The Nation Newspaper

Category: Bolaji Ogundele

  • Intervention for Gaza and Lagbaja’s final rest

    Intervention for Gaza and Lagbaja’s final rest

    The week started for President Bola Tinubu abroad this last week. It was the week he took a day official trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he participated in the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh. He left Abuja on Sunday, participated in the summit, made his national statement and returned to Nigeria on Tuesday, a rather brief, but impactful outing. Though with a tendency to get the religious minded, whom we have in excess abundance, feeling either uneasy or exuding a victor’s mien, one whose faith has found the colour of superiority, the outing was for much more and a greater objective for Nigeria and its President.

    While he was in Saudi, Tinubu, within the one day scheduled for him to be there, achieved more than just one goal; besides stating what Nigeria’s national opinion on the developments in the Middle East is, especially as it affects the ongoing Israeli activities in Gaza, he ensured to pursue one of his objectives as Nigeria’s President, which is all about bettering the economy and the lives of Nigerians.

    On Monday, when it was time for him to express Nigeria’s point of view about the situation in Gaza, he did not spare those who should share the responsibilities for the carnage that has unfolded for more than a year in the Palestinian region. To start with, whatever the name of what is happening to the people of Gaza currently might be, or what the seemingly justifiable premise is, it has lasted for far too long, considering the magnitude of human casualty and the level of damage (pictures coming out of the place are some of the most disturbing our humanity has seen in recent history).

    It was a straight call to all sides; the aggressor super-power Israel, which has chosen to wield the hammer against the errant mosquito and the hypocritical Hamas, and its backers, who were either too short-sighted to realise their unprovoked October 7, 2023 aggression on Israel would not go without a heavy response, or did not just give a hoot what the effect of their action would be on Gaza and its people, whom they chose to use as human shield. He did not spare the global community especially those that occupy the front row of global politics, who rather than taking real action to prevent the ongoing massacre from the onset, or halt it when it was becoming the genocide that everyone is currently witnessing. He favours action over weak, hypocritical pity-party displayed from different corners of the globe.

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    His call was to all that must take the required step to stop what is going on, save what is left of the people of Gaza, just for humanity’s sakes. He called out to the feeling of humanity in all leaders, painting a picture of what life has become for the defenceless, the weak; civilians, mothers, children, people who merely wish to live their simple, everyday lives, go to their work or farm in the morning, return to their families who will receive them back home with cheery open arms, sharing the dinner together. For children to be able to live normal lives; go to school to learn and experience a normal childhood. Just to be able to live the simple, uncomplicated life, like children in other parts of the world.  

    “The conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, inflicting immeasurable suffering on countless lives. As representatives of nations that value justice, dignity, and the sanctity of human life, we have a moral obligation to collectively bring about an immediate end to this conflict. It is not enough to issue empty condemnations. The world must work towards an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, which has persisted for far too long. No political aim, no military strategy, and no security concern should come at the expense of so many innocent lives.

    “In a rules-based international order, States have the right of self- defense. But self defense must take proportionality into account, in line with global legal, diplomatic – and moral – frameworks. An entire civilian population, their dreams and futures, cannot be dismissed as collateral. Humanitarian aid is not a privilege — it is a basic human right. No individual, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion, should be denied access to the aid in times of crisis. We must also ensure that humanitarian workers on the frontlines are safe to carry out their mission in Gaza”, he said.

    He did not just throw tantrums over what he considers inhuman and unfair, he suggested solutions and ways to heal the hurts and the mend dilapidated state of relations within the region. He said Nigeria has always favoured dialogue over test of might, coming from our domestic and regional backgrounds. He noted though that for the dialogue, to achieve a lasting solution, must target a two-state resolution.

    “The two-state solution stands as a beacon of hope, representing the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination and peace. It is not just a diplomatic article of faith; it is a vision grounded in the principles of equality and mutual recognition. Achieving this vision requires a commitment to dialogue and respect for history. We all know this conflict did not begin on October 7th 2023. It can only be resolved through principled compromise, based on appreciation of the proper context. This conflict, in the cradle of history, is so visceral that the ripples of division spread far and quickly. The corrosive impact of the images of endless violence, repeated on a billion smart phones around the world is huge. We need to find new pathways to peace, without delay”, he said.

    On the sidelines of the Summit, President Tinubu found the time to pursue other goals in the interest of Nigeria. He had a meeting with the very influential Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman. The meeting was focused on Nigeria-Saudi Arabia diplo-bilateral discussions and before it was wrapped up, the President already got his host praising his administration’s reforms, drawing similarities in what is unfolding in Nigeria with what he is doing in Saudi Arabia.

    A statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, described the atmosphere of the meeting: “The two leaders explored potential areas for cooperation, particularly oil and gas, agriculture, infrastructure and the constitution of the Saudi-Nigeria Business Council. Nigeria wants an agreement with the Saudi government over a proposed $5 billion bilateral trade facility between the two countries.

    “The Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) invested $1.24 billion in 2022 to acquire a 35.43% stake in Olam Agri, one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural firms. Talks are being held so that SALIC can have more stake in the company. The Saudis hoped the investment would make Olam one of the biggest agro-allied businesses in the world. The Crown Prince commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, noting similarities to his steps to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s stability and development when he became Prime Minister. He also assured Nigeria of his support and promised to motivate his team to realise the various areas of partnerships discussed at the meeting”, the statement said

    He returned to the country on Tuesday after the event and he sure has since devoted his time to domestic issues. There were activities reported in the media through the course of the week; he presided over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Thursday, made new appointments, as well as some other unreported activities.

    However, the final burial ceremony of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, on Friday got Mr. President to come out and express his thoughts about a man he described as “A Soldier’s Soldier”, leading the crème of Nigeria’s elite class; the political, bureaucracy and the military, to honour the man who shone for just a while as the nation’s number soldier, but who lost to the personal battle with nature. In honour of this Officer and Gentleman, he led the top echelon to the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, the final resting place of Lagbaja.

    As the nation gathered to honor a man whose life epitomized courage, dedication, and service to Nigeria, President Tinubu led the rain of tributes, describing the late Chief of Army Staff as one of Nigeria’s finest, a soldier whose commitment to the nation and his troops set him apart.

    He emphasized that Lagbaja embodied the highest ideals of military service. Rising through the ranks after enrolling in the Nigerian Defense Academy in 1987, he reached the pinnacle of his career in June 2023 as Chief of Army Staff. During his service, Lagbaja held several prominent positions, including General Officer Commanding of Headquarters 82 Division and Headquarters 1 Division. His leadership was instrumental in reshaping Nigeria’s approach to counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations, earning him widespread respect within the Armed Forces and beyond.

    Lagbaja’s career was not only defined by battlefield achievements but also by his commitment to the welfare of his troops and their families. He advocated for better support for soldiers, championing the clearance of long-standing life assurance benefit backlogs for the families of deceased personnel. This effort, along with his hands-on approach to leadership, earned him admiration from all ranks of the military. His tenure was brief, but transformative, as he worked tirelessly to strengthen the morale and resilience of the Armed Forces.

    The loss of Lagbaja, the President noted, is a profound reminder of life’s uncertainties. Despite the sorrow, the late General’s legacy offers strength and inspiration to those he left behind. His contributions to national security and his unwavering dedication to Nigeria will serve as a guiding light for the Armed Forces. President Tinubu called on the military to honor Lagbaja’s memory by continuing the work he began, securing the nation with the same courage and determination that defined his life.

    To immortalize his contributions, the President posthumously awarded Lagbaja the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). This gesture underscored the nation’s deep appreciation for his service and sacrifice. Lagbaja’s journey from a modest upbringing to the highest echelons of the military is a story of resilience and patriotism that will inspire future generations.

    As the ceremony concluded, the President expressed gratitude to Lagbaja’s family for sharing him with the nation. The late General’s widow, Maria, and his children were assured that his sacrifices would never be forgotten. While the nation mourns, Tinubu emphasized the importance of looking forward, carrying on the late General’s mission to secure and unify Nigeria. He noted that Lieutenant General Lagbaja leaves behind a legacy of selflessness, courage, and exemplary service, ensuring that his memory will endure in the hearts of Nigerians for generations to come.

    The final interment of the Soldier’s Soldier concluded the week on yet another solemn note. However, the new week, which is expected to be mostly spent in Brazil, should be brighter with more bloom.

  • A solemn week on account of Lagbaja

    A solemn week on account of Lagbaja

    It was a very emotional week for the nation, more especially for the House Number 1 and its current landlord. Nigerians woke up on Wednesday to the news of the demise of the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who was said to have died Tuesday evening. Lagbaja, who had been out of circulation for some weeks due to an undisclosed illness, was appointed to the position by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June of 2023, shortly after he was sworn in as President. Since Lagbaja was his appointee, who was considered to have held the position very well, President Tinubu took on the responsibility of informing the nation of the tragic development.

    As it is standard with his weeks, a schedule had been out and had run its course for Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday was meant to have the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. However, having announced the death of Lagbaja earlier that morning, it was no surprise when Vice President Kashim Shettima announced to a well attended Council that the President had decided to call off the meeting they were all there for. “Honourable ministers, this is a message from the President, he has suspended today’s Council meeting in honour of the Chief of Army Staff. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Let’s observe a minute silence in his honour”, the Vice President said.

