President Tinubu’s engagement with the media Monday night was his first since his inauguration last year and it was quite telling in a few ways. For a man of his age, he showed a keen mental alertness that belies his obvious physical frailties. If the President did not have the benefit of advance questions, I give him kudos. He performed relatively better than what we saw during the campaigns. But this was not close to the PMQs (Prime Minister’s Questions) we see every Wednesday in the British parliament. That one is the most brutal two hours in the life of every British prime minister. Tony Blair describes it as dreadful in his memoire. The media chat was far less rigorous than what Presidents go through in the White House Briefing Room. There were seven journalists who asked 12 questions in the one-hour show last night. Reuben Abati, who introduced himself as the moderator, made introductory remarks on the recent mass deaths from stampedes for food, and asked the first question along that line. The president blamed the organizers of these events for the rowdiness and shoddy preparations and criticized Nigerians for not conducting themselves orderly when they see free food. Tinubu said that he had been sharing food at his Ikoyi home for years, but there has never been a stampede and wondered why there are no deaths or rush at food stamp centers in other countries. There were other questions on elimination of fuel subsidy; huge debt servicing ratio in the 2025 budget; insecurity; inflation; cost of living crisis; foreign direct investment; tax reforms; food security and the new livestock ministry; and corruption – all predictable areas. But there was not a single question on foreign affairs.

Under Tinubu as ECOWAS chairman, the regional bloc almost disintegrated with the exit of three countries (Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso) last year. Two weeks ago in Abuja, ECOWAS Heads of States finally and regrettably accepted their departure after discretely begging them for a year. No doubt, the leadership of ECOWAS clearly mismanaged the relationships with these countries in the wake of military coups that dismissed their democratically elected leaders. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the West African organization. It was quite a miss that the Nigerian President was not taken to task by the assembled journalists on how he handled the crisis in ECOWAS. On the domestic front, I expected questions on the debilitating political crisis in Rivers State in which the FCT Minister is the main actor. How could the president be comfortable with what’s going on in Rivers? There were only three follow-up questions – one from Maupe Ogun-Yusuf of Channels and the two from Babajide Kolade-Otitoju of TVC, a network owned by the president. Ogun-Yusuf’s follow-up was on why subsidy was not removed in phases while Kolade-Otitoju pressed the president on his unwieldy cabinet size despite his rhetoric on cutting the cost of governance.

The lack of follow-ups was obvious when Tinubu insisted that he does not regret doing away with fuel subsidy, despite the pains it brought, and went on to assert that the government ‘’has been meeting its obligations in the last three months without going to the NNPC ’’. What does this mean? Nobody asked. Essentially, the President meant that despite non receipt of oil revenues in the last three months, the government has been functioning – a tribute to the efficacy of the administration’s fiscal policies. But in real terms, the president was celebrating the inability of NNPC to fulfill its obligations. This was an opportunity for the journalists to ask questions on the oil industry; oil theft; the integrity and competence of the management of the state oil company. NNPC is supposed to receive and remit oil revenues to the consolidated fund as the Constitution stipulates, just as other incomes from VAT, company income tax, port charges and other taxes. These are then shared monthly to the federal government; the 36 states; FCT and the 774 LGAs. The inability of the NNPC to account for crude oil sales and remit to the federation account means that the country is depending on debts raised through expensive junk bonds in the European markets to meet its obligations. Another lose end of the night was the inability of the President to drill down on his controversial tax reform bills and explain them clearly to Nigerians. These proposals have generated quite a storm across a section of the country with many leading politicians expressing doubts about Tinubu’s true intents. I had expected the president to marshal out his argument on why he is introducing a new sharing formula for VAT, for example, and other innovations embedded in the bills. He glossed over the question as if the people complaining are insignificant lot.

I was glad that Ogun-Yusuf brought up the issue of corruption. For me, corruption, incompetence and decadence are the major afflictions of this country. The President said some of his policies like the students loan scheme are meant to discourage corruption since people steal in order to pay school fees and meet other personal demands. Not quite correct. Public officials who steal billions to build housing estates, shopping malls and luxury items are not motivated by the need to meet basic requirements. A former governor once boasted to me that he had already kept aside N1 billion to each of his four children and that they would never have access to the money until they reach adulthood. That’s one of the reasons they steal – to build cash empires sand portfolios of real estate for their children! Overall, it is commendable that Mr. Tinubu has finally decided to speak to Nigerians directly, instead of through long and disdainful press releases from his media team. I look forward to the day a Nigerian leader will walk stand before the State House press corps and take questions from the correspondents covering the Villa. The Media Chat arrangement is getting too vapid.

