The Nigerian presidency is an energizing elixir. It has proven to be very effective in breathing life into dry bones. To old creaky engines, it gives deep cleaning; it replaces worn parts and upgrades the lubrication system. Olusegun Obasanjo went in there and got transformed from an imprisoned stork to a clean-shaven ladies’ egret. The Balogun Owu has since refused to age. Muhammadu Buhari entered the Villa peaky, ill and ailing. He left the place with his engine and chassis reinvented. His successor, super rich Lion of Bourdillon, broke the Internet with gaffes, slips and falls during the 2023 campaigns. He hasn’t yet spent two years in the Villa but he has also had a dramatic TAM (Turn Around Maintenance). The rough idling, vibrations and engine misfires are all gone. His cooling system is now cool and steady. These and many more are what the man celebrated two days ago as he officially turned 73, robust and rounded. He had many nice things said of him by those who seek (or already have) his mercy and favours.

Where life expectancy is less than 50, netting seventy years plus is a boon. William Shakespeare rejects the withering properties of age and cuddles the vibrancy of youth. In his ‘The Passionate Pilgrim’, Shakespeare leaves lines of contrasts on ageing for us to read and ponder. He writes that “crabbed age and youth cannot live together.” And he explains why: “Youth is full of pleasure, age is full of care; Youth like summer morn, age like winter weather; Youth like summer brave, age like winter bare. Youth is full sport, age’s breath is short; Youth is nimble, age is lame; Youth is hot and bold, age is weak and cold; Youth is wild, age is tame.” Shakespeare ends those parallels with a yell of rejection and acceptance: “Age, I do abhor thee; youth, I do adore thee.”

Now, who is old, who is young?

People in the sciences say every person has two ages. They call one chronological age (number of years a person has lived); the other they say is biological, a person’s functional age. The Yoruba have a third category; they call it Atubotan (the after-death years). Short or long, the first is guaranteed for all; the second is a factor of luck and choice; the third is largely determined by how we spend the first two. Very few are blessed with all three.

Less than two minutes from a town called Iragbiji in Osun State is another called Ikirun. It is about ten minutes from my own Eripa. Long gone Oba Lawani Adeyemi was Akinrun of Ikirun. The oba gathered fame across Yorubaland for the audacity of his longevity. He thought it was his right to live long and he loudly claimed it. When courtiers and all who courted his mercy wished him long life, Oba Adeyemi’s standard response was “Ó di dandan” (it is compulsory). At well over 70 years, Adeyemi’s people made him oba in 1945. His enemies thought him already at the departure lounge. They said he would soon vacate the space for them to take. There are legends that say with every rumour of his death came the actual death of the rumour mongers. Soon, no one warned no one again before they stopped wishing the oba dead. As years rolled into decades, the oba’s enemies dried out, the ones still alive became his friends. They had to; Ó di dandan.

Adeyemi stayed put on that throne until 1989 when he bowed out quietly. His people still celebrate the years in his reign not because they were unusually long, but because they were largely positive in the life of the community. He had the years, he was functional. More importantly, he had Atubotan. The oba had many children; he did not spoil them with palace spoils. They do not need unmerited honorary doctorate degrees from backwater universities to remain tall. The oba trained all his children such that the late king continues to live long after his death. His grandson was a Head of Service of the Federation; another is one of the richest in 2025 Ibadan. The rich needed no paternal imposition before he got to the top of his trade. President Tinubu very well knows Crystal Hospital at Akowonjo in Alimoso Local Government area of Lagos, it belongs to one of the eldest of Oba Adeyemi’s children. One of the youngest is a veteran in Osun State House of Assembly.

Where I come from, we rejoice with the joyous which is why I join in congratulating our president on his 73rd birthday. But as he celebrated that occasion with pomp on 29th March – a day to Villa’s sumptuous Sallah, I hope he reflected on what his presidency has meant to the Nigerian outside official powers. Many are stranded on the rough, dusty road to survival. They trace their misery to the leader’s mirth; their poverty to the president’s pleasure. They think their agony is power’s easement. It is not funny.

A democracy that repairs only the leaders is roguish and immoral. Yet, as we tell all these things, wisdom dictates that we march seven steps near the king, and six steps in nuanced back off. In Alex Danchev’s ‘Waltzing with Winston (Churchill),’ we are told that “the loyalties which centre upon number one are enormous. If he trips, he must be sustained. If he makes mistakes, they must be covered. If he sleeps, he must not be wantonly disturbed. (But) if he is no good, he must be pole-axed.” Literally, to pole-axe is to attack, strike, or fell with or as if with a poleaxe. That is the price all who claim “number one” must pay when they are not acting good.  

The president preached sacrifice on his birthday but his birthday table showed assorted, sumptuous surplus, everything. His wrongheaded policies he described as “the right thing to do for our nation’s future.” His wife is a pastor, she should blow into his ear the saying that only the living praises the Lord. Can a leader whose subjects wallow in want get blessed with their prayers? Among the Bantu of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa are a people called the Mashona. Anthropologist Denys Shropshire in a 1931 journal article tells us that in that place is a bird called Mukaranga wa Mambo. The storyteller says this bird “begins by making excited, shrill, chattering cries until she is attended to, after which, flying with contented chirps from branch to branch, she brings the traveller to the promised nest of honey.” A starved, marginalised citizenry has neither honey nor applause for unfeeling, feasting rulers.

The vulture is Yoruba’s totem of longevity; a symbol of death and rebirth. The Yoruba say igúnnugún (vulture) would not die unless it is old. But they celebrate more than the years. What a man put in his age is more important than the years. Which is why I find Yoruba’s view of ageing and old age somewhat intriguing. There is an ambivalence here. They despise the ugliness of vulture but they covet vulture’s enduring agedness. They say because the vulture does not die young, they too must live longer than life. But they qualify it: The years must be years of peace and plenty. They covet what they see as vulture’s longevity but not its unsightly totality. They want long life but not ageing with the debilities it connotes. They ask if you’ve ever seen a nestled sick bird. They want life without its co-morbidities.