    Besides calling the meeting off, President Tinubu, in a statement issued almost about the same time the meeting was being called off, directed that all flags be flown half mast nationwide for a week, signifying the importance of the man Lagbaja and how much his death hurts the nation, if for no other reason, for the fact that most Nigerians will remember him as the CoAS who was already achieving significant success in the fight against the various murderous criminal groups terrorizing different parts of the country.

    Ironically, earlier on Tuesday, the President decorated the acting Chief of Army Staff, Major General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, with the Lieutenant General rank at the Presidential Villa. Oluyede was on October 30 appointed to act in Lagbaja’s absence. The unfortunate situation, that’s the untimely death of Lagbaja, pretty much halted normal weekly activities for the President because right from the moment he called off the Council meeting on Wednesday he went low-key, doing whatever was left for the week away from the office.

    However, before Wednesday other very important activities on his schedule had happened. For instance, on Monday, he swore in seven new ministers, those whom he had previously nominated in his cabinet reshuffling, which he did a few days back. You will recall that the President finally commenced the long anticipated changes to his cabinet; he dropped five persons, redeployed ten to new positions and nominated seven new persons, whose names he sent to the Senate for screening. All the seven nominees were screened and approved for the cabinet. He swore them in on Monday at a colourful ceremony at the Council Chambers of the State House.

    Those sworn in were Idi Maiha as Minister of Livestock Development; Yusuf Ata as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; Dr Suwaiba Ahmad as Minister of State for Education; and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Others were Dr Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment (Trade Investment); Dr Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; and Muhammadu Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment.

    The swearing ceremony was the opportunity he needed to prepare the minds of those he was just recruiting. He would not allow then just come in to face shock. He told them that they will be criticized, insulted and some will even call for their heads over developments that have defied answers or solutions for ages.

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    However, even as curiously difficult as the assignment may seem, he reminded them this is an assignment that will be requiring them to sacrifice. The import here is that though you will be giving your time, freedom and cares, which ordinarily you will want to get appreciated and paid for, this one is not likely to come with the expected, as a matter of fact, the situation is so precarious you will have to see all you will give to the office as a sacrifice and when it is a sacrifice, you should know it will cost you and you will not get an immediate return.

    He remembered to remind them that they are coming into public office at one of the most challenged times of Nigeria’s history, so their service is actually meant to be a sacrifice, working with all their strength, not expecting much in return, immediately. This is a time their best will be required, working at break-back speed and rate, without looking back or resting because much work is required. At the same time, he made them aware of the fact that it is not all for nothing because at the end of it all, by the time the stability and good country are achieved, there is going to be a reward; names written in gold, to be remembered as the builders of the new, prosperous Nigeria.

    “You will… (face) criticism and abuse. Don’t worry, stay focused, stay resilient. Your thanks will come with the history of growth and prosperity for this country. It is my joy and honour to be part of you, to be responsible for over 200 million people in this country. I appreciate the fact that you have taken the Oath of Office and ready to serve your nation at the time we are facing the challenges of economic growth and others like security challenges. It is not easy to find just the unique people that will surrender their lives, freedoms and other responsibilities to serve their nation in this time of challenges. The moment is challenging, the present situation calls for a very serious commitment, yours is a duty to serve and that is what you’ve got to do.

    “We have stopped the scavengers, we are going to stop completely the profiteers and smugglers of our resources across the country. We are not going to run away from our responsibility, we are going to face it as we have been facing it head long. With you as members of this team, I am proud and honoured that I am leading you and we will lead to success and prosperity. I am sincerely happy that you are here today to be part of this very committed team of Nigerians who have been working tirelessly since 17 months when we assumed the responsibility of governing this country. You are called upon to join the team to rescue this country. Service is the hallmark of this human endeavour, you are being called upon to serve”, he said.

    Same Monday, the President stepped into a situation that was already escalating into a serious national crisis, which was already setting the stage for another north/south disagreement scenario.

    You will remember the #EndBadGovernance protest and how it panned out. The protest wore some colours not really recognizing what we have always known with protest patterns in the country. In the past, protests were usually a southern thing, defined along the public/government disagreement line, basically local.

    However, the August protest became more profound and rather violent in the north this time around. Then for the first time, protesters introduced a strangely foreign dimension to it; in Kano and Kaduna especially, protesters were seen wielding Russian flags, passing a subtle message. From hindsight, it was easy to decode where the Russian message was coming from; northerners have some affinity with our Sahelian neighbours; cultural, linguistic and religious affinities, factors that informed the sympathies found among northern Nigerians for Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso when the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decided to isolate and sanction them when they fell under military rule.

    These are countries colonized and still being largely run under strong French influence, a factor which informed the coups, coups believed to be clandestinely sponsored and aided by Russia, for whatever reason. So when during our August uprising we suddenly started sighting Russian flags in the hands of our compatriots close to the Nigerien borders and not too far from the other military junta-led neighbours in the Sahel, it was not difficult to decide what was happening and the response of security forces was swift, arresting both the flag-wielders and those sewing them.

    That was how it started, all capture in pictures and videos, however, the story changed during the week when the media started depicting a new narrative; the Nigerian government arraigning minors as protesters. The CNN report was the most vivid of all, seeming like intended to achieve an agenda. A report by the American news channel, published on Sunday, November 3, had the headline “29 children may be sentenced to death for protesting against cost-of-living crisis in Nigeria”. The agenda seemed to work because on Monday the President directed the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice to work for the release of the offenders.

    “You saw what happened in the courtroom and as a result of that Mr. President, because of his very deep commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and without prejudice also to whatever legal processes there are and on the other hand, on the human part of it, he has directed that some

    announcements be made. I recall that I had short briefing with Mr. President early this evening and he has directed the immediate release of all the minors that have been arrested by the Nigerian Police. Without prejudice to whatever legal processes there are, the President has directed that all of them be released immediately”, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, announced at a briefing on Monday in the State House.

    That was followed up on Tuesday with a handing over ceremony of the discharged 119 accused persons, among whom only about four or five minors could be sighted, to Kaduna and Kano state governments. Later on we started seeing pictures from Kaduna, of state government officials handing off N100,000 cash and iPhone handsets to the discharged.

    You can still search for videos and pictures of the carnage visited on Kano, Kaduna and some other northern states by some of these persons. But then, those in the vanguard of the narrative, aimed at inciting another crisis, whipping the regional/ethnic sentiments, got their prize because Tinubu saw through the agenda and would not allow it fester, thus his swift response.

    There were visitors on Tuesday, like the Bayelsa State political and traditional leadership, led by Governor Douye Diri, who said they came to thank him for the appointments given to some of their sons and daughters, like that of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, now occupied by Mrs. Didi Esther Wason-Jack. There was also the visit of the Delta All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Chief Ayirimi Emami, who also came with a file of concerns for his Itsekiri people, also on Tuesday.

    It is a new week and we need to wait to see what it will hold.

  • Tinubu, Statecraft and the Troubles of Today’s World

    Tinubu, Statecraft and the Troubles of Today’s World

    There is this Yoruba saying: “Melee waa’ku ko’le j’oye ile baba e”, which literarily translates to “one who says he’s not ready to die cannot inherit his father’s chieftaincy”. That saying, which can also translate to the popular “uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” could have easily represented or summarised what leading Nigeria feels like. With that depiction in mind, you should be able to summarise what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s week must have looked like, considering all that we have going on in our individual lives and in the nation.

    Being a nation going through its wilderness or reorganisation phase, the world knows that Nigeria is currently beset by all manners of challenges, a situation which President Tinubu has acknowledged times without number. Being what it is at the moment, the head wearing the Nigerian crown or sitting the Nigerian throne should have at lot to deal with. Like he has been doing all along, since he took office last year, the last week was devoted to fixing things, solving problems and getting interests to align in the overall interest of the nation.

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    Tuesday turned out to be the highlight of his week because it was packed with a number of very significant events and activities, all of which were devoted to setting things straight. That, however, did not mean that the other days of the week were empty, definitely not. He was busy with state matters everyday of the week, the difference is, not all of his activities, meetings and interventions were out there for the view of the media. He received visitors, many of whom are stakeholders in various areas of the Nigerian project and the events and discussions that went on in those meetings are not there for the media to report.

    For instance, on Monday, he held a couple of meetings, like the one with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume and other senior officials of the administration. He does this regularly and they usually will not have to find their way into news reports because, in the real sense of it, things like these are the reasons why he is President. But again, can they really be taken for granted? If they do not happen the way they ought to, would things have gone the way they ought to? The idea is he engages his officials regularly and the reason is because he cannot afford being ignorant of things happening all around him, all around the country and all around the world.

    On same Monday, he stepped into a rather serious development, which was already throwing up another avenue for those who will always politicise everything; the electricity crisis affecting almost all the states of the north. Political opportunists had started making a big issue out of it, claiming that Tinubu is responsible for the blackout, which was affected both households and industries. What those selling that narrative did not tell the public was what they reckoned the President’s intended gain was and how he managed to put everyone in the region in darkness. One thing clear about the narrative is it was meant to be a propaganda move against 2027, in favour of whoever and against Tinubu’s chances.

