How can I forget? On April 22, 1990, Major Gideon Orkar announced the overthrow of Gen Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime which he described in choice words as “dictatorial, corrupt, drug-baronish, deceitful”. In those days, every coup speech was welcomed with enthusiasm. Every new administration was seen as the dawn of a golden era. Orkar made promises many southern activists and opinion leaders love till this day, calling the coup “a well-conceived and executed revolution for the marginalised, oppressed and enslaved peoples of the Middle Belt and the South with a view to freeing ourselves and children yet unborn from eternal slavery and colonisation by a clique”.

Orkar announced “on behalf of the patriotic and well-meaning peoples of the Middle Belt and the Southern parts of this country” that the new regime, named “National Ruling Council”,  would lay a strong “egalitarian foundation” for “the real democratic take-off”. To achieve this, he said five states had been “temporarily” excised from Nigeria: Sokoto (today’s Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara), Kano (Kano and Jigawa), Bauchi (Bauchi and Gombe), Borno (Borno and Yobe) and Katsina “to end the northern feudalistic and aristocratic quest for domination”. He said all their citizens were suspended from private and public offices and they should return to their states “within one week from today”.

At Dele Giwa Square, University of Lagos, hundreds of students gathered after the coup announcement. My friend and I went there to see the drama playing out as tension gripped the nation. A student appeared on the podium with a new map of Nigeria. Kwara had been chopped off! My friend and I were from Kwara (before I was transferred to Kogi state in 1991). My friend whispered to me in Yoruba: “Simon, jek’a ma lo o. Won ni aki ns’ara won!” (“Simon, let’s start going. They say we are not part of them!”) Even Benue, Orkar’s own state, had been wiped off the map by the exuberant cartographer. The map had only southern states. The coup, in any case, was foiled.

That friend of mine is Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, now the director-general of National Orientation Agency (NOA), a government body charged with fostering unity and national development through citizen enlightenment and engagement. Issa-Onilu and I had met at the Kwara Poly in 1987 where we studied for two years for A Levels, but we were mostly football-discussing pals, nothing more. We shared two subjects — economics and government — and attended some classes together. But when I got into the University of Lagos in 1989, we ran into each other — the “you again?” moment. It turned out we were going to study the same course. Our friendship was instantly reignited.

We were similar but different — and this has nothing to do with tongue or religion. He always wanted to serve in government and was also interested in prompting national values, patriotism, national unity and such like. I was also a preacher of patriotism and national unity, but, unlike him, I was not interested in being part of government or politics. All I ever wanted was to be a journalist. And for life. I remembered when I filled my JAMB form, mass communication was my first, second and third choices. Issa-Onilu and I also differed on our views about Babangida: he believed there was something good about his policies and his message of patriotism. For me, Babangida was bad news.

I initially loved Babangida when he became military president in 1985. I even sketched a portrait of him which was published by the Nigerian Herald on March 1, 1986. But as soon as he introduced SAP and the prices of essential commodities went haywire, I began to dislike him. I admit that my knowledge of economic policy was very limited then, but I believed his policies were too harsh and that he set out to punish the poor. I remember composing a song (I used to think I could sing in those days) with these lines: “Dem give us SFEM/Dem give us SAP/Dem drain our blood/We’re still alive/ Dem give us SFEM/Dem give us SAP/Dem drain our blood/We’ll still survive”. I was not a fan of SAP.

Despite our opposing positions on Babangida and politics, Issa-Onilu and I loved Nigeria. I find it surreal that not only has he ended up in politics, he has also been saddled with the responsibility of promoting patriotism and national values. I do not envy him. How do you preach national unity in a country bitterly divided along ethno-religious and regional lines which the Orkar coup speech amplified and which continue to define us as a people? How do you preach national values in a country ravaged by official corruption, low public morale and discontent? How do you preach moral values in a country where wealth without work has been so normalised? That is quite an assignment!

Recently, I wrote an article, ‘Let’s be Kind to Nigeria, Please!’ — basically pleading that we should not take joy in talking down on our country and amplifying only bad news about us while neglecting the good things also happening around us. I said we can dislike the president but still love our country. After reading it, Issa-Onilu called me up and shared his takes with me. We ended up having a long chat. He then told me about the National Values Charter (NVC) that the NOA has developed “to help redirect all Nigerians, irrespective of class, ethnicity, and religion, to the ideals and values for which we were traditionally known and that were used to build our various societies and their institutions”.

He said the “7 for 7” NVC is divided into two: the Nigerian Promise and the Citizen’s Commitment to the Nigerian State. The Nigerian Promise is the seven core promises of Nigeria (represented by elected leaders) to the citizens. He said the Nigerian state owes Nigerians seven promises: equality, meaning all privileges, opportunities and rights apply to all without exemption; democracy, or democratisation of governance dividends to all; entrepreneurship and employment, by promoting innovation and creativity to create jobs; peace and security, to keep everyone safe; inclusivity, for all classes of Nigerians; freedom and justice for all; and promoting meritocracy above “connections”.

On the other hand, he said, Nigerians owe their country seven things: discipline, by obeying the rules, etc; duty of care by looking out for one another and participating in their community; tolerance and respect, through harmonious co-existence; leadership by example in our little corners; transparency and accountability in our dealings; environmental awareness by living, thinking and acting sustainably; and resilience, cultivated through pride and perseverance as individuals and as communities through the thick and thin. The citizenship code is quite a lot to take in, sure. He summed it up by saying the proper definition of citizenship is to be found in those seven core values.

NOA has already taken the campaign to schools, starting with a debate on university campuses with special focus on the balance between government promises and citizens’ responsibilities in nation-building. It came with cash prices and training opportunities. The initiative seeks to create a generation of value-conscious leaders who will promote national unity and strengthen our collective identity. There are plans to incorporate citizenship studies into the curriculum and launch citizens’ brigades in elementary schools, which I think is the right target if we want to produce new Nigerians. It will be too challenging trying to re-orientate Nigerians who harbour 1914, 1960 or 1966 mindsets.

For me, I believe we can build a new Nigeria. However, I believe we cannot build a new Nigeria without new Nigerians. We need a new generation of thinkers and opinion leaders who will see beyond their primordial cocoons, who will create a big picture. National integration and cohesion can help drive peace and progress, as we have seen in many parts of the world — including Rwanda that went through a genocide 30 years ago — but there are many Nigerians who dearly believe the way forward is ethnic chauvinism and balkanisation. It is the same toxic mindset that got us into this bind in the first place. I know these people have their reasons, but extremism does not solve problems.

By the way, I have my own misgivings about Nigeria. I have issues with certain practices, certain structures, certain notions. But, as I have been arguing on this page for 22 years, our fundamental problems go beyond the popular diagnosis of “1914”. How many African countries that were not “amalgamated” are better off? Moreso, every country is an artificial creation. Some chose to work with their realities and became success stories. If they can, we too can. We are victims of political mismanagement and the relentless manipulation of primitive sentiments for political gain. My critics think I say these things to portray myself as a patriot. No. I say them because I believe them.

