The focus of the Federal Civil Service Commission ( FCSC) on enthroning meritocracy in the nation's civil service is in sync with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, especially his expressed desire to run a government of national competence, according to Prof. Tunji Olaopa.

Prof. Olaopa who is the Chairman of the FCSC, spoke at the weekend at a meeting during the courtesy call by the leadership of the Alumni Association of Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI).

The executive of LMI was led by its President, Abubakar Tijjani-Garba, during a courtesy visit to Olaopa in his office in Abuja.

The LMI is a fellowship founded by Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, CFR, the 9th Speaker of the House of Representatives and the current Chief of Staff to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

According to Olaopa, the FCSC is being repositioned to restore the prime place of merit in career management in the civil service, through a concerted strategy for a structured and more systematic execution of the merit principle, and therewith, reprofile its application in the implementation of the federal character policy within the framework of an overarching strategy to restore competency-based operations and human resource management in the civil service.

To him, the overall objective of the quest for meritocracy is the recreation of the glorious days of the civil service of the 1960s and the 1970s and thereby transform the service into a world-class institution.

The professor of public administration said that even before he was appointed as the chairman of the FCSC, he had been interested in the notion of a government of national competence as espoused by His Excellency the President. Thus, he is interested in creating an enabling climate within the space governed by the FCSC, that will encourage more talented youths and high-end professionals to want to make a career in the public service.

According to him, the FCSC is aware of the imperative to make the civil service attractive to the millennial generation and Gen Z.

He said this whole dynamic will lead to job re-evaluation, the rethinking of the intellectual bases of skills of the many cadres in the service and their re-skilling, and institution of a more competitive and affordable wage system operated within technical-rational parameters as a "basis for significant restoration of the Federal Government status as an employer of choice in the national economy".

While he noted the importance of youths showing interest in the civil service, he, however, acknowledged that the sector is not meant for all-comers.

According to him, some youths will go into the military, the private sector, self-employment and other endeavours outside the civil service. Meaning that there is a specific orientation that recommends a professional public servant and some distinct attributes that stand him or her out.

Acknowledging the vital place of the youths in national development, Olaopa said that they "constitute a template for rewriting the dynamism of the national project burdened by the tragic narratives of ethno-regional and religious issues ".

Consequently, he noted that whatever would strengthen what he identified as the youth agenda would require significant reforms in the public, civic society and in the education sector. Thus for him, what is needed in the educational sector is not just book learning but intentional drive to support mental remodeling to build national capacity for "learning to live together" as " a significant component of national values reorientation to harness and transform our diversity into a defining social capital".

In this regard, he commended the vision of Gbajabiamila to prepare the younger Nigerians through LMI for pubic sector leadership. He said Gbajabiamila continued to commit his resources to LMI even after transiting from the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to the office of the Chief of Staff to the President.

Earlier, Tijjani-Garba said that they were at the commission to express appreciation to Olaopa for his contribution to LMI and especially his role as a mentor to its members. He said his books had greatly impacted their lives.

Tijjani-Garba outlined some of the coming programmes of the LMI that he urged Olaopa to support. They include the birthday of LMI's founder Gbajabiamila that will be celebrated on Democracy Day.

Other programmes include the launch of an alumni book where they want Olaopa to be the reviewer , and a pre-United Nations Assembly event.

The members of the LMI also want to canvass a review of the nation's educational curriculum and embark on a give-back to the community programme that include tree planting and a novelty match.

LMI fellowship is designed to equip young Nigerians with the necessary knowledge, skills, competence and experience to take on public sector leadership effectively. Since its inception in 2022, it has recorded significant milestones and graduated exceptional young leaders that have gone on to assumed important leadership roles across the country.

Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

Permit me to proceed without the pleasantries of office…but do accept all the courtesies of the office.

When you assumed office two years ago on May 29, 2023, you invoked a “Renewed Hope Agenda.” You promised to dismantle the “chokehold on our nation’s neck”—fuel subsidies and a corrupt exchange-rate regime—declaring, “The hardest decisions are often the least popular, but the most necessary.” Your words echoed the resolve of King David in the Christian Holy Book, who crushed Sheba’s rebellion to preserve Israel’s unity. Today, Nigeria stands at a similar precipice. History will judge whether you seized this moment to steer us from the doldrums or retreated when courage was paramount.

King David’s throne was threatened not just by external enemies but by internal fractures. When Sheba incited revolt, David acted swiftly, dispatching loyalists to quell discord. His lesson? Leadership demands choosing “the difficult right over the easy wrong.” You, too, faced a nation “drifting perilously toward the abyss”. Your Day One reforms—subsidy removal and naira floatation—were Davidic in boldness. As your aide Bayo Onanuga noted, Nigeria was hemorrhaging ₦4 trillion in subsidy debts, while arbitrageurs exploited multiple exchange rates. You broke this “stranglehold on our future”.

Yet, like David, you govern amid fury. Inflation soared to 34%, food prices spiked 40%, and protests erupted over “colossal suffering”. Nigerians ask: Where are the tangible gains?

Two years on, your administration touts macroeconomic victories: External reserves surged from $4 billion to $38–$40 billion. GDP growth hit 4.6% in Q4 2024—a decade high. Tax revenues doubled, with states receiving ₦6 trillion extra to build roads and schools. Security gains include a 28% drop in violent crime and 8,000 terrorists eliminated. And these are figures I do not want to contest!

