In the heat-up to the November 11 gubernatorial election in Kogi State, an alarming piece of news has just hit the stable of Daily Independent on an assassination attempt on Governor Yahaya Bello.

A swift press release signed by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications reads:

The Kogi State Government wishes to inform the general public that there was an assasination attempt on the Governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, a few kilometres away from Abuja, on his way to an official engagement from Lokoja.The attack occurred at about 4pm on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

The attackers who were dressed in military uniforms waylaid the Governor’s convoy and started shooting sporadically at his vehicle and other vehicles in the convoy. It took the swift intervention of the security personnel attached to the Governor to foil the satanic plans of the unknown soldiers.

The report of these strange attacks has been properly documented at security offices in the state and at the national level for prompt and thorough investigations to avert future occurrences.

We are not oblivious of the fact that certain elements are bent on painting Kogi unsafe ahead of the Governorship Poll slated for November 11, 2023. As an administration, we will spare nothing to ensure our citizens are not subjected to security threats by desperate politicians sponsoring violence and terrorism.

We call on the citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements in the domain to relevant security agencies. It is the responsibility of the Government to ensure security and we want to assure you that the peace we have enjoyed as a state in the last eight years won’t be lost on the altar of violent politics.

Details later...

[DailyIndependent]

Napoli Sporting Director, Mauro Meluso has revealed the club will hold new contract talks with Victor Osimhen in the next few weeks.

Osimhen looks a long way off agreeing a new contract with the Serie A champions after he was furious at the TikTok videos posted by the club.

Napoli were also unhappy after the Nigerian returned from international duty with an injury last week.

Meluso, however, stated that the Partenopei are planning a new round of talks with the 24-year-old’s representatives in the next couple of weeks.

“There will be a meeting between the President and Osimhen’s entourage over the next few weeks. It is part of the game and a little time is needed to think about it,” Meluso was quoted by Calciomercato.com.

The Nigeria international has less than two years on his contract with Napoli.

[nigerianeye]

THE Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has asked the Federal High Court in Lagos State to stop the House of Representatives from procuring and taking delivery of 360 sports utility vehicles amounting to the sum of N57.6 billion for its members, “pending the hearing and determination of the applications for injunction filed by the organisation.”

According to SERAP, its applications for “interim and interlocutory injunction” followed reports that the lawmakers are set to procure and take delivery of the SUVs.

The organisation stated that according to reports, “each of the SUVs would cost taxpayers at least N160 million.”

This was made known by the organisation’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, in a correspondence.

The statement stated, “In the applications filed last week, SERAP is seeking “an order of interim injunction restraining the National Assembly from procuring, taking delivery and distributing the SUVs to their members, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for an order of interlocutory injunction filed simultaneously in this suit.”

SERAP is also seeking “such further order(s) that the honourable court may deem fit to make in the circumstance of this suit.”

It stated, “It would be recalled that SERAP in August filed the suit number FHC/L/CS/1606/2023 before the Federal High Court challenging “the legality of the spending of billions of naira by the National Assembly to purchase exotic and bulletproof cars for members and principal officials.”

Oluwadaresaid the organisation sent an open letter to President Bola Tinubu urging him to “put pressure on the leadership of the House of Representatives” and stop its members from taking delivery of 360  SUVs, pending the court application for interim injunction.

He said, “In the letter dated 21 October 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation also urged the president to “put pressure on the leadership of the Senate and stop members from taking delivery of the planned procurement of bulletproof SUVs, pending the hearing and determination of the application for interim injunction filed before the Federal High Court.”

The letter, read in part: “Allowing the National Assembly to go ahead and purchase and take delivery of the SUVs would prejudice the outcome of the suit pending in court and make a mockery of the rule of law.

“Unless you exercise your executive powers and discharge your constitutional oath of office act as recommended, the lawmakers would go ahead to procure and take delivery of the N57.6 billion vehicles, and thereby present the court with a fait accompli.

