UNDOUBTEDLY, the United States’ President Donald Trump does not appear to be a man of peace. He does not even care to be seen as such. Trump is cast in the mould of someone who loves a fight and is always in the mood to engage in one. Where there is no fight, he instigates one. Where there is no single opponent in sight, he manufactures many. His tariffs threaten to up-end the world economy; the signals are already there but rather than back down, he forges ahead with more of the same. This, then, is the proverbial coconut leaf; the more you boil it, the harder it gets. The world groans but Trump gloats! Assailed on all fronts by foes and allies alike, all reeling from the negative effects of his tariffs war, Trump struts rather than let off steam. This, then, is the proverbial palm frond that rejoices in the midst of thorns; the proverbial “awodi” that waxes strong, diving in and out of raging fires while the victims bemoan their losses. Orderliness, law and order, and due process do not seem to recommend themselves to Trump. Nigeria’s Ojuelegba, where the iconic Afrobeat king, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, says confusion breaks bones, for sure will delight the United States’ number one citizen.

Trump is an enigma. He makes history even as he stands in the way of history being made. He is the only American president to have had no previous political or military service before his election as president. These two critical indices usually determine success or failure in US presidential elections but Trump skipped them both. He then went on to beat Hilary Clinton, wife of former President Bill Clinton and the woman many had thought would make history as the United States’ first woman president. Trump lost the popular vote in the 2016 presidential election by a whopping 2.87 million votes but won the electoral college with a commanding 304 votes against Hillary’s 227. He thus became the fifth US president that lost the popular vote but won the electoral college; after John Quincy Adams (1824), Rutherford B. Hayes (1876), Benjamin Harrison (1888), and George W. Bush (2000).   

 When Trump lost his bid for re-election in 2020, he was not the first US president to have been so denied but he was the first to seek to bring the roof down on the head of everyone and trump democracy in the world’s largest and longest-running modern democracy. His refusal to accept the outcome of the election, concede defeat, and move on was the first of its kind in the history of the United States. How his armed supporters stormed the hallowed chambers of Congress to try to forcibly prevent the process of bringing the election to conclusion and announce the next president has gone down in history as one of its kind in the history of the United States. But for the refusal of Vice-president Mike Pence to buy into the plot, Trump might have succeeded in his bid to trump democracy in the United States.

 Trump alleged that the 2020 presidential election was rigged in favour of his Democratic challenger, Joe Biden. His failure to prove the allegation beyond all reasonable doubt apart, it was not the first time American elections had been tainted with allegations of rigging. To the outside world, the US is the bastion and beacon of democracy but in reality it also has had its frailties and faults and elections there have not always been seen to be free and fair. A recent example is the Al Gore vs George Bush election of 2000 but in none of the cases has anyone gone to Trump’s extent to subvert the democratic process, bringing the US and its democracy to ridicule and disrepute as well as lowering the country in the estimation of the international community.

 Four years after losing re-election, Trump entered the presidential race again. While many had thought his party members, the Republicans, would be ashamed of his antecedents and distance themselves from him, they handed him the party presidential ticket again; this time, in style! The party primaries were a virtual “no contest” between Trump and his half-hearted challengers and it took no time before he dusted all of them and coasted home to victory. Even at that, no one gave Trump the chance of a come-back, what with the tons of sundry allegations of corruption and moral deficiency hauled at him at every turn! He spent more time in court answering to one allegation after another than he spent on the hustings. Close allies and associates, former staff and friends broke ranks and testified against him in court; he was found guilty and convicted by courts of competent jurisdiction. Yet, Trump, undeterred, forged ahead! His, then, was the proverbial case of the vulture that feeds fat on accursed commodities and luxuriates in the midst of adversity.

 Trump made another history when he forced the sitting president and candidate of the Democratic Party, Joe Biden, to “step aside”, Babangida style, in the middle of the 2024 US presidential election. Enter Kamala Harris! At first the sitting US vice-president (to Biden) was the rave of the moment and led consistently at the opinion polls for weeks; especially so after she resoundingly defeated Trump in the televised debate both of them had. Gradually, however, Trump clawed his way back, one Lie Muhammed lies after another, until he ran neck-to-neck with Harris as Americans went to the polls. When the results were announced, it was to the chagrin of those who had wished for Harris to become the United States’ first woman president!

 Trump won both the electoral college and the popular vote. For the second time, he made history as the candidate that twice denied Americans the opportunity to produce a woman president. I am not sure that record will be easy for anyone to break. Governing the US has also been made very easy for Trump with his party controlling the majority in Congress. Few presidents before him had been so blessed.

 Trump’s ways are unorthodox – in both his internal and external policies. Complaints and protests trail him everywhere. Staunch allies and traditional friends have turned foes and opponents. Mercurial and controversial Trump is the talk-of-town everywhere. Oh, his theatrics! If you squirm at his (mis)treatment of the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, consider the bitter pills he shoved down the throat of traditional ally, Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu! Not just what he does but the way he does them! The louder the outcry, the more he tightens the screws!

 Since Trump will not relent, those at the receiving end of his tariffs war are also slamming their own tariffs on the US. Trump, rather than give up or moderate, responds with higher tariffs. In this all-out war, no one is spared. Even little Davids like Nigeria, not spared by Trump, have thrown their own feeble punches at the Goliath of our time! Where will this spat lead our world?

 The existing international order which came into existence at the end of the Second World War in 1945 has become obsolete and anachronistic. It can no longer carry the weight, as it were, of our world as presently constituted and configured. International relations or relations between state- and non-state actors alike are a function of power relations. What these power relations were in 1945 are not what they are today. Some states have dropped on the pecking order while others have climbed up the ladder. This must be reflected in a new world order that will put everyone in their rightful places. What, for instance, qualifies Britain or France as permanent members of the UN Security Council that does not qualify Germany and India?

The two levers of power in international world order are military and economic. Both resided in the United States and its Western allies in the aftermath of the 2nd World War. As the victorious powers, they presided over the fashioning of a new world order, making sure they cast it in their own image. The Soviet Union and China that played a limited role in the defeat of Adolf Hitler were allowed into the sitting room but not the inner room of the new power house. The US became the metropolitan power and Western Europe its satellites. Together, both dished out orders to the rest of the world. A restraining factor, however, has been the veto power wielded by both the Soviet Union (now Russia) and China in the UN Security Council.

 Our world is changing rapidly! It is not what it used to be 80 years ago. Power relations amongst states have undergone drastic and dramatic transformation. The US is no longer the sole nuclear power nation. We can count countries with nuclear capabilities to include the other four members of the UN Security Council, in addition to India and Pakistan. There are “rogue” nations like Israel, Iran and South Africa and others possessing the nuke or the (near)capability to join the elite club at short notice.

From time immemorial power relations have never been static; rather, they have been dynamic. Economic relations have also seen the rise and fall of nations. The nations that controlled the commerce of the world during the tenure of the League of Nations (1918 – 1939) are not the same that did in post-1945. The end of that war confirmed the US as the new powerhouse of the world. Western Europe that hitherto colonised the world, the US itself inclusive, declined in both military and economic power, took the back seat and played second fiddle to the US, becoming its most glorified cheerleaders!