Nigerians see their government as a colony of vultures. In ageing and eating, the vulture is a bird of patience. It does not nurse the sick back to health. Instead, it waits for the hungry to die; it insists that rotten flesh is good food. Vulture is also a bird of opportunity. Nigeria is a vultures’ field. You ask why? I wonder too and I ask vulture biologists (ornithologists). They tell me that vultures approach dead or dying beings from openings – mouth, eyes, nostrils etc. And, Nigeria has many of such loopholes. Our vultures start the gutting from the guts, they then go to other inner organs for lunch. They move to the muscles and tear at the tissues. For supper, they access smaller spaces for tendons, they chew at other body parts; they clean out the carcass and move on to the next meal. When their earth completes its yearly revolution, they roll out the drums in celebration of their victory over their own people and land.

When vultures surround you, make sure you stay alive, do not die. Nigerians have really tried not to die for the vultures of power to rejoice over them. Now, if food avoids Vulture, what will Vulture eat? The human being called Yoruba says in a proverb that when what is edible is not available, what is not edible becomes edible. Vultures feed on vultures if that is the only available carrion. What you feel in Rivers and Lagos and Kano are hungry vultures circling weak vultures for food.

We celebrate the president at 73. He will live life longer than his presidential tenure. But we must tell him that his government retains its painfulness; the NYSC corps member’s description of his reign as terrible was apt. The town is bitter; the city is unpleasant. 

How then do we take back our country – if we ever had one? I am not the only person asking this question. But I am going to risk adding that if you are not satisfied with where your feet have taken you, the rational direction is to walk for change. Ask those who know the ways of vultures. If you do not want vultures around you, the effective way is to show them that which scares them: The effigy of a dead vulture.

Tensions between Nigeria’s central and state governments have long been the fault lines of its federal system; it is like a simmering struggle between authority and autonomy. The 1999 Constitution, though intended as a compass for governance, is riddled with ambiguities—grey areas that have, time and again, become battlegrounds for political and legal duels. Among the most contentious debates is the reach of Section 305(1), which grants the president the power to declare a state of emergency. But does this mandate extend to the unilateral removal of democratically elected state officials?

For years, this question has lingered like an unspoken riddle in the corridors of power, whispered in legal chambers and political gatherings alike. Now, it erupts into the open, thrust into the unforgiving glare of the Supreme Court by seven opposition governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Their challenge is more than a legal contest; it is a reckoning—one that may redraw the contours of Nigeria’s federalism, recalibrate executive authority, and probe the very essence of democracy in the nation.

The Supreme Court, under Section 232(1) of the 1999 Constitution, has original jurisdiction in disputes between the Federal Government and state governments. This means it can directly adjudicate conflicts concerning constitutional interpretation. The ongoing case will test the limits of this jurisdiction, mainly whether the Supreme Court can provide clarification in the absence of a specific dispute between a state and the Federal Government. If the Court rules that interpretation alone is insufficient to activate its jurisdiction, it could set a precedent discouraging proactive legal resolutions, potentially allowing constitutional ambiguities to persist until conflicts escalate. However, if the Court determines that a general ambiguity affecting multiple states warrants judicial intervention, it will pave the way for a more dynamic constitutional review process that ensures legal clarity before crises arise.

This kind of legal battle is not unique to Nigeria. In advanced liberal democracies, governors often act as checks on presidential power. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. state governors resisted federal directives from President Donald Trump, asserting their constitutional authority over public health measures. Similarly, governors challenged President Jair Bolsonaro’s handling of the pandemic in Brazil, leading to significant legal battles that strengthened jurisprudence. Argentina has also seen multiple instances where state-level leaders acted against federal overreach, reinforcing the principle of decentralized governance. Nigeria’s case aligns with this broader global trend, underscoring how federalism functions as a check on executive authority.

Section 305 of the Constitution grants the president the power to declare a state of emergency, but the criteria remain broad and open to interpretation. Key questions include: What constitutes a “clear and present danger” to justify an emergency declaration? Should there be legislative oversight beyond the National Assembly’s approval? How does Nigeria’s standard compare to international best practices? The governors argue that the Supreme Court should establish precise conditions under which emergency powers can be invoked. The governors want the Supreme Court to define what circumstances justify a state of emergency. In 2004, former President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Plateau State, leading to the removal of Governor Joshua Dariye. A similar scenario occurred in Ekiti State under President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014. These instances highlight the pressing need for judicial clarification to prevent arbitrary use of emergency powers, which, if unchecked, could be used as a political weapon against opposition-controlled states.

A critical aspect of this case is whether the president’s emergency powers extend to suspending or removing elected state officials. The governors contend that the Constitution does not grant such authority. Their argument is grounded in Section 1(2), which establishes Nigeria as a democracy where sovereignty belongs to the people; Section 5(2), which limits executive powers by constitutional provisions; and Section 305, which does not explicitly provide for the removal of elected officials. The Supreme Court’s ruling will set a precedent for the extent of presidential authority during emergencies. It will either reaffirm state autonomy or expand federal executive powers, shaping the balance of power in Nigerian governance. Many legal scholars have argued that the power to remove a democratically elected governor lies with the electorate and, in extreme cases, the legislature—not the president.

The Constitution mandates a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber of the National Assembly to approve a state of emergency. The governors question whether the voice vote method used in recent emergency approvals met this requirement. The Court’s decision will determine whether procedural irregularities can invalidate emergency rule declarations. If the Supreme Court rules that a voice vote is insufficient, it could impose stricter legislative oversight on emergency declarations, ensuring greater accountability and preventing unilateral executive actions from circumventing constitutional processes.

