Rangers International FC of Enugu State have taken a significant step towards global recognition by signing a partnership deal with Switzerland’s FC Schaffhausen.

This groundbreaking collaboration, facilitated by Bold Base, aims to build a legacy of excellence for generations to come, according to the club’s chairman. Amobi Ezeaku.

A statement released on Thursday by the Rangers media team said that Ezeaku disclosed the development after the endorsement of documents at the Swiss club’s base in Schaffhausen on Thursday.

“We are proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration between Rangers International FC and FC Schaffhausen of Switzerland, facilitated by Bold Base. Together we are building a legacy of excellence for generations to come,” Ezeaku said.

As the club continues to make strides in Nigerian football, this partnership is expected to open up new opportunities for growth, development and international exposure.

The Enugu-based club, founded in 1970, has a rich football history and boasts of an impressive record of six Nigerian league titles and three FA Cups.

Ezeaku also thanked the State Governor. Peter Mbah for granting the agreement’s contract.

According to the statement, he emphasised that the collaboration would open doors for the exchange of ideas, talents and transfer of knowledge that will give players, coaches and other staff opportunities to broaden their football knowledge.

F.C Schaffhausen will be opportune to sign talents from Nigeria, becoming an avenue for Nigerian players to showcase themselves on the European football stage.

With this new partnership, Rangers are poised to take their success to the next level, and fans can expect exciting developments in Nigerian football.

[Punch]

Amad Diallo set his sights on making “history” with Manchester United after the Ivory Coast winger signed a new contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2030.’

Diallo has been in impressive form since Ruben Amorim took over as United manager in November, scoring three times in his last six games.

The 22-year-old, whose previous deal had been due to expire at the end of this season, has made 50 appearances and netted nine times since arriving from Atalanta in 2021. 

After loan spells at Rangers and Sunderland raised questions about his future with United, Diallo is finally emerging as one of the club’s brightest young stars.

“I’m really proud to have signed this new contract. I have had some incredible moments with this club already but there is so much more to come,” Amad Diallo said.

“I have huge ambitions in the game and I want to achieve history at Manchester United.

“I have learnt so much since arriving here four years ago. I am very grateful to the coaches and staff who have helped me to develop and to the fans for driving me forward every day.

“It has been a difficult season for everyone, but I fully believe that we are on the right path and the future is going to be really special.

“I am ready to give everything to help the team and make our supporters proud again.”

Diallo scored United’s stoppage-time winner at Manchester City in December and netted their equaliser in the 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday.

Having made just nine appearances in his first three seasons with United, Diallo first earned cult hero status with a late winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup last year.

United’s technical director Jason Wilcox believes Diallo will be a great asset to the club’s long-term future.

“Everyone is delighted with Amad’s development – his quality on the ball, versatility and determination makes him a key part of the future of Manchester United,” Wilcox said.

“The best years of his career are ahead of him and we all look forward to helping Amad to reach his immense potential and achieve success at the club in the coming seasons.”

Despite Diallo’s fine performances, United are languishing in 13th place in the Premier League table with just six wins from 20 top-flight games.

Amorim’s side travel to Arsenal for their FA Cup third round tie on Sunday.

Vanguard News

The Chinese government says it supports Nigeria’s request to increase its currency swap line and its plan to issue panda bonds.

Wang Yi, Chinese foreign affairs minister, spoke to journalists after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa on Thursday.

A currency swap line is an agreement between two central banks to exchange currencies while panda bonds are securities denominated in the Chinese Yuan (renminbi) and issued by a foreign company in China.

China and Nigeria recently renewed their currency swap agreement, valued at 15 billion yuan (approximately $2 billion), to enhance trade and investment between the two nations.

The agreement, valid for three years, aims to strengthen financial cooperation and promote the use of both currencies in bilateral transactions.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Yi said the currency swap agreement “shows how well we have carried out our financial cooperation and sustained its momentum”.

“As with regard to Nigeria’s wish to increase the line of the currency swap we will favourably study and consider the issue, our cooperation is going well in many ways, in terms of finance,” the Chinese minister said.

“For instance, we welcome the panda bonds to be issued. We welcome Nigeria to issue panda bonds in China, because we have full confidence in Nigeria’s credibility.

