Courtesy of an artist operating in a different genre – the cartoon – who sent me his recent graphic comment on the event, I learnt recently of a return to the culture of censorship with the banning of the product of a music artist, Eedris Abdulkareem. 

My position is that such a progressive move by the government and its agencies does not go far enough. It is not only the allegedly offensive record that should be banned - the musician himself should be proscribed. Next, PMAN, or whatever musical association of which Abdulkareem is member, should also go under the hammer. Nor should we ignore the cartoonist, Ebun Aleshinloye, who not only etched out his trenchant response to the ban but disseminated it all the way to Abu Dhabi. Let’s simply go the whole hog!

I have yet to listen to the record but the principle is inflexibly etched on any democratic template. It cannot be flouted. That, surely is basic. This is why I feel that we should look on the bright side of any picture and thus recommend the Aleshinloye’ cartoon – and others in allied vein - as an easy to apprehend, easy to digest summation of the wisdom of attempting to stifle unpalatable works of art or socio-political commentary, The ban is a boost to the artist’s nest egg, thanks to free governmental promotion. Mr. Abdulkareem must be currently warbling his merry way all the way to the bank.  I envy him.

We have been through this before, over and over again, ad nauseum. We know where it all ends. It is boring, time-wasting, diversionary but most essential of all, subversive of all seizure of the fundamental right of free expression. It also creates a permissive atmosphere of trickle-down power where governors have been known to pursue social critics across state borders, kidnap and imprison them for long spells, using the judicial machinery of never-ending trials. Oh, bear in mind also theocratic “authorities” that continue to  arrogate to themselves the right to arrest and imprison artists and thinkers for their expression of opinion and vision of human existence. The fundamental right of free expression, as already touched upon, is not a closet affair, it is never hidden but echoes as loudly on international fora as in the most obscure hamlet. 

Any government that is tolerant only of yes-men and women, which accommodate only praise-singers and dancers to the official beat, has already commenced a downhill slide into the abyss. Whatever regulating body is responsible for this petulant irrationality should be compelled to reverse its misstep. 

Wole SOYINKA

NYUAD, Abu Dhabi

Ps.  It is a sadly opportune moment, but also an enraged one, to join in conveying my commiseration to the families of the latest victims of the  lynch mob  mentality that is fast overtaking the nation. Edo today, which state next? Nineteen youths in one fell swoop? 

Let this latest dent in the national armour not pass as the yet soul searing orgy that ended the life of the young student, Deborah Samuel. Recall that identified killers were set free to gloat, and paste their photos on the Social Media as having lit the consuming pyre - this in full daylight glare, in the presence of both citizen voyeurs and security forces. The horror is not in numbers but in the act itself. As long as the culture of impunity is given the sheerest strain of legitimacy in any given cause, such gruesome assaults on our common humanity will continue to prevail, and a reversion to brutish existence become a nation’s stamp of identity.

The culprits are in plain sight and so are witnesses. There can be no excuses. My heart goes out to friends, colleagues and families of victims and traumatized survivors of this senseless slaughter. Our thirst for justice must remain unslaked.

“If you shut up truth and bury it underground; it will but grow and gather to itself such explosive power that the day it burst through, it will blow up everything in its way” – Emile Zola, 1840-1902.

I never thought President Tinubu would ever sack Mele Kyari. A few days before the announcement, a friend of mine and regular reader called me and during our discussion asked: “Dele, are you sure those in power read what you write and take them seriously?” He was referring specifically to the articles I have written about the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, and its Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari – who, in my opinion, was the worst officer ever to hold that position. Virtually every statement made by Kyari on important matters turned out to be wrong. Some, like 2 million barrels per day crude oil production, were deliberately misleading. The consequences of serial deception of Presidents Buhari and Tinubu are incalculable and destructive; because most of the failures of the annual budget have their origins in the illusions Kyari had foisted on our leaders since 2019. Perhaps it was a mere coincidence that my article titled, FG, PRIVATE REFINERIES IN MUTUAL SELF-DECEPTION, appeared two days before he was sacked. The following assertions were made then: “The most obstinate illusions are ultimately broken by facts – Trevor-Roper, 1914-2003.

