The Independent National Electoral Commission National Commissioner in charge of Edo, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, has promised not to collect bribes during the ongoing state governorship election.

In an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Friday, Gumus asserted that nobody would dare approach her with a bribe because of her reputation.

The INEC Commissioner added that the commission will conduct the Edo governorship election in a free, fair and credible manner, adding that it would be the best conducted.

She said, “I am in charge of Edo. I want to do the right thing, even though I will not be everywhere. We will conduct this election in a free, fair and credible manner. I cannot take bribes, no matter how much. I don’t have to take billions to do what is right.

“Nowhere, nobody will try. Nobody will try me. You know, in any office you are in this country, they know everything about you. And when they know they will not come near. If I see it, I will not allow it.

“You won’t believe that since we started this process every day, I am on the platform with the EOCs. In five two-minute or five-minute intervals, I will enter the platform to learn what is happening. If there is anything, I would correct it. That is what I have been doing.”

[Punch]

The 2024/2025 English Premier League will continue this weekend with Chelsea traveling to West Ham kicking off proceedings for matchday 5.

Two standout games that are expected to catch the fancy of football fans are the clash between West Ham United and Chelsea – and Crystal Palace welcoming Manchester United to the Selhurst Park.

Enzo Maresca’s side enjoyed victory in the last encounter in the Premier League defeating Bournemouth courtesy of a lone goal by Christopher Nkunku.

However, the Hammers settled for a goal apiece against Fulham at Craven Cottage after they went behind in the 24th minute through Raul Jimenez, but Danny Ings who was assisted by Jarrod struck late to restore parity for the visitors.

The Blues have garnered 7 points in 4 matches going into the game and currently sit 8th on the log, whereas Julen Lopetegui’s men are 14th on the log with 4 points.

With early kick-off that comes with a lot of ‘drama’, the tie is expected to be a cracker at London Stadium.

In the other fixture, Crystal Palace will look to return to winning ways after playing out a 2-2 draw with Leicester City, and Manchester United is still basking in the euphoria of ten goals in two games after a 7-0 thumping over Barnsley in the EFL Cup and a 3-0 victory over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium.

There will be no Luke Shaw, new signing, Leny Yoro, and a couple of others for Erik ten Hag to select from due to injury, and the likes of Cheick Doucoure and Chadi Riad are equally unavailable for Oliver Glasner.

While United are placed 10th with 6 points, Crystal Palace have just 2 points in 16th position – thus, a lot to fight for in the encounter.

Premier League fixtures for today
West Ham United Vs Chelsea (12:30pm)
Aston Villa Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (3:00pm)
Fulham Vs Newcastle United (3:00pm)
Leicester City Vs Everton (3:00pm)
Liverpool Vs Bournemouth (3:00pm)
Southampton Vs Ipswich (3:00pm)
Tottenham Hotspur Vs Brentford (3:00pm)
Crystal Palace Vs Manchester United (5:30pm)

[Vanguard]

President Bola Tinubu has paid a glowing tribute to Oluremi, his wife, on her 64th birthday.

In a heartfelt message via Instagram on Saturday, the president described Oluremi as his “rock, confidant, and greatest support” and the “heart” of their home.

Tinubu expressed gratitude for his wife’s “unwavering strength, grace, and love” to him, their family, and the entire nation.

The president also prayed for “boundless joy, peace and happiness” in Oluremi’s life.

“My Dearest Oluremi, on this beautiful day, as we celebrate your 64th birthday, my heart is full of gratitude and love for the incredible woman you are. Since we began this journey together, you have been my rock, confidante, greatest supporter, and the love of my life,” he wrote.

“Every step of the way, you have shown unwavering strength, grace, and love to me, our family, and our beloved nation, Nigeria. You are the heart of our home, the light guiding me through the most challenging days, and the embodiment of kindness and wisdom.

“Your compassion, generosity, and dedication inspire millions of Nigerians and me, especially our young women, who look up to you as their First Lady. On your special day, I want to take a moment to tell you how truly blessed I feel to walk this path beside you. Your love sustains me, wisdom guides me, and strength lifts me.

