Those who say if we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria know what they are saying! Not only is the case of corruption killing Nigeria futuristic, it has already happened to us; only that Nigeria is yet to be buried. Corruption, we have always had with us but it has now become endemic. The epidemic nature of corruption, in which everything, anything, and virtually everyone is compromised is why there is consternation and worry.

There is no country or place in the world where there is no corruption. In the less corrupt nations of the world, the incidences of corruption are marginal and far-in-between and there are mechanisms to checkmate it and punish culprits. In such communities, laws are enforced and enforceable reward and punishment systems are not toyed with. Every effort is made to let everyone know that corruption or crime does not pay.

It is the understanding that one would almost likely get caught, no matter how long it takes, and that punishment would be meted out, that dissuades many in saner climes from engaging in criminal activities; not that they are better human beings than those of us here. Hence the saying: “The long arms of the law”! But where the arms of the law are short, as they are in Nigeria, then, the propensity for corruption will know no bounds. Scripture says in Isaiah 59:1 that God’s hand is not short; hence He is able to deliver! God knew not to allow His hand to be short. We ought to take a cue from that!

Corruption is as old as humanity; hence God Himself said in Genesis 8:21 that “the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth”. Corruption, interestingly, exists because it performs a function. Theorists of Functionalism of corruption posit that whatever exists, exists to perform a function. It is like the economists’ theory of demand and supply. Once there is the demand for a product or service, the supply aspect will automatically pop up.

Ever had a policeman flaunt Matthew 5:25 in your face? That scripture quoted Jesus Christ as saying: “Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison”? Says William Shakespeare in Merchant of Venice: “An evil soul producing holy witness is like a villain with a smiling cheek. A goodly apple rotten at the heart. Oh, what a goodly outside falsehood hath! Take note, Bassanio, even the devil can quote the Bible for his own purpose”

But there are things the authorities do that inadvertently promote corruption - like when the penalties for simple infractions are harsh; offenders will find a compelling need to “settle” or “quickly agree” with the adversary!

Can Nigeria win the war against corruption? Has it even started? With a National Assembly that pads budgets, thereafter going ahead to shamelessly defend it, flaunting it in our face, to security agents that allowed a high security detainee to escape the country - where do we go from here? Major Kaduna Nzeogwu and his fellow coupists of January 1966 ain’t seen anything, as they say, when they accused the politicians of the First Republic as “ten per centers… who make the country look big for nothing”

Far too many more outlandish occurrences have made Nigeria the laughing stock of the international community. A detainee was put in a posh apartment, was allowed access to the phone, and was escorted to Jumaat service, and you wonder how he managed to escape from custody! He would be a fool not to - that is, if it is not the same security officials that even escorted him into the aircraft!

Once the price is right! I first heard that statement said about one of our judges: He reportedly calculated how many more years he had to sit on the Bench; added up his salaries, emoluments and retirement benefits and found that the amount he was being offered to throw an election petition case was many times more; he chose to play ball! The price was right! There are few people in this country today who will not think twice once the price is right and the chances of getting caught and getting punished are very remote! It was a military president here who reportedly said everyone has a price. If the person says no, it means the price is not right! Jerk it up!

In saner climes, by now heads would have rolled over the Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla's escape from custody. The National Security Adviser's office reportedly confirmed the escape. The Tinubu administration would have earned the respect of many if the confirmation of Nadeem's escape had also been followed with announcements of resignations (the NSA's inclusive?) or of heads that have rolled for this national embarrassment.

To be sure, with this kind of dereliction of duty, not much will be achieved in the war against insecurity. It is not only the arrest of the lesser officials that we need if this country must move forward. The leaders at the top must take responsibility as well. Now, we are begging the Interpol to come to the rescue. When they finish laughing at us, maybe they will!

Talking seriously, I have wondered, each time his case comes up and he gets disappointed by the court, why Nnamdi Kanu has been wasting his time in court - adjournment today, new charges tomorrow - when he should just have done the needful. I am sure you know what I mean! If the price is right, you know!