“It would invariably hamstring the ability of the court to do justice in the pending suit and applications for an injunction.”

It stated further that stopping the leadership of the HOR from procuring and taking delivery of the SUVs pending the court order “would be entirely consistent with the notions of the rule of law, judicial independence and integrity and the public interest.”

[NaijaTimes]

Lionel Messi played the entire game on artificial turf in Inter Miami’s season finale early Sunday morning as Charlotte FC qualified for the MLS playoff with a 1-0 victory.

Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, was the clear drawing card, and thousands in attendance were adorned in “Messi 10” jerseys.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner as the world’s top player went the distance in the meaningless game for Miami, which had already been eliminated from playoff contention. He finished with three shots and had two scoring chances. Messi’s apparent goal in the 49th minute was negated by an offside call, and his shot in the 62nd minute bounded off the crossbar.

[Leadership]

Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has boldly expressed his lack of concern regarding the vocal outbursts of Sheikh Ahmad Gumi against the government.

This disclosure was unveiled through an audiotape that he chose to release on his official Facebook page, capturing the attention of the public on a consequential Sunday.

the former minister has made public an audiotape following a highly contentious sermon delivered by Gumi. During this sermon, Gumi referred to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as a "satanic person." The remarks were made in connection to alleged plans for a collaborative effort between Wike and Israel, aimed at enhancing the security of the federal capital territory.

In a recent statement, Gumi expressed concern over potential repercussions for the Muslim community in the event of collabcoration between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Israel. In a notable statement, the individual in question emphasised the potential risks associated with assigning Nigeria's national security responsibilities solely to individuals of Christian faith and Southern origin.

Fani-Kayode dismissed the significance of the criticisms levelled against the government by referring to the individual in question as a "little monkey." He expressed his lack of concern, highlighting the presence of government officials whose responsibility it is to address such matters. He emphasised his own position outside of the government, implying that he is not directly involved in the response to these criticisms.

“However, I am concerned about his rantings against the Christian community and against what I believe to be southerners generally, both Christian and Muslim.”

• Two fleeing robbers shot dead, vehicles recovered
• Alia fumes, vows gunmen will be arrested; IGP says perpetrators have murdered sleep.

Benue State Police Command confirmed yesterday that two suspected members of the robbery gang that raided some commercial banks in Otukpo, Benue State on Friday have been killed.

The suspects, according to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Kate Aneene, a Superintendent of police (SP), were shot dead during a gun duel with a police team on Otukpo-Taraku Road in the state yesterday.

Aneene said the robbery suspects were trying to escape with their loot through the road when nemesis caught up with them.

She said a team of policemen engaged them in an exchange of gunfire, killing the two instantly while other members of the gang abandoned their vehicles and escaped into the forest.

Also confirming the death of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and three other policemen during the raid, Aneene said they were confirmed dead in the hospital.

Other persons who sustained injuries in the bank, she said, have since been moved to the hospital for treatment while investigation continues on the matter.

Aneene identified the banks raided by the robbers to include Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith International Bank, UBA and Stanbic Bank.

She said: “On 20/10/2023 at about 1615hrs, armed robbers invaded Access, First, Zenith, UBA and Stanbic bank Otukpo simultaneously.

“The Otukpo Divisional Police Officer, CSP John Adikwu and other police teams in the area engaged them in a gun duel but were unable to prevent the attacks on the banks.

“More police teams in collaboration with other security agents have been deployed to Otukpo to assist in stabilising the area and prevent these robbers from escaping.

“The robbers who were inter cepted along Otukpo-Taraku Road engaged officers in a gun duel and two of the robbers died in the process.

“Other gang members abandoned their vehicles and escaped into the forest area and are being chased by the police.

“The DPO who sustained a gunshot injury on his stomach and three other police officers have been confirmed dead at the hospital.

“Other persons who sustained injuries in the bank have been moved to the hospital for treatment.”