When Dangote Refinery, two weeks ago, announced that it would no longer sell fuel to marketers in naira; and, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, simultaneously pronounced the end of naira-for-crude arrangement, it was clear to some of us that the illusions with which Nigerians have been living  since 2023 had been broken by the facts which had always been at our disposal; but which we chose to ignore. Alhaji Dangote, before establishing his gigantic refinery, must have consulted with the topmost leaders of the Buhari administration and the NNPCL; who promised him that he would have all the crude oil to run his refinery – whose capacity is 650,000 barrels per day.  President Buhari, who doubled as the Minister of Petroleum Resources, must have been one of them. Indeed, when in May 2023 Buhari commissioned the Dangote Refinery, which was far from being ready to produce fuel, Nigeria’s Head of State re-affirmed the readiness of the Federal Government to supply all the crude the refinery would need. It was a colossal executive lie.”

The article ended as follows:

 “Four, disbelieving Kyari, Mr Heineken Lokpobiri and the FG, when they issue assurances is the beginning of wisdom.

Five, Nigerians should accept that the promise of domestic sustainable fuel sufficiency will continue to elude us as long as we have serial dissemblers in charge of our petroleum sector. Mr Heineken was still telling participants at an event in January this year that Nigeria would soon be pumping out 2mbpd of crude – even when daily production figures in January gave the lie to the announcement. Primary school arithmetic could have proved to all of them that 650,000 to Dangote and 445,000 barrels to NNPCL’s refineries are incompatible with Nigeria’s current fiscal and monetary programmes.”

MELE KYARI WILL NOW KNOW HIS TRUE FRIENDS

 “The yes-man is the enemy. Your true friend will argue with you; fight with you” – Aleksander Solzhenitsyn, 1918-2003.

Mele Kyari, like most Nigerian top office holders, was not immune to the flattery which some of media men heap on such fortunate men. Almost everyone wants to be on their good books – for obvious reasons. Unless they are naturally abrasive, the parade of praise singers is endless. Giant strides are always being made by those known to be generous. You must be self-assured to criticise them; and even your criticism might not be published. For every critic, there are ten ready to swear on their mother’s grave that the officer is a top performer – until the man leaves office for any reason. Then, he will discover how few friends he had. One example will help illustrate the loneliness of the ex-top official. When was the last time you read anyone in the media or heard on television or radio commending Godwin Emefiele, former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN? In the first quarter of 2022, a group of people took out a series of advertisements in all the newspapers and some television stations urging the man to run for President. The Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, RIFAN, paid N100 million for his nomination form. Some members of his ethnic group joined the call for Emefiele to run. Each and everyone of the associations or individuals based their position on the wonderful work he had done as CBN Governor; how he single-handedly saved the economy from Buhari’s incompetence; made Nigeria almost self-sufficient in rice production etc, etc. Critics, like me, were regarded as nuisance; and Emefiele himself might have regarded us as enemies. Today, as he is dragged from one court to another; faces several cases and more might be on the way, he must be wondering: Where are my friends? Where were the Youths asking Emefiele to run? Has RIFAN been disbanded? Why are they not ready to testify in court to his greatness in order to balance out all the negative stuff prosecutors are setting out – rightly or wrongly – to bring a disastrous end to what should otherwise have been a glorious career? I pity Mele Kyari. If he is indicted by a deep probe into NNPCL accounts, he will discover how few friends he really had. Some have stopped calling already. The first to vanish will be his media “admirers”. The “pot of gold” has dropped from his hands into Ojulari’s lap. It is not in the interest of bounty hunters to defend an ex-officer and antagonise the fellow now able to pay. The decent beneficiaries of his generosities will not attack him directly. But, not all. He should be prepared to, henceforth, read and hear things about himself which he never thought will see the light of day. Falling off mount Everest is not easy.

