Edo’s political landscape has since the commencement of electoral campaigns ahead of the Governorship election scheduled to hold on September 21 been littered with faux pas.  Embarrassingly, the faux pas or public blunders were majorly committed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo.

A video of where Okpebholo on Thursday, September 5, 2024 made yet another gaffe while addressing the crowd during a campaign rally at Ovia North Local Government Area of the state has gone viral. In the video, which started trending on Saturday and has been widely shared on social media, Okpebholo said, “We’re going to provide you with insecurity.”

In the video, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo-North and former governor of the state, who was standing beside Okpebholo on the podium, was seen signaling to him, after which the candidate corrected himself.

Without resorting to campaign of calumny in this context, it is expedient to recall that previous gaffes from the APC candidate have often spark widespread laughter or outrage, but behind the humorous slip-ups lie serious concerns about his competence to lead effectively. It is easy to brush off these blunders as mere errors in speech, but for a state like Edo, where leadership can make or break the future, such moments should be given more scrutiny. The reason for the foregoing view cannot be farfetched as gaffes made by politicians in the past; both at state and national levels often reveal deeper truths about the competence and readiness of a politician for leadership.

Take, for example, moments when political candidates have misquoted vital statistics or fumbled through critical policy discussions. While these might appear as minor blunders, they often show a fundamental lack of preparedness, which becomes glaring when such individuals ascend to positions of power. The real concern here is not just about grammar or eloquence. It is about the message beneath the mistake: the inability to grasp critical issues, which is a red flag when choosing who should lead.

Once elected, leaders cannot afford to make careless decisions. In Nigeria, the burden of leadership is heavy, and a leader’s unpreparedness can result in devastating consequences for millions of citizens. Beyond the “faux pas” of their campaigns, many leaders have been voted into office based on sympathy or charisma, only for voters to realize later that these same leaders were not fit for the demands of governance.

A poignant example of this is the frequent misjudgment by voters who ignore early signs of incompetence in a candidate, focusing instead on personal stories, flashy slogans, or ethnic affiliations. Time and again, we have seen politicians who publicly goofed during electioneering campaign that consequently get them elected, only for their lack of preparedness to result in four years of stagnation, corruption, and hardship for the people.

In a democracy like Nigeria, the people hold the power to choose their leaders. However, this power comes with great responsibility. Voting based on sympathy or emotional connection, rather than competence, often leads to disastrous consequences. When a politician appeals to voters through sentimental narratives; whether about their humble background, personal struggles, or lofty promises, there is a tendency for people to overlook their actual track record or potential.

To put it in a cautionary perspective, it is germane to opine at this juncture that a powerful emotion cannot steer an economy out of crisis or security challenges. Once the election is over, and the emotional appeal has faded, the hard reality sets in. If the next governor in Edo State cannot perform, the entire state suffers. Without sounding exaggerative and partisan in this context, the suffering is not for just a few months but for four long years, and probably eight year; years that can either propel Edo State forward or push it deeper into a state of misgovernance.

The last decade of Nigerian politics has shown how dangerous it is to overlook a candidate’s weaknesses, whether it is his or her inability to communicate clearly or his or her failure to present coherent policies. The ramifications of these poor decisions ripple across sectors, from healthcare to infrastructure, leaving citizens to bear the brunt of poor leadership.

Many times, the warning signs are there for everyone to see. Whether it is a candidate fumbling during a debate, avoiding media questions, or making inaccurate statements about the state of the economy, these are not just simple errors. They are reflections of the readiness and seriousness of the candidate. A leader who is not well-versed in the core issues plaguing the country or a state like Edo in this case will struggle to address them when in power.

In Nigeria’s political landscape, several leaders have come into power, and their leadership shortcomings were evident even during their campaigns. Yet, due to sympathy, regional loyalties, or their political party’s influence, they were still voted in. The result? Unemployment continues to rise, inflation remains unchecked, and insecurity spreads. Meanwhile, the leaders who were ill-prepared from the start continue to fumble through their terms in office, leaving citizens in frustration.