 But nothing lasts forever!  History teaches that nations get to their apogee, stay there for a while, and then begin to decline. That is one. Another is that other nations make improvements, catch up and overtake the leaders. The struggle to word off competition and perpetually remain on top versus the determination to catch up and upturn the apple cart is what is unfolding before our very eyes between the United States on the one hand and the rest of the world on the other. What is amazing to many is that the US, fighting tooth and nail to maintain its hegemony, has made no distinction between age-old allies and foes alike. The reason is simple: Trump sees those allies and their feeding bottle mentality as the major cause of the decline that the US has suffered. The resources the US has poured into protecting and providing for them could have better been investing in developing the US itself.

 Trump wants to call in such investments. He wants to cut and run on international engagements that drain the US of resources needed for investment at home. The US wants to prioritize looking after its own interests now and reduce, if not totally eliminate, its self-imposed obligations of policeman of the world or the defender of so-called democratic values worldwide. It is an “America first” policy aimed at Making America Great Again! MAGA! To achieve this, Trump also wants to throw spanners in the works for the countries threatening to do the catching-up with the US, especially China, if not to completely stop them in their tracts but to at least slow them down while the US extricates itself from its self-imposed quagmire and forges ahead again.

 The rot in the US system runs deep. The inherent contradictions in its capitalist system. Decades of complacency and arrogance. Pig-headed policies that gifted its competitors the weapons they now masterfully deploy. It is debatable whether Trump is going about the fight the right way or whether he can stop or delay the meteoric rise of China and India, and, to some extent, Russia, as they position themselves individually and collectively to challenge for the leadership position of the world. Whatever is the case, a new world order beckons! Whether it will be achieved peacefully or after another war remains to be seen.      

 LAST WORD: It is instructive that in the face of Trump’s raging and rampaging tariffs war, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has been missing in action! Headed by a Nigerian, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (she bagged a second term of office recently), Google says the WTO “is primarily responsible for administering global trade rules, providing a forum for trade negotiations, settling trade disputes, and supporting developing countries in benefitting from the global trading system”. “Market forces” and “free trade”, the well-advertised fulcrum of the capitalist system often wielded to extort and exploit developing countries, have also taken the back seat! Capitalism is a scam!  

DON’T worry, I am not hallucinating or addled. I know one-term, one-time Anambra governor, now-late Chinwoke Mbadinuju isn’t alive to witness the running Bola Tinubu Show in Rivers State, verisimilar to the wildly-popular “Family Feud” show being hosted across continents by coloured American humourist and TV personality, Steve Harvey, only that the moustached one isn’t violently-biased in his role as the man in-between. 

Mbadinuju died April 11, 2023 at 77, going into Nigeria’s political record book of the running republic as one of the first two sitting governors of the 1999 Class, to be vanquished by enraged godfathers, just like the suspended {sounds like a school boy thing} Rivers’ governor, Siminalayi Fubara. The other governor of the Class that was outclassed by his then-godfather was Borno’s Mala Kachalla. He was run out of now-defunct APP by his then-godfather Modu Ali Sherif and porting to then-South West dominated AD could not save him from becoming a one-termer. Yes, there were other losers of that time; from Gombe’s Abubakar Hashidu to five AD governors of Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti and Ondo. Olusegun Obasanjo as president of that era was running riot with assumed limitless presidential powers, knocking off constitutional guardrails planted by the framers of democratic ethos as a pushback against full-blown dictatorship. One of those who railed endlessly against Obasanjo;s perceived fascism of that time was then-governor of Lagos, a certain Bola Tinubu who was variously and widely robed as the face of the resistance of that era. Today, the then-celebrated walking bulwark against dictatorship is now president and wait for this; he is now cuddling with demented affection, the desecrating playbook of the one he brutally roasted as a fascist in agbada; the former chicken farmer who today owns a Uni!

Let’s return to Mbadinuju. After he lost to the crude mercantilist politics of his original godfather, controversial billionaire Emeka Offor and the inherited megalomaniac youthful godfather, Chris Uba, he retreated to a private life while the Obasanjo tsunami was blowing across states with targeted elected governors kissing the dust. About a year after Obasanjo had gone back to private life, a griping  Mbadinuju granted a colleague and I a very choleric interview, spewing so much anger and divulging some much about alleged events and issues of the time of his travails between 1999 and 2003, uncladding Olusegun Obasanjo not only as a dictator but an encourager of impunity, ascribing the most odious and governance oddities to the president of his time in office. He said in the peace meetings called by OBJ to mediate the crisis between him and Offor and later Uba, the then-president was just barking out orders, mandating him to kowtow to all the fraudulent, illegal and unconstitutional demands of his godfathers. He said other unprintable things. My colleague and I were just exchanging glances as he made these seemingly-outlandish claims on the record. At a point, it was as if we were being treated to a Papa Ajasco Super Story where Boy Alinco is just framing sweet nonsense to win the heart of Miss ‘Pepisco’ Pepeye, considering that he actually asked for the interview because he felt Gbenga Aruleba of AIT was always dragging him on his morning show and wanted to spill more about how Obasanjo was aiding and abetting impunity in Anambra of that era. After the session which dragged into hours, my colleague who is now a federal spokesperson and I were celebrating a blockbuster of an interview. I was barely settling in our Area 3 office when calls began coming in. The former governor grew cold feet. He must have either dialogued with some confidants and shared some of his brutal assessment of Obasanjo as a human being, an elder, an administration, an arbiter and a leader, coming into the conclusion that the kind of Ebora Owu should never pass through the Aso Rock office again, or maybe with himself in a calmer state and reasoned his peace was not worth the ire of Obasanjo’s very predictable fightback, considering his boys in then-Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration and the former governor decided to capitulate even before the war would start.

One touching excuse he gave was “you know Obasanjo {he had this funny way of pronouncing the former president’s name} is a vindictive person and even out of power, he wont stop pursuing me if this interview is out the way I granted it”. He could not be persuaded that Aremu would do him no jack. The initial agreement was to scrub the Obasanjo part which would leave almost nothing new in the interview. Later all parties agreed to terminate the entire stuff and our blockbuster went out of the window.

Mbadinuju’s saga and his godfathers receiving presidential backings against him, didn’t meet with much public sympathy as it was mainly viewed as then-ruling PDP’s family affair even after the re-election ticket he allegedly won, was forced off his hand, but God decided to use his successor’s {Chris Ngige} torment in the hands of the same alleged oppressors, especially Obasanjo, to expose their maniacal ways and the buccaneer deployment of federal might by the administration, with the global outrage that trailed the reported abduction of then-governor by the Uba “terror” gang, masquerading as political power group in the state. Ngige’s tormentors had to self-implicate for rigging, of course without consequences {only hapless professors are jailed for it}, just to rid the government house of Ngige at the election petition tribunal, paving the way for a certain Peter Obi of then-APGA as governor. That Obi is the wave-making populist of today.