I know that ordinary Nigerians suffer from the same afflictions of misgovernance: poverty and disease. The system is heavily rigged against them. They feed on crumbs, no matter their region or religion. As Lagbaja sang, “Me and you no be enemy/We suppose to be family/Na wetin you dey find I dey find.” The NVC makes sense to me because it is not just about the responsibilities of the citizens to Nigeria but also the duties of the leadership to the citizens. Will Nigerians embrace it? Will it get the buy-in of the critical political authorities? Most importantly, if Nigeria fails to deliver on the obligations, what can we do? Issa-Onilu and his NOA team have an unenviable task in their hands.

AND FOUR OTHER THINGS…

ONE LOVE

Governor Alex Otti of Abia state just gladdened my heart: he appointed Mr Benjamin Ojeikere from Edo state as the head of civil service. This high-level appointment of a non-indigene encourages me yet again to keep dreaming that national integration is possible. I am a pro-integration Nigerian. I am anti-balkanisation. Therefore, when things like this happen, I am encouraged to keep pursuing my mantra: that Nigerians do not hate one another as it appears. It is politics that divides us. To be sure, these cross-border appointments have been happening for years but they are in fits and starts and not widespread enough. I look forward to the day it will become a norm, not an exception. Progress.

MIDDLE ROAD

After much spat, the states have reached a common ground on the new sharing formula for VAT which had stalled the passage of the tax reform bills. The current VAT vertical formula allocates 15 percent to federal government, 50 percent to states, and 35 percent to LGAs. States share their slice on a horizontal ratio of 50:30:20 — equality, population, derivation. The new vertical proposal was 10 percent to federal government, 55 percent to states and 35 percent for LGAs. States were to use a horizontal ratio of 20:20:60 — equality, population, derivation — for their own share. A resolution has been reached to use 50:20:30. We can now kill the tension and move forward. Compromise.

GOOD RIDDANCE

Hon. Mudashiru Obasa was surprisingly removed as the speaker of the Lagos state house of assembly on Monday and replaced with Hon Mojisola Meranda, who is now the first female speaker in the state. Obasa impeached? Who saw that coming? I don’t know him and I have never interacted with him but, somehow, I have never been his fan. My attitude to him was worsened by his response to allegations that he awarded contracts running into hundreds of millions to a “female friend”. His response was “nina lowo” — meaning “money is meant to be spent”. I was so enraged. Lagos does not joke with collecting our taxes and its principal officials still talk down on us like this? Arrogant.

NO COMMENT

Senator Ali Ndume is one of the most outspoken senators and has been very critical of the policies of President Tinubu. He was very vocal over the tax reform bills, which he says would marginalise the north. These bills are at the heart of a major policy thrust of the Tinubu administration and the president wanted to push them through despite strong opposition. Ndume, also a member of the president’s party, was recently spotted at Jummah prayers shaking hands with Tinubu and grinning from ear to ear. He later said Tinubu is his mentor and that he only criticises his policies, not his personality — meaning he was shouting at someone he could have whispered to. Wonderful.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Adewale Adeniyi, the 14th Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on his 59th birthday, January 19, 2025.

The President commends Adeniyi for his pivotal role since taking leadership of the Customs Service in June 2023. Under his guidance, the agency has witnessed significant progress through the steady digitalisation and automation of its operations, a renewed commitment to professionalism, and an uplift in officers' morale, enhancing high performance.

His leadership has enabled the NCS to surpass revenue targets substantially and bolstered trade facilitation, yielding widespread positive effects on the national economy.

President Tinubu applauds the innovative anti-smuggling strategies initiated by the Customs Chief. These strategies encompass equipping the youth with new skills for alternative livelihood opportunities, fostering engagements with traditional institutions, and nurturing a culture of effective communication and mutual respect.

The President recognises the Comptroller-General's other notable achievements, including the remarkable seizures of arms and ammunition and the revitalisation of the Comptroller-General's Annual Conference, which aims to assess and enhance the agency's operations.

President Tinubu affirms that Adeniyi's extensive experience of over 30 years in service and adaptability to change has greatly enriched the Customs Service.

The President offers prayers for divine wisdom, robust health, and continued strength for Comptroller-General Adeniyi as he serves the nation.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)

The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to some fake news on social media about an arbitration proceeding in Paris to which the Nigerian Government is a party.

The private proceeding, which should not have been reported in the media, is entirely confidential until the international arbitrators decide.

While respecting the confidentiality of the proceeding, we wish to state categorically that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not forced anyone to testify for or to refrain from testifying against Nigeria.

All the eminent Nigerians involved in Nigeria’s defence are doing so willingly and out of sheer patriotism and conviction.

President Tinubu and the entire country are grateful to them.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)

My chambers makes this intervention  in the public domain as Solicitors to Diezani Alison-Madueke ( DAM ),the former Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources (HMPR). As her Solicitors, we are fully versed in and conversant with her present ordeal and the entire facts surrounding her matters both here in Nigeria and abroad. So, we write from the vantage position of one that is aware of the cocktail of lies that have been spurned around her cases in the last ten years. Many of the narratives are outrightly false; some others sheer outlandish speculations; and most, simply bizzare stories cooked up by her traducers to extract a Shylock's pound of flesh from her for reasons she does not know and cannot even fathom. This intervention therefore seeks to correct this skewed narrative and set the records straight for purposes of history. Many Nigerians often talk about wanting ‘technocrats’ to be involved in governance. They desire that people with character and integrity should join politics. We agree with them. However and regrettably too, now and again and many a time, the same people not only allow, but  but actually join the bandwagon to mob-lynch those who chose to serve the nation. And we often do this insidiously, covertly and overtly, even when there is no concrete or even any iota of proof that such public officers ever abused their offices or stole from public coffers. It is therefore surprising and of great concern to us, to see the level of sustained vilification of an innocent Nigerian citizen who has not yet been tried and found guilty of any offence known to law by any court of law whether in Nigeria or abroad. The person at the receiving end is Citizen Diezani Alison-Madueke (“DAM”).