But macroeconomic metrics ring hollow to the mother in Kano paying more than ₦900/litre for fuel or the farmer in Benue fleeing bandits. The World Bank acknowledges reforms have yet to ease poverty or food insecurity. As Atiku Abubakar lamented, Nigeria now hosts “class-based systems where the wealthy enjoy VIP treatment” while the poor fight for crumbs.

Where is the Renewed Hope for them?

Like David, you cannot turn back. Sheba’s rebellion grew when unity frayed; Nigeria’s fissures—ethnic distrust, youth disillusionment, sectarian violence—demand the same strategic resolve.

There is a need to double down on economic reforms: Subsidy removal saved us from collapse, but the BUA Group chairman captured the irony: We subsidized entire regions, with Niger Republic thanking us for cheap fuel. Now, consumption has dropped 40–50% as smuggling eases. Use these savings to accelerate infrastructure: The Lagos-Calabar Highway and Sokoto-Badagry road promise ₦1.3 trillion annually when completed. Partner the private sector on PPPs like the Dasin Hausa Dam and MediPool medical hubs.

Restore Security—The bedrock of prosperity: farmers are “returning to their fields” in the Northwest, yet banditry festers. Replicate the success of the National Command and Control Centre, which slashed emergency response times by 43%. Deploy tech-driven solutions—e-gates, biometric screening—beyond airports to flashpoints.

Invest in Nigeria’s true wealth: Its people: The 3 Million Technical Talent Initiative trained 750,000 youths in AI and mechatronics of. Scale this! Link student loans (now accessed by 500,000) to job creation in agriculture and renewables. As the BUA chairman urged: “Bet on Nigeria”. His $1 billion investments prove confidence follows boldness.

Mr. President, history remembers David not for his perfection but for his unwavering commitment to Israel’s survival. You stand at a similar crossroads. As one citizen wrote: “This is not just a documentary. It is the story of a nation refusing to fail”. But hope is fraying.

Do not confuse criticism with rejection. When Abigail confronted David, she saved him from “bloodguilt” by speaking hard truths respectfully. Nigerians seek that dialogue: We see your reforms’ potential but demand empathy in execution. Ease food inflation with targeted subsidies for farmers. Make state governors accountable for federal allocations. Silence critics not with rhetoric but with results.

Mr. President I have an unyielding resolve why I will not turn my back on Nigeria

And permit me to explain in this manner, in Nigeria’s spiritual and civic landscape, the hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” resonates with renewed urgency. Its declaration—“No turning back, no turning back”—transcends religious devotion to embody a patriotic covenant for every citizen who refuses to abandon Nigeria despite her trials. This profound vow mirrors the unwavering commitment required to nurture our nation toward its destined greatness. As political storms rage and institutions falter, this anthem becomes my moral compass, demanding not passive allegiance but active fidelity to truth and justice.

Nigeria stands at a spiritual and civic crossroads. Many young Nigerians, disillusioned by institutional failures, are re-evaluating their commitments—whether shifting from Christianity/Islam to indigenous beliefs or questioning national loyalties. This introspection reflects a deeper hunger for authentic integrity in both faith and citizenship. Just as the hymn’s early adherents faced persecution for their resolve, modern patriots confront the cost of loving a nation scarred by corruption, violence, and inequality. Yet true patriotism, like true faith, thrives not in comfort but in courageous constancy. The hymn’s refrain rejects retreat, compelling us to plant our feet firmly on Nigerian soil and declare: This homeland is worth the struggle.

To “follow Jesus” in Nigeria today is to embrace His defiance of corrupt authority. It demands that we channel spiritual resolve into civic courage: Condemn Corruption: Like the $6.2 million stolen from the Central Bank under false pretenses, systemic graft persists because too many choose silence over risk. Challenge Injustice: The political turmoil in Rivers State, where youths clashed over legitimacy, exemplifies the bloodshed bred when truth-tellers retreat. Reject False Nationalism: Christian and Islamic nationalism that conflates divine mandate with political dominance betrays the hymn’s call to sacrificial service.

Patriotism here is neither flag-waving nor anthem-singing—it is the uncomfortable labor of holding power accountable, knowing backlash may follow.

Nigeria’s redemption lies in our stubborn refusal to flee. Abuja and Lagos rank among Africa’s cheapest cities for expatriates, yet this “affordability” underscores the poverty strangling millions. Our resolve mirrors the hymn’s “Though none go with me, I will follow.” We must anchor in community, reject isolationist piety; true patriotism builds bridges across ethnic and religious divides.

We must invest in justice, support anti-corruption institutions to do the right thing, and protect whistleblowers.

As historian Chijioke Ngobili observes, Nigeria’s youth—future “intellectuals, politicians, capitalists and policymakers”—hold the keys to national renewal. Our exodus would ensure her collapse; our steadfastness births her resurrection.

“I have decided to follow Jesus” is more than a hymn—it is a civic oath. Nigeria’s wounds—from oil spills in Bayelsa to political violence in Rivers and banditry and terror in the North—cry out for citizens who will not barter conscience for comfort. Let us stand where others flee, speak where others whisper, and build where others destroy. With the martyrs’ resolve, we declare to our motherland: “The world behind me, the cross before me—no turning back.” For in her soil lies our sacred duty; in her future, our divine destiny.