Power shenanigans like the one going on between Rivers and Aso Rock aren’t novel in Nigerian politics since the return of civil rule. The ‘martial” law {that is only what can give him power to sack elected representatives of the people} proclaimed in the state by Tinubu, the epauleted nestor of democracy in Nigeria, isn’t also likely to be the last of the territory capture he would attempt to sail smoothly in his re-election and repay loyalty of his “boys” like Nyesom Wike. Yoruba always warn that crayfish thieves don’t stop at one, because of the sweetness. In Kunle Afolayan’s epic movie; October 1, the diviner, played by Yemi Elebuibon warned that the killer of maidens in the town, who turned out to be the heir apparent, would still kill more {yio tun pa eniyan si} because he was using the killings as a psycho-treatment for the trauma arising from his molestation by a priest in a monastery. Despite the sound education the prince got while with the cassocked abuser, his mind was anything but sound. He returned to the village with a certificate, Queen’s English and a mind scrambled almost into permanent insanity.

I was told by someone very close to power that the Rivers’ crisis was bleeding the national economy badly due to the oil pipeline attacks {obviously orchestrated acts for leverage by whoever did it} and that the president consulted widely before doing something similar to what Yoon Suk Yeol attempted as South Korean president that got him half-way fired from office. He is now awaiting the Constitutional Court to determine his fate after the parliament dominated by his party, impeached him in a bipartisan move to nip in the bud what they saw as creeping tsarism.

Of course, such an outcome would be a miracle in Nigeria, where baba’ocracy {politics of worship} has been firmly planted. Even the undoubtedly most decent {by persona assessment} of the men who have ruled Nigeria since 1999, Goodluck Jonathan, was still accused of strongmanism. I doubt if the judiciary will save Fubara and the president would likely extend the martial law in the state because I don’t see a winning Wike going into a ceasefire without demanding all the aces, except if a courageous judge steps up to proclaim the martial law, for what it obviously is, a coup.

The politics of second term will always leave the country frayed and it was a great disservice done the country by the national assembly of David Mark when Jonathan’s push for a six-year single term, was derailed because North saw it as a tenure elongation agenda. Fubara, Wike, Aso Rock et al are just symptoms of the disoriented democracy Nigeria is practising. Even if courts restore Fubara and shame Wike and his Villa fada, the unrestrained use of presidential power won’t abate with a new person in office, until the faulty framework is reworked. The Nigerian presidency is already too powerful. Shaving off its unsightliness is the first step toward sanity in the polity. Imagine Tinubu swearing in the sole administrator by himself! What a people we are!

The sage, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, has remained a major influence in the political economy of Africa. As a founding father of Nigeria, Chief Awolowo, with other nationalists, fought tenaciously for the country’s independence from colonial rule and relentlessly toiled afterwards to excogitate ideas that would promote nationhood. Even several decades after his death, his profound thoughts on governance and/or political administration, especially how Nigeria and other developing nations of the world should be administered to engender socio-political and economic harmony as well as prosperity for their people (which he meticulously documented in his books) have become famous and copiously quoted by political stakeholders. Awoism encapsulates the political and socio-economic philosophy of the sage.
But what is Awoism? At a lecture organised by Think Yoruba First, a group of young Nigerians committed to the promotion of the ideals of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, on April 5, 2025, to mark the 116th posthumous birthday of the avatar, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Professor Segun Gbadegesin, who was the guest lecturer, offered profound insights into Awoism, its true meaning and what it encapsulates.

Between Philosophy and Ideology

In their writings, politicians typically try to justify specific structures. An ideology is a belief system constructed for the justification of a particular social, economic, and political order.

A common example of political ideology is liberalism or conservatism.

Philosophy, on the other hand, is the pursuit, as well as the outcome, of critical inquiry into the nature of reality, including material, economic, moral, and political realities.

The philosopher is also self-consciously critical, constantly revising the assumptions behind his or her position to reach the truth.

Philosophy v. Ideology

From the foregoing, it is not too difficult to see how the two—ideology and philosophy—can intersect.

A critical inquiry—philosophy—can be the basis of an ideology—a belief system. John Stuart Mill’s liberalism is based on his critical inquiry into the nature of freedom and human nature, and he is better known as a philosopher than an ideologue.

If we read carefully all of Chief Awolowo’s writings, from Path to Nigerian Freedom to People’s Republic both of which form the foundation of his philosophy of governance, we would discover that his later writings build on the philosophical foundation of these texts.

For AWO, therefore, philosophy grounds ideology and ideology is built on the foundation of philosophy.

Three Existential Questions facing Nationalists Struggling for National Independence

01: How do we carve a national identity out of a motley crowd? This is the question of political structure and constitutional arrangements.

02: How do we equip everyone with the necessary skills to make them useful members of society? This is the question of education and human development.

03: How do we organize the social means of production for the benefit of all? This is the question of political economy, production, and equitable distribution of resources.

Progressivism in Politics

Progressives in politics subscribe to and invest heavily in the progressive agenda.

The progressive agenda makes the people the centerpiece of its policies and programs and conforms to their aspirations.

It is not tradition, or culture, or the nation as an abstract entity that looms large in a progressive agenda. Every such abstraction that is identified is spelled out and cashed out in terms that make sense to the welfare of the people.

The Action Group and Progressive Politics

The people of Western Region embraced the agenda of the Action Group government in 1952 when Chief Obafemi Awolowo became the Leader of Government Business because it was crystal clear to them that the agenda of the government was theirs and it spoke to their needs and interests.

The progressive agenda championed by Chief Awolowo and the Action Group was Welfare Liberalism, encapsulated in the slogan, “Freedom for all, life more abundant.”

To fix it in the psyche of the people, it was translated into Yoruba as AFENIFERE.

AWOISM as a Philosophy of Governance

Here is the logical reasoning of Chief Obafemi Awolowo on the three existential issues.

It is this reasoning that is at the core of Awoism as a philosophy of governance.

ON POLITICAL STRUCTURE AND CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

There is a scientific and objective formula that determines the best political and constitutional arrangement for different states or nations.

The best political and constitutional arrangement for a multi-ethnic and multi-linguistic state is a true federal system.

Therefore, Nigeria requires a true federal system.

On education

Human beings are the sole dynamic agents of development.

Education is fundamentally important for human beings as individuals, family, and society.

Despite its importance, the majority of citizens are too poor to finance their own education or the education of their children.

Therefore, The state has an obligation to provide free education for all citizens.

On the economy

The welfare of citizens is the most fundamental concern of the government.

The economy is the most fundamental social-political arrangement that impacts the welfare of citizens.

A good economic outcome requires adequate planning.

Therefore, A progressive government must have a sound economic plan including diversification of the resources of the nation.

On Politics and Political Arrangements

Awo’s Articles of faith on representative democracy:

Competitive elections

Separation of powers

Rule of law

Ideological direction:

Welfare of the people as ultimate purpose

Therefore,

Freedom for All, Life More Abundant.