In light of the recent image challenge involving prominent figures like Femi Falana and Afe Babalola, and the subsequent insinuations directed at the Nigerian Judiciary and the legal profession in general, it is evident that managing one's reputation is more crucial than ever for lawyers. In today’s digital age, reputation is everything. Whether representing high-profile clients or handling sensitive cases, a lawyer’s reputation can make or break his or her career. Public relations (PR) firms specializing in managing legal professionals’ image play a crucial role in managing and enhancing a lawyer’s image, navigating complex media landscapes, and helping them stay connected with their clients and the public.

For lawyers, their reputation is one of their most valuable assets. The public perception of a lawyer or law firm can be the deciding factor for potential clients looking for representation. Clients seek not only legal expertise but also someone they can trust to handle their sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism. In a landscape where news travels fast, with attendant misinformation spreading like wildfire, maintaining a positive and trustworthy public image is essential.

In fact, a PR firm focused on legal services understands the intricacies of legal ethics, confidentiality, and the importance of maintaining a professional image. These firms work closely with lawyers to ensure their public persona aligns with their values, expertise, and ethical standards. By doing so, PR firms help lawyers create a positive and trustworthy image that can attract new clients and foster long-term relationships with existing ones.

Without a doubt, PR firms develop strategies that highlight a lawyer’s successes, areas of expertise, and unique qualifications. For instance, if a lawyer has won a significant case or received an award, a PR firm will ensure that these achievements are communicated effectively to the public. Whether through press releases, social media, or interviews, PR professionals help lawyers showcase their accomplishments while maintaining professionalism. This not only enhances the lawyer's reputation but also positions them as leaders and experts in their field.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to opine that law firms and legal service providers exist in a complex industry that is often difficult for marketing or PR firms to navigate. This is why, until very recently, legal PR has been overlooked by law firms.

With the number of law tech startups and scale-ups growing at an exponential rate, law firms are struggling to stand out. As such, the need for legal PR and marketing is indispensable. 

Without a doubt, one of the key roles of a PR firm is to craft a compelling narrative that resonates with the public. This involves understanding the lawyer’s career journey, values, and vision, and then communicating these elements in a way that builds a strong, relatable brand. By telling the lawyer's story in an engaging and authentic manner, PR firms can humanize the lawyer, making them more approachable and trustworthy in the eyes of potential clients.

In the legal profession, crisis situations can arise unexpectedly as Nigerians recently witnessed in the scandals that involve two prominent legal practitioners in the country. These scandals show that lawyers may find themselves involved in high-profile cases that attract media attention, sometimes for reasons outside their control. When such situations occur, a lawyer having a PR firm on his or her side is critical. A skilled PR team can help manage any potential damage to a lawyer’s reputation by providing clear communication, crafting thoughtful responses, and controlling the narrative.

Without any iota of exaggeration, PR firms for lawyers are experts in crisis management. They are trained to handle media inquiries, mitigate negative press, and develop strategies to recover from a PR setback. They work behind the scenes to ensure that a lawyer’s reputation is protected, and the public’s perception remains positive, even when challenges arise. This includes managing public statements, coordinating with media outlets, and ensuring that the lawyer's side of the story is presented accurately and fairly.

In fact, effective crisis management involves proactive communication. PR firms help lawyers prepare for potential crises by developing communication plans and training them on how to respond to various scenarios. This preparation ensures that when a crisis does occur, the lawyer is ready to address the situation calmly and professionally, reducing the risk of reputation damage.

In today’s digital world, a strong online presence is essential for success in the legal profession. Clients often turn to search engines and social media platforms to find lawyers and assess their credibility. A PR firm specializing in legal services can help lawyers build and maintain a digital presence that reflects their expertise and professionalism.

PR firms assist with content creation for websites, blogs, and social media accounts, ensuring that lawyers are actively engaged with their audience. By managing social media profiles, writing thought leadership articles, and positioning lawyers as experts in their respective fields, PR firms help create a digital footprint that fosters credibility and trust. This digital engagement not only attracts new clients but also reinforces the lawyer's reputation among peers and existing clients.

A strong digital presence also involves optimizing online visibility. PR firms work on search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure that a lawyer's website and online content rank highly in search results. This makes it easier for potential clients to find the lawyer and learn about their services. By maintaining an active and optimized online presence, PR firms help lawyers stay relevant and competitive in an increasingly digital world.

