I really feel for Pastor Umo Eno on the death of his wife. A genial, respectful and easy-going gentleman, he must be going through a lot now. Death in the family is the most painful experience on earth, and I have seen it all. But losing a life-long partner, who has been with you through thick and thin, is so agonizing.

How will the governor cope alone? For the next six years plus? His wife was his number one adviser, counsellor and strategist. Now she’s gone. Whom will he confide in? How does he walk into her empty room now and not cry? Her clothing (women have a lot of them); her jewelries; her trinkets; her dresser; her photographs on the wall staring back at you? I feel for Umo Eno.

Well, I understand that the children are grown, but daddy will now play dual roles, filling up for their mom. He will have to call the grandchildren more often, have them over often and crawl on the carpet with them. But grandma is irreplaceable.  

I never met Mrs Umo Eno, but from a distance, I could tell that the couple appeared close and loving. I have also noticed her absence from many public functions, but I had no idea that she was unwell. Yet, the governor was holding up well. His stoicism is notable. I spoke with him earlier in the week, and there was no tinge of emptiness or desolation in his voice. As mirthful as ever, he sounded, and I could not suspect that he was in pain, carrying his cross alone.

My first impression of Mrs Eno was when she came to the husband’s stout defence during the campaigns last year. ‘’My husband is my golden boy’’, she spoke in Ibibio, to the admiration of all, including those on the opposing side; putting paid to what was becoming a nasty personal attack. That video has resurfaced and is now trending. I felt proud of her and took notice of her presence since then. A good wife offers an impregnable rampart around her husband and her home.

Yesterday, Atuekong Don Etiebet issued a statement, commiserating with the governor, noting that the governor had attended his birthday dinner, hosted by the Petroleum Club in Lagos, a day before her death. Atuekong wrote: ‘’I was weeping. I had headache; my BP was up. I was confused of what to say. My wife was screaming…’’. Why? Because Gov. Umo Eno has come to embrace and respect all Akwa Ibom elders, irrespective of political affiliations.

 Atuekong in particular has suffered a lot under the hands of all our past governors. But he is not a man in want. He does not beg to eat. Unknown to many, Etiebet is a very wealthy man with investments in real estates in VI and Ikoyi. Yet, previous governors behaved as if he was looking for what to eat from them, or he was a threat to their position. Atuekong Don Etiebet is the first and only Akwa Ibom man to own a Roll Royce. He was already a multimillionaire in dollars in the 1980s when these people were just starting out in life and were not even near Government House. It was in Government House that some of them saw millions for the first time and screamed! Go and verify. So, why was Atuekong Etiebet treated so shabbily by past governors? Is it insecurity? Envy? Grudges? I will return to this subject in due course. We are mourning now.

It is understandable why Atuekong feels a sense of loss and anguish for the death of the governor’s wife. It’s because Pastor Umo Eno is the only Akwa Ibom governor that has accepted and embraced Atuekong as a true Akwa Ibom elder and leader; not as a political opponent!

I thank Umo Eno for bringing back the culture of love, respect to elders and decency to our polity. There is no more name-calling and incendiary invectives; no more bombastic boasts and talking down on the people and no more political violence in the State. The embers have come down considerably. Whenever I’m in Uyo these days, I feel peace. There was a time I used to hide in my gate house at night as a security measure!

May the Almighty God comfort the governor, his children and grandchildren in this difficult moment. May the governor be strong enough to continue in his good works; and may the soul of our dear First Lady rest in peace!

The Federal Government has handed over 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

When deployed for commuter service, the buses will significantly reduce transportation costs in the country, bringing hope for a more affordable and efficient public transport system.

The handover of the buses took place on Sunday at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary.

The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, led the government delegation that included the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, and the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.

Edun described the distribution of the buses as fulfilling President Bola Tinubu's promise to provide affordable and efficient transportation to support Nigerians after the removal of fuel subsidies under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PCNGi).

He emphasised that this initiative aims to alleviate the burden on the poor and vulnerable and support macroeconomic reforms that would position the country on the path to economic stability.

The Minister further explained that the symbolic handover of 64 buses on the eve of Nigeria’s National Day marks the beginning of a broader national rollout, with the plan to distribute over 500 CNG buses and 100 electric vehicles in the first instance.

He added that the CNG initiative aligns with Nigeria's commitment to cleaner energy while leveraging its energy resources for industrialisation.

''Today marks another critical milestone in the policies of President Tinubu. It is a transition to cleaner fuel. It is for Nigerians. The emphasis is on mass transit. The minister said there is an emphasis on intervening on the side of workers so that they have cheaper transport to cope with rising prices.

He also highlighted the CNG initiative’s impact on inflation, saying:

''We've had an initial spike in inflation, now it has peaked, and it is coming down. Mr President and the whole team are determined to ensure that we keep inflation coming down, and this is one of the major ways.''

The Coordinating Minister of the Economy noted that the fuel cost for CNG-powered vehicles is about one-third of the fuel for petrol-powered vehicles.

He said motorists can now pay as low as N15,000 to fill a tank instead of N50,000 or more.

''Today, it is CNG. Tomorrow, it will be helping farmers to cope with the remainder of the wet season planting and then the dry season planting, starting from November, with fertiliser, inputs, seeds, and herbicides.

''This is all to get prices down and get the economy moving again, '' he said.

The Secretary-General and Chief Executive of TUC, Comrade Nuhu Toro; NANS president, Comrade Lucky Emonefe; and the Head of International Desk, NLC, Comrade Uche Ekwe, commended President Tinubu for the gesture. They called for more CNG buses to be made available to the public.

Toro thanked the President for implementing the N70,000 new national minimum wage.

''This move is a significant step in alleviating the economic burden of Nigerian workers.

NANS president Comrade Emonefe praised the government for its commitment to education and student welfare, citing the provision of a student loan scheme for higher education.

"Nigerian students are happy to be celebrating the 64th anniversary of independence. We are not only happy with the CNG buses; we believe that the current President loves the welfare of students and has shown his commitment to this.

The NLC representative noted that the benefits of the CNG buses would become more apparent once more buses are deployed across the country.

''If we get more buses, the effect will translate immediately to Nigerians. If people start entering these buses, they will publicise it in the public and their neighbourhood,'' he said.

Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director/Chief Executive of PCNGi, said that since its establishment one year ago, over 125 conversion centres have been established, compared to the initial seven.

He said investment in the sector has exceeded $175 million, with 12 new mother stations commissioned and 75 more under construction.

