Predictably, millions of people from across the globe were glued on Monday to their television sets, radios, and whatever internet gadgets, audio and visual, they could lay hands upon to be witnesses to history in the United States of America. It was the return of Donald Trump to power, absolute power as much as a human being is capable of. He scaled through the Electoral College effortlessly; he is in control of the Senate; he on his own gave a crushing defeat to the opposition in the popular vote. Today, it can be said of him, literally speaking, that he can turn a man into a woman and a woman into a man. And that picture was painted all over him at his inauguration, an unsmiling face, cold countenance, brimming with angst and vengefulness. And he wasted no time in baring his fangs to, in his words,” reclaim our Republic.”

He said: “My recent election is a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal and all of these many betrayals that have taken place, and to give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy and, indeed, their freedom…Many people thought it was impossible for me to stage such a historic political comeback. But as you see today, here I am. The American people have spoken.” He said all this with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in attendance and listening. He recalled his close shave with death through assassination. “I felt then, and believe even more so now, that my life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again.”

He signed no fewer than 100 Executive Orders, featuring the reversal of the re-enlistment by Joe Biden of the membership of the World Health Organization (WHO) later on the day of his inauguration. He has pardoned his jailed supporters who invaded the Capitol on 06 January 2021, seeking to violently overturn the 2020 election victory of Joe Biden in his favour. Destruction was caused to parts of the hallowed chambers, the cradle of American democracy.  Police officers were attacked and legislators fled for their dear lives. On his first day in office, Trump signed his Executive Order proclamation ending Birthright Citizenship for Children of Illegal Immigrants, withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement and ending government programme promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Federal Agencies as well as reversing Electric Vehicle mandates. He has rechristened the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Already transgressions are being drawn up against him by his compatriots.

A letter to the Editor of The New York Times has permitted us a glimpse of excerpts from the newspaper’s editorial captioned ‘Saying No to Fear’ published on the eve of the inauguration, and it reads as follows:

“I kept your thoughtful and pitch perfect editorial nearby while watching the inauguration. It helped to be able to look away and reread your advice for a dose of sanity and calm. You highlighted the ways our institution can ‘meet the moment’ by showing courage and using their powers to resist and override illegal and unjust acts, and speak the truth even as we think deeply about the anger and distrust of many who voted for a second Trump presidency.

“But the confluence of what was arguably the most disturbing Inaugural Address in our history on the very day on which we honour the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—a man so different, in every respect, from the one who now is our 47th president—helped me see that we must indeed stand strong and keep our faith in the system, not search for our passports, if together we are to bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice.” (Author of the letter: Meredith Minkler, Kensington, Calif.).

Another letter by a retired New York City Criminal Court judge, Gerald Harris, goes as follows:

“Whatever wisp of hope existed for a more rational and conciliatory President Trump was completely extinguished, and the threat of the onset of an autocratic era assured, assured, by Mr. Trump’s Inaugural Address, which mirrored but far exceeded his worst campaign rants.

“The speech must serve as a dire warning and a call to arms for every American who still believes in a democratic form of government, a binding Constitution and the rule of law.”

I should have asked Joe Biden in advance for a Presidential pardon for seeking to cull from major US newspapers their editorials and letters to the Editors to feel the public pulse over the emergence of Mr. Trump. The pull to feel American public mood and gauge international blood pressure is irresistible in moments like this when the world seems to be in dire straits.

Consider some of the letters in The New York Times reflecting some of the feelings of the American public towards Mr. Trump: “If President Trump’s idea of law and order is to grant clemency to insurrectionists who attacked and damaged the Capitol, assaulted policemen and threatened to hang Vice-president Mike Pence, this country is in big trouble!” (Writer: Elaine Sloan, New York).

“Hypocrisy is taking the same oath of office you broke the last time with a straight face. Obliviousness is believing that this time is different.” Writer: (Richard M. Frauenglass, Huntington, N.Y.).

“America is back. No, it’s not that Donald Trump is again President. It is that the world witnessed the most important and enduring part of our democracy: President Biden shaking hand of our new president, Mr. Trump, in a celebration of the peaceful transition of power in presence of all our living former presidents. Unlike four years ago, the world saw that America is back.” (Writer: William Goldman, Los Angeles).

“Instituted in 1787 by the constitution, checks and balances were to ensure the separation of powers among the three branches of government. What the next four years portend –in place of checks and balances—are toadying and cronyism.” (Writer: Penelope Ross, Westport, Conn.).

“In answer to the ‘soul-shriveling shame’ a Jan.15 letter writer and so many of us feel as Americans, and the despair, as our country inaugurates a duly elected but convicted felon and amoral demagogue as president: our ethical response as citizens must be sustained in civic engagement.

“Shame and despair, while appropriate, by themselves are disempowering –as every demagogue knows. We must not remain disheartened by such emotions. What the historical moment now asks of us is righteous anger, powerful hope and principled courage to stand together in civic action by word and deed against every attempt to debase and degrade our political culture and institutions of democracy and law.” Writer: (Rev. Sheldon W. Bennett).

As it is not usual to have letters all expressing disappointment and reservations, there will be some flying flags of exhortation to keep hope alive. One of such letters reads: “We are living in exciting times. What was thought to be the impossible dream has been realized. Donald J. Trump is back in the White House as our 47th president. Millions of Americans are thrilled by his comeback. My sincere hope is that those who didn’t vote for Mr. Trump will eventually be convinced that he fits the bill. No doubt he will deliver on all his campaign promises. (JoAnn Lee Frank, Clearwater, Fla.).

The Washington Post posture was not any dissimilar to the New York Times position. The newspaper draws attention to the comment of a Bulgarian political commentator, Ivan Krastev, who “likened the current moment to 1989…” The mood in 1989 was internationalist and optimistic; today, it has soured into nationalism, at times even nihilism.” Krastev went on, writing in the Atlantic: “The United States’s postwar political identity has vanished into the abyss of the ballot box. This Trump administration may succeed or fail on its own terms, but the world will not return.”

In 2016, the major American newspapers did not think much of Mr. Donald Trump before he mounted the throne nor highly of him in the discharge of his assigned roles as the President of the United States of America. The New York Times described his nomination as the presidential candidate as “The Republican Party’s trek into the darkness.” The authoritative newspaper said “Mr. Trump, who would be the most volatile and least prepared presidential candidate, was nominated by a major party in modern times. A man once ridiculed by many prominent Republicans will become the G.O.P. standard bearer. This is a moment of reckoning for the Republican Party. It’s incumbent on its leadership to account for the failures and betrayals that led to this, and find a better way to address them than the demagogy on offer.”

The New York Times continued: “Republican leaders have for years failed to think about much of anything beyond winning the next election. Year after year, the party’s candidates promised help for middle-class people who lost their homes, jobs, and savings to recession, who lost limbs and well-being to war, and then did next to nothing. That Mr. Trump was able to enthrall voters by promising simply to ‘Make America Great Again’—but offering only xenophobic, isolationist, or fantastical ideas—is testimony to how thoroughly they reject the politicians who betrayed them. Now, myopic as ever, Republican leaders are talking themselves into supporting Mr. Trump.” It accused the Republicans of stamping what they still called the party of Lincoln with the brand of Donald Trump.

Washington Post at the time said, “It’s beyond debate that Donald Trump is unfit to be president.” “Even if Trump manages to conduct himself presidentially for an hour and a half, that could not undo the many, many instances…in which he has insulted, acted out, lied and countenanced violence beyond even some of the most rough and tumble precedents of modern American politics.”

The Chicago Sun-Times at the time said it was reversing a 2012 decision to stop making presidential endorsements, explaining that “the best way to avert a train wreck is to wave a warning flag as soon as possible.” And so it endorsed Hilary Clinton.

USA Today in its own case did not explicitly endorse Mrs. Clinton. All it said was: “Resist the siren song of a dangerous demagogue. By all means vote, just not for Donald Trump.”