The legal profession is highly competitive, and public perception plays a significant role in a lawyer’s ability to attract clients and maintain a successful career. Working with a PR firm can help lawyers enhance their reputation, manage crises, and build a digital presence that attracts new clients. By collaborating with experienced PR professionals, lawyers can ensure their reputation remains strong and their services in high demand.

PR firms also help lawyers build and maintain professional relationships within the legal community. By organizing events, facilitating networking opportunities, and promoting the lawyer's involvement in professional organizations, PR firms can enhance the lawyer's visibility and credibility among peers. This not only helps in gaining referrals but also positions the lawyer as an active and respected member of the legal community.

Finally, PR firms help lawyers develop long-term strategies for growth and success. This involves continuous reputation management, ongoing content creation, and regular assessment of the lawyer's public image. By maintaining a proactive approach to public relations, lawyers can adapt to changing trends, address new challenges, and consistently present themselves as trusted and reputable professionals.

In conclusion, the role of PR firms in enhancing the reputation and building trust for lawyers cannot be overstated. From managing public perception and highlighting achievements to crisis management and building a strong digital presence, PR firms provide

Olamide Abiodun Thomas is a nurse. She went out with some protesters in October, 2024 to commemorate the ‘EndSARS’ mass protest against police brutality in which a yet- unverified-number of young people were murdered. The nationwide protests organised by youths which began on October 8, was brought to a brutal and bloody end on October 20, 2020 with the direct intervention of the gallant men of the Nigerian Armed Forces led by an identified General.

It was at this 2024 commemoration held at the Lekki Toll Gate epicentre of the protests Thomas and some youths were attacked by armed policemen. She suffered a direct tear-gas hit. As she gasped for breath, she could be heard in a viral video asking for more water to be poured on her and for ambulance service. She also said the police attack on her was unnecessary as she was fighting for the rights of the Nigerian people. Thomas also cursed those she claimed were trying to take her life by the brutal attack. She mentioned the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun; the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, Spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi; and Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She swore calamity will befall them and their families.

Obviously, it was not a ‘selfie’ so she didn’t shoot the video. But when the video surfaced, the government seemed enraged. Insult the son of the President? The police went on a hunt for Thomas. Thus, this victim of state brutality was transformed into a dangerous criminal.

The police finally captured her on Friday, December 13, 2024 in Shomolu, Lagos and moved its trophy to Abuja.

The NPF accused the lady of cursing the President’s son, Egbetokun and Adejobi.

Curse, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is “a solemn utterance intended to invoke a supernatural power to inflict harm or punishment on someone or something”. It further defined it as a “coarse or blasphemous word or phrase used to express anger or strong emotion.”

So, the Police accusation against Thomas is based on superstitious belief. Since Nigeria is a secular, not a theocratic state, I didn’t understand how a citizen can be arrested for cursing.

But I had not reckoned that the police under Egbetokun is an ingenious force that can nail anybody, including an angel.

Adejobi laid out the charge against the lady thus: “Raining direct curses on someone online is cyber-bullying, not expression of freedom or criticism. And cyber-bullying, which is even different from defamation, is a criminal offence and punishable.”

This indeed is novel and I think the Federal Government needs to recall the draft 2025 National Budget from the National Assembly because it did not make provision for the mass construction of prisons in the country. This is necessary because cursing is common at our bus-stops, motor parks and our roads. It is not uncommon seeing motorists cursing themselves. Such people should simply go to jail. In fact, we will need to triple the entire N49.7 trillion 2025 Budget because the number of Nigerians who curse daily may run into millions. There are in fact, nationalities in Nigeria for whom cursing is a part of their culture.

May I respectfully point out to the IGP that he needs to arrest a lot of soldiers as he has arrested Thomas because a lot of their songs during exercises contain curses. There is this one I have seen on some videos that goes: “Dansada ai, dansada burobaka!” It means that the police, which by the way, they regard as ‘women’ are idiots.

I am convinced that if Seyi Tinubu were the son of an akara(bean cake) seller in Gbagi Market or okpa trader in Onitsha Market, Thomas would not have been arrested. Her crime is that the person she insulted is the son of our dear President.