The casualties of the attacks include DPO John Adikwu of Otukpo Divisional Headquarters; Emmanuella Ankyov, a female police officer; Emmanuel Uche who concluded his mandatory National Youth Service scheme (NYSC) early in the year and recently secured a job with UBA and two others identified simply as Uloko and Desmond.

Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, yesterday condemned the attacks on some commercial banks in Otukpo town.

A statement issued by his spokesman, Tersoo Kula, described the robbery incident as an affront on the state, especially that it took place at the exact time the Security Council meeting was in progress at the Government House in Makurdi.

The governor sympathised with the families of those who were gruesomely murdered by the robbers during the robbery.

He said: “It is an unfortunate development that people who were on duty, especially police officers, were shot and killed in cold blood by those mindless robbers.

“But they cannot get away with this. Already, security agencies are on their trail and must apprehend and bring them to justice.”

Alia called on the people of the state to be vigilant and always endeavour to report suspicious movements around them all the time.

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, condemned the robbery attacks in strong terms, describing it as an assault on the principles of peace, security, and justice which he said the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies work tirelessly to uphold.

A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the IGP extended his “heartfelt condolences” to the families and loved ones of the victims who were affected by “this senseless act of violence”.

He confirmed that two of the suspects were gunned down by operatives while attempting to escape, adding that the assailants “who orchestrated this brazen act of criminality have indeed murdered sleep”.

The statement added: “The IGP ordered the deployment of additional operational and investigative assets and resources to Otukpo, the Benue State Command and sur rounding states to assist in the swift apprehension of the other fleeing criminals responsible for this atrocity, as a follow-up to the gunning down of two of the armed robbers after a hot chase on Friday.

“In the same vein, going by this incident, the IGP has put all Commands and Formations on red alert to avert any further deadly attacks on our institutions and innocent citizens of Nigeria, more so that the Otukpo attack was an early warning sign of the Ember Month challenges which is often characterised by bank robbery and other related crimes.

“We therefore call upon the public to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities by providing any information that may aid in the investigation and pursuit of the suspects. Your assistance is invaluable in our mission to restore safety and security in the affected area and across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

“In the wake of this tragedy, the IGP reiterates the NPF’s commitment to the safety and security of the Nigerian people, standing united against acts of violence and criminality and vowing to work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for this reprehensible act are brought to justice.

[Nation]

Russian missile strikes have killed at least six postal workers while 17 others sustained injury on Saturday when they hit a mail depot in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region, officials said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky shared a video on social media of what appeared to be a heavily damaged warehouse surrounded by rubble and a container with the logo of the Ukrainian postal operator Nova Poshta.

The six killed in the attack were all workers at the Nova Poshta depot, located in the village of Korotych on the outskirts of Kharkiv city, regional governor Oleg Sinegubov said.

“The victims, aged between 19 and 42, received shrapnel wounds and blast injuries,” he said.

Sinegubov said of the injured being treated in the hospital, seven were in serious condition, adding that “Doctors are fighting for their lives”.

The regional prosecutor’s office later updated the number of injured to 17.

Sergiy Nozhka, who works for Nova Poshta, described the condition of some of his colleagues as “mild to moderate severity”, adding that “there are some people in a very serious condition”.

He said that a rocket “flew into the neighbouring depot, but at ours too — the windows and shutters flew out. This is not the first time”.

According to the prosecutor’s office, Russian forces in the Belgorod region north of Kharkiv fired S-300 missiles, two of which hit the warehouse.

“Debris analysis continues at the site in order to establish the exact number of injured and dead,” office spokesman Dmytro Chubenko told Ukraine’s state broadcaster Suspilne.

Separate Russian attacks on villages near the war-battered Ukrainian city of Bakhmut killed at least two people on Sunday, officials said.

Both Kyiv and Moscow are preparing for a gruelling winter ahead, as Ukraine warns of renewed strikes on its energy infrastructure and Russia contends with a Ukrainian counteroffensive to regain territory.

AFP

The person with the crossbow thinks that the monkey is not clever; the monkey is clever, but it is following its strategy. (It matters nothing if one is derided, as long as one knows what one is doing and why.)

