She married down, below her needs, wants and vision for the future. She was already a nurse in the state hospital when she met Dare. All Dare had was a fine face, great physique and creative hands. She was ambitious. He was not. She believed in setting goals and burning her candles at both ends to meet them. He believed in que sera sera, whatever will be will be. She saw a good life beyond where she was and was determined to get it. Dare believed in going with the flow.

Nobody believed in them, Tutu and Dare. 

 They were worlds apart but only others saw it. Tutu’s parents begged her, they appealed, they threatened. Her friends too.

This boy can’t feed himself.

He’s living with his friends who are also jobless.

A man who wants to sell carvings and paintings for a living is a man you will feed and clothe. 

You will regret this.

It was like a prophecy but Tutu wanted who she wanted. Eight months of whirlwind romance and they got married at Ikoyi Registry, Lagos. Dare moved out of his downtown Lagos (Isale Eko) place into Tutu’s mini flat in Gbagada. And that was the beginning of their problems. Oh no, not that there was or is anything wrong with humble beginnings or a new bride helping in the home. It was more of two people heading in different directions boarding the same bus. Life with the boys in Lagos was what Dare was used to. Life on the mainland was most certainly different and too demanding for Dare, the new husband. He wanted to go hang out with his ‘goons’ back home, even when he had to ask Tutu for transport fare. He wanted Tutu to cook with fresh fish for his friends when they came to watch football in their small apartment. Tutu wanted them to save and plan. 

Dare wanted to sleep till noon like he used to. He said he could paint only when the ‘spirit’ moved him. When Tutu told him to take a nine-to-five job so he could paint after work and at weekends, Dare was shocked and insulted. 

So, painting is not work? I’m jobless and useless, right?

Look here ‘orente’, I am the husband here and I sell my paintings. 

But he had not sold any painting in a whole month. They had to feed and pay bills. Tutu loved Dare and shouldered the young family’s responsibilities until she could no longer do it. 

The partnership probably would have been easier if the couple had the same vision, shared a common goal but they were too different, really. 

They married for love, sweet romance. Maybe Dare is a wild animal in bed. Maybe a fair-skinned curvy nurse in neat short dress is an aphrodisiac. But marriage can’t survive on just love and great sex. No, it can’t. There are too many curves and bends in marriage. It is an uncharted path and each couple has to make their own way, figure out their maps. There is no manual. You put yours together to fit your vehicle and terrain. 

Every couple must go into it with their eyes peeled and head screwed on tight. Whatever Dare and Tutu did it for, they were not prepared for the journey because they were supposed to be on different paths. 

So Tutu was slowly moving up in her career. Dare was not making any real headway. He does not want to take a regular job. He loves the arts. The arts love him but there is no money in there and soon the love in the marriage started looking for an escape route. 

Love is like that. Whatever we think it is or have idolized it to be, it’s got a fickle body and is prone to flight. Love, it leaves when the other tough things move in. Look around you before you start arguing. Take a quick census of marriages broken and breaking and swear the couples in pain now were not in love first. 

Each time Tutu talked about Dare getting a job, a verbal war always followed.

‘I am an artist. You knew that when you agreed to marry me. An artist I am, an artist I’ll die. You cannot change me. I know you are comparing me with your brothers and your friends’ husbands but you can’t. I won’t let you. I’m the man here, the husband, your husband’.

So, telling Date to get a job so they could eat better, get a better apartment and plan a better future became a testy topic. Yet the burden of being a bread winner was wearing Tutu out.

Three years into their marriage, Dare started hassling Tutu for a child.

We need to start a family.

Why are you not pregnant?

You need to get off all the contraceptives.

I admit that many women have been known to marry men who were not as successful as they were when they first met. But this is not the point here. A man not being rich or able to pick the family bills at 30 is not a problem. It is men who sit on their backsides and expect manna to fall one way or another that are dangerous. Those ones who won’t get up and won’t let their wives rise or stand. I know you have met a few or even know women who are married to them. It is not a delight watching the struggle in those families. The woman wants a better life. She is willing to start life in a small apartment but she does not want to raise her children in a face-me-I-face-you. She does not want her children to go to public school. And she is willing to work hard to achieve the better life she wants. She is a cleaner in the morning and a trader in the afternoon. She is a civil servant during the week and a private lesson teacher at weekends. She is a secretary on Monday and a make-up artiste on Saturday. She married holding just an OND certificate but is currently pursuing a Master’s degree. Her husband is still holding his HND. No improved degree, no new vocation or skills acquired. He is just there blaming his boss and Tinubu and APC. His wife has caught up with him and overtaken him.

Many women survive the hassles and struggles. Many also slump and die prematurely because they would rather face their ’hussles’ than nag their husbands.

Marrying for love is romantic but marriage is not a romantic relationship. It is a life, a new life that you have to live for a lifetime. If a man marries a laid-back woman, that life may be hard but if a woman marries a laid-back man, the journey will definitely be hard and the chances of the couple not arriving their destinations together, in one peace, is high. If the responsibility-overload kills a mother while the children are still young, we all know the drill that follows.

Women are wired to receive. Men are wired to give. When that divine arrangement is altered, the marriage becomes a trial, a task, not a union. If a man married to an unambitious woman finds prosperity, he covers the gap. Women are not wired like that. If all a woman does is pay bills all her life, submission, care, even lovemaking, become a chore, hard labour. More marriages have been known to fail where the man is not pulling his weight.

In all, note, before you launch into a self-righteous homily, that this is about laid-back husbands who blame everybody and everything for their woes. This, definitely, is not about responsible, hardworking husbands who are waiting for their breakthrough.

Lesson of the day? Young lady, make sure that man you want to marry shares your goals and aspirations. Make sure he is the man you can look up to, not look down on. If he is contented with being average and you are aiming for the stars, your union is heading for the rocks.

President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC governors; National Chairman and other bigwigs are expected in Uyo on Saturday, June 21, to formally receive Gov. Umo Eno into their party, two weeks after he announced his defection from PDP. The grand rally will hold at the iconic football stadium named after the senate president. As in other instances, Vice President may lead the delegation from Abuja. The switch of parties has weakened PDP, stirred debates, attracted criticisms and excitements. Eno’s genial personality and proclivity to build harmony and inclusivity across partisan divides has endeared him to his people. This essay examines the key issues that have dominated discussions since the governor Eno joined the APC. Did he compel others to move with him?; why did former governor Udom Emmanuel not decamp and how will APC manage the various tendencies within the party?