The Arizona Republic endorsed Clinton, the first time the paper backed a Democrat since its founding in 1880. Same for the San Diego which in 2016 had a 148-year history behind it. The Atlantic, said to be a bastion of journalism since 1857 “does not usually endorse presidential candidates …except when doomsday is near.”

The question today that Mr. Trump has newly been swept to power is: What has changed? Is he now above what the New York Times reported as part of his character deficits which it listed as: xenophobic nationalism, unapologetic sexism, and inconsistency, positions shifting according to his audience and his whims. It mentioned his defunct university, failed casinos in Atlanta City, and questionable global investments in Russia. New York Times said: “his right to spew nonsense is protected by the constitution, but the public doesn’t have to swallow it.”

With so much knowledge about what can be described as open peccadilloes of Trump, how come he had such a harvest of votes? It could mean the public does not know enough about him. With the yearning emptiness of their souls, the Americans are undoubtedly longing for a strong arm to ferry them across dark alleys to spiritual deliverance. And they have found that strong arm in Mr. Trump. A great many resonated with Trump’s doctrine of separate development: Immigrants should go back to their lands. Prayers should return to public lives and schools. When the Opposition was extolling gay marriage and abortion, and hammering on crass material pursuits, Trump was fixing his gaze on the pristine values of America. Trump said he would stop gay marriage, the transgender plaque, and wrestle with abortion protagonists. Time will tell whether his doctrine of separate development by different homogeneous peoples is the right and helpful one or not in the eyes of Nature.

The re-emergence of Mr. Trump cannot be for nothing. What are his weavings in the tapestry of life that he seems unswerving in his resolve to fulfill? What is driving him? It is the second such re-emergence in the history of the United States. What is unmistakable is that having risen through the ranks of his people and they signified their preference for him through their votes, they have held him up as their mirror, a mirror held to their face revealing who they truly are, and their aspirations not outwardly but deep within, which may have found expression in the re-emergence of maverick Mr. Trump.

Could Trump be a weapon of the Light to intensify and accelerate events in his country and the world? To redirect his people’s gaze and hands upward to the Light; to bring the people of the most powerful nation on earth, and the leading one embedded in spiritual decay, in the Darkness, back to the Lord? And thereby push the US back to the path of really being the Lord’s “own country,” along with the peoples of other countries on earth, who need to be whipped back in line to seek and follow the right path? I am just reflecting. Just thinking aloud. Like could be used to ward off like. Time will tell.

In view of the pressure of the Light bearing down in all nations and on peoples, felt with varying degrees each at their own time, the rays of forces squeezing and separating the good and the bad, awakening all that slumbers and is dead, as the features of these times, the worst at our sins will be leaders in nations, one after the other. Purifying flames are sweeping through all lands manifesting in unmistakable intensification and acceleration of events. Do we not have enough warnings by the Guardian of the universe, Ephesus, in the Revelation of John? “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” (Rev. 2, 4, and 5).

We learn from the incomparable Work for all mankind in these times, The Grail Message by Abd-ru-shin: “The Laws of God, thus the Will of God, do not concern themselves with the opinions of these earthmen…Whatever is not in harmony with the Divine Laws; there also the blow of the sword will now strike!

“Rejoice; for this Divine Justice is near! It is already working in every country on earth! Look at the confusion! This is the effect of the approaching Will of God! It is the setting in of purification!

“For this reason everything that is wrong among men is already now meeting with its doom, be it in economics, the state, politics, the churches, sects, peoples, families and also in the individual! Everything, everything is now dragged before the Light, so that it may reveal and simultaneously judge itself therein! Also, what has hitherto been able to remain hidden must reveal itself as it really is, must become active, and thus finally, despairing of itself and others, disintegrate and turn to dust.

“Even now there is a boiling up under the pressure of the Light in all countries, everywhere. Every kind of tribulation is increasing to the point of despair until finally nothing remains but hopelessness with the realization that the would-be saviours had only empty words besides selfish desires, but could offer no help! Spiritual warriors are sweeping over all humanity, and striking sharply where a head refuses to bow!

“Only the man who lives in the Laws of God is free! Thus and not otherwise does he stand unoppressed and unconstrained in this Creation.”

The world will definitely watch whether, with Mr. Trump’s return to the presidency, the Golden era for America is truly now beginning, even with polarization as a weapon and antagonism already to U.S. neighbours such as Canada and Mexico. Already 22 states in the country itself have indicated their decision not to carry out Mr. Trump’s orders on undocumented immigrants and the forfeiture of the citizenship birthright of their children. The United States is entering a new phase in its march through life and the world, by extension, interesting times.

Perhaps just a few would have taken special notice of it but for me, the most spectacular aspect of the THISDAY Awards that held yesterday was the investiture on Chief Leo-Stan Ekeh and his son, Nnamdi Ekeh, respectfully as CEO Of The Year and Young Global Leader Of The Year. I have tried to make some research but could not find where, in our recent history, a man and his son got so highly honored by the same institution at the same event, on the same day.

That Chief Leo-Stan Ekeh has risen to the top in Africa’s corporate landscape is certainly not new. What THISDAY did was merely to corroborate that evidence with its highly prestigious award. What is quite refreshing about the senior Ekeh is that his son has also been recognized, entirely on his own, as an up and coming, upwardly mobile entrepreneur. One is not privy to the criteria used by the board of THISDAY newspaper in finding the junior Ekeh eligible for the award but if my knowledge of the founder of the newspaper does not fail me, then it certainly must have been after a clear conviction that the young man, independent of his father, deserves the honour.

The junior Ekeh is CEO of Konga, an e commerce company which was acquired in 2018 by the ZINOX group, a Nigerian Tech. company chaired by the senior Ekeh. In 2019, Konga underwent a merger operation with Yudala to offer a composite (online and offline) platform, the first in Africa.

Yes, there was a father figure to act as a guide but it is not common that fathers successfully guide their sons to the top. Or, to put the same thing differently, it is not always that sons allow themselves to be teachable enough to be guided into success stories by their illustrious fathers.How the two Ekehs did it should be a subject of further inquiry and their joint success story – in these days of pervasive familial disharmony – should serve as a source of inspiration for other families.

Besides this interesting aspect of this year’s THISDAY Awards, however, I have another fascinating story about Chief Leo-Stan Ekeh and me concerning awards. Leo-Stan, as he is more popularly known, is not new to awards from prestigious organizations. As far back as 1992, his publishing outfit, New Concept Media Ltd, received an award from the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) for publishing my book, NIGERIA: AGENDA FOR A MODERN POLICE FORCE, which won an ANA price for Literary Excellence in the category of First Author, Non Fiction that year. The THISDAY award is quite prestigious but the ANA awards was – and is – no less prestigious, especially in those days when the Ken Saro-Wiwas, the Odia Ofeimums, the Wale Okedirans, the Femi Oshofisans etc were involved. As a matter of fact, the late Saro-Wiwa was the national president of ANA at the time Leo-Stan, his company and I received the awards. The event, which held at the prestigious Sharaton Hotel, Ikeja was witnessed by so many corporate moguls and the crème de la crème in the national media.

I remember one reporter posing a question to express surprise that Leo-Stan was also into publishing, quite apart from TASK SYSTEMS, his foundational enterprise that was then playing a pioneering role in the nascent Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector in Nigeria. It was in answer to that question that Chief Ekeh prophesied that both TASK SYSTEMS – his ICT company – and New Concept – his media outfit – were two entities “to watch”. TASK SYSTEMS had, as early as 1992 – the date of the event I am writing about here – become an ‘office-hold’ name in the Nigerian media landscape, having computerized virtually the entire newspaper publishing in the country.

Ironically, New Concept has renamed unsung despite publishing my two works after the one that earned it and Chief Ekeh the prestigious ANA award while TASK SYSTEMS has since given birth to a multinational, the ZINOX group. Still, I have every reason to believe that just like in the ICT arm, Chief Ekeh’s prophecy about his publishing company will also come to pass. Fortunately, this writer, whom New Concept Media and its owner, Leo-Stan, helped to announce to the world, is still writing.