PA IRO OMORODION, 1939-2025, HONOURABLE JOURNALIST

“Everyone calls himself a friend, but, only a fool relies on it. Nothing is commoner than the name; nothing is rarer than the thing” – Jean De La Fontaine, 1621-1695.

Have you ever had a friend, who you never met, talked to almost every week on the phone for over 12 years? Pa Iro Omorodion, who passed on recently and would be buried on Friday, April 11, 2025, was the second of such associations that I have been privileged to have. The first was Cecil Jones, a Jamaican artist; who was my pen friend from 1965 to 1997; before he too left me feeling empty. Pa Omorodion, incidentally, was a well-established Nigerian journalist; who, by any measure known to man, was very good and successful. Unfortunately, about the only person alive who would remember him is Chief Segun Osoba, former Governor of Ogun State. But, before Osoba became Governor, he was Editor of the HERALD Newspapers; owned by the Kwara State Government. State newspapers, in those halcyon days, were professionally managed. That was why it was possible for Osoba, an Abeokuta man, and Iro, from Bendel State, to work for a Northern paper. Omorodion, however, stayed longer than Osoba. Before Herald, he had worked for defunct Morning Post for six years; New Nigerian Newspapers for a year; before putting 17 years into the service of the HERALD. Altogether, he had been in media for 26 years; rising from Reporter to Line Editor; before spending sixteen years as a Special Assistant to Dr S. O. Ogbemudia, the Governor who made Bendel great – during the Gowon administration. 

Our friendship started from him; when one Sunday he called to discuss my column that day. He partly agreed; partly disagreed but in each case he outlined his reasons in a professional manner. He was back the next Sunday and the next and the next…At one point, I decided not to pick his calls; but he persisted. Then, it dawned on me that I was listening reluctantly to someone who was an encyclopaedia on Nigeria’s political history – especially the years 1964 to 1974 – when I was away in America. He became my teacher and my Librarian; who was giving me free tutorials which enriched my articles immensely. Conscious of my ignorance of what happened during the Civil War, 1967-70, I called and relied more on his knowledge and experience as a Reporter and State Editor. Few people realised it, but, the people of the Midwest, later called Bendel, and much later, divided into Delta and Edo, suffered more than anybody else. They were brutalised by Biafran soldiers on their way to Ore; and ravaged again when Igbo soldiers were in retreat. Federal troops in pursuit of the fleeing Biafrans added heaps of salt upon Mid-Western injuries. Bendelites were the real victims of a war started by others without their consent. Pa Omorodion taught me that heart-rending lesson; and, it should not die with him.

Finally, the friendship blossomed to the point where not receiving his call or calling him meant my Sunday was not complete. I never felt closer to a person who I never met. Now, I can understand why Ogbemudia, a hard task master, who did not suffer fools gladly, kept him for sixteen years. He is such a rare gem, a beautiful soul that I wish he lived for ever – for my sake, if not for anyone else. May his gentle soul rest in perpetual peace. 

The name ‘Labour Party’ is usually adopted by political parties across the globe, that are linked more to democratic socialism. Such parties are traditionally allied with trade unions, labour movements or progressive alliances. Labour Parties are quite popular in strong democracies such as the UK where it has produced outstanding government leaders like Harold Wilson, James Callaghan, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and now Keir Starmer. But in a few developing societies, where democracy is yet to be institutionalized, some politicians are now known to seethe Labour Party as a platform for gaining power only to acquire personal gains. Nigeria’s Labour Party has displayed this tendency since 2023 when many candidates who had no progressive background surprisingly won elections through the party’s platform. 

Last week, a large crowd of the most credible faction of the party approached the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to declare their authentic leadership in line with the decision of the Supreme Court that only a political party can determine such internal political matter. The group which showed up at INEC included the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi and his running mate, Datti Ahmed. Governor Alex Oti of Abia state the party’s only current state governor as well as many other strong members of the party were also part of the team that visited the electoral body for the same purpose. One would have thought that the show of strength by the group would have persuaded other members to fall in line but that hardly happens in Nigeria where politicians cherish the act of disputing issues for life.