Over the years certain key issues have confronted the Nigerian state, its government, the governed, and the structures itself, from a seeming lack of system to a lack of will and direction from those saddled with the responsibility to steer the ship of governance.

Such is the fundamental nature of the problems that they have become part of us. However, on many occasions, we have been provided with the opportunity to get it right but many times we let go of such moments.

"The Noah Effect" refers to the concept that can be applied to a new administration in Nigeria, or any country. This effect is inspired by the biblical character Noah and his journey to build the Ark.

I say in all my writings and public fora where I speak these days that I am a cautious optimist, an impatient one at that. We cannot keep running this nation by chance. I would love for Mr. Tinubu to leave a mark and move this nation one slow step forward. The real threat to that happening may sadly well be the inability of his government to define itself.

Because of the Noah Effect, it is almost certainly impossible because we have started another journey from a different spot on the same circle.

Renewed Hope needs to start to take shape, and as it is today, that is not happening, the best of speeches will make no difference, because the ordinary man is choking and is daily finding it hard to breathe.

I know that a sizeable number of Nigerians do not believe in Mr. Tinubu but the truth is that they have reasons and the right ones too, not to believe in the man.

Nigerians are tired of roadmaps; they want to be on the road and not on the map. Mr. Tinubu as a president needs to start defining his place in history; he needs to start walking all the talk. He needs to kick-start the process.

I am part of the school of thought that believes that he is not the reason why we are where we are today; I do not lay on his footpath the rot that Nigeria has become in terms of the kwashiorkor of the last 60 years.

However in my admonishment to, Mr. President and the agbadorians, I say with a clear conscience and venom that they will be blamed for the failed opportunities of the present, not only will they be accused, but they may make Mr. Buhari a star if their stewardship does not produce profound results

The argument and emoticons flying that one zone or religion has become overwhelmingly strong will not put food on the tables of Nigerians. If Mr. Tinubu likes or so desires, as a Yoruba, he should make the entire cabinet Yorubas or Awori men and women as long as there is a visibly significant improvement in livelihood for the ordinary Nigerians.

To the Tinubu crowd, tomorrow is the only language that appeals to the lazy man. While we watch, advice, and critic positively, although they may not listen, Mr. Tinubu needs to come of age, he needs to come into himself. They can help him, or as well destroy him.

There are issues everywhere that require attention; he cannot do all I argue consistently that some matters in Nigeria will sort themselves out. It will wean out of the system. Mr. Tinubu will not do so many things not for want of support, but for lack of guts; he needs to show it, act it, and be it!

The president can reduce the cost of our noise-making style of governance; all these gatherings and conglomerations of political non-entities and failed persons have to be slowly and steadily terminated. Appointments left, right, and center need to be reduced…governance must and should start.

Mr. Tinubu needs to realize that as a nation, there are several interests and no-interests. It is instructive to know that there is an erosion of confidence, we have got to a stage where rational has been thrown to the wind.

Much like Noah, a new administration faces the daunting task of navigating through turbulent and uncertain waters. When a new government comes into power, it often inherits a myriad of challenges and crises. These challenges can be likened to the floodwaters that Noah had to overcome. In the face of adversity, Noah displayed determination, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to a greater purpose. What strikes me differently in this episode is that in a way Mr. Tinubu is taking over from Mr. Tinubu!

Similarly, a new administration must exhibit qualities such as vision, leadership, and resilience. They must work tirelessly to steer the nation away from the storms of corruption, economic instability, social unrest, and other issues that threaten the well-being of the citizens.

The "Noah Effect" symbolizes the need for leaders to prepare, plan, and construct their proverbial Ark—a blueprint for a better, more stable future. Just as Noah's Ark was a vessel of salvation, a new administration must catalyze positive change and progress.

Nigeria's new administration must emulate the determination of Noah, who built the Ark against all odds. In the face of political, economic, and social challenges, Nigeria's leaders must steer the ship of state with wisdom, accountability, and a relentless commitment to safeguarding the interests and well-being of the Nigerian people.