Mr. President, you once declared, “The mission continues”. Two years ago, you broke the eggs to make Nigeria’s omelette. Today, citizens starve as the pan heats. Yet turning back now would waste every sacrifice. History’s verdict hinges on whether you channel David’s resolve: Crush the rebellions of corruption, apathy, and division. Stitch Nigeria’s fraying fabric with equity and vision. Then—and only then—will Renewed Hope become tangible.

No retreat, Mr. President. No turning back—May Nigeria win!

—

The age-old saying, “Politics is a dirty game,” has rarely found more vivid expression than in the recent storm swirling around Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State. That expression, steeped in the bitter truth of betrayals, propaganda, emotional manipulation, and character assassination, perfectly captures what the embattled governor is facing in the wake of fresh controversy sparked by a resurfaced video of his own daughter accusing him of complicity in her mother’s death.

The late Mrs. Patience Eno, the state’s former First Lady, was reportedly lost to an illness in September 2024. By all official accounts, her passing was peaceful and in the presence of family. However, a disturbing video, now making the rounds again after initially emerging shortly after her death, paints a different picture, one soaked in grief, suspicion, and political undertones.

In the video, Jane Eddidiong Ufot, who serves as the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Health, Safety, and Environment, emotionally accuses her father of having “sacrificed” her mother and warns of a potential threat to her own life and that of her daughter. It is a deeply personal and painful outburst, one that could easily be dismissed as a trauma-induced breakdown, if not for the fact that its circulation has been strategically timed to coincide with the governor’s second anniversary in office.

Let us not be naïve: this is not just a family squabble aired in public, it is political warfare. Governor Eno has called the re-emergence of the video a calculated move by political enemies to destabilize his government and distract from his administration’s achievements. And he may be right. After all, why else would a video recorded in the raw days of grief suddenly resurface months later, just as the governor is celebrating governance milestones?

This is the classic playbook of dirty politics, weaponize personal tragedy, fracture public trust, and exploit internal vulnerabilities. The tragic part is that it works. When a man is accused by his own blood, public sympathy wanes fast, and political vultures smell blood in the water.

Even more telling is how the rumor mill kicked into high gear immediately after the governor appointed his eldest daughter, Lady Helen Obareki, to fill the role of First Lady and continue her late mother’s humanitarian work. This decision, logical and perhaps therapeutic within the family, was quickly twisted by detractors and gossips into whispers of a “second wife” and “hidden motives”, all without concrete proof.

Let us be blunt: Nigerian politics has never played by clean rules. It is a cutthroat arena where anything, even the death of a loved one, can be turned into a tool of destruction. From the tribal to the religious, from the economic to the deeply personal, no aspect of a politician’s life is off-limits.

Governor Eno’s case is both a personal tragedy and a political nightmare. A grieving father is now forced to explain his innocence not just to his daughter but to an unforgiving political class and an ever-curious public. His plea, “even in politics, families should be off-limits”, might resonate morally, but in the dirty game of politics, morality is a distant second to manipulation.

This saga should serve as a stark warning: those who seek public office in Nigeria must be prepared not only for opposition but for a level of personal vilification that borders on the satanic. The lines between family, governance, and warfare are increasingly blurred.

As Akwa Ibom continues to watch this drama unfold, one can only hope that the truth prevails and that political ambition does not permanently scar a grieving family. Because if the resurgence of Jane’s video is indeed the handiwork of political foes, then we must admit it: politics in Nigeria is not just dirty, it is dangerous.

At this juncture, it is expedient to ask that now that the governor’s daughter has spilled the beans, whether factual or not, “How can such personal attacks be mitigated politically?”

The answer to the foregoing question cannot be farfetched as mitigating personal attacks in politics, especially in a high-stakes environment like Nigeria, requires a multi-pronged approach. While it is impossible to eliminate them entirely (because politics will always have its dark players), political figures can take the following strategic, proactive, and reactive measures to lessen their impact.

First is to tighten the family circle and maintain internal unity. Why the foregoing strategy matters is that when a family member becomes the weapon, it hits harder than any opponent’s jab. Then, it is germane to ask about what should be done. Again, the answer to the foregoing question cannot be farfetched as political figures must ensure strong emotional, psychological, and communication support within the family. Grievances should be addressed privately and early. Therapy, counseling, and even regular family roundtables are not luxuries, they are survival tools.

In a similar vein, there is the need to always control the narrative through strategic communication. Why it matters is that if you do not tell your story, someone else will, and they will twist it.

What to do: Have a proactive media strategy in place, with regular updates about both governance and family milestones. In the face of a smear campaign, respond quickly, calmly, and factually, not emotionally. Use trusted voices, press briefings, and social media to get ahead of the story.

Also in a similar vein is the need for the deployment of reputation management experts, and why it matters is that public perception is everything.

What to do: Every high-profile political figure should have a PR team that monitors public sentiment, tracks damaging trends online, and crafts real-time responses. This isn’t just damage control—it’s political defense.

Again, there is the need to always digitally monitor and archive sensitive content as videos and voice notes can be easily doctored, leaked, or misrepresented. In addressing purifying this aspect of the dirty water in politics, it is expedient to anticipate that anything sensitive, especially family grievances, can go public. Use cybersecurity tools and legal measures to track the sources of leaks and hold perpetrators accountable. Legal threats or suits can deter repeat offenses.