Julius Abure, the former National Chairman of the LP has a group of rather inconsequential supporters who are yet to appreciate the futility of refusing to know when an era ends. They have continued to issue press statements rejecting the popular position so as to hold-on to power. In other climes, Abure who is himself a lawyer would not encourage the unending damage to the party’s image. More than a year ago, Oluchi Opara, the party’s National Treasurer, accused Abure, of squandering N3billion out of the N3.5billion raised for the 2023 election campaigns. Rather than step aside for an independent audit team to clear him of the allegation, he got the party to set up a disciplinary committee which suspended Opara for six months, for making allegations against the national chairman of the party. 

To establish clearly that Nigeria does not have a real Labour Party, let’s compare what happened last week with the UK’s Labour Party.  The story that way was that the UK British Police in Avon and Somerset arrested a Labour Parliamentarian, Dan Norris, on suspicion of sexual offences and misconduct in a public office. As a result, MP Norris was immediately placed on suspension by the party to reflect its zero tolerance for corruption. Aptly put, Norris was still under investigation when a suspension notice was entered against him just as he also lost his position as party whip in the House of Commons. Whereas the punishment would appear hasty, the Labour Party which claims to belong to the masses and the working class cannot afford to have a legislator that can be accused of such criminal offences. In other words, any politician wanting to stand for election under LP’s platform must be conscious of the party’s high moral standards.

In Nigeria on the other hand, the holder of the top most office of the LP was over a year ago reported to have mismanaged over N3.5 billion raised from the party’s sale of nomination forms for the 2023 general elections. According to the National Treasurer of the party who is best positioned to know the facts, “apart from the proceeds of the sale of forms from his home state of Edo – which was diverted to Mr Abure’s private accounts, he only declared N55 million to me as Treasurer, of the over N3.5 billion raised, pocketing the rest for himself.” Till today, the public has not been told what was done to the suspect and no effort was made by the executive committee of the party to publish the party’s expenditures that could dispel wrong allegations. Being a criminal matter, no one has heard of any progress report by the law enforcement agencies on the subject. Yet, the case concerns a Labour Party that ought to be more transparent than capitalist inclined parties.

Another reason why Nigerians cannot hold the LP in high esteem is the unexpected cross-carpeting perpetuated by its elected office holders more than any other opposition party. About five months ago when no less than 6 members of the National Assembly elected under the platform of the LP defected, the party cried out in vain for the seats of the legislators to be declared vacant. Frustrated, the LP opened a ‘Hall of Shame’ register for the particular lawmakers or any lawmaker or elected officer of the party who engages in fraudulent act of defection without first dropping the mandate gotten under the ticket of the party.

But why are LP legislators engaging in what the party calls ‘Jumpology’ – an ideology of the jumping of political merchants and opportunists from one party to the other, in disregard to the enabling laws and without any ideological leaning. 

The claim that several crises in the LP can justify the carpet crossing hobby by many of its members is not a strong point. To start with, even the ruling party has its own challenges – one of its founding fathers recently moved to another party. Indeed, all Nigerian political parties are the same because the movements by politicians which are happening across board are uniform and are informed by the strong desire to join which ever platform appears more stable and supported in a given location. Political crises are thus not the most persuasive reasons for defection; if they were, everyone would have since moved. The fact that the LP which has lost many members to other parties, has itself received defectors to its own fold in Abia, its area of strength is instructive. The truth therefore is that Nigeria’s political system operates in a mercantilist industry.

Many Nigerians believe that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and its predecessor, the Peoples Democratic, PDP are two sides of the same coin. Consequently, many looked forward with excitement to the Labour Party winning the 2023 election. That however did not happen making us all to imagine that the LP will be the authentic opposition party that would put the government on its toes to ensure good governance. Painfully, the elected LP members did not only fail to live up to expectation, they also generally colluded with the capitalists by being active participants in the negatives of the Assembly. They pocketed their share of luxury official vehicles at a time of the nation’s economic vulnerability and left no one in doubt that they were an integral part of the opulence of the ruling class and were thus uninterested in helping to salvage the nation from political extortion. 

