The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has approved the posting of 94 Federal High Court Justices nationwide.

Justice Tosho made this known in a notice of posting on Tuesday, saying the redeployment followed the appointments of 23 new judges for the court.

In the notice obtained by SaharaReporters, the chief judge asked all the judges affected by the posting to report to their new post before January 8, 2024.

The notice reads, “My Lords, Notice Of Posting Of Judges; Sequel To The Appointment Of 23 (Twenty-Three) New Judges And Other Imperatives, Postings Are Necessitated As Follows.”

Some of the postings as highlighted in the document are as follows

1. Abuja

Hon. Justice J.T Tsoho – Chief Judge

Hon. Justice G.Kolotu

Hon. Justice B.F.M. Nyako

Hon. Justice R.N. Ofili- Ajumogobia

Hon. Justice A.R Mohammed

Hon. Justice Ieekwo

Hon. Justice D.Uokorowo

Hon. Justice Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik

Hon. Justice James Kolawale Omotosho

Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite

Hon. Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu

Hon. Justice Mobolaji Olubukola Olajuwon

Hon. Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Mана

2. Abia

Hon, Justice Sunday Onu

Hon. Justice Musa Κακακι

3. Bayelsa

Hon. Justice Isa Hamma Adama Dashen

Hon. Justice Salim Olasupo Ibrahim

4. Edo

Hon, Justice S. M. Shuaibu

Hon, Justice Chuka Austine Obiozor

5. Kebbi

Hon. Justice Emmanuel Gakko

6. Kaduna

Hon. Justice R.Maikawa

Hon. Justice Hawau Buhari

7. Κano

Hon. Justice A.M. Liman

Hon. Justice M.N. Yunusa

Hon, Justice S.A. Amobeda

8. Lagos

Hon. Justice J.T. Tsoho – Chief Judge

Hon. Justice A.Ofaji

Hon, Justice Alewis -Allagoa

Hon, Justice C.Janeke

Hon. Justice Yellim S. Bogoro

Hon. Justice Daniel Emeka Osiagor

Hon, Justice Akintayo Aluko

Hon. Justice Peter Odo Lifu

Hon. Justice Abimbola O. Awogboro

Hon, Justice Dipeolu Deinde Isaac

Hon. Justice Ogundare Kehinde Olayiwola

Hon. Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala

Hon. Justice Ogazi Friday Νκεμακονam

9. Kwara

Hon, Justice Evelyn Nmasinulo Anyadike

Hon. Justice Ariwoola Olukayode Jnr.

10. Akure – Ondo

Hon. Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke.

Hon, Justice Owoeye Alexander Oluseυι

11. Oyo

Hon. Justice Uche N. Agomoh

Hon, Justice Ekerete Udofot Akpav.

The notice added that all “The Judges Affected By This Posting Should Report At Their Duty Stations Before The Date Of Resumption From The 2023 Christmas Vacation, Being The 8th Day Of January 2024.

“Judges Who Have Been Earlier Serving, Should Recall And Rigidly Adhere To Policies/Instructions Concerning The Movement Of Property From One Judicial Division To Another.”

President Bola Tinubu-led government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, has revoked 1,633 minerals titles previously given to non-complying mining companies.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, announced this during a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the licenses of these mineral title holders were revoked due to failure to pay mandatory annual service fees of N1,500 per cadastral unit.

He said, “The Mining Cadastre Office has recommended the revocation of 1,633 mineral titles as follows: Exploration Licence, 536; Quarry Licence, 279; Small Scale Mining Licence, 787 and Mining Lease, 31.

“In line with the powers conferred on me by the NMMA 2007, Section 5 (a), I have approved the revocation of the 1,633 titles.”

More details later…

Veteran Nollywood actor, Hanks Anuku, has disclosed he is currently battling with depression.

The thespian lamented that he drinks a lot because of his state of mind.

Naija News reports that Anuku has been in the news with reports and clips of him raising concerns about his appearance and well-being.

Opening up on his predicament in a video via his Instagram page, the veteran actor explained that he drinks due to depression but does not take hard drugs.

The actor stated that he has been jobless and unable to care for his kids.

According to him, “Yes, depression makes me drink but I never take hard drugs, I don’t take hard drugs at all.

“Out of depression, I did not have a job for years, I was thinking about my children, their school fees and their welfare among other things and you know what it is like when it gets to that point.

“I call it a breaking point, I was broken to pieces and I had to go drinking and that is it.”