Regardless of the outcome, this case highlights the importance of legal challenges in refining Nigeria’s constitutional framework. Nigeria’s judiciary is responsible for addressing constitutional ambiguities to prevent future conflicts. The Supreme Court had a previous opportunity to clarify constitutional provisions regarding local government elections in Rivers State and more specifically the place of the Electoral Act 2022. However, the ruling did not address critical ambiguities, leaving unresolved questions in electoral jurisprudence. The current case presents another chance for the Court to provide much-needed legal clarity. The judiciary plays a crucial role in resolving ambiguities that could otherwise lead to executive overreach or political instability.

If the Court delivers a well-reasoned judgment, it could serve as a touchstone for future constitutional conflicts, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic evolution. According to a 2022 survey by Afrobarometer, 73% of Nigerians believe that the judiciary should have more substantial independence to check executive excesses. This reinforces the importance of Supreme Court rulings in maintaining democratic integrity and ensuring that political expediency does not override constitutional safeguards.

This case will establish whether the president’s emergency powers include suspending elected officials. A ruling in favor of the governors could reinforce state autonomy while limiting federal intervention in state affairs. Conversely, a ruling in favor of the president could expand executive powers, setting a precedent for future emergency rule declarations. If the Court upholds broad presidential discretion, state governments may need constitutional amendments to safeguard their authority.

This decision will serve as a benchmark for defining the limits of emergency powers, shaping Nigeria’s governance structure for years to come. In India, the Supreme Court’s ruling in S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) curtailed the central government’s power to dismiss state governments, establishing a critical precedent for federalism. Nigeria’s Supreme Court has a similar opportunity to develop safeguards against potential executive overreach.

This case could prompt the National Assembly to reconsider the discretionary powers granted to the president through constitutional amendment . Potential reforms could include defining emergency conditions more precisely, requiring judicial review of emergency declarations, and strengthening legislative oversight to prevent executive overreach. Eminent lawyers have argued that the lack of clear constitutional guidelines on emergency powers leaves too much room for executive discretion, which is dangerous for democracy.

The Supreme Court’s ruling will test its ability to separate partisanship from jurisprudence and focus on constitutional text, precedents, and democratic principles. If it prioritises technicalities over substantive legal interpretation, it risks weakening public trust in the judiciary. A 2022 report by the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) on “Tackling Judicial Bribery and Procurement Fraud in Nigeria” found that about 61% of respondents believe that judges in Nigeria are likely to be politically influenced or accept bribes to influence their decisions, highlighting the need for impartial rulings.

The Supreme Court’s decision will be a defining moment for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. If it upholds the governors’ argument, it will set a strong precedent affirming the independence of state governments, ensuring that executive powers remain within constitutional limits. If it rules in favor of expansive presidential authority, it risks tilting the balance of power.

Legal challenges like this one are essential for deepening Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Testing constitutional provisions ensures that governance is rooted in law rather than arbitrary power. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for federalism, democracy, and the balance of power in Nigeria. Whatever the outcome, this case has forced a crucial legal reckoning, compelling Nigeria to confront the ambiguities in its constitutional framework. The judiciary must rise above partisanship, deliver a judgment that reinforces the rule of law, and safeguard Nigeria’s democratic evolution. A well-reasoned ruling will not only settle the immediate dispute but will shape the nation’s legal and political trajectory for generations to come.

March has been a celebratory month as President Bola Tinubu turned 73. As the celebrations began, Nigerian Shiites were simultaneously being shot for marching on the streets. March 2025 has also seen an escalation in the unending Fubara-Wike drama. It has now soaked in the executive, legislative and judicial arms, including the Supreme Court.

Equally, the Nathasha-Akpabio tango, which began in the ballroom of the Nigerian Senate, has taken international stage.

It has also been the month when some perceptive Nigerians in organising a posthumous birthday for radical intellectual, Professor Nuhu Omeiza Yaqub, analysed the country’s past and suggested ways forward.

President Tinubu was on Friday, March 28, the eve of his birthday, at the National Mosque, Abuja for Jumat prayers. The faithful were also with him. The country was in a joyous mood as ministers and governors, legislators, political appointees and the hopeful were in a near-stampede to congratulate the President and, perhaps, assure him that there is ‘no shaking’.

Simultaneously, less than a 10-minute drive away, the Shiites were marking their international Qudus or Wufus. This Day of Ashura is designated a day of mourning the martyred. For over four decades now, they have dedicated this day as an annual international march for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue.

So, if, in a democracy, the Shiites march, exercising their fundamental right to freedom of religion, movement and assembly, how does it constitute a security threat for which the army and police annually open fire on the children, women and men in the procession?

All that is required by the Police Act is for the police to provide protection for those marching or demonstrating, and for the general populace.

It appears that the annual murder of Shiites in Nigeria is beyond a so-called security reason. If the Shiites march, let them march! Are they marching with your legs? It is their religious belief; so the annual slaughter will not stop them from marching, and they have a fundamental human right to do so.

President Tinubu does not need to inherit the enemies of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The Shiites in Nigeria are not our enemies. If anything, they are our fellow citizens and government has the constitutional duty to protect all Nigerians irrespective of belief. Also, as Nigerians we have the right to be briefed by government on how many Shiites were killed this Friday, how many injured and if there are still some being detained. We need an enquiry into this crime and how it can be prevented in future.

My final take on this is that we must make far less use of the army. Its intrusion in normal civil life is becoming pervasive and must be checked.

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, Nigerians were also on the march in the endless ritual of constitutional amendments. On that day, the House of Representatives passed 31 Bills after second reading. For me, the most attractive was one that seeks to review the requirements of those contesting the presidential and gubernatorial elections. It seeks to stop anyone above 60 years from contesting those positions. I laughed. 