2. THE GALACTICA YACHT AND THE FALSE NARRATIVE

We note with concern the recent deliberate attempt to link her with what has been described as a civil forfeiture of a yacht Galactica, the sale of which was said to have yielded $52.8m to the US government; which sum has since been repatriated to Nigeria. This is a clear example of the mischievous and cruel sport of tarnishing the image of the lady through a bouquet of consistent, persistent and unrelenting cocktail of falsehoods and misinformation. The purveyors of this line of misinformation term it “name-and-shame”. To sell the storyline, the architects ensured they attached Diezani’s name to a recovered yacht which is not in any way linked to her. They now falsely termed it “Diezani loot”. Nothing of the sort ever happened. She was never involved in the purchase, use and sale of the said yacht. The yacht Galactica, from information readily available in the public domain and in open sources, was purchased by Mr Kola Aluko who had used the vessel until he agreed to its forfeiture to the United States of America. The yacht Galactica was neither owned nor ever used by our client. DAM has in fact never set her eyes on the yacht. Kola Aluko is an experienced businessman who had been in business well before DAM came into office as HMPR. The only tenuous basis for deliberately linking DAM to the said yacht is the false narrative that the Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs) which were entered into between Kola Aluko & Jide Omokore’s Atlantic Energy companies and NNPC, were allegedly corruptly awarded to the said companies by DAM. DAM was not the GMD of the NNPC as so did not and could not have awarded the said contracts.

3. THE GALACTICA YACHT SPIN AND THE ALLEGED CORRUPT AWARD OF THE CONTRACT HAS ALREADY BEEN DEBUNKED BY A COMPETENT COURT OF LAW IN NIGERIA.

The fallacy of DAM’s involvement in an alleged corrupt contract which gave birth to proceeds with which the Galactica was supposedly purchased has long been debunked and laid to rest by a Nigerian competent court of law in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/121/2016: Federal Republic of Nigeria vs Olajide Omokore & Others.In that case, the Federal High Court, coram Hon.Justice Nnamdi Dimgba (now of the Court of Appeal), held that the Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs) between NNPC and the Atlantic Companies were validly entered into between the said companies and the NNPC.  Furthermore, the said companies and their chairman were discharged and acquitted of any offence howsoever in relation to allegedly obtaining the contract or monies realized from it through false representations. They were also exonerated and freed of the offence of money laundering in relation to the said contracts with which they were also charged.The judgement in the case clearly established that the said contracts were properly awarded by NNPC and that the said award followed due process.

To characterize such a forfeiture of a yacht allegedly bought with proceeds of the valid contracts as being linked to DAM simply on account of the legitimate SAAs, which have since been adjudged and held by the court to have been validly entered into between the NNPC and the said companies, is completely preposterous, if not outrightly bizzare.

4. DAM WAS NEVER A PARTY TO THE SAAs

Even at that, DAM was never a party to the contract process or contract negotiations, or contract selection for the award of the Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs) between the NNPC and Atlantic Energy Ltd. That contract process, like all others before and after it, was handled solely by the NNPC which followed its usual contract award due process to the letter. It did not involve DAM in any way or manner.

There was therefore nothing untoward, opaque or illegal whatsoever and howsoever about the SAA award process. As a matter of fact, the terms of the Atlantic Energy SAAs were made even more stringent for the Atlantic companies and constituted a much better deal for Nigeria than the SSAs which were entered into a few years earlier between the NNPC and the ENI-AGIP Multinational.

5. DAM MERELY ACTED AND DISCHARGED HER DUTIES WITHIN HER STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES

It was our client’s statutory duty as the HMPR at the final stage of any contract process, to make final signatory and approval on behalf of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (MPR). However, NNPC would, as always, have first vetted and carried out all due diligence which include necessary operational and contractual checks and procedures. That would not have involved and did not infact did not involve DAM as the HMPR.

In line with due process and as statutorily required, DAM merely appended her signature to the final approval request letter which was forwarded to the office of the HMPR by the GMD, NNPC. As due process had already been observed and followed, the SAAs were signed off by her as required of her by law. DAM in the usual course of her duties did exactly the same thing every month for each of the hundreds of contracts that she had to sign-off on without any preferential treatment. And that is because it was an integral part of her statutory responsibilities as HMPR. DAM thus merely followed due process to the letter. She never engaged in the operational process of negotiating those contracts as this process was entirely and without exception, within the remit of the NNPC which was an independent entity from her office as HMPR.

6. DAM WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE NON-PAYMENT OF CASH CALLS

Let us be very clear about this: the issues of non-payment of the cash-calls that subsequently arose in the Atlantic Energy SAAs had nothing whatsoever to do with the initial contract award which followed due process and was properly made. Those issues arose as a direct result of the manner of operational implementation and supervision and had nothing whatsoever to do with DAM. She was never involved in any way or manner. As a matter of fact in April 2014, as soon as she was brought to her attention by an external multinational head that there were some issues regarding the Atlantic Energy SAAs, she immediately took strong and direct action by promptly alerting Mr. President, the Permanent Secretary (PS), of MPR and the GMD-NNPC, in writing, and directed that an immediate two-week investigation be carried out. Following the resulting investigative report, DAM again directed in writing to the PS, MPR and the GMD-NNPC, with Mr. President’s knowledge and approval, that a process for the recovery of the unpaid cash-call be immediately put in place.

7. DAM NEVER SOLD OFF OIL BLOCKS CONTAINED IN THE SAAs

It must therefore be emphasized that although a portion of the media severally unfairly vilified and accused DAM of purportedly selling off the oil blocks contained in the SAAs to Atlantic Energy, she never gave such a directive or approval.

8. EARLIER WILD ALLEGATIONS AND THE PET PHRASE, “DIEZANI-LOOT”

This is not the first time this genre of outlandish allegations have been levelled against DAM. Sometime ago, she was widely but falsely accused of owning a diamond-studded bikini underwear allegedly valued at $12,000,000!. Incredible!! The allegation was so unnatural, wild and baseless that the then Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, was compelled to publicly deny and denounce the vile allegation as being not only false, but preposterous. Similarly, when certain people were accused of bribing INEC officials, the bribe sums  were unjustifiably linked to DAM and labelled, as is always mischievously done, ‘Diezani-loot’. Yet, all that she did was to merely coordinate the raising of campaign funds for the then ruling political party that controlled the government she served under at that material time. She readily handed over the raised funds to the party which then determined how the said funds were disbursed without involving her. She was not in any way a beneficiary of the funds realized.

9. DAM WAS NAMED IN A CRIMINAL CHARGE WITHOUT ANY LINKAGE WHATSOEVER

DAM was gleefully named many times on the face of a charge filed against Atlantic Energy in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/121/2016: Federal Republic of Nigeria vs Olajide Omokore & Others. In the said charge preferred by the EFCC in respect of an alleged bribing of some INEC officials, DAM was never made a party or Defendant to the said charge such as to enable her defend herself. Yet they mentioned her name severally. She was forced to apply to be joined as a Defendant to the said counts in the charge to enable her clear her name. Surprisingly and curiously, the application for joinder was strangely and fiercely opposed by the same EFCC that filed the charge, leading to the striking out of her name from the said charge sheet.