Watch the video below,

Nigeria, as the largest economy and powerhouse of Africa, is currently facing significant economic challenges. In order to address these challenges and maintain its leadership position, it is crucial for the Tinubu administration to continue to drive economic diplomacy as the focus of its foreign policy. Since his inauguration as the president, President Bola Tinubu has been crisscrossing the world, marketing the country in India, Saudi Arabia, Germany, France, the UK and a few African countries. While the Vice President, Kashim Shettima has visited, Russia, Italy and South Africa, promoting and marketing Nigeria.

Economic diplomacy, which focuses on promoting economic interests through diplomatic means, can play a pivotal role in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country. However, to effectively ramp up FDI, Nigeria must address various domestic economic and socio-political challenges. Because a country has to, first be strong in most socio- economic sectors, to be in a position to embark on international economic diplomacy. It is therefore essential to explore the key areas of our national life that need to be addressed, including security, ease of doing business, consistent and predictable government policies, market-driven economy, sanctity of contracts and upholding the rule of law, repatriation of dividends and capital, infrastructure, and human capacity development.

One of the primary concerns for foreign investors is the security situation in Nigeria. The Tinubu administration must prioritize the improvement of security measures to instill confidence in potential investors. By effectively combating insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of criminal activities, Nigeria can create a conducive environment for economic growth and attract more FDI.

Another crucial aspect that needs attention is the ease of doing business. Nigeria must streamline its bureaucratic processes, reduce red tape, and simplify regulations to make it easier for both local and foreign businesses to operate. By implementing reforms that facilitate business activities, such as faster company registration, review of the Land Use Act, efficient tax systems, and transparent procurement processes, Nigeria can enhance its attractiveness as an investment destination.

Consistency in government policies is also vital for attracting FDI. Investors seek stability and predictability in the business environment. The Tinubu administration should ensure that policies are not subject to frequent changes, as this can create uncertainty and deter potential investors. By providing a stable policy framework, Nigeria can build trust and confidence among investors, encouraging them to invest in the country.

A market-driven economy is another crucial factor for attracting FDI. Nigeria should focus on creating an enabling environment that promotes competition, innovation, and entrepreneurship. By reducing government intervention in the economy, encouraging private sector participation, and promoting fair competition, Nigeria can attract more foreign investors who are seeking opportunities in a dynamic and market-oriented economy.

The sanctity of contracts and upholding the rule of law are fundamental for attracting FDI. Investors need assurance that their contracts will be honored and that they will have legal recourse in case of disputes. The Tinubu administration should prioritize judicial reforms, strengthen the legal system, and ensure that contracts are enforceable. By upholding the rule of law, Nigeria can build a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy investment destination.

Repatriation of dividends and capital is another critical aspect that needs attention. Investors need to have confidence that they can repatriate their profits and capital without any restrictions. The Tinubu administration should implement policies that facilitate the repatriation process, ensuring that investors can easily transfer their funds out of the country.

Infrastructure development is a key driver of economic growth and FDI. Nigeria must invest in improving its infrastructure, including transportation networks, power supply, and telecommunications. By developing modern and efficient infrastructure, Nigeria can attract more investors who require reliable and well-connected facilities to operate their businesses.

Lastly, human capacity development is essential for sustaining economic growth and attracting FDI. The Tinubu administration should prioritize investments in education, skills training, and research and development. By developing a skilled and educated workforce, Nigeria can enhance its competitiveness and attract high-value investments that require specialized knowledge and expertise.

In conclusion, economic diplomacy should be the bedrock of Nigeria's foreign policy under the Tinubu administration, considering the country's current economic challenges. By addressing key areas such as security, ease of doing business, consistent government policies, market-driven economy, sanctity of contracts and upholding the rule of law, repatriation of dividends and capital, infrastructure development, and human capacity development, Nigeria can attract more FDI and retain its leadership as the economic powerhouse of Africa. It is imperative for the Tinubu administration to embark upon economic reforms to ensure sustainable economic growth and prosperity for the country.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described as “cathedral judgements” verdicts of the Nigerian judges on electoral disputes, saying three to five judges should not overturn decisions made by millions of voters during elections.

Obasanjo described the powers vested in the hands of a few judges as totally unacceptable.

The former President seemed to be speaking in relation to recent decisions of the Court of Appeal on the electoral disputes arising from the 2023 elections in the country

Recently, three governors in the opposition were sacked in separate judgements delivered by the judges of the Court of Appeal.