Once upon a recent time, we had a section of the country hold sway, but it did not bring succor, what remains to be seen today is how Mr. Tinubu will conjure up an efficient management team that will be accountable and ready to serve the people.

How he will bring about a sense of belonging to everyone in the Nigerian project is what matters, how he attains that no one cares but without a firm resolve to get it right, it may just be a four-year jamboree.

The Yorubas say, bí o máa ra ilá ra ilá, bí o máa gba ènì gba ènì; m dé kì í wá so´ja Agbó-mé?kùn kó wá mú eku. Meaning that, if you wish to buy okro, buy okro; if you wish to receive a gratuity do so; a child does not come to a tiger hunt and catch rats.

One's deeds should be appropriate to the location, all the talk of not being a magician, settling down and related cock and bull story is just distractions.

Mr. Tinubu needs to be told by his retinue of advisers peradventure he does not know already that he is still presiding over a nation that has low expectations, some BRT buses in Abuja, peace in Jos, Borno, a new parastatal, or commission, some reform here and there is all and prompt, youths can earnestly start seeking for another term for him.

In the end, the "Noah Effect" serves as a powerful reminder that, no matter how turbulent the waters may be, visionary and resilient leadership can guide a nation to calmer shores. For Nigeria, this means that the new administration should embark on a journey of change, reform, and transformation that ensures a better future for all—May Nigeria win.

Let’s continue to enjoy the ‘inside stuff’ of the leadership manual the iconic UAE leader at this time published in 2012, which I think dealers who pose as leaders need at this time. We need this inspiration from one of the world’s centres excellence at this time, UAE. We desperately need these lessons now in Nigeria where we need dynamic capabilities for development – to lead the black people of the world. Let’s continue with the relevant study on how to serve the God of Big Things in today’s world.
The Lion and the Gazelle:
UAE leader, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shares this classic illustration in the opening chapter of the his book on leadership to restate a fact that as a leader or manager at this time, you need to destroy this blight called procrastination because the business of management and leadership for change now should be done at the speed of thought, (not light anymore):

‘With each new day in Africa, a gazelle wakes up knowing he must outrun the fastest lion or perish. At the same time, a lion stirs and stretches, knowing he must outrun the fastest gazelle or starve. It is no different for the human race. Whether you consider yourself a gazelle or a lion, you simply have to run faster than others to survive’.

He shares this insight from the benefit of history as a pathfinder as he notes that since its inception in 1971, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has flourished at an unprecedented rate – one that has astounded the world and still seems to be accelerating. His words:
This young and dynamic country has achieved a great deal since 1971. It competes at all levels in a diverse range of sectors and leads the world in a number of trail-blazing projects. Nevertheless, there is still much to do. We are not content to rest on our laurels, basking in the glory of what we have achieved; we are constantly striving to move forward, to grasp the moment with both hands and capitalize on the opportunities presented to us in a rapidly globalizing world.
To date, our achievements have helped us catch up with the rest of the world in its drive to globalize. This process began slowly during the last two decades of the twentieth century, before accelerating exponentially in the new millennium, and can now be seen as a prelude to what is set to become the most important economic race that the world has ever witnessed. The prize is one of epic proportions and failure is not an option. To ensure success, we have to join the race and win. After all, no one ever remembers who came second – not even the second man to climb Everest or walk on the moon!’