If by any miracle such an amendment is passed, we are in for another melodrama. Eighty-year-old politicians would start producing birth certificates or sworn age declarations that purport them to be 55! This is more so in a country where birth and death records are not readily available.

So, why not concentrate on enforcing existing requirements that can be better verified? For instance, the constitutional provision that such aspirants should possess a minimum high school leaving certificate?

It reminds me of the case of former President Buhari who in contesting the 2015 election could not produce a school leaving certificate or any such documentary evidence. He claimed that the Nigerian Army had custody of his certificate. The Army denied it. What is instructive is that for the eight years he was President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he could not produce the certificate he claimed he had deposited with the army.

The Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan saga is one of the wonders of the Nigerian polity. She was said to have refused to change her seat. She, in turn, accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. How these two matters constituted “gross misconduct” for which over 250,000 otherwise busy constituents would go queue to sign a recall petition is baffling except that it might be one those scams in our politics.

 There was the joke that the Senator had externalised the issue by taking it to the floor of the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union. Really? Do the people making this claim not realise that in a highly digitalised world, the altercation right from the Senate was already internationalised?

At the Prof Yaqub colloquium held on March 4, 2025 to repair the broken joints of the country, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, said the universities can make meaningful interventions in all aspects provided they are made eternally healthy. He submitted that: “It is only by priotising knowledge solution through effective and development-focused university education that Nigeria can get back to its path of sustainable development.”

A father of Political Science in Nigeria, Professor Adele Jinadu, said Africa needs an Afro-centric approach to governance and development based on five types of freedom: political freedoms, economic facilities, social opportunities, transparency guarantees and protective security. The road to Europe, he argued, would not lead to salvation for the continent.

Senator Ita Solomon Enang, Presidential Adviser, National Assembly Matters, Emeritus, pointed out to developing countries that Trumpism is the best thing that has activated their economies and potentials: an opportunity to progress from self-governing countries to truly independent ones.

Femi Falana, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, submitted that the judiciary should have conscience and uphold social justice not technicalities.

Ambassador Joe Keshi, President of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria, ARCAN, spoke on the need to employ diplomacy as a tool in solving Africa’s crises of democracy and development. He pointed out that the crises are international in nature, so the solution has to be national and international.

Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, in assessing Professor Yaqub who, apart from being a leading political scientist and former Vice Chancellor in the Universities of Abuja and Sokoto State, was also engaged in the Arts, spoke about the public intellectual. He pointed out that in this new generation, the public intellectual rather than recede into academic obscurity, can evolve with the times and still contribute to upholding social justice by remaining true to the ideals of his status.

Obviously, Nigerians have a long way to tread.

His Excellency,

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

The Villa,

Aso Rock,

Three Arms Zone,

Abuja,

FCT

Your Excellency Asiwaju

Who Will Tell the President

(Let Democracy Reign; Let the Will of the People Reign)

I write to you today not merely as a loyal servant of our great nation, but as a concerned citizen, a comrade who has stood by the ideals of democracy, freedom, and justice from the very inception of our struggle. This is not just a letter but a heartfelt call to action. As someone who has walked with you through the struggles for democracy, endured the challenges of political opposition, and shared in the vision of a better Nigeria, I write to you with the utmost sense of duty, respect, and sincerity.

Mr. President, Nigeria is in distress. The people are suffering untold hardship. The streets murmur, the markets groan, and the cries of the masses grow louder by the day. I do not write to flatter you but Nigeria today stands at a critical juncture in its political and socio-economic journey. With the 2027 electoral process already casting its long shadow over our collective consciousness, it is imperative that we pause to assess our current trajectory and the challenges that beset us.

This essay, which I humbly present to you, is an earnest appeal, a call to action for you, the President, to lead courageously and institute bold, pro-poor policies that will fundamentally transform the lives of Nigerians. In this extended discourse, I shall elaborate on several pressing issues: the dire need to reform our reward system within our party, the importance of instituting policies that prioritize the welfare of our most vulnerable citizens, the urgency to overhaul critical sectors such as transportation and health care, and the necessity to reflect upon and learn from our political history.

I implore you, Asiwaju, to consider this an opportunity to reaffirm your commitment to a Nigeria where democracy truly reigns, where the will of the people is paramount, and where every Nigerian, irrespective of their background, can thrive.

I. The Socio-Economic Landscape of Nigeria Today

Our beloved country, Nigeria, a land endowed with abundant resources and a resilient spirit, now finds itself mired in a multitude of challenges. These issues are not merely administrative oversights or the byproduct of political mismanagement, they are symptomatic of deeper, structural problems that have festered over decades. The socio-economic reality that confronts us is one of stark inequality, where a significant portion of the populace lives in conditions that defy the basic tenets of human dignity.

The Plight of the Common Man

The everyday Nigerian is increasingly disillusioned by the persistent hardships that characterize our economic landscape. Inflation, unemployment, and the soaring cost of living have rendered the dream of a prosperous future a distant reality for many. The burden of rising prices, particularly in urban centres such as Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Plateau State, has placed undue strain on household budgets. It is against this backdrop of widespread economic distress that I urge you to initiate policies that directly address these issues.

Transport: A Fundamental Right Under Siege

One of the most urgent areas that demand immediate attention is transportation, especially for our children. The very act of getting to school, a right that should be guaranteed to every child has become a financial burden for many families. In our urban centres, where traffic congestion and exorbitant transit fares have become the norm, it is inconceivable that pupils and students should bear the cost of transportation. Education, being the bedrock of national development, must be accessible to all, free from the shackles of financial impediments. I propose that the government implement a robust, pro-poor policy that ensures free or heavily subsidized transportation for all pupils and students, thereby removing one of the significant barriers to quality education.