“And by issuing panda bonds, Nigeria will gain good revenue and the safety is guaranteed through financial support. We are working to contribute to Nigeria’s infrastructure development, in particular, railway.

“Just a few days ago, Chinese banks supported, through financial funds, the building of phase three of the railway modernization project, and it has been delivered. So there are many details that are taking place between our cooperation.”

On January 8, the China Development Bank (CDB) granted a loan of $254.76 million for the construction of the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria.

The CDB said the construction is being carried out by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), with financial backing from the bank.

[TheCable]

‘Titanic’ can mean something that is very big, gigantic or enormous and it was also the name of a ship that sank on its maiden voyage.

When the Titanic sank in 1912 it sank due to a number of avoidable factors: a ship deemed unsinkable that wasn’t fitted with watertight compartments, a ‘unprofessional’ seasoned captain who was apparently bullied into going at full speed through known ice-berg strewn waters, lack of common binoculars for the deck watch and the unavailability of enough life boats for all the passengers.

This all put together, as they say, was a recipe for disaster. Red flags were ignored.

Translating this to President Tinubu’s modern-day Nigeria, the avoidable factors that can sink the country are way too obvious.

Nigerians have long enjoyed the benefits of fuel subsidy. Costly as it is to maintain it’s enabled the economy to keep running by keeping the cost of things low. It’s removal, as can be seen, has created a domino effect, as the experts predicted, resulting in the prices of even the basic commodities skyrocketing as everyone passes on the additional costs. With inflation currently at 32.7% and still rising, things are only going to keep on getting more and more expensive. As a result, the new minimum wage of N70,000 will have less purchasing power than the previous 2021 minimum wage of N30,000. If fuel subsidy removal was meant to boost the economy it has done the opposite and will stagnate any efforts to kickstart it.   

The governments inability to control corruption or severely punish corrupt officials which is robbing the country’s coffers of billions and billions of Naira every year is a stumbling block for development. If a corrupt government official who built 750 houses with stolen funds or an ex-governor accused of misappropriating 80 Billion Naira are allowed to walk around freely, supposedly on bail, without fear of eventual conviction it questions the message the government is sending out to future looters: if the culprits were in Russia or China the outcome will be totally different. 

Even though an austerity economic policy may seem harsh like it was designed to rob Peter to pay Paul, it should be short, sharp hardship with green pastures in the foreseeable future – not ever! A good start will be to cut down on the number of foreign loans being obtained every year as their repayment can take a huge chunk out of the country’s annual income.

The new tax laws are long overdue and it should include that VAT earned in a state stays in that state: so, if your state doesn’t generate any VAT (- such as from the sale of alcohol products) you don’t get to share in what other states have collected.

Insecurity in the country is not something that started yesterday. Previous governments have blood on their hands for not nipping these insurrections in the bud before they grew to become monstrosities. You don’t pat yourself on the back, like the Nigerian Army likes to do believing you have the threat ‘under control’ – you eliminate the threat completely using what ever means necessary. Unless the order [ given by ‘Somebody’] is not to destroy them completely and to quote the late Sani Abacha,”…any insurgency that lasts more than 24 hours, a government official has a hand in it..”, no wonder Boko Haram continues to flourish and bandits like Turji Bello continue to taut the government. When the armed robber Lawrence Anini did something similar in 1986 he was fished out within months, tried and executed.

As I’ve written before the Nigerian Police Force is long past its sell by date and considering the ever growing population of Nigeria with its associated acts of anti-social behaviour its time to seriously consider devolving the NPF into state-run outfits. The growing popularity of state-run security outfits, such as Amotekun, proves this is feasible and effective.

Considering the fact the country is going through severe economic hardship the President, himself, should curb frivolous spending where possible: no more new Presidential yachts or planes ( - that includes the new one for the VP), a cap on ridiculous-no-real-job SA and SSA appointments and most important of all a cap on ALL politicians salaries and perks ( - which is to say if politicians are patriotic enough they’ll agree to a pay cut, forgo some of their benefits and pay for their own jaunts abroad). Implementing the Steve Oronsaye Report which recommends merging and closing of ministries etc that has been passed over by every President since President Goodluck commissioned it in 2011 will cut government operating costs even further. This should not just be at Presidential level but extended to all the states: this will not just streamline the bloated and largely inefficient civil service but will also weed out ghost workers and white elephant project.

