. I am the most complete player who has ever existed….”

In a recent interview, as quoted by All About Argentina, Lo Celso was asked to share his thoughts on Ronaldo’s statement.

“No, the answer is clear who it is… There’s no need to explain it,” he replied.

Lo Celso and Messi have played together 41 times for Argentina and have combined to score five goals.

Lo Celso has played 61 games for the La Albiceleste, making 16 assists and scoring three goals.

[TheNation]

In spite of our crisis of nation-building, the people of Nigeria, a nation of over 400 multi ethnic nationalities have been described at different times as  ‘the happiest people on earth’. The scourge of our nation however remains the political elite notably from the dominant ethnic nationalities whose zero-sum struggle for power has kept us in a state of war since independence. Nigeria lost her innocence in the run up to independence as leaders of ethnic nationalities struggled to build a nation of their own within the greater Nigerian nation.

The battle became more intense after the 1959 election in which NCNC came first, AG second with the NPC a distant third. With the willing bride, the AG and his leaders anxiously waiting in Asaba to seal a pact with her NCNC suitor while the latter and its leaders were perfecting a pact with Ahmadu Bello and his NPC in Kaduna, an irreparable damage was done to trust, an important badge of honour in a democracy.

The intrigue and the battle were no less vicious with the misadventure of the military into politics in January 1966. After the elimination of their civilian benefactors, the misguided soldiers descended on themselves, killing the most talented of their men. Again, Thomas Aguiyi Ironsi, the commander-in-chief and Nwafor Orizu, the Senate President betrayed Nigeria by ceding power to the military as against swearing in the most senior surviving minister as acting prime minister as enshrined in the 1963 republican constitution.

It only got worse after the July 1966 vengeance coup accompanied by mindless, selective killing of military officers. With the swearing in of Gowon as military head of state in breach of its own rule while Brigadier Ogundipe, the most senior military officer fled to Britain following the refusal of northern foot soldiers to take order from him, Esprit de corps in the military was also destroyed.

In 1979, Obasanjo admitted betraying the nation when he self-conceitedly confessed favouring Shehu Shagari in that year’s presidential election. This was followed in 1993 by Babangida’s fraudulent ‘eight years of transition without end’ which resulted in the annulment of the 1993 election regarded as the most credible election in our nation’s history.  MKO Abiola, the winner died in detention, defending his mandate.

It only got worse in 1999 with state capture by anti-democratic forces as represented by Generals Obasanjo, David Mark, Useni, Dongoyaro etc. and their new breed politicians, the nation had fought and defeated.

The outcome of the 2007 presidential election supervised by Obasanjo was no less bizarre with President Yar’Adua, the beneficiary of the massively rigged 2007 election, not only denouncing the exercise but also setting up the Uwais Electoral Review Commission.

Nigerians had in 2015 massively voted for Muhammadu Buhari, the anti-corruption crusader believing he was the messiah Nigerians were waiting for. Tragically Nigeria had to go through eight years of Buhari’s misrule, incompetence and provincialism to realize they were swindled by Buhari’s promoters.

The frustration experienced by Nigerians probably accounted for the vicious attack on candidate Tinubu, the man who carried Buhari on his back across Nigeria despite his well-known anti-democratic credentials. Desperate major players thereafter freely deployed everything, including religion, ethnicity, political intrigue and outright lies as weapon of war. Institutions such as INEC and the Supreme Court, critical to the survival of our democratization process came under severe threat by desperate politicians who freely called for a military takeover of government.

The 2023 losers who have not behaved like democrats but like those driven by greed for power are today trying to change the narrative as the 2027 battle for the soul of Nigeria draws nearer.

During last week two-day conference themed, ‘Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity,’ organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, etc., in continuation of the battle, Kaduna’s ex-governor, Nasir El-Rufai, former VP Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State governor and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi called for a coalition to remove President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

This was followed by another close door meeting by El-Rufai and Atiku allies, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, Abacha’s man Friday in the dark period of Nigerian history  and Otunba Segun Showunmi, Atiku’s former spokesman  with SDP to “review the state of opposition democratic engagement in Nigeria”, last Tuesday  in Abuja.

But Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna State, has taken a swipe at the trio of former Vice President Abubakar Atiku, his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi,  accusing them of  scheming to reclaim power not because they have the interests of Nigerians at heart, given their bad records while in government.

Of course, there is nothing anti-democratic in the opposition scheming to take over power in 2027. Our own problem however as indicated above is that our own political elite since independence have practiced democracy without democratic ethos which often finds expression in character and loyalty.