While it is true that many of the ills of the LP are also perpetuated by other parties, no one expected that the party would not be different from other politicians. On the issue of court judgments for example, it is a matter for regret that labour politicians are leading others in refusing to understand court judgments and indeed actively misinforming the public on the exact pronouncements by the judiciary. This was probably why the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) had to openly condemn the Abure-led LP for rejecting the apex court’s ruling which ‘explicitly dismissed Abure’s cross-appeal seeking judicial endorsement of his leadership claim.’ The writers are disappointed that rather than stepping down, Abure has continued to operate as chairman, deepening divisions and confusion within the party.

It is time for Nigerians to recognize the unfortunate collusion of the political class and aggressively stand up against antidemocratic practices by any of them. First, our judiciary needs to cut off the undue room previously given to politicians to judicialize our politics. We all know that no Nigerian political party has been so overwhelmed to warrant defections from any of them. Therefore, political office holders especially legislators who defect should be compelled to step down from office without delay as the constitution directs. In the case of leadership tussles, INEC which is empowered to regulate political parties should promptly reject impostors, sit-tight leaders and all those prompted by outside forces to take-over their parties so as to destabilize such parties.

In the ever-evolving landscape of global diplomacy, the role of ambassadors is both critical and multifaceted. They represent their countries, foster alliances, and serve as intermediaries in negotiations that could shape the course of history. Ambassadors are more than emissaries; they are strategists, negotiators, and cultural envoys. For a nation like Nigeria, with its immense potential and complex challenges, the selection of ambassadors carries significant implications for its global standing. Yet, the practice of appointing ambassadors based on partisan politics rather than competence and experience poses a significant risk to the nation’s interests.

The appointment of ambassadors as a function of political patronage is not unique to Nigeria, but its consequences are particularly pronounced in countries where the stakes are high. Nigeria’s vibrant economy, cultural richness, and regional influence in Africa demand a diplomatic corps that is not only knowledgeable but also deeply invested in advancing the nation’s strategic goals. However, the trend of prioritizing political loyalty over expertise has often resulted in the appointment of individuals who may lack the requisite skills for effective diplomacy.

Ambassadors are the face and voice of a nation on the international stage. They are tasked with representing their country’s interests in foreign nations and multilateral organisations. Their responsibilities range from negotiating trade agreements to advocating for their country’s positions on global issues. This pivotal role requires a unique blend of skills, including cultural intelligence, negotiation prowess, and a deep understanding of international relations.

In Nigeria’s case, the importance of ambassadors cannot be overstated. As Africa’s most populous country and largest economy, Nigeria wields considerable influence. Its ambassadors must be equipped to leverage this influence to secure favorable trade deals, attract foreign investment, and build strategic partnerships. They must also work to enhance Nigeria’s image, counter negative stereotypes, and address misconceptions about the country.

Ambassadors also play a key role in regional stability. Nigeria is often referred to as the “giant of Africa,” a status that comes with responsibilities. Nigerian ambassadors must be proactive in promoting peace and security across the continent, particularly in regions plagued by conflict. They must engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes, support democratic governance, and advocate for regional integration.

When ambassadorial appointments are dictated by partisan politics, the focus shifts from merit to loyalty. This practice undermines the effectiveness of the nation’s diplomatic efforts. Individuals appointed based on political affiliations may lack the necessary experience or qualifications to navigate the complexities of international relations. Their inability to effectively represent Nigeria’s interests can result in missed opportunities and, in some cases, diplomatic blunders.

For instance, an inexperienced ambassador may struggle to engage with key stakeholders or fail to grasp the nuances of their host country’s political and cultural landscape. This can hinder their ability to build meaningful relationships, negotiate effectively, or advocate for Nigeria’s interests. In the long run, such shortcomings can erode Nigeria’s standing in the international community.