10. HOW THE WORD “ DIEZANI LOOT” EXCITES MANY, EVEN THOUGH PATENTLY FALSE

In spite of these clear verifiable facts which are available in the public domain, DAM has continued to be the subject of dersion and grave unproven allegations that are demonstrably false and patently ill-motivated. This traducing notwithstanding, the harrowing experience of cancer-related health challenges she has been going through in the last ten years of her life would not allow her a breathing space. It appears that nothing excites the purveyors and peddlers of these orchestrated misinformation and falsehood more than spinning and heaping all forms of false allegations on her, no matter how palpably false, baseless, disingenuous and unbelievable. It satiates their over- bloated egos to tar her with the paintbrush of shame.

11. DAM HAS ALWAYS BEEN UPRIGHT IN THE DISCHARGE OF HER DUTIES

DAM worked conscientiously and discharged her duties diligently to the best of her ability in service to her fatherland. She remains the only Petroleum Minister to have left behind, a staggering sum of over

$4Billion in the NLNG Account representing Gas Sector Investment Funds. She did this to steady the incoming administration of former president, Muhammadu Buhari, at the end of her tenure in May, 2015. She did this in the hope of ensuring continuity in the development of the critical Gas sector). This sum which was saved for the development of the important Gas Sector was summarily spent and disbursed immediately by the Buhari administration upon assumption of office. No one appears interested in this foresight or patriotic inclination.

12. THE SENSITIVE NATURE OF THE POSITION OF HMPR

It should be appreciated by all that DAM'S position as the Federal Minister of Petroleum Resources was an extremely sensitive one that required careful navigation. This is a position which had before then and till now been mostly reserved for and been occupied  by the ruling Presidents of Nigeria in their personal capacities. This position came not only with its burdens, but also with special legitimate privileges which have since formed the linchpin and cornerstone of the underlying sundry accusations levied against her, but without any proof of having committed any offence known to law.

13. DAM HAS BEEN INVESTIGATED FOR 10 YEARS WITHOUT ANY EVIDENCE OF CORRUPTION

For the avoidance of doubt, DAM remains the only former minister who has been kept under full focus and investigation in the United Kingdom by the UK authorities, in collaboration with the Nigerian authorities, since 2nd October, 2015. This is almost 10 years ago; and just barely one week after she completed and survived a grueling 8- month serial chemotherapy treatments for Triple Negative breast cancer. During this agonizing time, she went into a coma, escaping death by the whiskers.  It could only have been God at work that is alive today!

14. CONFIRMATION BY THE PAST EFCC CHAIRMAN THAT DAM IS INNOCENT OF THESE VILE ALLEGATIONS

It is of interest to note that on two separate occasions, the immediate past Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, confirmed to DAM’s other lawyers that no funds from the coffers of the Federal Government of Nigeria have been found ever stolen by her; and that no such funds had ever been traced to her.

15. DAM’S TRAVAILS ARE DRIVEN BY WILD SPECULATIONS AND PUBLIC LYNCHING MINDSET

DAM’s travails over these years have been founded solely on baseless and unfounded speculations and allegations which wrongly alleged that she obtained unlawful gifts and favours from operators within the petroleum industry. She had never been accosted or charged with stealing or pilfering government money. These matters of obtaining unlawful gifts and favours are now subject of proceedings against DAM in the United Kingdom.

16. DAM HAS BEEN DEPENDING ONLY ON GOODWILL FOR HER SURVIVAL

It is only recently that DAM was actually charged to court in the UK on the 2nd of October, 2023. She had prior to that date  been held in the UK for a prolonged period of over eight years whilst the UK’s authorities conducted their investigation on her. As she had no work papers, she was not permitted to work to fend for herself. She has not even been permitted to leave the UK since the 2nd of October, 2015, till date. Thus, for nearly ten years, DAM has had to depend for her survival, solely and entirely on the goodwill of a few friends and family members to survive.

17. SALIENT FACTS TO NOTE ABOUT DAM BUT WHICH HER TRADUCERS WILL WANT BURIED

The following facts are worth noting about DAM for the sake of history and posterity:

1. DAM was the most senior black woman ever in the African Oil and Gas Public Sector (between 2010 & 2015).
2. DAM was the first female Executive Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria, in its entire history in Nigeria; a position she did not lobby for. She was identified, recognised and appointed, through her sheer dint of hard work and sense of professionalism by the relevant Global Heads of Shell in the Hague, Netherlands,
3. DAM has so far been the first and only female Petroleum Minister in Nigeria’s history. She never lobbied for this position. She was actually initially nominated without her knowledge.
4. DAM has been the first and only female President of OPEC in the organization’s entire history since its founding in 1960. She also did not lobby for this lofty position.
5. DAM was nominated for and served in various federal ministerial positions under two separate Presidents; positions she never sought nor lobbied for.

OUR PLEA TO ALL

We plead, as her lawyers, with all and sundry that she ge accorded fair hearing and that the process of these UK court proceedings be allowed to take their natural course to avoid prejudice to her in the ongoing subjudice UK proceedings against  her. Those purveyors and peddlers who habitually spin these outrightly false, unfounded, defamatory, unintelligent and indefensible narratives to denigrate and humiliate her should please find better use of their time and leave DAM alone. Let the law take its natural course without interference. We humbly pray.

Renowned Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw recently posed a thought-provoking question on her X (formerly Twitter) page: “No native doctor is among the first 200,000 richest men in the world, yet people going to them to be rich. Why.....?????” This statement, though laced with humor, draws attention to a cultural paradox that warrants deeper reflection. Why do individuals place their faith in practices that seemingly fail to produce tangible wealth for the very custodians of such rituals? Kate’s observation invites us to question not only the efficacy of traditional beliefs but also the broader societal mindset that perpetuates them.

In a world where economic hardship is pervasive, especially in African region, many people are desperate for solutions to escape poverty. For centuries, native doctors have been regarded as custodians of power, possessing mystical abilities to influence fortunes. The promise of instant wealth, good fortune, and success is a tempting proposition for those struggling to make ends meet.

However, Kate Henshaw’s question brings a glaring inconsistency to light. If these native doctors genuinely possess the ability to make people wealthy, why are they themselves not among the wealthiest individuals in the world? It is a sobering reminder that the allure of shortcuts to prosperity often blinds people to the obvious flaws in such beliefs.

In fact, many cultures, particularly in Africa, are steeped in traditional beliefs that glorify the power of spiritual intervention. Native doctors, witch doctors, and other spiritual practitioners are seen as intermediaries between humans and supernatural forces. They promise to remove obstacles, secure contracts, or even curse competitors. But these claims often fail to stand up to scrutiny in the modern era, where wealth generation is tied to innovation, hard work, and strategic planning rather than rituals or sacrifices.

In contrast, the world’s richest individuals, from Elon Musk to Jeff Bezos, have achieved their wealth through industries like technology, retail, and investments. These are domains where success is built on tangible contributions and measurable results, not mystical rituals. This stark difference highlights the limitations of relying on unverified spiritual practices as a pathway to success.

