I first met Maj Gen Udounwa when he was head of the Army War College, Abuja. I had come to deliver a lecture and make a presentation on “War in complex Environments”. This gentleman who took over from the previous Commandant, was as simple, well turned out, urbane and professional as his very pleasant predecessor. He came across as a self respecting professional in a very unforced sort of way. He had, and still has, his almost shy smile and polite manners.

There were subsequent encounters and engagements at the College while he was still in charge. These subsequent engagements only reinforced my initial impressions about him as an army officer who will not be easily distracted by anything that is not strictly related to the values he espouses, or his professional calling.

After his relatively recent retirement, he wrote a book to capture his years of service and meritorious career in the Nigerian Army, titled “Big Boots: Lessons from My Military Experience”. The first four major attractions of the book are (1) The print quality and font type, which do not afront your sense of beauty; (2) The chronological layout of the chapters and the narratives; (3) The simple descriptive , storytelling, style and (4) The absence of any affections in the book’s overall effect. This book of nine chapters, gives the reader a step-by-step account of the birth, development and career progression of its subject matter and author.

Part of what the author succeeded in doing with this work is show us how a person’s family background, his core ethical values respect for norms ultimately define and determine who he is, what he does, and how he turns out in life; no matter where he finds himself. What one gets from reading the book includes the following: (1) Deep insight into the Person, inner motivations, personal values and concept of loyalty and national service, as understood by Mag Gen Solomon Odounwa (rtd). (2) The professional and personal development of the author as a human being, as an army officer and as a dependable aide to his superiors in service and (3) The service experience of the author, his brilliance and his impact and trajectory in the positions he held at various times; including his time at Army Headquarters.

“Big Boots: Lessons from My Military Experience” testifies to how a distinguished officer’s personal discipline and commitment to the best ideals of his chosen profession can mark him out for a glorious career in the Service. The author took time to understand the system. He remained true, and loyal, to his calling. Every aspect of his Service Record and performance was marked by excellence, as he moved from one level of endeavour and fulfilment to another. It was his decades of honest effort, professional discipline, personal integrity, self-respect, and an enlightened grasp of global best practices that made him the man he is today.

These facts alone, which any reader will unravel in the book, may lead some of his former and serving colleagues unto the path of self-examination. He showed that career is not just “what you do for a living’. It is what absorbs your entire soul and being; and that is what makes it a Calling.

The Foreword to the book, written by Lt Gen TY Danjuma (rtd), the exemplary Nigerian soldier and the author’s former boss, set the tone for what to expect in the book, with these words: “…I had no difficulty choosing Solomon to work with me…his service records indicated that he was a brilliant officer who had undergone several courses, beyond the mandatory ones, and indeed excelled in all of them”.

In the Introduction, which is immediately followed by the first chapter, the author says: “Big Boots tells the full story of my military service in all the posts I held… with the purpose of sharing my experience that could be of benefit to military personnel and other persons with interests in military affairs”. I disagree with the author here. I submit, instead, that his book will be of great value and benefit to a much wider audience and reading public, far beyond serving and retired military personnel and “individuals interested in military affairs”.

The first chapter of Big Boots tells us about the birth of the author during the Nigerian civil war and about his village and the defining essence of the people. It showcases the influence of his father, who was nick-named Atara Abam (the tree that stands out among others) by the author’s maternal grandfather and how the young Solomon found strong points of moral anchorage in the man’s unshakable Christian faith and native wisdom.

The author’s mother was described as “A mother from heaven”. Her faith in God, as “The source of wealth, health, riches and all good things…: without Whom “…no man can achieve anything” was also one of the early stabilizing beacons for the author; whose vivid memories of his parents, especially of the lessons they taught him, were the foundations on which he built much of his later life.

The early signs of greatness budding in the author, his High School adventures, as well as his first contact with soldiers and its effect on him, can be gleaned from this opening chapter of Big Boots.

The second chapter, titled “The Beginning of Military Adventure” discusses the circumstances that led to the author’s choice of a military career and how he faired throughout his training at NDA. It touches on ECOMOG and the loss of colleagues and Course Mates in that operation. It also dwelt his “Life Line of Mentorship” in Minna, when he was posted from ECOMOG to Headquarters Battery, 31 Artillery Brigade, Minna, as Troop Commander. This chapter reveals so much about the author’s brilliance, initiative under pressure, his strong leadership qualities and his Service discipline.

