In the bustling neighborhood of Ogba, Lagos, I recently encountered a mechanic whose words have since lingered in my mind. As we talked about the challenges of daily life and the state of the nation, he remarked in pidgin, “Na my turn to chop nor good for politics.” This simple, yet profound statement encapsulates a critical issue plaguing Nigerian politics today; the dangerous mentality of self-enrichment at the expense of the public good.

The phrase “Na my turn to chop” has become a common and tacit refrain in Nigeria’s political discourse, symbolizing the entitlement mentality that drives many politicians to seek office. For too many, political office is seen not as an opportunity to serve the people, but as a means to personal enrichment. This mentality is often justified by the argument that it is “my turn” to benefit from the spoils of power, as if governance were a relay race in which the baton of corruption is passed from one politician to the next.

However, the mechanic’s statement, “Na my turn to chop nor good for politics,” challenges this notion. It is a reminder that this mindset is not only morally wrong but also fundamentally destructive to the nation’s progress. When politics is reduced to a feeding frenzy, the very purpose of governance, to improve the lives of the people is lost. The result is a cycle of poverty, underdevelopment, and social unrest.

This culture of “chop” politics manifests in various forms, from the embezzlement of public funds to the awarding of contracts to cronies without regard for competence or public interest. It is a culture that prioritizes personal gain over public service, and it is deeply ingrained in the fabric of Nigerian politics.

The consequences of this mentality are all too evident. Infrastructure projects are abandoned halfway, public institutions are underfunded, and basic services like healthcare and education are neglected. Virtually all Nigerians, who depend on these services, are left to bear the brunt of this mismanagement, while those in power live in opulence.

Yet, the irony is that this culture of self-enrichment ultimately harms everyone, including those who engage in it. When roads are left in disrepair, even the politician with the latest luxury car cannot drive comfortably. When hospitals are poorly equipped, even those in power must seek medical care abroad, at great expense. In essence, the selfishness that drives “chop” politics creates a society in which no one, not even the politicians themselves, can truly thrive.

It is time for a shift in mindset, both among the political class and the electorate. Politics should be about service, not self-enrichment. Leaders should be chosen based on their ability to deliver on their promises and improve the lives of the people, not on their capacity to “chop” the most. The electorate, too, must reject candidates who campaign on the basis of patronage and instead demand accountability and transparency.

The mechanic in Ogba was right, “Na my turn to chop nor good for politics.” It is a mentality that has held Nigeria back for far too long. If the nation is to move forward, this culture must be rejected in favor of one that prioritizes the common good over personal gain. Only then can Nigeria truly fulfill its potential and provide a better future for all its citizens.

Partisan politics, often referred to as “paddy-paddy politics” and “chop-I-chop politics,” has become a significant obstacle to good governance in Nigeria. This form of politics, where alliances are formed based on personal gain rather than the public good, prioritizes the interests of a few over the needs of the many. It fosters an environment where loyalty to political benefactors takes precedence over accountability to the electorate, leading to decisions that serve the elite rather than addressing the pressing issues facing the nation.

The consequences of such politics are evident in the stagnation of critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Instead of implementing policies that would benefit the masses, politicians are more concerned with securing their positions and enriching themselves and their allies. This “chop-I-chop” mentality has led to widespread corruption, with public funds being siphoned off to fund lavish lifestyles while ordinary Nigerians continue to struggle with poverty and lack of basic amenities.

Ultimately, partisan politics undermines the very essence of democracy, which is meant to be a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. When politicians engage in “paddy-paddy” alliances, they betray the trust of those who elected them, and the result is a cycle of bad governance that perpetuates inequality and hinders national development. For Nigeria to progress there needs to be a shift away from this destructive brand of politics towards a system that prioritizes the common good and holds leaders accountable to the people.

The Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, owners of AIT, Raypower and Faaji FM, Raymond Dokpesi (Jnr), has offered explanations on why he had to ease 10 Directors, including Dr. Oluwatosin Dokpesi, the wife of his late father, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, out of the company.

Dokpesi offered the explanation in an interview with Daily Sun on Wednesday, days after the sack was confirmed by the firm.

He said: “I think the first thing to recognise is that it is not a personal decision to ask anyone to go. 

“If I had it left to me and to myself, I would definitely want to harness the experiences, the relationships and the skills that the existing management has for a little bit longer. 

“But the reality of the matter is that we are a publicly listed company. 

“We are the only publicly listed media company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and that means we are also bound by the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and the code of corporate governance is mandatory for all publicly listed companies. 

“So, that means our responsibilities to our shareholders transcend personal choices or personal opinions.

“We have persons who are leaving the organisation after 27 years; we have people who are leaving after 22 years. 

“The vast majority of this time, they have spent in executive management positions and yet, the code of corporate governance and our internal documents state we should only do a maximum of two terms of five years.

“So, their retirement is, in fact, long overdue. 

“It was a decision which ought to have been made, even as far back as five, six, seven years ago. 

“But as of that time, my dad was still alive, very present and very active and also, we were going through different political turbulence as far as our organisation is concerned.