    However, being a hands-on leader himself, he would not just leave the peddlers of falsehood to run free, misleading the impressionable, he did what he believed was the right thing to do, in the interest of Nigerians in that part of the country. According to a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu led the process of restoring electricity to the region. He promptly summoned the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to map out a plan for restoring power to the region.

    By the way, from the information available on how the electricity situation in the north came about, it was as a result of the activities of vandals who vandalised the Shiroro-Kaduna power line, a critical electricity asset feeding the northern part of the country, and which value has further been proven by the act of vandals. However, since it happened the way it did, government, through its various organs, already started working at finding a solution to the situation. According to the Minister of Power, Adelabu, besides the ongoing effort at fully restoring Shiroro- Kaduna line, an alternative had been sourced from the Ikot-Ekpene substation.

    “We discussed the root cause of this, which was basically due to vandalization of the transmission lines of Shiroro-Kaduna line, which is the major line that supply electricity to the north, and the transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), they already set out to fix this line. What they have asked for, which has been provided to them now is the security cover of the National Security Advisor through the chief of public staff and Chief of Air Staff to enable them restore the damaged land. And we are optimistic that very soon this will be fully restored.

    “We have also explored the alternative line of providing light to the north through the Ikot Ekepene substation supplied from the Calabar plant, but the line got cut along the line, and we are also trying to fix that. If you remember that at the last FEC one of the approvals for the ministry of power was actually the upgrade of the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, which is the major line that supply electricity to the northern part of the country”, Adelabu said after meeting President Tinubu over the matter.

    However, like I said earlier, Tuesday was something of a very busy day for Mr. President. From the launch of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund in the morning, to receiving briefing from/ intervening in the disagreement among some members of the Implementation Committee on Naira-based sales of crude oil and refined products, to the 30-minute telephone conversation he had with the President of the United States (US), Joe Biden, who called him to express appreciation and discuss other diplomatic issues.

    At the launch of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund, it was a platform for him to spotlight the very critical role of the men, women and officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces. In case we have been seeing too much of them in the communities, the highways and on other critical national assignments and we are starting to take their calling for granted, so much that some citizens have started abusing, attacking and mustering the mind to murder our service men, President Tinubu reminded us that these men and women are our first and last lines of defense.

    To emphasize the indispensability of the armed forces, in his speech at the event, he noted “no matter what economic theory we propagate or postulate, if there is no security, we cannot promote peace and development”. He wrapped up his description of their value to us all as citizens and how we ought to relate with our armed forces, he painted a picture of what they are daily dealing with for the rest of us to have a country and be able to sleep with our two eyes closed.

    “I am grateful to all of you on behalf of the country. The challenges are severe, but you are this country’s first line of defense. Thank you for your patriotic commitment to Nigeria’s unity, stability, and progress. We came today to remember our fallen heroes, men and women who have sacrificed their lives for this country’s unity, stability and progress. We are committed to their values, principles, beliefs, and the unity and strength of this country as we pass on a banner without stain to the next generation,” President Tinubu said.

    You will remember that the nation’s petroleum sector has thrown up a couple of drama in the last few months; from frequent pump price increases, to Dangote Refinery and its owner, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limite (NNPCL), sparring from time to time on some confusing issues, which still mostly remain puzzling. The President intervened to achieve stability in the sector. But more important to the President was ensuring that the needless bickering does not interfere with the reforms he is working into the sector. So he met with the Implementation Committee on Naira-based sales of crude oil and refined products.

    During the meeting, which was a briefing meeting, the committee was there to bring him up to speed on how far the policy has achieved its objectives. He emphasized the need for a modern approach to Nigeria’s oil sector, cautioning against methods that mirror the past 40 years of practices. He underscored the importance of restructuring cost and revenue dynamics in a way that moves away from outdated government-led methods, stressing that any reforms in the sector must pave the way for efficiency and innovation, rather than a reversion to old systems.

    The President advocated for a market-driven framework that would allow natural determination of profit and loss, thereby fostering collaboration between independent marketers and the government. He explained that allowing market forces to take the lead would not only facilitate transparency, but would also create a balanced environment for public and private stakeholders to align on objectives and avoid potential future delays.

    Tinubu also highlighted the significance of ensuring Nigeria’s energy security and maintaining investor enthusiasm, particularly referencing Aliko Dangote’s ventures in the sector. By setting up a more predictable and stable oil market, the President envisions a long-term strategy that builds confidence for investors and sustains motivation, laying a foundation for a robust and self-reliant energy economy. This forward-looking approach, he noted, is critical to achieving sustainable growth and reducing Nigeria’s dependency on imported petroleum products.

    Then there was that 30-minute call from the President of the US, Biden, as reported to journalists at the State House by the Minister of Foreign Affair, Yusuf Tuggar. It was a call to express appreciation to President Tinubu and the federal government for dropping money laundering charges filed against an American citizen, Head of Financial Crimes Compliance at Binance, Tigran Gambaryan. He also used the opportunity to assure Tinubu of his support Nigeria’s pursuit of a permanent seat on the United Nations’ Security Council. It was actually avery significant occurrence for the administration and Nigeria.

    Other things happened throughout the week, like the appointment on Wednesday of Major General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede as acting Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) in the absence of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who is currently receiving medical attention abroad. Then on Friday he reaffirmed his commitment to seeing that his administration’s tax reforms sail, especially in the face of a well-packaged conspiracy to frustrate a work of more than one year.

    On Thursday, the National Economic Council (NEC) called for the withdrawal of the bills from the National Assembly, but understanding that yielding to this persuasion would kill a beautiful initiative designed to save the economy, he reminded the NEC, which is headed by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, that reviews and contributions they suggested could be achieved at the National Assembly. No need throwing the baby away with the bath water.

    That was how the week ended, a new one starts today. Let’s watch how it pans out.

  • Ministers and the figurative Roman gladiator games’ audience

    Ministers and the figurative Roman gladiator games’ audience

    When he return to the country on Saturday evening, he resumed work immediately. That does mean he has not been working all the while he was out of the country on vacation, at least those who announced his plans before he left for the United Kingdom (UK) were careful to qualify the nature of his holiday. Mr Bayo Onanuga, in his statement announcing the President’s departure, said he was going for “a two-week working vacation”. Wherever he was, he was still on duty, only not at his desk inside the State House in Abuja. He definitely went with files and other things he would need to ‘keep the table cleared’ and most importantly, he was with his mobile phone.

    While abroad and many people back home, especially those that are not really positive about him and his administration, President Tinubu was busy working on building another durable legacy for the people he has sworn to serve, repeating the Lagos feat and institutionalising his philosophy of sustainable development, cementing and firming up institutions, deploying all available resources, whether home-grown or foreign-sourced. How did I come to the conclusion that he was working to achieve these goals, even while abroad? I will break it down for you.

    At least, it is established that it was planned as a working vacation and he was not just out there, lounging on the porch of one Riviera holiday home, sipping pina colada. He was busy, working with those he believes have answers to some of our questions as a nation. If you need further confirmation, just recall a revelation by his Senior Special Assistant on Political and Other Matters, Kabir Masari. The aide had visited the President in the UK on October 11, had discussions with him and they both, after discussions, “departed for Paris, France, for another important engagement”.

    Now that he has gotten back to his desk, the first day in the office was as eventful as it could be expected. Right from when he entered the office, it was from one meeting to the other. The movements gave all the clues to what was going on at that time; most of those he met were either those who have roles to play in shoring up the economy or those with political and output evaluation tasks. 

    From the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, who doubles as Special Adviser to the President on Revenue; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who came with the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa; the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; and the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.

    Sighting the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and head of Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman, gave the most vivid clue to what might be happening soon, either during the week or the coming one.

    Long before the President went on his brief break, there had been that premonition that he might be shaking his team up soon. Bala Usman is the one tasked with grading and measuring the performances of members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and now that the President is back and she happened to be one of the first callers at the Villa, then there started those hush-hush whispers about a possible cabinet reshuffle, most likely during the week.

    Tuesday came and passed like some others before it. Then on Wednesday, it was the FEC meeting, which had almost all members of cabinet in attendance, save for a few who were said to either be out of the country on national assignment or had other reasons not to attend.

    For instance, Vice President Kashim Shettima left the country for a diplomatic/investment drive engagement to Sweden, from where he headed to the United States, enroute Samoa, for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Also not at the meeting were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

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    Usually, the FEC holds its meetings for hours, two, three hours, some other times for extended periods, but this last Wednesday’s meeting was a very short one, like a few minutes less than an hour. Before Ministers started leaving the Council Chambers where the meeting held, the news already filtered out; President Tinubu has reshuffled his cabinet, resulting in relieving five ministers of their offices, reassigning ten to new offices and seven new persons nominated to be appointed as ministers.

    He also restructured two ministries; Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development is now Federal Ministry of Regional Development, the Federal Ministry of Tourism is now merged with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy to become Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy. He wound the Ministry of Sports Development up and transferred its functions to the National Sports Commission (NSC) in order to develop a vibrant sports economy.

    So he eventually gave the “Roman Gladiator games’ audience” the blood they have longed to see spilled. Many have demanded for sack of ministers. Right from the start of the administration, without considering what the circumstances around some of those offices are or giving credit for whatever the individual ministers might have put into serving the nation. Even when technology has shrunken time and space and it has laid how the world runs bare, because if you want to sincerely compare your experience with those in some other climes, it is just a matter of internet connectivity.