Added to the foregoing viewpoints, there also the need to humanize, but never over-explain. Why it matters is that oversharing can fuel more gossip. Therefore, in responding to attacks, there is the need to show humanity without desperation. A simple message like, “My daughter is grieving. Like any family, we have had our challenges. Please respect our privacy,” goes further than dragging the family drama into a political arena.

Also in a similar vein is the need to build a loyalty-driven Inner circle. Why it also matters is that betrayals rarely come from strangers. Therefore, surround yourself with aides, advisers, and staff who are personally loyal, not just politically convenient. Vet people for loyalty as much as for competence. The most damaging attacks often come from within.

In fact, in swimming out from muddy political water, it is essential to use legal and institutional channels. Why the foregoing matters is that lies repeated without rebuttal become truth in politics. Therefore, it is expedient to file defamation suits where appropriate. Demand retractions. Petition regulatory bodies like the NBC (National Broadcasting Commission) or social media platforms to remove malicious content. Even if these do not yield immediate results, they create a paper trail that demonstrates seriousness.

Again, there is the need to appeal to the Public Conscience, tactfully. Why this also matters is that the court of public opinion is where most battles are won. Therefore, carefully appeal to Nigerians’ sense of decency: “Today it’s me, tomorrow, it could be your father, brother, or husband.” This often softens public anger and shifts focus from rumors to reality.

Also, stay focused on governance. Why it matters is that performance silences many critics. So, let your work speak. When citizens see roads, jobs, healthcare, and empowerment, they are less interested in gossip. Political noise is loudest when there is a vacuum in leadership performance.

Also, there is the need to build media relationships before crisis hits. This is because you will need allies in the media. The question again is, “What should be done then?” Cultivate relationships with reputable journalists and media houses. When crisis hits, these allies can help shape public discourse in your favor or, at the very least, give you a fair hearing.

The bottom line is that politics in Nigeria is war without bullets, but just as lethal. The best way to survive personal attacks is to prepare for them before they happen, respond to them with wisdom, and never let them derail your purpose.

In a country where bravery among uniformed officers is fast becoming a rare commodity, and where integrity is often sacrificed on the altar of bribery and self-preservation, the gallant action of Prince Orji Ugochukwu, a Nigerian Immigration Officer stationed at Gbaji along the Seme border, is nothing short of heroic. His decision to apprehend a wanted kidnapper and ritualist, despite pressure and a ₦10 million bribe offer, stands as a shining example of courage, professionalism, and patriotism in action.

It is often said that character is revealed not in comfort, but in the face of pressure. Officer Ugochukwu faced such pressure on a quiet Wednesday afternoon, while discharging his routine duty at his checkpoint on the busy Seme Road. What seemed like a normal patrol day quickly turned into a defining moment for his career and a point of pride for the Immigration Service.

According to his own account, he noticed a man on a motorcycle whose face struck a chord of familiarity. It did not take long before he remembered seeing the same face in viral photos of a wanted man, identified as Ezeani, also known by the aliases “Ichie Billion” and “E Dey Play E Dey Show”. The suspect had been on the run, accused of serious crimes including kidnapping and ritual killings.

Ugochukwu signaled for the motorcycle to stop. The rider ignored him and sped off. Many would have given up at that point, letting the suspect slip through the cracks. But not this officer. Acting swiftly, he mounted another bike and gave chase, overtaking the suspect at a second checkpoint farther down the road. He instructed the rider carrying the suspect to turn back toward his checkpoint, and this time, joined them on the bike to ensure no escape.

It was during this journey that the suspect began a desperate attempt to buy his way to freedom. First came the denial: He claimed the viral photos were of his brother, and that he was merely returning from a bank visit in Agbara. Then came the offers,  a staggering ₦10 million in cash, followed by a brand new iPhone 13 Pro Max, and a Tecno Camon 19. He pleaded. He lied. He tried every trick in the book to convince the officer to let him go.

But Officer Ugochukwu stood firm. He rejected all bribe offers and insisted on following protocol. Upon returning to his checkpoint, he snapped new pictures of the suspect and shared them with the Seme Border Patrol Command for verification. Once confirmation came that he had indeed apprehended the wanted man, he handcuffed the suspect and transported him directly to the Command’s head office.

The story could have ended there, another criminal caught, another day at work, but this is where we must all pause and reflect.

Given the height of bravery and integrity exhibited by Officer Ugochukwu, it is not out of place in this context to opine that he deserves to be celebrated.  The reason why he should be celebrated cannot be farfetched as he resisted a ₦10 million bribe.

In a country where stories of security operatives accepting bribes for even minor infractions are common, Ugochukwu’s decision to turn down such a massive offer is extraordinary. ₦10 million is not pocket change. In today’s Nigeria, where economic hardship is biting harder than ever, many would have taken the money, cooked up an excuse, and turned a blind eye. But Ugochukwu held the line.

In a similar vein, he unarguably risked his life.  This is as the suspect he apprehended was not an ordinary petty thief. He was a notorious kidnapper and money ritualist, whose crimes had allegedly terrorized entire communities. Chasing such an individual alone, without backup, shows a level of bravery that cannot be overstated. He put his own safety on the line for the greater good, and that is what true service is about.