A few days after the defection, elder statesman and former minister, Chief Nduese Essien issued a statement alleging that the governor had ‘’coerced’’ members of the State and National Assembly, as well as Chairpersons of LGAs to decamp with him. A PDP chieftain himself, Chief Essien said that although he had attended the event at Government House on June 6 when the governor announced his departure from the party, he did so only out of his support and loyalty to the governor. He maintained that he is still a PDP member and as an octogenarian, he’s retired from partisan activities.

I have spoken to the two PDP senators who decamped with the governor and they insist that they were not coerced. ‘’No, the governor did not coerce me or anyone that I know. I joined him out of my own volition because I understand the underlying issues’’, said Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial district. Senator Ekong Sampson of Akwa Ibom South senatorial district put it more elegantly, ‘’political alignment and realignment are personal decisions. The question of compulsion does not arise’’. Besides, governors have enormous influence and few can resist overtures from them. They are the major funders of their political parties and their candidates; they have the leverage, authority, money and the capacity to influence the outcomes of elections. A governor makes many appointments and recommends some to the President for appointment. A governor gives contracts, dispenses gifts; favours, empowerments; etc. These are the soft powers that attract followers to wherever the governor goes. He doesn’t need to employ coercion to compel PDP members. They followed him because they just did not want to become the new face of opposition in Akwa Ibom.

The movement of Eno and his large entourage into APC has prompted a new wave of jostling for leadership positions within the party. Victor Antai, executive director at NDDC, was crowned the leader of the party in his senatorial district a few days after the governor defected, with many wondering how he could claim such a position in a zone where there are titans like Nsima Ekere, former deputy governor and former MD of NDDC and Ekong Sampson, senator representing the district. Antai was APC’s deputy governorship candidate in 2023 and there are speculations that he wants to pair with the governor in 2027. There are similar tussling for positions in some wards and local government areas, igniting discussions about the capacity of the party to manage its success. Will the party implode under its new heavy weight or its suspension has been retrofitted to absorb the excess load?

The absence of former governor Udom Emmanuel from the political scene in the state has also been a major talking point. Many had thought that the ex banker would move into APC with his successor, just like Ifeanyi Okowa moved with Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori in Delta. But the circumstances are different. After the 2023 elections, Udom Emmanuel quietly retired from partisan politics and resumed his business interests in Lagos. In December, he told supporters that he’s not interested in going to the senate in 2027, fending off sustained entreaties to run. His withdrawal from active political activities therefore does not offer any compelling need for him to join APC, unlike Eno who would be seeking reelection and has chosen APC as a viable platform. The separation has, however, not soured the relationships between the two. Said Senator Sampson: ‘’The governor has very high regards for his predecessor and he says so publicly. I don’t think the defection will affect their relationships’’. On the other hand, Okowa wants to go back to the Senate in 2027, and he’s preparing to will battle for the ticket with Senator Ned Nwoko who defected to the APC in February.

The defection rally on Saturday will be a culmination of series of activities that heralded the governor’s defection. With the governor now settled in his new party, internal realignment will begin as attention shifts back to the people’s business.

On this significant day, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) extends our congratulations to all Nigerians as we mark twenty-six years of an uninterrupted democratic journey. We particularly salute President Bola Tinubu, who now has the privilege of leading the nation in commemorating Democracy Day—a day that honors the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, unjustly annulled by the then-military regime. Of note we appreciate the state pardon granted to Ken Saro Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine.

PANDEF notes that the profound meaning of this day in Nigeria's checkered democratic history remains a poignant reminder of our bitter-sweet journey and the urgent need for genuine reflection on our present realities.

Successive administrations at all levels, since the beginning of the Fourth Republic, including those in place at present, have made strides toward delivering the basic socio-economic dividends of democracy. Yet, it remains an arduous and sluggish journey. Of deep concern are the persistent challenges that directly confront ordinary Nigerians especially in the critical areas of access to food, security, primary healthcare, basic education and unmitigated environmental degradation of the Niger Delta. 

PANDEF notes that most troubling is the glaring contradiction between the noble ideals and enduring legacy of June 12, as symbolized by the sacrifices of past and surviving heroes and the reality of what can only be described as a creeping authoritarianism in Rivers State. While the nation rightly unites with the President to celebrate Democracy Day, a deeply paradoxical and troubling situation continues to unfold in the strategically important state of Rivers. The people of Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta are being subjected to the erosion democratic institutions and principles of good governance. This portends grave implications for our collective democratic achievements as a country. 

PANDEF therefore calls upon the relevant authorities, most especially, President Bola Tinubu, as the father of the nation, and the National Assembly, led by our own son, Senator Godswill Akpabio to act without delay to restore democratic governance in Rivers State. The prolonged political crisis in the state has created an environment of instability and uncertainty that directly impacts the well-being of everyday citizens.

Additionally, we appeal to all principal political actors and their supporters in Rivers State to immediately "lay down their arms" and embrace the path of peace. As people of common faith, let us be guided by the injunction in Ecclesiastes 3:8: “There is to hate and a time to love, a time for war and a time for peace.” The time for love and peace has come, in solemn honor of the memories of the heroes and martyrs of June 12.

As the apex socio-political body in the South-South region, PANDEF reaffirms our commitment to support all genuine, collective efforts aimed at realizing the foundational ideals of our democracy. Most especially, we pledge to champion the urgent return of accountable, people-driven governance in Rivers State.

Ambassador Dr Godknows Igali

Today, I celebrate Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu, iconic journalist and publisher of Vanguard newspaper, on his 90th birthday.

Fondly called Uncle Sam, Amuka-Pemu started his career at the Daily Times. Then, he co-founded The Punch with the late accountant Chief Olu Aboderin. After parting ways with Aboderin, he set up the Vanguard newspaper in 1984, which became one of Nigeria's most influential newspapers under his leadership.

Mr. Amuka-Pemu has devoted most of his life to journalism. It is to his credit and managerial acumen that Vanguard is alive today, 41 years after its founding, despite the crisis in the media industry.

Uncle Sam remains a shining example of dedication, resilience and integrity within the media industry.

Today, he is not just a leader of the profession; he is a doyen. His leadership, from the altar of journalism, has influenced the media landscape and extended to his role as a respected leader in Delta State and the South-South geopolitical zone, making him an elder statesman.

"On the occasion of this year's Democracy Day, I conferred on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in profound recognition of his significant contributions to the country and his exemplary leadership in the field of journalism.

I urge the younger journalists to emulate this highly respected publisher and leader.