The third chapter of this book, titled “Recollections of and Aide-De-Camp” captures the authors experiences as ADC to Lt Gen TY Danjuma, when the latter was Minster of Defence. His interview with this “living legend” for the position of ADC, the effects of the Minister’s forthright nature on him and the realities of working with a seasoned officer, patriot, and gentleman with deep professional knowledge and a human face left a deep mark on Udounwa’s person and professionalism.

And this is where the account dovetailed into how this seasoned officer is described at various times by former colleagues and bosses. While the author reports former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon, as describing TY Danjuma as”..  a confident and intelligent officer who could be entrusted with any sensitive and strategic assignment”, he tells us that former Head of state, and later President, Gen Buhari, had this to say about the same man: “…no better soldier than he has served in the Nigerian Army. He was competent, fair, and had no time for dilettantes and non-tryers”.

Gen Babangida’s testimonial about the gentleman to whom this chapter of the book is largely dedicated is this: “He is a man of excellence who does not accommodate mediocrity. Only people of high standards survive around him”.

The only thing to add here is that Maj Gen, Oduonwa not only survived around this man, but is still around him. The reader will learn much about Lt Gen Danjuma’s simplicity, humility, generosity, and commitment to transparency and accountability, among other things, from this chapter of Udounwa’s work.

The fourth chapter looks at the author’s mid-career years, his Bangladesh experience, his various postings, his excellent performance records in the places he served, and his stint with Army Public Relations. This chapter also tells us about the author’s first command experience and the transformative impact of his nine months of holding a command position; as well as his return to the Army School of Artillery as an Instructor.

In the fifth chapter we see what the author calls “The Carlisle Experience”, while the sixth chapter, captioned “In the Corridors of Military Power”, focuses on the roles, relevance and impact of various individuals on the author and the nation. These two chapters are  best read, in order to get their full value.

In chapter seven of “Big Boots: Lessons from My Military Experience”, we see Maj Gen Solomon Uduonwa as a military diplomat at his duty post as Nigeria’s Defence Adviser in New York. He captures Nigeria’s rallying role as President of the Council for the month of August, 2015, during which period the Security Council adopted and passed two landmark resolutions on Syria and UNIFIL, among other presidential statements. The strengthening of Nigeria’s peace keeping profile, the handling of cases of sexual exploitation and abuse in the UN, AMPAC and efforts towards the consolidation of Africa’s position on the global stage can also to be found in this chapter.

Chapter eight deals with the authors return to Army Headquarters and his engagements and duties there. His account of his service at the Army War college training leaders, as well as the tricky business of managing Army hospitality business dovetailed into the last chapter of this book, captioned “A New Chapter Beckons”; which begins with a sub title: ‘Last Post: Sojourn at Defence Headquarters’. He describes his duties at Defence Headquarters as working “..to sustain our armed forces’ partnerships with our key allies”.

This last chapter also captures the author’s retirement from service, as “A New Phase of Adventure”, with rich and moving testimonials toasting his commendable and meritorious trajectory as a distinguished officer, gentleman and patriot.

In the “Afterword” which is the concluding section of the book, the author has this to say: “The primary duty of a military officer is to fight and win his nation’s wars. To prepare him for this role, the military invests enormous resources to train and equip him with the knowledge and skills he requires for success. Beyond the training, the military officer must understand the enormity of the responsibilities he carries on his shoulders. He must understand that military service is a sacrifice, even at the cost of his life. He is largely the custodian of the destiny of his country, confronting every adversary that threatens its existence. This is an onerous task for which he must adequately prepare himself“.

I agree with the author’s submission above, and I adopt the above declarations, without reservations.

It bears repeating here that this book brings to the fore the importance of home training, professional and personal integrity in making a person who he is in life. It also stands as a legacy publication, because anyone who is interested in establishing that tenuous nexus between character, training and upbringing can find it here. The lessons the author has shared, and his deliberate efforts to be as objective as possible, make the book very useful material for students of personal growth and professional development. 

The book is to be ready and digested. Not flipped through.

I had said to myself and to people close to me that I would never write again on the untenably rising prices of petrol in Nigeria because when I wrote column after column to presage the unfolding petrol-price-inspired cost-of-living tragedy, scores of people across the Nigerian political divide impassionedly disagreed with me because the presidential candidates to whom they abdicated their brains in 2023 also demonized “petrol subsidies” and promised to remove them.