Al Maktoum

The UAE leader says a nation’s development, however, does not happen overnight or by accident. Nor does the development of a nation ever stop once the process has begun. In the manual on strategy for leading change, he notes that ‘Nation Building’ is the result of intense efforts at building a community and homeland; a phenomenal task not undertaken lightly, but shouldered by a nation’s government, its public and private sectors, and its people. He wants those who want to talk about rapid transformation of their nations to realise that they must all be willing to respond to the rapidly changing conditions that ricochet around the world at breakneck speed. Hear him again:

‘In order to achieve this, a modern infrastructure is not enough; we must have the vision and flexibility to embrace change, to continuously adapt, and to improve our personal performance and our commitment to service. This will enable us to expand our markets and promote our competitiveness on the international stage. Doing so requires time, dedication and hard work.
It goes without saying that the government is deeply committed to the UAE. We believe it is our duty to serve our community and embrace its aspirations, both now and in the future, by assuring our people economic growth, education, health, security, stability, comfort, leisure opportunities and freedom of movement. This will allow for the most conducive atmosphere to achieve the targets that will guarantee our welfare and a bright future. All those who work for the government must appreciate the task ahead of them and rise up to the challenge.

In order to lay solid foundations for the country’s future, the UAE leader reveals in the leadership manual that successors can build on the solid foundations of the founding fathers and that is what they have done in UAE the world’s foreign direct investors are rushing to now. His reflection:
‘… we must build upon the achievements forged by our founding fathers – achievements that must not stop with our generation, but must continue and be perpetuated by future generations. History shows no mercy for weaklings. Sheikh Zayed and my father, Sheikh Rashid, our beloved late leaders, never waited for history to record their feats; they were proactive in making history themselves and in doing so, set the benchmark for us to follow.

He speaks on the dynamics of ‘progress and regression’ in nation building. He wants fumbling leaders who specialise in lamenting the failure of predecessors to note that in today’s fast-paced world, if you are not leading, you will be left behind. If you fall behind, it is likely that someone less capable, less creative and less prepared than you will take your place. Although this can happen very quickly, Al Maktoum teaches us that the race is also one of endurance. His words again:
‘Should you stumble once or twice, do not worry, you can learn valuable lessons from falling occasionally and will be unlikely to repeat the same mistakes. Failure is not falling to the ground; it is remaining there once you have fallen and the greatest failure is when you decide not to stand up again. The UAE’s leadership fully understands that if our country lags behind others economically, it will be left behind. It also knows large-scale development will not only improve the country’s physical infrastructure, but eliminate unemployment, ignorance, poverty and illness’.

Nigerian leaders at this time need to imbibe this next construct, straight from the heart of the UAE’s very successful leader as Nigeria grapples with insecurity, economic challenges and crisis of stability in its complex federation. Hear the man who says he and his people decided from scratch to serve the God of Big Things of this world:
‘When nations fail to develop, they become vulnerable to a collapse in security and stability, and lose the foundations on which their prosperity was built. They also risk being subjugated to tyranny and prejudice, and after a few years of recession, lose most of the benefits, status and respect they had acquired over several decades of development. Before I assumed my position as the country’s Vice-President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, I also served as the UAE Minister of Defence and am well acquainted with the ravages of war. War does not provide solutions or put an end to problems, but rather the opposite. Our world is far from ideal and wherever we look, we will find countless examples of suffering, even in our own region…The secrets behind a nation’s greatness do not lie in its military clout. Contemporary history is littered with examples of nations made powerful by their military forces but which, in reality, are powerless because of their fledgling economies. Conversely, there are nations with small military forces that are economic superpowers. Nations can only overtake other nations through economic and not military power, as testified by history.
We Arabs have a rich military past. Our faith in God and our determination to overcome other nations of the time led us to expand our influence. We managed to accomplish some of the greatest military victories the world has ever known and in the process, became the greatest power on earth.