I wish Uncle Sam continued God's grace and more years of impact. Our country is deeply grateful for his invaluable contributions to journalism and his enduring legacy.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

President and Commander-in-Chief

Federal Republic of Nigeria

Now that the rains are fully here, sometimes pouring in buckets, the Lagos State government’s reminder of efficient waste disposal could not have come at a better time. The reminder was prompted by the just-concluded Sallah Festivities. With the Festival approaching last week with the attendant preparatory activities, the State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said: “As we prepare for the Sallah Festivities, which will come up in a few days, a lot of waste will be generated…We urge all residents to maintain a clean and hygienic environment, especially around homes, markets and worship centres. All generated wastes should be sorted, bagged, and handed over to the approved Private Sector Participation operators across all the wards in the state.”

“Do not patronize illegal waste collectors or cart pushers. That is what the provisions of the law state,” Mr. Wahab admonished the Lagos residents. We will be wrong to think the pressing trigger was only a festival event-specific. Not in a state that generates an average of 13, 000 tonnes of waste daily, 870, 000 tonnes of plastic waste yearly. Altogether, the waste generated yearly in the state is 5.46million. Mr. Wahab has long thrown his cap in the ring to do battle with all manner of people who have exhibited brazen disregard for environmental laws and building regulations. Warning residents against dumping refuse or solid waste in drains, medians or setbacks, he said at his Press conference last week that the government would not hesitate in climbing down on residents who defied and disobeyed environmental laws: “Illegal dumping in drains and public spaces causes flash flooding, endangers public health and defaces our city. It is strictly prohibited and under active surveillance. Desist from dumping building materials in the drains or on the roads during the construction process. All such contravening structures will be sealed up, and the owners prosecuted.”

Lagos State Waste Management Board (LAWMA) is in partnership with the private sector referred to by Mr. Wahab as Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators. There are 428 such operators, plying 40 routes, two to three times daily. This cannot be surprising given the population of Lagos. Greater Metropolitan Lagos alone has been put at 21 million inhabitants.

Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director of LAWMA, had told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the PSP operators deploy 102 compactor trucks for waste evacuation, which covered cleaning out of coastlines, lagoons and drainage channels. The compactors are leased to the PSP operators and their operations are subsidised by the government monthly in view of the state of the economy. The government is acquiring more compactors, hopefully before long.

Mr. Tokunbo Wahab said every household and business should patronize the government assigned PSP operator for proper waste collection, adding: “Timely payment of waste bill supports the system and ensures consistent service. Those who generate waste must take responsibility for its proper disposal. Every resident must realise that all residents or tenement should pay their waste bills to keep the PSP operators in business.”

It is elating and laudable that the Lagos State Government is applying itself to the unenviable tasks of waste disposal within the state and with the burgeoning population to boot! It has improved on the work plan and efforts of the state’s old waste disposal template. In 1981 and 1982, the Lagos State Waste Disposal Board under the T. A. Mumuni as chairman, collected 400,000 tonnes of refuse yearly with a fleet of 157 vehicles. At the time, it was record job; the waste load was mind-rending, given the population of Lagos at the period, 43 years ago. The board also boasted of 21 mechanical shovels and about 2,000 movable dustbins. At the time, refuse collection was in the night so as not to hinder free flow of traffic. Several collections centres were established in every major street with the cooperation of landlord associations. The staff strength in the employment of the board was 1,800 men.

Waste disposal in our major cities has been a herculean task. Waste is dumped anyhow and, in any place, a reflection of the inner state, that is, the state of spiritual maturity of a people. The technological wonders of these times are coming to rescue the populace from ugliness. Technology has helped in the recycling of 30 per cent of the waste in Lagos to reduce the load of it going to landfills. According to Free Recycle Limited, 870, 000 tonnes of plastic waste are generated yearly. To demonstrate how crucial efficient waste disposal is in our lives, think of underground water during the rainy season as we have now in places where garbage is not properly kept and treated. It was Chief Bisi Akande who first adverted the minds of Nigerians to the issue this time in 1992. And one could not but ask: ‘How safe is the water you drink? It is a question worth asking the next time you are about to have a glass of water. For you may discover that you have a glass of slow-killing poison in your hands.

Chief Akande raised the alarm when he was chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government. In his characteristic bluntness, he told residents near the refuse dump on Ring Road that large concentrations of nitrates had been found in the soil near their homes and, in their own interest, they should close all deep wells from where many obtained drinking water. The trouble was the refuse dump. Normally, good health regulations forbid the siting of refuse dumps within three kilometres radius of residential abode. Where the dump came first, no one is expected to live within three kilometres of it. Dumps contain all sorts of rubbish from metals and plastics to waste food. As the rubbish degenerates, rain and other forms of ground water take the chemical chips underground water from which many Nigerians obtain drinking water.

Nitrates, the pollutants cited in the Ibadan experience, may come from vegetable and plant waste or from the preservatives contained in convenience fast food, according to scientists. In the human body, these chemicals may be transformed into nitrosamines which cause cancer, genetic and birth defects. But this will not be the only danger over the Ring Road residents for dumps also contain metallic rubbish some of which are converted by microbes to water -soluble forms and thereafter leached into the underground system. The heavier these metals are the more dangerous the leachates. The parade is frightening: Aluminium leachate from aluminium cooking pots or cans; mercury; cadmium; lead etc. Heavy metals collect in tissues and organs for which they have affinity and damage them in the long run, causing death. At risk especially are the liver, kidney and the brain.

I want to believe that the fate of Ring Road must have changed for the better since Chief Akande raised the alarm in 1992. The taps should be running by now. The Chief himself had gone on to be the Governor of Osun State since then. At the time, the same poisoning that afflicted Ring Road, Ibadan, was the unsuspected problem where in Lagos Metropolis a dump sat comfortably between two residential blocks on the Isolo-Egbe Road. Indeed, the infringement was worse in Lagos Metropolis. Another area was the Ijesha bus-stop on the Apapa-Oworonshoki Expressway. As this column pointed out at the time: “There is yet another right at the gates of Gbagada General Hospital. There is also the Delphin residential Estate scheme dump.” Yet as far back as 20 June, 1988, The Guardian had raised an alarm over the federal Ministry of Works discovery that the underground water from which many Lagos families obtained their drinking water in these areas had become poisoned. Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti who later became the Minister of Health was to admit and warn that previously unknown diseases had become big-time killers. This was echoed by the World Health Organization (WHO) that said Third World Countries should be wary of the Western civilization diseases notably heart ailments killing a large number of Nigerians. Water samples were taken from wells and boreholes near even disused rubbish dump at Aina Street, Lawanson; Aborisade Street and Idi-Araba for analysis. The study revealed that the garbage dumps somehow did not have too serious effect on the level of contamination of the well waters in the area, but that it did not obviate the necessity to keep the rules of three kilometres away from rubbish sites.