Technician training is being ramped up, with 40 new technicians trained weekly. Over 34,000 conversion kits have been ordered, with more than half already distributed.

He said vehicle conversions are taking place at 53 centres in eight states.

He said the centres would be expanded to all the 36 states and the FCT.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)

The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, test driving one of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses donated to labour unions and the student union body in Nigeria, on Sunday, September 29, 2024. 

Some of the 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses donated by the Federal Government to labour unions and the student association in the country. 

Second from L-R: The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; the Secretary General and Chief Executive of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Nuhu Toro; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; and the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Lucky Emonefe, at the handover ceremony of 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to representatives of labour unions and NANS by the Federal

For anyone who has followed Joe Igbokwe on social media over the years, it is almost impossible to miss his unwavering admiration for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Igbokwe, who has held several key positions in Lagos State under Tinubu’s influence, often praises the former Lagos governor and current Nigerian president as the architect of his political rise. His social media pages brim with effusive adulations for Tinubu, often portraying him as a larger-than-life figure who has shaped his career and life trajectory.

Tinubu, to Igbokwe, is not just a political godfather; some would argue that he views him as a demi-god, an untouchable figure who could do no wrong in the world of Nigerian politics. This sentiment is shared by many of Igbokwe’s followers who have, over time, come to associate his loyalty with unwavering support for whatever Tinubu represents.

However, a rather ironic twist has emerged recently. Despite his long-standing devotion, Joe Igbokwe has begun to lament the state of the Nigerian economy, which, unfortunately, is largely a reflection of the current leadership under his benefactor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. For someone who has consistently sung the praises of Tinubu, this shift in tone feels like a political paradox. How does a man who has long lauded his godfather now reconcile the worsening economic realities with the leadership of the same individual he once revered?

Joe Igbokwe’s loyalty to Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not a secret. Over the years, Igbokwe has been an outspoken advocate for Tinubu, constantly reminding anyone who would listen of Tinubu’s political genius and the opportunities he created for individuals like him. Serving as the Publicity Secretary of the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and holding key administrative roles in the Lagos State government, Igbokwe often credited his political and social stature to the influence of Tinubu.

His social media accounts have been flooded with posts praising Tinubu’s leadership, declaring him the mastermind behind modern Lagos and a political juggernaut whose wisdom should be emulated nationwide. In many ways, Joe Igbokwe presented himself as a product of the “Tinubu School of Leadership,” constantly attributing his success and respectability in Nigeria’s political landscape to Tinubu’s mentorship.

For Igbokwe, Tinubu is not just a politician; he is a visionary, a leader who sees potential in people and helped them actualize it. It is little wonder that Igbokwe’s social media space often read like a shrine of adulation for Tinubu, with critics occasionally accusing him of idolizing the former Lagos governor, now Nigeria’s President.

However, it seems the honeymoon is over. As Nigeria’s economic realities worsen, with inflation skyrocketing, unemployment hitting alarming levels, and the cost of living becoming almost unbearable for the average Nigerian, Igbokwe has begun to express dissatisfaction. And this is where the paradox lies: Joe Igbokwe, a man who once considered Tinubu a political demigod, is now caught in the web of a deteriorating economy orchestrated, in part, by his very own benefactor.

In a recent Facebook post, Igbokwe lamented the rising cost of living, expressing concern over the difficulty faced by Nigerians in putting food on the table. While he did not directly criticize Tinubu, the undertone was hard to miss. For many, it was a shocking moment, a once unflinching loyalist expressing frustration over the very system his godfather presides over.

To put things in perspective, Joe Igbokwe’s lamentation mirrors the reality of millions of Nigerians who are grappling with an economy that seems to be on a steep decline. Despite the promises made during Tinubu’s campaign, many are questioning whether the administration has the capacity to turn the tide. Fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange volatility, and rising costs of essential goods have left Nigerians in despair, with no clear solution in sight. Even Igbokwe, who once basked in the glory of Tinubu’s leadership, seems unable to ignore the economic storm brewing in the country.

So how does Joe Igbokwe reconcile his loyalty to Tinubu with the current economic hardship? The answer might not be straightforward, but it highlights a common paradox in Nigerian politics: the tension between loyalty and the harsh realities of governance. For someone like Igbokwe, whose political rise is tied to Tinubu’s influence, it is a delicate balancing act. On one hand, he remains indebted to Tinubu for the opportunities and platform he provided him. On the other hand, as a public figure, he cannot ignore the palpable suffering of Nigerians under an administration that he has long supported.

This paradox is not unique to Igbokwe. Across Nigeria’s political landscape, many loyalists find themselves in a similar position, torn between defending their political benefactors and acknowledging the mounting failures of the systems they helped bring to power. For Igbokwe, it is a sobering reminder that political loyalty, while admirable, can only stretch so far when faced with the undeniable realities of a struggling economy.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s rise to the presidency was seen by many as the climax of a long and storied political career. Having ruled Lagos for eight years and orchestrated the political success of many protégés, Tinubu was heralded as a master strategist capable of steering Nigeria towards a brighter future. However, just a few months into his presidency, Nigeria finds itself at a crossroads, with many questioning whether the much-promised economic reforms will materialize.

For loyalists like Joe Igbokwe, the current state of affairs is a hard pill to swallow. It forces them to confront the uncomfortable truth that even the most revered political figures can fall short of expectations when tasked with the burden of governance.

Igbokwe’s situation offers a cautionary tale for political loyalists across Nigeria. While loyalty and gratitude to a benefactor are commendable, they should never cloud one’s judgment when the people are suffering. As Nigeria grapples with its economic woes, it is crucial for political figures to speak truth to power, even when it involves the very individuals who helped them rise to prominence.

Joe Igbokwe’s recent lamentations reflect the growing frustration among Nigerians, even within Tinubu’s camp. While he may still hold Tinubu in high regard, it is clear that the worsening economic situation is becoming too significant to ignore, even for the most loyal of supporters.

Joe Igbokwe’s paradoxical position, praising Tinubu as a political godfather while lamenting the economic downturn under his leadership, serves as a reminder of the complexities of political loyalty in Nigeria. It also raises important questions about the responsibilities of those in power and the expectations of their supporters. For Igbokwe, it is a delicate balancing act between gratitude and reality, one that will likely continue to unfold as the Tinubu administration navigates the troubled waters of Nigeria’s economy.