The ‘japa’ movement which the government is trying to discourage should be allowed to continue. It’s morally wrong for a government that can’t provide suitable employment for its citizens to try and prevent them from seeking opportunities abroad : ‘japa’ is not just limited to Nigerians, it’s a worldwide phenomenon. People, British, American ,Filipinos, are migrating worldwide to where ever there are opportunities for them to prosper. That’s the way the world works now: nobody is going to stay in a ‘sh*t-hole’ country if there are no opportunities for them to grow. Scr3w patriotism! It’s every man for himself! So, if a country can’t provide adequate employment opportunities people will pack their bags and ‘japa’! And if you restrict them from leaving the country what are they going to do? Get up to mischief – 419, cultism, kidnapping!

These same people send money back to their home countries all the time: Nigerians in diaspora in 2023 alone sent home more than $19.5 Billion Dollars. This is a huge injection of foreign currency for a country that desperately needs it.

So, just like the Titanic the warning signs are there and the inevitable that will happen should they be ignored. The question is which way is President Tinubu going to go. This is what I call the ‘Titanic Wahala’, ignore the obvious and the proverbial will hit the fan, sooner or later.

The government of Ghana recognised the Sahara Arab Democratic Republic led by the Polisario Front in 1979. Since then, the government and people of Ghana have joined progressive forces in the world to mount pressure on the Kingdom of Morocco to recognise the rights of the people of Western Sahara to self- determination.

Even though Morocco has not halted the illegal occupation of the territory of Western Sahara, the Government of Ghana was reported to have suspended relations with the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic on January 6, 2024.

The decision is contemptuous of the judgment of the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights delivered on September 22, 2022. In the historic judgment, the Court upheld the rights of the people of Western Sahara to self -determination guaranteed by article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

The Court also noted that, in view of the fact that part of the SADR’s territory was still under occupation by Morocco, there was no question that State Parties to the Charter have an obligation, individually and collectively, towards the people of SADR to protect their right to self-determination, particularly, by providing assistance in their struggle for freedom and by not recognising Morocco’s occupation and any human rights violation that might have resulted from such occupation.

The case was filed by Mr. Bernard Mornah, a national of the Republic of Ghana and the Chairman of the Convention of People’s Party (CPP). The Applicant had filed the case against eight (8) State Parties to the Protocol, that is, the Republic of Benin, Burkina Faso, Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, Republic of Ghana, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Tunisia (the Respondent States). Our law firm handled the case pro bono for the Applicant in solidarity with the colonised people of Western Sahara.

The Respondents were the member states of the African Union that had complied with article 34(6) of the Protocol of the establishment of the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights which allows individuals and NGOs to access the African Court. Mr. Bernard Mornah (the Applicant) The arguments of Ghana and other Respondents canvassed in favour of the Kingdom of Morocco were rejected by the African Court.

The Court reiterated that the Republic of Ghana and other Respondent States, and indeed, all State Parties to the African Charter and the Protocol, as well as all Member States of the AU, have the responsibility under international law, to find a permanent solution to the occupation and to ensure the enjoyment of the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara and not to do anything that would give recognition to such occupation as lawful ori impede their enjoyment of this right.

By suspending relations with the leadership of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Party on the ground of the “good-faith efforts made by the Kingdom of Morocco to reach a solution accepted by all parties", the Government of Ghana has treated the valid and subsisting judgment of the African Court with absolute contempt.

We, therefore, urge the new John Mahama administration to reverse the contemptuous decision taken on the eve of the departure of the last regime. In the words of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the a leading light of the independence movement in Africa: “The independence of Ghana is meaningless until it is linked to the total liberation of Africa.”
The independence of SADR will be a historical continuation of that total liberation envisioned by Nkrumah and other heroes of genuine freedom of Africa.

In every functional democracy, the role of opposition is sacrosanct. It is a critical pillar that ensures accountability, promotes debate, and provides alternative perspectives to governance. Without a strong and viable opposition, a democratic system risks descending into authoritarianism or unchecked governance. Against this backdrop, recent developments surrounding the alleged threat to the life of Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, raise serious concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria.