I have gone this far to demonstrate why Governor Sanwo-Olu and his Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, deserve the backing in their unremitted drive to enforce Lagos environmental laws and building regulations to ensure that the NIMET forecast of flooding which is hanging like the sword of Damocles on 32 states out of 36 plus Abuja does not catch Lagos napping. The Kogi unfortunate experience has demonstrated that the elements are serious if you stand in their way. The waterways must be free of what they in their fury will regard as encumbrances on their path.

ABSENSE OF MR. FOOL IN THE CASTLE

Within two years of his ascension to the High Throne, seven public places and institutions have been named after Bola Ahmed Tinubu. At first, I said to myself dismissively that Wole Falodun, the Mr. Wakabout of our ancient and beloved Lagos Weekend, has come again with his gist, with his gossip. Then, I quickly cleared my eyes to authenticate the story in, of course, this newspaper, The Guardian, and then in some online newspapers as well. It is found in The Cable, a credible online newspaper and authored by Samuel Akpan. Please, read with me the beautiful and captivating Akpan’s intro:

“From a bustling highway to a humming airport and barracks, Tinubu’s name is being woven into the fabric of the nation’s public space.”

The monuments are listed as follows:

Abubakar Imam International Airport, Minna, is renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport by Niger State Governor, Umar Bago. Abubakar Imam was the first celebrated publisher/Editor of Hausa newspaper, Gaskia. The airport was named after the journalist in 2023. The rechristening without qualms came less than a year, 10 March, 2024, after Abubakar Imam’s name adorned the edifice.

On 28 May, 2024, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, named the just completed Abuja Southern Parkway after President Tinubu, his appointor. The Parkway is said to be a major artery road in the Federal capital.

On 29 May, the National Assembly management named its library after Tinubu. It was a new library the building of which was nearing completion before Ahmed Lawan 9th Assembly with Femi Gbajabiamila of House of Reps wound up.

On 10 December, 2024, the Immigration Services chose not to be left out. It named its command-and-control centre, Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Complex.

On 16 January, 2025, the new Federal Polytechnic in Gwarrinpa was renamed Bola Ahmed Polytechnic, Abuja.

On 23 January, 2025, a newly constructed Army Barracks in Asokoro, Abuja, was named Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks, Asokoro. General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, said the barracks was named after Tinubu to “give honour to whom honour is due.”

Last Tuesday, 10 June, 2025, the man who set the tone for the naming ceremony epidemic would not be beaten to it, he stepped forward once more, christening the renovated Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) after Tinubu.

In the Earl of Gloucester’s Castle once lived a King called King Lear—a play based on mythological Leir of Britain back in 1605. In the palace, King Lear had a man called Fool. As the irony of life goes, Mr. Fool was the wisest man in the land. Enid Welsford in his review of the play King Lear, refers to him as “the sage-fool who sees the truth.”

Shakespearian scholars say the unique feature of Fool lies in how he speaks the truth. “He is an agent who prompts Lear to recognize the bitter truth.” He pushes King Lear to become self-aware and to understand the consequences of his actions. He lets him see the bigger picture of his kingdom and actions. King Lear has three daughters, Goneril, Regan and Cordelia, for example. The eldest, Goneril is married to the Duke of Albany and Regan to the Duke of Cornwall. According to the instructive play, the Duke of Burgundy and the King of France desired and ran after Cordelia, Lear’s youngest and favourite daughter. Lear asked his daughters to profess their love for him and he would give the largest share of his estate to anyone of them who loves him most. And Fool says: “Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wise. Goneril is vexed that Fool is given special privilege. But Fool observes: “Truth’s dog must to kennel; he must be whipped out, when Lady the Brach may stand by the fire and stink.” In the end it is Cordial who loves her father most, but the discovery comes too late.

In our land, professional brilliant unreason is domiciled largely in the conclave, in particular, and in the ranks in general, of politicians. In the cheering orchestra, in the midst of clapping, one is already saying that after the Almighty Creator, King Lear comes next for him! Politicians are falling head and toes over themselves to curry the favour of the King in the Palace and I am seeing in the horizon, the emergence of Paul Biya and Kamuzu Banda. I hinted at this in the column captioned, Drift to one-party state. This is how it all started.

Tinubu must, therefore, reverse all the fawning rechristening. They are unethical, obscene and nauseating. He needs a Mr. Fool in the Villa.

SAM AMUKA AT 90

So, my boss is 90. So, Sad Sam is 90. I was woken from my slumber to read Sam Amuka has hit the great milestone –on Tuesday, 10 June. I will be back. In the meantime, see the glittering testimonial our leader, the legendary newspaper wizard, Alhaji Babatunde Jose, wrote about the inimitable editor, columnist and publisher:

“It took me some time, involving changes of editorship, to find an editor who would produce the Sunday Times as I conceived it. That is, like the London Sunday Times—beefy with in-depth feature articles; spicy with entertainment; biting with investigative reports, informative with news; and compelling with power-packed editorials, and ability to produce the paper on schedule for sale. Only three editors achieved that standard—Alade Odunewu, Sam Amuka and Gbolabo Ogunsanwo.”

I must have missed the date because the publisher we call Uncle Sam has a way of running away from the country on occasions like this!! A typical editor, he does want and will not crave any attention.

The absence of Mr. Fool must result in the absence of rationality most times and the collapse of hope.

I wish to humbly disagree with all those who have reached out to me protesting or complaining that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu "deliberately" missed out my name in the JUNE 12 HONORS' List released earlier today. I will like to make the following observations:

1. It is the prerogative of every government to determine those it wishes to recognise and honor.

2. Honorary awards are endless and can be given now, later or never. There are well deserving heroes whose names were clearly omitted.

3. JUNE 12 1993 has been extremely kind to me by offering me the opportunities to fight for Democracy in various capacities. I was amply compensated by the collective sacrifices made by Nigerians. I returned from exile with so many goodies as ordained by almighty God, including the global brand, Ovation International, a second address & citizenship in the UK, a third address in Ghana, worldwide fame & acclaim, and so on.

4. I would have been embarrassed to be recognized by a regime that's unapologetically trampling on tenets of democracy and dangerously leading our dear beloved nation down the slope of dictatorship and full-blown tyranny. On the other hand, it would have been considered rude and impudent of me to reject such a National honor from a man I still consider my Big Brother and friend, despite my vehement disagreement and displeasure with him over matters of political views... I wish to sincerely thank the President for rescuing me from what might have been misconstrued as compromise, arrogance or disrespect...

Massive congratulations to all the honorees...