“I could not ask for a better partner to share the triumphs and trials of life. As you turn 64, I wish you nothing but boundless joy, peace, and happiness. May this year unfold with blessings, laughter, and cherished moments you so richly deserve. I look forward to all the moments we will create together in the years to come. With all my love and appreciation, now and always. Your Bola.”

Bola and Remi tied the knot in 1987. Their union is blessed with three children.

[TheCable]

I first met Maj Gen Udounwa when he was head of the Army War College, Abuja. I had come to deliver a lecture and make a presentation on “War in complex Environments”. This gentleman who took over from the previous Commandant, was as simple, well turned out, urbane and professional as his very pleasant predecessor. He came across as a self respecting professional in a very unforced sort of way. He had, and still has, his almost shy smile and polite manners.

There were subsequent encounters and engagements at the College while he was still in charge. These subsequent engagements only reinforced my initial impressions about him as an army officer who will not be easily distracted by anything that is not strictly related to the values he espouses, or his professional calling.

After his relatively recent retirement, he wrote a book to capture his years of service and meritorious career in the Nigerian Army, titled “Big Boots: Lessons from My Military Experience”. The first four major attractions of the book are (1) The print quality and font type, which do not afront your sense of beauty; (2) The chronological layout of the chapters and the narratives; (3) The simple descriptive , storytelling, style and (4) The absence of any affections in the book’s overall effect. This book of nine chapters, gives the reader a step-by-step account of the birth, development and career progression of its subject matter and author.

Part of what the author succeeded in doing with this work is show us how a person’s family background, his core ethical values respect for norms ultimately define and determine who he is, what he does, and how he turns out in life; no matter where he finds himself. What one gets from reading the book includes the following: (1) Deep insight into the Person, inner motivations, personal values and concept of loyalty and national service, as understood by Mag Gen Solomon Odounwa (rtd). (2) The professional and personal development of the author as a human being, as an army officer and as a dependable aide to his superiors in service and (3) The service experience of the author, his brilliance and his impact and trajectory in the positions he held at various times; including his time at Army Headquarters.

“Big Boots: Lessons from My Military Experience” testifies to how a distinguished officer’s personal discipline and commitment to the best ideals of his chosen profession can mark him out for a glorious career in the Service. The author took time to understand the system. He remained true, and loyal, to his calling. Every aspect of his Service Record and performance was marked by excellence, as he moved from one level of endeavour and fulfilment to another. It was his decades of honest effort, professional discipline, personal integrity, self-respect, and an enlightened grasp of global best practices that made him the man he is today.

These facts alone, which any reader will unravel in the book, may lead some of his former and serving colleagues unto the path of self-examination. He showed that career is not just “what you do for a living’. It is what absorbs your entire soul and being; and that is what makes it a Calling.

The Foreword to the book, written by Lt Gen TY Danjuma (rtd), the exemplary Nigerian soldier and the author’s former boss, set the tone for what to expect in the book, with these words: “…I had no difficulty choosing Solomon to work with me…his service records indicated that he was a brilliant officer who had undergone several courses, beyond the mandatory ones, and indeed excelled in all of them”.

In the Introduction, which is immediately followed by the first chapter, the author says: “Big Boots tells the full story of my military service in all the posts I held… with the purpose of sharing my experience that could be of benefit to military personnel and other persons with interests in military affairs”. I disagree with the author here. I submit, instead, that his book will be of great value and benefit to a much wider audience and reading public, far beyond serving and retired military personnel and “individuals interested in military affairs”.

The first chapter of Big Boots tells us about the birth of the author during the Nigerian civil war and about his village and the defining essence of the people. It showcases the influence of his father, who was nick-named Atara Abam (the tree that stands out among others) by the author’s maternal grandfather and how the young Solomon found strong points of moral anchorage in the man’s unshakable Christian faith and native wisdom.

The author’s mother was described as “A mother from heaven”. Her faith in God, as “The source of wealth, health, riches and all good things…: without Whom “…no man can achieve anything” was also one of the early stabilizing beacons for the author; whose vivid memories of his parents, especially of the lessons they taught him, were the foundations on which he built much of his later life.