In life, the road to success is rarely smooth. There are bumps, setbacks, and moments of doubt that often cloud the horizon. But for those who persevere, there lies a greater reward on the other side of these challenges. Funke Akindele, a celebrated Nigerian actress, producer, and businesswoman, is one such person whose journey embodies the resilience and grit needed to rise from humble beginnings to global recognition. Her recent testimony, shared on social media, should serve as a life lesson to anyone who is struggling to survive. It is a powerful reminder that despite life’s toughest battles, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.

Akindele’s success did not come overnight. Like many others, she started from a place of financial constraints and limited opportunities. In her testimony, she shared a vivid memory of frequenting “bend-down-select markets”, informal markets where used clothes are sold at affordable prices. These were her go-to spots to find clothes, which she would wash, starch, and style for people working on movie sets, all the while praying and waiting for her own breakthrough in the entertainment industry.

The struggles of those early days paint a picture familiar to millions. It is the story of people scraping by, making ends meet with whatever resources they can find, and holding onto a hope that one day things will change. Akindele’s recollection is a testament to the countless individuals who are on their grind today, those who, like her, are waiting for that golden opportunity to shine.

Her ability to navigate through those trying times, using her creativity and determination, ultimately led her to the success she enjoys today. The transformation from shopping at “bend-down-select markets” to being able to shop globally and style herself and others on her sets is a reminder that hard work does pay off, even if the journey feels long and daunting.

Akindele’s testimony is not just about personal success; it is also about a broader message of empowerment, especially for women. She is a proud advocate of women’s financial independence, as shown in her involvement in the #HerMoneyHerPower campaign. In her words, “Women’s economic power is not about pride, unhealthy competition, or rivalry; it is about the importance of women’s financial freedom and the ability to make their own choices, on their own terms.”

This message could not be more relevant in today’s society, where women in many parts of the world still struggle to gain economic independence. For many women, financial instability leads to a sense of helplessness and dependency. Funke Akindele’s story is proof that with perseverance, dedication, and access to opportunities, women can break free from financial constraints and gain control over their destinies.

Her voice in the #HerMoneyHerPower movement encourages women to aspire to financial independence not just for the material comforts it brings, but for the liberation it offers. It allows women to pursue their dreams, make decisions that align with their values, and escape from situations where financial dependency can breed desperation.

One of the most striking aspects of Akindele’s story is her persistence in the face of adversity. When opportunities in the entertainment industry did not come knocking, she didn’t give up. Instead, she found ways to stay involved, using her resourcefulness to keep herself relevant on movie sets, even if it was behind the scenes. Her story is a powerful reminder that success is not always immediate, and sometimes, you have to be willing to take smaller steps before you can achieve your ultimate goals.

For those still struggling today, this message of persistence is critical. The road may be difficult, and success may seem distant, but the journey is just as important as the destination. Every setback, every moment of hardship, is an opportunity to learn, grow, and build the resilience needed to handle greater challenges in the future.

The lesson here is clear: do not give up. The struggle you are facing now is preparing you for the success that lies ahead. Akindele’s journey teaches us that success is not about where you start, but how you handle the challenges along the way. It is about staying the course, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

In a world where economic hardships, particularly in places like Nigeria, can feel overwhelming, FunkeAkindele’s story is a ray of hope. Many people today are in positions similar to where she once was, struggling to make ends meet, hustling to achieve their dreams. Her rise to stardom and financial independence is proof that no matter how difficult things may seem right now, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.

It is important to remember that every success story has its own chapter of struggle. For Akindele, those early days of bending down in markets to pick out clothes she could afford were crucial steps in her journey. The key is to keep going, to stay focused on your goals, and to have faith that your hard work will pay off.

Funke Akindele’s journey also underscores the importance of creating your own path. She did not wait for opportunities to fall into her lap. Instead, she actively sought out ways to contribute to the film industry in any capacity she could, even if that meant starting as a stylist rather than an actress. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the path to success isn’t linear. There may be detours, but those detours are part of the process that will eventually lead you to your destination.

For those still striving to achieve their goals, it is essential to remember that success often requires flexibility and creativity. Sometimes, the journey will require you to adapt and take on roles you didn’t expect, but those experiences can be just as valuable as reaching your final goal.

Funke Akindele’s testimony serves as a lesson for everyone still striving for success. Whether you’re a struggling entrepreneur, an aspiring actor, or someone working multiple jobs just to make ends meet, her story reminds us that the journey to success is often filled with challenges. But those challenges are temporary. With persistence, faith, and a willingness to learn from every experience, success is possible.

More importantly, her message about women’s economic empowerment serves as a call to action for everyone, men and women alike, to support the financial independence of women. A world where women are financially empowered is a world where everyone benefits.

In life, it is easy to get discouraged when things do not seem to be going your way. But as FunkeAkindele’s story reminds us, the path to success is often paved with struggles. Those early days of bending down to pick clothes in a market were just a chapter in her story, today, she has not only achieved financial independence but also become a symbol of hope for others.

To those still struggling, Akindele’s journey is proof that no matter how tough things are, there is always hope. Don’t give up. Keep striving, stay persistent, and hold onto the belief that better days are ahead. Your journey is just as valuable as your destination, and with enough determination, you too can achieve your dreams.

In a society where role models are often hard to come by, the Falana family stands tall as a beacon of excellence, particularly within Nigeria’s legal landscape. Their collective achievements, spanning several decades, underscore their commitment to justice, advocacy for the oppressed, and an undying passion for the rule of law. This legal dynasty has earned the admiration of many, and they continue to set the standard for what it means to be dedicated, ethical, and proactive in addressing societal issues. One cannot help but applaud the efforts of the Falana family and acknowledge the profound influence they have on both the legal system and public discourse in Nigeria.

The patriarch of the Falana family, Femi Falana SAN, is a household name in Nigeria’s legal and human rights circles. Over the years, he has built a reputation for being a voice for the voiceless, often taking on cases that challenge the status quo and defending individuals and groups who have faced oppression from the powers that be. Femi Falana’s legal career is decorated with numerous landmark cases, many of which have contributed significantly to the development of Nigeria’s human rights laws and the strengthening of democratic values in the country.

One of the most admirable traits of Femi Falana is his consistency in fighting for justice, regardless of the government in power or the social status of his clients. Whether representing high-profile politicians or defending the downtrodden, his approach remains the same, rooted in principles of justice, fairness, and equality before the law. This unwavering stance has earned him not only the respect of his peers in the legal profession but also the admiration of many Nigerians.

