The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Of 2027 and clamour for Jonathan’s candidacy

    Of 2027 and clamour for Jonathan’s candidacy

    • By Mobolaji Sanusi

    People have a habit of inventing fictions they will believe wholeheartedly in order to ignore the truth they cannot accept.”—-Nishan Panwar

    Year 2027 is two Gregorian calendar years away. Anticipatory human projections, subject to The God Factor, are allowed in the affairs of man but a species of humans called politicians usually move beyond the realm of divine projections to the deluding stage of abnormal scheming. Needless to lose any sleep over this because politicians are innately incurable optimists, threading on conjectural realms that even angels of wisdom dare to trespass.

    As a result of this deluding foolhardiness, any unanticipated interjection brings out the animalistic proclivity in them. No wonder, save for former President Goodluck Jonathan, defeated presidents cum politicians are always reticent to voluntarily take defeats in their stride in this clime. They must fight to the last minute, mostly against the spirit of good sportsmanship.

    This must have informed why former late president of Nigeria, General Muhammadu Buhari, showed exceptional gratitude before, during and after leaving office to Jonathan.

    At any opportune time during his life time as president-elect and after being sworn-in, he had expressed undiluted reverence for Jonathan for voluntarily relinquishing power to him, an opposition, after his electoral loss as a sitting president in 2015.

    At that point in history, public fears were palpable that Jonathan could have done otherwise but he refused. In the twilight of his presidency, Jonathan commendably chose not to listen to the voices of hypocritically avaricious politicians advising him not to hand over. He adhered to the dictates of his soul.

    If he had listened to the voice of Babel, a perilous political stalemate could have ensued but he disappointed his con hailers when against their selfish expectations, picked his phone, called President-elect Buhari to congratulate him for his electoral success. What he did at that point when he followed the truthful dictates of his conscience is what the Americans call: ‘The Majesty of Democracy.” Until then, such statesmanship act at elections for especially that exalted position was a taboo in the history of the country.

    Buhari throughout his life time was full of gratitude to Jonathan. And immediately after receiving his predecessor’s call, he was elated to have publicly declared: “I’ll continue to hold former president Jonathan in high esteem as a result of that singular act.” That profoundly re-echoing statement was made over ten years ago in 2015 and shall remain so even as Muhammadu Buhari is no more.

    Also in October 2018, Buhari, while receiving a team from the Kannywood Entertainment delegation inside Aso-Rock Presidential Villa, again seized the opportunity to express his admiration for Jonathan when he reportedly said: “He (Jonathan) was in power as Deputy Governor, Governor (Bayelsa), Vice-President and President, all for about 10 years and he voluntarily accepted defeat and surrendered power to me.” This statement of Buhari conjures rarity in the minds of majority of power drunk Nigerian politicians.

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    In Nigeria generally, losers at elections are fond of rejecting election results and challenging such in court of law even when they know they stand no chance of winning or better put, no chance of getting justice largely because of the intricate nature of electioneering litigations in the country.

    Politically revered citizen Jonathan stands out for voluntarily relinquishing power to the opposition after losing it to now deceased All Progressives Congress candidate, Buhari. Jonathan should not push his good luck too far with the clamour for his return to power in 2027 by his largely battered Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) apologists.

    They are making the calls, not necessarily because they believed in him or his capacity to lead the nation at this critical point in time: They are not beckoning on Jonathan to come forward and stand for the presidential election in 2027 because of any laudable initiatives as a past occupant of Aso Rock Presidential Villa; Jonathan’s era witnessed Nigerians anger over swelling corruption, devastating Islamist insurgency in the north with ransom killings a routine spectre in our polity and a coordinately mismanaged economy. By lobbying him to come back to power, his deceitful supporters are trying to exploit his leadership forbearance which is very clear in their engaging in what in legal parlance is called ‘forum shopping’ of candidates. This in their erroneous beliefs would guarantee seizing power from incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, come May, 2027.

    To be fair to Jonathan, he has not explicitly come out in the public to say he was approached, has agreed or interested in stepping forward to accede to the selfish clamour of his so called political fans. However, his body language has not helped matters. The closest to debunking this was a not so recent statement credited to his wife and former First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, to the effect that her husband has not forgotten anything behind in the Presidential Villa to warrant his contesting against the incumbent president.

    Despite Madam Jonathan’s public assurances, the vociferous clamour for Jonathan to return to contest in 2027 and his continuing silence in not coming forward to publicly debunk interest in pursuing such lawful but self-destructive ambition constitutes an avoidable distraction that leaves a sour taste in the mouth. In politics, more importantly, behind every rumour, there’s an iota of truth.