The early signs of greatness budding in the author, his High School adventures, as well as his first contact with soldiers and its effect on him, can be gleaned from this opening chapter of Big Boots.

The second chapter, titled “The Beginning of Military Adventure” discusses the circumstances that led to the author’s choice of a military career and how he faired throughout his training at NDA. It touches on ECOMOG and the loss of colleagues and Course Mates in that operation. It also dwelt his “Life Line of Mentorship” in Minna, when he was posted from ECOMOG to Headquarters Battery, 31 Artillery Brigade, Minna, as Troop Commander. This chapter reveals so much about the author’s brilliance, initiative under pressure, his strong leadership qualities and his Service discipline.

The third chapter of this book, titled “Recollections of and Aide-De-Camp” captures the authors experiences as ADC to Lt Gen TY Danjuma, when the latter was Minster of Defence. His interview with this “living legend” for the position of ADC, the effects of the Minister’s forthright nature on him and the realities of working with a seasoned officer, patriot, and gentleman with deep professional knowledge and a human face left a deep mark on Udounwa’s person and professionalism.

And this is where the account dovetailed into how this seasoned officer is described at various times by former colleagues and bosses. While the author reports former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon, as describing TY Danjuma as”..  a confident and intelligent officer who could be entrusted with any sensitive and strategic assignment”, he tells us that former Head of state, and later President, Gen Buhari, had this to say about the same man: “…no better soldier than he has served in the Nigerian Army. He was competent, fair, and had no time for dilettantes and non-tryers”.

Gen Babangida’s testimonial about the gentleman to whom this chapter of the book is largely dedicated is this: “He is a man of excellence who does not accommodate mediocrity. Only people of high standards survive around him”.

The only thing to add here is that Maj Gen, Oduonwa not only survived around this man, but is still around him. The reader will learn much about Lt Gen Danjuma’s simplicity, humility, generosity, and commitment to transparency and accountability, among other things, from this chapter of Udounwa’s work.

The fourth chapter looks at the author’s mid-career years, his Bangladesh experience, his various postings, his excellent performance records in the places he served, and his stint with Army Public Relations. This chapter also tells us about the author’s first command experience and the transformative impact of his nine months of holding a command position; as well as his return to the Army School of Artillery as an Instructor.

In the fifth chapter we see what the author calls “The Carlisle Experience”, while the sixth chapter, captioned “In the Corridors of Military Power”, focuses on the roles, relevance and impact of various individuals on the author and the nation. These two chapters are  best read, in order to get their full value.

In chapter seven of “Big Boots: Lessons from My Military Experience”, we see Maj Gen Solomon Uduonwa as a military diplomat at his duty post as Nigeria’s Defence Adviser in New York. He captures Nigeria’s rallying role as President of the Council for the month of August, 2015, during which period the Security Council adopted and passed two landmark resolutions on Syria and UNIFIL, among other presidential statements. The strengthening of Nigeria’s peace keeping profile, the handling of cases of sexual exploitation and abuse in the UN, AMPAC and efforts towards the consolidation of Africa’s position on the global stage can also to be found in this chapter.

Chapter eight deals with the authors return to Army Headquarters and his engagements and duties there. His account of his service at the Army War college training leaders, as well as the tricky business of managing Army hospitality business dovetailed into the last chapter of this book, captioned “A New Chapter Beckons”; which begins with a sub title: ‘Last Post: Sojourn at Defence Headquarters’. He describes his duties at Defence Headquarters as working “..to sustain our armed forces’ partnerships with our key allies”.

This last chapter also captures the author’s retirement from service, as “A New Phase of Adventure”, with rich and moving testimonials toasting his commendable and meritorious trajectory as a distinguished officer, gentleman and patriot.