It is not just about saying the wrong thing; it is about not understanding the gravity of leadership.

Given the foregoing views, it is expedient to opine that the upcoming elections in Edo present another opportunity for Edolites to make informed decisions. This time, voters must prioritize competence over sentiment. It is essential to look beyond the sound bites and campaign speeches and instead focus on the candidate’s track record, their grasp of issues affecting the state, and their ability to lead with vision and clarity.

A leader who makes frequent public blunders, struggles to communicate policy, or evades tough questions during campaigns is not someone who will suddenly become competent in office. Voters must ask themselves: “If this candidate cannot handle simple questions during an interview, how will he navigate complex challenges?”

Political gaffes often highlight a lack of depth and understanding of the issues at hand, and these are clear indicators of future performance in office.  Edolites must resist the temptation to vote based on sympathy or ethnic affiliations. The stakes are too high.

Edo cannot afford four years of ineffective leadership. Beyond the “faux pas”, Edolites must take these moments seriously and evaluate what they say about the leader in question. The power to choose the future of Edo rests with the voters, and it is time for Edolites to prioritize competence over sentiment. Leadership is not a joke, and political blunders are not just harmless mistakes, they are warning signs of what is to come.

Edo deserves leaders who are ready and capable, not ones who hide behind emotional appeal. The decisions made at the ballot box will shape the state’s destiny for years to come. Choose wisely.

As World Heart Day draws near on September 29, the message of adopting a healthy heart lifestyle continues to resonate globally. However, it appears that many people, especially in Nigeria, are not heeding this critical call. Government authorities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been doing their part to raise awareness, but it is clear that more needs to be done to penetrate everyday life and ensure that people take the message seriously.

The rising rate of heart-related illnesses and deaths is alarming, and yet, there seems to be a lack of understanding or perhaps indifference toward simple but life-saving practices that can help maintain heart health. Across the country, poor lifestyle habits such as unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, and smoking continue to persist despite numerous awareness campaigns.

A drive through bustling urban centers such as Lagos and Abuja paints a vivid picture of how the message of a healthy heart lifestyle is not being taken seriously. Fast food joints, often patronized by people of all ages, thrive on meals that are high in unhealthy fats and sodium, major contributors to heart disease. The growing trend of consuming sugary drinks and processed snacks only adds to the problem, with many ignoring the importance of balanced, heart-friendly meals.

Take, for instance, the routine choices of many office workers. Long working hours often leave them with little time to exercise, and instead of opting for healthy lunch alternatives, they rely on quick, unhealthy fixes. Despite repeated reminders from health professionals to walk more, sit less, and engage in physical activities, sedentary lifestyles prevail. This lack of action is particularly concerning, given that physical inactivity is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Another instance of indifference is the continued high rate of smoking, particularly among youths. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, and it accounts for a substantial number of premature deaths. Despite government efforts to ban smoking in public places and increase tobacco taxes, the number of smokers remains high, with many unaware or indifferent to the long-term damage smoking can do to the heart.

One recent survey found that many smokers underestimate the dangers of smoking, seeing it as a habit that can be quit anytime without long-term consequences. Such misconceptions are dangerous and highlight the need for more aggressive campaigns that highlight the irreversible damage smoking does to heart health.

High blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it shows no symptoms until it is too late. Yet, many Nigerians remain unaware of their blood pressure levels, either due to lack of routine checkups or simply because they do not see the need for it. Regular blood pressure monitoring and managing stress are crucial for preventing heart disease, yet people are often more focused on dealing with day-to-day stress without considering its impact on their heart health.

For example, a recent community health outreach in Lagos revealed that many residents had dangerously high blood pressure levels without even knowing it. Despite efforts to provide free blood pressure screenings, only a fraction of people showed up, and many of those who did were resistant to making necessary lifestyle changes after receiving their results.