    The internet has made it possible for us to know that today’s world is going through one of the most trying seasons, resulting from a number of global happenings, the devastating COVID-19 pandemic being a chief reason. But again, a friend once said hunger kills reason and that is one of the reasons why a hungry man is said to be an angry man.

    Long story short, five members of FEC, until last Wednesday; Barr Uju-Ken Ohanenye, former Minister of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John, former Minister of Tourism; Prof Tahir Mamman, former Minister of Education; Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, former Minister of Youth Development, all became the Gladiator games audience’s booty.

    Meanwhile, the figurative description of the reality that played out on Wednesday does not in any way mean that the sack or removal from office of the ministers was not justified, as a matter of fact, without the call or chorus of those who always believe they know better than public office holders and are perpetually criticizing and fanning dissent, President Tinubu would have still done what he had set to do from the onset. He informed the ministers during the administration’s first Cabinet Retreat on November 1, 2023, that he would spare nothing in his efforts to achieve success at straighten Nigeria out and set it on the path of growth and development, nothing including removing any official who will fail to meet set targets.

    “But you are there to help me succeed. Success, I must achieve, by all means necessary. At the end of this retreat, you’re going to sign a bond of understanding between you, the ministers, the permanent secretaries, and myself. If you are performing, nothing to fear; if you miss the objective, we’ll review; if there is no performance, you leave us. No one is an island, and the buck stops on my desk. I assure you, you have a free hand. You must be intellectually inquisitive to ask how, why, when, and why it must be immediate. You have the responsibility to serve the people. I’ve taken a young lady, very dynamic, Hadiza Balla Usman, to head that delivery unit. If you have any complaints about her, see me. If you’re ready to work with her, stay there. Delivery, yes! We must achieve it for the sake of millions of our people”, he told them back then, so sack was not beyond any of the minister’s expectation.

    Then on Thursday the President put his money where his mouth is; he declared a Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on Livestock Reforms in Nigeria open. This is one of the untapped resources that Nigeria has left dormant for ages, which he promised he will activate for Nigeria’s prosperity. This is an ambitious initiative to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector into a thriving commercial industry. Speaking at the event, Tinubu emphasized the sector’s critical role in the country’s development.

    Nigeria’s livestock sector, a potential N33 trillion industry, has long been hampered by subsistence-level production, resulting in significant imports of dairy products, between $1.2 to $1.5 billion annually. However, with its vast land resources and large population, the country has immense potential for growth. Tinubu’s vision is to create a vibrant industry that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides decent jobs. To achieve this, his administration will focus on infrastructure development, policy reforms, and attracting foreign investment.

    The Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, co-chaired by Attahiru Jega, has been praised for its dedication and commitment to the project. State governments, farmers, herders, and investors are expected to collaborate closely to drive growth. Key objectives of the initiative include increasing domestic dairy production, reducing imports, and stimulating economic growth. Tinubu’s commitment to livestock development is part of his broader agenda to diversify Nigeria’s economy and ensure food security.

    Industry experts have hail the move as a significant step towards unlocking Nigeria’s agricultural potential. With the right policies and investments, Nigeria can become a major player in the global livestock industry, providing prosperity for its people and contributing to the country’s economic growth.

    Then Friday presented the most dramatic of the optics of the week; President Tinubu and the presidential candidate of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has seized every opportunity to attack Tinubu and his administration. These men were caught on camera, in handshake. Ononuga made it simpler further by writing “President Tinubu met an old friend”, though now a political opponent. They met at the National Mosque at the Jumat Service, which hosted the wedding of the daughter of a common associate of both men, Senator Danjuma Goje.

    If I did not pick any message from that encounter, I picked the fact that politicians, whatever side they find themselves, remain friends and kin of a class; the political class and if I do not belong there, no need to pick sides. Their fight is never ‘skin deep’, why should I cry more than the bereaved? There is something called political maturity, which both men exhibited at the mosque. As we learn from our political idols, we should learn that part from them too.

  • At NES-30, it was Tinubu’s ideas in Shettima’s voice

    At NES-30, it was Tinubu’s ideas in Shettima’s voice

    For the Presidency, last week shared similarities with the one before it in a lot of ways. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was abroad, rounding off his two-week working leave, and like the upper week, his leave did not impede the running of the Nigerian system. He made appearances where it was needed, albeit by proxy, and not any less impactful as it naturally would have been if he had been around in person. A couple of events where he was meant to preside went according to natural flow.

    As things went by, just like the week before, there were a couple of occasions when the President came through, running the show as he usually would do. As he was yet on leave abroad, he did all he had to do to ensure nothing goes amiss, through statements and representations. 

    One occasion of significance during the week was the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit on Monday in Abuja, where the President found a platform to outline his economic vision and at the same time address a critical segment, which holds so much influence and meaning to what he is trying to do with the Nigerian economy; the business, economic and commercial community. Represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who all along has not failed to provide quality representation since their joint-ticket journey started in July 2022, the President emphasized the need for economic diversification, stability, and growth.

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    According to Tinubu, Nigeria’s growth trajectory has been volatile, heavily dependent on oil revenues and unable to create enough jobs for its rapidly growing population. However, he said his Renewed Hope Agenda aims to change this narrative by prioritizing economic diversification. In this plan of his, key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and the digital economy will drive inclusive growth. He said investments in critical infrastructure, social safety nets, and innovation will be crucial, adding that the government has already made significant strides in addressing infrastructure deficits, regulatory bottlenecks, and ease of doing business challenges.

    To show how much progress has been made, he said ongoing projects include roads, railways, and power plants to enhance connectivity and productivity, further adding that harmonizing regulatory processes will reduce bureaucratic hurdles, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. He also said initiatives like MSME hubs and single-digit loans for manufacturers will support entrepreneurs.

    However, economic growth and competitiveness rely on stability, so he acknowledged the need to address security challenges, fiscal imbalances, and implement fiscal reforms. To this end he his administration is investing heavily in security operations to combat terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity. He said the administration is also expanding social safety nets, like the National Social Investment Programme and National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy. These programs protect vulnerable members of society, ensuring the economy remains resilient and inclusive.

    “Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Nigeria’s growth trajectory has been volatile, heavily dependent on oil revenues, and unable to create enough jobs to keep pace with our rapidly growing population. As a nation, we must prioritize economic diversification. With this in mind, my administration, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, has embarked on bold reforms designed to create an environment that fosters sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity. Our focus is on sectors that can offer inclusive and sustainable growth, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and the digital economy.

    “As such, we need to prioritize investments in critical infrastructure, enhance our social safety nets, and promote innovation across all sectors. To achieve this, we must address several key issues, including infrastructure deficits, regulatory bottlenecks, and ease of doing business challenges. The government has already made significant strides in these areas.

    “As we gather here today, it is clear that no single sector or stakeholder can address these challenges alone. What we need now, more than ever, is collaborative action—where the public and private sectors, civil society, and international partners unite to drive a shared vision for growth and development.

    “As we begin this summit, I would like to emphasize that the challenges before us, while significant, are not insurmountable. With the right policies, the right partnerships, and the right level of commitment, Nigeria can emerge stronger, more competitive, and more resilient than ever before. The Nigerian Economic Summit remains an invaluable platform for fostering the dialogue and collaboration needed to move our country forward. Let us use this opportunity to not only discuss but also take decisive actions that will drive growth, enhance competitiveness, and secure long-term stability for Nigeria”, he said.

    In the face of all the socioeconomic vicissitudes we currently experience as a nation, President Tinubu has ensured to place himself in the heart of it all in order to prove that when he says he feels our pains and that he is not far removed from what the ordinary Nigerian is facing, he means it. That is the reason he always finds the occasions and platforms to highlight what he knows is happening to us at the moment and expresses why his government is doing all it is engaged in, one of which was his outing at the NES-30.

    The President made more than just one appearance in the course of the week, he ensured to step in from time to time, showing there is a direction and that he has an answer in every circumstance. For instance, when our national honour and image got tested by rather unseemly and provocative series of events in far away Libya, besides other steps taken by government, the President personally stepped in and sent in his ‘words of the King’ by demanding justice from the relevant authority governing the situation.

    You will recall that the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, was meant to be playing the second leg of the African Cup of Nations’ (AFCON) qualifier in Benghazi against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya on Monday. However, the match had to be psotponed because Libya as a nation decided to be diabolical and unsportsmanlike by attempting to use other means to steal the three points of the match.

    It all started with the Libyan authorities suddenly denying the aircraft conveying the Nigerian contingent landing permission at the Benghazi airport, as scheduled. The aircraft’s crew was told, despite protests that it was low on fuel, to head to the Al Abraq airport, a distance of 236 kilometres and a road driving distance of about three and a half hours. The thing was the flight was originally scheduled to land at the Benghazi Benina International Airport, but on approaching the airport, the Nigerian contingent was informed that “an instruction from way high up” had directed that they could not land where they had been scheduled to land, which was meant to be the city where the match was scheduled to be played.

    At the Al Abraq Airport, our team landed to one of the most hostile receptions, even locked in the airport, not permitted to leave or be visited, a hostage situation; no water, no food, no internet and tossed up and down by officials on duty. For more than 16 hours, the situation was becoming dire and scary until God, humanity and diplomatic moves intervened and they were ‘permitted’ to leave the airport and return to Nigeria.