As Uba Sani observed, “Most of these politicians that came out and say they are coming as a coalition, “What did they do when they were in government? They were only fighting for power, not because they could do anything better”.

And since it will also appear most of us tend to suffer from collective amnesia, interrogating the past records of these new democratic crusaders while in office as suggested by Uba becomes imperative.

Let us start with Rotimi Amaechi. While applying to be president, Amaechi had said: “Fellow Nigerians, I stand before you today to declare my intention and submit my application to serve as your next president.  I have been in the political arena for 23 years. Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly (1999 to 2007), Governor of Rivers State, (2007 to 2015) and Minister of Transportation of Nigeria (2015 to 2022) I have served at every level of government – local, state, and federal. I have served both as a political appointee and an elected official.”

During the APC presidential primary election held in June 2022, Amaechi polled second position behind eventual winner, President Bola Tinubu with 316 delegate votes against Tinubu’s 1,271 votes. From then on, democracy-crusading Amaechi started his anti-party activities. He neither congratulated Tinubu over his resounding victory at the end of the primaries nor over his triumph in the presidential election. Amaechi, the sore loser did not publicly endorse his party’s flag bearer who despite his open hostility went on to win Rivers with the help of Governor Nyesom Wike.

The question then is, at what stage did Amaechi who is only out of government for two years and has now joined opposition PDP and El-Rufai to work towards removal of President Tinubu from government in 2027 discover  his fellow politicians ‘kill steal and maim’ to hold on to power? Was he speaking from experience since he was in government for over 23 years?

Loyalty and character, as indicated above, is democracy greatest badge of honour. Unfortunately Atiku is loyal to neither party leaders nor his party’s constitution. At the slightest sign of tempest, he abandons his party, moving from PDP to AC, through ACN to APC and back to PDP. His breach of his party’s rotation clause was responsible for the party’s loss in the 2023 election and the crisis currently rocking the party.

The testimonial by former President Obasanjo on former VP Atiku Abubakar is all that is needed to confirm if Atiku Abubakar has character deficit. Obasanjo went as far as saying God would punish him if ever he endorses Atiku Abubakar for presidency on the account of all he knows about him.

And as for El-Rufai, the National Assembly’s report on The National Council on Privatisation (NCP) which .was very critical of El-Rufai’s handling of the affairs of the organization places question mark on El Rufai’s character,

Obi, an opportunist, is Atiku Abubakar’s alter ego. Besides being tagged a ‘container economists’ on account of being importer of foreign manufactured goods all his life, Obi doesn’t appear to believe in anything. He is not even in control of his supporters, the ‘Obidients’, a euphemism for an unthinking mob.

Obi like Atiku is an opportunist. He had moved from APGA, the party that gave him its platform to serve as governor for eight years to PDP where he rose rapidly to become the party’s VP candidate for the 2019 election. Following Atiku Abubakar’s disruption of PDP constitution that favoured Obi’s emergence as PDP presidential candidate in 2023, Obi did not hesitate before pulling down PDP edifice to join Labour Party to contest the 2023 election. With the crisis currently rocking Labour Party and Obi’s endorsement of El-Rufai and Atiku Abubakar’s conspiracy to pull down Tinubu in 2027, many believe Obi is on his way back to PDP.

Our new warriors for democracy are democrats without democratic ethos.

The rate at which flattery is becoming an article of faith in Nigeria’s governance is alarming. At practically every turn, you hear or read about some flattery being showered on President Bola Tinubu, who is yet to spend two years in office as the helmsman of Nigeria.

Some people argue that this “Kabiyesi” syndrome, whereby excessive praise is bestowed on anyone who is in a position to dispense generous indulgencies, to especially undeserving individuals, is a vestige of the pre-colonial African political culture where kings had near-absolute power.

There is a (probably exaggerated) historical claim that Iku Baba Yeye, Alaafin Oyo of old, could emit phlegm into the waiting mouth of a slave who would feel privileged for such an “honour” as he gladly swallowed the unhygienic indignity and indecency.

As the shameless sycophancy accorded to everyone that has ruled Nigeria from the beginning of this troubled Fourth Republic signifies the near-limitless powers of the Nigerian President, no one would be surprised if the sycophants, who are dressing President Tinubu up in many colours of praises, twist the words of the “Hail Mary” to flatter him.