Action Group and its Pace-setting Achievements

Voting by symbols in 1953

Use of steel boxes and security-printed ballot papers in 1956

Motion for the creation of a state from the region

Election of leader of opposition as Deputy Speaker of the Western House of Assembly

Restriction of membership of Tenders Board to officials rather than politicians

Establishment of agricultural settlements

Introduction and payment of minimum wage

Establishment of first industrial estate and housing estate

First television service in Africa

Olympic size stadium

Award of 200 scholarships to Nigerian students

Free universal primary education

Free health services for children up to the age of 18

On Political Structure

Two principles of territorial divisions are available for the consideration of political leaders:

Individualism which would divide territories into political nations based on individual interests.

Ethnicism or nationalism which would divide territories according to ethnic affiliations.

Each has its own challenges:

The first is problematic because individual interests are too unstable to serve as the basis of political boundaries.

The second is problematic because there is no pure homogenous ethnic group in contemporary times, especially after imperialist contraptions.

Federalism as Solution

Solution: A political structure that respects the right of each culture or nationality to a public sphere that it can call its own.

This is what is referred to as cultural democracy. Its political expression is true federalism.

This is what Chief Obafemi Awolowo had in mind when he suggested the principle of federalism as the most viable basis for the governance of a multi-ethnic state such as Nigeria.

This is based on his four principles of constitution-making

Four Principles of Constitution-Making

If a country is uni-lingual and uni-national, the constitution must be Unitary.

If a country is uni-lingual or bi-lingual or multi-lingual, and also consists of communities, which, though belonging to the same nation, have, over a period of years, developed some important cultural divergences as well as autonomous geographical separateness; the constitution must be Federal, and the constituent states must be organized on the dual basis of language and geographical separateness.

If a country is bi-lingual or multi-lingual, the constitution must be Federal, and the constituent states must be organized on a linguistic basis.

Any experiment with a Unitary constitution in a bi-lingual or multi-lingual or multi-national country must fail, in the long run.

Between Unitarism and Federalism

For the unitarist, a nation must be known and related to as a united and indivisible entity.

To be such, no room must be given to any centrifugal tendencies.

On its part, federalism respects the component units in a multi-national or multi-ethnic union.

For the unitarist, the many nationalities must be melted into one.

The Absurdity of the Melting Pot Analogy

An ethnic nationality is not a pot and cannot be melted like a wax.

Language is not a bar of butter that can be melted by heat.

The failure of melting pot ideas and practices reflects the absurdity of their assumptions.

We should stop pretending that we can forget our heritage and remain ourselves.

We should each embrace them and bring out their virtues to bear on the future that we covet.

AWO on Education

AWO’s defense of the right to education (PNG, 164-172) is based on a philosophy of family relations between the paterfamilias and materfamilias and the children.

We bring children into the world.

That act comes with a heavy dose of responsibility which was not lost on our ancestors even without the benefit of formal education themselves.

They knew well that they had to train their children so they could assume their role as grownups.

Contemporary parents have the same instinctive urge to educate their children.

AWO’s Arguments for Free Education

Ontological Argument:

A human being is a living soul which must be nurtured through sound education so that the man/woman retains that quality of being above other animals. Since many cannot do this by themselves, the duty falls on the state.

Ideological Argument:

The Nigerian state, to which citizens have voluntarily submitted, has a duty to educate children from the various ethnic backgrounds.

Political-Economic Argument:

Rapid political economic development of Nigeria by Nigerians for Nigerians requires the full development and full employment of all Nigerians. To be fully developed is to be fully educated and this is the responsibility of the state.

Moral Argument:

The state is an institution with objectives to, among others, protect citizens and promote their welfare and guarantee the exercise of their rights. It is immoral and unethical for the state to discharge its responsibilities to a small section of “haves” while a vast majority of “have-nots” are neglected. 

AWO on The Economy

In Path to Nigerian Greatness, Chief Awolowo identified the characteristics of an underdeveloped economy deriving from three kinds of underdevelopment.

Underdevelopment of the mind, arising from ignorance, illiteracy, deficiency in technology and in technical and managerial know-how.

Underdevelopment of the body, arising from disease, bad and inadequate food, bad water, bad housing, meagre clothing, and filthy environment;

Underdevelopment of agriculture, and excessive and widespread underdevelopment of the rural population arising from underdevelopment of the mind and body, and from lack of savings and capital formation. (PNG, p.154)

An Economic Argument for the “Full Development of Man”

All men have innate talents or ability and must be given equal opportunity to develop.

When all talents have been developed fully, each must be given equal opportunity to contribute to socio-economic development: (why? Because the share of the total development for each person depends on his contribution)

The society (not just individuals) suffers when all talents in society are not fully developed.

Therefore, the solution to the problem of our country’s economic underdevelopment lies in the “full development and full employment of every Nigerian-man or woman, child or adolescent.” (emphasis in original): “no economic revolution has ever succeeded or will ever succeed, whether green or otherwise, which does not give the prime of place to the full development of man.” p.155

Philosophical Reasoning Followed by Action

The reasoning leads to the four cardinal programs of UPN, namely:

Free education at all levels

Integrated rural development

Free health care

Full employment

From the foregoing, it follows that the “full development and full employment of every Nigerian citizen” should be the primary national objective of the nation because:

 A GOOD NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY AND PROGRAM IS INDISPENSABLE TO A GOOD NATIONAL ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT.

Political Action Follows Philosophical Reasoning

In the economic sphere of development, Awolowo’s government promoted the growth of secondary industries pari passu with agricultural development as a means of realizing the goal of a “never-ceasing expansion in the economy and wealth of the Region” which he believed that government must ensure.

To that end of a “never-ceasing expansion in the economy and wealth of the Region”, the government facilitated the growth of private enterprise, removed infrastructural obstacles, and provided basic services including the development of industrial estates.

In addition, government established agencies that participated in industries—Western Nigeria Development Corporation (WNDC) and Western Nigeria Finance Corporation (WNFC). The latter was designed to make loans available to entrepreneurs from the Region.

AWO’s Recommendation to the Federal Government

In April 1960, Chief Awolowo recommended to the new Federal Government, the paths to economic development which the Western Region had taken:

First, ascertain the problems which required a solution.

Second, formulate the principles which were to guide the government in solving those problems.

Third, work out the concrete plans and programs to resolve the problems.

Ascertaining and resolving the Problems

The problems facing the country were identified as

the paradox of wealth and poverty living side by side in the country,

miserable rural conditions,

rural-urban migration, and

urban unemployment.

The principles identified for resolving the problems were:

government must find means to promote the maximum exploitation of natural resources,

accelerate the development of manpower and

ensure the equitable distribution of the resultant wealth.

Agriculture and Education as Bedrocks of Economic Policy

The concrete plans and programs for resolving the problems focused on the development of agriculture and allied industries

the promotion of education and health as pillars of economic development.

Meeting the Challenges of Agriculture

The challenges:

Inefficient methods of cultivation and production made the productivity of the farmers abysmally low and discouraging.

The inadequacy of resources made it impossible for him to improve his methods.

The solution:

Education of and financial assistance for farmers

Promotion of wealth for farmers

To promote the growth of wealth for farmers,

extension services were created.

extension workers were trained to intensify research into new varieties of seedlings.

Training was given to farmers on the prevention of diseases that affected cocoa production.

Western Region Finance Corporation started a loan scheme to help farmers with the purchase of pest-control measures.

subsidies were given to farmers through the Marketing Board to purchase chemicals to combat pests and diseases.