Mr. Peter Obi’s allegation, made in a post on X (formerly Twitter), pointed to Mr. Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing him of crossing the line and threatening dire consequences. Although Morka has since denied the allegation, stating that he neither threatened Obi nor any member of his family, the issue has ignited widespread commentary and skepticism. For many observers, the denial is far from reassuring. This incident not only puts the spotlight on the dangers of political intolerance but also highlights the indispensability of opposition in a democracy.

Opposition parties are the heartbeat of any democracy. They scrutinize government policies, hold the ruling party accountable, and provide alternative governance blueprints. They act as the voice of the people who do not align with the ruling party, ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented in the political discourse. The opposition’s freedom to operate without intimidation or threat is essential for maintaining a healthy balance of power.

When members of the opposition are silenced, threatened, or harassed, it creates an environment of fear that stifles dissent and undermines the democratic process. Such a scenario does not bode well for a country like Nigeria, where democracy is still maturing and political tensions often run high.

The allegation by Peter Obi and the subsequent denial by Felix Morka reflect the deep political divides in Nigeria. While it is important to approach such allegations with caution and a commitment to uncovering the truth, it is equally crucial to acknowledge the context in which they occur. Nigeria’s political landscape is often characterized by animosity and vitriol, making it imperative to address even the slightest hint of a threat with seriousness.

For many commentators, Morka’s denial has not quelled fears. The history of political intimidation in Nigeria provides ample reason for skepticism. Allegations of threats, whether substantiated or not, should prompt a thorough investigation to ensure that no one, regardless of their political affiliation, feels unsafe or marginalized for expressing their views or contesting elections.

Political intolerance is a cancer that eats away at the fabric of democracy. When opposition figures are labeled as enemies or threats to national stability, it creates a toxic environment where constructive criticism is equated with treason. This mindset is dangerous and counterproductive.

Threats, whether direct or implied, have far-reaching consequences. They not only endanger the lives of individuals but also discourage participation in the political process. Aspiring leaders who see the opposition as a death sentence may opt to stay away from politics altogether, depriving the nation of potential leaders with innovative ideas and genuine intentions to serve.

The alleged threat to Peter Obi’s life, if proven true, is a grim reminder of the dangers faced by opposition leaders in Nigeria. It underscores the urgent need for a shift in political culture, one that prioritizes dialogue over confrontation and mutual respect over hostility.

Given the gravity of the situation, it is expedient to call Felix Morka to order, not just to address Peter Obi’s allegation but to set a precedent that political intolerance will not be tolerated. Even if Morka’s denial is taken at face value, the mere fact that such an allegation was made should prompt introspection within the APC and other political parties.

The ruling party has a responsibility to create an environment where opposition figures can operate without fear. This responsibility includes holding its members accountable for their words and actions. Morka, as the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, holds a position of influence. His statements and conduct should reflect a commitment to democratic values, including respect for opposition leaders.

Calling Morka to order does not equate to vilifying him. Instead, it is a call for accountability and a reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of democracy. It is an opportunity for the APC to demonstrate that it is committed to fostering a political climate where all voices can be heard and respected.

The opposition is not a threat to democracy; it is its lifeblood. In countries where democracy thrives, opposition parties are seen as partners in governance, not adversaries to be silenced. Nigeria must embrace this perspective if it is to overcome its political challenges and build a more inclusive and participatory democratic system.

Peter Obi’s role as an opposition leader is critical to Nigeria’s democracy. His ability to challenge the status quo, propose alternative policies, and represent a segment of the population that feels marginalized by the ruling party is indispensable. Any attempt to undermine his efforts, whether through threats, intimidation, or other means, is an affront to democracy itself.

To address the current issue and prevent future occurrences, several steps must be taken. And the first step to be taken should be through investigation. Without resorting to taking sides on this issue in this context, the allegation by Peter Obi should be thoroughly investigated by independent and impartial authorities. This will not only establish the truth but also send a message that threats against opposition leaders will not be tolerated.