Imagine if they were to proclaim him as “President Tinubu, full of grace”, pray to him to bless them with the fruits of democracy, and may it please him to do unto them, wretched citizens, what he promised in his election manifestos, and that his grace will abide with them, his fawning followers, according to his pleasure.

They may then end everything with his signature anthem, “On your mandate, we shall stand, Bola.” It will be almost impossible for any human being not to fall for these cheap accolades, no matter how firm and disciplined he may consider himself to be.

On June 12, 2023, barely one year into office, some sycophants displayed a large portrait of the President at Eagle Square as Nigeria celebrated Democracy Day to mark the day of the presidential election presumed to have been won by Bashorun MKO Abiola, but which was cruelly annulled by the government of military President Ibrahim Babangida.

When some Nigerians expressed concern about the baby steps of a project to build a personality cult around President Tinubu, the puerile answer they got was that, well, it was just an enterprise to showcase the talent of some young artists.

Somehow, the sycophants did not realise that the image of Abiola, the acknowledged symbol of Nigeria’s democracy, would have been preferable on such an occasion and not that of President Tinubu, who was only one of those who worked for the actualisation of the June 12 presidential mandate.

The matter is getting to a head these days. After using the meagre funds of his state to remodel the Abubakar Imam International Airport, owned by the Federal Government, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, unilaterally renamed it Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport.

If observers who have been arguing that this gesture may well be an attempt to further the governor’s desire to transform the airport into a transportation hub are correct, those who also argue that it confirms claims that the dividends of democracy will go only to citizens who can genuflect the most to the President are also correct.

Interestingly, the President, who should protect federation assets from being appropriated by anyone, including state governors, did not utter a word against a brazen near appropriation of a federation asset by a sub-national government.

Even Lateef Fagbemi, with the double-barreled title of Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, offered nary a word. Maybe he did not think it was his business to draw the attention of the President, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the custodian of the assets and investments of the Federal Government, to the unconstitutional action of the governor.

So, the sycophants got even bolder. After President Tinubu approved the establishment of a polytechnic in Gwarinpa, in the Federal Capital Territory, it was promptly named Bola Ahmed Tinubu Polytechnic. On the heels of that, the spanking new Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks was inaugurated by President Tinubu, also in Abuja.

Maybe the civil servants who initiate these things should not be blamed. They probably took their cues from the norm of bestowing the respective honorific titles of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic and Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger on Nigerians who won presidential and vice-presidential elections, even before they were sworn into office.

Strangely too, all it takes for a Chief Justice of Nigeria to receive the honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger is to be sworn into office by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Nothing more.

The initiators of these sycophancies may have also borrowed a leaf from traditional rulers, who bestow chieftaincy titles upon Nigerians whose only credential is the ability to pay the levies for the titles, which sometimes have next to no significance or meaning.

And regrettably, the dearth of funds in recent times has led many universities to “sell” honourary degrees in the manner of Papal Indulgences that Pope Leo X reportedly began to sell in 1517, to raise money for the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Friar Joan Tetzel was said to have been the marketer of those Papal Indulgencies that were introduced to raise the volume of tithes paid to the church by the brethren. It took the principled opposition of German theologian and reformist, Martin Luther, to openly criticise that practice with his famous “95 Theses”.

So that things do not get even worse, and lest flattery become a substitute for the substance of governance in Nigeria, President Tinubu may have to have ask for reversal of these sycophantic assaults against his name and reputation.

Such a symbolic gesture by the President should go a long way to sanitise the polity and encourage other state actors to delay their psychological gratifications until when they get out of public office. Honours should not be bestowed on sitting presidents, only to be reversed by their successors.

Yakubu Gowon Street on Lagos Island reverted to its original name of Broad Street immediately after General Yakubu Gowon was replaced by General Murtala Muhammed after a bloodless coup. And the defiant people of Ibadan ignored the renaming of Ring Road as Ibrahim Babangida Way and continued to use its original name in defiance of the military governor, who allowed himself to be persuaded by civil servants to travel the high road of flattery.

President Tinubu should advise himself to let the people, through his successors, honour him after he had left office as President. If the honour of naming projects still came to him, his mother and wife after he had left office as Governor of Lagos State, the same might still happen after his tenure as President of Nigeria.

May he have the courage to reverse the premature honours and halt the creeping flattery, which regrettably started and reached a nauseating crescendo under the military that claimed to have come to set the example for good governance in Nigeria.

One just hopes that Aso Rock Presidential Villa will not suddenly have its name changed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Villa!

X:@lekansote1, lekansote.com