But the extortionate prices Nigerians are still paying for petrol in spite of the well-justified hopes that the coming on stream of the Dangote Refinery would bring down prices—and the blindingly perplexing and never-ending cascade of blame games, accusations and counter-accusations between the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)—compelled me to revisit this issue.

There appears to be a well-choreographed conspiracy between the Dangote Refinery and the NNPCL to take advantage of Nigerians by keeping petrol prices unjustifiably high.  This is somewhat similar to what we call price gouging in the United States.

Price gouging occurs when businesses calculatedly raise the price of goods, services, or commodities to an excessively high level, especially during a crisis or emergency when demand spikes and supply is limited. In the context of fuel, price gouging is said to occur if a company or companies sharply increase fuel prices in response to supply shortages.

Although price gouging typically happens during natural disasters, pandemics, or situations where essential goods become scarce, it can happen anytime. It is, in essence, the exploitation of consumers' vulnerabilities during critical times. That’s what I suspect is happening in Nigeria now. 

NNPCL is the sole buyer and distributor of fuel from the Dangote Refinery. It controls the supply chain and effectively excludes independent marketers from accessing the refinery’s output. That’s not free-market capitalism; that’s state capitalism. That’s not deregulation; it’s regulated deregulation. 

But the Dangote Refinery’s price regime is also puzzling. Oil industry expert Mr. Dan Kunle forwarded to me a WhatsApp message that breaks down the landing cost of petrol per liter, which added up to N1107. I haven’t verified the accuracy of the claim, but I assume that it must have some credibility to deserve being forwarded by Mr. Kunle whose knowledge of the industry I have a deep admiration for.

The message says “based on publicly available data,” which it admitted “are subject to change and may vary depending on market conditions, exchange rates, and other factors,” Dangote Refinery is exempt from incurring costs related to freight (N86.48), jetty depot (N15.35), storage (N12.58), financing (N34.67), foreign exchange (N23.45), NPA charges (N10.58), NIMASA charges (N5.29), and customs duties (N51.17), and therefore should, by my calculation, charge no more than N518.35 per liter. 

So, it’s a mystery how Dangote and NNPCL agreed on N766. If Dangote Refinery acquired its crude oil in dollars, did it also cover salaries and operational costs in dollars? Crude oil is just one part of the overall production cost. 

What’s more concerning, perhaps, is that ₦766 per liter cost seems to be the expected price even after Dangote begins purchasing crude in naira from the NNPC. How can this be justified, especially when the additional costs associated with exporting crude and importing refined products would no longer apply once Dangote receives domestic crude from October 1st?

Additionally, as my friend Professor Moses Ochonu pointed out during our August 31 “Diaspora Dialogues” show titled “Who Wants to Kill Dangote Refinery and Why,” under existing laws, NNPC is supposed to supply its own refineries with 450,000 barrels per day, which was historically sufficient to meet local demand before those refineries became defunct.

 That crude was never meant for export. It only started being exported after the refineries stopped functioning. So, as Professor Ochonu pointed out, why not simply allocate that crude to Dangote Refinery, paying only for the refining process plus a modest commission or profit, and then sell the refined products to Nigerians at more affordable rates?

 This approach would involve some level of subsidy, but that’s how the system was intended to function when state-owned refineries were operational. In any case, in spite of the sustained propaganda against subsidies, every serious country on earth dispenses subsidies, including energy subsidies, to its citizens. Nigerians are entitled to a subsidy on a quarter of the country’s crude output, and subsidizing petrol makes sense because of its broad impact on the economy. 

Moreover, this method would be far less costly than the inflated and fraudulent subsidies that have been paid for imported fuel over the years.

I am, of course, aware that Nigerians have allowed themselves to be willingly brainwashed into assuming that there is no nexus between “subsidy removal” and petrol price hike. I hope the truth is becoming apparent now.

 For example, in my April 29, 2023, column titled “Six Agenda Items for Tinubu’s Success,” I wrote, among other things: “Don’t increase petrol prices by other names. I know that there is now an artfully manufactured consent, particularly among the gilded classes in Nigeria, about the undesirability of ‘fuel subsidy.’ 

“I don’t care what it’s called, but any policy (call it deregulation, subsidy removal, appropriate pricing, etc.) that results in an arbitrary and unbearable hike in the price of petrol without a corresponding increase in the salaries of workers and an improvement in the living conditions of everyday people will sink Tinubu.

“No responsible government shies away from subsidizing the production and consumption of essential commodities for its people. I have lived in the United States, the belly of the capitalist beast, for nearly two decades, and I can tell you that governments at both federal and state levels heavily subsidize petrol consumption—in addition to agriculture.”