- DELE MOMODU

Accra, Ghana

Some of us who were very active in the struggle to actualize the official announcement of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election result and the swearing into office the actual winner of the election, and are still alive today, wish to thank Mr President,His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR, for honoring some of the heroes of the struggle by conferring on them national awards in different categories on Democracy Day 2025.

We however will state for the records and for posterity that we believe there are some major omissions which should be rectified as soon as possible. Below is a suggested list of some of the key Heroes of June 12 and the categories of National Awards that we believe they truly deserve.

 1. LATE PA MICHAEL ADEKUNLE AJASIN. (GCON )

 2. LATE CHIEF ANTHONY ENAHORO(GCON)

 3. LATE SENATOR ABRAHAM ADESANYA.(CFR)

 4. LATE CHIEF AYO ADEBANJO.(CFR)

 5. LATE REAR ADMIRAL NDUBUISI KANU (CFR)

 6. SENATOR CORNELIUS ADEBAYO (CFR)

 7. LATE CHIEF OLANIHUN AJAYI(CON)

 8. LATE ALHAJI GANIYU DAWODU(CON).

 9. DR. KAYODE FAYEMI (CFR)

 10. CHIEF AYO OPADOKU(CON)

 11. SENATOR KOFO AKERELE BUCKNOR(CON)

 12. LATE CHIEF OLU BENSON LULU- BRIGGS(CON)

 13. PROF PAT UTOMI (CON)

 14. AARE DELE MOMODU (CON)

 15. MR. OLISA AGBAKOBA(CON)

 16. DR.USMAN BUGAJE (CON)

 17. COL DANGIWA UMAR (RTD) (CON)

 18. LATE CHIEF ARTHUR NWANKWO(CON)

 19. LATE CHIEF BOBO NWOSISI(CON)

 20. LATE CHIEF GUY IKOKWU(CON)

 21. LATE RVD. TUNJI ADEBIYI(OON)

 22. LATE CHIEF CHRIS EZEIYIAKU(OON)

 23. DR. ALBERT NDULUE(OFR)

 24. CHIEF MRS CHIKA IBENEME(OON)

 25. LATE CHIEF MESHACK UMEIKE(OON)

For Nigerians who are not familiar with the names of Late Reverend Tunji Adebiyi and Late Chief Chris Ezeiyiaku, these two gentlemen were the trusted and reliable human Couriers of the NADECO Leaders during the Abacha Years who constantly risked their lives carrying messages which could not be discussed on phone by the NADECO leadership.

Fellow patriotic Nigerians, let's continue to KEEP HOPE ALIVE.

Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju.

Member,NADECO.

President Bola Tinubu extends heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government, and the people of the Republic of India following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad.

The plane carried two pilots, 10 cabin crew, 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.

President Tinubu expresses deep sorrow over the tragic incident and offers prayers for the families of the victims, the injured, and the entire Indian nation during this moment of grief.

The President also commiserates with the leaders of Great Britain, Portugal, and Canada over losing their nationals on the ill-fated flight.

"The tragedy of Air India reminds us, once again, of the fragility of life and the common bond of humanity that holds us together.

"At this moment of sorrow and pain, Nigeria stands in solidarity with our friend, brother and partner, Narendra Modi, and the people of India. Nigeria also deeply sympathises with the families and friends of other victims on board the aircraft,'' President Tinubu says.

President Tinubu commends the swift response of the emergency agencies in India and expresses his confidence in their capacity and compassion to make a difference in the complicated situation.

The President prays that the Almighty God will receive the souls of the departed and comfort their families.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

On this significant day, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) extends our congratulations to all Nigerians as we mark twenty-six years of an uninterrupted democratic journey. We particularly salute President Bola Tinubu, who now has the privilege of leading the nation in commemorating Democracy Day—a day that honors the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, unjustly annulled by the then-military regime. Of note we appreciate the state pardon granted to Ken Saro Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine.

PANDEF notes that the profound meaning of this day in Nigeria's checkered democratic history remains a poignant reminder of our bitter-sweet journey and the urgent need for genuine reflection on our present realities.

Successive administrations at all levels, since the beginning of the Fourth Republic, including those in place at present, have made strides toward delivering the basic socio-economic dividends of democracy. Yet, it remains an arduous and sluggish journey. Of deep concern are the persistent challenges that directly confront ordinary Nigerians especially in the critical areas of access to food, security, primary healthcare, basic education and unmitigated environmental degradation of the Niger Delta. 

PANDEF notes that most troubling is the glaring contradiction between the noble ideals and enduring legacy of June 12, as symbolized by the sacrifices of past and surviving heroes and the reality of what can only be described as a creeping authoritarianism in Rivers State. While the nation rightly unites with the President to celebrate Democracy Day, a deeply paradoxical and troubling situation continues to unfold in the strategically important state of Rivers. The people of Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta are being subjected to the erosion democratic institutions and principles of good governance. This portends grave implications for our collective democratic achievements as a country. 

PANDEF therefore calls upon the relevant authorities, most especially, President Bola Tinubu, as the father of the nation, and the National Assembly, led by our own son, Senator Godswill Akpabio to act without delay to restore democratic governance in Rivers State. The prolonged political crisis in the state has created an environment of instability and uncertainty that directly impacts the well-being of everyday citizens.

Additionally, we appeal to all principal political actors and their supporters in Rivers State to immediately "lay down their arms" and embrace the path of peace. As people of common faith, let us be guided by the injunction in Ecclesiastes 3:8: “There is to hate and a time to love, a time for war and a time for peace.” The time for love and peace has come, in solemn honor of the memories of the heroes and martyrs of June 12.

As the apex socio-political body in the South-South region, PANDEF reaffirms our commitment to support all genuine, collective efforts aimed at realizing the foundational ideals of our democracy. Most especially, we pledge to champion the urgent return of accountable, people-driven governance in Rivers State.

Ambassador Dr Godknows Igali

1. Happy democracy day to all Nigerians! Thanks to Senior Pastor Poju Oyemade and the Covenant Nation for the invitation and for their impactful national service in organizing this annual conversation.

2. I was asked to speak on “Rebuilding Our Nation”. This is a short topic but would need volumes of books to address. The topic itself presumes a sense of nostalgia for a “a nation” with a glorious past, and to which we now need to “rebuild”. Several thoughts race through my mind: have we had a nation? I am reminded of the famous quote by the late sage—Chief Obafemi Awolowo who argued that: “Nigeria is not a nation. It is a mere geographical expression...” (Path to Nigerian Freedom, 1947). During the campaign for the federal elections in 1959, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Alhaji Ahmadu Bello were reported to have had exchanges which reflected the fundamental differences about Nigeria among the founding fathers. Zik was reported to have told Bello: “Let us forget our differences”, and Ahmadu Bello retorted: “No, let us understand our differences. I am a Muslim and a Northerner. You are a Christian and an Easterner. By understanding our differences, we can build unity in our country”. Have we had a true country? Chinua Achebe’s view was that “There was a Country”. From Awolowo’s view in 1947 to the views of Ahmadu Bello (1959), and Chinua Achebe (2012), what has changed?