Again, another step to be taken is that of strengthening democratic institutions. In fact, Nigeria’s democratic institutions must be empowered to protect the rights of all citizens, including opposition figures. This includes ensuring that the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and electoral bodies operate without bias or external influence.

In a similar vein, there is the need for the promotion of political tolerance. Given the foregoing backdrop, political parties and their members must be educated on the importance of tolerance and respect for opposing views. This can be achieved through workshops, public awareness campaigns, and stricter enforcement of rules governing political conduct.

Also in a similar vein is the need of holding leaders accountable. Therefore, political leaders must be held accountable for their statements and actions. This includes taking disciplinary action against party members who engage in behavior that undermines democratic principles.

Added to the above highlighted steps is that of fostering dialogue. In fact, platforms for dialogue between ruling and opposition parties should be established to promote understanding and cooperation. Such platforms can help reduce tensions and create a more harmonious political environment.

The alleged threat to Peter Obi’s life and the subsequent denial by Felix Morka highlight the challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy. While the truth of the allegation remains to be determined, the incident underscores the need for political tolerance, respect for opposition, and a commitment to democratic values.

Opposition is not an enemy to be defeated; it is a partner in governance. Therefore, calling Morka to order is not just about addressing a specific allegation; it is about reaffirming the principles of democracy and ensuring that Nigeria remains a country where diverse voices can thrive. In a democracy, opposition is indispensable, and its survival is a testament to the strength of the system.

Nigeria has called on the United Nations to investigate the funding and training of the Boko Haram terrorists.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, made the call in a recent interview he had with Al-Jazeera.

Musa said there was international flow of funding for the terrorists, stressing the need for the UN to come in to trace and track it.

The defence chief, who questioned how the insurgents had sustained themselves for 15 years, also fingered international conspiracy in providing the terrorists with funds, training and equipment.

Daily Trust reports that the CDS’ call on the international community for investigation came at the wake of a new trick by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists who are now deploying drones for surveillance ahead of launching attacks on security operatives.

Responding to a question on why Boko Haram has kept regrouping despite the claims by the federal government that the sect has been degraded, the CDS said: “The problem is that I think we have talked to the international community. Let’s find out the funding. As we speak, over 120,000 Boko Haram members have surrendered, and most of them came with hard currency. How did they get it? How are they funded? How did they get the training? How did they get the equipment?

“The UN needs to come in because we need to trace the funding. It is international flow, and we don’t have control over that,” he said.

Asked what his suspicion was, the defence chief said: “Well, maybe an international conspiracy… How are they being able to sustain themselves for 15 years? That is one question I think everybody should ask themselves.”

The defence chief, however, said he did not know whose interest it is to see Nigeria destabilized.

He noted that Nigeria is not the only country dealing with the asymmetric warfare.

“West Africa, the Sahelian area, and in fact, if actions are not taken, it is going to engulf the entire world.

“We are just good guys just trying to make sure that our country is secured, and then, some individuals seem not to be happy about it, and doing everything possible to throw us under the bus for whatever reasons…I have been in service for almost 33 years. Anytime we seem to be succeeding, somebody throws something at us, and the question is: why? Is it because we are succeeding or you don’t want the country to move forward? What is the aim? What’s the intent? That is the question we are asking.”

He also stated that the difficulty in getting equipment was one of the reasons the insurgency had not been wiped out.

“We have a procurement procedure which is being followed. And to also state that even with our monies at times, we find it difficult getting equipment. And the question is: why? One of the reasons why this insurgency has been for this long is because we have been denied access to equipment. Even when we have our monies to get it, it is difficult,” he said.

On why the military had been denied access to equipment, he said: “Well, I really don’t understand. It is a question that we keep on asking, why are we being denied?

“Our government is doing the best it can. But as an international system, like I said, we don’t produce (equipment), we need to buy. So, going to buy is sometimes a bit difficult, getting these items.”

Asked whether Nigeria has any foreign bases on its soil, the CDS exclaimed: “Not at all! We do not encourage any foreign bases. We have the capacity to secure our country, to secure the sub-region and to assist Africa. We have that capacity.

“All we need is to continue to do joint training, which we do, get equipment that we need to help us project these wars,” he said.