    A lot of strings were pulled and according to the back-stories gleaned from reliable sources, it was actually President Tinubu who made most of the critical moves. How he did it, who he reached and the content of the conversations are still not public, the key thing is Nigeria managed to escape whatever it was the Libyan authorities were plotting and it all happened even with his being on leave, abroad.

    Besides the steps he reportedly took, President Tinubu has called for sanctions against Libya for its unsportsmanlike conduct. This call is a significant move because the office and person of the Nigerian President control so much weight, not just in Africa, but globally. That is the person who leads one-sixth of the African population, a figure which means a lot in the global community.       

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Ononuga, on Monday, Tinubu called on CAF to do the needful by investigating the circumstances surrounding the hostage-taking of Nigeria’s contingent. Some people have even described that gruesome experience as an attempt on the lives of our representatives, a situation requiring legal action against all involved in the ugly experience. 

    “President Bola Tinubu, deeply moved by the inhuman treatment endured by the Super Eagles of Nigeria at a Libyan airport, warmly welcomes their safe return to Nigeria. President Tinubu expects the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate action against those who wilfully violated the organisation’s Statutes and Regulations. The President commends the proactive coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in addressing the unfortunate episode and ensuring the safe return of our players.

    “President Tinubu applauds the players for keeping their spirit alive despite the excruciating ordeal in Libya. The Nigerian leader recognises football’s unifying power in bringing nations and people together and views the treatment of our citizens as unsportsmanlike and inhumane, a stark contrast to the spirit of the game he deeply appreciates”, the statement said.

    By the way, the Presidency cleared the air on a situation that is likely to present itself from time to time. You are aware that President Tinubu has been out of the country on a two-week working vacation and the Vice President has been on ground, running the show. Now there are events opened to be attended abroad, which fell on the Vice President to attend, on behalf of the nation.

    This situation raised old dusts from the public and the question, same as when similar circumstance was encountered in the past, has been who runs the system when both the President and Vice President are offshore? Though it was not like the system grounded to a halt when it happened in the past, those raising the question, who are necessarily not lawyers, ask in order to get clarity. Well, the Presidency provided that clarity in the course of the week, in a statement issued by the President’s spokesman, Onanuga

    “Following enquiries by journalists as to who is in charge of our country as the President and Vice President are out of the country, we want to clarify: It is important to note that the President and Vice President are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while they are away. There is no leadership vacuum in the country. President Tinubu left the country on 3 October and is on a two-week working vacation. During this time, he has been busy answering phones and issuing directives on matters of state. He will soon return to the country before the vacation officially expires.

    “The Vice President departed the country Wednesday for Sweden on an official visit, working for Nigeria. All state organs are functioning as usual. The Senate President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs are all in their respective positions, ensuring the smooth operation of the government. The Constitution, a testament to our adaptability in the virtual age, does not explicitly require the physical presence of either the President or the vice president in the country at all times to fulfill his duties”, the statement said.

  • The advantage of a talent hunter

    The advantage of a talent hunter

    The week went by without much ado. The days were like those in the weeks past, only that the Presidency ran without the President on seat. Remember that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu left for a working vacation in the United Kingdom about eleven days ago. His spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, who announced his schedule in a statement on Wednesday 2nd of October, said it would be a two-week vacation, explaining it is part of his annual leave. The President needs “the two weeks as a working vacation and a retreat to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms”.

    However, his physical absence has not grounded the wheel of the State to a halt, as a matter of fact, like I have always pointed out, Tinubu, just like when he was the Governor of Lagos, is a talent hunter who has always surrounded himself with very brilliant and capable hands, he does it so well that each of the time there has been a need for him to excuse himself from the eye of the public, just like now, he always has not just someone, but people, trustable/capable lieutenants, waiting in the wings to support the Number One.

    So as the week went by, the Presidency continued being a beehive of activities, led by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who while tending to his own official programme and engagements, had to represent his Principal at one or two engagements, doing so with so much exactness as though the President himself had attended to those events. He did not disappoint, offering quality admonition and views on how Nigeria and its aspects should work, the way Tinubu would always seize occasions to exert views on nationalism and ideas of a fit and working state.

    One such occasion was on Monday when he represented the President at the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission/National Judicial Institute Capacity Building Workshop in Abuja. The focus was on ridding our system of corruption and the roles left to the justice system and law enforcement to play in sanitizing this Augean Stable of a social malaise. Speaking the mind of his Boss, Vice President Shettima, aside from pointing out what is expected of the relevant institutions, noted the need for all citizens to be ready to play a role in correcting what is wrong.

    The stigma of being deemed a nation of corrupt people has haunted not just Nigeria, but all of us who go out with the Nigerian identity, carrying the green international passport. Considering our potentials, talking economies, socials and regional politics, Nigeria has the potential for everything the advanced nations of the world have, but for the activities of those who will not be governed by decency and moderation, who think dishonesty equates smartness. One of President Tinubu’s targets in office is to subdue the monster of corruption, in all its manifestations, to the authority of the State.

    So on Monday, while representing the President and speaking to those who have been charged with the responsibility of taming this cancer and social disorder, Shettima said it is not left to only the Judiciary and law enforcement agents to fight this war, but a national responsibility, requiring all citizens to be part of the cleaning crusade. He said “no Nigerian is immune to corruption, a cancer which continues to deny the nation the full benefits of her God-given resources”, but he noted that only the enlightened collective interest of all Nigerians “to close ranks and aggressively tackle this common enemy” can make the difference, instead of looking up “to only the anti-corruption agencies for solutions to this malaise”.

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    Come to think of it, both the Judiciary and law enforcement agencies are populated by Nigerians, it is simple logic: if we are all looking to live in comfort, make insane amount of money, amass huge resources, without commensurate input of what can be regarded to be adequate and honest work, then we will all be cutting corners, bribing each others to get past the system, living the rat race for life. But if we see merit in allowing the system to run its course, knowing it is actually designed to aid good and quality living, just like other places where the people are not taking advantage of natural lapses of the institutions, then there will be no need to ‘force’ anyone to live straight and we will not be talking of pervasive corruption. It all starts from everyone seeing merit in being patriotic and forthright, the Justice system will not have a problem with curbing corruption and they will have less to do.

    But then, we have found ourselves where we are and we cannot continue losing so much to a negative perception. If some will not be circumspect enough to live right, let the system assigned to setting us all straight not be infective. It should be alive to achieving the purpose of its creation. Apparently, the Justice system has also been infiltrated, hence some rather unbelievable developments seen over the years. Corruption continues to fester because the system is steadily compromised. Although he noted there have been some recognizable improvements in the prosecution of corruption cases in the last few years, there are still cases of system abuse by some of the very people trusted with the sacred duty of dispensing Justice. 

    “There is no gainsaying the fact that the judiciary is central to the success of the anticorruption efforts. The commitment, courage and patriotism of judicial officers are ingredients that make the difference in the fight against corruption. Though I am aware that prosecution of corruption matters has improved in the light of the justice sector reforms in the last few years, we are not oblivious of some challenges that continue to impede the speedy adjudication of corruption cases. They include frivolous applications and appeals, meant to delay the trial, intimidation of judges by counsel, and judgment based not on the facts of cases but on technicalities”, he said.

    A similar outing of the President happened on Tuesday when he was guest at the 54th Annual Accountants’ Conference in Abuja. Of course not in person because he is not in town, but he was, like they say, ‘ably represented’ by one of his cerebral lieutenants; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu. It was a forum of those who should understand the steps and strategies of his administration, so it was a veritable platform to reach out to citizens with some explanations, not necessarily what he has not talked about the past.

    For the records, he explained the reason for the economic reforms his administration has introduced and worked with in the last seventeen months. If there is no ailment, there will naturally be no need for any treatment, the reforms, including those that have rather seemed hurting, became necessary because Nigeria has not made the sort of progress it ought to be making, considering our potentials. The good news, according to his representative, is that there already are signs that the measures are yielding positive results.  

    “The Renewed Hope agenda is our strategy for Nigeria to confront her reality: we are not where we want to be, we are not growing fast enough, and decades of underinvestment have limited the economy from delivering on its potential. The necessary choices, pleasant and otherwise, we made in the last 17 months were designed to stop the decline and put us on a path to higher, sustainable, and inclusive growth. It is encouraging that GDP growth for the first and second quarters of 2024 was positive while inflation turned downwards. The foreign exchange market is stabilising, and we see encouraging investment signals”, the President said.

    Like distance has never really been his barrier, he made a very critical intervention on Monday. You will recall that the political situation in Rivers State had become so over-heated during the week, following the council elections held the previous weekend. It got so scary that council secretariats and other public facilities became targets of destructive elements and arsonists, already terrifying residents of the state. It was getting so scary that social commentators on broadcast stations already likening the situation to the political upheavals of 1966 in the Southwestern part of the country known as Wild,Wild West.

    He did not just sit back in the UK idly, he gave instructions to security agents, especially the Nigeria Police Force, to bring the lawlessness to an end immediately and as though they were only waiting for him to notice that brothers have started hacking each other down in Rivers and say the order, the situation calmed, at least no more burning of council secretariats or attacks on the new council authorities. He restored order, even while abroad.