To understand why people still flock to native doctors despite their apparent inability to enrich themselves, we must delve into the psychology of belief. Many individuals seek solace in spiritual practices because they provide hope and a sense of control in an unpredictable world. The rituals performed by native doctors are often elaborate and symbolic, offering participants a placebo effect that boosts their confidence and motivation.

Additionally, societal pressures play a significant role. In many African communities, success is not just a personal goal but a collective expectation. The stigma of failure drives some individuals to explore any avenue that promises results, including consulting native doctors. When these attempts fail, the blame is often shifted to external factors such as insufficient offerings or the presence of stronger opposing forces, perpetuating the cycle of belief.

Another dimension of this issue is the economic exploitation inherent in these practices. Native doctors often charge exorbitant fees for their services, exploiting the desperation of their clients. In some cases, individuals are encouraged to sacrifice valuable assets or take on debt to fulfill the requirements of rituals. Far from alleviating poverty, these practices often exacerbate financial struggles.

This exploitation is particularly troubling when juxtaposed with the wealth of the world’s richest individuals. While billionaires invest in businesses, research, and philanthropy to grow their wealth, native doctors rely on a system that drains resources from their clients without offering any tangible returns. Kate Henshaw’s observation underscores the futility of such endeavors and the need for a shift in perspective.

One way to address this cultural paradox is through education and awareness. By promoting financial literacy and emphasizing the value of hard work, innovation, and strategic thinking, societies can empower individuals to pursue sustainable paths to wealth. Education can also help dispel myths and misconceptions about the efficacy of traditional practices, encouraging people to adopt more evidence-based approaches to problem-solving.

Furthermore, governments and non-governmental organizations can play a role in providing opportunities for economic empowerment. Programs that offer skills training, access to credit, and support for small businesses can help reduce the dependency on spiritual interventions as a means to achieve success.

Kate Henshaw’s post is not just a witty remark but a call for reflection. It challenges us to examine the beliefs and practices that shape our lives and question their impact on our progress. While it is important to respect cultural traditions, it is equally crucial to recognize when those traditions hinder rather than help.

The irony of native doctors not being among the world’s richest individuals should serve as a wake-up call. It highlights the need to prioritize tangible efforts over spiritual shortcuts in the quest for wealth. As Kate’s post suggests, the path to prosperity lies not in rituals but in embracing the principles that have proven effective in the modern world.

Kate Henshaw’s statement is a timely reminder of the importance of critical thinking in navigating life’s challenges. By questioning the reliance on native doctors for wealth, she opens the door to a broader conversation about the values and practices that shape our societies. It is a call to action for individuals to invest in themselves, seek knowledge, and pursue sustainable means of achieving their goals.

Ultimately, the responsibility lies with each of us to break free from the cycle of superstition and embrace a future built on hard work, innovation, and resilience. As Kate’s post aptly implies, the richest individuals in the world did not get there through rituals but through their ability to create value. It is time we learned from their example and charted a new course for our lives.

The Government College Umuahia Old Boys Association (GCUOBA) successfully took over their alma mater through a Deed of Trust, signed with the Abia State government in 2015, following the presentation of a comprehensive Master Plan for the Fisher Educational Development Trust Fund, which was established by the Old Boys (Rev. Robert Fisher was the founding principal of GCU in 1929). 

Once the transition was complete, the association put a halt to new student admissions to give the current students a chance to graduate, allowing the establishment of elevated standards for future cohorts. 

The Old Boys organized themselves into class WhatsApp groups, diaspora networks, and global platforms, fostering a spirit of healthy competition. By 2022, they had successfully raised an estimated sum of N3.5 billion (before the Naira's devaluation). Each class selected various college projects to support, including the renovation of classrooms, the dining hall, residential houses, the library, and laboratories.

The Old Boys' initiative to restore Government College Umuahia is among the few groundbreaking examples in Nigeria. Other institutions like Government College Ugheli, Government College Ibadan, CIC Enugu, CKC Onitsha, and DMGS have since adopted similar approaches, inspired by the Umuahian method.

Having completed the restoration of GCU's infrastructure, the Old Boys recognized that a conducive environment is just one aspect of education. They established a School management committee staffed by Old Boys to oversee the college's operations. This committee regularly engages with parents, teachers, and the Abia State government to ensure collaborative governance.

New student admissions resumed in 2022 following the graduation of all remaining legacy students, and were conducted in strict accordance with Umuahian and international standards and principles of meritocracy.

It has become clear that government entities are ill-equipped to manage educational institutions, as their focus is divided among various constitutional responsibilities and they often lack the necessary resources in light of competing economic and social priorities.

Given this context, we call upon both federal and state governments to consider transferring the administration of certain secondary and tertiary institutions to willing and capable Old Boys who aspire to emulate the Umuahian model.

Old Boys from other schools and colleges interested in taking charge of their institutions should adopt the GCU model and develop a sustainable plan, just as the Umuahians did that ensures a strong educational system for their institutions and, by extension, the nation.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stands as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption. Its determined efforts have resulted in the recovery of billions of naira in stolen public funds, the seizure of illicitly acquired properties, and the prosecution of high-profile offenders. These successes not only underscore the EFCC’s indispensable role in governance but also contribute significantly to national development and the restoration of public confidence in Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework. However, the sustainability and amplification of these successes depend on decisive legislative and financial interventions.

As the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate President, your leadership is essential in securing the resources, structural reforms, and institutional support required to elevate the EFCC. This agency is unlike any other. Unlike the Nigeria Police Force, which is gradually being streamlined into a federal entity with its focus on protecting federal institutions, especially with the impending establishment of state police forces across the nation, the EFCC remains a national institution with a broader mandate. It operates across every state and region, targeting financial crimes, corruption, and fraudulent activities that often transcend jurisdictional boundaries. This national scope requires not only a larger workforce but also advanced infrastructure, innovative tools, and far-reaching operational strategies to ensure it continues to combat corruption effectively and efficiently.

The EFCC operates in an environment defined by high stakes and significant risks. Its personnel face unique challenges, including psychological pressures, threats to their safety, and ethical dilemmas in handling cases involving billions of naira, luxury properties, and powerful individuals. These men and women are directly responsible for confiscating millions and sometimes billions of naira, as well as luxury properties, during the course of their work. This immense responsibility puts them in proximity to vast wealth, and without adequate salaries and welfare, they are at significant psychological risk of succumbing to temptation. Poor salaries in such an environment create a dangerous imbalance, as officers may become vulnerable to bribery, manipulation, or immoral practices. To prevent this, it is essential that EFCC officers are paid exceptionally well, with salaries that reflect the scale of their responsibilities and the risks they face.