Health: A Matter of Life and Death

Equally pressing is the matter of health care. The cost of health insurance remains prohibitively high for the average Nigerian family. Imagine a household of six, striving to secure affordable health care amidst a backdrop of rising medical costs, this is a scenario that many Nigerians face daily. It is imperative that the government either drastically subsidizes health insurance premiums or assumes the cost of health coverage for very vulnerable families, ensuring that every citizen has access to quality medical services. A healthy nation is a prosperous nation, and it is incumbent upon us to guarantee that the basic right to health is not a privilege for the few but a guaranteed provision for all.

II. The Political Landscape and the Perils of 2027

Our political environment, though vibrant in its democratic expression, is increasingly being marred by internal strife and factionalism. The looming 2027 elections have, regrettably, become a focal point of distraction, inflaming tensions within our polity. The political arena, rather than being a space for constructive debate and inclusive participation, has devolved into a battleground of egos, self-interest, and sycophancy.

The Electoral Distraction

The constant preoccupation with the 2027 election cycle has led to a climate where short-term political gains are prioritized over the long-term well-being of our nation. It is only you, Mr. President, who possess the authority and the vision to douse these flames before they engulf the entire political landscape. I implore you to rise above the petty infighting and focus on the larger picture, the need for sustainable, transformative change that addresses the core issues facing Nigeria. By doing so, you can redirect the energy of our nation towards nation-building rather than political vendettas.

Reflection on the Journey

As you navigate these turbulent times, I urge you to reflect upon your political journey, the dark days of struggle, the long and arduous fight for democracy, and the sacrifices made in the name of freedom. Recall those moments when the very future of our nation hung in the balance, and the collective will of the people was the only beacon of hope.

Ask yourself: is the current state of affairs truly the culmination of those struggles, or have we lost sight of the ideals that once united us? A period of introspection is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the enduring spirit of leadership that has seen us through our darkest hours.

III. A Call to Action: Pro-Poor Policies and the Need for Bold Leadership

Your Excellency, the challenges before us require more than incremental adjustments, they demand a radical rethinking of how we approach governance. In the spirit of true leadership, it is incumbent upon you to take the bull by the horns and institute a series of pro-poor policies that will lay the foundation for a more equitable society.

Revolutionizing Transportation for Our Youth

As previously mentioned, the issue of transportation is not merely a logistical concern, it is a matter of social justice. Imagine a Nigeria where no child is denied an education because of the prohibitive costs of travel. I propose the establishment of a government-subsidized transportation system dedicated to students, particularly in urban areas such as Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, the FCT, and Plateau. Such a system would not only alleviate the financial burden on families but also serve as a catalyst for improving educational outcomes across the nation. By ensuring that every pupil has access to free or affordable transport, we are investing in the future of Nigeria, a future built on the empowerment of its youth.

Healthcare Reform: Subsidizing Health Insurance

The health of our nation is under siege, with millions of Nigerians struggling to afford even the most basic medical care. I urge you to take decisive steps towards reforming our healthcare system by introducing policies that either significantly reduce the cost of health insurance or, ideally, have it entirely funded by the government for poor families. Consider a model where a family of six is guaranteed access to comprehensive health care without the crippling financial strain that currently characterizes our system. Such a policy would not only improve the quality of life for countless Nigerians but also foster a healthier, more productive society and permanently end quackery in the healthcare sector.

The Imperative of Clean and Transparent Governance

The spectre of mediocrity looms large over our political and administrative systems. It is disheartening to observe that those who once toiled selflessly for the party have, over time, been relegated to the status of mere bystanders, overlooked and undervalued simply because they are “too straight” or lack the patronage of influential godfathers.

I recall, with a heavy heart, your words to me just two years ago in your Asokoro palatial mansion, words that resonated deeply with the promise of change: “We must change our reward system.” Yet, today, that promise appears to have been forgotten, as the old ways of rewarding mediocrity persist unabated.

This entrenched system, where rewards and appointments are dictated not by merit but by sycophancy and lineage, has eroded the very fabric of our party and, by extension, our government. The nomination processes for party offices are a case in point where the offspring of political leaders or the ever-obedient yes-men are favoured over the genuinely competent and dedicated.

This practice has not only alienated the hardworking foot soldiers of our movement but has also driven the vibrant, young members of our party to seek refuge in less principled political establishments. The consequences of this are starkly evident: our loss in the presidential election in Lagos was not a reflection of our inadequacy or unpopularity, but a powerful indictment of a system that has failed to reward true merit.

A Level Playing Field: The Need for a Clean Membership Register

In the spirit of transparency and fairness, it is imperative that we re-examine the very foundation of our party structure. Our membership register, currently touted as boasting 1.4 million members in Lagos State, is nothing more than a fallacious figure that belies the actual turnout less than 600,000, as evidenced by the 2023 Presidential election results.

For the sake of strategic planning and genuine representation, we must establish a clean, accurate, and empirically verifiable membership register. This register should serve as the cornerstone of our democratic process, ensuring that every vote, every voice, is accounted for and that our planning is grounded in reality rather than inflated assumptions.

Leadership from the Front: Embracing Inclusivity, Empathy, Forgiveness, and Justice

Asiwaju, the mantle of leadership rests upon your shoulders, and it is time to lead from the front once again. Now more than ever, Nigeria needs a President who embodies the virtues of inclusivity, empathy, forgiveness, and justice. In a political landscape often tarnished by self-serving ambitions and hollow praise, your strength and integrity stand as beacons of hope for your true friends, associates, and the foot soldiers of our party.

There is no enemy among your followers, political associates and colleagues, only those whose interests lie in self-aggrandizement and sycophancy. It is imperative that you distinguish between the two, celebrating and empowering those who have truly dedicated themselves to the service of our nation.