FG should send probe request to global community – Expert

In an interview with Daily Trust yesterday, a security sector reform expert, Chukwuma Ume, urged the federal government to consider a formal application to the UN for an investigation into the terrorists’ funding.

He said the government must show the willingness to invited the international community for such an investigation.

“Nothing is wrong with the CDS said in seeking the support of the UN…World over, when any country has issues with man-made issues or natural disaster, you seek support, capacity, intervention and even intelligence from other members of the international communities.

“Yes, it is something in the right direction, but it shouldn’t just stop at that action, and I’m sure the CDS is more than capable, and very knowledgeable of how to go about this. Most senior officers in the Nigerian military have international exposure.

“They must have gone on a peacekeeping mission to one or two other international assignments. I believe they are very vast and knowledgeable on how to table something like this. It is a request that should be matched with actions.

“The international community would also want to see your actions, they would also want to be encouraged by your human rights compliance records vis-a-vis your ability or intention to put in place good governance.

“In other words, if the government is making this request, they (UN) would want the government to show demonstrable efforts in terms of good governance, in terms of human rights compliance, in terms of all rules of engagements, how much are they complying with rules of engagements?

Military confirms 6 soldiers, 34 terrorists killed in Borno attack

The military high command yesterday broke its silence on the Saturday’s attack on it Forward Operating Base, Sabon Gari Area in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

It confirmed that six soldiers lost their lives during the encounter; while 34 terrorists, who had attempted to surprise the troops and retaliate the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops, were also killed.

Responding to Daily Trust’s enquiry Wednesday morning, Director, Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, said most of the bodies being recovered were those of the terrorists who were wasted by the gallant troops.

He said the terrorists were neutralised by the air component of Operation HADIN KAI when it conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorists.

He said the Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were killed and their weapons recovered.

He said though the vigilante commander got injured when he stepped on Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the timely arrival of reinforcement overpowered the terrorists.

He said: “On 4 January 2025, an unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motorcycles and gun trucks engaged troops deployed in Sabon Gari Village of Damboa LGA of Borno State in a fire fight.

“The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops. The terrorists were taken unaware, when troops fighting patrol returning to the Base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced.

“Additionally, troops reinforcement team comprised of elements of Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilante as well as hybrid forces timely arrived the scene to overpower the terrorists.

“Furthermore, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorists.  Battle Damage Assessment revealed several killed terrorists and recovered weapons.

“On the whole, 34 terrorist were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons recovered. Troops also recovered with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunitions. Sadly, 6 personnel were killed in action.”

He appealed to the media and Nigerians to respect non-disclosure of the names of killed-in-action personnel to allow administrative procedures of notifying their Next of Kin.

He said on the whole, the Armed Forces of Nigeria was profoundly conscious of its role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation, adding that troops remained committed to the course of defeating the terrorists.

[DailyTrust]

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has said he is not worried about being re-elected in 2027.

Yusuf said he would serve a second term as governor if it’s the will of Allah.

He spoke in Kano, where he warned against making inciting statements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Yusuf: “What I am worried about is not re-election. I am more concerned about delivering the dividends of democracy on the mandate given to me in this first tenure.

“I want the good people of Kano to judge me by my performance at the end of this tenure.

“We know those people, who were massively rejected in both 2019 and 2023. We won against them at a time when we had no political office— not even a councillorship seat. But Allah made it possible for us to win with a landslide victory.

“I am destined to be a Governor. It is my total belief and submission to the will of Allah that if He so wills, I will serve a second term. If not, I won’t. So why should I bother myself.”

However, Yusuf vowed to resist pressure on his mandate, stressing that his work speak for him.

“My performance will speak for me, not political pressure,” he said.

[DailyPost]

Six months have passed since the Nigerian government vowed to tackle the country's soaring food prices. However, citizens are yet to see any tangible results from the promised intervention.

Despite assurances from officials, the cost of staple foods remains prohibitively high, leaving many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.

The government's pledge to address the issue was welcomed with optimism, but as the weeks turned into months, hopes began to dwindle.

With no significant decrease in food prices, many are left wondering what became of the government's plan to ameliorate the situation.