    This evasive conduct of ex-president Jonathan is what informed putting forward this piece regarding why humans, especially politicians, will prefer to shed the applausive toga of honour, in pursuits of perilously adventurous gambits. If Jonathan publicly does that today, it will amount to nothing but his committing voluntary political honorific suicide. He would, if he tries it and loses, be de-robed of the honour and democratic legacy he enjoys today across the world.

    As at today, Jonathan is undeniably an international statesman; a global ambassador, not on the altar of his sterling performance as president of Nigeria but simply because he toed the path of honour by voluntarily conceding defeat and peacefully handing over power to Buhari.

    This was something that Buhari in his lifetime wasn’t even sure of doing to any opposition if he were to be in Jonathan’s position in 2015. No wonder, Jonathan has since been the toast of the diplomatic world. The African Union: The Economic Community of West African States and the United Nations amongst several other international institutions have come to respect and revere Jonathan because of that singular political act of his in 2015.

    Now his coming out, if true, will destroy and shred into pieces his toga of global respect and ululation. This same set of apologists calling upon him to come forward and ‘rescue’ Nigeria are the same class of reactionary politicians that goaded ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo into virulently pursuing his failed Third Term Ambition. But for late Buhari’s gross lack of capacity and sheer incompetence in the management of the affairs of this country, no reasonable Nigerian should have in contemporary times pondered over returning Jonathan to power.

    Ex-President Jonathan should not listen to deceitful people but remember that till date, the baggage of that ill-fated, selfishly conceived Third Term inordinate agenda still hangs on Obasanjo’s neck like an albatross notwithstanding his deluding posturing as a political saint in contemporary Nigeria, Africa and the world democratic order.

    Reasonably discerning Nigerians and citizens of the world understand Obasanjo’s hypocritical leadership posturing on good corporate and democratic governance. Jonathan should avoid being lumped together with Obasanjo’s leadership class of democratic hypocrites who have forgotten to remove the speck in their own eyes while calling for removal of the log in the eyes of other leaders.

    The deceptive apologists conjuring the 2027 Jonathan for president movie are obviously ignoring the unavoidable bitter truth of today’s polity and electioneering politics that of all the recycled politicians aspiring to tackle Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in the upcoming 2027 presidential election, none can assuredly be said to have better plans for Nigeria. This doesn’t mean that the country as currently is, is near the promised land but embracing Tinubu for 2027 is the bitter truth the coalition of deluding oppositional gladiators chose not to accept. Too bad!

    Yours sincerely believes that Jonathan should just ignore these political apologists’ delusional calls so that he can continue to go to bed each night, like he currently does, with his soul at peace and with an assured global reverence to the bargain.

    •Sanusi, a former MD/CEO of LASAA, is a managerial psychologist and managing partner of Lagos State based AMS RELIABLE SOLICITORS

  • Climate change in Nigeria: causes, effects, and mitigation efforts

    Climate change in Nigeria: causes, effects, and mitigation efforts

    • By Adebayo Adeleye

    Climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria today. The nation, situated in West Africa, is experiencing unprecedented environmental shifts that threaten its economy, agriculture, health, and overall development. Understanding the causes, effects, and ongoing mitigation efforts is crucial in addressing this global crisis at a national level.

    Causes of Climate Change in Nigeria includes; Human Activities: Nigeria’s climate change issues are primarily driven by human activities. Rapid population growth, urbanization, deforestation, and reliance on fossil fuels for energy are significant contributors. The burning of fossil fuels, especially in industrial activities and transportation, releases large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs), particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂). Deforestation, driven by logging, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development, reduces the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO₂, exacerbating global warming. Additionally, Nigeria’s heavy dependence on oil and gas exports has made it a major contributor to global GHG emissions. Despite efforts to diversify energy sources, the country still relies heavily on oil for revenue and power generation, further fueling climate change.

    Effects of Climate Change in Nigeria: The impacts of climate change are vividly evident across Nigeria: Erratic Weather Patterns: Nigeria experiences unpredictable rainfall, leading to prolonged droughts in the north and intense flooding in the south. For instance, the 2022 flooding displaced over 2.5 million people, affecting agricultural activities and livelihoods.

    Agricultural Disruption: Agriculture, which employs over 70% of Nigerians, has been severely affected. Reduced rainfall and increased droughts have led to crop failures, threatening food security.

    Sea Level Rise and Coastal Erosion: Coastal cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt face severe erosion due to rising sea levels, threatening homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

    Health Challenges: Increased temperatures and changing weather patterns have led to the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and Lassa fever.

    Nigeria’s Mitigation Initiatives:

    Recognizing the urgency, Nigeria has embarked on several mitigation strategies:

    Renewable Energy Projects: The government has invested in solar and wind energy, especially in rural areas, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The Kano Solar Park and the Kaduna Wind Farm are notable examples.