I urge you to consider convening a congress or an assembly of all your friends, associates, and counsellors, a forum where honest reflection can take place. In this assembly, let us collectively seek the face of God, asking for divine guidance and wisdom to navigate the challenges that lie ahead. As the scriptures in the Lord’s Prayer remind us, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Likewise, the Quran implores us with the word “astagfirullah” a call to seek forgiveness.

In the same spirit, I beseech you to forgive those who may have crossed your path, recognizing that none among us are infallible so that those that you have wronged can also forgive you. It is through forgiveness that we can truly heal the wounds of the past and chart a course towards a more just and equitable future.

IV. Reflecting on the Past to Forge a Better Future

Your Excellency, as you stand at the helm of our great nation, I invite you to look back on your political journey, a journey marked by struggle, sacrifice, and the unyielding pursuit of democracy and freedom. There was a time when the future of Nigeria hung precariously in the balance, and the sacrifices of countless patriots paved the way for the democratic state we now inhabit. Those were dark days, indeed, but they were also the crucible in which our collective resolve was forged.

The Dark Days of Our Struggle

I vividly recall the days when the price of freedom was measured in blood and tears, when the clamour for democracy was met with ruthless oppression. The sacrifices made by our forebears are not mere historical footnotes, they are the very foundation upon which our current democratic edifice stands. As you reflect on those turbulent times, ask yourself whether the current state of our nation is the true legacy of those struggles. Have we, in our complacency, allowed the hard-won fruits of our labour to wither on the vine? Or is it time to reinvigorate our commitment to the ideals that once galvanized our movement?

A Personal Appeal: Remembering Our Conversation

I would be remiss if I did not remind you of a conversation, we had exactly two years ago in your Asokoro palatial mansion, a moment that has since been etched in my memory. In that intimate setting, with just the two of us present, you spoke with conviction about the urgent need to “change our reward system.” Those words resonated with the promise of a new era, one where merit and dedication would be rewarded rather than mere loyalty and sycophancy. Yet today, I am compelled to confess that I am dismayed to witness little more than a perpetuation of the old ways, a reward system that continues to favour mediocrity and patronage over genuine excellence.

It is not that those who sacrificed everything for the party are undeserving of recognition, they are, in fact, the unsung heroes of our struggle. They are the foot soldiers who, despite their unwavering commitment, find themselves marginalized simply because they are “too straight” or lack the influential godfathers that seem to dictate success in our political landscape. This, Jagaban, is a travesty that not only undermines the spirit of our movement but also endangers the future of our party and, by extension, the destiny of our nation.

The Cost of Ingratitude

The recent electoral debacle in Lagos, which was not a manifestation of our weakness or unpopularity but rather a reflection of the deep-seated discontent among our ranks, serves as a cautionary tale. The aggrieved, depressed, and disillusioned members of our party have made their voices heard in the most consequential manner possible by delivering a defeat that should have never been possible if our internal structures were robust and genuinely meritocratic. If we can lose an election in Lagos in 2023 because of these internal fractures, then the stakes for 2027 are alarmingly high. It is incumbent upon you, as the leader, to correct these wrongs and steer our collective energies towards a future where excellence is rewarded, and every Nigerian is given a fair chance to contribute to nation-building.

V. Proposals for a New Direction

The time has come for a paradigm shift, a reimagining of our policies and practices that places the well-being of the Nigerian people at the forefront. The proposals outlined below are designed to serve as a roadmap for the transformation that our nation so desperately requires.

Transforming the Educational Transportation System

a. Policy Framework:

Develop a comprehensive policy that guarantees free or subsidized transportation for all pupils and students. This initiative should focus primarily on urban centres where the cost of travel is prohibitively high, ensuring that education remains accessible regardless of a family’s financial standing.

b. Implementation Strategy:

Partner with state governments, local governments, local transport unions, and private sector stakeholders to establish a sustainable and efficient transportation network. This network should be designed to cover key urban areas such as Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, the FCT, and Plateau, with dedicated routes and schedules tailored to the academic calendar.

c. Monitoring and Evaluation:

Establish a robust oversight mechanism to ensure that the policy is effectively implemented. Regular audits and performance assessments should be conducted, with feedback loops that allow for continuous improvement. Data collected from these evaluations should inform future policy adjustments, ensuring that the system remains responsive to the needs of its beneficiaries.

Reforming Health Insurance Policies

a. Subsidization and Government Funding:

Introduce measures to drastically reduce the cost of health insurance premiums for Nigerian families particularly the very vulnerable one living below poverty lines. Ideally, the government should consider fully subsidizing health insurance for families, particularly those with six or more members, thereby ensuring that quality health care is not a privilege but a guaranteed right.

b. Public-Private Partnerships:

Foster partnerships with reputable private insurers to create a competitive yet fair health insurance market. Such collaborations can help streamline the costs and improve service delivery, making health care more accessible and affordable.

c. Universal Health Coverage Roadmap:

Develop a phased roadmap toward universal health coverage that prioritizes the most vulnerable segments of society. This roadmap should include targeted interventions for rural and underserved communities, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in our quest for better health outcomes.

Revamping the Party’s Reward and Nomination System

a. Merit-based Appointments:

Reevaluate the existing reward system within our party to ensure that appointments and promotions are based on merit rather than mere patronage or familial connections. This will require a thorough audit of current practices and the development of transparent criteria that prioritize competence, dedication, and proven performance.

b. Inclusivity and Transparency:

Establish a clean, verifiable membership register that accurately reflects the true strength of our party. Such a register should be maintained with the utmost transparency and updated regularly to ensure its credibility. This will serve as a crucial tool for planning and for ensuring that every member’s voice is heard during internal elections and decision-making processes.

c. Empowering the Grassroots:

Create avenues for meaningful participation by the grassroots members of our party. Their insights, energy, and dedication are invaluable assets that should not be sidelined by an entrenched system of sycophancy. Empower these members through capacity-building initiatives, mentoring programmes, and clear pathways to leadership positions.