Just last December, Chief Ekeh sent me a commendation message for “doing what you know how to do best”. He was responding to my invitation to chair the unveiling of my fourteenth book – after the one he published in 1991 – last December. Even though he gave a good reason why he was not going to be there, he did not fail to acknowledge the fact that I am still in the book writing business, thirty three years after he, so to speak, introduced me to it. Chief Eke was to receive more honors, including three national honors – the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), the ICON OF HOPE award and the National Productivity Merit award.

Since we are talking about THISDAY newspaper, which is celebrating its thirty years of existence, it would be incomplete to conclude this essay without saying what I know about how it built the foundation of its huge success since I was part of its beginning. I was not there from Day One but I qualify as a pioneer staff member of the newspaper. As a matter of fact, anyone who joined the newspaper at Ribadu road – I can’t remember the precise address – off Awolowo road, Ikoyi, Lagos – which was where the newspaper took off – is a pioneer staff member. We were occupying the first and second floors of a building said to belong to a family member of the founder, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena. I joined the Business/Economy Desk then headed by Ndubuisi Okereke but I was later detailed to coordinate the editorials of the newspaper. The chairman – he did not like to be addressed as “publisher” – did not like the idea of an “Editorial Board”, as was then fashionable. So, what he did was to invite the title and line editors to his office every afternoon to discuss editorial topics which were then assigned to individuals to write.

Later, Dr. Godwin Ogbogodo of the University of Benin began to join us at weekends. The company normally lodged him at Ikoyi Hotel and I would go to his room on Saturdays for both of us to discuss editorial topics. He would pen down some before heading back to Benin on Sunday while we, the regular staffers, took the rest. It was only after Sam Omatseye joined that we began to have what looked like an Editorial Board because he was recruited solely for that department. The pioneer editor of the daily title weas Okagbue Aduba, while Niran Malaolu was the editor of the Sunday title. Mr. Ide Eguabor was initially managing editor but was later promoted Assistant General Manager, publications.

Later, the Saturday title was introduced with Eniola Bello, the current Managing Director of the newspaper company – he has served in that capacity for upwards of twenty five years – as editor, with me as his deputy but I was reassigned not long after and appointed managing editor. The line editors were Victor Ifijeh (Political Editor), with Eziuche Ubani as his deputy; Ndubuisi Okereke (Business/Economy Editor) and Jones Okwara (Foreign Affairs Editor). Others were Augustine Sam, Ada Ibekie, Ijeoma Nwaogwugwu, Austin Oguma etc. Nwaogwuwgu was in charge of a special pull out in the newspaper culled from the Financial Times of London under an agreement. Her first assignment every morning was to go to Ikoyi hotel and get a copy of the Financial Times.

Later, an incident occurred and which prompted our immediate relocation from Ribadu road. As a matter of fact, the movement was so urgent that Eguabor and I were mandated to get a place immediately and we got one at Unity road, off Toyin street, Ikeja; an entire building with four floors. The new place was like a paradise.compared with what we had before. From just two flats in Ikoyi, we now had an entire building. Soon, the chairman made an arrangement with UAC to supply us with furniture and even rug carpets with which the offices were tastefully furnished.

The new location also brought us closer to our printers, Torch Press, located off the same Toyin street and that made the production of the newspaper less Herculean. Hitherto, our production crew shuttled between Ikoyi and Ikeja every night. We had a lithographic unit where we produced plates which were then taken – in batches – to the printers at Ikeja. As a matter of fact, the chairman, who loved to supervise the printing of the newspaper himself, was the fellow who did the shuttling most of the time. Prince Nduka Obaigbena is probably the first Nigerian who had the courage to start a daily newspaper without owning a printing press. On one of the nights, he was attacked by armed robbers somewhere around 7-Up bottling company near the toll gate along the Lagos-Ibadan express way.

Bringing the newspaper to the attention of the public posed its own difficulties also. Initially, the paper was being given out freely but one fateful morning, the vendors at Kakawa street, in central Lagos confiscated the copies from our circulation staff and began to sell the newspaper. Apparently, they did not understand why anybody would prefer to give away such a beautifully packaged newspaper when there was a dearth of newspaper to read. During that period, three of the nation’s major newspapers, The Guardian, The Punch, and Concord were all off the streets, having been banned by the Abacha regime.

Once at Ikeja, both the editorial and corporate management of the organization got greatly enhanced. The chairman constituted what he preferred to call Editorial Advisory Board that was made up of senior editorial staffers of the newspaper and some veterans from outside. Among them were the late Prince Tony Momoh, Mr Udoma Udo Udoma, Mr Nduka Irabor and a few others whose names I cannot now remember. I was a member of the board in my capacity as managing editor. Most of the title editors and desk heads were also members.

However, I left the organization sometime in July 1997 to join the Daily Times as a member of its Editorial Board. Going to the Daily Times was something I had desired for a long time because I felt that I would not have done enough journalism until I worked in that citadel of the news industry. I had started my journalism career in the weekly magazines, initially The Nigerian Economist and, later, The Financial Post in 1989 as a Staff Writer but I was so much desirous of joining a daily newspaper. However, I later crossed over to Newsbreed magazine as an Associate Editor – and later editor of The President, in the same stable, after I was poached by their publisher, the late Chris Okolie. Still, but the craving to work in a daily newspaper grew even larger.

Hence, my arrival at the Champion newspaper sometime in late 1989 as its pioneer Business/Economy editor and member of its Editorial Board. I was to, however return to The Financial Post in 1991 as the magazine’s editor and shortly after, I was appointed the General Manager and Editor-in-Chief of the publishing company. Again, providence took me back to a daily, this time the Satellite newspaper published by Chief Jim Nwobodo, first as Deputy Editor of the daily and later the Acting Editor. It was while I was with Satellite that THISDAY was started but following the decision of Chief Nwobodo to close his newspaper apparently as part of deal with the Abacha regime – the Sunday title that was edited by a Yoruba chap, one Mr. Ojo, was rabidly pro-June 12 – I went over to THISDAY.

Although I had concluded arrangements to join the Daily Times, I found myself in a sort of a quandary. I had gotten my appointment letter and even though Mr John Araka, the editor of the daily title and who facilitated my appointment, had kept sending messages to know when I was going to resume, the decision to leave THISDAY was tough in arriving at. The chairman, Mr. Obaigbena, was quite fond of me and had no difficulty in giving me assignments. I remember that I was the only person he took along for a meeting between our organization and the late Professor Obumselu, then the managing director of Torch Press, our printers. The meeting was in the Law Chambers of Professor Ben Nwabueze at Ebute Meta. I can also remember that at a point during the meeting, Professor Nwabueze lost his cool and literarily walked Obumselu out, following the latter’s uncompromising stance on the issue that Nwabueze wanted to sort out between his organization and ours.

However, something happened at Unity road that prompted me to finally make up my mind to leave THISDAY. It was after an argument with Mr Eguabor during which he physically removed my pair of glasses from my face and flung it away. There and then, I decided to leave. I went to my table, wrote a resignation letter and took it to him and in less than an hour, he wrote back accepting my resignation! Eguabor as Assistant General Manager (Publications), was the highest ranking officer of the organization after the chairman, Mr. Obiagbena, who was out of the country at that particular period.

The emergence of the OBIDIENT movement has profoundly transformed Africa's political landscape, particularly in Nigeria, where it has disrupted the norms of traditional politics. This movement, driven by passionate young Nigerians, has mobilized unprecedented support for Mr. Peter Obi, establishing itself as a formidable force in the country's political arena.

Harnessing various media platforms, the OBIDIENT movement has effectively spread its message, engaged voters, and challenged the dominance of Nigeria's major political parties. This new wave of political activism has sparked increased youth participation and reshaped the strategies employed in political campaigns across the nation.