In response, a Facebook friend who was inebriated with anti-subsidy propaganda retorted in the comment section: “I beg to disagree on your advice of his administration not removing fuel subsidy which has become [a] cesspool of corruption…. I prefer he use resources saved from its removal on foodstuffs, health and educational facilities as well as increase salaries of workers which PMB has commenced to FG workers with the 40% peculiar allowance to its staff with effect from last January and which arrears was paid with April Salary. Other points raised are apt.”

“At this rate,” I replied sarcastically, “I pray petrol price gets to 1,000 naira per liter so that everyone will get a taste of what I've been talking about.”

“Speculation, speculation and speculation!” he shot back. “Govt should be encouraged to put the refineries in good shape and encourage more private investors to build more just as Dangote and Ishiaku Rabiu [sic] are doing. All refineries should be supplied crude oil in naira and not buying in international oil prices in American dollars. Market forces would later force the prices down if monopoly is not allowed to fester just as happened when telecommunication was privatised and mtn simcard was 30k, others like Mtel, Glo, etc forced the price down and now costs next to nothing.”

Two weeks ago, I reminded him of our April 29, 2023, conversation and asked if he still stood by his arguments and what he thought about the N1,000 per liter prediction I made, which he had dismissed as “speculation.” I am still awaiting his response as I write this. 

Well, Nigerians were flushed with enthusiasm at the prospect of the operation of the Dangote Refinery. They expected it to help reduce fuel prices, but the monopolistic control of NNPCL and the caginess and opacity of Dangote Refinery itself have spawned a jarring disconnect between expectations and reality.

As I have repeatedly pointed out, Nigeria, as an oil-producing country, should not withhold the reasonable expectation that its citizens benefit from lower fuel prices. To suggest otherwise is akin to giving someone a handful of cream while allowing their skin to remain parched — an act of neglect that borders on cruelty. Nigerians could more easily reconcile with elevated petrol prices if their country were not blessed with abundant oil resources.

Denying citizens the fruits of their nation’s wealth is no different from a wealthy parent who starves their own children while justifying the neglect by pointing to the deprivation of their less fortunate neighbors. Such a parent is not only irresponsible but unworthy of the trust and care of their children.

Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, the Attorney General of Ondo State, has firmly denounced the rise of unlicensed security outfits operating within the state. During a community policing summit in Abuja, Dr. Ajulo addressed the illegal activities of these organizations, particularly the recruitment of undesirable individuals by certain estate owners.

He nevertheless commended the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for prioritizing the security of the state's citizens, recalling the governor's efforts in providing numerous security vehicles and equipment to various law enforcement agencies.

Dr. Ajulo underscored that the laws regulating security outfits operations in Nigeria are explicit and that any violations pose a serious threat to public safety. He voiced significant concern regarding reports of harassment experienced by citizens from these unlicensed groups, urging law enforcement to take prompt action in profiling their personnel.

"When laws and regulations exist, they must be followed," stated Dr. Ajulo. "Any infringement must be met with enforcement and penalties to uphold the rule of law. The law must prevail—even if it means that heaven must fall."

He quickly reassured the public, adding, "Heaven won’t fall because the government’s powers, agencies, and structures are in place to ensure we maintain order and security in our communities."

The Attorney General called on all stakeholders to work together to tackle this urgent issue and create a safer environment for all residents of Ondo State.

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is focused on delivering tangible results and making a positive difference in the nation’s infrastructure, food and energy security, education and long-term economic stability. 

At a meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, led by former Senate President Ken Nnamani, the President emphasised that he is not in office for personal gain but to serve the country.

''I didn’t come to look for money and exploit the situation; I came to work. I asked for the votes, and Nigerians gave them to me, '' the President, who was a former senator, told the meeting after a session of banters and handshakes with former parliamentary colleagues.

The meeting was attended by 16 former presiding officers, including former senate presidents, former speakers of the House of Representatives, former deputy senate presidents, and former deputy speakers of the House of Representatives. 

The President acknowledged the support and encouragement from the Forum members, irrespective of party affiliations, and implored them to continue fostering unity and camaraderie to achieve national development goals. 

Reflecting on the complex nature of legislative activities, constitutional reviews, and nation-building processes, the President expressed confidence that Nigeria can progress through collaboration and inclusiveness. 

''Regardless of party differences of the past and difficulty of the present, you still believe in me and what we all plan for this country. 