The affected governors include Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Abba Yusuf in Kano, and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State.

The judgements have triggered reactions, earning the judiciary more knocks than kudos.

Speaking at a high-level consultation on Rethinking Western Liberal Democracy in Africa held at Green Resort Legacy, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo faulted the “cathedral pronouncements” by the judges.

He said, “I believe whatever form of democracy we have or whatever system of government we have, three or four men in the judiciary should not be able to overturn the decisions of millions that have voted.

“Now, we have to find a way to handle that. I don’t know what the way will be but, for me, I think it’s totally unacceptable that millions (of votes), maybe 10 million on one side, maybe nine million on the other side. Then, you have five people sitting down, three of them agree, two disagree. And you come up and make cathedral pronouncements that cannot be changed, I believe that should not be accepted.”

“How do we do it? I don’t know. But whatever form of democracy we have, we should look at how to handle this. If you say ‘go again for election,’ then, what happened to the previous election? I don’t know.”

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed a petition filed by the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Umar Ardo, challenging the election of Ahmadu Fintiri as Adamawa State governor.

Delivering ruling, Justice Ugochukwu Ogakwu affirmed a previous decision of the Tribunal led by Justice Theodora Uloho, which had dismissed Ardo’s petition for being incompetent and not properly filed.

The appellate court held that the appellants did not prove the allegations of corrupt practices and non-compliance to the Electoral Act, against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Justice Ogakwu said there was no basis to grant the appeal.

The SDP candidate and his party had filed a petition at the State Governorship Election Tribunal after Fintiri was declared the winner of the poll.

Ardo had sought the nullification of Fintiri’s re-election on the grounds that there was substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act, corrupt practices, threats, and violence during the exercise.

Ardo subsequently appealed the tribunal’s judgment but the appellate court dismissed his petition.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has presented a draft budget of N410 billion for Anambra State in 2024.

Soludo presented the budget estimate to the State House of Assembly in Awka, the Anambra State capital on Tuesday.

The governor disclosed that there is only about 57.8 percent increase in the present budget compared to the 2023 budget of over N280 billion.

While the Recurrent expenditure accounts for N96.2 billion, the Capital expenditure is N313.9 billion, indicating that 77 percent of the entire budget is targeted at Capital expenditure.

The governor said that with the budget, the state is changing gears towards the promised transformation agenda for a liveable and prosperous smart mega city.

Police operatives attached to the Suleja Area Command in Niger State have arrested two suspects after they allegedly attempted to swap an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card belonging to a female victim at a commercial bank in the town.

According to a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, the victim discovered the suspects were attempting to swap her ATM card and raised the alarm but the suspects immediately zoomed off.

The police patrol team subsequently trailed the vehicle and was intercepted at the old NEPA roundabout in Suleja Town. However, while the driver identified as David Therma abandoned the vehicle and escaped, the suspects, one Aver Wase and Godwin Deor, were arrested.

The police spokesman said, upon interrogation, the suspects confessed that they both left Lokoja for Zuba in Abuja and met Therma, who was said to have taken the vehicle from the driver of a ride-hailing service in Abuja.

The suspects claimed that they were graduates of educational technology from Benue State University and that they had been carrying out such nefarious activities for the past five months.

They reportedly confessed to withdrawing about N170,000 from other victims’ accounts in Nasarawa State, of which about N90,000 was withdrawn through victims’ cards in Lokoja.

However, the attempt in Suleja was not successful, they were quoted as saying.

The items recovered from the suspects included a Toyota Corolla vehicle with registration number YAB-267 CW, nine ATM cards, one POS machine and a flash drive.

The suspects are undergoing further investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department Minna, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend Therma, who is still at large.

Czech Republic coach Jaroslav Silhavy said Monday he was stepping down, only minutes after watching his side clinch automatic qualification for Euro 2024 with a 3-0 win over Moldova.

“Even though we are happy now, we had already decided before the game not to continue,” the 62-year-old coach told Czech Television in a post-match interview.

Silhavy took up the role in 2018, leading his team to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 before failing to qualify for last year’s World Cup in Qatar.

The Czechs have now secured a spot at next year’s Euros in Germany but he has come under fire for the team’s lacklustre performances in Group E where they finished second behind Albania, winning only four out of eight games.