What started as a grassroots initiative to reform Nigeria's stagnant political system has evolved into a global socio-ideological phenomenon. The movement resonates deeply with citizens who are tired of corruption, insecurity, and economic hardship. Today, the OBIDIENT movement stands as one of Africa's most impactful campaigns, inspiring people worldwide.

The driving force behind the movement is a collective desire for change, transparency, and accountability. The movement embodies the aspirations of a generation determined to reclaim Nigeria’s future and build a better nation for all its citizens.

It represents a unique ideological culture in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa, rooted in the principles of volunteerism and unwavering commitment. It is driven by citizens who are disillusioned with retrogressive leadership, unfulfilled potential, and outdated stereotypes.

The movement transcends political affiliations, socio-cultural backgrounds, ethnic identities, religious beliefs, and racial boundaries, uniting Nigerians and Africans under a shared vision for progress.

The OBIDIENT Movement Ethos: The 5Cs for a New Nigeria

Competence: Deliver results.

Character: Lead with integrity.

Capacity: Handle complexity.

Credibility: Earn trust.

Compassion: Put the people first.

In building our structural base from the previous regional engagement we had and as approved by His Excellency Peter Obi kindly find below the list of Advisory Council and Directorate Members to be followed up with the states Collegiate at a later date.

Regional Advisory council
NW
• Ibrahim Abdulkarim
• Shuaibu Fagge
• Hamisu Santuraki
• Abduljaleel Dangulbi
• Maryam uthman
• Sidi Aba

NE
• Prof. Kalep Bulus Filli
• Sani Abdulssalam.
• Prof Anna Mohammed Malgwi
• Zanna Ali Haruna
• Ayuba thlama Wakawa
• Jerry Martin kanjo

NC
• Peter Ameh
• Dr Joseph Ndarang
• Daniel Shehu Gambo
• Sewuese Apeverga (Selma)
• Pamson Dagyat
. Nedd Gideon
. Mahmud Adamu

SE
• Dr Njideka Ezeadili (Dr DEKA)
• Patrick Obi
• Professor Owojecho Omoha
• Eng Emmanuel Ihemadu
• Florence Ndidi
• Prince Solomon Udochukwu
. Ekene Nwakuche

SW
• Hon Seyi Sowunmi
• Dele Farotimi
• Rev Eliashib Ime-James
• Lanre Fadahunsi
• Akin Olaoye
. Baba Oloye

SS
• Professor Nwakobia
• Dcn Chris Iyoware
• Dr. Peterside Sofiri Starson Jnr.
• Olumide Akpata
• Obonganwan Barbra Etim James.
• Naomi Essien

Supporting Advisory council

Oseloka Obaze
Mr Ifeanyi Thaddaus Ezeagu.
Ikenna Azomchi
Sheikh Anata
March Oyinki
Ndi Kato
Dr Stanley Kavwam
Hon Onochie Osheokwu
Chinaa Nwokorie
Luka Dalang
Pastor Austin
Dr Binna Ekechukwu
Prof Stella Okuna
Augustine iyan okon
Eboh Okorie
Dr Fola Adebayo
Elder Chika Nwobu
Prisca Chinwe Eboh
Dr A Ogbanufe
Hilda Dokubo
Dcn Ken Pela
Muhammad Yahaya
Abubakar isa
Abdulwasiu saidu
Samuel Musa
Jonathan Alfred
Abubakar sordiq
Patricia Eduajemiekemo
Emmanuel oladotun
Dr Joseph Onuorah
Dr Ope Banwo
Blossom Martins
Miss Dabira Olayinka
Jumoke Alawode
Comrade dele Abiola
Arch. Chinelo Ofoche

Directorate of the National Assembly Advisory Council.

Arinze Ekene Chikelu
Hon Uchenna H. Okonkwo
Anyalogu Nelson
Engr chuks Odimegwu
LINUS ABBA OKORIE
Barrister Femi Kehinde
Babatunde Olaniyan
Bar Ikpendu Ogada
Mr. Ekene Orogbu
Hon Cosmo Agbo, PhD.
Robert Obasi
Rotimi Odunaike
Lanre Akinola
Dr. Frank IK Oduah
‪Tekena McPepple
Prof. Patrick Igbinaduwa
Hauwa Magoro Kebbi State
Eniola Onaola
Dr Ekwe Okwudiri Chris.
Lanre Farinloye
Kunle Soaga
Hon Sunday Umeha
CHIEF CHARLES OKAFOR
Omobolanle Ogunnaike
Micheal Anokwuru
FESTUS UGWA
Maj. General Chris Eze (rtd)
Hon. Amb. Daniel Asama Ago.

Advisory Directorates .

• Operations (Admin, events and programs, security/intelligence, human resources and capacity development). —
• Political Engagement.
• Mobilisation and membership. (Recruitment, Grassroot Projects)
• Research, policy development and strategy.
• Finance, fundraising, resource mobilisation and accountability.
• Legal and constitutional affairs.
• Technology and data management/analysis.
• Communications.
• Diaspora Engagement.
• National Assembly.

Technology and data management/analysis:
Anthony Chinwo
Linous Okoreie

Finance, fundraising, resource mobilisation and accountability:

Val Ozigbo
Mbagwu Ndidi -
Nexus
Abubakar Yewale

Mobilisation:

Blessing Okoli - Jack
Justin Kingland
Uchenna Nwabueze
Serah Ibrahim
Monday Otene
Akor Christian (Due process)
Sunday Baloma
Enan Maigari
Hauwa Ashafa (Arewa Chick)
Daniel Okpe Ejembi
Daniel Elombah
Morris Monye
Mirrabel Imote
Chigozie Alex Ifeanyichukwu
Jabir Ibrahim Yaro
Benjamin Adze Sarki (SarkiB)
Elijah Umanu
Mr Lucky Chidi Kanu
Micheal Igwe

Communications And Media:

Eyitemi Taire
Judith Akatugba
Nana Kazaure
Babangida Kakaki
David Obiasogu
Kamal Yusuf
Chuka Ufondu
Daniel Elombah
Mazi Ezeoke
Kiibati Bankole
Uchenna Nwabueze
Priscilia Amadi
Uche Okoye
Dotun Oyebolu
Barr. Ken Eluma Asogwa

Legal and constitutional affairs:
Barr. Vincent otaakpukpu
Barr. Kelechchukwu Uzoka

Diaspora

Dr David Ogula
Ayo Desilva
Bolanle Emiabata-Anibaba
Dr Tonia Ogbanufe
Barr Prisca Eboh
Dr Joseph Onuorah
Stephen Osemwinge
Tonnie Aseaomeh
Ify Davies

Research, Policy Development and strategy:
Dr Chukwudi Analo
Jamila M. Umar

Political engagement:
Engr. Okechukwu Chikwendu
Alhaji Attah Ikeleji
Barr Eunice Atujide

Together, we affirm that a new Nigeria is POssible!

Signed,
Dr. Tanko Yunusa
National Coordinator, OBIDIENT Movement

I have sympathy for him, even without knowing his fate. I don’t even know whether he is still in detention or not. I mean the unfortunate Policeman who escorted the two sons of Billionaire Rasaq and  beautiful  wife, Shade, to a club or wherever.

I may have missed it, but I also have not come across his name, or rank.

Nothing much has been heard of him since Force Spokesperson,  Olumuyiwa Adejobi, told us of  his arrest and deserved detention for engaging in conduct unbecoming of a Policeman.

So, you ask, if I agree that his behavior was unbecoming of a Policeman, why does he still have my sympathy? Why does my heart go out to him? Why do I think he is a scape goat? I mean, a good number of his colleagues are that subservient before big men/women to whom they are assigned. While on my beat one day, I stumbled on a Police Inspector who always jogged to answer his “oga” each time he called him. He never walked. Then, he would go on all fours on all fours before his “oga”. And he never looked up. He didn’t have the courage to. An Inspector for God’s sake! A look at him told me he had become a nervous wreck.