3. Nigeria is said to have about 371 ethnic groups speaking over 500 languages. It is also a multi-religious country. Our current national Anthem, which I love, acknowledges our differences but with a positive affirmation of our resolve to stick together--“though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood, we stand...” The march to nationhood is still an aspirational prayer in the last stanza of our Anthem where we pray to God of all creation to grant this our one request to “help us to build a nation where no one is oppressed, And so with peace and plenty Nigeria may be blessed”.

4. The point must therefore be made that Nigeria, in its chequered history, has always been a work-in-progress in its march towards a more peaceful, united, equitable, and prosperous nation. We need to be intentional about creating what the slogan of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN, 1978-1983) described as “One Nation, One Destiny”. Consequently, it may be more appropriate to possibly rephrase the title for this intervention as: “Creating a Sustainable Nigerian Nation”. This should indeed be the urgent everyday conversation by all Nigerians, and I won’t pretend that I can address it in a few minutes’ conversation. Nigeria was stitched together some 111 years ago and within the first 46 years our founding fathers organized and liberated us from colonial rule. In the last 65 years, we have had chequered experimentations to forge a nation and liberate our people from underdevelopment. I will argue that this second epoch of our “liberation struggle” has not been fought with purpose-driven organizations, with intent to defeat underdevelopment nor have we intentionally created the new Nigerians to forge a new sustainable nation. Mine will just be to provoke debate and not necessarily to provide all the answers.

5. Before we go further, a few caveats are in order. Every Nigerian has his/her long list of what is wrong with Nigeria. I have my own list. But I am not here to rehash the Book of Lamentations. I am a die-hard optimist and believer in Nigeria’s future. I applied for my current job because I believe that I can join millions of Nigerians in the search for solutions. Yes, solutions—not lamentations! I see the Nigerian cup as half full, and not half empty. I carry my own Nigerianness on my head and my dress (see the Eagle). To keep my optimism going, I try a lot of the time to focus more on what is right with or working in, Nigeria. Yes, we still have a very long way to go. But we must appreciate how far we have come.

6. Second, I would disappoint many who would expect me to comment on the economy or to use this forum to offer another “blueprint” for economic reforms. I have access to the FGN to offer my advice, and this platform cannot serve the purpose. But let’s be clear: the audacious structural reforms embarked upon by the current administration of HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR have rescued the economy from the tipping point. The endorsements by the World Bank, IMF, London Financial Times, rating agencies—Fitch, Moody’s, etc—are well deserved. Of course, many people know that I made a living criticising the World Bank and the IMF. As Governor of Anambra, I have even rejected a World Bank loan because of the terms. But on the matter of the trajectory of the current economic reforms, the World Bank etc are largely right (Funny enough, when these institutions criticise the government, some people use them as validation of their own criticisms but when the same institutions give a positive report, they are derided as “neoliberal, out-of-touch institutions”). In 2023, I had described the state of the economy when this government assumed office as akin to a standing dead horse, and public finance was about to tip from insolvency, with potential catastrophic consequences including possible mass retrenchment of workers and/or arrears of salaries and pension. Public finance is back on a solvency path and macro fundamentals are recovering positively. Yes, there are still a lot more to do, but I urge the President and his team to stay the course. Many analysts have interesting “opinions”, but I urge them to go deeper: conduct rigorous counterfactual analysis and provide credible alternatives! As a friend said recently, the task is always easy especially if you are not the one doing it. This is one country where every year, people celebrate the previous year(s) as the “good old days”, and every new regime points out how it is the only one to bring positive change since the world was created.

7. Just like every Nigerian has a long list of what is wrong, so also is the list of “expert solutions”. For many, the list would include: restructuring the federation and a new constitution; collaborative and coordination arrangements among the three tiers of government; tackling corruption; ensuring predictable and stable macro environment (including low and stable inflation and exchange rate); addressing security, law and order; rule of law; state policing; providing infrastructure (especially electricity and transport); food security; addressing poverty and unemployment; investing in people (health, education, and empowering the vulnerable groups); prioritizing technology, industrialization and creative economy; fully exploiting our natural resources; tackling challenges of the environment—desertification, flooding and erosion; ethical and transformational leadership that also delivers efficient, effective, transparent and accountable governance, etc. The list is long but real challenge is HOW to accomplish these, especially given binding resource constraints and the distributional consequences. I won’t waste your time on these.

8. Let me return to the substance of our contribution-- the nature of organization and citizenship required for sustainable nationhood and success in the second “liberation struggle” against underdevelopment. The first is that we must give our politics a soul by intentionally orchestrating ideologically driven political parties. Second, a new Nigerian must be “born again” through ethical-value rebirth. The time for both was yesterday but today is still on time. Tomorrow may be too late.

II: Ideological Foundations for the Next Nigeria: Let’s give a soul to our politics.

9. Ideology is a system of ideas, beliefs and ideals which define our worldview about the economic, social and political organization of a society to guarantee happiness, liberty, and welfare of citizens. Individuals who share a similar ideology form a political party, organize and seek power to govern in accordance with their ideology and its consequential policies and programs. More practically, political parties are grouped as either left of centre or right of centre, depending on their location on the spectrum of neoliberal-progressivism to supra conservatism. There are however different shades in between. But a political party worth its salt must have a defined ideology, from which one can even predict its possible stance/policy on different economic and social issues. Party and government policies and programmes are largely derived from the ideology of the party. A political party that is ideologically driven ensures policy/programme clarity, predictability, and continuity. Without ideology, parties govern by whims and policy/program reversals are common even when the same party retains power. For those who call for policy continuity, they are inadvertently bemoaning the absence of ideology in party or governance. Ideology is therefore the soul of a political party, and in a multi-party democracy, it is the only way to ensure policy/program continuity and sustainable progress.

10. On this score, our past may be the beacon to our future. We seem to have developed backwards, as the gains of the second and third republics in terms of rigorous ideological debates/struggles have literally disappeared. I invite you to review the ideologies/programs of the five and later six political parties in the second republic, 1979-1983 (GNPP, NPN, NPP, PRP, UPN; and NAP). I can still remember their ideologies and cardinal programs, and I miss the rigorous ideological debates among parties of those days. All the six states controlled by Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s UPN implemented its programs on free education and free medical services, and all states of NPN implemented its cardinal programs of mass housing and green revolution, etc. During the third republic, President Babangida experimented with two ideologically defined parties—NRC as right of centre, and SDP -left of centre!