“Nobody needs to be reminded of the history of the former President Muhammadu Buhari administration with reference to the treatment of AIT and our founder in particular.

“Notwithstanding, whatever you want to say about the incumbent administration, I think, to some large extent, they have shown their capacity for accommodation of all shades of opinions from public broadcasters.

“We don’t feel the heat and the intimidation of governments as we did a couple of years ago and the time is opportune and right as well for us to review where exactly we want to go, going forward from here.

“For me, and I think also for the vast majority of members of our board, the decision comes down to simply determining: Do we want to continue on our existing trajectory or do we want to do something differently? 

“And if we are looking at doing something differently, it means we have to subject ourselves to abide by the terms and conditions of extant laws and regulations to give the investing public confidence into our organisation and the administration and also to be able to attract the kinds of funds and investments we need to grow and expand beyond our existing programmes.”

DAAR Communications PLC announced the retirement of members of its Executive Management with effect from October 31, 2024 in compliance with Code of Corporate Governance as well as Company’s Internal Control Policies and Procedures Manual.

A statement signed by the Company Secretary, Miji Jonah, said the affected officials have spent over 10 years in such capacity. 

Those affected were Senior High Chief Tony Akiotu, Dr. Oluwatosin Dokpesi, Dr. Ambrose Somide, Anthony Uyah, Paulyn Ugbodaga, Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi, Faith Ikems, Imoni Amarere, John Iwarue and Johnson Onime.

The Board of DAAR Communications PLC expressed gratitude to all the retiring Executive Board members for their invaluable contributions to the company during their tenure and wished them the very best in their future endeavours.

The statement added that the media conglomerate is working on major restructuring of its leadership and once this is concluded, the Nigerian Exchange Limited and other regulatory authorities, its shareholders and the general public would be notified.

Upon his return, Naija News understands that Tinubu will preside over the inauguration of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria on Friday.

Sources within the Presidency informed WESTERN POST that Tinubu, who traveled to France on Monday, will make a swift return to Abuja, viewing the swearing-in of Justice Kekere-Ekun not only as a constitutional obligation but also as a historic responsibility.

It was previously reported that the National Judicial Council had recommended Justice Kekere-Ekun to succeed Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who is set to officially retire on Thursday, August 22.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, born on May 7, 1958, earned her bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Lagos in 1980 and was called to the Nigerian Bar on July 10, 1981, after completing her studies at the Nigerian Law School. She furthered her education at the London School of Economics, obtaining a master’s degree in Law in November 1983.

Her career began in the Lagos State Judiciary as Senior Magistrate II, eventually rising to the position of State High Court Judge. Between November 1996 and May 1999, she served as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja.

In 2004, Justice Kekere-Ekun was appointed to the Nigerian Court of Appeal, and in July 2013, she was elevated to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

[NaijaNews]

Nigerian born New Zealand’s mixed martial artist Israel Adesanya on Thursday arrived in Lagos with his parents after losing the UFC 305 crown to South African Dricus Du Plessis.

Adesanya arrived in Nigeria after the African Martial artist champion taunted his heritage during their press conference ahead of the UFC 305 middleweight title fight.

Du Plessis forced Adesanya to submit in the fourth round to retain his title and earned an opportunity to defend his title next in his home country of South Africa, as earlier promised by UFC President Dana White.

The Nigerian born style-blender, in a video shared on his Instagram and recirculated on X, arrived at Lagos airport and was received by fans who warmly welcomed him and his family with Yoruba music.

A group of local drummers performed to welcome the fighter, who famously refers to himself as “Omo Oba”, which means the king’s son or prince.

[Leadership]

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for the full implementation of the directive of President Bola Tinubu on the supply of crude to Dangote refinery and modular refineries in the country.

Yakubu Maikyau, President of the NBA and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said this on Wednesday in Lekki, Lagos State.

Describing the establishment of the refinery as both nationalistic and patriotic endeavour, the umbrella professional association of lawyers, urged the Federal Government and Nigerians to support the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to end the reign of fuel scarcity and perennial queues at filling stations in the country.

It expressed disappointment that the major project is encountering strong resistance from fuel importers, who have stifled the economy and kept it reliant on imported refined petroleum products, despite Nigeria’s status as a leading crude oil producer.

Maikyau, who led other leaders and members of the association on a visit to the facility, praised the President/Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, for remaining steadfast despite the opposition faced.

He said: “What I have seen today gladdens my heart, but at the same time, my heart is bleeding because of the neglect and opposition that such a laudable effort is facing. It is shameful, but as I mentioned to the President of the group, his continued steadfastness and resilience despite the opposition show that there is hope for this country.

“I would describe Aliko Dangote as both a freedom fighter and an economic warrior. There is no one more honourable or patriotic than Dangote. He has proven this through his actions, not just words. This isn’t about what someone might tell you; we have witnessed the enormous investments he has made in this country.”

He urged the Federal Government to create a supportive environment for the refinery, aiming to transform Nigeria into a net exporter of refined petroleum products and to alleviate the severe hardships caused by fuel scarcity.