I was so scandalized I engineered his reposting as soon as I got back to Abuja.

For the records, let me, also, point out that nothing much has been heard of the Okoya sons since their escapades went viral on Social Media.

You, of course, know this story.

But for the purpose of this write-up, excuse a brief recap.

According to reports, the Policeman escorted the two Okoya sons to a fun spot or whatever. I don’t know if the young men were entitled to Police escort or not. But even if they were, he was not treated as one. In his full uniform, he was reduced to a servant. There was no respect for his uniform. In public, and being videod, he  carried, for the Okaya sons, stacks of Naira notes. In 1,000 denominations, clean, crisp, as if they came straight from the Central Bank of Nigeria. The type of clean notes I hate to spend if, and when somebody “dashes me”. It is never available in banks.

It is okay for you to laugh at me, but, I once had a bundle of N500,000 with me – new, crisp, and I still borrowed money from my girl to buy bread for the house. It has to be an emergency for me to spend new notes. But these two young men had them in bundles. They ran into a few millions. It didn’t bother them. It was nothing to them. So, why bother to carry them and/or hold them by themselves? Or hide them like me. To them, “money na paper”.  They simply gave the bundles to the Policeman to carry for them.

So, this Policeman, in full uniform, stood there, like Fela’s zombie, carrying the bundles of money. As he stood, the Okoya boys danced as if there will be no tomorrow. As they danced, they were taking the money from him, and spraying it as if money was going out of circulation.

Please, remind me, for I may have forgotten. But, was this not the same offence Bobrisky committed, and with lesser amount of money than the Okoyas, for which she went to jail?; for which she has proceeded on self-exile? But I digress.

I was talking about the Policeman.

I don’t know whether he felt awkward, you know,  ashamed of the situation he found himself in. Perhaps. Because, in the video which made the rounds, he pulled his cap, a fez cap, so down it covered half of his face.

The video attracted two official reactions – one from the Nigerian Police Headquarters, the other from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

In a statement, the EFCC informed us that the Okoya boys have been invited to their Lagos Office over their alleged abuse of the Naira. Meaning is that, on arrival, they would be interrogated, asked questions like: “Did you or did you not?”

Initially, according to reports, one of the Okoya boys reacted by saying something like: the “hoopla” is because  they are children of the rich! I found that rude. But well, he is a kid. Youthful exuberance, let me not say spoilt brat.

However, he kind of swallowed his vomit when the EFCC invited him and his brother, and when the Police reacted. He quickly apologized to  Nigerians and the Police Force and the EFCC. He pleaded ignorance of the implications of what he did. But was that not exactly the same ignorance Bobrisky pleaded? That didn’t save him.

I was looking forward to the appearance of the Okoya brothers before the EFCC. Not for anything else, but the satisfaction that they could be called to order, the status of their parents notwithstanding. Perhaps, I missed it. And since then, I have not heard any “pim” again on the case.

The second reaction was from the Police Force Headquarters. Its Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Police Officer in the video has been identified. The statement condemned, strongly, the behavior of the Officer. It said he behaved disgracefully. Correct. That he disrespected his uniform. Correct. That as a law officer, he should have corrected the boys? Mmmm? That he was not assigned to the Okoya sons; that he was, instead, sent on guard duties at Eleganza – a company owned by the Okoyas, the boys’ parents; and so, he had no business following the brothers out, not to talk of acting as their servant, their “money carrier”, mobile bank. True?

But let me begin by saying that what the Police Officer did was shameful. Disgraceful. Condemnable. An insult to his uniform and the Police Force. Meaning that I agree with Police Force Spokesperson, Adejobi. Now, I need to ask a couple of questions here.

What choice did the Policeman have? Who would have backed him up if he had refused to follow the brothers out?

Who would have backed him if he had refused to play the disgraceful and disgusting role assigned to him by the boys? Who would have backed him up if he had refused to carry the money for them? What if the boys report him to their parents for refusing to carry out their orders? What if one of them had slapped him in public? Yes, slap. It happens.

A number of big men and women reduce  Police escorts attached to them to rags, almost. They reduce them to their domestic servants, bag carriers, shoe cleaners, and gate men.They speak to them carelessly and call them derogatory names. And worse.

Such Police escorts swallow all that because they have no choice. They have lost self esteem.

They hardly report what they go through to their bosses because they are afraid of the relationship their Principals have with their Police bosses. If they report, who will believe them? Who will speak for them? What if they are punished instead? It happens.

I was on the Board of the Police Service Commission, PSC, for 10 years, and I can testify that most times, Police  hardly defend their own. Atimes, even their senior officers are not spared. It is not unusual for them to be sacrificed on the altar of sycophancy.

On, at least, four occasions the Police Service Commission, under the Chairmanship of Parry Osayande, DIG, retd, one of the best officers the NPF ever produced, intervened to save the jobs of Senior Officers when their bosses had recommended severe disciplinary actions, or even retirement to the PSC.

One State Commissioner of Police was recommended for severe disciplinary  action because he  did not accompany the State Governor to an official visit to one Community. It was a scandalized  Osayande who threw the recommendation out and explained: “Who told them a State a Commissioner accompanies a Governor to such tours? The Commissioner accompanies the President. It is the Assistant Commissioner, Operations, who should accompany the Governor.” Drawing from that,

Osayande  attributed the disrespect for State Commissioners by some Governors to such issues. For instance, he wondered why a State Governor, as happens often, would keep a Commissioner of Police waiting for hours just to see him. “CPs are busy”, he always said. “When you ask them to see you, don’t keep them waiting. They are not politicians.”

On another occasion, another State Commissioner of Police was recommended for retirement. His offence? An alleged break of protocol during President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to his State. He did not. He was innocent. His superior was guilty. But the CP was recommended for retirement just to save the job of his  superior. When somebody drew the attention of President Jonathan to it, he backed the PSC, and saved the Commissioner’s job. And there are worse instances, particularly when they concern middle level officers, Inspectors and other ranks.

But back to the Okoya brothers’ Police escort. My instinct, given the way he stood there like a sacrificial lamb, is that he was ashamed of the role the brothers assigned to him to play,  but he had no choice. He was helpless. And he was intimidated by the rich, the environment he found himself in and the “sheer largeness” of the amount of money he was carrying. He may not have seen such an amount of money before. And it was just to be frittered away when, perhaps, he didn’t have N100,000 to his name.

What to do?

Policemen like him need re-orientation. They need their self esteem back. They need to know that when they are in their uniform, they are the Federal Government. They are serving their fatherland, and their job is respectable and dignified. Without their presence, especially, along the road, and especially now, not a few people will be afraid to be on the road – forget they are bad-mouthed because a few bad eggs amongst them have given the Police a bad name. But which profession is free of bad eggs? Tell me.

Policemen are human beings, and live in the same environment as us. They are afflicted by the same disease, that afflicts us. Don’t you see that since Nigeria exposed soldiers to Police duties, some of them have been afflicted by same disease.

So here’s my unsolicited advice: Draw the ears of the Okoya brothers’ Police escort. Help him regain his self esteem. And send him back to his job – please,  not to the Okoyas – with a warning.

Nothing more, nothing less.

In recent days, Nigeria's public sphere has been abuzz with TuBaba’s divorce announcement, a personal revelation that should, for the sake of strengthening civic participation, quickly morph into a cautionary tale about the ethics of public communication. Initially, the African Queen crooner’s management dismissed the announcement as the result of a hacked social media account, only for the artist himself to later confirm its authenticity. What should have been a straightforward matter became a case study in the dangers of dishonesty in public communication, reinforcing a systemic issue: the normalisation of lies and manipulation in managing public perception.

This isn’t just a celebrity gossip moment; it’s a microcosm of a deeper crisis. In Nigeria, governments, public figures, and even private organisations frequently manipulate narratives for short-term gains, eroding trust and fracturing the social fabric. As a development scholar and practitioner with nearly two decades of experience in advocacy and communication, I contend that this moment is a wake-up call. The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and other professional bodies must rise to the occasion, enforcing ethical standards that prioritise truth and transparency.