Let me state that there is nothing unique in a person being charged for cursing or disrespecting a sovereign. It is actually part of our history. Under colonialism, the shortest route to prison was to insult the British crown. In one of the most famous cases, Mallam Habib Raji Abdallah, a nationalist, was sent straight to prison for two years in the late 1940s for saying: “I have nothing against the person of George VI of England. But I hate the crown of Britain with all my heart because to me and my country men, it is a symbol of oppression, a symbol of persecution, and in short, a material manifestation of iniquity…I hate the Union Jack because, save Britain, wherever it goes, far from uniting, it creates a division. It feeds and flourishes on confusion and dissension. We must, therefore, have no more place for it in our hearts-this ugly representation of that satanic institution, imperialism.”

After independence, it became almost unthinkable for any Nigerian to be arrested for insulting or cursing a Nigerian leader, his spouse or children. Even under the cumulative 29 years of military misrule, Nigerians feared no repercussion for such act.

For me, the best display of this freedom was under President Goodluck Jonathan. Apart from frequently insulting him, his wife was the butt of jokes. My old teacher, Professor Wole Soyinka, is the best representation of the tolerance of that era. He had described the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan’s appearance in unflattering terms. At a press conference, Prof said his last word to her was: “Be a lady first, before being a First Lady; in fact, you cannot be a First Lady, without being a lady.” He described her as “…an unelected person, a mere domestic appendage of power…” The Nobel Laureate then added: “I am calling on the President now openly, publicly, please curb the excesses of your wife; (your) wife is an unconstitutional being…”

However, the All Progressives Congress, APC, administration under President Muhammadu Buhari would not tolerate such insolence from Nigerians. When in 2022, a student, Aminu Adamu, made an uncomplimentary tweet about the physical appearance of First Lady Aisha Buhari, he was abducted in Jigawa State on November 18, 2022, severely beaten, tortured and held in solitary confinement, then thrown into prison. When Nigerians rose in unison against the maltreatment of Adamu, he was taken before Mrs Buhari, and he apologised to her in a series of tweets.

There is a famous saying that: “The law is an ass.” It is simply saying that the law, which in any case is not value-free, should not be applied in a rigid or stupid manner that goes against common sense. The Tinubu government should apply the same common sense it displayed on November 4, 2024 when it released the 29 children facing death sentence for public protests by immediately setting Ms Olamide Abiodun Thomas free.

In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed tragic stampedes in various locations, from food distribution centers to events promising relief from economic hardship. These incidents, which unarguably resulted to loss of lives, echo a biblical story of desperation, divine intervention, and the tragic consequences of disbelief, as recorded in 2 Kings 7.

The biblical account unfolds in a time of severe famine in Samaria, where hope seemed lost. Elisha, the prophet, proclaimed that abundance would soon return, a promise so audacious that a king’s officer doubted it. True to the word of the Lord, food became plentiful overnight when the Aramean army abandoned their camp in fear. Yet, as the famished crowds surged out of the city to seize the spoils, the disbelieving officer was trampled to death, an ironic end for someone who refused to trust in the possibility of change.

Fast forward to modern Nigeria, where the echoes of Samaria’s desperation are all too real. Food insecurity, soaring inflation, and chronic hunger have created a society on edge. When a lifeline appears, be it palliatives or subsidized goods, the resulting rush often turns deadly. Just recently, stampedes that occurred separately in Ibadan, Abuja and Okija in three different regions of the country claimed lives as people scrambled for food, much like the chaotic scene at Samaria’s gates.

The foregoing manner of deaths in tripartite locations is no doubt a reminiscence of a stampede early this year, specifically in February 2024, where seven persons were killed during the buying of seized rice put on sale by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Lagos State. As gathered then, dozens of people turned up for the open sales at the customs’ zonal office on Harvey Road, Yaba, Lagos, with a 25kg bag of rice sold for N10,000.

The customs had said that the move was to cushion the economic hardship occasioned by the soaring costs of essential food items in the country.

The sales which started on a peaceful note were monitored and supervised by the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Wale Adeniyi.

Given the foregoing recurring Samaria-like situation in Nigeria, it is not an exaggeration to opine in this context that hunger across the country is no longer a mere challenge; it is a crisis. According to recent statistics, over 25 million Nigerians face severe food insecurity. The situation is exacerbated by inflation, which has driven up the cost of basic staples like rice, beans, and maize to unprecedented levels. For many families, a single meal a day is a luxury, and the sight of children rummaging through refuse for scraps is no longer uncommon.

This dire scenario sets the stage for desperation. When news spreads of food aid or subsidized items, thousands rush to distribution centers, often overwhelming the organizers. Chaos ensues, and lives are lost in the stampede. The question remains: How did we get here, and what can we learn from the biblical story of Samaria’s famine?