In the “Afterword” which is the concluding section of the book, the author has this to say: “The primary duty of a military officer is to fight and win his nation’s wars. To prepare him for this role, the military invests enormous resources to train and equip him with the knowledge and skills he requires for success. Beyond the training, the military officer must understand the enormity of the responsibilities he carries on his shoulders. He must understand that military service is a sacrifice, even at the cost of his life. He is largely the custodian of the destiny of his country, confronting every adversary that threatens its existence. This is an onerous task for which he must adequately prepare himself“.

I agree with the author’s submission above, and I adopt the above declarations, without reservations.

It bears repeating here that this book brings to the fore the importance of home training, professional and personal integrity in making a person who he is in life. It also stands as a legacy publication, because anyone who is interested in establishing that tenuous nexus between character, training and upbringing can find it here. The lessons the author has shared, and his deliberate efforts to be as objective as possible, make the book very useful material for students of personal growth and professional development. 

The book is to be ready and digested. Not flipped through.

I had said to myself and to people close to me that I would never write again on the untenably rising prices of petrol in Nigeria because when I wrote column after column to presage the unfolding petrol-price-inspired cost-of-living tragedy, scores of people across the Nigerian political divide impassionedly disagreed with me because the presidential candidates to whom they abdicated their brains in 2023 also demonized “petrol subsidies” and promised to remove them.

But the extortionate prices Nigerians are still paying for petrol in spite of the well-justified hopes that the coming on stream of the Dangote Refinery would bring down prices—and the blindingly perplexing and never-ending cascade of blame games, accusations and counter-accusations between the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)—compelled me to revisit this issue.

There appears to be a well-choreographed conspiracy between the Dangote Refinery and the NNPCL to take advantage of Nigerians by keeping petrol prices unjustifiably high.  This is somewhat similar to what we call price gouging in the United States.

Price gouging occurs when businesses calculatedly raise the price of goods, services, or commodities to an excessively high level, especially during a crisis or emergency when demand spikes and supply is limited. In the context of fuel, price gouging is said to occur if a company or companies sharply increase fuel prices in response to supply shortages.

Although price gouging typically happens during natural disasters, pandemics, or situations where essential goods become scarce, it can happen anytime. It is, in essence, the exploitation of consumers' vulnerabilities during critical times. That’s what I suspect is happening in Nigeria now. 

NNPCL is the sole buyer and distributor of fuel from the Dangote Refinery. It controls the supply chain and effectively excludes independent marketers from accessing the refinery’s output. That’s not free-market capitalism; that’s state capitalism. That’s not deregulation; it’s regulated deregulation. 

But the Dangote Refinery’s price regime is also puzzling. Oil industry expert Mr. Dan Kunle forwarded to me a WhatsApp message that breaks down the landing cost of petrol per liter, which added up to N1107. I haven’t verified the accuracy of the claim, but I assume that it must have some credibility to deserve being forwarded by Mr. Kunle whose knowledge of the industry I have a deep admiration for.

The message says “based on publicly available data,” which it admitted “are subject to change and may vary depending on market conditions, exchange rates, and other factors,” Dangote Refinery is exempt from incurring costs related to freight (N86.48), jetty depot (N15.35), storage (N12.58), financing (N34.67), foreign exchange (N23.45), NPA charges (N10.58), NIMASA charges (N5.29), and customs duties (N51.17), and therefore should, by my calculation, charge no more than N518.35 per liter. 

So, it’s a mystery how Dangote and NNPCL agreed on N766. If Dangote Refinery acquired its crude oil in dollars, did it also cover salaries and operational costs in dollars? Crude oil is just one part of the overall production cost. 

What’s more concerning, perhaps, is that ₦766 per liter cost seems to be the expected price even after Dangote begins purchasing crude in naira from the NNPC. How can this be justified, especially when the additional costs associated with exporting crude and importing refined products would no longer apply once Dangote receives domestic crude from October 1st?

Additionally, as my friend Professor Moses Ochonu pointed out during our August 31 “Diaspora Dialogues” show titled “Who Wants to Kill Dangote Refinery and Why,” under existing laws, NNPC is supposed to supply its own refineries with 450,000 barrels per day, which was historically sufficient to meet local demand before those refineries became defunct.