    “President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately. While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, he emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions. President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism. He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy. According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception”, a statement by Onanuga said. 

    It should be two weeks this week since he departed, he should be returning to his desk soon. This feeling comes with expectations of renewed vigour in the President and that being so, some activities to wow. Welcome to a new week, people.

  • Reform pains: better days are ahead of us

    Reform pains: better days are ahead of us

    Until he flew out of Abuja on Wednesday afternoon, enroute the United Kingdom (UK) where he has been scheduled for a two-week working leave, it was pretty much a busy week for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; on Monday, he swore in the 32nd substantive Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Kudirat Kekere-ekun; then on Tuesday, led a rather colourful parade in commemoration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebration. Though it was celebrated low-key, the activities that marked it were not any less tasking and you can imagine the roles he must have played, even when he was not physically at some of the occasions.

    The Independence Day Anniversary is always a day to look forwards to in those days, like back in our primary and secondary school days, besides the holiday that ruled going to school out for that day, it was a day to see mastery, precision and colourful displays by the military, other uniformed paramilitary formations and even from school children. But then, we have grown up and the world has changed a whole lot, we now have to celebrate measuredly. Before now, it was for only security reasons that we suspended jamboree-like celebration of the Independence anniversary, these days, it has been for economic considerations and the sort of atmosphere it has cast on the land.

    Before the parade, which started at about 8:50am, with the marching in to the parade ground by the Guards Brigade, President Tinubu started the day with a nationwide broadcast. It was the opportunity for the President to lift the spirit of the nation. In the first place, celebrating the anniversary low-key was a deliberate action of government. It was announced by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. In a statement issued by his office, the SGF, while inaugurating an inter-ministerial committee for the 2024 Independence Day celebration, which was tasked with organising and executing all approved activities line up, said “the 64th Independence Anniversary celebration will be low-keyed to reflect the trying times the nation is undergoing”.

    So with that tone set, President’s message to Nigerians was tailored to address the various issues, concerns and challenges we are all dealing with, telling us again that he is not oblivious to the prevailing situation and that he is already applying the appropriate policies and reforms to the situation. He is not just applying these reforms and policies, they are already showing signs that they are not wrong for achieving the desired reprieve in our situation.

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    Many Nigerians, especially those that have reasons not to be his fans, who will not waste time to join the blaming trail any time there is any circumstance they feel appropriate enough for them to vent against the President, his administration or even Nigeria itself, have blamed the current economic situation on the reforms so far introduced by Tinubu. However, in the speech, he took the time to establishe his reason for thinking that the best way to help the country overcome the never-ending socioeconomic milieu we have always lived with is through the reforms and the steps his administration has so far taken.

    Like the analogy he has employed a couple of times to simplify the current state of things; gold does not just tune to its final fine state without going through the fiery furnace, same way a new life never gets born without the pains, blood and sweats of labour. Nigeria, going by what most political economists have said about its rather precarious state, was actually on the verge of insolvency when Tinubu took the reins of leadership. The seeming affluence and comfort we were enjoying were cosmetic and it was just a matter of time before it all comes crashing on all of us.

    Going by his explanation in the speech, without the hard decision to reform the economy and set our indices appropriately, collapse was imminent. He only dived in because it was inevitable. He did not do it without a vision though, as a matter of fact, some of the results he expected have started materialising and he is sure that in no distant time, all citizens who have stayed back to be part of the current harsh climate will find relief because the purpose for it all will start making practical sense soon enough. 

    “Fellow Nigerians, as I address you today, I am deeply aware of the struggles many of you face in these challenging times. Our administration knows that many of you struggle with rising living costs and the search for meaningful employment. I want to assure you that your voices are heard. 

    “As your President, I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens. Once again, I plead for your patience as the reforms we are implementing show positive signs, and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. 

    “My administration took over the leadership of our country 16 months ago at a critical juncture. The economy faced many headwinds, and our physical security was highly impaired. We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between two paths: reform for progress and prosperity or carry on business-as-usual and collapse. We decided to reform our political economy and defense architecture.

    “Fellow Nigerians, better days are ahead of us. The challenges of the moment must always make us believe in ourselves. We are Nigerians—resilient and tenacious. We always prevail and rise above our circumstances”, he assured.

    The story of that speech would not be complete if I do not make a mention of some of the negative criticisms that trailed it. It went from some saying they did not feel what the President was trying to communicate, to others almost calling him a liar. Those feelings and insinuations have been dealt with variously by different people. For instance, Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, in his explainer titled “President Tinubu’s Drive for Foreign Direct Investments”, dealt adequately with the President’s hint to “our country attracted foreign direct investments worth more than $30 billion in the last year”.

    An overall Sentiment and Topic Analysis of the speech has also been done by the University of Ibadan Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (UI-LISA) and its final submission is that it portrayed an overarching tone of optimism and trust. The academic work, which was made available by Professor Olusanya Elisa Olubusoye, tended to address those negative views once and for all. The UI-LISA’s findings suggest that President Tinubu’s speech exuded confidence in Nigeria’s ability to overcome its current challenges.

    “The speech carried an overarching tone of optimism and trust, designed to reassure Nigerians of the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing the country’s economic, social, and security challenges”, the analysis stated.

    Before the anniversary and the speech, the President had on Monday performed a critical assignment; the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Kudirat Kekere-ekun as the 32nd substantive Chief Justice of the Federation. It presented another opportunity for the President to reaffirm his administration’s unwavering commitment to preserving the sanctity and independence of the judiciary, a vital pillar of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. The judiciary, he noted, serves as a moderating force, ensuring that everyone remains in check, and its independence is crucial in sustaining the people’s confidence in democracy. As the last hope of the common man, the judiciary provides redress when wronged, and its impartiality is sacrosanct.

    “The judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy. Indeed, the Nigerian judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check. Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our people’s confidence in democracy, knowing well that there is an important arbiter that can always give them redress if they are wronged. For this function, it is important that our judiciary remains truly independent. It is my administration’s total commitment to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary. 

     “While we may have reasons to interface as complementing components of the same government, under my watch, the government will also be mindful of the clear line demarcating the two of us. We will never interfere or abuse the relationship between us as separate organs of government in our democracy. This is important for sustaining our constitutional democracy”, the President said.

    The President also made an appointment in the course of the week. On Sunday, he appointed a governorship aspirant in Oyo State in the 2019 elections, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, as Director-General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership. He celebrated the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on his 70th birthday on Tuesday. On Friday he celebrated former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, on his 70th birthday celebration and one of his long-time political allies and friends, Chief Henry Ajomale, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

    Also on Friday, he wowed members of the House of Representatives by yielding to a specific request they made. It happened that in his Independence speech, he doled some national honours out and the members of the Lower Chamber contested the honour bestowed on their Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas. Tinubu had awarded the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) to Abbas and the Deputy President of the Senate, while the President of the Senate and Chief Justice of the Federation were awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

    The honourable members of the Lower Chambers kicked because they rather saw the honour as something reflecting on their personage as a House, prompting them to make comments like “we’re not inferior to…”. In any case, the President heard them loud and clear and he effected a change on Friday, awarding a new honour to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, making it at par with the President of the Senate and the CJN. Abbas is now a GCON, just as his House demanded.

    President Tinubu will be staying this week and part of the upcoming one abroad. He left for the UK for a working vacation, which his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said is part of his annual leave. Being abroad has never deterred him from making shocking moves or running the system, besides, he always says he has a capable deputy, who always knows what to do in different circumstances, hence you can be assured that the wheel of state is not going to be grounded.

  • Disaster relief fund: Transforming a thought into reality within a week

    Disaster relief fund: Transforming a thought into reality within a week

    When the Presidency announced that President Bola Tinubu would not be attending the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in person and that his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, would be attending in his place, the media handlers did not fail to give a reason for the President’s decision to skip such an all-important international engagement.

    The UNGA is considered the ace space for all nations of the world to gather and do their most important exchanges, it is like the number one diplomatic and political market. The UNGA is a period everybody everywhere awaits to enter New York City, the UN headquarters that hosts the meeting, to demand for freedom, protect what they have, as well do any other thing that advance the individual interests of their various countries.

    Before proceeding to the reason for President Tinubu’s staying back and what his stay back has achieved, it must be noted that Vice President Shettima has not failed to impress and live up to expectations. Besides other meetings and engagements he attended on the instruction of his principal and on behalf of all Nigerians, the Vice President’s demeanour while delivering the Nigerian national statement has been praised as starling. Shettima shone line a star for Nigeria. May be I should make the point that Shettima would be the first Vice President in the twenty-five years of the current democracy to lead the nation to the UNGA, exhausting all the itinerary of the President, including the presentation of the national statement to the full assembly.

    However, the lot to go represent Nigeria in New York fell on Shettima when President Tinubu, according to a statement issued on Thursday, September 19, by the his spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said he “wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding”.

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    Specifically because things were happening back home posing challenges to Nigerians, people he campaigned to and promised that he would be having their back, now here they are facing challenges, many of which are beyond their control, one of such challenges was the flooding disaster in different parts of the country.