Given the clear disconnect between heart health awareness and lifestyle choices, it is imperative for government authorities and NGOs to ramp up their efforts. While awareness campaigns exist, they must be more impactful, relatable, and consistent. One-time health campaigns are not enough; there needs to be a continuous effort to integrate the message of a healthy heart into people’s everyday lives.

Initiatives like free heart health checkups, public health education programs, and collaborations with workplaces, schools, and community centers can make a significant difference. Additionally, stricter enforcement of regulations against smoking, clearer food labeling, and better access to heart-healthy foods are critical steps that both government and NGOs can take.

As September 29 approaches, we must recognize that World Heart Day should not just be a day for symbolic gestures but a pivotal moment to recalibrate our efforts to promote heart health. The government, NGOs, and health professionals must intensify their efforts to raise awareness and drive home the urgency of a healthy heart lifestyle. Equally important, individuals must take personal responsibility to make heart-healthy choices every day.

In a country where heart disease is becoming increasingly common, we cannot afford to be complacent. The message is clear: A healthy heart is a key to a healthy life, and the time to act is now.

The resignation of a top political figure is often an event shrouded in speculation, controversy, and varied interpretations. This was no different in the case of Ajuri Ngelale, who recently tendered his resignation from his position within the administration of President Bola Tinubu. As Ngelale walks away from the responsibilities he once embraced with enthusiasm, many are left wondering: was this a resignation driven by frustration, or did it stem from a strong stance on principle?

Ajuri Ngelale is not a name unfamiliar to Nigeria’s political observers. As one of Tinubu’s media aides, Ngelale built a reputation as a committed and articulate advocate for the administration’s policies. He skillfully defended government actions in the media and demonstrated loyalty to the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). His rise in the public eye was swift, buoyed by his eloquent defense of policies often criticized by the opposition and the general public.

However, just as a saying has it that “public office is not permanent” his resignation has no doubt highlight the fact that political positions and statuses are temporary and subject to change, similar to the concept that in politics there are “no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, but permanent interests.” This underscores the fluid nature of political relationships and the importance of adaptable strategies. Be that as it may, the reasons for his resignation remain somewhat unclear, though several conjectures have emerged.

There is speculation that Ngelale’s departure may be rooted in frustration with the internal workings of the government. Despite his strong public support for the administration’s policies, it is possible that Ngelale, like many Nigerians, felt disillusioned with the slow pace of reforms and the inability of the government to meet the expectations of the people. The current economic challenges facing the nation, including inflation, high unemployment, and increasing poverty, may have been a tipping point. His departure could be a reflection of his own frustration with how things were being handled within Tinubu’s government.

Speculations also have it that Ngelale may have resigned due to a conflict with the direction of the APC itself. Having worked closely with the party for years, he may have found himself at odds with certain decisions that did not align with his personal values. Resigning in such a situation would represent an act of principle, showing that he refused to compromise his beliefs even for the sake of his career.

Another possibility is that Ngelale’s resignation was the result of external pressures. Working in such a high-profile position comes with the inevitable challenges of dealing with political adversaries and navigating the demands of powerful figures within the government. It is possible that Ngelale found himself in a position where continuing in office became untenable due to these forces. If so, his departure could be read as a move made out of necessity rather than genuine frustration or principle.

Politics is often a chess game, and resignations can sometimes be part of a larger strategy. Ngelale may be preparing for a future political move that required stepping away from his current role. By resigning, he positions himself as someone who is not tied down to a particular administration, potentially giving him more flexibility for future engagements in Nigerian politics.

Given the foregoing backdrop, it is germane to opine in this context that the line between frustration and principle is often blurred in political resignations. However, based on Ngelale’s record, it is plausible to assume that his resignation is a mix of both. On the one hand, the frustration of defending an administration under immense pressure might have taken its toll. On the other hand, his decision to step down may be a strong statement about standing by his convictions, unwilling to be part of a government unable to deliver on its promises.