Also in a similar vein, he protected national security. The foregoing view can be understood from the perspective of the fact that the Seme border is a critical exit route for criminals seeking to escape Nigerian jurisdiction. Had Ezeani successfully crossed over into Benin Republic or any neighboring country, extraditing him might have become a diplomatic nightmare. Ugochukwu’s swift response and commitment to duty closed that window permanently.

Not only the foregoing, he upheld the reputation of the immigration Service. In fact, this arrest comes at a time when public confidence in law enforcement is dangerously low. With stories of officers aiding criminals, harassing civilians, or participating in crimes themselves, Officer Ugochukwu’s act provides a rare moment of pride for the Nigerian Immigration Service. He has reminded Nigerians that the uniform can still stand for honour.

At this juncture, it is germane to ask, “What should be done now? The answer to the foregoing question cannot be farfetched as there is no denying the fact that gallantry must be rewarded.  If we fail to recognize and publicly honour people like Officer Ugochukwu, we create a vacuum, one that corruption will quickly fill. His action must not be treated as a routine duty but as a case study in integrity and courage.

Given the foregoing view that surrounds Officer Ugochukwu’s rare act of bravery and integrity, it would not be too much for the Federal Government to consider him for a National Honour, such as the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). This is not just about rewarding him, it is about encouraging others. A clear message must be sent: Integrity and bravery are valued and will be honored in Nigeria.

In a similar vein, the Nigerian Immigration Service must act swiftly to promote him. His current rank should be reviewed in light of this heroic act, and an official commendation letter should be made public. A decorated officer becomes a role model for others in the force.

Also in a similar vein, philanthropists, civil society groups, and corporate organizations should consider rewarding this officer in their own capacity. Whether through a financial grant, scholarship for advanced training, or sponsorship to international security workshops, every token of appreciation counts. It tells our security personnel that integrity does pay, even if slowly.

In fact, in the midst of Nigeria’s multifaceted crises, insecurity, economic hardship, and moral erosion, stories like this are rare lifelines. They restore hope. They remind us that not everyone has sold their conscience. Prince Orji Ugochukwu’s refusal to accept a bribe, his courage to act when many would have looked away, and his loyalty to his badge are all reasons to celebrate him.

We must go beyond social media applause and WhatsApp status updates. Let this story be told in schools, in training academies, in town halls, and on national TV. Let the young see that choosing the right path, even when no one is watching, can still be worthwhile.

If we truly want to build a better Nigeria, we must start by recognizing the few who dare to do well. Officer Prince Orji Ugochukwu did not just arrest a criminal; he revived a nation’s hope in justice. And for that, he must be celebrated.

The book, Demonstration of Craze: Struggles and Transition to Democracy in Nigeria” by Abdul Oroh, is a 614-page effort segmented into 30 chapters, with an estimated word count of three hundred thousand (300,000).  It is above average in volume and spans multiple nonfiction genres, including autobiography, history, politics, philosophy, sociology, and, in some places, religion, with a few auto-transcendental reflections, such as "voodooism." From his account, it took him about four years to accomplish, crossing countries to find serenity, talking and meeting with editors for second and third opinions, and more, as well as combing archives for supporting materials. It has become a compendium, likely his most significant volume on Earth. It is not the type that can be done repeatedly. Nevertheless, it is worth it, after all. 

Hon. Oroh began in the early chapters by transporting readers to his initial years, his roots and routes, presenting his ancestry in the manner in which you are likely to ask little or no question about Ubiaro, his place of birth, his parentage, family and the overarching picture of the former Bendel state, now Edo and Delta states. He moved on to the neighbouring chapter to demonstrate his promise as a young person, his potential for agitation and the signposts of restlessness.  

Courage, conviction, tenacity, and adventure were also in evidence, and at the age of 17, as on Page 16, he thought he was old enough to engage in adult fantasies and indulgences. Hon. Oroh is also lavish in his penetrating analysis of the evolution of Nigerian politics, weaving this with economic and sociological antecedents, as well as the nation's experiences with friction, conflict, and war. In what he argued reflects the nation's multi-ethnicity, the struggle for consensus, and the continuing challenges of growth and development, he is imbued with hope if efforts are made to fit the pieces in the right places in the jigsaw.  

Moving into the trenches from the newsroom, the author exemplified the quintessential writer and investigative journalist in him, summarising his outstanding travels in this field as a professional. His exploits at The African Guardian were prominent, especially in his newsbreaks, phenomenal interviews, and leadership in news analysis. The change agency within him as a journalist made his detour into the trenches seamless.  He was not alone in the dugouts, as in journalism. He had good companies, excellent mentors and beacons on whose trainings he also became. In the trenches, too, he powered on with a libertarian spirit, trusting in human rights and the dignity of the citizen and committing to struggling against violations.  

Operating alongside others on the pedestal of the foremost Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), the writer detailed their fights, revealing the salutary paths of legends like Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Ayo Obe, Chima Ubani, Chidi Odin Kalu, and a host of other important figures. Hon. Oroh was not done as the book progresses. He is praiseful of freedom, emancipation and the rights of citizens, showcasing in a telling and compelling narrative how the military impostors violated these. 

Many were the stories of monitoring their activities, arrests, detentions without trial, escapes, and assassinations, including those of Dele Giwa of the defunct News Watch magazine. His paths, those of CLO and its leadership, as well as those of journalists and advocacy newspapers, including the efforts of other civil society organisations (CSOs), were effortlessly recounted, considering his first-person participant-observatory and sometimes ethnographic depiction of what transpired in those days.  