Ndigbo has more than enough cash to throw around! Put your money where your mouth is, men! Those who devise all manner of ingenious methods to smuggle just about anything in and out of any country should be able to smuggle a blockhead out of detention. Or is the price not right! One school of thought, again quoting the scriptures, says “a man’s foes shall be they of his own household!”(Matthew 10: 36). Think about that!

Everyone suffers when a country is tarred with the brush of corruption. To start with, nothing works at home. Like Fela crooned, everything is upside down. “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn” ( Proverbs 29:2). Tell me, are Nigerians rejoicing today or they are mourning?

And that is not to say that there are no dots of righteous men in positions of authority in this country today but they are very few in numbers. They are far outnumbered by the wicked ones. And this is also not to say that the leadership may not be minded to rule righteously but the odds against them are daunting, especially where they lack the political will to do the needful.

Once they have entrenched themselves in positions of authority, wicked men and women are not easy to dislodge - be it in political offices, in churches and mosques, in the private sector; name it! Every tree bears fruits of its kind, says Jesus in Matthew 7: 17 - 20: “Even so, every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire”

To hewn down the bad trees that are bringing forth bad fruits and cast them in the fire is the challenge that faces the country. Who will bell the cat? I once worked with a governor and was perturbed that many of his aides were not supporting his dream project. I consulted one friendly aide and solicited him to go with me to intimate His Excellency with my findings. To my amazement, he not only declined to go with me but also advised me, “in my own interest”, not to try it. Asked why, he volunteered that the wicked ones I wanted to complain about were in the majority in that government. “They will just squeeze you and smash you with their sheer numbers”, he said.

I felt sad and was crestfallen. “Then His Excellency will not know that he has (green) snakes under his (green) grass”, I moaned, but my friend assured me His Excellency would know. How, I asked? “When he looks behind him and finds no one!” That is why, even when they are well-meaning, leaders hardly achieve much when in office. That is also why they often get wiser only after they leave office.

Can Reuben Abati be correct, then? Do demons bear rule in our Government houses? When the devil tempted Jesus with all the riches and glory of this world, it is instructive that while Jesus refused to bow down and worship Satan, he did not contest the devil’s emphatic statement that it was in his power and authority to give the world to whomever he pleases. (Matthew 4: 1 - 11). Food for thought!

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (rtd) as the new Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

DIG Kokumo (rtd) is a seasoned and accomplished law enforcement professional with over 30 years of experience in crime prevention, management, analysis, and control. 

He was Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja, from 2022 to 2023.

The President expects that the new Coordinator will deploy his immense experience and expertise in efforts to revamp the Centre and evolve new strategies to bring lasting solutions to the menace of arms proliferation which is a significant driver of insecurity in the country.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale 

Special Adviser to the President 

(Media & Publicity)

The Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has said that Nigeria has ratified a preliminary approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to join the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Edun, speaking at the Monday FEC meeting, disclosed that the opportunity had been extended to five or six African nations.

He stated that President Tinubu met with the bank’s executives in June to explore Nigeria’s membership possibilities, indicating Nigeria’s readiness to join the bank.

Moreover, he added that the FEC had endorsed the president’s commitment on Monday, paving the way for Nigeria’s membership in the financial institution.

• “We also fulfil a commitment by Mr. President way back in June when we met the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. They had said they were looking to spread beyond the region of Europe and take on partners and shareholders.
• “They were opening up to five or six African countries.
• “Mr. President told the president of EBRD that we are interested. The preliminary approval has been ratified by the Federal Executive Council.
• “We are going to be members of the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development,” he said.

What you should know about EBRD

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was established in April 1991 to ‘foster the transition towards open market-oriented economies and to promote private and entrepreneurial initiative’.

According to the bank official website, the financial institution has invested over €190 billion in more than 6,800 projects across three continents.