In fact, Ajuri Ngelale’s resignation is a reflection of deeper undercurrents within Nigeria’s political landscape. It highlights the challenges that political aides and policymakers face in navigating a government rife with contradictions and mounting public dissatisfaction. If key figures like Ngelale are walking away from their positions, it may signify broader discontent within the administration, a signal that all is not well at the helm.

For the general public, Ngelale’s departure might serve as an indication that even those close to power are not immune to the frustrations experienced by the average Nigerian. As the nation continues to grapple with economic challenges, political instability, and a restless populace, the resignation of such a key figure will likely fuel further discussions on the direction in which the country is heading.

At this juncture, it will not be a misnomer to opine that whether Ajuri Ngelale resigned out of frustration or principle, his exit marks a significant moment in the unfolding story of President Tinubu’s administration. It prompts broader questions about the internal dynamics of the government and whether key figures within the ruling party are losing faith in the very system they helped build. As Nigeria faces mounting challenges, it remains to be seen whether other resignations will follow, and if so, what that means for the future of Nigerian politics.

The Faculty of Engineering and Informatics (FoEI) at the University of Bradford has unveiled a substantial scholarship to the tune of £11,645. equivalent to N24,000,000 to support Nigerian, and other international students.

The scholarship for the Applied Artificial Intelligence B.Sc programme represents a significant opportunity for prospective students worldwide.

According to the University of Bradford, international students will be granted a scholarship at 50% of the advertised tuition fee, equivalent to £11,645, meaning that as of the 2024/25 academic year, students will only need to pay £11,645 per year in tuition fees.

The institution announced that the reduced fee of £11,645 represents a significant decrease from the regular tuition cost.

It aims to reassure prospective students of its dedication to improving the accessibility of higher education.

The scholarship is open to students from a wide range of countries, including Nigeria, Afghanistan, Canada, Germany, India, and the United States, among others, and the scholarship automatically applies upon enrolment, so students do not need to submit a separate application.

However, the university expects scholarship recipients to remain engaged with their coursework, including regular attendance and timely submission of assignments.

Failure to meet these expectations could result in the withdrawal of the scholarship and a potential requirement to repay the awarded amount.

Information supplies that the scholarship is available to all new, full-time international students who begin their studies in the Applied Artificial Intelligence BSc program during the 2024/25 academic year.

Furthermore, the opportunity is not restricted by country, as it encompasses a broad list of nations from the Solomon Islands to Zimbabwe, ensuring that a diverse cohort of students can benefit from this initiative.

The Dean of FoEI, Professor Alex Johnson, in the statement, expressed enthusiasm about the new scholarship, stating, “We are thrilled to offer this significant scholarship to our international students.

“It reflects our commitment to attracting global talent and supporting students who are passionate about advancing their knowledge in artificial intelligence. We look forward to welcoming a diverse group of scholars to our programme,” he said.

Additionally, prospective students should note that while the scholarship is automatically applied, they must still complete the necessary enrolment procedures by October 25, 2024.

Interested students need to ensure they meet all academic and administrative requirements to benefit from this opportunity.

For more information on the scholarship and the Applied Artificial Intelligence BSc programme, prospective students are encouraged to visit the University of Bradford’s official website or contact the admissions office directly.

[Leadership]

The Kano State Government has indefinitely postponed the resumption date for both primary and post-primary schools for the 2024/2025 academic session.

The government cited “urgent reasons” for the postponement but did not provide specific details.

The decision follows a similar move by the Edo State Government, which also postponed school resumption due to rising petrol prices and challenges faced by parents and guardians.

Schools in most parts of Nigeria are set to resume on Monday, September 9.

Balarabe Kiru, Director of Public Enlightenment at the Kano State Ministry of Education, announced the postponement in a statement on Saturday.

He explained that the Commissioner for Education, Umar Doguwa, would announce a new resumption date soon.

Kiru stated, “I wish to inform pupils, students, and parents that the previously scheduled resumption dates of September 8 and 9, 2024, have been postponed.

“This decision is based on urgent reasons aimed at enhancing the learning environment for our children. A new date for resumption will be communicated in due course.”