    The thought on his mind would have been something like “if we promised to bring them relief and renew their hope, it is at a time like this that we should be found by their side, lending our shoulder and deploying all available resources”. So he stayed back, apparently to lead the relief and recovery efforts, starting with the visit to Maiduguri at the beginning of the upper week. It was in Maiduguri he hinted of an alteration to his United States (US) trip, when he met with the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Garba. He was actually scheduled to head straight to the US from abroad: “I know I have to cut off (the trip), I was going directly to America, but I have to be with you, even if it’s just for five minutes”.

    It was in the same Maiduguri where he first publicly spoke of the need for a ready intervention fund for times of crises and challenges as we are currently facing. While sympathising with the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, over the disaster, the President suggested that Nigeria should be better ready for future disasters, especially natural ones like the case in Maiduguri. By the way, the flood in Maiduguri was occasioned by the overflowing of Alau Dam, which was also said to have over-flown as a result of unusual amount of rainfall, a vestige of climate change.

    “After my visit to the Shehu of Borno and the IDP camp, I have been reflecting on how to tackle this kind of disaster and the effects of climate change. There must be a disaster relief fund. I will invite the private sector to team up with us and help rebuild the affected areas. If we take a small percentage from FAAC and put it as disaster relief fund, which will include all of you, we will be activating and strengthening our sense of belonging,” he said.  

    So the President thought up an idea on Monday 16 in Maiduguri and by the next Monday, being September 23, that idea became an Act of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). He did not just stop it at being a thought, it became a national discuss, to which every segment of society will have an opportunity to contribute to. By the time he broke down what his vision of the Disaster Relief Fund should be like and why it has become necessary for Nigeria to set one up to his cabinet, all members of Council bought it.

    At the end of the Council meeting on Monday, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, explained the President’s reason and the objective for the fund to the media. Edun said the fund aims to build greater resilience against disasters, which are increasingly frequent due to climate change. Although Nigeria already has the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Flood Relief Fund, set up in 2012, the President recognizes the need for a more substantial and separate fund focused on financing disaster response efforts

    “We were in agreement with the decision of Mr. President to start today’s FEC with the devastating situation of flooding in Maiduguri in Borno State. At the end of that discussion, which we started the meeting with, Mr. President did direct that a Disaster Relief Fund be set up. We know that there is NEMA, the Flood Relief Fund. The President feels that in this era of climate change and events and that from time to time, no matter the prevention measures, there will be disasters that will occur. We need to build greater resilience in a form of a substantial Disaster Relief Fund, separate from the agencies that intervene in disasters. This will focus on the financing.

    “From the federal to sub-national to local level, private sector and even international organizations, it will be led by top cooperate governance, including leadership by the private sector at an appropriate level, in order to build for Nigeria a resilient response that is adequate size, skilled and quality and able to respond to such occurrences as we have had in Borno and elsewhere. We know no matter how we pray against it, we know this will happen from time to time so we need to be ready”, Edun said.

    Not all of the President’s events and engagements were opened to the media. In some cases, the messages passed out on such events and activities were what sufficed. For instance, on Sunday he ordered a crackdown on cybercrimes, transnational movement of stolen goods. The President strongly affirmed “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries”.

    You will recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Edo State governorship election, Monday Okpebolo, and his running-mate, Dennis Idahosa, winners of the previous day’s election. On Thursday the President received the victorious candidates at the State House, Abuja, and it was another moment for him to speak about the concept of democracy, a way of governance he has spent his adult life to advance, champion and defend.

    Of course, as the leader of the winning party, he had to charge the governor-elect and his deputy to be ready to provide leadership for all the people of the state and meet them with the developments and advancement they have always yearned for, but even beyond that, he took the time to prepare their minds for the challenges of not just governance, also those of democracy.

    “You have earned the victory. Democracy is difficult, particularly in emerging democracies and economies like ours. If you hear complaints from places like America, you know how difficult it is to navigate democracy. But it remains the best form of government”, he told the new team to lead Edo State.

    On Friday, he joined Muslims from across the country to observe the Jumat Service in commemoration of the nation’s 64th Independence Anniversary ceremony at the National Mosque in Abuja. Later in the day, he appointed seven new Executive Directors for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

    Taking another look at the week, it seemed to me like President Tinubu deliberately left his schedule scanty so that the media give adequate attention to the activities of his deputy, whom he sent on a national assignment to UNGA, so they could be visible enough for all to see. Go back to the Presidency’s reports during the last week, you will discover they were mostly those of the new grounds Nigeria was breaking in New York. Besides the national statement and other publicized activities of some of the Ministers who traveled to the event with him, Shettima participated in a number of events that led to the attraction of foreign investments and reaching new agreements with various interests, diplomatic, economic and humanitarian.

    This week is that of our Independence Anniversary and it all will climax with a presidential broadcast and a parade at the State House on Tuesday. The already know itinerary of the Independence Day events, the part involving the President, will add up to other events that are yet to be known. Like I said last week, a lot should be expected from the table of the President, decisions and plans he brewed up while in seclusion. The new week is already here, just stay on and pay attention.

  • In Maduguri, Tinubu kept faith with the  nativeland, renews fight against climate change

    In Maduguri, Tinubu kept faith with the  nativeland, renews fight against climate change

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Abuja late last Sunday after about 16 days outside the country. He was in China for a couple of reasons, ranging from state visit to investors’ forum to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). When he was done with the Chinese events, he went quietly to the United Kingdom, during which stay he met with the British monarch, King Charles III. He returned to Abuja on Sunday and he has since resumed to his task of fixing Nigeria.

    You should remember I wrote about his likely reason for pulling back into his closet to do some reassessment of developments and coming up with new ideas for the direction to focus. In fact, I suggested that he might be coming with a bang and closed the piece, saying “it is a new week, he is about to unleash a new energy, especially as he is coming from these few days of focused seclusion. Just watch out from this week”.

    It did not take very long after arriving the country before he started affirming our thoughts about his moves and likely steps. After arrival, his first official duty was heading straight to the capital of Borno State, Maiduguri, a capital city still looking to climb out of the mire of flooding. He landed in Abuja almost 11pm on Sunday and by Monday morning, travel plans were already afoot for him to go commiserate with the people and government of Borno. While in Maiduguri, he ensured to see the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Garba, visited the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp and met with the governor, Professor Babagana Zulum.

    All that unfolded during that visit and the actions that will follow in proceed days defined a lot about the week, as well as the person of our President. First, while at the Palace of the Shehu, he disclosed that he actually had to disrupt his schedule that had been tailored to suit the attendance of some international engagements in the United State of America. According to him, it was more important for him to come back home at this period when many Nigerians in different parts of the country are grappling with one difficulty or the other. As it is, the harsh effects of economic re-engineering being undertaken by his administration is being felt by most homes, then there came along the vicissitudes of nature, including flooding in many parts of the country, compounding the already testy circumstances.

    The situation in Maiduguri, which was as a result of overflow of the Alau Dam, which in turn had actually been occasioned by heavy rains, was just a symbol of what had already happened to many other communities and towns in different parts of the country and still forecast for many more communities and towns before the end of the rainy season. Seeing, in first hand form, what the floods have subjected Nigerians to, the President recommitted to squarely and more determinedly ramp up the tackling of the effects of climate change in Nigeria.

    “I am just here to sympathise with you. I know your palace was overtaken by flood, I have heard the report, My VP gave me details but to me personally, I know I have to cut off. I was going directly to America but to be with you, if only for five minutes, share the moment. I thank you very much for your leadership for your various prayers this is one disaster that we must pay attention to, we will help Borno State.

    “We as a government, as Nigerian people, we pledge with you that we will help you in the rehabilitation. It is our problem not just your problem, we must share in each other’s pains. The situation that we find ourselves in the environmental problem, climate change and all of these are what we must tackle differently, and we must educate our people”, he said.

    Read Also: Idahosa delivers polling unit for APC with landslide

    Besides recommitting to intensifying efforts at fighting climate change and its various manifestations, the President provided a bit more clarity into how he intends to protect the people against climate change disasters, more easily and readily, unlike the way response is currently structured. Speaking to Governor Zulum at the Government, after he had seen the Shehu and seen the IDPs, Tinubu mooted the idea of a disaster relief fund, which will reserve a dedicated purse for dealing with the sort of disasters being witnessed across the country, especially in places where the effects of climate change are mostly felt, like the floods in Maiduguri.

    “After my visit to the Shehu of Borno and the IDP camp, I have been reflecting on how to tackle this kind of disaster and the effects of climate change. There must be a disaster relief fund. I will invite the private sector to team up with us and help rebuild the affected areas. If we take a small percentage from FAAC and put it as disaster relief fund, which will include all of you, we will be activating and strengthening our sense of belonging.

    “I am glad that Prof. Zulum has been a very active governor. Let me assure you that we will be with you, Borno State and share the burden. This disaster was a natural one. It was not the making of anybody. We cannot pass the blame. We pray that the Almighty Allah will receive the souls of the departed and grant them eternal rest. May God also overlook their shortcomings and misdeeds on earth”, he added.

    Even before visiting Maiduguri on Monday, Tinubu has been rallying relief efforts for all states, especially those hit the most. In fact, on Wednesday of the week that preceded the last, his Vice President, Kashim Shettima, recalled an earlier approval by the President that a total of N108 billion be distributed to all states for the management of natural disasters, including flooding.