The excellence of the Falana family does not end with Femi Falana. His wife, Funmi Falana, who is also a SAN is also a distinguished legal practitioner and human rights advocate. Together, they have formed a formidable partnership, working both individually and collectively to advance the cause of justice in Nigeria. Funmi Falana’s contributions, especially in defending women’s rights and challenging discriminatory practices against marginalized groups, have solidified her position as one of the most respected legal minds in the country.

Their son, Falz (Folarin Falana), although primarily known for his music and activism, holds a law degree and is a product of the Falana legacy. Through his music, Falz addresses societal issues, including corruption, police brutality, and the mis-governance plaguing the country. He has used his platform to speak out against injustices and demand accountability from those in power, demonstrating that the values instilled in him by his parents extend beyond the courtroom. In the same vein, Folakemi, their daughter, is also following in the footsteps of her esteemed parents. Folakemi, not only raised in a family deeply rooted in the legal profession and known for their advocacy and human rights work, she has embraced the same path, carrying forward the legacy of legal expertise and social justice championed by her parents.

This family is a perfect example of how legal knowledge, activism, and social responsibility can be intertwined to foster positive change in society. The fact that they have managed to pass down these values from one generation to the next is commendable, making them a family worthy of emulation.

The Falanas are not just lawyers; they are advocates for the downtrodden, the marginalized, and those whose rights have been trampled upon by oppressive systems. Femi Falana has consistently taken up cases that no one else would dare to touch, cases involving political prisoners, activists, and individuals facing the wrath of powerful entities. His legal practice has become synonymous with the fight for civil liberties, social justice, and the defense of the fundamental rights of Nigerians.

His wife, Funmi Falana, shares this commitment to justice. She has been involved in several landmark cases, especially in the realm of women’s rights. Her work has focused on ensuring that women have equal access to opportunities and are protected from gender-based violence and discrimination. Through her legal practice and advocacy, she has given a voice to countless women who might otherwise have remained silent in the face of oppression.

Together, the Falanas have not only built a formidable legal practice but have also contributed significantly to the fight for human rights in Nigeria. Their unwavering commitment to the oppressed has made them one of the most respected families in the country’s legal and human rights spheres.

In a country where corruption often taints even the most esteemed institutions, the Falana family has managed to maintain a reputation of integrity. They have remained untainted by the corrupt practices that have plagued Nigeria’s legal system for years, standing firm in their resolve to fight against injustice. This is perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of their legacy, remaining principled in a society where it is often easier to compromise on values for personal gain.

The family’s ability to maintain such high moral and ethical standards is a testament to their character and dedication to the principles of justice. It is no surprise that many young lawyers and activists in Nigeria look up to them as role models, striving to emulate their courage, discipline, and integrity.

The Falana family’s story is a powerful reminder that excellence is attainable through dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to justice. As we continue to grapple with numerous challenges in Nigeria, from corruption to human rights abuses, it is families like the Falanas who show us that change is possible. They have demonstrated that one can maintain integrity in the face of adversity, fight for what is right even when it is unpopular, and pass down these values to the next generation.

In a society where many have lost faith in the justice system, the Falanas offer hope. Their collective efforts remind us that the law can be a tool for positive change and that, with the right people in place, it can be used to protect the vulnerable and hold the powerful accountable.

As Nigerians, we must celebrate the Falana family and their contributions to our legal system and society at large. But beyond celebration, we must also take inspiration from their example. The values they embody, integrity, justice, and advocacy for the oppressed, are values that every Nigerian should strive to emulate. Whether in law, politics, or any other field, the Falana family has shown us that it is possible to make a difference and leave a lasting legacy of positive change.

The Falana family has set an example that transcends the legal profession. They have shown that it is possible to maintain integrity, fight for justice, and inspire future generations to do the same. Their contributions to Nigeria’s legal system and society at large are immense, and they deserve all the accolades they receive. As a nation, we should celebrate their achievements and strive to emulate their commitment to justice, fairness, and integrity in our own lives. Kudos to the Falana family for being a shining example of what it means to fight for justice in Nigeria.

The Ogun State Police Command on Sunday confirmed that a 35-year-old zoo worker at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Babaji Daule, was on Saturday killed by a lion.

The spokesman for the state police command, Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement sent to journalists on Sunday.

The Bauch State born lion handler was said to have forgotten to secure the locks and barricade the lion’s enclosure before approaching the cage to feed the animal.

This reportedly allowed the lion to escape and attack the handler, resulting in injuries to his neck and eventual death

The victim’s body was said to have been removed and taken to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital, while the wild lion was shot to release its grip on the handler.

Details later

[Punch]

“I didn’t come to look for money and exploit the situation; I came to work. I asked for the votes, and Nigerians gave them to me” – President Bola Tinubu, September 20, 2024.

Small correction is needed before getting to the heart of the matter. Nigerians gave candidate Tinubu 33 per cent of their votes; 67 per cent did not want him. INEC and the judiciary finished the job for him. Furthermore, no President has ever confessed that he was looking for money. But, why are they always far richer after than before going into office? To the best of my knowledge, Tinubu had no AIRBUS 320, even Tokunbo, before he became President. That costs a lot of money! One of the best attributes of great leaders is leadership by example. 

“He that gives good advice builds with one hand. He that gives good counsel and example builds with both hands. But, he that gives good admonition, and bad examples, builds with one hand and pulls down with the other” – Francis Bacon, 1561-1626, VANGUARD BOOK OF QUOTATIONS, p5, online.

Two weeks ago, Tinubu announced that “there is no free beer parlour anymore.” Most Nigerians will readily agree that appointing 48 Ministers, most with next to nothing to do, is akin to opening the biggest beer parlour in the nation. One would have expected the President to close those parlours. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources and its Departments and Agencies are the worst performing. Together, they have kept four idle scraps called refineries at great cost to the nation.

In fact, as a former Marketing Manager of three breweries in Nigeria, and very familiar with the operation of beer parlours, I can state authoritatively that 90 per cent of beer parlours are better managed than the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL. If they are not, they would have been out of business a long time ago. NNPCL collected billions to revive the refineries without success. Madam Beer Parlour has more sense. Everybody can remember the same promise made last year until it was time for the annual Holy Pilgrimage; when N91 billion was suddenly released. Few can forget the plane load of Nigerian officials who attended an international event to which China and the USA sent less than two dozen people. Talk is always cheap.