 That crude was never meant for export. It only started being exported after the refineries stopped functioning. So, as Professor Ochonu pointed out, why not simply allocate that crude to Dangote Refinery, paying only for the refining process plus a modest commission or profit, and then sell the refined products to Nigerians at more affordable rates?

 This approach would involve some level of subsidy, but that’s how the system was intended to function when state-owned refineries were operational. In any case, in spite of the sustained propaganda against subsidies, every serious country on earth dispenses subsidies, including energy subsidies, to its citizens. Nigerians are entitled to a subsidy on a quarter of the country’s crude output, and subsidizing petrol makes sense because of its broad impact on the economy. 

Moreover, this method would be far less costly than the inflated and fraudulent subsidies that have been paid for imported fuel over the years.

I am, of course, aware that Nigerians have allowed themselves to be willingly brainwashed into assuming that there is no nexus between “subsidy removal” and petrol price hike. I hope the truth is becoming apparent now.

 For example, in my April 29, 2023, column titled “Six Agenda Items for Tinubu’s Success,” I wrote, among other things: “Don’t increase petrol prices by other names. I know that there is now an artfully manufactured consent, particularly among the gilded classes in Nigeria, about the undesirability of ‘fuel subsidy.’ 

“I don’t care what it’s called, but any policy (call it deregulation, subsidy removal, appropriate pricing, etc.) that results in an arbitrary and unbearable hike in the price of petrol without a corresponding increase in the salaries of workers and an improvement in the living conditions of everyday people will sink Tinubu.

“No responsible government shies away from subsidizing the production and consumption of essential commodities for its people. I have lived in the United States, the belly of the capitalist beast, for nearly two decades, and I can tell you that governments at both federal and state levels heavily subsidize petrol consumption—in addition to agriculture.”

In response, a Facebook friend who was inebriated with anti-subsidy propaganda retorted in the comment section: “I beg to disagree on your advice of his administration not removing fuel subsidy which has become [a] cesspool of corruption…. I prefer he use resources saved from its removal on foodstuffs, health and educational facilities as well as increase salaries of workers which PMB has commenced to FG workers with the 40% peculiar allowance to its staff with effect from last January and which arrears was paid with April Salary. Other points raised are apt.”

“At this rate,” I replied sarcastically, “I pray petrol price gets to 1,000 naira per liter so that everyone will get a taste of what I've been talking about.”

“Speculation, speculation and speculation!” he shot back. “Govt should be encouraged to put the refineries in good shape and encourage more private investors to build more just as Dangote and Ishiaku Rabiu [sic] are doing. All refineries should be supplied crude oil in naira and not buying in international oil prices in American dollars. Market forces would later force the prices down if monopoly is not allowed to fester just as happened when telecommunication was privatised and mtn simcard was 30k, others like Mtel, Glo, etc forced the price down and now costs next to nothing.”

Two weeks ago, I reminded him of our April 29, 2023, conversation and asked if he still stood by his arguments and what he thought about the N1,000 per liter prediction I made, which he had dismissed as “speculation.” I am still awaiting his response as I write this. 

Well, Nigerians were flushed with enthusiasm at the prospect of the operation of the Dangote Refinery. They expected it to help reduce fuel prices, but the monopolistic control of NNPCL and the caginess and opacity of Dangote Refinery itself have spawned a jarring disconnect between expectations and reality.

As I have repeatedly pointed out, Nigeria, as an oil-producing country, should not withhold the reasonable expectation that its citizens benefit from lower fuel prices. To suggest otherwise is akin to giving someone a handful of cream while allowing their skin to remain parched — an act of neglect that borders on cruelty. Nigerians could more easily reconcile with elevated petrol prices if their country were not blessed with abundant oil resources.

Denying citizens the fruits of their nation’s wealth is no different from a wealthy parent who starves their own children while justifying the neglect by pointing to the deprivation of their less fortunate neighbors. Such a parent is not only irresponsible but unworthy of the trust and care of their children.

Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, the Attorney General of Ondo State, has firmly denounced the rise of unlicensed security outfits operating within the state. During a community policing summit in Abuja, Dr. Ajulo addressed the illegal activities of these organizations, particularly the recruitment of undesirable individuals by certain estate owners.