In addition to competitive salaries, the EFCC must offer robust welfare packages to ensure that its personnel are motivated, insulated from corruption, and fully focused on their critical tasks. Officers managing high-stakes investigations and handling large recoveries must have the assurance that their personal welfare and that of their families are secure. This includes performance-based bonuses for exceptional recoveries or successful prosecutions, hardship allowances for officers assigned to high-risk cases, and secure housing estates that protect their families from potential retaliation by suspects or criminals.

The EFCC’s infrastructure must also reflect the magnitude of its operations and adapt to Nigeria’s challenging environments. Given the tough terrains, poor road networks, and extensive waterways across the country, the EFCC requires specialized and durable transportation solutions to support its mission effectively. The agency needs strong, rugged vehicles capable of navigating rough and remote areas to ensure seamless operations. These should include armored transport vehicles for safely moving confiscated cash and high-value items, as well as off-road vehicles designed for difficult-to-access locations. High-speed motorcycles should also be made available to enhance mobility in congested urban areas or regions with limited road infrastructure.

For operations on waterways, which are critical for monitoring illicit financial activities and asset transportation, the EFCC needs fast and reliable speedboats. These boats must be equipped with advanced communication systems and navigation tools to ensure efficient and secure operations in Nigeria’s coastal and riverine areas.

Additionally, the EFCC requires high-speed aircraft, such as lightweight planes and helicopters, to facilitate rapid deployment of personnel and resources across the country. These aircraft would not only improve operational response times but also enhance surveillance capabilities, enabling the agency to track suspects and assets across vast distances effectively.

Beyond transportation, the EFCC must prioritize permanent headquarters and regional offices equipped with modern facilities. These should include advanced forensic laboratories for evidence analysis, secure evidence storage rooms, and IT hubs for data management and intelligence gathering. The management of confiscated assets must also be upgraded. The agency requires high-security warehouses for vehicles and equipment, climate-controlled vaults for storing cash and sensitive documents, and a robust digital asset management system to document, monitor, and track all confiscated items.

By addressing these critical infrastructure and transportation needs, the EFCC will significantly enhance its operational capacity and efficiency, ensuring it can carry out its mandate effectively in Nigeria’s challenging and diverse environments.

Given the increasing sophistication of financial crimes, the EFCC must invest heavily in advanced training programs and capacity-building initiatives. Collaborations with international agencies such as the FBI, INTERPOL, and Scotland Yard will enable EFCC officers to learn best practices in forensic accounting, digital asset recovery, and cybercrime detection. In-house training academies, equipped with state-of-the-art simulation facilities, should be established to prepare officers for real-world scenarios. Regular workshops on mental health and ethical training are also vital to reinforce integrity and build resilience against psychological pressures.

Security for EFCC personnel and their families must remain a top priority. Officers handling sensitive cases often face significant threats from individuals seeking to derail investigations or retaliate against the agency. Round-the-clock security for officers and emergency relocation programs for their families are necessary to ensure their safety and peace of mind. Anonymous reporting systems should also be implemented to allow officers to report threats or harassment without fear of exposure.

The National Assembly must take a proactive role in empowering the EFCC. Legislative reforms are needed to streamline asset forfeiture processes, enhance whistleblower protections, and strengthen the agency’s operational framework. Increased funding is essential for the recruitment of additional personnel, the construction of permanent facilities, and the acquisition of advanced tools and technologies. Public trust in the EFCC must also be bolstered through nationwide awareness campaigns that highlight the agency’s achievements and encourage citizens to support its efforts. Collaborations with community leaders and civil society organizations will further strengthen grassroots support for anti-corruption initiatives.

The EFCC has proven its capacity to combat corruption and recover Nigeria’s stolen wealth. However, its continued success depends on the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting its mission. By treating the EFCC as an elite institution and providing it with the necessary resources, infrastructure, and legislative backing, Nigeria can solidify its position as a nation committed to transparency, accountability, and sustainable development.

For Nigeria to earn respect on the global stage, it must address its current ranking as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. The nation’s reputation has long been tarnished by systemic corruption that affects every level of governance, from public institutions to private dealings. This must change, and the EFCC stands as the most credible vehicle to drive that transformation. Unlike the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), which, despite its over 100 years of existence, remains plagued by allegations of corruption, brutality, and human rights abuses, the EFCC has demonstrated a far greater commitment to ethical conduct and effective action against financial crimes. It is imperative to support and strengthen the EFCC to ensure that its personnel remain ethical, professional, and dedicated to the fight against corruption.

As it stands today, even members of the National Assembly would agree that the EFCC is making remarkable strides in combating corruption. Its major breakthroughs in prosecuting high-profile offenders, recovering stolen funds, and confiscating illicitly acquired properties have become a source of hope for Nigerians who long for accountability and good governance. By expanding the EFCC’s resources and solidifying its role, Nigeria can chart a new course for itself—one that aligns with the principles of good democracy and global standards of transparency.

Empowering the EFCC is not just an investment in an institution—it is an investment in Nigeria’s future. For a “New Nigeria” to emerge, built on the foundations of a thriving democracy, the EFCC must be positioned as a world-class anti-corruption agency. This means increasing salaries to reduce temptations, enhancing ethical training for its officers, and equipping the agency with modern tools and infrastructure to carry out its mandate. A strong and ethical EFCC not only protects the nation’s wealth but also builds trust between the government and its citizens, fostering a democratic system that values fairness and integrity.

The time to act is now. With your leadership, the Speaker and Senate President can transform the EFCC into the bedrock of Nigeria’s fight against corruption and the foundation of a renewed national identity. Strengthening the EFCC is not just about reducing corruption—it is about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting its resources, and restoring its reputation both locally and on the global stage. This is an opportunity to show the world that Nigeria is committed to transparency, integrity, and accountability.

An empowered and ethical EFCC can lead the charge in reshaping Nigeria’s narrative from one of systemic corruption to one of hope, progress, and good governance. The time has come to take bold and decisive action to ensure that the EFCC is equipped to meet the challenges of the future, support a thriving democracy, and enhance Nigeria’s standing in the international community. Let this be the moment where your leadership paves the way for a “New Nigeria” that upholds justice, respects human rights, and achieves greatness through ethical and effective governance.

The tragic story of Dr. Murtala Sale Dandashire, a young and brilliant doctor, stands as a harrowing symbol of the ongoing insecurity ravaging Nigeria. Dr. Dandashire, a distinguished graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and the recipient of 13 academic awards, was struck by a bullet while tending to patients at the General Hospital in Kankara, Katsina State. His life, once filled with promise and purpose, now hangs in the balance as he battles for survival. This horrifying event is not just a singular tragedy but a devastating indictment of a system that has failed to protect its citizens, especially those who dedicate their lives to serving others.

Governors of Nigeria, this is your moment. This is your opportunity to rise above political distractions and bureaucratic delays to demand immediate action. The centralized policing structure has proven to be a monumental failure, incapable of addressing the complex and localized security challenges that plague our nation. The time for debate and delay is over. The time for decisive, collective action is now.