WHY NIGERIANS SHOULD FORGET GOVERNMENTS — N/E FIRST

“How 6 collapsed bridges disconnected North-East states” – Weekend Trust, September 21, 2024, p19

The North-East zone of Nigeria, perennially the poorest of the six, is so distant from Lagos and Abuja that few of our media establishments – print, electronic or online – pay attention to it until something extra-ordinary occurs. Most often, it is a tragedy. Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, was in the news on account of a disaster which is still unfolding. Water from the Alau Dam, situated about 15 kilometres from the city, not only flooded the city, but also submerged thousands of buildings and structures. According to ReliefWeb, so far, about 40 people have been confirmed dead, 400,000 displaced and over one million people affected so far. The reader should bear in mind that several buildings are still partly under water and hundreds of people are still missing. Crops and stored food items have also been washed away. So, we don’t have a full tally of the damages.

“Only one week before the flooding, media across the country reported the Borno State government assuring – this word again – the country and residents of the city that all was well and there is nothing to worry about” – Suleiman A Suleiman, THE WHITE PAPER, Daily Trust, September 23, 2024.

Ordinarily, the disaster would have been dismissed as an act of God – the sort that can happen anywhere. But, after reading Dr Suleiman’s article, it became obvious that this was a tragedy foretold, preventable and which could have cost far less if it was averted by governments. Now, the entire nation will pay dearly for the serious dereliction of their duties by those elected and appointed to protect citizens from such disasters. Suleiman pronounced, and I absolutely agree, that “For many Nigerians in Maiduguri and environs ravaged by flood in the week before last, life would never be the same again.” No economist can possibly disagree. In fact, it might take decades for Maiduguri’s economy to recover; for reasons to be explained shortly. First, there is a need to examine governments’ role in this catastrophe; because several mini-tragedies have occurred which are creating a pattern of destruction all over Nigeria right now.
ROADS AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURES

“Sad tales as federal highway collapses in Asaba” – VANGUARD, September 24

Just in case you think that the Maiduguri incident was one off. Permit me to draw your attention to one building up on the Asaba gateway to Onitsha in the South-East. Until the Second Niger Bridge was opened, the old Niger Bridge was the shortest gateway to several states in the South-South, South-East, Benue, parts of Kogi, Nasarawa and the North-East from Lagos. The pictures on page 12 of the paper tell more than a million words the story of absolute neglect by the FG since Buhari became President, and my brother Fashola was his Minister of Works. Nobody needs to be told that Engineer David Umahi, the current Minister of Works, has been too busy working on the road to nowhere from Lagos to Calabar to serve his own people. There is a bridge at the end of that road; and that entire area will soon be visited by flood water starting from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. Just pray; because no government is thinking of the problems ahead of us.

Meanwhile, in the North, the consequences of neglecting roads and bridges are already creating havoc everywhere. The collapse of six bridges, just six, has already impoverished the people as much as bandits, hoodlums, kidnappers and herdsmen have done. Read first and understand the economic implications later.

“For instance, from Maiduguri to Geidam  was just N6, 000 before the bridge was cut off, but we now charge N16,000 to cover the cost of an additional 350 kilometres…Maiduguri to Kano is now N20,000 against the N12,000 we charged previously, Geidam to Damaturu was N4,000, but, it’s now N13,000…” That was part of the report from officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW. You don’t need to know the cities mentioned as I do, having lived and worked in the zone. Just follow the transport fare increases; then remember that passengers and food products follow the same routes, and you will then understand why food prices will remain stubbornly high for a long time to come. Also, remember that what has happened to bridges and roads in the North-East has occurred in all the zones of Nigeria. With very few exceptions, the problems were man-made. Designers of dams, bridges and roads invariably recommend maintenance schedules for safety. Just as invariably, Nigerian governments ignore the planned maintenance schedules until Alau Dam collapsed.

ADVICE GOV ZULUM AND THE PEOPLE ON DONATIONS

“Telling the truth and accepting the truth has been our major problem in Nigeria. Some people will never tell you the truth when you are in power, and, honestly, many of us in power also do not want to hear the truth” – Professor Zulum, Governor of Borno State, 2021.
Governor Zulum, I volunteer to tell you the truth while in power. This disaster will reveal to the whole world whether or not Zulum is a hypocrite or not. There are occasions when only the hard truths must be faced. First and foremost, Zulum must admit responsibility for this tragedy; it occurred during his fifth year and three months in office and despite assurances given that all was well. Second, in more civilised nations, heads would have rolled – of officials who should have raised alarms but failed to do so; even if they were afraid of telling the governor the truth. 

Zulum has appeared in public wearing the solemn look of Chief Mourner, with begging bowl in hand, and pledges have been pouring in. In that connection, let me advise the Governor and the people. One, they might discover that not all pledges will be redeemed. One clever chap, now a Senator, allegedly donated newspaper cuttings in naira sizes to University of Maiduguri in the 1980s!! So, the State Government should keep a meticulous record of ACTUAL payments. SERAP is watching and counting. Finally, N21 billion will never be sufficient to take care of everybody; not even N210 billion or N2.1 trillion. Government must let the people know how limited the intervention can be. The people of Maiduguri and Nigeria must accept the truth that governments cannot help most of us. We should just fend for ourselves as best as we can.
NIGERIA GOES TO THE UN WITH BEGGING BOWL AGAIN

“UNGA79: Tinubu seeks debt forgiveness for Nigeria” – Report. 
Nigeria went to the United Nations in 2004 with a begging bowl – asking for debt forgiveness. In 2024, Nigeria is returning to the same UN with another begging bowl. Beggars are not entitled to respect. Nigerian leaders should expect none.

Anyone who followed the conduct of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State would not have found it difficult to identify several challenges which derogated substantially from what could easily have ended as a free, fair and credible electoral process. Must every Nigerian election be contentious and unduly controversial? Why is it so difficult to play the game of election by its rules in Nigeria?

If Nigerian politicians who have become notorious for their anti-democratic disposition make it hard for the country to attain successful elections, must election managers also allow their unacceptable partisanship to continue to worsen Nigeria’s political dilemma? Many more questions must have been silently considered by well-meaning citizens in the last one week

What the questions partly suggest is that public perception concerning politics and elections in the country is poor. The way forward is for the Independent National Election Commission INEC which has the sole mandate for the conduct of credible elections to immediately recognize the disturbing public perception and take steps to reverse the situation. It is laudable that the INEC office in Ondo State where the next off cycle election is scheduled to hold has already assumed a redeeming posture. According to media reports, Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, has made a passionate appeal to the electorates in the state not to lose faith in the electoral process.