[DailyTrust]

Nigeria and other African countries have been advised to be mindful of strategic national interest and take a more strategic approach to Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, from China and other global investors.

This is even as the President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been cautioned to be careful with Chinese deals.

The call was separately made by former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Kingsley Moghalu, and foremost Professor of Political Science, Bolaji Akinyemi.

The statements come on the heels of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing from Wednesday, September 4 to Friday, September 6.

The 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit themed “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build High-Level China-Africa Community with Shared Future,” had Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu in attendance.

According to the Nigerian government, Tinubu’s high-profile visit to China was aimed at fostering economic ties and securing investments for Nigeria.

DAILY POST reports that China is Nigeria’s largest creditor, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO) among the five global powers, including France, Japan, India, and Germany.

Nigeria’s debt to China is primarily for infrastructure projects such as railways, highways, and power plants, with analysts fearing the debt burden poses challenges.

Speaking via a post on his X handle over the weekend, Moghalu stressed that the guiding hand of the state remains imperative even in the most capitalist economies.

The former Deputy Governor explained that foreign investment into African countries should be channeled to focus on electricity provision, education and skill development, amongst others.

He said: “As African heads of state and government meet with Chinese leaders in Beijing and China makes another round of investment and financing promises to African countries, US President @JoeBiden ‘s looming decision to block Japan’s Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel on “national security” grounds reminds us of the role of strategic national interest exceptions in the (overall, welcoming) stance of advanced economies (including China) to foreign direct investment. Note that Japan is an American ally.

“The lesson is that, while market forces have created the most wealth of nations in global history, the guiding hand of the state remains imperative even in the most capitalist economies.

“This, of course, presupposes that the state itself is a competent one in the first place. African countries need to take a more strategic approach to FDI from China and other global investors.

“All too often, and with very few exceptions such as Rwanda, Ethiopia and Tanzania, they trade and negotiate away their long term strategic interest in these transactions which also fail to deliver real development and transformation.

“Foreign investment into African countries should be channeled to focus on (a) electricity provision; (b) education and skill development; (c) single-digit financial credit, and venture capital that boosts wealth creation and jobs at the bottom of the pyramid; (d) agriculture value chains.

“This kind of focus would provide the strategic levers to industrialization and other kinds of infrastructure that can be provided through public-private partnerships, leaving governments to focus on social services such as health, basic education to boost literacy.”

On his part, while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, Akinyemi warned that Tinubu could not afford to repeat the mistakes of successive administrations in the country.

“Of course, we should be careful but don’t isolate the debt to China. There are also debts we owe the United States, there are also debts we owe even some of the medium-power countries.

“What we need to do is to be careful about two things: one, we shouldn’t default on that debt. A month before this African-Chinese Summit, Nigerian Sovereign Goods were being impounded all around the world at the instigation of a Chinese company.

“So, China is not going to serve us anything on global butter; we have to be careful that we fulfill our part of the bargain, not only to China but with all the other countries that we may be doing deals, it will impede on our status, our pride, our sovereign goods to be seized because we are defaulting from fulfilling our part of the agreements.”

DAILY POST recalls that a French court recently ruled in favour of a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng, to seize three presidential jets belonging to the Nigerian government.

The development followed a dispute between Zhongshan and the Ogun State government.

[DailyPost]

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, on Monday, debunked claims that the rate for Value-Added Tax (VAT) has been upwardly adjusted to 10 per cent from 7.5 per cent.

In a statement on Monday, Edun clarified that the current VAT rate, as stipulated in the country’s tax laws, remains at 7.5 percent.

He said: “The current VAT rate is 7.5% and this is what the government is charging on a spectrum of goods and services to which the tax is applicable. 

“Therefore, neither the Federal Government nor any of its agencies will act contrary to what our laws stipulate.

“The tax system stands on a tripod, namely tax policy, tax laws and tax administration. All three must combine well to give us a sound system that gives vitality to the fiscal position of the government.