    Then on Thursday, he made a bigger decision, still on account of the widespread disaster that flooding has wrecked nationwide. His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, announced that President Tinubu would be excusing himself from the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), assigning the Vice President to lead the Nigerian delegation to the all-important international engagement that is considered to be the highest-rated diplomatic event in the world.

    President Tinubu must have, during his strategic seclusion abroad, concluded that this is the most appropriate time for him as the leader of a nation-in-distress to stay back and coordinate healing process, as well as attend to other issues in need of re-ordering, just as I suggested last week. When Onanuga was relaying the President’s decision to skip this year’s UNGA, he did not fail to give the reason. According to the Presidential Spokesman, “President Tinubu wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding”.

    The President, by his action, gave live to the Yoruba philosophy of eternal vigilance, which is captured in the saying “no one goes to bed under a burning roof”. He would not leave local issues that need his attention here at home for matters that are receiving the attention of the rest of the world. Like he has always pointed out, he was the one who approached Nigerians for the mandate, he will not be unfaithful to those who so trusted him with the mandate, the Nigerian people.   

    Meanwhile, he has not let the challenges weighing heavy on the nation to slow the pace of his administration’s march towards economic stability down. For instance, on Thursday he received the global leadership of Coca-Cola Company, led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, John Murphy and the Chairman of Nigerian Bottling Company, Ambassador Segun Apata.

    He commended Coca-Cola for its long-standing partnership with Nigeria and for promoting investment opportunities that have employed over 3000 people across nine production facilities. He said “we are business-friendly, and as I said at my inauguration, we must create an environment of easy-in and easy-out for businesses. We are building a financial system where you can invest, re-invest, and repatriate all your dividends. I have a firm belief in that”.

    On Friday, he received the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, led by former Senate President Ken Nnamani, assuring them of his commitment to genuinely seeking Nigeria’s triumph over its current challenges. He declared “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”. He also appealed to the stakeholders in Edo to ensure yesterday’s governorship election went as ordered by guiding rules.

    Though he did much more during last week, I will still ask that you continue to pay attention because he is yet to start unloading the new ideas and executing the new plans he lined out, hatched during his quiet time in the closet.

  • There’s also the ‘H.E/H.R.M Alliance Against Climate Change

    There’s also the ‘H.E/H.R.M Alliance Against Climate Change

    It was another offshore for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week, almost like a continuation of his initial plan to slip away from all the noise around and take a few days off for a work stay in France. You will remember he had to abort his plans for things to do in France so he could swear in the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), in the person of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. It was certain he did not exhaust his programme for the work stay because the grapevine had suggested he would be staying about two weeks in France, but he barely stayed five days before jetting back home.

    It did not come to me, or any other person who has been following the President’s activities all along, as a surprise when after his state visit and other engagements in the People’s Republic of China the upper week, he decided to quietly slip into his closet to continue with his strategic recess; this is supposed to be a time to take another look at Nigeria, reassess its situation, including its challenges and positive potentials, re-evaluation of moves and strategy, then decide if there will be a need for change of tactics. All leaders do it.

    From last weekend till about last Tuesday/Wednesday, there was that curiosity, especially in the media, about the President’s whereabouts, it was just not overstretched. Then on Thursday when pictures and tweets started flying in the media, about a well publicised reception for him at the Buckingham Palace in London, where he and the British monarch, King Charles III, had deep discussions on issues of common national and regional interests, the anxiety kind of calmed.

    Although I was not there, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, who is in a better position to gain privileged insights into the reason for the meeting, offered tips from the discussions. According to him, in a statement he issued on Thursday, the conversation was dominated by a pressing global concern: climate change. The two leaders, both committed to finding solutions to this complex challenge, explored opportunities for collaboration and shared ideas on innovative approaches to climate financing and funding.

    As the world prepares for the COP 29 Summit in Azerbaijan and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, this meeting was a significant step towards a united global front in combating climate change. Nigeria, under President Tinubu’s leadership, is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future, and this meeting with King Charles III marked a crucial moment in that journey. The discussion between the two leaders was built on a foundation of mutual respect and a shared commitment to addressing climate change. President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s firm commitment to addressing climate change in a manner that aligns with the country’s energy security objectives, while affirming Nigeria’s readiness to adopt global strategies for sustainability.

    As the meeting drew to a close, it was clear that this was more than just a symbolic gesture. The exchange of ideas and the exploration of opportunities for collaboration marked the beginning of a new chapter in the fight against climate change. With Nigeria and the United Kingdom leading the charge, there is hope for a brighter, more sustainable future.

    “Both leaders discussed global and regional matters of shared priority, focusing on the urgent and complex challenge of climate change. President Tinubu and His Majesty also explored opportunities for collaboration in anticipation of the upcoming COP 29 Summit in Azerbaijan and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.

    “President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s firm commitment to addressing climate change in a manner that aligns with the country’s energy security objectives whilst affirming Nigeria’s readiness to adopt global strategies for sustainability. During their dialogue, the two leaders shared ideas for innovative approaches to climate financing and funding, expressing mutual interest in strengthening partnerships by harnessing Nigeria’s leadership position in Africa and the Commonwealth”, Onanuga said in his statement.

    The meeting was actually more significant for Nigerians back home, especially at a time when there is no region or state of the nation that is not adversely impacted in one way or the other by the rapidly changing climate. It becomes easier to describe or imagine in the last few days when the sights coming out of flood-ravaged states and communities comes to mind. Like the case of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State and the home of Vice President Kashim Shettima, where a whole city is either submerged or substantially soaked in flood water, leaving scores of deaths behind, more than 200,000 displaced and not less than a million citizens affected.

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    Borno is just one in the many cases of massive flooding across the country. As at July, not less than ten states has been impacted variously by floods with many more anticipated. Sometime in early July, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, during a press briefing in Abuja had hinted there would be floods and that not less than 31 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), would be the casualties. In fact, he said 148 council areas would be impacted across the 31 states that fell within the flood risk belt.

    The picture becomes uglier when the likely vicissitudes, including outbreak of diseases, general displacements, food crisis, breakdown of law and order and other forms of life’s unpleasantness are considered. Like in the case of Maiduguri, some of these eventualities have stated manifesting. For instance, there was a warning by the United Nations (UN) that the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in Maiduguri are at risk of cholera and malnutrition. Then in another circumstance, the heavy flooding occasioned a breach at the Maiduguri correctional centre where more than 400 inmates escaped and are now unaccounted for.

    The impacts of the floods, which seem to be extending further into other parts of the country, are yet to be calculable as it is not known yet how far they might still go. It is believed that they might worsen the current food crisis that governments at various levels have been struggling to tame. This is because though farmlands need water, with some other natural elements to bring bountiful yields they do not need excess of it, at lead not in floods. So far, figures out there say more than 107,000 hectares of farmlands have been destroyed by the floods. These are just about the floods, which have rather now become the annual experience in the last few years, there are other manifestations of the phenomenon known as climate change.

    I also believe this last week was genuinely a very fulfilling one for President Tinubu, may be for many reasons, but particularly because he had another prove to show those doubting his rout to economic reformation. On Thursday, he reacted to the National Bureau of Statistics’ (NBS) latest report on Nigeria’s trade balance. According to the NBS report, Nigeria recorded N6.95 trillion trade surplus in Quarter 2 of 2024, which is 6.60% higher than the N6.52 trillion surplus of Quarter 1

    According to Onanuga, who capture the President’s reaction in a statement, the report highlights the country’s strong export performance, driven primarily by crude oil exports, which contributed N14.56 trillion or 74.98% of total exports. Non-crude oil exports also showed significant growth, valued at N4.86 trillion, comprising 25.02% of total export value. The dominance of European and American countries as Nigeria’s top export destinations is a testament to the country’s growing economic influence.

    This latest report comes on the heels of a successful domestic bond issuance, which was oversubscribed by almost 100%, and a half-year revenue of N9.1 trillion. These indicators suggest a turning point in Nigeria’s economic fortunes, with President Tinubu’s reforms beginning to bear fruit. These positive swings will further reinforce the President’s resolve that his administration will remain committed to consolidating these gains and implementing further fiscal and tax policy reforms to unlock the country’s full potential.

    “Generally, the economic indicators, which were very low when President Tinubu assumed office last year, are turning positive. The government will continue to consolidate on the gains of the reforms as more fiscal and tax policy reforms already embarked upon by the administration come to fruition. President Tinubu is determined to confront the inhibitions that have stunted the growth and development necessary to unlock the country’s full potential”, Onanuga said.

    During the course of that week, President Tinubu was constantly in touch with home, giving proper guidance and instructions on what needed to be done in various areas. He celebrated those he knew had to be celebrated and mourned those who passed.

    For instance, he did not miss the chance to stand in solidarity with the people of Niger State on Monday, over the unfortunate tanker fire explosion, which claimed many lives, just as he did not fail to instruct the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to intervene in the Maiduguri flood. He later in the week approved N108 billion intervention for states to tackle flooding and erosion. He also mourned the death of the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, who died at 86 years.

    He also celebrated the likes of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, who clocked 90 years; same thing for the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, who clocked 72 years and commemorated 21st year on the throne. He also celebrated the Governor of Katsina State, Dr Kikko Umar Radda, who turned 55 years.

    It is a new week, he is about to unleash a new energy, especially as he is coming from these few days of focused seclusion. Just watch out from this week.