A Shocking Attack on a Place of Healing
Dr. Dandashire was doing what he had sworn to do: save lives. In the very place where people come to find refuge and care, he became a victim of the violence that has permeated every corner of this country. Hospitals, once sanctuaries of hope and healing, have now become battlegrounds. This attack is not just an assault on one man—it is an assault on the very fabric of our society. It sends a chilling message to every doctor, nurse, and healthcare worker: even in the act of saving lives, your own life is not safe.

Imagine the fear and chaos that gripped the hospital that fateful evening. Patients, families, and staff watched in horror as a man who had dedicated himself to healing was struck down in his place of work. The psychological toll of such an event is immeasurable, not only on those who witnessed it but on the entire healthcare community. How can we expect our medical professionals to stay and serve in a country where their safety is not guaranteed?
The Overwhelming Failure of Centralized

Policing
This tragedy is yet another stark reminder that the centralized policing system is broken beyond repair. The Nigeria Police Force, with its approximately 370,000 officers, is tasked with securing a nation of over 200 million people. This sheer imbalance alone renders the system ineffective, but the problem runs deeper. The centralized structure is rigid, unresponsive, and disconnected from the unique needs of individual communities.

Governors, you know the truth: the federal government’s grip on policing is not about protecting Nigerians. It is about protecting their power. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force are reluctant to relinquish control, even as the system crumbles under the weight of its inefficiency. But Nigeria is too vast, too diverse, and too complex to be governed by a one-size-fits-all policing model. This outdated system is failing, and the cost of its failure is measured in human lives.

A United Front: The Power of the Governors
Governors across Nigeria have demonstrated a growing consensus on the urgent need for state police, recognizing it as the most viable solution to the country’s worsening security crisis. Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State recently delivered a compelling argument for decentralization, highlighting the inadequacies of the current system. He stated:
“Knowing full well that we have a lot of ungoverned spaces in Nigeria, and also that we have a lot of deficits in terms of number of boots on ground… the establishment of state police in Nigeria is the way forward toward addressing the problem of insecurity in our own country.”

This unified agreement among governors reflects a collective understanding that the current centralized policing system cannot adequately address the diverse and localized security challenges in Nigeria. Back in February 2024, the federal government and the National Economic Council (NEC) requested states to submit detailed plans for implementing state police. By March, 16 states had submitted their proposals, and now all 36 states have reportedly completed the process. The House of Representatives is also deliberating a legislative bill to amend the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for state police.

The support for state police extends beyond governors to ethnic organizations such as Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, PANDEF, and the Middle Belt Forum, as well as political bodies like the PDP Governors Forum and the Northern Governors Forum (NGF). These groups have all called for immediate action, emphasizing that a decentralized policing system is critical to addressing the nation’s escalating insecurity.
Governors, you are not powerless. Together, you represent the collective will of the people and hold the political, moral, and practical authority to demand this change. The safety of your citizens depends on your ability to lead with courage and determination. State police is not just about combating insecurity; it is about rebuilding trust in governance. By standing together and demanding its implementation, you affirm to your people that their safety is your top priority. This issue transcends regional or partisan lines—it is a matter of national survival.

The people are watching, and the future of Nigeria rests on your ability to act decisively. United, you can push for the establishment of state police and set the nation on a path toward a more secure and just society. The time for action is now.

State Police: A Necessity, Not an Option
A decentralized policing system would transform the security landscape of Nigeria. State police would allow each state to design and implement security strategies tailored to its unique challenges. It would enable faster response times, better community engagement, and more effective crime prevention. Specialized units within state police forces could protect critical institutions like hospitals and schools, ensuring that tragedies like the one in Kankara never happen again.

Critics may argue that state police could be abused by governors, but these concerns should not paralyze us into inaction. Safeguards can be built into the system to ensure accountability, such as independent oversight bodies and clear operational guidelines. The fear of abuse cannot outweigh the pressing need for reform. The current centralized system is already a colossal failure, and its continued existence is costing lives every day.

A Moral Obligation to Act
Governors, the blood of Dr. Dandashire and countless other victims is a call to action. You must rise above the reluctance and resistance of the federal government. You must confront the IGP and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force with the undeniable truth: their centralized control is killing Nigerians. The people are looking to you for leadership, for courage, and for action.

This is not just about protecting healthcare workers or securing hospitals. It is about creating a nation where every citizen can feel safe, where families can live without fear, and where professionals like Dr. Dandashire can serve without risking their lives.

The Time for Action Is Now
Governors, history will judge you not by your words but by your actions. This is your moment to lead, to demand state police, and to secure the future of Nigeria. The federal government has delayed long enough. The centralized policing system is a relic of the past, and its continued existence is a betrayal of the Nigerian people.
Dr. Dandashire’s life, whether it ends in tragedy or recovery, must not be in vain. His story is a rallying cry for change, a call for a united front among governors to demand the decentralization of policing. You have the power to shape the future, to protect your citizens, and to honor the sacrifices of those who have paid the ultimate price for our failures.

As controversies rage over Emir Sanusi’s remarks about his resolve not to help the Tinubu government, as many people frown at the new inflation figures announced by the National Bureau of Statistics, as state governors strike a tentative agreement with The Presidency on tax reforms, and as the US is palpitating under a yet-to-be-inaugurated Trump government, wild fires are on rampage in many places. In addition, there are ongoing events in outer space that would give far greater cause for worry, if only more people knew about them.

Concerning the 2025 US wildfires, the impact on Los Angeles has been particularly devastating; with significant loss of life and property. The situation is still fluid as I write. Firefighters battling infernos on all fronts. The fires just keep spreading rapidly and somewhat unpredictably. Look at California. Look at Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura. There are other states with significant impacts, of course. Places like Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico have also experienced wildfires in 2025.

While it is true that containment efforts are progressing steadily, it is also true that strong winds are expected to pose challenges in the coming days. Many residents remain displaced due to mandatory evacuation orders. Many organizations and individuals are providing assistance to those affected by the fires. But more hands are needed. More that the foregoing, the helplessness of a presumably sophisticated and science and technology governed world with AI capacities is shockingly obvious.

As for the cosmic events hinted at in our opening paragraph, much has been going on in the cosmos that we know very little about. On October 5, last year it was said on this page: “We now have a second moon … merrily orbiting the earth …But it is not round. It is not big either. We would most probably not have seen it, or known about it, but for the advances in astronomy and related sciences.  Strictly speaking, this celestial wayfarer is an asteroid, suspected to have gotten here from a set of asteroids that are less than 200 million kilometres away from us”.

Coming now to the present, that is going beyond the matter of the new moon mentioned last year, it is now no news that the heavens will be adazzle with a rare planetary alignment in a few days’ time. The planets Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Mercury will all be “lined up” in the Elliptic, in a way that they have not done for a long time now. In a few days’ time.