Expectedly, he was not silent on the June 12, 1993, presidential election, a pivotal event that triggered protests and challenged those who sought to maintain the status quo. He thought the military took a Machiavellian advantage of the system, deploying brute force to infringe on citizens' rights. He fought. They fought. They were arrested. Some died in the process. Others escaped. Some others were jailed. Some lived through it, ironically profiting from an emergent prominence. 

A few others remained undaunted and are still as principled as they once were. The narratives are as clear as crystal, ceasing the reader's imagination to no end and erasing further curiosity about what happened then. The authors' prison experiences were predictably detailed from one centre to another, from one supervising agency to another, and then to a narrative of the state of detention facilities.  

Terrible. Unimaginable. Dehumanising. Reductionist and unfair. He woke up every day wondering if he would ever come out alive. What would become of his wife, Oseme, who was still all over him in detention and their newborns? Eventually, the man managed to come out as a free man. Halleluiah!  Hon. Oroh was aware of the local and global dimensions of their struggles for freedom, as well as the support and clamour for their liberty. The consciousness was therapeutic, leading to a consequential detailing of the internal and external calls. The binary may not have resulted in his immediate freedom, but it added to his argument that they should emerge alive.  

While the Fela Anikulapo-Kuti rebel philosophies are an obvious subtext in the title of the book, the ideas of the fabulous singer kept resurfacing in the body of the work, particularly in the build-up to democratisation under Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd)'s transitional administration. To the author, it was an "Army Arrangement", even though saluted as a breath of fresh air. 

He revealed his knowledge of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and aspects of his administration. From the stability, the promise of sustainability, and the third-term challenge, the writer presented the leader as a man of many parts, with the capacity to be either gung-ho or peaceful. He had begun the book from home, went on an intellectual excursion elsewhere, and started returning home to his state of origin, dwelling on processes and personalities in the closing chapters.  

Here, the rise and rise of Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole were palpable, including an exploration of his administration, his feats and memorable styles, and the author's role as a commissioner. Hon. Oroh did not just document his understanding of that administration but dwelled on the condition and potential of the state. Consequently, look no further if you want a patriotic citizen of a state. Envisioned in all these is his experience as a member of the House of Representatives, where he participated and witnessed politics, politricks, reward, compensation, loyalty, betrayals, manoeuvres, and horse-trading - away from the newsroom and activism.  

No doubt his "Magnum Opus", but like all such works, it has not come without a few limitations. First, before he became a representative in the National Assembly, all the cars Hon. Oroh rode had been tokunbo. His first official car as a representative was a brand-new Peugeot 406. I was waiting to see this in the book, but I did not. Second, Hon. Oroh's middle region (or stomach) protrudes easily, just like mine. He was not specific about how the exercise he did in prison caused the protrusion to recede inward, allowing him to pass for a model immediately after his release. 

Aside from these two jocular points and some permissible writing idiosyncrasies, the book is an excellent product of a hardworking, dutiful and conscientious citizen whose life has been painstakingly dedicated to the common good. Whichever side you belong to, Hon. Oroh passes as an enigmatic nation builder, a courageous advocate for justice and fairness, a journalist, lawyer, activist, and politician whose legacy will not be forgotten in a hurry.  

This book is undoubtedly suitable for both academic and general reading in the fields of activism, law, history, political science, and sociology, as well as for a secular understanding of a particular era in Nigeria. It is therefore highly recommended for one and all. Congratulations, Hon. Oroh.

Adeniyi is a professor of communication and registrar at Baze University, Abuja. 

A former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru El-rufai has querried the current leadership structure in Nigeria, noting that the country has been taken over by urban bandits.

El-rufai made the disclosure in Abuja on Saturday at the 60th birthday lecture of the former Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, with the theme “Weaponization of Poverty in Nigeria.”

He said, “Nigeria is in its biggest trouble since 1914 and that is why we are together working and conspiring to build a coalition to take Nigeria back on track because it is off track.

“It has turned to this level because we have allowed bandits, not the ones in the bushes but the ones in the urban areas called the urban bandits to take over leadership.

“I believe that the problem that we have, which I think (former) Governor Babangida referred to, is that we just get incompetent people and we hand over leadership to them. Most of them don’t really know what to do. They just know how to grab power but don’t know what to do with it.”

He said Nigerians must stand up and vote leaders that have the competence, capability, capacity and commitment to move the country forward.

[DailyTrust]

Four days after the devastating flood that swept through Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, residents are still frantically searching for bodies of their loved ones to ensure they are given a proper burial.

DAILY POST reports that official figures have already put the death toll at 151, with more than 100 others still missing

The magnitude and suddenness of the disaster shocked the community to its core and left 50 houses destroyed, about 3,018 persons homeless, with many of those affected currently taking refuge at the Mokwa Central Primary School provided by the local government.

The disaster, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) was triggered by a downpour that lasted several hours, causing homes to be submerged and buildings to collapse.

In an update on Saturday, Niger State Government disclosed that the death toll from the flood had risen from initial 21 on Thursday to 151.

According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), in a statement by its Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah, the disaster has also resulted in 11 people sustaining various levels of injuries, 3,018 persons displaced, and 50 households destroyed.