The Czech team was also hurt by last weekend’s scandal as West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal and two other players were sent home after spending Saturday night at a night club.

“The pressure was enormous, beyond comprehension at times. It was one of the factors behind our decision,” said Silhavy.

A former defender, Silhavy’s future was put in doubt after the Czechs crashed to a 3-0 loss in Albania in October.

The Czech Football Association did not fire him but trimmed his contract until November 30, with an option to continue if the Czechs qualify for Euro 2024.

Saturday’s party, however, was another nail in his coffin as Coufal, Aris Thessaloniki defender Jakub Brabec and Sparta Prague striker Jan Kuchta were photographed in a night club two days before the Moldova game.

The players apologised, but football pundits slammed the poor atmosphere in the team, pointing a finger at Silhavy.

The coach himself said the affair was “a big disappointment” as all three had been in the starting line-up for last Friday’s 1-1 draw with Poland in Warsaw.

“I won’t say whether I was successful or not,” Silhavy said on Monday.

“You can see we have done some work, we have been working here for more than five years and there’s nothing we should be ashamed of.”

He said he would travel to Germany as a fan.

“Germany is near (the Czech Republic). We will definitely go and cheer for the boys.”

AFP

Nuhu Ribadu, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) now Nigeria’s National Security Adviser has been very vocal lately and there may well be many out there who may be wondering why the NSA, effectively the country’s official “father of secrets” should be so loud in the public arena. The NSA in any country is an ultra-senior adviser to the President, counsellor and confidant on both domestic and foreign policies.  He is also a coordinator of the country’s security network. But there is no manual as to the style or method that any NSA brings to the office. It is simply a matter of character and choice. A National Security Adviser may choose to be in the background or opt to be vocal like Zbigniew Brzezinski of the United States, and Henry Kissinger who was both NSA and Secretary of State in his time. Kissinger was so public and vocal, he often appeared as if he was sharing power with President Richard Nixon. It looks like Nuhu Ribadu, the current National Security Adviser of Nigeria has chosen to be up-front and centre-stage and we must pay attention to what he says. In the last week alone, he has spoken twice and his statements are pungent. First, on November 13, at the annual Conference of the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Ribadu disclosed that Tinubu inherited “a bankrupt country.” The theme of the Conference was “Leveraging Defence Democracy and Regional Collaboration and Enhanced National Security”.  He told his audience: “We are facing very serious budgetary constraints. It is okay for me to tell you. It is fine for you to know. We have a very serious situation… We have inherited a very difficult country, a bankrupt country to the extent that we are paying back what was taken. It is serious.”

Ribadu repeated more or less the same concerns, a few days later at the 19^th Annual Conference of All Nigeria Editors in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State where in addressing the theme: “Stimulating Economic Growth, Technological Advancement: Role of the Media”, he called for the support of all Nigerians in eliminating all forms of insecurity. Earlier, at the Defence Chiefs Conference, he had praised the military for their patriotism which had led to a reduction in the spate of violent deaths, (from 1, 200 to less than 100 deaths), and increase in crude oil production – from 900, 000 barrels per day under Buhari to 1.7 million barrels per day under President Tinubu. He further said that the Bola Tinubu administration is committed to tackling the challenges that Nigeria faces.

It was intriguing to see Nuhu Ribadu, a former Chairman of the EFCC in the role of a social critic. But he wasn’t saying anything new or original. As far back as August 2016, Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi had raised the alarm that the Buhari administration was running the Nigerian economy aground. He even gave six recommendations which the government of the day ignored. Seven years ago, Sanusi II also warned the government about the dangers of using foreign reserves to keep the exchange rate at its official level in the market. He said the policy would never work! Nobody listened. In more recent days, he has since reminded everyone how Buhari mismanaged Nigeria. Like Sanusi II, President Olusegun Obasanjo in the last seven years has also consistently accused the Buhari administration of spending recklessly and terribly lacking the understanding of economics. Obasanjo has not changed his mind that indeed Buhari caused Nigeria’s current economic woes due to sheer recklessness. Obasanjo and Sanusi II are not alone. In August, Senator Adams Oshiomhole also said the same thing. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy told us, also in August, that the Tinubu administration inherited a “bad” economy with an unacceptable high rate of unemployment and inflation: “We met a bad economy and the promise of Mr. President is to make it better,” he said.  