He nevertheless commended the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for prioritizing the security of the state's citizens, recalling the governor's efforts in providing numerous security vehicles and equipment to various law enforcement agencies.

Dr. Ajulo underscored that the laws regulating security outfits operations in Nigeria are explicit and that any violations pose a serious threat to public safety. He voiced significant concern regarding reports of harassment experienced by citizens from these unlicensed groups, urging law enforcement to take prompt action in profiling their personnel.

"When laws and regulations exist, they must be followed," stated Dr. Ajulo. "Any infringement must be met with enforcement and penalties to uphold the rule of law. The law must prevail—even if it means that heaven must fall."

He quickly reassured the public, adding, "Heaven won’t fall because the government’s powers, agencies, and structures are in place to ensure we maintain order and security in our communities."

The Attorney General called on all stakeholders to work together to tackle this urgent issue and create a safer environment for all residents of Ondo State.

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is focused on delivering tangible results and making a positive difference in the nation’s infrastructure, food and energy security, education and long-term economic stability. 

At a meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, led by former Senate President Ken Nnamani, the President emphasised that he is not in office for personal gain but to serve the country.

''I didn’t come to look for money and exploit the situation; I came to work. I asked for the votes, and Nigerians gave them to me, '' the President, who was a former senator, told the meeting after a session of banters and handshakes with former parliamentary colleagues.

The meeting was attended by 16 former presiding officers, including former senate presidents, former speakers of the House of Representatives, former deputy senate presidents, and former deputy speakers of the House of Representatives. 

The President acknowledged the support and encouragement from the Forum members, irrespective of party affiliations, and implored them to continue fostering unity and camaraderie to achieve national development goals. 

Reflecting on the complex nature of legislative activities, constitutional reviews, and nation-building processes, the President expressed confidence that Nigeria can progress through collaboration and inclusiveness. 

''Regardless of party differences of the past and difficulty of the present, you still believe in me and what we all plan for this country. 

''I thank you very much; no one will do it better than us. I have travelled the world and seen how developed countries have done it for themselves through collaboration, inclusiveness and financial structure. 

''Yes, there is hardship, but how did we get here? What did we do when we had very high crude production?”

“We neglected our communities; we neglected the goose that lays the golden eggs; we forgot even to give them a good standard of living. 

''We forgot to educate our children. Go round and look at the dilapidated schools. The education environment must be decent enough for pupils to want to learn. 

''We can complain from now till eternity that the school enrolment is low. But did we do anything to encourage the enrolment process? We must ask ourselves because it is a matter of conscience,'' he said. 

The President outlined his administration's focus on addressing these challenges, including improving infrastructure, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, exploring alternative energy sources and providing energy security.

''We have come a long way, and I promise we must do our best,'' he said. 

He urged the former presiding officers to continue sharing their wealth of experience in nation-building and governance, noting that they were uniquely positioned to provide "clear interpretations of where we are" to Nigerians.

Senator Nnamani, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, expressed full support for President Tinubu’s administration and its efforts to address Nigeria's pressing challenges. 

He noted that the meeting was the president's first official engagement with the group since his assumption of office. Nnamani congratulated the President.

''Mr President, history has never been the burden of one man alone, but some are called to meet a special share of its challenges. 

''Though not of your creation, it has fallen onto you to end the pervasive insecurity across the nation, the economic downturn that has resulted in hunger and anger, infrastructural decay due to years of neglect and myriads of other national challenges. 

''As difficult as these problems are, we believe that with your experience, you can face the difficulties and surmount them. 

''What gives us more hope is the courage with which you handled the issue of Local government autonomy, which has won you open admiration from friends and foes alike. 

''We are convinced that you will dig in deeper again to eradicate these problems and restore Nigerians pride of place among the comity of nations,'' the former senate president said. 

He added that the group has seen what elite complacency has caused nations and has resolved to unite across all divides to render whatever assistance it may be called upon to contribute to nation-building and ensuring enduring prosperity for our citizens. 