• The EBRD has shareholders in 72 countries from five continents, as well as the European Union and the European Investment Bank.
• These shareholders have each made a capital contribution, which forms our core funding.
• Each shareholder is represented individually on the Board of Governors of the EBRD which has overall authority over the Bank and sets its overall strategic direction.
• EBRD is also a leading climate financer across the world, investing in climate change initiative, green energy as well as sustainable growth.

[Nairametrics]

The Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has described as fake news a purported list of new Nigerian Ambassadors.

Naija News reports that a purported list of new Nigerian Ambassadors and their assigned countries went viral on social media on Tuesday.

In a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Tinubu’s aide said the names in circulation are merely a copy of an outdated 2017 list.

Olusegun added that most of those mentioned in the fake list have already retired from their diplomatic duties.

He wrote: “The alleged LIST OF NEW NIGERIAN AMBASSADORS AND THEIR ASSIGNED COUNTRIES circulating online is fake.

“This list is merely a copy of an outdated 2017 list, where most of the individuals mentioned have already retired from their diplomatic duties.

“A few names on the list are even inaccurate, and some have sadly passed away. One must question the sudden emergence of this stale list at this time.

“Therefore, it is imperative to disregard and treat this list with utter contempt.”

Recall that President Tinubu had, on September 2nd, 2023, recalled all career and non-career ambassadors manning the country’s diplomatic missions, embassies, and consulates globally.

A statement by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the recall of the ambassadors, saying: “Sequel to the inquiries on the letter recalling the Nigerian ambassador to the UK, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has clarified that all career ambassadors and non-career ambassadors have been recalled on the instructions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The envoys were directed to return to the country on or before October 31.

They include the 41 non-career ambassadors and 42 career ambassadors appointed by Former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2020.

[NaijaNews]

Ojodu City of Lagos youngster, Hafiz Umar Ibrahim, has earned a trial at an English Premier League side, Chelsea.

Chelsea will be giving Ibrahim a chance to prove his worth in the coming weeks.

Confirming the development in a post on his X handle on Tuesday, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano wrote: “Nigerian striker Ibrahim Hafiz Umar (18) has decided for trial at Chelsea instead of joining FK Bodø/Glimt despite club-to-club deal done for €500k.

“It will be up to Chelsea now, as Hafiz will be on trial for next weeks from Ojodu City Academy.”

He will begin his two-week trial at the Cobham training facility after securing a visa.

Co-director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields believed the youngster is worth pursuing.

The likes of Manchester City have seen what he can do, as he scored against their Under-21s during a youth tournament.

The Ojodu City FC star was spectacular, after impressing at the 74th annual Viareggio Cup, a prestigious youth tournament in Italy, last month.

Standing 6’2” already, Ibrahim models his own game after Romelu Lukaku’s, which is certainly not a bad place to start.

[Leadership]

Bandits who abducted 50 people from the Madaka Market in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State have reportedly killed nine of the abductees.

DAILY POST findings reveal that apart from the 22 earlier killed during the attack, nine more persons abducted have been killed.

The victims, mostly women, were abducted last Thursday and were being transported to the adjoining forest of the Allawa area when the bandits executed the brutal killings.

According to the district head of Madaka, Isah Bawale Madaka, seven people were killed in Kukoki village while moving into the forest, with an additional two individuals losing their lives en route.

He said, “In Kukoki village while going into the forest around Shiroro local government area of Niger State they killed seven people and killed additional two people while moving towards the forest.”

Madaka also stated that over 30 bodies have been buried so far, raising questions about the bandits’ motives as they have not demanded ransom for the abducted individuals.

He stated that for the past few days, he had tried to keep tabs on the route of the bandits and how to ensure the safety of the people abducted.

The Emir of Kalgara, Alhaji Ahmed Attahiru Gunna, and Hon Ismaila Modibbo, the representative of Rafi/Shiroro/Munya Federal Constituency, visited the injured victims to offer support and condolences.