Lies in Public Communication: The Illusion of the ‘Greater Good’ 

Public communication should inform, educate, and engage audiences truthfully. Yet, in Nigeria, it often serves the opposite purpose. Lies and half-truths are weaponised to pacify the public, manage crises, or protect reputations. These actions are frequently justified under the guise of preserving stability or serving the ‘greater good’. But can dishonesty ever truly achieve meaningful progress?

The TuBaba incident is just one example. By claiming his account was hacked, his team sought to mitigate public backlash and control the narrative. While possibly well-intentioned, this approach was fundamentally dishonest. When the truth surfaced, it not only harmed TuBaba’s credibility but also fueled a culture of public cynicism.

This pattern isn’t limited to the entertainment industry. In 2020, during the #EndSARS protests, the Nigerian Army initially denied involvement in the Lekki Toll Gate shooting, despite video evidence and eyewitness accounts. The truth eventually emerged during judicial panels of inquiry, but the damage was done. Trust in the government further eroded, reinforcing the perception that public institutions prioritize self-preservation over accountability.

Similarly, the management of Covid-19 in Nigeria saw instances of misinformation. In 2021, officials were accused of inflating figures on vaccination rates to paint a rosier picture of the government's efforts, undermining public confidence in health campaigns. When citizens perceive dishonesty in critical areas like health and security, skepticism spills over into other aspects of governance, creating a vicious cycle of distrust.

Dishonesty and Its Consequences: Low Trust, Stagnant Development 

The repercussions of dishonest communication are profound. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer, Nigeria consistently ranks among countries with the lowest levels of trust in government and public institutions. This lack of trust discourages civic participation, from voting to tax compliance, thereby hindering development.

For example, during the 2023 general election, many Nigerians stayed away from the polls, citing distrust in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) promise of a transparent process. This apathy is symptomatic of deeper disillusionment, fueled by years of unfulfilled promises and manipulated narratives.

Trust is a currency that takes years to build and moments to destroy. In countries like Finland and Denmark, where trust in government is high, citizens are more likely to comply with policies and collaborate in development efforts. Nigeria and Nigerians must learn from these examples by embedding transparency and truth into its public communication practices.

Public Relations Bodies: A Call for Ethical Standards 

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and bodies such as Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) and the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) have a pivotal role in redefining public communication in Nigeria. Public relations is not merely about crisis management or image building; it is a discipline rooted in fostering trust, transparency, and accountability.

Ethical standards must become non-negotiable. PR practitioners who disseminate falsehoods should face professional consequences, just as lawyers and doctors face sanctions for malpractice. Additionally, public relations training programmes should emphasise the long-term benefits of honesty over the short-term gains of manipulation. Modules on ethical communication, real-world case studies, and the societal costs of dishonesty should be mandatory.

Building a Culture of Ethical Communication: The Role of Civil Society 

Civil society organisations (CSOs) like the ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication have been at the forefront of promoting ethical communication in Nigeria. Through initiatives like the ‘Talk Am Well’, we spark meaningful dialogue and deepen understanding among everyday citizens, empowering them to engage with the social issues that matter most to their well-being and demand accountability from their leaders.

Through our Zenzile program; an innovative virtual newsroom for African journalists, we are supporting reporters with in-depth analysis, verifiable data, and expert commentary on a wide range of specialised topics for improved quality of stories. This model can be replicated in other sectors, creating a network of ethical communicators who prioritise truth over convenience.

Furthermore, grassroots advocacy is vital. Citizens must be equipped to distinguish between propaganda and factual information. Initiatives like fact-checking workshops, community town halls, and media literacy programmes can bridge the gap between citizens and trustworthy information sources.

A Way Forward: Truth as the Foundation of Progress 

Nigeria’s development challenges, ranging from insecurity to economic instability, cannot be solved without rebuilding trust. Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘Truth never damages a cause that is just’. This wisdom is particularly relevant for a nation grappling with corruption, misinformation, and public disillusionment.

To rebuild trust, public communication must prioritise truth. Governments, private entities, and public figures must abandon the flawed logic that dishonesty can serve the greater good. Citizens, too, have a role to play by demanding transparency and holding leaders accountable.

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) must lead this charge, enforcing ethical standards that reflect the importance of honesty and integrity. With truth as its foundation, Nigeria can begin to repair its fractured social fabric and chart a course toward sustainable development.

Femi Aderibigbe is a tech-savvy development practitioner with about 16 years of professional experience in public policy, strategic advocacy, proactive grant-making, government relations, civic ecosystem strengthening and development communication. He is the founder of ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication, an organization committed to deepening public conversation and fostering citizen participation in governance. His work has been recognized globally for its impact on transparency and accountability in Africa.

As Christians we are taught that if all else fails, we should try praise and worship! When prayer fails, try praise and worship! When fasting fails, try praise and worship! When vigil fails, try praise and worship! When giving, offering, first fruit, tithe and seed offering fail, try praise and worship! In other words, praise and worship appear as the master key that opens all doors. When we get desperate, and exasperated, get hold of the master key of praise and worship! There are occasions, circumstances and situations that try the soul of men. There are times when we feel giving up is the only option left - when we throw our arms up in the air in utter resignation.

German theatre practitioner and playwright, Bertolt Brecht, found himself in that situation. At a time in his career, he got shaken to his very foundations in his lifelong commitment to the ideals of social justice and belief in the power of the written word to critique the status quo and bring about social change. Whereas Brecht was known for his communist leaning and political writing, a time came when disillusionment with German communism set in. Brecht’s “The Solution” mocked the very organization that he had devoted his entire adult life promoting.

Listen to him: “After the uprising of the 17th June/The Secretary of the Writers Union/Had leaflets distributed in the Stalinallee/Stating that the people/Had forfeited the confidence of the government/And could win it back only/By redoubled efforts/Would it not be easier/In that case for the government/To dissolve the people/And elect another?”

Tell me, who should forfeit the confidence of the other? It is the people that can pass a vote of no confidence in their government and not the other way round. When the pyramid is inverted, then, the tail begins to wag the dog! It is the government that forfeits the people’s confidence and not the other way round. So, it is the government that should strive to win back the confidence of the people. Governments are those that must redouble their efforts to regain the people’s confidence.

Can the government dissolve the people who are the locale of sovereignty, according to political theorists like Jean Bodin and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, among others? It is the people that can dissolve the government or parliament and not the other way round. In fact, the people cannot be dissolved for, as posited by Bodin, sovereignty must be “absolute, perpetual, and undivided”. Only the people possess such attributes; governments do not!

What, then, was Brecht driving at? The writer in him was artistically exposing how ridiculous the government of the day had become; how preposterous its demands were; and how untenable its position vis-a-vis the stance of the people. Sarcasm is defined as “the use of irony to mock or convey contempt” while satire is “the use of humour, irony, exaggeration or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues” Brecht’s “The Solution” drips with both!

Another “Bertolt Brecht” that I came across last week on social media was a short but concise convocation lecture at Rusangu University, Zambia. The lecturer’s name was not mentioned but his lecture should win him a Nobel prize for brevity as well as impactful message and original thought. He was as forthright as Prof. P. L. O. Lumumba and Catholic priest, Rev. Father Chinenye John Oluoma.

Hear him: “I was having a meeting with some people in town in Lusaka. I said, ‘You know, when I look around the cases in town of people that have been charged with corruption, it is not people from the village... It is us with (university) degrees. The high profile cases that are in contention in the court of law, it is not about a villager ... It is us that have… known the figures. It is us that have read Aristotle. It is us that have studied Psychology. It is us that have studied the Principles of Accounts. It is us! And I ask myself a question: If education is producing thieves, why, then, should we continue to educate them? If the country today is wrestling with the issue of corruption because of people that went to school, the question that begs an answer is, why should we continue to educate? Because it means the more we educate, the more thieves we produce’".