In Babalola’s words, “every vote will count, and we will ensure that everyone’s vote is counted…don’t lose faith in the electoral process … the people of Ondo State should trust us to deliver a credible election.” Whereas assurances such as this are not new, the nation does not have a rich history of how they were actually adhered to. In fairness to INEC, many politicians are fond of viciously attacking the commission once election results are not in their favour. In other words, Nigeria has a host of bad losers in the game of elections. Besides, many of the challenges which are often thrown up during elections are caused not directly by INEC but by other election administrators such as security agencies, the judiciary and indeed political parties themselves.

There are at least two common happenings during elections that are beyond the role of INEC. One of them is vote buying. It is obviously beyond the capacity of election officials who are busy with accreditation and specific procedures for the casting of ballots to, at the same time, seek to control vote buying. One would have expected the security agencies to handle that segment well but it is hardly done. Interestingly, there are allegations that even the security personnel themselves are usually among those compromised as a result of such material inducements. During last Saturday’s governorship elections in Edo State, many people including voters testified that people openly voted for the highest bidder. 

A second problem has to do with the sudden relocation of collation venues from the location originally prescribed and publicised. With over 40,000 security operatives reportedly deployed to Edo State last Saturday, it is difficult to understand the expedience of relocating from a venue for security reasons. Why did the security agencies not fortify the prescribed location or are they only able to secure unapproved locations? In addition, each time collation venues are suddenly changed, the common report is always that certain party agents and some journalists and election observers are usually not allowed into the new venues. Considering that such persons were accredited by INEC to be part of the process why are they obstructed from the new venue and why would anyone expect those so disallowed to accept the eventual results announced?

There is however the argument that because INEC is not equipped to deal with security infractions such as the snatching of ballot boxes or intimidation of officials, the commission has to always rely on security advice. But can security advice legitimize unapproved venues? Here, there is a perception that INEC itself seems to enjoy the collusion with the security agencies to relocate from the approved venue to a conducive location for the perpetuation of electoral malpractices. Beyond collusion with other election administrators, INEC itself quite often, performs far below expectation prompting negative reactions not only from politicians but also from voters and the general public.

A good example of INEC’s poor performance is the unending lateness of officials and election materials to polling centres at every election. Whether it is a presidential election which is a massive nation-wide event or voting in only one state or even a single constituency, election personnel and materials must arrive late. Many years back this writer found time to participate in election monitoring where I observed such condemnable canon of behaviour. I was indeed shocked to see that during the Anambra governorship election of November 2013, election materials were late to a polling unit directly behind the INEC office – the operational base of the commission in Awka, the state capital.

Earlier in June, the case of the Oguta election was more scandalous because although it was held in only 4 wards for just one seat in the Imo State House of Assembly, many voters became restive after waiting in vain for several hours for the election process to commence. Painfully, this negative attitude is yet to change as many voters waited for longer than makes sense for the process to start in last Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State. According to media reports, there were delayed arrivals and commencement of the process in some locations such as Oba Market, Zabayo Street and Plymouth Road polling stations in the state capital. 

In Edo Central, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reported that INEC officials and materials arrived in Okaegben ward one, unit 3 in Ewohimi at exactly 10:30 a.m. that is two full hours behind schedule. Incidentally this was the polling unit of the PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo. Although INEC promptly as usual ordered an extension of time in such locations, many people have continued to deprecate the practice whereby an agency that can conduct an event nationwide can have avoidable challenges in just one of 36 states and the federal capital territory. If as we hear, the electoral body is always having problems from its vendor, why is the same vendor always patronized? 

In the case of only one governorship election, there is doubt if INEC needs a third party to handle its logistics. Why can’t the commission pull its resources from all its nationwide offices to surmount logistics challenges or is there a rule which makes it compulsory for INEC to involve an unreliable third party in its arrangements especially one that it can internally handle? Also difficult to comprehend is the inability of the commission to properly manage the critical segment of collation and declaration of election results. One of the allegations often made during elections is over-voting. This is unacceptable because everyone knows that an election result whose figures exceed the number of accredited voters is invalid. Why then do some election officials not crosscheck results before announcing them? 

In addition, the practice of assembling agents and other interest groups to listen and comment on collated results has become annoying. This is because INEC normally does nothing about any point raised against what is read to the group. If whatever is announced is sacrosanct what is the purpose of asking for comments? Why can’t objections raised by agents be investigated before results are formally announced when INEC has 7 days to review its figures before announcing them? While it is true that politicians have a tendency to make false claims, INEC has a duty to review specific controversial results such as that of Ward six in Akoko Edo, units 12, 17, 15, 18, 14, and 16 where elections allegedly did not hold yet there were results. 

To protect its public image, INEC ought to immediately break its silence over several allegations especially those concerning election officials who were specifically identified for playing reprehensible roles at Edo last Saturday. Apart from an Assistant Director in charge of Electoral operations at INEC headquarters, the Presiding officer at the Osholo Primary School Polling Unit in Weppa, Etsako East Local Government Area, who was alleged to have arrived at over 400 votes when only 213 voters were accredited ought to be investigated. Inaction on these issues can exacerbate adverse public perceptions of INEC.

Immediately the prostitutes were apprehended, rather than the office, Potts-Johnson escorted them to their homes. There, upon demanding #10 as bribe, the welfare officer was offered #5.30s by Agadagwu’s landlord, one Bakare, who negotiated the bribe sum with Potts-Johnson in Yoruba. Bakare promised Agadagwu would pay the balance later. The other prostitute, George, also offered the welfare officer 5s.2d. from the bribe amount demanded. If they hadn’t paid the bribes, upon conviction in court, the prostitutes risked two years in prison, #50 fine and repatriation by government from Lagos. But immediately after paying the initial bribes, the prostitutes reported it to the police. The Lagos police then handed them marked notes which represented the balance of the bribe money, on which was covertly inscribed, Wayo. The police also planted an undercover Sheriff to witness the bribery. When Toviho, Potts-Johnson’s middleman, came to collect the bribe money, he and the welfare officer were arrested.