The question to ask is where was Ribadu between 2015 and 2023 under Buhari? Where was Wale Edun? Or Adams Oshiomhole, and all the self-styled economists now advising this administration? In 2019, Nuhu Ribadu was in fact the Director of Field Operations for the APC Presidential Campaign. He helped to bring Buhari back to power. Oshiomhole also campaigned for him. Were they deaf then to the protests by Sanusi II and Obasanjo that Buhari and his team were destroying Nigeria’s economy? What Ribadu, Edun, Oshiomhole and other APC figures now criticizing Buhari are doing amounts to self-indictment. They were part of the problem. And since Ribadu insists that the truth must be told: at what point did he discover the truth by the way?, let it be known that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lacks the right to moralize over the failure of the Buhari government. Did he not boast in the domain of the man he called the Eleyi of Ogun State (Governor Dapo Abiodun) that he, Tinubu was the Godfather who re-discovered Buhari, told him to stop crying, and made him President. Where was he when his chosen President was mismanaging the economy? What did he do? Now that he has taken back what he believes rightly belongs to him, he now blames the APC “John the Baptist” at the Presidential Villa.

There is this traditional folk wisdom that says you can help a man to get a job, but you cannot help him to discharge the responsibilities that come with the office, how he goes about it is his responsibility. It is just that we are shocked to hear from NSA Ribadu that Buhari left an empty treasury and ran the country aground. Buhari met a country debt profile of N12.6 billion in 2015, he left behind N87 trillion debt in 2023! By May 29, 2023, Nigeria’s inflation rate was 24%, the country was left in such a stranglehold that by October, headline inflation had accelerated to 27.33%. Food inflation is now 31.52%, unemployment rate is over 50%.  Buhari left behind a chaotic foreign exchange system, a weak, badly devalued national currency, a compromised, over-politicized Central Bank, a huge debt overhang with the debt service to revenue ratio at 98%. One of the major reasons Nigerians supported Buhari was out of the belief that as a retired Army General and a former military Head of State, he would be able to deal with the challenges of terrorism, insurgency and banditry head-long.  Ribadu who is a policeman has disclosed that he did not make much difference. Buhari adopted the strategy of pacifying and appeasing terrorists. His administration gave criminals “aso ebi.” He served them pepper soup and jollof rice, under the guise of rehabilitation. Till the last moment, the Buhari administration blamed the Jonathan administration that preceded it for all its woes. Even when it became clear that the duty of every administration was to improve on the efforts of its predecessor, and that eight years was more than enough to make a difference, Buhari and his people continued to blame Jonathan.

But here is what Karma has served: in September, Mr Wale Edun said on record that the Jonathan administration stabilized the Nigerian economy, and that the last time the Nigerian economy functioned was under Jonathan. Since he left office, President Jonathan who marked his 66^th birthday yesterday, has remained relevant. His example continues to endure as a gold standard for democratic conduct and sportsmanship. He did not play “do or die politics”.  In the face of the desperation of APC politicians who were threatening to burn down the country in 2015, if they were not allowed to take power, he decided to walk away, and said Nigeria was more important than anyone’s individual ambition. Other African leaders have followed in his footsteps: John Mahama of Ghana and George Weah of Liberia. He is today one of the most sought-after former Presidents in the world – leading election observation missions and intervening in peace building processes. I doubt if any international organization would require President Buhari’s services any time soon.

I am in fact surprised that all the spokespersons of President Buhari who used to spit fire and brimstone have moved on. Notably. where is Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the former Minister of Information? He is now a Special Adviser to the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). He has moved on. Femi Adesina, Presidential Spokesperson is now Vice Chairman of The Sun newspapers. He is a Pastor of the Foursquare Gospel Church. He has also taken a traditional chieftaincy title from his home town, Oluomo of Ipetumodu, in addition to chieftaincy titles he already had from Abia (Ugo Mba 1 of Isieketa) and Enugu (Nwanne di Namba of Nmaku). Pastor, multiple-Chief Femi Adesina has also moved on. In 2022, President Buhari, trying to show that he was determined to address the economic challenges that the country faced, decided to set up a Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) to replace the Economic Management Team led by then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The committee was chaired by Dr. Doyin Salami of the Lagos Business School (LBS). Members included Bismarck Rewane, CEO Financial Derivatives, Chukwuma C. Soludo, former CBN Governor and now Governor of Anambra State, Professor Ode Ojowu, Dr Mohammed Sagagi, Dr Salisu Mohammed, Iyabo Masha: all first-class brains in economics and finance. In 2022, Salami was later made Chief Economic Adviser to the President. It took President Buhari four years to set up an Economic Advisory Council and seven years to appoint a Chief Economic Adviser. Obviously, he didn’t think the economy was important as Obasanjo alleged.  Exactly what kind of advice did he receive? We may never know. His economic advisers have all melted into the folds of the Nigerian jungle where anything is possible. They are all probably waiting for the next Nigeria Economic Summit Group meeting where they can sound off about macroeconomics, scenarios, and those cliches with which textbook economics lobby for appointments. They too have moved on, in search of the next client. The only man who seems to be hanging around - our good friend Garba Shehu, also seems to have gone possum.  