Isn’t that sad but isn’t it the truth? The lecturer’s audience were graduating students from a university in Zambia but here in Nigeria we can also very well see ourselves in the picture. The locale of humongous corruption is among us the educated elites - those of us who have gone to school and have acquired chains of degrees. It is like we go to school to acquire the art and skill of stealing. But is education the problem or the use to which we have put it? If the reality of our situation is that the education we acquire or dish out produces thieves, should we abolish education altogether and return to the age of ignorance?

Says Thomas Gray in his poem ODE ON A DISTANT PROSPECT AT ETON COLLEGE. "Where ignorance is bliss/Ti's folly to be wise". Should we, then, know nothing and be happy? I once listened to an iconic advert on the radio that said: “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance!” If education keeps producing thieves and ignorance is not an option, how do we resolve this jig-saw puzzle?

North is the winner; South, the loser!

The fight over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms has been won and lost. The Northerners have won the contest, confirming their long-held status as the decision-makers - to put it mildly, in all matters affecting the fate of Nigerians. The Southerners emerged as the losers, as had always been the case, confirming their status as the underdog - again, to put it mildly - in North/South relations since the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates by Lord Lugard in 1914. The so-called compromise formula eventually adopted by the governors favours the North but leaves the South holding the short end of the stick.

Titled “COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE SUBNATIONAL CONSULTATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PRESIDENTIAL TAX REFORM COMMITTEE”, the resolution "resolved" the knotty issue of the VAT sharing formula thus:

o 50% based on equality,

o 30% based on derivation, and

o 20% based on population.

The bone of contention, over which the North had threatened, insulted and blackmailed everyone, including the President, they have now won handsomely, if not hands-down. If VAT is to be shared 50% on an equality basis - what kind of equality is that between states that are making the VAT available and those that are not? This is robbing Peter to pay Paul. Funds that such states should utilise to provide and regenerate public utilities and other facilities to further enhance VAT generation is lost to laissez-faire states. That is unjust! And of what benefit is (a liability) population (20%) that produces nothing vis-a-vis another that toils day and night? The North gets 70%, so to say, while the South gets only 30%. Derivation ought to have been accorded the lion’s share. If not 100% (which is the most rational thing to do), then, the 60% originally proposed by the presidency should not be lowered. What’s fair in someone working for another to just sit idly by and eat?

Let the Presidency take a cue from us in the Redeemed Christian Church of God; I mean our sharing formula - at least, that is the formula we have adopted in the Province to which I belong. When parish/area/zonal headquarters have levies to share; remittance (that is, financial strength or capability takes 60 percent while equality accounts for 40%. I recommend that we adopt the same system in the present circumstance: 60% derivation and 40% equality. That is fairer and more equitable than the sharing formula forced down the throat of the governors by the North.

Until we practice the “work-and-eat” system, neither hard-working Peter (that is being robbed) nor lazy Paul (that is the recipient of what is stolen from Peter) is going anywhere! Everyone is the loser in the final analysis - both the cheated and the pampered!

FEEDBACK

Are the Ikwerre Igbo?

I worked in Rivers state for six years (and) I got to know that Ikwerre is not Igbo. What politics will do in Nigeria! - Pastor Seun Sogunro.

Azuka as surname, not even as first name, is it Ikwerre or Igbo? Wike as surname, not even as first name, is it Ikwerre or Igbo? Mbata: Is it Ikwerre or Igbo? - Kindnessjonah.

I had my NYSC in Rivers state (1980/81) - in Ikwerre land to be precise - and they told me they were not Igbo. In fact, they narrated the role they played during the civil war. The Igbo wanted to coarse them but they refused to belong. So I will agree with Wike who said he is not Igbo. - Pa Kola Oloye.

The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29. January 2025. However, in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, as well as the decision of the ECOWAS Authority to keep ECOWAS' doors open, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member States are requested and required to:

a) recognize National passports and identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger, until further notice.
b) continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.
c) allow citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa free movement, residence and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocols until further notice.
d) provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community.

These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries. This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period.

Keeping to their resolve, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders from the South East, including Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah; Board of Trustees Chairman, Adolphus Wabara; Senator Austin Akobundu on Tuesday shunned the meeting of PDP stakeholders held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

This is as the South East stakeholders  who met in Abuja passed a vote of confidence on Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, as national secretary of the party.

The South East stakeholders however warned that the lingering crisis over the position of the party’s national secretary could make the party suffer and lose the 2027 election.

PDP leaders from the region had, in a statement by its national vice chairman, Chief Ali Odefa, distanced themselves from yesterday’s meeting, having endorsed Sunday Ude-Okoye as national secretary at a meeting held last Friday in Enugu.

However, the Abuja meeting was presided over by Anyanwu and was attended by Chris Ubah. Anyanwu said there was no basis for disagreement since the party is awaiting the  decision of the Supreme Court on the position of the national secretary.

He said the meeting was called by South East members of the PDP NWC and not the national leadership.

Anyanwu blamed Odefa for instigating  political mischief, claiming that the vice chairman had been expelled from PDP and was not in a position to convene any PDP meeting.

Explaining the genesis of his crisis, Anyanwu said, “In October, the former National Vice Chairman South East, Chief Ali Odefa went and connived with some people to remove me as the National Secretary.

“He went and convinced the governor of Enugu that our constitution says that I will resign for me to run because he knows that his tenure as National Vice Chairman is coming to an end, so he wanted to perpetuate himself in office. So he sold this idea to the governor of Enugu state, His Excellency Peter Mbah whom I met and told him that it is wrong.

“He went and printed fake electoral guidelines for primary election and took it to his excellency and he bought into it without knowing the truth. Based on that, they now came and told me that I should resign.

“On the 10th of November while I was busy preparing for my election, they went and got from a state high court in Enugu and based on this fake document, the judge gave an order that I am supposed to have resigned. They told me that someone else has been appointed, one Ude-Okoye has been appointed as National Secretary of the party.

“I was elected through a national convention and it is only through convention that I can be removed.

“They went ahead and told the governor because he is the only governor from the South East that if I become a governor, as former National Secretary of the party, that I will be too powerful and that it is better for him to continue to become the only governor from the South East.

“On the 9th of January 2025, Federal High Court Abuja gave a judgement and it was quite explicit that that I remain the national secretary of this party until 9th of December, 2025 when my tenure will elapse.”

Reading the communique of the South East stakeholders, after the meeting that last for several hours, the South East Legal Adviser of PDP, Ukpai Ukairo, said that the South East leaders have passed a vote of confidence on Anyanwu.

He added that Ali Odefa is no longer a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and should not be found in the circle of any official role within PDP.

Accordingly, “he should not have any role or play any part in any form or manner with concerning the affairs of the PDP.

By Article 27(3) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party the Zonal Executive Committee can only be summoned at the instance of the National Vice Chairman. In consideration of the fact that there is no National Vice Chairman in office the Zonal Executive Committee Meeting of the South East fixed for the 24th January, 2025 cannot be a lawful meeting of the organ of the party.

“Arising from the foretasted legal opinion, the members of the Zonal Working Committee (ZWC) from Abia, Imo and Anambra States and several statutory members of the Zonal Working Committee  ignored the notice of meeting and consequently boycotted the meeting.”

[Leadership]

Ahead of the 2027 General Elections, various stakeholders, including opposition parties, civil society organisations (CSOs), security agencies, and media, have been urged to strengthen their roles to ensure Nigeria’s democracy thrives.

This call was made at the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, which held in Abuja on Monday and Tuesday.

The conference, themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathways to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” featured Mr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the immediate past Vice President of Ghana, as the keynote speaker. It was organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development (Centre LSD), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Westminster for Democracy (WfD), Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), and the National Peace Committee (NPC).

The communiqué presented by Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Mrs. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, and Ezenwa Nwagwu stressed the need for strengthening Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

“While Nigeria has maintained uninterrupted democratic governance for over 25 years, it faces an unprecedented crisis that threatens its survival,” the communiqué noted.