These services provided invaluable help on all aspects of the cultivation of cocoa and oil palm, leading to a boom in agricultural wealth.

Cooperative Farm Settlements

To train young graduates of modern school in the “science and technique of modern farming”, the government of Western Region established

13 Cooperative Farm Settlements and

3 Farm Institutes

The idea was to enable the trainees to acquire their own plot and stand on their own as productive members of society.

A philosophy of self-determination

AWOISM is a philosophy of self-determination and self-sufficiency.

When the government of Western Region determined that it was in its interest to pursue its economic policies by rejecting funds from the Federal Government, it did not hesitate to do so.

Thus, when the Federal Government suggested the termination of the 1955/60 regional plans, Western Region refused because the region was “already self-governing”, and while the North had received £3 3/4million and the East £2 3/4million as allocations from the Federal Government, the West had received only £1/2 million.

Therefore, the West opted to pursue its own Five-Year Plan, “Western Regional Development Plan 1960/65” because, as Chief Awolowo put it, “we had enough funds of our own to execute our plans.”

A Legacy of Deep Thinking, Hard Work, and Fearless Action

“I have never regarded myself as having a monopoly of wisdom. The trouble is that when most people in life and in the position of leadership and rulership are spending whole days and nights carousing in clubs or in the company of men of shady character and women of easy virtue, I, like a few others, am always at my post working hard at the country’s problems and trying to find solutions for them. With them the slogan always is; Drinking and Dancing Till Day Break; but with those of my breed, it is: Hard Work Till Midnight or the Early Hours of the Morning. Now, when out of the inflated emptiness of their minds they speak, they are naturally superficial. Only the deep can call to the deep. When, on the other hand, others of my ilk speak out of the fullness of their minds, what they say more often than not command attention and sometimes appeals to the majority of the people. This is the difference.”

Professor Gbadegesin presented this paper on April 5, 2025 at a lecture organised by Think Yoruba First to mark the 116th posthumous birthday of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are set to meet in Ibadan, Oyo State, between Sunday and Monday to deliberate on the party’s future amid growing calls for a united opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting, scheduled for April 13 and 14, 2025, comes at a critical time when opposition leaders across the country are ramping up efforts to form a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, internal divisions and divergent interests among key stakeholders continue to hinder progress in coalition talks, sources within the party have revealed.

One of the primary objectives of the meeting will be to discuss the party’s approach to a potential coalition with other opposition groups.

Sources within the PDP who spoke with Daily Trust indicate that while there is strong interest in forming a united opposition to challenge the APC, internal disagreements have stalled concrete steps toward achieving this goal.

In addition to coalition talks, the governors will also address their ongoing legal battle against the federal government. The PDP governors are challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the subsequent suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Fubara, who serves as the vice chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, has been at the centre of a political crisis in the state, raising concerns within the party about federal overreach and its impact on internal party stability.

PDP’s Leadership Crisis To Be Discussed

Another significant issue on the agenda is the recent Supreme Court judgment on the dispute over the position of the party’s national secretary.

The tussle between Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye over the national secretary’s seat has drawn considerable attention, with the governors expected to review the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment.

“The governors are already in possession of the CTC and it will inform their decision on who legitimately holds the position of national secretary,” a source close to the party’s leadership disclosed.

A highly placed party source told Daily Trust that the decision the governors would arrive at would be crucial in determining whether the PDP can maintain its position as a strong opposition force or risk being overshadowed by smaller parties.

“The outcome of the meeting will determine the future of the PDP. If they don’t act decisively, the party risks becoming irrelevant in the opposition coalition. Over 75 per cent of PDP members are already tired and disappointed in the way the party is being run and are preparing to leave.

“The governors may chart a new path for the party – either leading it into a strong coalition or rebuild it internally and invite others to join. But whatever they choose to do, they must convince majority of party members of their sincerity,” the source said.

The source, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, added: “The way this coalition is going, it might end up as an individual affair. Nigerians want change, that is clear, but the opposition leaders are not really determined to make it work.

“I can tell you categorically that unless something drastic is done, 75 per cent of PDP members have mentally checked out of the party. Whether one governor says one thing or another leader says something else doesn’t matter to the grassroots anymore.

“The governors have a lot of work to do. They need to allow the PDP constitution to prevail. Right now, members are scattered and disillusioned. People are simply trying to survive outside the party after enduring years of internal crisis.”

Asked what he believes would top the agenda of the Ibadan meeting, the source replied, “The state of the party. That’s my honest opinion. It can’t be anything other than that. The PDP is in bad shape.”

[NaijaNews]

US President Donald Trump has exempted smartphones and computers from reciprocal tariffs, including the 125 percent levies imposed on Chinese imports.

US Customs and Border Patrol published a notice late Friday explaining the goods would be excluded from Trump’s 10 percent global tariffs on most countries and the much larger Chinese import tax.

The move comes after concerns from US tech companies that the price of gadgets could skyrocket, as many of them are made in China.

The exemptions also include other electronic devices and components, including semiconductors, solar cells and memory cards.

It was not clear whether technology imports from China would still be hit by a 20% tariff that was not part of the reciprocal tariffs announced on April 2. The BBC has contacted the White House for comment.

Some estimates suggested iPhone prices and other electronic goods in the US would have gone up three times if the costs of the tariffs had been passed on to consumers.

The US is a major market for iPhones, while Apple accounted for more than half of its smartphones sales last year, according to Counterpoint Research.

It says as much as 80% of Apple’s iPhones intended for US sale are made in China, with the remaining 20% made in India.

Along with fellow smartphone giants such as Samsung, Apple has been trying to diversify its supply chains to avoid over-reliance on China in recent years.

India and Vietnam emerged as frontrunners for additional manufacturing hubs.

As tariffs took effect, Apple reportedly looked to speed up and increase its production of India-produced devices in recent days.

Trump had planned a host of steep tariffs on countries around the world set to go into effect this week.

But on Wednesday, he quickly reversed course, announcing that he would implement a 90-day pause for countries hit by higher US tariffs – except China – whose tariffs he raised to 145%. Trump said the Chinese tariff increase was because of the country’s readiness to retaliate with its own 84% levy on US goods.

[Leadership]

The recent move by the House of Representatives to slam a five-year jail term or N500,000 fine or both on any person convicted for leaking examination questions, and a three-year jail term for persons under 18 years convicted for engaging in various forms of examination malpractices has been generating mixed reactions from Nigerians.

The proposed legislation, entitled, “Examination Malpractices Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025(HB2097) and sponsored by the member representing Oredo Federal Constituency, Esosa Iyawe, was introduced on March 6, 2025, and is currently awaiting second reading.

The bill, according to its explanatory memorandum, sought to repeal, “The Examination Malpractice Act Cap. E15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and enact the Examination Malpractices Act, 2025, to provide for non-custodial penalties, expand offences relating to the examination malpractices and prescribe adequate punishment for such offences.”

It further stated that minors convicted under the proposed law shall be treated in accordance with the Child Rights Act.