''I thank you very much; no one will do it better than us. I have travelled the world and seen how developed countries have done it for themselves through collaboration, inclusiveness and financial structure. 

''Yes, there is hardship, but how did we get here? What did we do when we had very high crude production?”

“We neglected our communities; we neglected the goose that lays the golden eggs; we forgot even to give them a good standard of living. 

''We forgot to educate our children. Go round and look at the dilapidated schools. The education environment must be decent enough for pupils to want to learn. 

''We can complain from now till eternity that the school enrolment is low. But did we do anything to encourage the enrolment process? We must ask ourselves because it is a matter of conscience,'' he said. 

The President outlined his administration's focus on addressing these challenges, including improving infrastructure, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, exploring alternative energy sources and providing energy security.

''We have come a long way, and I promise we must do our best,'' he said. 

He urged the former presiding officers to continue sharing their wealth of experience in nation-building and governance, noting that they were uniquely positioned to provide "clear interpretations of where we are" to Nigerians.

Senator Nnamani, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, expressed full support for President Tinubu’s administration and its efforts to address Nigeria's pressing challenges. 

He noted that the meeting was the president's first official engagement with the group since his assumption of office. Nnamani congratulated the President.

''Mr President, history has never been the burden of one man alone, but some are called to meet a special share of its challenges. 

''Though not of your creation, it has fallen onto you to end the pervasive insecurity across the nation, the economic downturn that has resulted in hunger and anger, infrastructural decay due to years of neglect and myriads of other national challenges. 

''As difficult as these problems are, we believe that with your experience, you can face the difficulties and surmount them. 

''What gives us more hope is the courage with which you handled the issue of Local government autonomy, which has won you open admiration from friends and foes alike. 

''We are convinced that you will dig in deeper again to eradicate these problems and restore Nigerians pride of place among the comity of nations,'' the former senate president said. 

He added that the group has seen what elite complacency has caused nations and has resolved to unite across all divides to render whatever assistance it may be called upon to contribute to nation-building and ensuring enduring prosperity for our citizens. 

''It is in this light and in the national interest that we wish to pledge our support as you work to restore national security, build an economy that works for all and strengthen the bond of unity amongst our disparate peoples, '' he said. 

Nnamani also commended the President for his trust in appointing some of their members to critical national positions, recognising their vital role in nation-building.

Bayo Onanuga 

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy) 

President Tinubu with Rt. Hon. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, a former speaker of the House of Representatives. Others in the picture, L-R, are Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Wase, Sen Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara, and Rt Hon Sabur Oladimeji Bankole during the President’s meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly on Friday, September 20, 2024.

President Tinubu with  Rt Hon Agunwa Anaekwe. Others in the picture Rt Hon Salisu Buhari, Rt. Hon. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, Rt Hon Sabur Oladimeji Bankole, Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara and Sen Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege,  during the President’s meeting with the  Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly on Friday, September 20, 2024.

President Tinubu with Sen Ken Nnamani. Others in the picture are Rt Hon Agunwa Anaekwe. Others in the picture are Rt Hon Salisu Buhari, Rt. Hon. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, Rt Hon Sabur Oladimeji Bankole, during the President’s meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly on Friday, September 20, 2024.

President Tinubu with Senator Ameh Ebute. Others in the picture are Sen Anyim Pius Anyim and  Sen Adolphus Wabara, during the President’s meeting with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly on Friday, September 20, 2024.

A policy instrument is a tool or mechanism used by government, organisations, or institutions to implement and achieve their policy goals and objectives. Ideally, for a national government, the main objective of policy implementation is the achievement of national growth and development. Culture, on the other hand, is defined as the shared values, beliefs, customs, traditions, and practices that define a group of people or a society. Culture explains how people respond to policy instruments thereby determining their effectiveness or otherwise in the achievement of policy targets. In effect, culture stands as a mediator between policy instruments and the achievement of set objectives. When a policy is formulated without due attention to the impact of culture, such policy is bound to fail.

Using the analogy of a typical input-process-output model, policy instrument represents the input, culture is the process, and policy objective is the output. In order to achieve a particular outcome, the appropriate input and process must be selected. This means every output is input-and process-specific. For instance, there are specific policy instruments and specific culture that guarantee national development. Any mismatch in the input-process-output linkage is a recipe for failure. In the national development example, the prevailing culture MUST embody transparency, accountability, responsibility, trust, equity, and justice. Without these ingredients, any reference to national development is a joke.