11. What do we have today? What we have is one party, “Nigerian Elite Plc” (NEP), with the sole goal of grabbing power and governing “as the spirit directs” or government by consultants’ “blueprints”. Forget about the different political parties: they are (with one or two exceptions) but different factions of the NEP, largely split by quarrels over exclusion or inclusion in the “dinning table”. Individuals who can’t get a sit at the table suddenly realize that “nothing is working” and either form their own parties or join others to “fight for a better Nigeria” -- a euphemism for “bring me closer” (There are extremely very few exceptions however who are driven by principles). The two parties which control most of Nigerian states are PDP and APC. Can you tell an APC or PDP state if you see one? What is the difference? I don’t know how many politicians today that can hold up and explain/defend the ideologies of their parties. Indeed, the speed with which people switch parties is a testament that political parties are mere platforms of convenient opportunism--- no principles, no public purpose--- only personal convenience! Even the APC started off as a marriage of convenience, with the merger of ACN, ANPP, CPC, and factions of APGA and PDP, with the goal of grabbing power, albeit with avowed social democratic agenda. After 10 years of governing at the centre and controlling most states of Nigeria, it is time to be very intentional about APC’s ideological foundations.

12. I have reviewed the objectives and programs of almost all the registered political parties, and I can confirm that they are largely “copy and paste”—to scale through registration by INEC, with little or no substantive differences. In substance, almost all the political parties subscribe to the social democratic ideals (left of centre). Ideologically speaking, there are no opposition political parties in Nigeria. Any reference to “opposition parties” is mere semantics, and at best refers to factions of NEP currently excluded from the dinning table. In many instances, the executive would still have to “lobby” members of its own party in the legislature to support its agenda.

13. To give our politics content and a soul, things must change. Organizing Nigerians around ideological divides is the sustainable way to mobilize citizens across ethnic and religious divides. It is the surest way for a new politics to evolve from the current “turn by turn” (Chop I Chop politics) to transformational politics of development that guarantees an answer to the prayer contained in the last stanza of our National Anthem. I don’t know how the authentic parties will emerge. But I believe that we should intentionally orchestrate them via legislation or regulation. Without this, our politics will continue to be rudderless.

14. For me and for us at the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), we subscribe to pragmatic progressivism---centrist economic agenda, progressive social charter, with conservative moral values. The five fingers of our programs include: (a)Security, law and order; (b) Infrastructure and economic transformation; (c)human capital and social contract that seeks to leave no one behind; (d)transparent and accountable governance with a new value system; and (e) environmental sustainability—effective physical planning and taming climate change, flood and gully erosion. For us in APGA, Chapter Two of the Constitution “Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy” should be the Bible and Koran of public policy in Nigeria. Chapter Two of Nigerian Constitution provides detailed “Progressive Agenda” designed to give every Nigerian a stake in the survival and prosperity of the country en route to shared nationhood. Our policies on totally free primary and secondary education in public schools plus subsidized mission education as well as free antenatal and free delivery in all public hospitals—which have benefited hundreds of thousands of children and women are part of the progressive agenda, etc. So, if you call for progressives in Nigeria, I will proudly raise my hands and can list a dozen or so policies and interventions of my government in Anambra that are intentionally progressive--- to leave no one behind! Progressivism is not a slogan: it is a social-political movement and ideology.

15. As a first step towards a new party politics in Nigeria, let political parties unite along ideological lines (not necessarily a merger). We should awaken the spirits of Dr. M.I. Okpara, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Mallam Aminu Kano, etc. In 1983, the parties with progressive credentials: Awolowo’s UPN (scientific socialism); Azikiwe’s NPP (neo-welfarism) and Aminu Kano’s PRP (democratic humanism) formed the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) ahead of the 1983 general elections. Their mistake was that they could not field one presidential candidate.

16. On ideological basis, the following parties in Nigeria are largely in the same room and sharing social democratic and centre-left credentials: APGA, APC, LP, SDP, YPP, ZLP, NNPP, PRP, and AA. All these centre-left parties should form the new Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) ahead of the 2027 general elections but avoid the mistake of 1983. Unlike in 1983, the new PPA should field ONE presidential candidate in 2027. The alliance of progressives must refine and deepen the platform of progressivism and keep the flag of reforms flying. Even politicians in PDP with progressive ideological leaning may also join the alliance. Nigerians need to see Progressives Working Together—to deepen and coordinate progressive reforms across all progressive states as happened in the second republic, with impactful results. The others can then organize themselves, perhaps into the Conservative party, and present Nigeria with credible alternatives. This will signal the birth of a new politics for sustainable transformation in Nigeria.

III: Ethical and Value Rebirth: Towards a new Nigerian

17. After fixing our politics, where are the Nigerians to play it or follow? More often, we focus on the leadership. For sure, there is a lot that is wrong with our leadership. But leadership often reflects the larger society--- its values, ethics, culture, beliefs, and expectations. Leaders are products of the society, and you can’t give what you don’t have. Most Nigerians are, through acts of omission and commission, complicit in what ails Nigeria. We must solve it together—through mass involvement and intentional social re-engineering.

18. We must deliberately create a critical mass of ‘new Nigerians’--- who believe in her and are ready, if necessary, to die for her. The struggle for liberation from colonialism would not have been possible without the nationalists of the time, and the current struggle to liberate her from underdevelopment cannot be sustainable with “neo-nationalists” of today. No nation has prospered sustainably without a critical mass of patriotic, vigilant and actively participatory citizenry. So, let the neo-nationalists, ready to die for Nigeria, raise their hands---very few, I guess?

19. So how do we raise the army of Nigerian champions to create the future we desire? The answer is long. The shortest answer is to give the citizens stakes in the society by investing in their future. Examples like the NELFUND (student loan scheme by FGN) as is also the case in Lagos and Kaduna states; cash transfer schemes; Anambra’s One Youth 2skills program creating thousands of youth millionaires, free primary and secondary education, and soon-to-disburse student bursary program, etc—excite the youths/students, and could hopefully create ‘stakeholders’ in the futures project.

20. But we must uproot the debilitating culture of corruption and freebies (easy or free money) and the institutions that are weaponized to sustain them. The “culture” that celebrates and expects something for nothing or wealth without work must give way for a culture that rewards and celebrates hard work, enterprise and integrity. It is my thesis that a society where no one asks/cares about sources of livelihood or where most people expect and celebrate unearned/free money is one where transactional governance will always trump transformational leadership.