The bill stated that any person, who procures any question paper intended for use in any examination in the country, whether or not the question is genuine and any person who uses a technological device at any examination, is guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both for a person under the age of eighteen years.

However, in the case of a principal, teacher, an invigilator, a supervisor, an examiner, agent or employee of the examination body concerned with the conduct of an examination, the offence shall attract a four-year jail term without an option of fine.

Also, the parliament is proposing N400,000 or four years imprisonment or both for any person engaged to mark examination papers, who, without lawful excuse, alters or otherwise tampers or attempts to alter or tamper with the scores of a candidate as recorded by another person; or (b) employed by an examination body, who before, during or after an examination, fraudulently or without lawful authority, alters or otherwise tampers with the scores of a candidate or aids or abets any candidate to cheat at an examination.

Similarly, Section 4 of the proposed legislation stipulates that, “A candidate, who at any examination, by any fraudulent trick or device or with intent to cheat or secure an unfair advantage for himself or any other person, steals or otherwise appropriates or takes a question paper, an answer sheet or a script of any other candidate, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both.”

The bill also stated that any person, who impersonates a candidate in an examination shall on conviction be liable to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term not more than three years or both, in the case of a person under 18 years old, while in the case of a principal, teacher, an invigilator, a supervisor, an examiner, an agent or employee of the examination body concerned with the conduct of an examination, the imprisonment shall be for a term of four years without the option of a fine.

According to Section 6(1) of the proposed law, “A candidate at an examination, who leaves the venue of the examination and mixes up with any other person with intent to cheat or secure any unfair advantage for himself or any other person in the examination, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of at least N300,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both, and in addition, the candidate shall not be allowed to re-enter the examination hall or any other place to continue with that examination.”

Section 6(2) and (3) provides that “A person who (a) without lawful excuse, with intent to aid a candidate to cheat or secure any unfair advantage for himself or any other person at the examination, communicates or attempts to communicate to the candidate any information relating to any question paper in the examination; or (b) not being involved in the conduct of the examination, is found in or near the examination hall or any other place appointed for the examination with intent to aid a candidate to cheat or secure an unfair advantage for a candidate at the examination, commits an offence.

“A person guilty of an offence under sub-clause (2) of this section is liable on conviction (a) in the case of a person under the age of 18 years, to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term of not more than three years or to both; (b) in the case of a principal, teacher, an invigilator, a supervisor, an examiner, or an agent or employee of the examination body concerned with the conduct of an examination, to imprisonment for a term of four years without the option of a fine.”

Since the proposal became public knowledge, Nigerians have reacted variously.

While some have dismissed the lawmakers as idle people who have abandoned important issues affecting Nigerians to chase shadows, there are those who believe that it is not bad in its entirety.

One of those who believe that it is idleness that has forced the lawmakers to abandon critical problems bedeviling Nigerians to chase an infinitesimal issue as examination malpractice is the former national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and lawyer, Chief Maxi Okwu.

“I think those lawmakers are idle. There are more important issues to tackle,” he told DAILY POST.

Although he clearly stated that he would not encourage examination malpractice in any form, he argued that in order of priority of the issue bogging the nation, it shouldn’t catch the attention of the lawmakers, when terrorists and bandits are running riots, riding roughshod over the country and spilling the blood of the innocent without let or hindrance.

He said: “It is not as if I am encouraging exams malpractice, but to me, it is not a priority matter. It is not a priority at all; look at kidnappers, bandits and terrorists that go away with mayhem; they don’t want to do anything about that, it is to go after school children who engage in what I may call some malfeasance.

“Yes, there should be punishment, and by the way there is punishment already for examination malpractice in Nigeria, but like I said, if you want to improve the law, fine. But there are more important things facing the nation that they should give their attention to.

“There is already a punishment for exam malpractice. Increasing it may be useful later but for now, that is not a priority to me.”

Also contributing, a lawyer and public affairs analyst, Adekunle James, questioned the moral standing of the lawmakers who are pushing the bill.

He noted that most of them are in the national assembly with forged secondary school certificates, and should not be talking about examination malpractice.

He added that the law against examination malpractice in Nigeria is strong enough to deal with the problem.

“So, for anybody to abandon all the problems that Nigerians are facing and be talking about a non-issue like exam malpractice is most unfortunate.

“Are the lawmakers not aware of what Nigerians are going through? Nigerians are being killed like chickens in their homes by bandits and terrorists; nowhere is safe; People can’t feed; they can’t afford ordinary medication for malaria; house rent is rising every year; transportation cost of out of reach of so many Nigerians due to the removal of subsidy on petroleum products and some lawmakers are talking about examinations malpractice.

“Are they supposed to be debating about examination malpractice in a country where people are not sure when death will come calling or where their next meal will come from? Are they not supposed to be making laws that will alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians and secure their lives from the criminal gangs in the name of bandits, terrorists and killer herdsmen?

“Certain things are better left not discussed. These lawmakers will never cease to amuse us. So, of all the problems bedeviling us as a people, it is examination malpractice that they chose to single out and discuss?

“This is a shame. My advice to them is to sit up and face their constitutional duty of ensuring that they make laws that will protect the lives and property of Nigerians, put food on their table and improve their general well-being,” he told DAILY POST.

[DailyPost]

Omoni Oboli, 46, is a renowned Nigerian actress, scriptwriter, director, and producer. She began her acting career nearly three decades ago when she featured in a film titled, ‘Bitter Encounter.’ Over the years, Oboli has consistently broken boundaries, acting in and producing numerous movie projects. OLAITAN GANIU writes.

For years, film piracy, limited access to distribution channels and lack of fund are some of the challenges that have been facing the country’s creative sector. Despite these obstacles, Nollywood still positions itself as the second-largest film-producing industry in the world.

One of the thespian talents who are unrelenting about the entertainment industry is Omoni Oboli. Her ability to juggle multiple roles as a actress, filmmaker, entrepreneur and mother is nothing short of inspiring. She has continued to deliver outstanding performances and made a name for herself in the world of filmmaking.

“The truth is, all I really want is to keep having my head down and putting in good work always. I don’t do this for accolades. I’m already famous in my father’s eyes. He knows my name,” the mother of three said while speaking on her newest YouTube production titled, ‘Love in Every Word.’

She added, “I can’t count the number of churches that pastors used our movie, ‘Love in Every Word’ to preach! Lord, I give you praise.” 

The film has garnered over 22 million views in few weeks, proving the demand for premium Nollywood content on digital platforms.

From big screens to YouTube

Recently, the Nigerian film industry has experienced a significant shift in the are of  distribution channels as many filmmakers, actors and content creators are bypassing traditional distribution barriers to release their on the video-sharing platform, YouTube.

From Ruth Kadiri, Kunle Afolayan, and Wumi Toriola to Bimbo Ademoye, more and more prolific content creators are leveraging social media platforms to reach a global audience.

“The truth is, when I decided to start making movies for the YouTube platform, we didn’t want to make movies below a standard I was used to, however, it’s dicey,” Oboli stressed.

Industry analysts opined that the trend on the rise due to economic hardship which is affecting the cost of movie production. Similarly, low percentage offered to filmmakers by major streaming  platforms has pushed film producer to pitch their tent with YouTube.