For a planetary alignment to occur, three or more planets must gather closely on the same side of the Sun. But it is called, or considered, a conjunction when this happens with only two planets. And what we are going to witness is not a conjunction of two planets, but a confluence of eight!

Curiously, the year 2025 is replete with multiple planetary alignments. From the January 21 spectacle to the Main Event of January 25. Then there is the one of February 28. Come April i5, there would be a morning alignment of Neptune, Mercury, Saturn and Venus. And August 11 will give us yet another morning alignment of Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Uranus, Neptune and Saturn! Why? Yes, why?

If we have coming the rare, and much talked about, alignment of January 25, why is there another one preceding it by just three days? What is the buildup about? Why after the January 21 large alignment of Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn? Is there any special significance, scientific or otherwise, attached to these planetary alignments? What is this planetary alignment overload for 2025?

Recall that the official view when the asteroid, named Apophis, approached and then sped past the earth last year was that it posed no threat to life here on earth. This was a sensible thing to say, because the asteroid actually did not impact our planet or bother anyone in any way that one could point to. But what if it did, but in ways we could not point to physically?

That the asteroid did not physically impact the earth is not the same thing as saying that its presence and proximity, no matter how temporary, could not have “possibly” had some effects on life on earth? And to think that Apophis is actually the name of the Egyptian god of Chaos! How comforting is that?

In the aforementioned piece on the earth’s new moon of last year, it was said: “The tides we experience in all bodies of water on earth are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun. At the Bay of Fundy in Canada, where you have the biggest tide in the world, the difference between low and high tide could be as much as 16.3 metres. But leaving all that, and coming to the simple matter of tides and what causes them, we should simply note that there won’t be high and low tides if there was no moon”.

So, consider this view in both scientific and quasi scientific circles, to wit: “The alignment of several planets is believed to amplify the energies of these planets, prompting changes, introspection, opportunity, and transformation across the globe and across all zodiac signs”. So, what does the coming cosmic spectacle portend?

Rare planetary alignments have been historically linked with significant energy shifts; with implications for people’s emotions, political and social transformations, changes in the physical environment, upheavals in nature, new twists in relationships and possible global changes.

That Yahoo News report of July 30, 2024, about a killer asteroid heading towards the earth, with the title, “Preparations Underway as ‘Planet Killer’ Asteroid, the Size of Cruise Ship, Nears Earth”, made many people to think of a looming disaster. The asteroid would have completely destroyed a big country in one fell swoop if it struck land. It would have triggered floods and tsunamis across beaches and coastal cities all over the world if it struck the ocean instead of land.

And this asteroid, which was first discovered 20 years ago, is expected to pass by the earth again in 2029; and then again in 2036. What will it bring then? Will come any closer to the earth then? Will it, perhaps, impact eh earth; even if partially? We do not know.

Think back to the recent the solar eclipse that attracted less attention than one believed it should have. It came and went. An innocuous news time, no doubt. It made headlines in random and recondite journals of related sciences and nothing more.

Yet that eclipse along with a comet called the Devil Comet by scientists and astronomers. The latter was visible during the eclipse. Why such a name? Yes, why would anyone call a comet Devil Comet within the domain of science and not science fiction or witchcraft? And is it true that astronomers have also recently discovered, or at least are strongly speculating about, another planet within our solar system? Just asking; even though the answer is out there in the public domain.

Because we are all very busy grubbing in mud and sand, like worms, unwilling or unable to raise our heads and think or see more clearly, we may be facing grave dangers from intergalactic radiation that we are totally unaware. And these dangers may just be lurking or prancing all over the place, and in ways, in ways that we are not capable of fathoming.

Since we are living in a world, universe and comic environment that has long since been scientifically confirmed to be nothing more than a network of interconnected radiations, it is time we stopped taking our physicality more seriously that we ought to. Truth is: We cannot really say for sure what the effects of new heavenly bodies on earth and its magnetic field might be.

If we are to take astrologers and seers seriously and consider interplanetary alignments to be moments of amplified energy in our cosmic environment, then we must go further with them and say that these alignments are also often linked with transformations, innovations, and heightened intuitive insights and much more. If January 2025 will bring intense shifts, then with Venus and Mars playing key roles, as the planet of love, and the planet of passion, respectively – setting the stage for self-revelations of various sorts across all spheres.

It is a matter of record that significant interplanetary alignments had coincided in the past with some major global or cultural shifts, including scientific breakthroughs and artistic renaissances; such that they are often seen as heralds of change. But what time of change are we talking about here?

Which brings us to Climate change, which was discussed in he earlier mentioned article. We cannot stop pointing out the fact the 2021 Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment “gave clear evidence of a steady increase in rainfall in some regions of the world”. Here in Nigeria, no one could explain the type of extended rainy season we experienced last year.

We know that industrial activities lead to rising global temperatures, heat waves, and other climatic and environmental problems. Last June, alone some parts of Europe and Canda faced devastation from wildfires. This year worse fires are gulping up sophisticated cities and technologically stable neighbourhoods.

If the world’s glaciers lost their ice at the rate of 267 billion tonnes per annum, between 2000 and 2019, what dos that say about the overall temperature of the earth and the rate of global warming? With global ice melting very rapidly and increasing sea levels worldwide, will the flooding of coastal cities not be on the increase? Are some earthquakes and volcanic eruptions not traceable to ecologically disruptive human activities?

With rising temperatures leading to a warmer atmosphere and the latter retaining more water vapour and delivering higher levels of rainfall, should we expect htat all would be well.

One thing is clear: we no longer live in a normal world. we no longer live in the cosmic environment of the past. New celestial visitors are coming around here rather too frequently for us to continue to take things for granted. There seems to be a direct connection between the increasing events in our immediate cosmic environment and the increasing confusion and turmoil in human affairs all over the world today.

We shall take up these matters in the new Dailogue Series, to be announced soon.

The United States President-elect, Donald Trump, will hold his inauguration inside the U.S. Capitol on Monday.

Trump explained that the inauguration was moved indoors due to severe cold conditions.

This marks the first time in 40 years that U.S. presidential inaugural ceremonies will take place indoors. The last time an inauguration was held indoors due to severe cold was in 1985, during former Republican President Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in.

Posting on his Truth Social media handle, Trump wrote: “There is an Arctic blast sweeping the country. I don’t want to see people hurt or injured in any way.

“Therefore, I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda.”

The incoming President also informed his supporters that they could view the ceremony on screens inside the Capital One Arena.

He added that his presidential parade, initially set to feature marching bands and other groups proceeding down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House, would also be relocated to the Capital One Arena.

Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris of the Democrats in the November 2024 presidential election, securing the highest number of electoral college votes.

[DailyPost]