As the wait continues, Nigerians are growing increasingly frustrated, calling on the government to take concrete action to address the crisis and provide relief to those struggling to afford basic necessities.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food security, Abubakar Kyari, announced the plans then on his verified X handle in July last year.

Kyari had stated that the measures would be implemented over the next 180 days with the expectation to reduce soaring prices of food items.

The Minister explained that the initiatives included a 150-day Duty-Free import window for food commodities, suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on imports of specific food commodities, including maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpea, through land and sea borders.

“Our administration has unveiled a series of strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting our nation. These measures will be implemented over the next 180 days.

“They include; 150-day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through land and sea borders. These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpea,” the Minister said.

Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, a veteran of war, and proponent of ‘do or die politics’ that sees politics as war by other means, is set for war against NNPCL. Obasanjo, a formidable opponent with intimidating credentials is an adversary who says “nothing embarrasses him”, a warrior who routinely cuts deals with enemies of his enemies, or “an incredible opportunist” to borrow retired Brigadier General Alabi Isama’s phrase in his “Tragedy of Victory’. NNPCL must also be warned that Obasanjo is a fighter who in the words of his friend, Andrew Young, former US permanent representatives at the United Nations (UN), “pursues his goals with great tenacity without caring about who he made mad”.

But this is not to discourage NNPCL; I will in fact encourage NNPCL to accept Chief Obasanjo’s challenge. After all, it is not as if NNPCL, regarded by many as ‘a cesspool of corruption, an organization deficit in character and honour and the scourge of Nigerian fuel consumers has much to lose in a battle over honour. It was only  two days ago that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) was asking through its letter dated January 4 that the Group Chief Executive Officer of the body, Mele Kyari, to explain the disappearance of over N825 billion and $2.5 billion allegedly deducted from crude oil sales between 2020 and 2021 ostensibly for refinery repairs.

All Obasanjo – who cannot stand being proved to be imperfect – wants is for NNPCL to stake its honour by confirming that Port Harcourt and Warri refineries are indeed working. And now with  a television station mischievously waking up trouble that was hitherto deep asleep, the die is cast. It is one more opportunity for a vindictive Obasanjo to prove he alone is infallible, the fact he tried hard to establish in his war memoir “My Command” and in his “Olusegun Obasanjo, The Presidential Legacy 1999-2007”.

His current battle is anchored on the following syllogism: He had as president invited Shell International to buy equity or run our refineries for us on its own terms, offers Shell turned down. Aliko Dangote, the apple of his eyes, was able to put a team together and offered government $750m to run the refineries on Public/Private Partnership basis (PPP) His successor, the late Umaru Yar’Adua refunded Dangote’s money following undertaking by NNPCL to manage the refineries. NNPCL ended up frittering away billons of naira without giving relief to Nigerians since he, Obasanjo left office. Therefore, NNPCL’s claim that both Port Harcourt and Warri refineries are now working cannot be true.

Obasanjo might have not provided enough empirical facts to validate its thesis beyond NNPCL’s past records which seem to provide additional ammunition to consolidate what Obasanjo considers as an unassailable position.

But that was until Femi Falana, the respected human rights lawyer, who besides Obasanjo who wears his “PDP’s award of ‘Father of Nigeria’ title like St Christopher’s cross, is in my opinion, one Nigerian, that is deserving of being called “Mr. Nigeria”, stepped in to provide the missing link.

According to him, the cancellation of the federal  government’ Public, Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement for the management of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries approved by the Obasanjo government in 2007 was attributed to the questionable circumstances surrounding the deal. First, it was alleged that Obasanjo “in utter breach” of the Privatisation and Commercialisation Act, side-lined Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), and “took over the privatisation of a number of public enterprises.”

These include Obasanajo’s sale on May 17, 2007 of a 51% stake in the Port Harcourt refinery to Bluestar Oil for US$561 million and on May 28, 2007, sales of 51% shares in Kaduna Refinery at a cost of $160m to the same Bluestar, a consortium of three domestic companies, including Dangote Oil, Zenon Oil and Transcorp in which Obasanjo had acquired large shares through ‘blind trust.’

Scandalously, the deals were consummated in the last days of the Obasanjo administration despite the four-day protests by National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) which also alleged that the nation had been short-changed as the shares acquired in the Port Harcourt refinery for $516 million were worth US$5 billion.