Projecting the foregoing suppositions on the Nigerian society presents an interesting scenario. The dominant culture in Nigeria is elitism. This culture is characterized by ostentation, exclusivity, superiority complex, disdain for non-elites, limited social mobility, concentration of power and wealth, and lack of accountability. Given the privileges at the disposal of people in this class, the aspiration of almost everyone is to get into the class. So, an average Nigerian spends his or her waking hours working at decoding the 'encrypted' access to the elitist class.

The manifestation of the culture of elitism is found in every area of the Nigerian life. If you've been around for a while you've probably heard someone, during an argument, say to another person, "Do you know who I am?" or "Do you think I am your mate?" or "I will deal with you!" To show the extent to which the class 'thing' has permeated our society, sometimes, these statement are made by people on the lowest rung of the societal ladder.
We are a people governed by external locus of control. Our happiness, satisfaction, desires, sadness, glow or gloom, just anything at all, is others-centred. The reason we do things is either to impress or oppress others. In fact, one of our musicians captured the sensibility of an average Nigerian with the lyrics - "As e dey pain dem, e dey sweet us and as e dey sweet us, e dey pain dem." That is our culture in songs!

A few weeks ago, one of our neighbours told me that PHCN is moving our Estate to Band A. I said to her, "I didn't know about it. Oh, was that why they've been giving us regular power supply?" That got me thinking and I saw the impact of culture on the successful implementation of increased tariff by NERC. For a long while NERC/PHCN faced stiff opposition to tariff increase from consumers. However, with the classification of consumers into different bands, all forms of opposition ceased. In fact, belonging to Band A has become a bragging right.
Unfortunately, our culture of elitism is antithetical to the ideals of national growth and development. National development requires an environment of transparency, accountability, responsibility, trust, equity, and justice, which are incompatible with the elements of our elitist culture. This is why national development has been a mirage. We need a cultural revolution. How to bring it about is the BIG QUESTION. Some people have argued for a change of the Constitution. Others say, breaking up the country into its constituent regions is the solution. One thing is clear, there is no easy way because those benefiting from the current dysfunctional culture will not let go without a 'contest.'

I have just read a most sensational story about the EFCC saying it is still looking for Bello with a view to arraigning him next Thursday. This afterthought step is most unprofessional for God's sake.

I want to believe that the EFCC's Executive Chairman, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, a brilliant lawyer and regulatory compliance consultant who had himself been a former Secretary to the Commission and also Chief of Staff to the then Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, was not aware of this great solecism. It is everywhere on the internet, traditional and social media how the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello accompanied by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, voluntarily physically submitted himself to the EFCC's headquarters and waited for over three hours to be interviewed.

Pictures showed that he even met physically with the Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Mr Michael Nzekwe (himself a senior lawyer and experienced investigator), but that he was told to go home; only for the same EFCC to lay siege much later on the Kogi State government lodge in Abuja, allegedly seeking to arrest the same Bello who had earlier in the day voluntarily submitted himself for interrogation. It just does not add up. And it just does not make sense to me at all.

Is it that the EFCC was gravely taken aback by the sudden and unexpected appearance in their office of Bello whom it had been looking for since April this year? Or is it that the Commission felt short-changed and belittled by not having the last laugh, pleasure and self-satiation and glorification of physically arresting, chaining and embarrassing Bello so as to later gloat over it in the public domain?

I do not and cannot understand this curious twist which appears more like a drama movie piece from Baba Sala's Alawada Kerikeri histrionic stable. Why this sensational media trial, a needless warped investigative stratagem devoid of hallowed professionalism which I have condemned over the years? I advise the Chairman, Olukoyede, to immediately investigate his officers over this faux pas and bring them to book for embarrassing the EFCC and subjecting Nigeria's image to the mud before global circles. Yahaya Bello should go to court and defend himself of the allegations against him, whether malicious, false or well founded.

That is the way to go. But the EFCC should also allow Bello have his day in court like other Nigerian citizens under a conducive atmosphere devoid of media trial, harassment and intimidation so as to ensure his fair trial.

Afterall, the Nigerian criminal justice system remains the accusatorial Anglo-Saxon model (where a citizen’s innocence is presumed); as against the Inquisitorial French model (where his guilty is presumed).

This presumption of innocence has been entrenched in section 36 of the 1999 Constitution. A media trial such as we have witnessed since April this year violently detracts and derogates from fair trial as it tars an otherwise innocent accused person with an already guilty paintbrush of shame, odium, obloquy, derision and dehumanization even before he has been arraigned, tried and found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. It should NEVER BE.