“Our focus as a government is to use fiscal policy in a manner that promotes and enhances strong and sustainable economic growth reduces poverty as well as makes businesses flourish.

“The imputation in some media reports on the issue of VAT and the opinion articles that have sprouted from them seem to wrongly convey the impression that the government is out to make life difficult for Nigerians. That is not correct. If anything, the Federal Government has, through its policies, demonstrated that it is committed to creating a congenial environment for businesses to thrive.

“In fact, it is on record that the Federal Government, as part of efforts to bring relief to Nigerians and businesses, recently ordered the stoppage of import duties, tariffs and taxes on rice, wheat, beans and other food items.

“For emphasis, as of today, VAT remains 7.5% and that is what will be charged on all the goods and services that are VAT-able,” Edun said.

[TheNation]

The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned one Ibrahim Shuaibu before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna State for fraud.

According to a Monday statement on EFCC X.com handle Shuaibu is facing prosecution on a seven-count charge, including criminal breach of trust, impersonation, and obtaining by false pretence, amounting to N100 million.

Count one of his charges reads, “That you, Nuhu Ibrahim Shuaibu (a.k.a Ishaku Abdulrazak) (M) and lIya Garba (now deceased) sometime in 2017 in Kaduna within the judicial division of this honourable court did conspire between yourselves to do an illegal act, to wit: obtaining money under false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

Another reads: “That you, Nuhu Ibrahim Shuaibu (a.k.a Ishaku Abdulrazak)(M) sometime in 2018 at Kaduna within the judicial division of this honourable court, with intent to defraud, obtained the total sum of N47,050,000.00 (Forty-Seven Million and Fifty Thousand Naira) from one Faisal Safiyanu, when you claimed to supply him petroleum products, which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offenses Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

He pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges when they were read to him, prompting the prosecution counsel, M. Lawal to urge the court to fix a trial date. His counsel, AbdulKareem Audu failed to file a bail application.

Justice Khobo afterwards ordered the defendant to be remanded in the custody of the EFCC.

Shuaibu’s path to prosecution began in 2017 when he falsely represented himself as the Group Executive Director of NNPC, offering to help his victim acquire over 2,000 litres of petroleum products.

The victim subsequently transferred the agreed payment to Shuaibu’s bank accounts in instalments.

However, after receiving the funds, Shuaibu neither delivered the products nor refunded the victim’s money.

[Punch]

Ace comedian and entertainment guru Gbenga Adeyinka has stated that President Bola Tinubu has nothing to gain or lose if the country fails to progress under his leadership, adding that the president is still the right person to steer the affairs of the country.

Adeyinka, speaking on a podcast released by TheCable over the weekend, disclosed his membership in the All Progressives Congress, emphasizing that President Tinubu’s previous achievements as Lagos governor qualify him to tackle Nigeria’s economic issues and drive the nation toward success.

He said, “If I’m passionate about you, I’m passionate about you. That’s my problem. And I believe that, and please take this to the bank, if Asiwaju (Tinubu) cannot set Nigeria right, then we’re in trouble. With his capacity, with what he knows, with the fact that he has nothing to gain or lose anymore, if he cannot set Nigeria right, then we’re in trouble. I’m scared for Nigeria,” Adeyinka said.

“Even before the election, people were taking sides. Am I happy with the policies of the government? I suffer too. People should not forget that I’m a Nigerian too. Now, am I happy with the policies of Asiwaju? Some yes, some no.

“The man explained something. He said, we have two options. We go the way we are going. I’ll be attacked for this one, but I’ll say my mind. We go the way we have always gone. We keep borrowing money. We keep using our crude, for instance, I’m told has been used to borrow money. We can change that and have a better tomorrow. Or, we continue this way and everybody is happy, and your children suffer.

Adeyinka, who praised certain policies of the current administration, such as subsidy removal and local government autonomy, also criticized the government for being wasteful.

“Do I believe he should have ended subsidy, although he was not even the one that ended the fuel subsidy thing. I support fuel subsidy removal totally because of the amount of corruption that was in it.