It said that despite holding seven general elections since return to democracy in 1999, systemic issues like electoral malpractice, political party inefficiency, weak governance, and corruption have eroded public trust.

Key issues raised during the conference included the increasing threats to democracy in Africa, exemplified by eight coups between 2020 and 2023, and the attempts of certain leaders to alter constitutions to extend their tenure.

The communiqué also highlighted alarming findings from the 2023 Open Society Barometer, which revealed that 30% of Nigerian youth believe military rule could be better for citizens.

Participants noted the weakening of state institutions by overbearing executive leaders and the rise of state and elite capture, which threatens the pluralistic nature of Nigeria’s democracy. “There is a growing tendency for electoral outcomes to be decided by the judiciary rather than through the ballot,” the communiqué warned.

Further concerns were raised about the rise in vote-buying, despite ongoing reforms meant to sanitise the electoral system. The erosion of political parties’ roles due to their capture by “barons and warlords”, resulting in a lack of internal democracy, was also discussed. Additionally, the centralisation of the electoral management system and the absence of opposition voices and civic space were identified as significant issues.

To address these challenges, the conference emphasised the need for the executive to focus on reducing social inequalities and tackling poverty, which often leads to the “meal over vote” phenomenon.

Participants also urged a revisit of the Uwais Report, which outlines long-term electoral reforms. Additionally, they called for the entrenchment of local government democratic autonomy, police reforms, and the de-centralisation of election management to increase the efficiency and inclusiveness of the process.

What the judiciary must do

On the judiciary, the communiqué emphasised the need for reforms aimed at attaining greater autonomy, improving judges’ welfare, and enhancing the conditions of service for legal officers. The importance of re-orienting legal officers to prioritise public interest over commercial interests was also discussed.

The legislature’s role in electoral reform was also highlighted. The communiqué urged the 10th Assembly to prioritise the reform proposals currently before the National Assembly. This includes reviewing the Electoral Act to eliminate the “winner-takes-all” system and ensuring that persons appointed to sensitive positions in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are thoroughly scrutinised.

Inclusivity in the electoral process was another major theme. The conference called for the inclusion of diaspora voting, allowing Nigerians living abroad to participate in national elections.

The conference also emphasised the role of CSOs and the media in engaging citizens. They were urged to educate the public on their rights and responsibilities, hold duty-bearers accountable, and advocate for reducing the incumbent’s power to appoint individuals into sensitive positions.

Regarding INEC, the communiqué urged the electoral body to decentralise election management, enhance transparency through technology, and strengthen political parties by regulating internal democracy. The creation of new departments within INEC to better monitor political parties was also proposed.

Participants also urged security agencies to uphold the law by prosecuting electoral offenders and maintaining neutrality in electoral matters. A professional security force, independent of political interference, was deemed vital for ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.

On political parties, the conference called on them to unite and form a strong coalition to provide effective checks and balances. It noted that political parties should not merely serve as election vehicles but remain active and engaged in political, social, and economic issues. The communiqué further called for political parties to embrace competitive primaries, ensuring the selection of capable and competent candidates.

The communiqué concluded with a call for political parties to adopt innovative fundraising strategies to ensure financial independence and avoid state capture. Intra-party democracy and competitive primaries were deemed essential for ensuring that Nigeria’s democracy flourishes.

Plan to rig 2027 election already unfolding – Tambuwal

On his part, former governor of Sokoto State and current senator for Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, charged civil society organisations (CSOs) and the media to rise to the challenge of strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

Tambuwal alleged that plans to rig the 2027 elections were already in motion and warned that unless there is a coalition like the one formed in 2015, stopping the plot may be impossible.

Speaking as a panellist during a session on “Rebuilding Confidence in Presidential System of Government,” Tambuwal lamented the civil society’s apparent passivity in holding the government accountable.

“In the past, many of us here, including our boss, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, were part of the coordination that helped improve and sustain democracy in Nigeria. But now, it seems that some of the same people involved in civil society efforts are now in charge. I don’t know whether it’s because of some kind of understanding between civil society and the current government, but the silence today is worrying,” he said.

Tambuwal called on civil society to replicate the role it played in 2013-2014, helping to fortify Nigeria’s democracy. He warned that unless this action is taken, the country’s democratic system was in peril.

He added that the foundation for sustaining democracy lies in the electoral processes and outcomes. Tambuwal criticised the current leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Professor Mahmood Yakubu, stating that the progress made under Professor Attahiru Jega’s tenure had been reversed.

“It is about the character of those leading these agencies. We must ensure the right people are in these positions, especially with 2027 approaching,” he said.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives also stressed the importance of electing individuals with the character and capacity to govern. He noted that a leader lacking these qualities would likely surround themselves with cronies, undermining the governance system.

“Are we just going to sit back and allow this to happen? Or will we rise up and protect our democracy?” Tambuwal asked. He called for a return to the principles of a fair electoral process, insisting that only those with integrity and competence should be entrusted with leadership roles.

Tambuwal also urged members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to join forces with opposition parties and civil society groups in challenging the current government’s practices.

“You can be part of the governing party, but when the government is doing wrong, you must speak out. This is the time for all of us, inside and outside the government, to unite and save our democracy,” he said.

CSOs must not be incited for power grabbing – Waziri Adio

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Waziri Adio, founder of Agora Policy, cautioned that civil society organisations and the masses must not be manipulated for the sake of power-grabbing.

He pointed to the vast resources expended in Nigeria over the past 25 years, questioning why the country’s key indicators for development had not improved. “Why has the conversation been framed as though Nigeria started its decline in 2015 or 2023?” Adio queried.

“If we want to move forward, we also need to talk to ourselves. What are we offering that’s different? Or is it just about, okay, we’re out now, and we need to get these people out, and we’re trying to incite civil society to do this?”

He urged those involved in governance and the civil society to examine what they could offer differently to ensure true progress for the country. Adio emphasised the need for governance to go beyond elections, advocating for a truly representative and participatory system that prioritises the people’s interests.

“We need to ensure that governance isn’t just about elections, but about engaging people at all levels, starting from local governance,” Adio stressed. He noted that if local governments worked effectively, it could lead to significant improvements across the country.

PDP conducted worst elections, APC replies Atiku, El-Rufai

Meanwhile, the ruling APC has dismissed allegations by former Vice President and the PDP presidential candidate in the last election, Atiku Abubakar, that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat.

Atiku, speaking at a democracy conference in Abuja on Monday, had warned that the nation’s democratic system was in peril due to what he called increasing judicial involvement in electoral matters. He also accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of disbursing N50 million to some opposition leaders to weaken their parties.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC described Atiku’s claims as “laughable” and questioned his credibility in making such assertions.

The APC stated: “It was in the Atiku era as Vice President, particularly in 2003 and 2007, that the PDP conducted the worst elections in our political history. We cannot forget how Atiku’s PDP used heavy-handed tactics to capture most South-West states and even vowed to remain in power for 60 years.

“It was during those years that Atiku’s then-boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, famously described elections as a ‘do or die affair’ in a desperate bid to annex Lagos State.”

The APC questioned Atiku’s assertion that democracy is now at risk, arguing that recent elections have been “by far freer, fairer, and more credible” than those held during the PDP era.

“If democracy was neither derailed nor endangered in those perilous days, how can it now be at risk when the electoral process has significantly improved?” the APC queried.

Addressing the claim that President Tinubu paid N50 million to opposition leaders to stifle dissent, the APC dismissed it as baseless.

“Atiku knows his political desperation has contributed to the catastrophic disintegration of the PDP,” the statement said. “Peddling unsubstantiated rumours should be beneath someone of Atiku’s standing as a former Vice President and a serial contestant for the presidency.”

The APC also criticised Atiku and other opposition figures, including Peter Obi and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, for insinuating that the ruling party had a role in the internal challenges facing opposition parties.

[DailyTrust]