''It is in this light and in the national interest that we wish to pledge our support as you work to restore national security, build an economy that works for all and strengthen the bond of unity amongst our disparate peoples, '' he said. 

Nnamani also commended the President for his trust in appointing some of their members to critical national positions, recognising their vital role in nation-building.

Bayo Onanuga 

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy) 

President Tinubu with Rt. Hon. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, a former speaker of the House of Representatives. Others in the picture, L-R, are Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Wase, Sen Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara, and Rt Hon Sabur Oladimeji Bankole during the President’s meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly on Friday, September 20, 2024.

President Tinubu with  Rt Hon Agunwa Anaekwe. Others in the picture Rt Hon Salisu Buhari, Rt. Hon. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, Rt Hon Sabur Oladimeji Bankole, Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara and Sen Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege,  during the President’s meeting with the  Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly on Friday, September 20, 2024.

President Tinubu with Sen Ken Nnamani. Others in the picture are Rt Hon Agunwa Anaekwe. Others in the picture are Rt Hon Salisu Buhari, Rt. Hon. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, Rt Hon Sabur Oladimeji Bankole, during the President’s meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly on Friday, September 20, 2024.

President Tinubu with Senator Ameh Ebute. Others in the picture are Sen Anyim Pius Anyim and  Sen Adolphus Wabara, during the President’s meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly on Friday, September 20, 2024.

A policy instrument is a tool or mechanism used by government, organisations, or institutions to implement and achieve their policy goals and objectives. Ideally, for a national government, the main objective of policy implementation is the achievement of national growth and development. Culture, on the other hand, is defined as the shared values, beliefs, customs, traditions, and practices that define a group of people or a society. Culture explains how people respond to policy instruments thereby determining their effectiveness or otherwise in the achievement of policy targets. In effect, culture stands as a mediator between policy instruments and the achievement of set objectives. When a policy is formulated without due attention to the impact of culture, such policy is bound to fail.

Using the analogy of a typical input-process-output model, policy instrument represents the input, culture is the process, and policy objective is the output. In order to achieve a particular outcome, the appropriate input and process must be selected. This means every output is input-and process-specific. For instance, there are specific policy instruments and specific culture that guarantee national development. Any mismatch in the input-process-output linkage is a recipe for failure. In the national development example, the prevailing culture MUST embody transparency, accountability, responsibility, trust, equity, and justice. Without these ingredients, any reference to national development is a joke.

Projecting the foregoing suppositions on the Nigerian society presents an interesting scenario. The dominant culture in Nigeria is elitism. This culture is characterized by ostentation, exclusivity, superiority complex, disdain for non-elites, limited social mobility, concentration of power and wealth, and lack of accountability. Given the privileges at the disposal of people in this class, the aspiration of almost everyone is to get into the class. So, an average Nigerian spends his or her waking hours working at decoding the 'encrypted' access to the elitist class.

The manifestation of the culture of elitism is found in every area of the Nigerian life. If you've been around for a while you've probably heard someone, during an argument, say to another person, "Do you know who I am?" or "Do you think I am your mate?" or "I will deal with you!" To show the extent to which the class 'thing' has permeated our society, sometimes, these statement are made by people on the lowest rung of the societal ladder.
We are a people governed by external locus of control. Our happiness, satisfaction, desires, sadness, glow or gloom, just anything at all, is others-centred. The reason we do things is either to impress or oppress others. In fact, one of our musicians captured the sensibility of an average Nigerian with the lyrics - "As e dey pain dem, e dey sweet us and as e dey sweet us, e dey pain dem." That is our culture in songs!