[DailyPost]

Edo chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, who was seized on March 15, has regained freedom.

The Nation gathered he regained freedom on Tuesday by 3am after spending eleven days in den of the kidnappers.

But our correspondent couldn’t not confirm if the N500m ransom was paid.

Aziegbemi’s ally in PDP, Senator Odion Ugbesia, confirmed his release to The Nation on phone.

Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chidi Nwabuzor, a Superintendent of Police (SP), was yet to respond to confirmation of Aziegbemi’s release as of press time.

Edo PDP chairman was kidnapped by 11pm near his residence off Country Home Road Government Reservation Area (GRA) Benin after attending a political meeting at Government House in the state capital.

Details shortly…

[TheNation]

Bassirou Diomaye Faye has emerged as Senegal’s President-elect after an unprecedented victory at the presidential election on Sunday, March 24, 2024.

Provisional results showed the opposition candidate, Faye had about 53.7%, while former Prime Minister and ruling coalition’s candidate, Amadou Ba, secured 36.2% based on tallies from 90% of polling stations in the first-round vote, according to the electoral commission.

Giving his first acceptance speech, Faye said, “In electing me, the Senegalese people have decided on a break with a past. I promise to govern with humility and transparency.”

Both incumbent President Macky Sall and his anointed candidate, Ba have congratulated Faye.

Faye, the 44-year-old politician is set to become the fifth President of Senegal on April 2, 2024, when he will be sworn in.

Here are 15 amazing things to know about Faye: 

1. Faye was born on 25 March 1980 in Ndiaganiao in the western department of M’Bour, Thies, Senegal.

2. He was the former General-Secretary of the dissolved political party, PASTEF, (Patriotes africains du Sénégal pour le travail, l’éthique et la fraternité), meaning the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity, founded in 2014 by Ousmane Sonko.

3. In 2000, Faye earned his baccalaureate and successfully attained a master’s degree in law and subsequently cleared both competitive exams, enrolling at the National School of Administration (ENA) and the magistracy in 2004. 

4. After graduation, he became a tax inspector in the Tax and Estates department, where he met Sonko, a fellow alum from the same school.

5. Faye and Sonko‘s friendship grew closer in 2014, in the Taxes and Estates Union, created by Sonko, and at this time, Faye campaigned to facilitate homeownership for tax and property agents.

6. Sonko, PASTEF leader and Senegal’s main opposition leader endorsed Faye as a presidential candidate in November 2023, following uncertainty over the possibility of Sonko contesting, despite the dissolution of PASTEF several months earlier.

7. Faye spent more than 11 months in prison for a Facebook post that authorities deemed subversive, and regained freedom just 10 days before the presidential election, and still won.

8. Following his endorsement by Sonko, on 15 March 2024, a day after his release from jail, Faye gathered hundreds of supporters at his first public appearance as a presidential contender.

9. Former President Abdoulaye Wade and his Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) endorsed Faye on the same day, in a boost to his chances of winning the election. 

10. During the presidential campaign, Faye promised to create jobs, campaigned strongly against corruption, and vowed to reexamine energy contracts, running under the slogan “Diomaye mooy Ousmane”, which means “Diomaye is Ousmane” in Wolof, as he hoped Sonko’s charisma and popular would appeal to Senegal’s youth for his victory at the pools.

11. He was one of Sonko’s trusted allies and personal friends and also became popular with Senegalese youths who desired a breakaway from Sall’s government.

12. On April 14, 2023, Faye was apprehended as he exited his tax and property office on Rue de Thiong in Dakar, and was consequently placed under police custody for charges including “spreading false news, contempt of court, and defamation of a constituted body” following a social media post he made. 

14. When Faye, Sonko, and others were released from prison by incumbent President Macky Sall on 14 March, days before the election, Faye began campaigns including vows to fight the “French economic stranglehold” over Senegal.

15. Faye is a tax inspector and lawyer by profession, and has two wives – Marie Khone and Absa, with four children.

[Vanguard]