“Do I think they’ve done a good job by tightening their belts when we need to tighten our belts? No. I believe that those cars that were bought for members of the national assembly was an unnecessary oppression of the people, of the people who are suffering. What else have they done? I see a lot of restructuring taking place.

“Local governments are to get their money directly. If you have a vibrant local government, you can build the country from bottom up, which is the way they do it abroad. Will governors allow the money get to the local government? Some governors have said no, nine or so.

“If you get the local government right, it’s like getting a family right. Society will be better. Should people have gone on the streets to protest? There’s a fundamental right of protest. Should they have said the summit should be cancelled? No.

“Those are constitutional issues that should be dealt with constitutionally. I think what should have been done is to ask for a constitutional review. You can’t use illegality to remove someone legally elected.”

Speaking further, Adeyinka urged the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, and others, such as Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress and Kingsley Moghalu to vie for National Assembly seats to help rewrite the country’s laws.

“There are some people who are professional politicians. That is their job. You now wake up and say you want to come and… they will not even give you ticket. With our current structure, it takes the grace of men for you to become president,” he said.

“That’s why when I see them Sowore, saying they want to be president, Fela Durotoye wants to be president, Peter Obi wants to be president, and there’s one very intelligent guy, Moghalu wants to be president… I think we need to get these young people into the house of reps, into the senate, to rewrite our laws.

“If Peter Obi becomes president of Nigeria with the same structure we have in place, there’s nothing he’s going to do.”

[Vanguard]

Around May 26, 2020, the police in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) announced that Raphael Yanyi, a senior judge, “had suffered a suspected heart attack” leading to his death. The ministry of justice quickly clarified, however, that the remains of the judge “did not exhibit any toxic substances.” Following an autopsy, justice minister, Celestin Tunda Ya Kasende, disclosed that Judge Yanyi had died from “blows of sharp points or knife-like objects, which were thrust into his head.”

Contrary to the claim by the police, the judge did not die of a heart attack. Instead he was murdered. At the time of his killing, Raphael Yanyi was presiding over the high profile corruption trial of Vital Kamerhe, chief of staff to President Felix Tshisekedi.

The killers of Raphael Yanyi have yet to be unmasked and it is impossible presently to say whether they were state or non-state actors.

Zimbabwean advocate, Justice Mavedzenge, makes the distinction between attacks on the independence of judges on the one hand and the persecution of judges on the other. While the former are usually institutional, the latter seek to harm the lives, persons or wellbeing of judges and their families. This goes beyond the weaponization of judicial ethics or the targeting of judges for political reasons. It is not exactly new in Africa.

On September 21, 1972, for instance, elements in the army of Uganda’s Field Marshall Idi Amin Dada, abducted chief justice, Benedicto Kiwanuka, from his chambers at the supreme court of Uganda. Four days later, Marshall Amin shot and killed his captive, Chief Justice Kiwanuka, at the state lodge in Nakasero, Kampala, Uganda’s capital.

Nearly 10 years later, on June 30, 1982, unknown persons abducted three serving judges of the High Court of Ghana: Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, Frederick Poku Sarkodee, and Kwadwo Agyei Agyepong. They transported the judges to the Bundase Military Firing Range near Accra where they were shot and killed. To cover up the act, the perpetrators set fire on their bodies. Their charred remains were located the following morning. Joachim Amartey Quaye, a senior member of the ruling Provisional National Defence Council, PNDC, was one of the people found guilty of the judges’ murder. He was subsequently executed by firing squad on August 18, 1983.

Elective government found in most of Africa today, is supposedly more subtle. The predominant contemporary arc of the judicial trajectory around the continent reflects intersecting trends of both “regime capture of the courts” and willing abdication of independence by the highest levels of judicial leadership. However, there remain many examples of judges possessed of both integrity and courage. To bring such judges into line, they are increasingly targets of persecution and harm.