A few weeks ago, one of our neighbours told me that PHCN is moving our Estate to Band A. I said to her, "I didn't know about it. Oh, was that why they've been giving us regular power supply?" That got me thinking and I saw the impact of culture on the successful implementation of increased tariff by NERC. For a long while NERC/PHCN faced stiff opposition to tariff increase from consumers. However, with the classification of consumers into different bands, all forms of opposition ceased. In fact, belonging to Band A has become a bragging right.
Unfortunately, our culture of elitism is antithetical to the ideals of national growth and development. National development requires an environment of transparency, accountability, responsibility, trust, equity, and justice, which are incompatible with the elements of our elitist culture. This is why national development has been a mirage. We need a cultural revolution. How to bring it about is the BIG QUESTION. Some people have argued for a change of the Constitution. Others say, breaking up the country into its constituent regions is the solution. One thing is clear, there is no easy way because those benefiting from the current dysfunctional culture will not let go without a 'contest.'

I have just read a most sensational story about the EFCC saying it is still looking for Bello with a view to arraigning him next Thursday. This afterthought step is most unprofessional for God's sake.

I want to believe that the EFCC's Executive Chairman, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, a brilliant lawyer and regulatory compliance consultant who had himself been a former Secretary to the Commission and also Chief of Staff to the then Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, was not aware of this great solecism. It is everywhere on the internet, traditional and social media how the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello accompanied by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, voluntarily physically submitted himself to the EFCC's headquarters and waited for over three hours to be interviewed.

Pictures showed that he even met physically with the Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Mr Michael Nzekwe (himself a senior lawyer and experienced investigator), but that he was told to go home; only for the same EFCC to lay siege much later on the Kogi State government lodge in Abuja, allegedly seeking to arrest the same Bello who had earlier in the day voluntarily submitted himself for interrogation. It just does not add up. And it just does not make sense to me at all.

Is it that the EFCC was gravely taken aback by the sudden and unexpected appearance in their office of Bello whom it had been looking for since April this year? Or is it that the Commission felt short-changed and belittled by not having the last laugh, pleasure and self-satiation and glorification of physically arresting, chaining and embarrassing Bello so as to later gloat over it in the public domain?

I do not and cannot understand this curious twist which appears more like a drama movie piece from Baba Sala's Alawada Kerikeri histrionic stable. Why this sensational media trial, a needless warped investigative stratagem devoid of hallowed professionalism which I have condemned over the years? I advise the Chairman, Olukoyede, to immediately investigate his officers over this faux pas and bring them to book for embarrassing the EFCC and subjecting Nigeria's image to the mud before global circles. Yahaya Bello should go to court and defend himself of the allegations against him, whether malicious, false or well founded.

That is the way to go. But the EFCC should also allow Bello have his day in court like other Nigerian citizens under a conducive atmosphere devoid of media trial, harassment and intimidation so as to ensure his fair trial.

Afterall, the Nigerian criminal justice system remains the accusatorial Anglo-Saxon model (where a citizen’s innocence is presumed); as against the Inquisitorial French model (where his guilty is presumed).

This presumption of innocence has been entrenched in section 36 of the 1999 Constitution. A media trial such as we have witnessed since April this year violently detracts and derogates from fair trial as it tars an otherwise innocent accused person with an already guilty paintbrush of shame, odium, obloquy, derision and dehumanization even before he has been arraigned, tried and found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. It should NEVER BE.

Former Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi has commended Ademola Lookman for choosing Nigeria over England whilst still at his prime.

Lookman, who was born in England to Nigerian parents, represented the European country at youth level.

The 26-year-old was part of the England squad that won the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The winger’s request to represent Nigeria was approved by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) in February 2022.

The Atalanta star has quickly established himself as one of the key stars in the Super Eagles.

Lookman, who won the UEFA Europa League title with Atalanta last season is the favourite to win the CAF African Player of the Year award.

Mikel believed the player made the right decision at the right time.

“Players have to wait for a while before they decide they want to represent their African root. I genuinely think it shouldn’t be that way,” Mikel said on BeIN Sports.

“If you have decided where you want to play. If you decide you want to play for England, France or Germany, you have to wait, if you don’t get called up that’s your decision.

“If you are 20-year-old, make your decision, don’t wait until you are 26, 28. Don’t wait until you are past your best and we become a second option.

“I think Ademola Lookman made the right decision to switch quickly to represent Nigeria, and he’s done really well. He played well last season and he’s such a fantastic player.”

[DailyPost]