Ensuring Accountability and Reducing Political Distractions

a. Focus on Governance Over Partisanship:

Shift the focus of our political discourse from partisan bickering to genuine governance. The looming 2027 election must not serve as a distraction that derails our progress. Instead, it should be viewed as a call to action, an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient political system that is prepared to meet the challenges of the future.

b. Institutional Reforms:

Consider establishing an independent oversight body within the party that monitors internal processes, ensuring that appointments, nominations, and policy implementations adhere to the highest standards of integrity and fairness. Such an institution could serve as a bulwark against the corrosive influence of self-serving agendas and ensure that the party remains true to its founding principles.

c. A Call for Unity:

In these trying times, unity within our ranks is more important than ever. I appeal to you, Asiwaju, to set aside differences and forge a path that is inclusive and just. By fostering an environment where every voice is valued, you can rebuild the trust and solidarity that are essential for our collective success.

VI. Reflections on Our Political Journey

Your Excellency, as you contemplate the path forward, I urge you to reflect deeply on the long and arduous journey that has brought us to this point. Our struggles for democracy and freedom were not for personal gain, they were for the establishment of a society where every Nigerian could live with dignity and opportunity.

Lessons from the Past

The dark days of our struggle serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by countless heroes. These sacrifices were not in vain; they were the building blocks of the Nigeria we have today. Yet, as we celebrate our achievements, we must also acknowledge the gaps that remain and the urgent need to address them. The current state of affairs should compel us to revisit the principles of accountability, transparency, and meritocracy that were once the hallmarks of our movement.

The Imperative of Change

The call to “change our reward system” that you issued two years ago was a visionary one, a call for a new era where the contributions of every party member are recognized and rewarded fairly.

However, the persistence of outdated practices that favour mediocrity and patronage is a stark reminder that promises, no matter how well-intentioned, must be followed by concrete action. The time for change is now. It is incumbent upon you, as the leader of our party and our nation, to break away from the entrenched practices of the past and embrace a future defined by fairness and opportunity for all.

The Cost of Complacency

Let us not forget that the current state of discontent among our ranks is not merely a symptom of isolated grievances, it is a reflection of a broader malaise that threatens the very fabric of our democracy. The disillusionment of our foot soldiers, the sidelining of those who are “too straight” to engage in the traditional politics of patronage, and the marginalization of young, dynamic voices have all contributed to the challenges we face today. These are not minor issues; they are indicative of a system that has lost its way. Your leadership is needed now more than ever to realign our priorities and reinvigorate our commitment to the values that once defined our movement.

VII. An Appeal for Forgiveness and Reconciliation

In the midst of these challenges, I also call upon you to exercise the virtues of forgiveness and reconciliation. The path to a better Nigeria is not paved solely with policies and reforms, it is also built on the human capacity to forgive and to learn from our mistakes.

The Call to Forgive

As we draw inspiration from the words of the Lord’s Prayer “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” and the solemn invocation in the Quran, “astagfirullah,” I implore you to extend forgiveness to those who may have wronged you along the way and those that you have wronged. None of us are infallible, and in the pursuit of our noble goals, misunderstandings and missteps are inevitable. Embracing forgiveness is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is a powerful affirmation of your strength and commitment to the greater good.

Healing Old Wounds

Our journey has been marred by divisions and betrayals, but it is time to heal these old wounds. I urge you to reach out to those who, in the past, may have crossed your path or whose actions have inadvertently contributed to the current discontent. By fostering an atmosphere of reconciliation, you can galvanize support from every corner of our party and rebuild the trust that is essential for any meaningful reform. Let this be a moment of transformation, a time when old grievances are laid to rest, and we all unite under the banner of a renewed, inclusive Nigeria.

VIII. The Way Forward: A Blueprint for National Renewal

Jagaban, the challenges we face are formidable, but they are not insurmountable. With visionary leadership and a steadfast commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people, we can overcome the obstacles that stand in our way. The blueprint for national renewal that I propose is rooted in principles of fairness, transparency, and genuine concern for the well-being of every citizen.

Economic Empowerment and Social Justice

At the heart of our socio-economic challenges lies the need for robust policies that empower the most vulnerable members of our society. Economic empowerment is not merely about increasing GDP, it is about creating an environment where every Nigerian has the opportunity to prosper.

This involves investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, as well as creating a regulatory framework that supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and fosters innovation. By addressing these foundational issues, we can create a more equitable society where opportunity is not the privilege of a few but the birthright of all.

Institutional Reforms and Accountability

A critical element of this blueprint is the overhaul of our institutional frameworks. This includes reforming the reward and nomination systems within our party to ensure that appointments are based on merit rather than favouritism.

Transparency must become the cornerstone of our governance, with robust systems in place to monitor and evaluate performance at all levels from the federal to the local government. Such reforms will not only restore confidence among party members but will also send a powerful message to the Nigerian people that we are committed to building a government that is accountable and just.

Strengthening the Social Contract

Our nation is built on a social contract between the government and the governed, a contract that has, over time, been eroded by unmet expectations and unfulfilled promises. It is imperative that we renew this contract through tangible actions that address the fundamental needs of the populace. Policies that ensure free or affordable education, subsidized health care, and accessible transportation are not mere concessions; they are investments in the human capital that is the bedrock of Nigeria’s future. By fulfilling these basic promises, we reaffirm the trust of the people and lay the groundwork for sustainable development.

Building a Culture of Inclusivity

The future of Nigeria depends on our ability to harness the collective strength of our diverse citizenry. This means fostering a culture of inclusivity where every voice regardless of age, background, or political affiliation is heard and valued. Your leadership, Your Excellency, is pivotal in championing this cause. By opening the channels of communication, involving grassroots members in decision-making, and establishing forums for open dialogue, you can build a more unified and resilient nation. Such inclusivity is not only a moral imperative; it is a practical necessity for navigating the complex challenges of our times.