Former Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi has commended Ademola Lookman for choosing Nigeria over England whilst still at his prime.

Lookman, who was born in England to Nigerian parents, represented the European country at youth level.

The 26-year-old was part of the England squad that won the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The winger’s request to represent Nigeria was approved by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) in February 2022.

The Atalanta star has quickly established himself as one of the key stars in the Super Eagles.

Lookman, who won the UEFA Europa League title with Atalanta last season is the favourite to win the CAF African Player of the Year award.

Mikel believed the player made the right decision at the right time.

“Players have to wait for a while before they decide they want to represent their African root. I genuinely think it shouldn’t be that way,” Mikel said on BeIN Sports.

“If you have decided where you want to play. If you decide you want to play for England, France or Germany, you have to wait, if you don’t get called up that’s your decision.

“If you are 20-year-old, make your decision, don’t wait until you are 26, 28. Don’t wait until you are past your best and we become a second option.

“I think Ademola Lookman made the right decision to switch quickly to represent Nigeria, and he’s done really well. He played well last season and he’s such a fantastic player.”

[DailyPost]

The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the Port Harcourt International Airport in Nigeria have been recognized by the Airport Council International (ACI Africa) for their exceptional dedication to AIRPORT EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND RESILIENCE. During the Gala Night at the 33rd Annual General Assembly of ACI Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, both airports were honoured with plaques.

The awards were presented by the ACI Africa Secretary-General, Ali Tounsi, and President, ACI Africa, Emmanuel Chaves.

These prestigious awards are a testament to the unwavering commitment and hard work of everyone involved in ensuring excellence in airport emergency management and resilience, especially the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN. Nigeria's aviation sector can take pride in this achievement, which underscores the dedication to providing secure and efficient travel experiences.

Tunde Moshood
SA Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development

Nigerian-born UFC star, Israel Adesanya, has placed a $10,000 stake on two-time former unified world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, in his IBF heavyweight title fight against Daniel Dubois.

The title fight is scheduled for September 21, 2024, at the Wembley Stadium, England.

The highly anticipated all-British clash will see 96,000 fans create an electric atmosphere at the venue familiar to Joshua but a new territory for Dubois.

This will be Dubois’ first fight at England’s national stadium, adding to the pressure on him and his team, led by trainer Don Charles.

In an Instagram post on Friday, Adesanya shared a picture of his stake placed on September 17, 2024, with the inscriptions, “Dubois, Daniel – Joshua, Anthony.”

“ÒGÚN This fight got beef…grab the #stake sauce,” the post read.

Adesanya’s bet showed that he picked Joshua as the winner, to win between the 10th and 12th rounds, with an estimated payout of $50,000.

However, Dubois had boldly declared his intention to knock out Joshua.

The 26-year-old Briton, who brands himself as “a good destroyer,” is confident he can deliver only the second knockout defeat of Joshua’s professional career.

“I aim to knock him out. That’s the programme. That’s the mindset; that’s the intention coming into this fight,” Dubois told Sky Sports.

“I’m going to focus my whole life on destroying him and just being a good destroyer, a good conqueror. Don’t wait. Go out there. Smash him.”

Joshua, 33, is coming off four straight wins, including a knockout victory over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou.

THE clatter in the hall went dead. Silence enveloped the gathering. What was now heard was the thud of boots. It grew louder as a uniform-clad personnel marched in through the door. Stretched before him was a big flag. He marched determinedly to the dais. Stopped before a solemn-faced Alfredo Miranda, the Mexican Ambassador in Nigeria. He handed over the vertically striped tricolour of green, white and red flag. The event was to mark the Mexican War of Independence which began 214 years ago.

The Mexican national flag, the Bandera de Mexico, was handed over to the Ambassador in Abuja this night of Sunday, September 15, 2024 in a gathering of mostly ambassadors accredited to Nigeria.

The flag also has a central coat of arms made up of an eagle, a cactus and a serpent. It is the recall of an Aztec legend of a golden eagle sitting on a cactus while devouring a serpent.

Ambassador Miranda made a declaration, handed the flag back to the uniformed personnel who after a number of sharp military turns, marched out of the hall.

This ceremony was also performed simultaneously in Mexico by President Andre Lopaz Obrador, all mayors in the country and in all Mexican missions across the universe.