In my piece of February 6, 2022 with the title, Atiku Abubakar and the sexual history of the Nigerian presidency, I explored this theme. I submitted that sexual politics defines and is often behind most of the corruption issues in high and low places in the world. A musical track rendered by Lagos Epe-born Apala music lord, Ligali Mukaiba in the 1970s illustrates this. The particular Mukaiba track speaks about the pervasive influence of women in the lives of men, comparable only to drugs on addicts. He sang “Mi o wa ri’hun t’obinrin o le fi’ni se, t’o ba nwu’ni, t’o ba nj’araba eni, t’o ba l’o ya ni Sokoto, kuru kere o, kere o, kuru kere o, a o tele l’eyin ni…”

Using the lurid story that instantly went viral in Zimbabwe that former Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, had suffered “a nasty blow from below” – euphemism for impotency – I drilled into how central and virile political power is and how men of power, through their libido, use sex as a locus of power. Attached to that, I argued, is why, agreeing with Prof Wale Adebanwi in his journal article he entitled The Carnality of Power, that all of us – scholars, lay scholars and society as a whole – “need to pay greater attention to the ways in which obscenity can help explain the nature of power.” From Abubakar, to Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, I used these men of power as examples of exercises of virile members, to explain how libidinous politics and corruption cannot be divorced in Nigeria’s socio-politics.

Sorry, I digressed. A major obscene scandal broke out last week. It will seem to annotate the above theme of the need for us to pay more regards to obscenities in our analysis of society. It is a narrative which tangentially bears the colour of sex, though it smells more of corruption. With it, we can measure the barometer of how low our society has sunk and how political and social powers are implicated in the rot of our society. The story starred controversial cross-dresser jailbird, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, whose allegedly leaked audio conversation has created a national mess. If the authenticity of the video is confirmed, Bobrisky’s travails will bring back to memory an ancient Yoruba folklore of a man called Alade. Alade was a gentleman whose mutual friend had asked why he always wore his cap all the time. After much pressure, Alade decided to share the secret with this mutual friend, but on one condition – it must be kept secret from humanity. Alade then removed his cap, revealing a short stumpy horn around the frontal part of his head. His friend was shocked but promised to keep the secret. However, he could not stomach the secret for long. Keeping to the terms of not telling any human being, one day, the friend dug a hole into which he screamed, “Alade grew a horn (on the head)!” – Àlàdé hù’wo! Mysteriously, a tree sprang up from the hole and soon after, whenever boys blew a flute near it, the tree echoed, “Àlàdé hù’wo!” With this, the entire village got to know about Alade’s best kept secret.

A social media influencer, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, had circulated an audio conversation Bobrisky allegedly had with an unnamed Alade. It instantly went viral. In it, someone, said to be Bobrisky, alleged that he paid the sum of N15 million to unnamed EFCC officers to have a charge of money laundering spiked off the criminal charges preferred by the state against him. The cross-dresser had been jailed six months after he admitted guilt for dealing unkindly with the Nigerian Naira. However, in the same audio, the Bobrisky claimed that he spent her term in an apartment, as against the Nigerian correctional centre imposed by the court. Shortly after the allegation, the cross-dresser refuted the accusations on his Instagram page. He claimed he was victim of a setup. Both the EFCC and Minister of the Interior have ordered full-scale investigations into the scandal, with the ministry of interior taking a bolder step in suspending all the prisons officers in charge of Bobrisky’s term in the Lagos Kirikiri prison.

Beyond the theme of crime and corruption in the Bobrisky case is the Nigerian society’s disdain for considered unusual sexuality and in particular, Okuneye’s audacity to flaunt it. As a measure of its conservatism, the Yoruba frown at counting the fingers of a nine-fingered person in their presence (a kii t’oju oni’ka mesan kaa.) In my April 7, 2024 piece with the title, Bobrisky and Jesus, the tax collector, written immediately the cross-dresser was jailed, I said this much. If you flip through the pages of history, you will discover, as I said in the piece, that from ancient times, the world has never hidden its hostility towards people who profess sexual orientation different from its heterosexual conservative status. This is also responsible for why a large chunk of the black world vents its anger on the western world’s validation of homosexuality. In the 19th century and even before, Bobriskys were lynched like common criminals. Their sin was their considered unusual sexuality. Until then, homosexual activities were classified as “unnatural crime against nature,” while sodomy got punished with, sometimes death penalty.

In comparison with his unusual sexuality forebears, Bobrisky has suffered one of the mildest fates. Between 1877 and 1950, over 4,000 of them were lynched. It subsisted till a few years ago in America. So, when you appraise the collage of apparent gang-ups – VeryDarkMan and others – against Bobrisky, you will get an affirmation of the Yoruba saying that he who does the unusual should be ready for infliction of an unusual reprisal (eni ba se’un t’enikan o se ri, aa ri’un t’enikan o ri ri). Bobrisky’s travails seem to be society’s attempt to deconstruct and destroy this unusual sexuality impresario. When you examine this thesis against the backcloth of Bobrisky’s recent innuendo that he could commit suicide, you will agree with me that the self-touted Mommy of Lagos is in the gulag of a conservative society and may never get out of it alive. If you ask me, I think Bobrisky commodifies her cross-dressing, using it as façade for God-knows-what unpleasant money-making ventures.

The allegation that Bobrisky paid bribe to the EFCC for a money laundering charge to be removed then crept in. The viral audio, amplified by VeryDarkMan, also alleged that he paid bribe to prison top officials to enable him serve his term outside the hostile walls of the Kirikiri prison. On this, all we have been entertained with since last week when the obscene scandal broke is a national breakfast of hypocrisy. Why are Nigerians feigning prudery at these scandalous revelations? Are we hearing about a story of this stench for the first time? Let us hop down from our high horses. If truth be told, the only way to reform this country is for both the leaders and the led to come clean with themselves. Nigeria is a thoroughly worsted place and all the bounds and parameters of societal civility, decency and global norms of civilized people have broken down irretrievably. I personally overheard an Edo-born prison warder detailed to a politically exposed person arraigned before the Lagos Federal High Court some years ago, saying, “Mek dem post me to (I am hiding the politician’s identity) mek I no buy car? He no go happen!” Last year, we witnessed an obscene altercation between DSS operatives and prison officials, right in the premises of the court. Their beef was on who owned custodial power over embattled Godwin Emefiele. And apparently, his loot. It was later that Nigerians found out that the scuffle was not strictly a turf battle; it was a graft fight, something in the mould of a robber robs the till and a thief robs the robber (ole gbe, ole gbaa.)