 Aside from the fact that YouTube is cost-effective in distributing films compared to traditional methods, they can easily reach a global audience; build online portfolios and monetise their content through various channels. With YouTube Partner Programme (YPP), content creators could earn between $1,000 to $5,000 per 1 million views.

A win-win for movie lovers

For many Nigerians, it is a win-win as people can now watch films on their smart TVs or phones for free, without needing a subscription to any major cable networks or streaming platforms, including DStv, Netflix, and Prime Video, among others.

“You see YouTube is a free platform and revenue can be quite tricky especially because most of our views come from Nigeria and Africa but I decided I will not insult the intelligence of my audience. I will not reduce myself to make a profit. We opted to play the long game. Keep putting in the work no matter the financial outcome, one day, it will make sense so my heart dances when I see comments like these.”

The fight against piracy continues

Despite the significant success of indigenous films across cinemas and streaming platforms, digital piracy is reaping off the effort of film producers.

Oboli, who studied Digital Editing at the New York Film Academy, expressed deep frustration over the growing issue of digital piracy, noting that films are often leaked online within 24 hours of release on streaming platforms. While platforms like YouTube allow takedown requests, many smaller sites are beyond their control.

Though, many times, the production costs were recovered, she admits to losing significant revenue to piracy—an experience common to all filmmakers, as piracy consistently cuts into their potential earnings.

All hails the queen

For her effort on the latest project, Oboli has continued to receive accolades from her fans, industry stakeholders and government.

The Special Assistant to the President, Office of the Vice President, on Digital and Creative Economy, Fegho Umunubo, applauded the versatile actress and the lead cast for their exceptional role in the film.

 “Love in Every Word is the fastest-growing Nollywood movie of all time. We celebrate your contributions to the creative industry,” the SA to the president commented.

“Huge congratulations to the incredibly talented Omoni Oboli on creating a masterpiece that has captivated the hearts of Nigerians. Reaching 15 million views is no small feat, and at this rate, 30 million views and beyond seem inevitable.

“Kudos to the brilliant lead cast, Bam Bam and Uzor Arukwe, for delivering outstanding performances that brought this amazing story to life. Your talent, dedication, and passion are truly inspiring. Thank you all for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the Nigerian movie industry. Here’s to many more wins and continued success! Cheers.”

Oboli’s leading the charge

Her journey proves that Nollywood is evolving beyond cinemas and streaming giants YouTube is now a force to be reckoned with, and Oboli is leading the charge. As her latest projects continue to break records, there is no doubt that she will keep redefining success in the industry.

“I love when they think you’re nobody and you turn out to be the GOAT,” she said.

Omoni Oboli has consistently delivered outstanding performances, embodying a wide range of roles. In 2024, she impressed audiences by playing both a mother and a grandmother in different movie roles, proving her exceptional ability to adapt to any character. This skill has solidified her place as one of Nollywood’s most respected and sought-after actresses.

Beyond acting, she has made a name for herself in the world of filmmaking. As a director and producer, Oboli has created some of the most talked-about movies in Nollywood. Some of her most successful productions include: Being Mrs Elliot (2014), The First Lady (2015), Wives on Strike (2016), Okafor’s Law (2017), Love is War (2019), The Uprising,Wives on Strike 3 (2024), and many more. Her latest film, The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3, became a box office sensation, grossing ₦28.2 million ($35,000) in its opening weekend.

Omoni Oboli’s impact extends beyond the screen. She is a philanthropist, using her charity organization, ‘The Omoni Oboli Foundation,’ to bring relief to the plight of the less- privileged women and children of Nigerian society. She has championed causes related to education, gender equality, and opportunities for women in the film industry.

[TheNation]

The All Progressives Congress and governors elected under the party are actively working to stop former President Muhammadu Buhari and his loyalists from aligning with opposition figures, Sunday PUNCH has learnt.

According to an insider at the APC National Secretariat, this is the reason behind the visits of the National Working Committee and APC governors to Buhari at his residence in Kaduna State.

Beyond the claim of a Sallah visit, the credible source stated that the NWC and the APC governors visited Buhari over growing concern that the ‘body language’ of the former president was not in favour of the party.

“The leaders are concerned that the ex-president has withdrawn and shown limited support for the current government. They observed that opposition figures have taken advantage of Buhari’s openness to create the impression that his spirit and body language are no longer with the APC. That is why the NWC had to visit him to show that he still belongs to the APC and ward off any negative impression among party members, especially from his followers in the North.

“Importantly, the party acknowledges that the North is uncomfortable with President Bola Tinubu’s administration and is clearly planning not to support his second term. The APC leadership decided to dissuade the former president from making himself available to opposition figures who have been visiting him,” the impeccable source said.

The insider told Sunday PUNCH that the APC leadership had taken “Buhari’s body language more seriously,” noting that they could not afford to let the opposition “hijack” him from them.

He said, “The party leaders have realised that there is fire on the mountain, and they have begun to move closer to Buhari than before. The body language of the former president clearly shows that his spirit is no longer with the APC. They are now taking his actions and inactions more seriously. The leaders are trying to ensure that the APC doesn’t lose Buhari and his followers to the strategic moves of the likes of Atiku.”

Coalition befriends Buhari

Buhari’s residence in Kaduna has become a sort of Mecca since the Eid-il-Fitr celebrations, especially following reports that the Congress for Progressive Change bloc of the APC and some former ministers who served under the ex-president were planning to defect to the Social Democratic Party.

One of Buhari’s loyalists and former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, defected to the SDP on March 15, citing a growing misalignment between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for his decision.

El-Rufai, a vocal critic of President Tinubu’s administration, revealed that he sought Buhari’s approval before leaving the APC.

Sunday PUNCH had reported that leading Buhari’s loyalists in the defections were the former National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu, and former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

Following the report, APC governors visited Buhari on April 7 and held a closed-door meeting with him.

The governors reportedly pleaded with Buhari to halt the defections, promising that the party would address the grievances of his loyalists.

However, three days later (April 11), opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and governors of Kaduna and Sokoto states, Nasir El-Rufai and Aminu Tambuwal, among other notable politicians, also visited Buhari.

Atiku, speaking to journalists at Buhari’s residence, said the visit was for Sallah homage, explaining that it was not part of any opposition coalition talks.

“We came here on courtesy and Sallah greetings visit to President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.

When asked about plans to form a major opposition party, Atiku acknowledged ongoing discussions but made it clear that this was not the purpose of the visit.

“There is a plan for the major political parties to come together and form a strong opposition, but it is not part of this visit,” Atiku stated.

Also speaking during the visit, El-Rufai said the meeting had no political undertones, advising “adversaries” not to lose sleep over it.

However, in a swift move, the APC NWC, led by the party Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, stormed Buhari’s residence a few hours after the opposition leaders left.

Addressing journalists after the visit, Ganduje said the APC was not worried by Atiku’s visit, describing it as another attempt to repeat history.

“What they are trying to build is not viable. Some particles simply cannot come together. We are not worried at all,” he stated.