The assumption that the state, government or ruling political parties have a monopoly over these kinds of malefaction appears to be supported by both experience and evidence. It is also the state or ruling parties that are best placed to weaponize mechanisms of judicial ethics in order to terrorise upright judges into submission.

However, in many African countries these days, the presumed monopolies of the state are contested by sundry entities. In Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, and Sudan – to cite a few examples – there exist belligerents, insurgents, or armed movements, who exercise quasi-state capacities, enabling them to target judicial officers or other public officials at will or to harm them.

In the face of a slow build-up of this reality in Nigeria, for instance, there has been a concerted effort to deny it or avoid conferring upon it the stamp of official acknowledgement.

At the beginning of January 2012, for instance, an unknown gunman entered the house of Baba Loskurima, Registrar of the High Court of Borno State in north-east Nigeria and “fired several shots into Baba’s head and chest with a Kalashnikov rifle in front of his wife and children.” He stood no chance.

Nine months later, in September of the same year, Zanna Mallam Gana, the Attorney-General of Borno State was also assassinated. The killings of both Baba Loskurima and Zana Mallam Gana were suspected to have been the handiwork of assassins from the Islamist insurgent group, Boko Haram.

These were not the first attacks by suspected non-state actors in Nigeria designed to bring judges to harm. In 2009, Florence Duroha-Igwe, a judge of the Imo state high court in south-east Nigeria suffered an attack in which both her driver and police orderly sustained severe gunshot injuries.

The following year, the judge-president of the state’s customary court of appeal, Ambrose Egu, and senior magistrate, Pauline Njemanze, were abducted near the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport near Owerri on official duties. In March 2011, high court judges in the state embarked on a strike to protest the abduction of one their colleagues, Theophilus Nzekwe.

Emboldened by the incapacity of the Nigerian state to exact accountability, the perpetrators of these attacks grew in both audacity and intensity and started trading judges for ransom. In October 2019, a senior Justice of Appeal from the Imo state, Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, was abducted in Benin City while on duty presiding over election disputes. She spent a fortnight in captivity.

In September, 2021, former chief judge of Abia state, Nnenna Oti, was abducted in Orlu, Imo state. Seven months earlier, presiding justice of appeal in Owerri, Rita Pemu, needed an extra supply of native wiles to survive the perils of abduction.

The non-state perpetrators of the most recent attacks on the safety of Nigeria’s judges are no longer keen to hide their provenance. Janet Gimba, a judge of the upper customary court of Kaduna state in north-west Nigeria, was abducted with her four of her children on 24 June 2024 by reputed bandits who brutally killed one of the children in order to drive home their bargain for both money and prisoners. The children were released after 15 days in captivity.

On the date in June on which Judge Janet Gimba and her children were abducted, in the Borno-Yobe borderlands in north-east Nigeria, elements suspected to be from the Islamic State, West Africa Province (ISWAP), abducted Haruna Mshelia, a senior judge of the high court of Borno state together with his wife, Binta (who was nursing a fracture), their driver and an orderly. For two years until 2010, before his appointment as a judge, Haruna Mshelia was the chairman was the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in Maiduguri.

While the fate of the judge, his spouse and their staff remain uncertain, it is prudent to prioritise their safe return. As such, it may be premature to dwell too closely on their case. It is not difficult, however, to speculate as to why a senior judge who is deeply respected for his integrity could be the target abduction by an armed quasi-state actor like ISWAP.

The real question that must be addressed is how legitimate institutions of the state and of organized civics should respond to this kind of situation. Seventy-seven days since the abduction of this senior judge and his wife, very little official or public information exists about their plight or about efforts to free them. That could, of course, be because public authorities have decided that this is the best guarantee for their safe return.

The good news in that is that this suggests that government trusts that the judge, his wife and other abductees with him are alive. The risk, however, is that this could also enable government to demobilise pressure for their safe return. That could guarantee their erasure from public consciousness and, even worse, bring closer the day when the abduction by non-state actors of conscientious judges will become normalised in Africa’s most populous country.

A lawyer and a teacher, Odinkalu can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.