Like Nigeria, the prison is brimming with rotund-bellied maggots which reflect the collapse of virtually all the values that cobbled Nigeria together. Apart from decayed infrastructure, overcrowding and allied issues, Nigerian prisons are home to officers who, in saner societies, should themselves be in prison. In 2019, investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, adopting the pseudonym, Ojo Olajumoke, spent five days in a police cell and eight days as an inmate in Ikoyi Prison. It was in the bid to track corruption in Nigeria’s criminal justice system. There was no single whimper from the Nigerian establishment. After Soyombo’s arrest and detention in police custody, he was arraigned in court and ultimately got a remand in prison. He emerged with very distressing stories of illegitimate arrests, extrajudicial killings, bribery and corruption and a criminal justice system that is in a sorry case. He even claimed that a prison official asked him for money to remove his name from jailbirds’ roster.

If Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is merely interested in the optics of being perceived as proactive, in order to save his job from the Sword of Damocles said to be hanging on ministers, he should let us know. But if he is genuinely interested in reforming Nigerian prisons, he surely has a humongous job on his hands. It is more demanding than the “I swear-to-Almighty-God” raising-of-a-finger he was embroiled in last week. Yoruba talk about how widespread a covertly released fart could go in its “B’a se nyo’so, l’a se nyo’gbo” aphorism. The Bobrisky allegation of Very Important Prisoners being ferried out of jail while serving their terms is almost as old as corruption in Nigeria. We have heard of a VIP who impregnated his wife while serving his term and who was present at the child’s christening. We have also heard a story, which occurred some twenty-something years ago, of a man who later rose to become a senator and a political party bigwig. While in detention for alleged murder, exhibiting his libidinous prowess, the girl procured for this Very Important Detainee in an apartment outside of prison had fainted under him. If indeed, as it is said, that a people is assessed by the way it treats its most vulnerable, prisoners are vulnerable lots and we should be interested in what goes on inside that nocturne called prison. Until Nigerian prisons become reformatory, as opposed to the place of torment it is today, it will continue to be a microcosm of our macroscopic Nigerian tragedy.

It will be gratifying if Olanipekun Olukoyede, the EFCC chair, on hearing the messy news that his operatives were sunk in the Bobrisky N15m scandal, is silently preparing earthly purgatory for them. He must do as the colonial police did in 1947 to Ayodele Potts-Johnson. This is time for Olukoyede to peel himself of his church mien and wear the garb of a Dracula. Otherwise, he will be dragging in the mud his pastoral calling claim, perceived to be atypical with the task of a crime fighter. If news circulating in Nigeria from those who experience Olukoyede’s men in all parts of the country is anything to go by, he is sitting atop a maggots’ empire where operatives are nothing more than armed gunmen who terrorize and extort criminals of their loots. These Wayo theatrics, in the name of crime fighting and law enforcement, has to stop.

Kabiyesi Ladoja @80

A blight that critics hold against newspaper column writers is that sometimes, our shots go off tangent, disenabling us from achieving precision. In the process, they claim, we mis-profile our subjects, literally calling the King’s Mother (Iya Oba) the Monkey Mother (Iya Obo). My reply to them is that, column writers are not infallible because they are columnists… Full stop! My reply is a timid parodying of Justice Chukwudifu Oputa’s locus classicus statement about the Supreme Court. I can’t go the whole hog and delve into its second stanza due to its potential for immodesty. Only Oputa, the great jurist, could so conclude about the Almightiness of the final appellate court.

The extreme ones among the critics compare column-writing’s sometimes imprecision to the proverbial Saare whose demonstration of knowledge resulted in unknowledge. One day, Saare went to the farm but rushed back home, panting. To his parents who were troubled on what went amiss, the young hunter told them they should show gratitude to their Maker because he was almost devoured by a leopard which strayed from the forest. And then, Saare began a description of the strange animal. “It had big, dilating eyes! It had arresting colour!” features his parents affirmed were a leopard’s (Ekun). Immediately, Saare’s father, an Ifa priest, ordered objects of sacrifice to appreciate and propitiate Saare’s “head.” When all the propitiation materials arrived – a big ram, red oil and others – in readiness for the sacrifice, unprompted, Saare then lullabied, in his flippant best: “The leopard was tall, had two huge horns! It was even eating okra!” Saare’s parents immediately apologized to the sacrificial crew: “Our son didn’t see a leopard. He saw a deer.” So, Yoruba say, amonju l’o b’ekun Saare je.

In my 26 years of column writing, (including the years of exits) I have had several bull’s-eye hits and some imprecisions. Two personalities stand out on the list of subjects who, in reviews of their personalities, I sometimes shot off tangent. They were, Late Adebayo Alao-Akala and Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, ex-governors of Oyo State. When they were both in government, my pen tormented them severally. On meeting Alao-Akala years after he left government, I encountered a man whose heart was as pure as spring water and whose humanity was one every mortal should seek after. When he asked me to write the Foreword to his memoir, Amazing Grace, like a witch’s confession, as the Yoruba will say, I was contrite, “mo tuuba.” While I am incapable of excusing their politics and governance, I can say both are/were great personalities.

In my writings and media strategies while I was myself in office, I wasn’t kind to Ladoja at all. Yet, we never met. However, in October, 2020, we met for the first and last time at the University of Ibadan. I was privileged to be on the high table with him, during a symposium organized by Hon Babs Oduyoye to mark his birthday. I don’t know where I got the audacity, but I walked up to him and introduced myself. He was literally overjoyed to meet me, thrust his hand forward excitedly and we shook hands like they did while signing the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT). What he said about his estimation of me, rather than excite me, saddened me. How could I spend a large chunk of my writings demonizing a man who thought so highly of me? A couple of years later when talks centered on his biography, one of his ‘sons’ told me he was excited at the prospect of my writing it. I was saddened the more. This was the same thing Alao-Akala did to me: he handed me a raw manuscript and said, “except the title, you are at liberty to do anything with it!”

Since then, I have drilled into Ladoja’s persona. Brilliant strategist and engineer, his strongest point is that his political adversaries underrate him. As wealthy as he is, Ladoja is known for his deconstruction of wealth, both in sartorial outlook and materialism. He could be stubborn too, sticking to what he believes in, at the risk of ostracism.

Born on September 25, 1944 in Gambari village, near Ibadan and becoming a Director of the defunct Standard Trust Bank in the year 2000, last Tuesday was Ladoja’s 80^th birthday. Here is wishing Oba Ladoja many more years of good health on earth.