IX. A Personal Plea from a Loyal Comrade

Mr. President, my words come to you from a place of deep personal concern and unwavering loyalty. I have witnessed firsthand the trials and tribulations of our political journey from the blood-soaked struggles of our past to the challenges we face today. I have seen the passion of young Nigerians, the dedication of our grassroots workers, and the spirit of resilience that has always defined our people. It is with this background that I earnestly appeal to you to reflect on the weight of your responsibilities.

I recall, with both pride and a tinge of sorrow, our conversation two years ago in your Asokoro palatial mansion. In that quiet, private setting of just the two of us, you spoke of the need for transformation, of changing the reward system that had, for too long, stifled the genuine talent within our ranks. Your words, full of hope and promise, stirred my soul then and they resonate with even greater urgency today. Yet, as I observe the current state of our party and the broader political landscape, I am dismayed to find that the changes we so desperately need have not materialized. Instead, the old ways of patronage, mediocrity, and sycophancy continue to prevail.

I am deeply troubled by the fact that those who have given everything to secure victory for our party, those true foot soldiers who have bled and sacrificed in the cause of democracy are now being relegated to the sidelines.

They are dismissed not for a lack of ability or commitment, but because they are “too straight” or do not possess the requisite connections. This betrayal of trust, this perversion of our reward system, has sown seeds of disillusionment and despair among our ranks. It is no wonder, then, that we witnessed a stunning defeat in Lagos, not as a consequence of weakness, but as a powerful manifestation of the dissatisfaction of our own members.

X. The Urgency of Leadership and the Imperative to Act Now

Your Excellency, we stand at a crossroads. The challenges before us are enormous, but they are not insurmountable if we act with resolve and integrity. I implore you to seize this moment, to demonstrate that true leadership is not defined by the ease of the path but by the courage to confront adversity head-on. The distractions of the 2027 elections, the discontent within our party, and the socio-economic hardships faced by millions of Nigerians are all pressing issues that require immediate and decisive action.

A Call for Courageous Leadership

It is only you, Mr. President, who have the authority, the experience, and the moral fortitude to steer this nation away from the precipice of disillusionment. I call on you to take bold, courageous steps that prioritize the welfare of the people over narrow political expediencies. Embrace the mantle of true leadership by enacting policies that are both transformative and inclusive, a leadership that does not shy away from making difficult decisions, even if they challenge established norms.

Restoring Faith in Our Political System

The current state of our party and government is a reflection of a broader malaise, a malaise that can only be cured by a recommitment to the core values of democracy, transparency, and accountability. Rebuild the trust of the Nigerian people by demonstrating, through your actions, that our government is not beholden to self-serving interests but is dedicated to the service of the nation. This is not merely a political imperative; it is a moral duty that you have long championed.

A Vision for a Better Tomorrow

Envision a Nigeria where every child has access to education without the burden of transport costs, where every family can afford quality health care without the looming spectre of financial ruin, and where the corridors of power are open to those who have dedicated their lives to the service of the people. This vision is not utopian, it is a practical, achievable goal that can be realized if we harness our collective will and act with unwavering determination. Your leadership is the beacon that can guide us towards this brighter future.

XI. Concluding

Reflections and a Final Appeal

As I bring this lengthy exposition to a close, I am mindful that the words I offer are not merely a critique but a heartfelt plea from one patriot to another. Our nation is at a critical moment, and the choices we make today will reverberate through the generations to come. I stand with you, Mr. President, in the belief that together we can overcome the obstacles that have long hindered Nigeria’s progress.

I ask you to revisit the promises you made to yourself, to your loyal comrades, and to the Nigerian people when you vowed to change the reward system and to build a government that truly serves the interests of all its citizens. Reflect on the sacrifices of the past, recognize the discontent that festers among those who have laboured tirelessly for our cause, and take the bold steps necessary to restore faith in our collective future.

Your Excellency, the time for complacency has passed. It is now the moment to lead with conviction, to embrace policies that uplift the marginalized, and to chart a course that is defined by justice, inclusivity, and genuine meritocracy. Convene your friends, your associates, your counsellors, and even those who have long been sidelined, bring them together in a congress or assembly where honest dialogue and reflection can take place.

Let us, in unity, seek the face of God for guidance, wisdom, and the strength to overcome our challenges.

This is not the time for partisanship or petty squabbles; it is the time for national renewal. The Nigerian people deserve nothing less than a government that is truly committed to their welfare, a government that listens, acts, and transforms the aspirations of millions into tangible reality.

Final Thoughts

In closing, allow me to reiterate my deepest respect and admiration for you, Mr. President. I write these words with profound love for our country and with a steadfast belief in your capacity to lead Nigeria into a new era of prosperity and justice. The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but I am convinced that with your visionary leadership, we can and will overcome them.

Who Will Tell the President?

This essay is titled Who Will Tell the President? because the truths contained in it are what many would rather avoid. But as your brother, your loyalist, and your confidant, I cannot stay silent.

Mr. President, the nation looks to you.

The burden is heavy, but so is the trust reposed in you by the millions who believe in your vision. Let democracy reign; let the will of the people prevail. Let us right the wrongs, restore faith, and build a Nigeria where every citizen regardless of background has a fair shot at a better life.

I trust that you will take these reflections to heart and that, in the days to come, you will initiate the critical reforms that our nation so desperately needs. Again Asiwaju, Let democracy reign and let the will of the people be the guiding star of our endeavours. I remain, as ever, a loyal comrade and a fervent believer in the promise of a better Nigeria.

Ogboni Fouad Oki