He lamented that it is shameful for the refinery to import crude from abroad and export refined products due to opposition from local players.

“I want to use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government to pay deliberate and conscious attention to what Dangote is doing. Anyone serious about turning around the fortunes of this country cannot ignore Dangote’s efforts.

“This is a people-centered investment that must be supported. This is the type of investment we need, and wherever such investments exist in this country, we urge the government to create an enabling environment for the benefit of the people. If we establish a supportive environment for this refinery to operate, we will eliminate the queues on our streets and resolve the difficulties associated with the scarcity of petroleum products.

“However, we will need the government to demonstrate a willingness to support this crucial venture. We have a facility here that can compete with the best in the world, but unfortunately, it is not receiving the support and recognition it deserves. It is disgraceful that with a refinery of this capacity, where 86 tankers can be loaded at once, we still face fuel shortages,” he added.

Vice Chairman of the Epe Branch of the NBA, Ivo Takor, who praised the location of the refinery in the Ibeju-Lekki-Epe axis, said that the project has the potential to resolve the long-standing issue of fuel importation, create jobs, boost foreign exchange, and save the country money currently spent on subsidising petroleum products.

“The refinery is something every Nigerian should be proud of. It is a project that will move Nigeria away from its long-standing issue of fuel importation, which comes with its own set of problems. Currently, we are dealing with fuel scarcity and long queues. I believe that once this refinery is fully operational, these challenges will be resolved.

“Additionally, the refinery has the capacity to export some of its products, bringing foreign exchange into the economy. It will also reduce the government’s expenditure on subsidies, allowing funds to be redirected towards improving infrastructure, education, and the health sector. Since its construction, many jobs have been created, and further job creation will follow when it becomes fully operational,” he said.

He, however, noted that despite these benefits, there are some entrenched cartels against the full operation of the refinery.

While praising President Bola Tinubu for directing the supply of crude to both the refinery and modular refineries across the country, he emphasised the need for stringent monitoring to ensure compliance.

He stressed that withholding crude from the refinery constitutes sabotage against the nation and should be met with appropriate sanctions.

“Unfortunately, it appears that there is a well-established cartel working against the full operation of this refinery, specifically those who do not want to supply it with crude oil. It is illogical for Nigeria to export crude oil while the refinery also imports crude.

“This situation reflects the interests of entrenched forces who benefit from fuel importation, which negatively impacts the people and the economy. Fortunately, the president has issued a directive regarding the supply of crude to the refinery.

“However, beyond this directive, it is crucial to ensure compliance. Those who do not comply should face adequate sanctions, as failure to do so constitutes sabotage not only against the refinery but against the economy as well,” he said.

The Vice President (Oil & Gas) at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, informed the delegates, that the refinery was established primarily to source and refine local crudes for the benefit of Nigeria, while also exporting excess production to boost the economy.

Edwin noted that the lack of sufficient Nigerian crude supplies has necessitated importing crude from other countries and continents while exporting refined petroleum products abroad.

[DailyTrust]

Ndidi helped Leicester City earn a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at the King Power Stadium on Monday night.

Pedro Porro gave Spurs the lead, while Leicester City skipper James Vardy restored parity for the home side.

Ndidi had incredibly cleared the ball off the line to deny Spurs taking the lead in the sixth minute.

Smith, who was on commentary duty for Sky Sports, praised the experienced Nigerian midfielder for his heroic effort.

“That was a sensational clearance from Wilfried Ndidi off the line. It really was,” he was quoted as saying by the BBC.

The Super Eagles midfielder played the entire duration of the game.

He managed 57 touches, completed 79 per cent of his passes, had one shot on target, won four of his eight ground duels, won the only aerial duel he contested, and made four clearances and two blocks.

[DailyPost]

Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS),  has sealed four hotels and recreation centres in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government area over unsettled tax liabilities amounting to 

N16,737,488.54 million.

The hotels sealed by the Revenue Agency include: Kyus Hotel, Secretariat Road Kafanchan, Sunshine Lodge Hotel, Secretariat Road Kafanchan, Bayan Hotel, Madakiya Road, Kafanchan and Cloud -9 Lounge Unguwan Musa, Kafanchan. 

Leading the enforcement team, KADIRS Chairman, Mr Jerry Adams, said, the Service had secured court order for the immediate closure and taking over of the entire properties of the defaulting businesses until all unpaid taxes are settled.

He said KADIRS as backed by the law, will ensure that all taxes that are due to the State are remitted to the government coffers.

According to him: “As a tax administration body of Kaduna State, we are backed by the law to ensure that all taxes that are due to the State are remitted to the state. But, we have some recalcitrant tax payers who would never voluntarily comply tkk on our tax laws.

“So, this exercise today is to enforce and ensure that, ever tax payer expected to pay tax to the government pays and we will continue to enforce because we have the backing of the law. 

“The state needs the monies to provide infrastructures. As you can see, the Governor, Senator Uba is doing so much despite the huge debt burden on the state.”

Adams said the Service will go to all the major cities on the enforcement exercise, calling on all individuals and organizations to pay their taxes.

[TheNation]