NSEMA also said 265 houses were affected across three communities, two roads washed away, as well as two bridges destroyed

Earlier, Baba-Arah during a visit to the area said the Agency received a report of a deadly flood disaster that ravaged two communities, Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa, in Mokwa town, Mokwa LGA last Thursday.

According to him, “In response, the agency in collaboration with Mokwa local government saw that this flood is beyond our imagination.

“We have never witnessed anything like this before. The people affected are the poorest of the poor, many with large families.

“Even Islamic scholars reside in the affected areas. The corpses of the almajiri haven’t been counted yet because we still don’t have a record of their number.

“We are talking about a large number of people who died. This is not a small area where you can easily count the number of corpses,” he said.

He emphasized that so far, he had personally counted over 40 corpses buried on Friday.

“Even today alone, we discovered more than five. There are still corpses trapped under collapsed buildings,” he stated.

However, eyewitness accounts gave a painful scenario of the development, stating that more than 200 corpses were buried on Friday alone, while many more are still unaccounted for.

This position contradicts NSEMA’s account of recovering 151 bodies on Saturday.

However, they noted that while the road to recovery will be long, their immediate priority remains saving lives and ensuring the dead receive a proper burial.

One of the grieving residents, Alhaji Belle Ibrahim, who lost his entire family in the flood.said, “I am still searching for their remains to give them a proper burial”.

The victim narrated how the floodwaters surged into their home while they were sleeping.

He said in tears, “This is the worst tragedy I have seen in over 35 years of living in Unguwan Hausawa.”

Musa Adamu explained that families are desperately combing through debris and floodwaters with hope of finding their missing loved ones.

According to him, “The exact number of casualties remains uncertain as we are still searching for the bodies of our relatives.”

Hauwa Kudu, a journalist based in Minna, whose relatives live in Tiffin Maza community told our correspondent that, “my auntie’s four children are still not yet found. My auntie was found and buried last night (Friday). My family is still searching for them.”

She further explained that the auntie’s co-wife survived with two out of her four children, while the other two are still missing just as their husband survived because he did not sleep at home on the day of the disaster.

Abdul Ibrahim, said, “We woke up in the morning preparing to go to the farm, when suddenly our house was submerged by flood; we cannot say where it came from.

“The floodwater submerged our house, causing the structure to collapse. We lost our relatives, including children, women and men. It’s so heartbreaking for us.”

Some residents further revealed that the floodwater began rushing in around 6 am on Thursday and before long, overwhelmed Unguwan Hausawa, while most people were still asleep.

The flood was also said to had blocked Tatabu Bridge in Mokea area, which links the North to the South-West, leading to a major traffic gridlock.

The development left motorists heading to Lagos and other southern parts and those heading to the northern part of Nigeria stranded for several hours.

It took the intervention of local authorities in the area who deployed graders to clear the road and restore movement for travellers.

Also, in an interview with the leader of the Hausa community, Mal Tanko Bala, he told DAILY POST that they woke up on Thursday at 7:10 am to a strong floodwater that hit their communities.

“As it is now, we cannot ascertained the number of lives affected.

“We have so far buried over 100 and those we are still searching for are more than 100.

“We have cases where out of a family of 40 only two survived, we are still searching for 38. We had a family of 12- all gone, a family of 10 cannot be accounted for. These persons are still missing and we are still searching for them,” he lamented.

The community leader called on governments to come to the aid of the people who have lost their relatives and homes in the affected communities.

“We have lost lives, property and many more to this flood. We are disturbed and calling on the government at all levels to look into our plights,” he stated.

Niger State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba during an on-the-spot visit with his team on Friday confirmed that search and rescue operations were ongoing, and that the state government was working round the clock to provide relief materials to the victims.

He called on members of the community to be patient and remain strong in faith as they face the devastating loss.

The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, stated that officials were on ground coordinating the response efforts.

She explained that many families have been severely impacted, with some losing multiple members.

Also, leading a federal government delegation on a sympathy visit to the state, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris said President Ahmed Bola Tinubu had been fully briefed on the disaster and was deeply concerned about the loss of lives.

Idris disclosed that the President had directed that all available resources of the Federal Government be deployed to address the situation and that efforts were being made to avert or mitigate the recurring flood disasters in the country.

The Minister also revealed that the National Orientation Agency has been directed to carry out sensitisation campaigns to ensure that people avoid living around river banks.

Malagi also commended the State and other relevant agencies that are assisting in the search operations, saying, “the Federal Government is collaborating to ensure a seamless operation.”

“The immediate priority of the Federal Government is to save lives and provide urgent relief to survivors through NEMA which is ongoing,” he stated.

The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatdo, who is also part of the delegation, pledged to review the situation on the needed areas of support to the IDPs and migrants in order to meet their needs.

Responding, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba on behalf of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago stated that efforts were being intensified to ensure the construction of stem water drainage in Mokwa and Mashegu council areas.

The Governor pleaded with the federal government for intervention in the areas of temporary camp and taking assessments of the communities in order to proffer solutions to the menace.

Garba disclosed that the state government had approved for distribution 6,000 bags of rice and other essential materials to cushion the effects of the disaster on the victims.

The situation currently remains dire, with many corpses still trapped under collapsed buildings and especially a large number of almajiri (Quranic school pupils) unaccounted for, even as the government and emergency responders are working tirelessly.