The UAE strongman would like leaders who waste their time on propaganda of reputation management to realise too that the credibility the UAE now enjoys internationally has resulted in a number of other nations studying their solutions and adopting them. He avers that although they are a small nation, they have enjoyed international exposure, and are managing and developing major projects in large and important countries such as India, South Korea and Hong Kong in addition to investing in several Arab countries. Hear him:
The large number of creative, highly qualified and motivated people who head and staff our team is ample proof that our empowerment policy is working. We will always strive to make this policy our top priority, based on our belief that our young UAE citizens are our most precious asset and the key to our future success. When I hear company managers complaining about a lack of qualified staff, I have to wonder how they have come to this conclusion when hundreds of well-trained, qualified UAE nationals, many of whom I have met both on official and non-official occasions, are available. I believe the task of managers needs to include the selection of an appropriate number of suitably qualified UAE national staff, with an eye to succession. This does not apply only to companies, but in other areas as well, because it is a leader’s duty to develop the leadership skills of those he believes are suitable. And when the time comes, these people can transfer their knowledge to the next generation.
While this happens most of the time, there are unfortunate exceptions. Some managers are not interested in – or will not tolerate – the existence of another person as qualified and skilled as they are, out of fear of competition or of losing their jobs. Although this is understandable to a degree, I disagree with such managers, because a true leader should realize he cannot be everywhere all the time and implement all his tasks at once. He must learn to delegate. When a leader fails to delegate, he will find himself embroiled in so much detail that it will eventually overwhelm him and distract him from his primary task (developing the business of the company and finding innovative solutions to its problems) to such an extent that he will eventually lose sight of the bigger picture.

But what exactly is the bigger picture?
The bigger picture is one of survival – life’s driving force and the reason why all creatures spend each day trying to catch their prey or escape their hunters. Survival cannot be achieved by wishful thinking. Continued growth requires huge effort, complete attention and being consistently alert to potential dangers.
All told, he says the transformation occurred when Arab nations embraced the one word that summarizes the essence of their entire civilization: ‘pioneer’. This concept filtered into every aspect of life – in peace, war, administration, science, architecture, trade, medicine, history, industry and diplomacy – becoming a philosophy that led the way. The revolutionary spirit continued unabated, not for two decades or five centuries, but for more than 1,000 years, and created a historic view of the Islamic Arab civilization as pioneers of excellence. Will our leaders learn from the UAE revolution where they too serve the ‘God of Big Things?

There is a negative pattern that has been established by some personages under the canopy of religion with the ultimate aim of spreading falsehood and engendering hate between tribes, tongues and faiths in Nigeria. We are all supposed to bow and tremble before their sanctimonious thrones because theirs is the voice from Above. 

Many analysts still argue about the best nomenclature for the political clerics. Are they politicians hiding under religion or clerics in politics? Whatever be the case, governments have habitually avoided any confrontation with them. And the clerics in question seem to interpret this to mean that they are untouchable and above the law.

Gumi’s Antics

During the Buhari days, Sheik Abubakar Gumi announced himself as the authentic go-between regarding any negotiation with bandits and terrorists in Nigeria. Government played down the issue, although many people thought the sheik was overreaching in posturing as an alternative power centre.

One thing that is clear is that Gumi has his acolytes who jump on his train whenever he makes an intervention in public, no matter how controversial. I am the first person to acknowledge the man’s right to freely express his opinion. However, I do not think he or anyone else hiding under religion has a right to incite adherents of one religion against another as he routinely does.

Anyone who has closely followed political developments in Nigeria knows that ethno-religious baiting is big business, especially in the run-up to elections. Usually, the hot air dissipates as soon as a new government is formed. Not this time!

The other day, Sheik Gumi voiced his displeasure over, among other things, the appointment of a Christian as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and another Christian as the Chief of Defence Staff. He thought the positions should have gone to Muslims because, according to him, Muslims can be trusted to be just and fair in such positions when compared to Christians. Gumi, a medical doctor and soldier before becoming a full time cleric, ought to know the meaning and implication of a fallacy of hasty generalisation (secundum quid et simpliciter). But does he?

To add more fuel to the fire, he exhumes the ghost of the assassination of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the premier of the Northern Region in the first republic and that of Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa who met the same fate, as proof that political and military power should never be ceded by the Northern Muslim to the Southern Christian, except with some extraordinary reassurances and cession of identified important portfolios to the North. His definition of north is, of course, Muslim.