21. There is a powerful connection between “freebies culture” and criminality—bribery and corruption, drug trafficking, oil bunkering, internet scams, prostitution, trafficking in persons, banditry and kidnapping, etc. Beneficiaries of these crimes become lords of the manor, brandishing unexplainable wealth and phantom titles for validation while the society cheers in celebration. Surely a society gets more of what it celebrates. For the political class, ethnicity and religion provide easy ladder to the common purse while most of the others (especially in our superstitious society) resort to “magic”. Of course, there is a long thesis about how the pervasive looting of public treasury by politicians and sharing of same to the poor masses over time have numbed public sensitivities and normalized the behaviour to the extent that public officers who leave office “poor” are derided by the same masses as being “stupid”. Tragic! That’s a long topic for another day.

22. There is now a clash of values regarding principles for financial success. The time-tested principles of hard work, enterprise and integrity are being challenged by the “get rich young or die trying” philosophy of teaming millions of youths. Institutions that underpin the new (magical) principles for wealth are booming---native doctors, marabouts, and prosperity pastors promising a crown without the cross. These merchants of wealth by magic deceive millions of youths to shun hard work, expecting “dash” or free/easy money. Consequently, prison yards all over the world and bushes/forests are filled with youths in search of the easy life. Also, a horde of youths throng into politics with the sole intention to loot and not to serve. Are these the youths to build the new Nigeria?

23. To make progress, we must break this vicious “culture” and intentionally promote ethical-value rebirth. Here again, ideology comes as a compass for mass mobilization. This is a national emergency requiring urgent national conversation. Current legislations that literally make the fight a federal government affair are inadequate. The liberation struggle from the clutches of corruption and challenge to the superstitious belief in wealth by magic or miracles must be a mass movement requiring all social forces and organizations--- including churches, Mosques, markets, CSOs, NGOs, etc. Indeed, Nollywood has a pivotal role to play. Inadvertently Nollywood promoted this superstitious belief in wealth via cultism or ritual and millions of our youths believe same to be true. Nollywood is critical in the mental and cultural reconstruction. We need a Citizens’ Code of Conduct and re-invent institutions like the erstwhile War Against Indiscipline and corruption, MAMSER and mainstream them with national, state, local government, and community institutions. Our curriculum in primary and secondary schools must include Civics and Nationalism.

24. In Anambra and as part of our fight against criminality, we decided to go to the roots and seek to uproot the institutions that give the criminals a false sense of invincibility and promise of wealth by magical means. With our novel Homeland Security Law (enacted in January 2025), we have criminalized the practice by native doctors and others that promise wealth by magical means, use of any property for manufacture, sale or consumption of illicit drugs and kidnapping, etc. We have challenged anyone to come and prove that one can be wealthy through magic (if it were so, then the native doctors or some pastors should be the richest people on earth). Under our law, anyone could be questioned to explain his or her source of wealth, and we have also stopped indiscriminate award of phantom chieftaincy titles especially to persons without verifiable means of livelihood. The criminal and shady native doctors are on the run from Anambra—“Oso Soludo”, and together with the efforts of our security forces, this has brought crime rate to the lowest ever—we believe that Anambra is now the safest state in Nigeria. We have a massive re-orientation program especially challenging these superstitious beliefs in wealth through magic or miracles and systematically rescuing our youths—and redirecting them back to basics---hard work, enterprise and integrity as proven template for sustainable wealth. We are happy that some other states are following our template in this regard.

25. Our government is living by example—in austere prudence, transparency and accountability. In three years, we have not borrowed one kobo, devoting 77% of our spending on capital projects and the results of our transformation are evident.

26. As a country, we must design conscious programs to kill religious and ethnic bigotry. We need a national conversation around citizenship versus indigenship versus residency. Can we create a Nigeria where “state of origin” or religion will no longer be a defining basis to participate/benefit from the public space? A new Nigerian personality will never emerge if one is constantly reminded that irrespective of how many years or generations you have lived and even invested in a place and paid taxes all your life, you still don’t “belong” there because of your or your parent’s “state of origin”. Part of the national conversation should include a Bureau to address grievances against the Nigerian state. Part of the process of building a nation state is ongoing, open and constructive dialogue.

27. In Anambra, we have been trying some experiments with impressive successes. Our philosophy of governance is summarized by the slogan: “One State, One People, One Agenda”. We do not see the senatorial zones or religion or religious denominations. We prioritize our programs by need designed to lift all boats up especially the most neglected sections of society rather than nepotism or patronage. The five new general hospitals I have completed in three years are all in the North senatorial zone (the zone of my immediate predecessor) and none in my southern zone, and my most celebrated urban regeneration at Okpoko is also in the north zone, etc. We have erased the tensions among Christian denominations to the extent that the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN—Anglicans, Methodist, Salvation Army, etc) gave us an award as “Father of Ecumenism” and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) agreed. I have appointed permanent secretaries from Abia and Osun states, while my political appointees also come from Kogi, Ebonyi, Imo, Delta, Enugu and Imo states. Indeed, the 8,115 new teachers and over 1,000 medical professionals we recruited come from 18 states of Nigeria. We must intentionally mainstream One Nigeria with One Destiny. It may be subtle but a powerful way to create true Nigerians. On dealing with religion, Nigeria has something important to learn from the Yorubas where in a family the husband could be a Muslim, the wife a pastor, while the children choose their religion. Such a level of religious tolerance should be a template for the next Nigeria, and President Tinubu is a leader in this regard.

28. We must now conclude. Nigeria is God’s greatest gift to the black race. I am a Pan-Africanist, still dreaming of the United States of Africa, with Nigeria at its core. I believe that this century is ours to claim and to dominate the next century. But it all depends on what foundation our generation lays today for our future generations. Frantz Fanon reminds us that “each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it”. As pilgrims here on earth, there is no time to waste. Complaint or protest is good but better to do something constructive about the subject of complaint.

29. Organization is power. A fundamental step towards a sustainable Nigerian nation is for all apostles of progressive change to unite around a consolidated agenda for sustainable national rebirth. For starters, all the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) states should guarantee access to qualitative and truly free and compulsory primary education as well as free secondary education, and mass access to qualitative health care. They should also commit to a timeline to make key provisions of Chapter Two of the Constitution (which contains the principles for progressive change) enforceable. This would be the barge of progressivism and the foundation to give every child and every citizen a reasonable stake in the new Nigeria. We can’t ask for their patriotism if we have not invested systematically in their future. Let the conversation continue...

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!