[DailyPost]

The Lagos state Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Mrs. Funmi Sessy has advocated a shift from aggressive unionism to strategic engagements.

She said this during the 2-day capacity-building workshop for executive members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Lagos Chapter.

Held at the Lagos State Assembly premises, the event themed: ‘The Role of Unionism in a Political Environment,’ had many dignitaries in attendance such as Mrs. Adenike Oshinowo, Deputy Clerk; Mrs. Kemi Quadri, Director of Finance; Princess Jumoke Sotonwa, Director of Training and Mrs Branco Adekoya Abisola , Director of Public Affairs.

She urged continued training and capacity-building initiatives to keep PASAN members aligned with their counterparts across the state.

Chairman of the association, Mr. Babatunde Ogunlana, stressed the need for executive members to fully understand their responsibilities within a political setting. He pointed out the significance of revisiting the union’s involvement in the events of January 13 at the assembly, noting that it serves as a backdrop for the workshop.

[TheNation]

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited over the failure to account for and explain the whereabouts of N500bn. It claimed that the NNPCL failed to remit the amount to the Federation Account between October 2024 and December 2024.

In a statement signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, on Sunday, the suit followed the recent allegations by the World Bank that out of the N1.1 trillion revenue from crude sales and other income in 2024, maintaining that the NNPCL only remitted N600bn, leaving a deficit of N500bn unaccounted for.

“In response to SERAP’s Freedom of Information (FoI) request, the NNPCL had claimed through its lawyers Afe Babalola and Co that the FoI Act does not apply to it.

But in the suit number FHC/L/MSC/553/2025 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel the NNPCL to account for the alleged missing N500 billion, which it allegedly failed to remit to the Federation Account between October 2024 and December 2024,” the statement read.

SERAP said it is also seeking the court to “direct and compel the NNPCL to invite appropriate anticorruption agencies to investigate the spending and whereabouts of the said N500 billion and to ensure the prompt recovery and remittance of the money to the Federation Account.

“SERAP is also asking the court to ‘direct and compel the NNPCL to identify those suspected to be responsible for the alleged missing oil funds, surcharge them for the full amount involved, and hand them over to appropriate anticorruption agencies for investigation and prosecution.”

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “The NNPCL has a responsibility to comply with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s international human rights and anticorruption obligations in the exercise of its statutory functions.

“SERAP is also arguing that, “The missing oil revenues have further damaged the already precarious economy in the country and contributed to high levels of deficit spending by the government and the country’s crippling debt crisis.”

According to SERAP,  the missing oil revenue reflects a failure of NNPCL’s accountability more generally and is directly linked to the institution’s continuing failure to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.

“SERAP is also arguing that, “the Supreme Court in a groundbreaking judgment recently declared that the Freedom of Information Act is applicable and applies to the public records in the Federation, including those kept by the NNPCL.”

“The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Ms Oluwakemi Oni, and Ms Valentina Adegoke, read in part: “Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of these missing public funds from the NNPCL meant for the economic development of the country.

“There is a legitimate public interest in providing the details sought. The NNPC has a legal responsibility to account for and explain the whereabouts of the missing oil money.”

SERAP pointed out that the country’s oil wealth ought to be used solely for the benefit of the Nigerian people, and the sake of the present and future generations, saying that without the full recovery and remittance of the missing N500 billion oil revenues, the dire economic situation may worsen and Nigerians will continue to be denied access to basic public goods and services.

“Nigerians have the right to know why the NNPCL failed to remit the subsidy removal savings to the Federation Account, and why the NNPCL is deliberately denying states and local governments their allocations from the Account, contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

“The failure by the NNPCL to remit the money to the Federation Account is a grave violation of the public trust and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, national anticorruption laws, and the country’s anticorruption obligations.

“Despite the country’s enormous oil wealth, ordinary Nigerians have derived very little benefit from oil money primarily because of widespread grand corruption, and the entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators.

“Combating the corruption epidemic in the oil sector would alleviate poverty, improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods and services, and enhance the ability of the government to meet its human rights and anti-corruption obligations.”

The statement noted that the Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding the spending of their commonwealth.

“The Auditor-General of the Federation and Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative have for many years documented reports of the disappearance of oil money from the NNPCL.

“The World Bank recently disclosed that out of the N1.1tn revenue from crude sales and other income in 2024, the NNPC only remitted N600bn, leaving a deficit of N500bn unaccounted for.

“The revenue and other income were expected to be paid into the Federation Account and shared by all levels of government, but the NNPCL reportedly failed to do so.

“SERAP notes that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power. Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the NNPCL to conform to, observe,  and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the Constitution.”

SERAP added that Nigeria has made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure accountability in the management of public resources, stressing that articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on the NNPCL to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds.

“These commitments ought to be fully upheld and respected.

“The missing oil revenue has also impeded Nigerians’ ability to enjoy their economic and social rights, and denied them access to essential public goods and services, especially at the time of the cost of living crisis in the country.

“Had the NNPCL accounted for and remitted the alleged missing N500 billion to the Federation Account, it is likely that more funds would have been allocated to the fulfillment of economic and social rights, such as increased spending on public goods and services.

“The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information on the whereabouts of the missing N500 billion of oil revenue. No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.”