After President Buhari left office on May 29, Garba Shehu stayed back to help manage communications. He was Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to President Buhari. He continues to function in that capacity in the private sphere, playing the role of an attacking midfielder in the Buhari team. Each time anybody tries to attack the Buhari record, he pounces, and provides an alternative view. One of the first pieces he wrote after May 29 was “One Hundred Days After Buhari”- an innovation in presidential communications. He has also had cause to tell us that Buhari brought Nigeria out of economic hardship, why Buhari could not remove fuel subsidy and that his boss is not responsible for Nigeria’s high inflation rate. When Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice said in an interview with Adesua Giwa-Osagie that the Buhari administration was “the most incompetent in Nigerian history led by a set of political morons”, Shehu was quick to go after Adoke with expletives.  But why has Garba Shehu not responded to NSA Nuhu Ribadu who has in fact outrightly accused the Buhari administration of theft? It has been a week since Ribadu delivered his double bombshell, and we have not heard from Garba Shehu. Is Shehu afraid of the NSA? Is he also aware that former Minister of Communications under Buhari, Adebayo Shittu has said on Channels TV: “In Buhari’s government, if you don’t go and meet him for the next four years, he would probably would not ask of you.” Engr. Shittu, he probably was not aware of your existence! Deal with that, please. However, I have seen, as of the time of this writing, a statement by Mallam Shehu on X (formerly Twitter) to the effect that President Muhammadu Buhari himself would appear on NTA Network, Monday, in an interview session titled “A Conversation with History.” The interviewer should ask him: how and why did he bankrupt Nigeria? His handlers should advise him not to come up with the jaded, contrived, response that he inherited a bad economy, which has been exposed as a blatant lie by those who should know.

This is where the Tinubu administration seems to be different.  Whereas the Tinubu team has been saying that Buhari ruined the Nigerian economy because he was the perfect clueless leader, they have also been forthright in saying that Tinubu is determined to correct whatever may have gone wrong. That is leadership. That is accountability. That is courage. In Mecca, Saudi Arabia, a week ago, Tinubu said yes, he inherited liabilities but he also inherited assets. But “we do not make any excuses”. That is what Nigerians want – a leader who would “not make any excuses”. Buhari and his team spent eight years giving one excuse or the other. Throughout, they blamed President Jonathan, and hounded his team. At other times it was COVID-19. Or the President’s health. Or the Russia-Ukraine war. They even blamed the weather! Meanwhile, they abused Ways and Means and broke the law. Tinubu says he will make a difference. We expect him to do so.

It is not enough however, for the National Security Adviser to tell us that Nigerians “face a serious situation” and that “we are paying back what was taken”. If indeed, it is fine for us to know as he says, then he has to come out with the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  The country’s NSA cannot afford to sound like a social media commentator. He must back his claims with concrete evidence. For acknowledging the right of the people to know, can he please tell us: who took what away? How much was taken away? How much are we paying back? How much have we paid back so far? Who are those persons responsible for bankrupting Nigeria? By making the statements he made in Abuja and Uyo, he faces the test of transparency and accountability. Full disclosure cannot be a threat to national security. Having brought the matter to the public domain, the NSA is obliged to tell us more.

The major thing we know for now is the repeated disclosure by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy that Nigeria can no longer borrow to fund budget deficit, and that it would be unwise to borrow more when debt service to revenue ratio is 98%, and the budget as a percentage of GDP is 10%.  Edun thinks the country should focus more on revenue generation through infrastructure. He was accompanied to the Joint Senate Committee by Zach Adedeji, Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service and Ms. Patience Oniha, Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO). Patience Oniha? Yes, the same Ms. Oniha who used to tell us that there is nothing wrong with borrowing. Madam has started singing a new song…Oh la la…