Obasanjo’s case is not helped by the National Assembly awful report on the privatization programme he supervised. The World Bank for instance had defined privatization as a programme for middle-income countries ‘with a competitive market, a market-friendly environment with a good capacity to regulate. But as victims of cultural imperialism that ape everything, including policy thrust that have no chance of survival in our own environment, our leaders sheepishly followed Britain and France’s privatisation of the eighties.

First to be launched was the Babangida’s Privatisation and Commercialisation Act of 1988, the Bureau of Public Enterprises Act of 1993 and Obasanjo’s Privatisation and Commercialisation Act of 1999. They were all doomed to fail.

We don’t need any other proof than the 7th Senate report of November 30, 2011 which directed that the National Council on Privatization rescind the sale of Abuja International Hotels Limited (Nicon Luxury Hotel) for failure of the core investor to deliver on  some of the fundamental provision of the Share Purchase Agreement/Post Acquisition Plan; that the sales of assets of Daily Times Nigeria Pic by Folio Communications Limited and its directors should be investigated by anti-graft agencies and the sold assets recovered; that the former Directors-General, Nasir El-Rufai, Julius Bala and Irene Nkechi Chigbue be reprimanded for seeking approval directly from the president instead of the NCP as stipulated in the Public Enterprises Act 1999; and that   the Director-General, BPE, Ms Bolanle Onagoruwa be relieved of her appointment for gross incompetence in the management of the Bureau of Public Enterprises and for illegal and fraudulent sale of the 5 % FGN residual shares in Eleme Petrochemicals Company Limited (EPCL).

Privatisation of the power sector by President Jonathan, his godson was also a rip-off. In August 2013, 15 companies made up of 10 Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and five Generation Companies (GENCOs) paid $2.238b to take over 60% of unbundled PHCN after an injection of between $8-$15b of tax payer’s money.

Commenting on this on the occasion of the 11th Bola Tinubu Colloquium that took place in Abuja, Tinubu had then observed that “The PDP administration shared our generation, distribution and transmission to their friends and cronies without very deep and thoughtful research and evaluation. It has now become pork chops. It was his view that “for a more constructive reform to improve generation, transmission and distribution, “the privatisation must be reviewed”.

Unlike our one-eyed kings who had no faith in themselves, it is on record that Obafemi Awolowo and his colleagues who laid the foundation for the Western Region, today regarded as the most educated part of Africa; Ahmadu Bello, who put together the biggest business conglomerate in Africa, south of Sahara and Michael Okpara and his group credited with running the fastest growing economy in the world in the early sixties, did not quarrel with  the economic model foisted on them by the colonial masters. All they did was to adapt mixed-economy model/public enterprises to the peculiarities of their own environment and the special needs of their people.

It was also unfortunately lost on our one-eyed kings that we have no capitalists in Nigeria but parasitic elites who have no stakes beyond taking whatever they can get from the state. We see this play out daily with importers of labour of other societies including substandard goods and drugs while thousands of our highly qualified youths scrambled abroad in search of greener pastures. We also see this among unpatriotic sponsors of violent armed immigrant herdsmen who illegally occupy our ungoverned forests in the north from where they visit periodic violence on subsistence farmers, killing, maiming and sending survivors to IDP camps while houses, farm lands and villages are forcefully taken over.

Whereas Western societies are owned by powerful individual capitalists who in early eighties under Margaret Thatcher decided that public enterprises had fulfilled its historical mission of repositioning the impoverished poor of the post World1 and 11 period as average workers  Their historic mission was to guarantee system survival without posing a threat to the highly stratified class social system by being able to build a house without mortgage or sending your children to the university without loan.

And for Obasanjo and his crusading colleagues who falsely claim ‘for our today they sacrificed their tomorrow’, we now know patriotism sometimes is not without altruism. It was Babangida, who annulled the most credible election in our nation’s history, in order to remain in power or swap position with Abacha, who put and sustained him in power through military coups. Obasanjo’s boys also spoke of alleged bribe with tons of naira stocked in ‘Ghana must go’ bags in pursuit of derailed third term agenda, Obasanjo has continued to deny.