In fact, there are lessons from Samaria for Nigerians in the Christendom, in particular, to learn under this situation.  This is as a crisis of leadership and vision which the officer’s disbelief mirrors demonstrate how skeptical leaders and the people are, mainly when systemic hunger is not addressed with urgency and empathy. Not only that, policies that promise relief but deliver crumbs only fuel the desperation seen in stampedes. Given the foregoing, leaders must recognize that hunger is not just a statistic as it is unarguably a lived reality that breeds chaos.

In Samaria, Elisha’s prophecy was a call for hope and faith. However, the king’s officer dismissed it, much like some modern policymakers dismiss the urgency of addressing hunger head-on. His tragic end, trampled underfoot by the same crowd he sought to manage, serves as a powerful metaphor for leaders who underestimate the power of collective despair.

In fact, courageous action which the lepers collectively displayed by shunning desperation, and rather chose to act in faith need to be emulated by everyone in the Christendom. Their decision to explore the Aramean camp was risky but transformative. Nigeria’s leaders and citizens alike must embrace bold, solution-oriented action, from implementing effective food distribution systems to addressing the root causes of poverty.

Imagine if the Nigerian government, in partnership with private organizations, established a transparent and efficient system for distributing aid. What if technology was leveraged to track distribution and ensure it reaches those who are most in need? These are the kinds of courageous actions that can turn the tide.

Again, people must always exercise faith in the possibility of abundance, particularly as Elisha’s prophecy reminds us that change is possible, even in dire circumstances. For Nigeria, this means believing in and working toward a future where resources are equitably distributed, and the dignity of every citizen is upheld.

The abundance experienced in Samaria was not just a miracle; it was a fulfillment of divine promise. Similarly, Nigeria’s potential for abundance is vast. With its fertile lands, rich mineral resources, and entrepreneurial spirit, the nation has everything it needs to thrive. What is lacking is the will to harness these resources effectively.

Without a doubt, the danger of neglecting those who are hungry portends a volatile force. When ignored, it could erupt in ways that harm everyone, from the powerless to the powerful. The officer’s fate serves as a cautionary tale for those who underestimate the urgency of addressing food insecurity.

Without a doubt, the recent stampedes that occurred in Nigeria are evidences of what happens when hunger is neglected. They highlight the deep disconnect between leaders who live in comfort and the masses who struggle to survive. This disconnect breeds resentment and fuels the kind of desperation that leads to chaos.

In fact, the story of Samaria’s famine is not just a biblical tale; it is a parable for today’s Nigeria. The lepers represent the marginalized and forgotten, those who are forced to fend for themselves in a system that has abandoned them. Their courage and resourcefulness are a reminder that solutions often come from unexpected places.

The Aramean army’s flight illustrates how quickly circumstances can change. Just as their fear led them to abandon their camp, so too can Nigeria’s challenges be overcome if we address the underlying issues with resolve and determination.

The officer’s tragic end is a sobering reminder of the cost of disbelief and inaction. His fate mirrors that of policymakers who fail to act decisively in the face of crisis, only to be overwhelmed by the consequences of their neglect.

At this juncture, it is not a misnomer to ask, “Which way forward?” The answer to the foregoing apt question cannot be farfetched as stampedes during food distributions are preventable tragedies that highlight systemic failures. Transparent, efficient mechanisms for delivering aid are crucial. Beyond immediate relief, there is a need for long-term strategies: investing in agriculture, reducing post-harvest losses, and creating jobs that enable people to afford basic necessities.

Moreover, faith-based organizations and community leaders must work together to rebuild trust and foster hope. Just as the lepers shared the good news of abundance, Nigerians must unite to create a society where no one is trampled in the pursuit of survival.

One possible solution lies in technology. Mobile apps and digital platforms can be used to register beneficiaries and coordinate aid distribution. This would reduce the chaos of physical gatherings and ensure that help reaches those who truly need it. Similarly, community-led initiatives can play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the government and the people.

The parallels between Samaria’s famine and Nigeria’s current challenges are striking. Both situations highlight the importance of faith, courage, and decisive action in overcoming adversity. But while the story of Samaria ends with abundance, Nigeria’s story is still being written.

Will our leaders rise to the occasion and take bold steps to address hunger and poverty? Will we, as citizens, hold them accountable while also contributing to the solutions? Or will we, like the disbelieving officer, be trampled by the consequences of our inaction and skepticism?

In the end, the story of Samaria teaches us that abundance is possible, but it requires faith, action, and compassion. Nigeria stands at a similar crossroads. The choice is ours to make.