Moreover, partisan appointments often create an atmosphere of inconsistency in Nigeria’s foreign policy. When ambassadors are replaced with each change in administration, the nation’s diplomatic agenda risks becoming fragmented. Continuity is essential in diplomacy, and frequent changes in personnel can disrupt ongoing initiatives and weaken Nigeria’s credibility.

Experience in diplomacy is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Seasoned diplomats bring a wealth of knowledge, established networks, and a proven track record of success. They are better equipped to anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and navigate the intricacies of international relations.

An experienced ambassador understands the importance of building trust and credibility with host nations. They are skilled in the art of negotiation, capable of securing favorable outcomes for their country while maintaining positive relationships. Their expertise allows them to handle sensitive issues with finesse, avoiding potential conflicts and fostering mutual understanding.

In addition to their professional skills, experienced ambassadors possess a deep cultural sensitivity that enables them to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. This quality is particularly important for Nigeria, a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. An ambassador who appreciates and promotes Nigeria’s cultural wealth can enhance the nation’s image and strengthen its soft power.

Ambassadors are not just political and economic emissaries; they are also cultural ambassadors. They play a crucial role in promoting their country’s culture, values, and traditions. Cultural diplomacy is a powerful tool for building bridges between nations and fostering mutual respect and understanding.

For Nigeria, cultural diplomacy holds immense potential. The nation’s vibrant music, literature, fashion, and cuisine have captured the world’s attention. Ambassadors who can effectively showcase Nigeria’s cultural richness can help attract tourism, foster cultural exchange, and enhance the nation’s global reputation. This requires individuals who are not only passionate about their country’s culture but also skilled in presenting it in a way that resonates with diverse audiences.

To safeguard Nigeria’s interests and maximize the potential of its diplomatic efforts, it is essential to prioritize merit and experience in ambassadorial appointments. A merit-based system would ensure that ambassadors are selected based on their qualifications, expertise, and track record, rather than their political affiliations.

This system could involve a rigorous vetting process, including evaluations of candidates’ knowledge of international relations, negotiation skills, and cultural intelligence. It could also include training programs to equip ambassadors with the tools they need to succeed in their roles. By investing in the development of its diplomatic corps, Nigeria can build a team of ambassadors who are not only capable but also committed to advancing the nation’s strategic goals.

Furthermore, Nigeria should strive for consistency in its foreign policy. This requires a long-term vision that transcends political cycles. Ambassadors should be given the time and support they need to implement their initiatives and achieve meaningful results. By reducing the frequency of changes in personnel, Nigeria can enhance continuity and credibility in its diplomatic efforts.

The appointment of ambassadors is a critical decision that has far-reaching implications for a nation’s diplomatic success. For Nigeria, a country with immense potential and significant challenges, it is imperative to prioritize experience and expertise in ambassadorial appointments. By doing so, Nigeria can ensure that its ambassadors are equipped to represent the nation effectively, build meaningful relationships, and advance its strategic interests.

Partisan politics has no place in diplomacy. The stakes are too high, and the consequences of incompetence are too great. By embracing a merit-based approach to ambassadorial appointments, Nigeria can strengthen its diplomatic corps, enhance its global standing, and unlock the full potential of its international engagements. Diplomacy is an art and a science, and it demands the best minds and the most capable hands. For Nigeria, the path to a brighter future begins with putting diplomacy above politics.

At this juncture, it is expedient to clarify that inspiration to express this view was prompted by a recent news which has it that the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the public to ignore a rumored list of ambassadorial nominees circulating on social media, labeling it as untrue and deceptive.

In a recent statement, the Ministry’s Acting Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, emphasized that the authority to appoint ambassadors lies solely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The statement further clarified that no formal nominations have been made so far.

“Please disregard the commotion about the ambassadorial list,” the statement read. “Rest assured, once finalized, the President will forward the list of nominees to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation.”

The ministry reassured citizens that once an official list is ready, the public would be informed through proper channels.

This clarification comes amidst growing interest in Nigeria’s diplomatic representation, particularly following the recall of all ambassadors in September 2023.