It is the dramatisation of the scene on September 15, 1810 when a priest, Miguel Hildago y Costilla in the poor town of Dolores, rang the parish bell to summon the town flock to mass. But, rather than the usual service, Father Hildago told his congregation to revolt. He then issued a call to arms, the Grito de Dolores. His declaration of “down with bad government” was re-echoed from balconies. His small congregation armed themselves with whatever weapons were available, including work tools, bows and arrows. They marched through Dolores to other towns, sacking government officials, smashing structures and setting prisoners free. The ever-swelling mass of the people was more a movement than an army, but they put the royalist army to flight.

Mexico was one of the best human civilisations, but had been destroyed by Spanish colonialists. Now the people, angered by economic inequality, lopsided land distribution and unrepresentative state institutions, wanted their country back by any means necessary.

Spain had assumed that Mexico, which it called Viceroyalty of New Spain, would forever be part of its territory.

Eventually, Hidalgo and some leaders of the liberation movement were captured and executed. Their heads were severed and hung in public to scare other liberation fighters. But that did not end the struggle, rather, it propelled it until September 27, 1821 when the liberation fighters marched triumphant into Mexico City. The next day, they proclaimed the Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire. Eventually, the country adopted the name, United Mexican States.

The eleven-year war ended 300 years of Spanish colonial rule, and established a unique Mexican identity. But defeated Spain would not accept the new reality; so for another decade, it refused to recognise Mexico as a separate and independent country with sovereign rights.

The story of Mexico is not necessarily that of colonialism, heroic resistance and the large scale seizure or theft of its territories by the United States. It is more of the tragic human loss of one of the most sophisticated and beautiful civilizations in human history which had the potentials of taking human development in a different direction from the alienation and modernism we have today.

It is all the more painful to realise that the destruction of such a great civilisation was done by a people who by their own confession, were far less civilised and developed.

Ambassador Miranda in an August 12, 2024 paper at the International Conference to End Colonialism in the World held in Abuja, quoted two of such Spanish confessions by the invading Spanish forces.

The first is by Spanish soldier and historian, Bernal Diaz del Castillo who wrote: “We arrived at the wide causeway and headed towards Estapalapa. And from the moment we saw so many cities and towns populated in the water, and on firm land other large settlements, and that straight causeway going to Mexico, we were amazed, and we said it seemed like the things of enchantment told in the book of Amadís, for the great towers… and buildings they had in the water, all made of stone, and some of our soldiers even said that what they saw seemed like a dream…”.

The leader of the conquering Spanish military, Hernan Cortés, in a letter to the King of Spain, wrote: “There are very large cities with marvellous buildings and great trade and wealth, among which there is one more marvellous and rich than all others, called Tenustitlan, which is, by wonderful art, built over a large lagoon…”.

It is this enchanting civilisation the Spanish invaders whose primary motives were loot and territory, destroyed.

Miranda said of that irrecoverable destruction: “After nearly three months of an implacable siege and a resistance as heroic as it was futile, the European invaders triumphantly entered the Aztec capital and immediately began the physical destruction of the city. Temples and palaces were demolished, and their stones were used to erect churches, many built on the foundations of Tenochca pyramids, and residences or houses for the conquerors. In this painful way, Tenochtitlán (Mexican central city) began to transform into Mexico City, which from its inception was the capital of a much vaster empire that replaced New Spain.”

Thus, began the nightmarish 300 years of Mexican colonisation and decimation. Bulgarian-born Professor of History, 94-year-old Enrique Semo, famous author of  The History Of Capitalism In Mexico, wrote about the effects of the invasion on the Mexican people. In his The Conquest, he wrote that the Mexican populace was decimated not just by the invasion and epidemics, but also by “slavery, mistreatment, famines, consequent physical weakening, as well as loss of will to live.”

As Walter Rodney, author of the famous 1972 book, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, noted: “Colonialism had only one hand- it was a one-armed bandit.” One of the best illustrations of the criminal nature and banditry that is colonialism, was the invasion of Mexico.

Ambassador Miranda, speaking on his country’s past said: “As we reflect on this complex history, we acknowledge the strength and ingenuity of our ancestors, who forged a path through adversity to create a vibrant and diverse society. It is this enduring legacy that inspires us to continue striving for justice, equality, and the preservation of our cultural identity”.

As the night wore on at the Mexican Embassy with polite discussions, those events 214 years ago, weighed on my mind. I reflected on how wonderful the world might have been without the scourges of colonialism and neo-colonialism.