Ganduje explained that the APC leaders visited Buhari to brief him on the party’s progress since his exit from office and to reaffirm their commitment to upholding his legacy.

Although all political figures involved in the visit described it as mere Sallah homage, there are indications that both the ruling party and opposition leaders are courting the former president’s support.

Buhari’s influence in the North has been a significant strength for the APC, which is now facing growing resentment from northerners.

This is as the former president maintained that he remained with the APC and would forever appreciate the party for giving him the platform to be a two-term president.

Visitations about 2027 elections

Sources close to former president Atiku told Sunday PUNCH that the visits were related to the 2027 general elections.

“It’s all about the 2027 general election, particularly the presidency. The visit was geared towards coalition building, not a merger,” one of the sources said.

Another source added, “The visit is to poach Buhari’s loyalists from the APC bloc. These are forces to reckon with since Tinubu has abandoned them, and they know that Buhari cannot help anyone in the 2027 elections. The only option is for Atiku to poach loyalists of the former president from the CPC bloc.”

Atiku had on March 20 announced the formation of a Coalition of Opposition Political Parties to oust President Tinubu in 2027, amid growing resentment against the president in the North.

“Many northerners are unhappy with the current government, except those in the government. A lot is being done to remove Tinubu in 2027,” a political leader in Kaduna State said.

Our correspondent gathered that Atiku and other northerners were intensifying efforts to gain Buhari’s support through his loyalists in the former CPC, now part of the APC.

Why APC, anti-Tinubu politicians want Buhari’s support – Associate

But Mohammed Lawal, a long-time political associate of Buhari, said the ex-president could not stop his loyalists from leaving the APC if they wanted to.

Lawal, who was the deputy director of the Buhari Presidential Campaign Council in 2015, noted that although Buhari had declared his position not to leave the APC, he would respect his loyalists’ decisions.

“The party (APC) gave him the chance to be president for two terms, so separating him from that party is not going to be easy; but there is a limit to which he can force his loyalists to work for the APC.

“For example, if President Buhari decides to support the coalition, I’m sure you will see that in the 90 per cent of his people that are in the coalition, and what is he going to do? Is it to fight against the 90 per cent? So, that is what you are seeing now; everybody is struggling to reach him.

“But there is a limit to what he can do and if 80 or 90 per cent of his people decide to leave, he has to decide.”

Lawal, however, queried the appointments of President Tinubu and the economic hardship in the country.

He said, “It has never been done the way it is (being) done; every administration that has come use to incline a little bit towards its own people either being ethnicity, religion, but this one actually it’s too much according to what you are hearing and what you are seeing within the country.”

On Buhari’s relevance, the associate said, “Buhari is still a big interest within the political circle in the North; how many former heads of states do we have that went through the political rigmarole to become president in the North? I don’t think there is anyone behind Buhari now. Babangida was Head of State with his military background, so also General Abudulsallam; Shagari is gone. So naturally, politicians in the North, even those that are outside APC will look towards Buhari for political direction and advice, so do not be surprised if you see Buhari’s residence in Kaduna being turned into a political Mecca of some sort. I’m not surprised; Buhari is going to continue to be more relevant, especially as 2027 is going to be very tough politically for this country.”

Lawal also noted that opposition figures sought Buhari’s support far ahead because they recognized his electoral value.

He said the ex-president would take the right decision no matter what anyone said about him.

[Punch]

Two masquerades on Friday led a protest in the Omu-Aran community under the Irepodun LGA of Kwara over “outrageous” electricity bills.

The protesters, mainly the youths, also rejected the community’s sudden migration from Band C to Band A in the billing regime by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).

They claimed that the migration from Band C to Band A was responsible for the outrageous bills received by residents for the month of March.

The protesters were said to have converged on Bareke roundabout, chanting war songs and carrying placards with different inscriptions.

In a video posted on X, the protesters were seen with placards that read, “Omu-Aran says no to Band A,” “Bring us back to Band C,” “Revert Omu-Aran to Band C,” and “Omu-Aran youths have spoken loudly.”

The youths said the shift in billing classification was responsible for the sharp increase in electricity charges for March 2025.

On April 3, 2024, the federal government approved an increase in electricity tariff for customers under the Band A classification, while other bands were unchanged.

Under the current structure, Band A customers are entitled to a minimum of 20 hours per day, Band B gets a minimum of 16 hours of power supply, and Band C gets 12 hours.

While category D receives a minimum of eight hours, Band E gets four hours of electricity per day.

Following the price review, Band A customers began paying N209 per kilowatt-hour, while Band B — with three to four hours difference in electricity supply — pays N63 per kilowatt-hour.

[TheCable]

On Sunday, April 6, 2025, Lagos went agog for former First Lady, Dame Abimbola Fashola, in celebration of her 60th birthday. Family members, friends and well-wishers celebrated and shared joy with the woman whom many call an Amazon and selfless giver.

Her husband, former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, fondly called BRF, took to his social media page to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the woman he described as a diamond that is treasured and much sought after.

He wrote: “Dear Abimbola, I celebrate you as you commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of your birth for a life that has been well lived, especially in the service of God and humanity.

“On this diamond anniversary, it is fitting to acknowledge how like a diamond you have sparkled and lit up many lives, including mine and our children.

“Beyond us, the spark of your existence has ignited many other lives from far and near.

“Like the diamond, you are valued, treasured, and much sought after. Most especially, you wear value and humility with ease.

“Above all, like the diamond, you possess an inner strength that has been a rock for all of us.

“I pray for many more years of a very healthy and fulfilled life for you. “Happy birthday and many happy returns, my darling”.

Not only did Fashola, who was also Minister of Power, Works & Housing, pen a romantic note, he also organized a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Gbaja, Surulere in honour of the celebrant.

The former governor also let his air down to ‘boogie ‘down with his wife as gospel singer Tope Alabi sang in honour of Abimbola to celebrate the remarkable milestone.

President Bola Tinubu felicitated with Abimbola for her renowned contributions as an experienced administrator in education management and as a passionate advocate for health and socio-economic issues.

Tinubu acknowledged her impact on public awareness and sensitization campaigns on children’s and women’s health.

He described the celebrant as a steadfast pillar of support for her husband, offering tremendous help during his tenure as governor and Minister. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his part, described Dame Fashola as an experienced administrator.

Former Chairman, First Bank Plc, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, who is married to the cousin of the celebrant, in a tribute, wrote: “It’s been a real pleasure to know you for the past thirty five years of being married to your cousin.

“Your forthrightness, loving, welcoming and humble nature has remained unchanged as I watched you walk through different seasons. “As you celebrate your sixtieth birthday, I wish you God’s goodness, grace, mercy, perfect health and abundance of joy.

As you selflessly care for others, may the care and love of God never cease in your life”.

As the Founder of Leadership Empowerment and Resource Network (LEARN), Dame Fashola has impacted and transformed lives.

She is a caring, loving and supportive wife and mother. As First Lady of Lagos State, she used the Office to impact many lives by advocating for women’s health, championing education, and empowering the youth.

In recognition of her modest contribution to humanity, she was honoured by His Holiness, Pope Benedict the XVI, with a papal medal award. She is also a recipient of several other local and international awards.