Religion is a very feisty issue in Nigeria and there are people who make a living from either starting a political fire or quenching it. Both ways, there is money or political mileage to be made. Unfortunately for the country, this trend has dealt a serious blow to social cohesion over the years. 

Gumi and his soulmates do not believe in a secular Nigeria. They only stopped short of calling for a coup. They state quite clearly that the duo of President Tinubu and VP Shettima have not properly used their Muslim/Muslim presidential ticket to favour muslims; rather they’ve been appeasing Christians. So, they don’t deserve the backing of muslims. The political clerics flaunt ill-concocted conspiracy theories about a secret alliance with Israeli security forces, tapping into the ongoing Israel/Gaza conflict with the hope of setting Nigerian Muslims against everybody else.

As instigations go, it will take some doing to beat Gumi in his game: The taste of his waspish sermon is in the reading:

On Wike

“The FCT minister (Nyesom Wike) is a EXPLETIVE (edited out). I’ve said so ever since he was appointed. I cannot independently verify, but someone said he was quoted as saying he had already engaged Israeli security, but I can confirm that he said he would invite the Israeli Ambassador to help redesign the security architecture of Abuja to pattern after that of Tel Aviv so that bearded people like us would be hounded and killed on sight because we’ve been stereotyped as Bin Laden.

“Now where are the proponents of the Muslim-Muslim ticket? You guys are hypocrites! Abuja has become a Tel Aviv because the security of a country is the people. Why are you silent? It is because you know what you’re up to.

Security

“Granted, heads of security services are fellow Muslims, but the reality is that those wielding actual commanding power are different. They’re fooling us because they have an agenda, yes there’s an agenda. They’re fooling us, I assure you.

“Look how they took over all the juicy and lucrative positions in the country. And they believe they’ll continue to govern us in the next four years and beyond. They think through their tricks they’ll get re-elected for another four-year term to make eight years in power. But that will not happen while we’re here by the will of God.

“During the (Muhammadu) Buhari presidency, a certain Christian cleric complained that Muslim officers were appointed heads of security organisations. My response was that Muslims would not use that as an advantage to maltreat anyone whether they’re Muslims or non-Muslims. In contrast, if they (Christians) are occupying those positions, they’ll destroy us.

“Check the history, who murdered Sardauna (Sir Ahmadu Bello)? It was Nzeogwu. Who murdered Murtala (Muhammed)? It was (Lt. Col. Buka) Dimka. As for (Ibrahim) Babangida, he narrowly escaped death; who was his aggressor? (Gideon) Orkar, a northern Christian. You see, once you give these people power, they’ll use it to destroy you.

Israel Coming?

“Therefore, make no mistake, once the Israelis are allowed into this country, they’ll carry out clandestine operations; the elimination of prominent Muslim clerics. Why do you think they eliminated Sheikh Jafar (Mahmood Adam)? Why was (Sheikh Muhamman Auwal) Albani murdered? The list of those to be eliminated is endless…

“You want to bring the Mossad into our country? Let Tinubu be told that we’re not oblivious of the plan; we’re aware. He must remove the FCT minister or else he will have us to contend with.

Sometime back during the Jonathan era, I was invited to the DSS headquarters for a meeting; I met an officer who afterwards called to inform me that a hit squad, driving a certain Mercedes Benz 4matic model, was detailed to attack me

“Yet they kept blabbing about Buhari’s so-called nepotism. There was an element of nepotism under Buhari, I reckon. But our (Muslim) nepotism is not evil (wicked) because it does no harm to anyone. If it cannot promote your interest, it won’t harm it either; here is the difference. That’s why I keep warning that power should not slip from our hands into theirs.”

Time To Draw The Line

When there is a fire, you call in the fire brigade. Political fires require a different solution. But rather than sweep matters under the carpet and allow the continued spread of hate, the relevant security agencies should draw the line and call Sheik Gumi and all other clerics, Muslim, Christian, or of any other faith, identified as perpetrating political arson, to cease fire. We are better as a conglomeration of different progressive peoples than as atavistic religious bigots baying for blood.