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    Afforestation and Reforestation Programs: Initiatives like the Great Green Wall project aim to combat desertification in the Sahel region of Nigeria, restoring degraded land and absorbing CO₂.

    Climate Policy and International Commitments: Nigeria ratified the Paris Agreement in 2015 and has developed a National Climate Change Policy to guide mitigation and adaptation efforts.

    Community Engagement and Education: NGOs and government agencies conduct awareness campaigns to promote sustainable practices among farmers and urban residents.

    Challenges and the Way Forward:

    Despite these efforts, Nigeria faces challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of infrastructure, and policy implementation gaps. Climate change adaptation requires integrated approaches involving government, private sector, and local communities.

    In conclusion, Nigeria’s experience with climate change underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to curb emissions and adapt to environmental changes. As the country continues to grow, sustainable development and environmental preservation must go hand in hand to secure a resilient future for Nigeria and its citizens.

    •Dr. Adebayo Matthew, Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan) Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control

    badeleye@gmail.com  +234 803 525 6450

  • At-Tanzeel rewards outstanding pupils

    At-Tanzeel rewards outstanding pupils

    • By Eniola Akinwande

    At-Tanzeel Schools, over the weekend rewarded its top-performing pupils at the 6th Valedictory Programme and Haflatul Qur’an ceremony for the “Achievers Set.”

    Twenty-eight students graduated, with six recognised for exceptional performance in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and other assessments. They are: Yusuf Mukhtar Mobolaji (323), Yakub AbdulAzeem Olamide (317), Akintola Khalid Akinbola (294), Ekeolere Musa Olamilekan (292), Raji Al-Ameen Olamilekan (288) and Bello Abdullahi Abidemi (283).

    Five pupils; Soyoye Al-Amin Desireola, Agbalajobi Oluwajomiloju Qudus, Abdul Mumin Opeyemi AbdulSobur, Olanloye Adewole Mubarak and Ajadi Hameedah Ayomide were also honoured for memorising the entire Qur’an in less than two years.

    The event themed:“From Learners to Leaders: Shaping Tomorrow with Purpose”, featured the presentation of plaques and cash prizes to outstanding students, long-service awards to staff, and the launch of a 164-page Year Book.

    Head of School, Ibrahim Sonola, described the graduating class as exceptional, noting that two of them scored above 300 in UTME and many excelled in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), with some already gaining admission into Nigerian universities.

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    He added that producing memorizers of the Qur’an remains a core part of the school’s mission, recalling that last year, six students achieved the feat, while five joined the ranks this year.

    Executive Commissioner of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC), Kofo Olokun-Olawuyi, praised faith-based schools like At-Tanzeel for instilling religious and moral values in children from a young age.

    She said: “In a world where so many things are being thrown at children through their devices, they are able to understand what their religion actually says, different from what the world is putting in their heads”. She urged the graduates to plant the seeds for their future now by applying the skills and values acquired, noting that success in today’s job market goes beyond certificates to include critical thinking, integrity and values.

    In his remarks, CEO of Vanguards Academy, Dr. Zafaran Adeniyi, advised the graduates to remain rooted in their faith and surround themselves with good friends to navigate challenges such as social media, materialism and negative influences.

    Chairman of the day, Sulaimon Adedokun, called for more faith-based institutions, describing them as vital for raising individuals with strong moral compasses. He warned that when values are lost, “everything is lost”, adding that schools like At-Tanzeel serve as a corrective force against the negative influences of social media and other vices.

    Two of the graduates, Bello Abdullahi Abidemi and Ramon Sodiq, described their time at the school as challenging but rewarding.

    Abidemi, a top JAMB scorer, credited the school’s structured schedule and his determination for balancing secular and Arabic studies.

    He said he plans to further his Arabic education and teach the Qur’an.

    Sodiq also expressed his desire to teach others and live by the values he has learned.

  • Nigeria should not do business with Israel, says MURIC 

    Nigeria should not do business with Israel, says MURIC 

    A faith-based civil society organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has appealed to the Federal Government, states and parastatals to resist the temptation of doing business with Israel. The group frowned upon a deal between Nigeria and Israel’s foreign ministries involving 40 startups in the country. MURIC argued that any business deal with Israel is a romance with a terrorist state.

    A statement by MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Prof Ishaq Akintola, described the startups as vehicles of deception.

    Akintola said: “Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel-Harpaz, Monday announced her country’s startup initiative in Abuja. Sharren, who spoke in the presence of officials of the Nigerian foreign ministry, said the initiative will involve forty startups. “MURIC expresses strong reservations about this deal. It suffers from acute desertification of conscience. It is morally wrong for Nigeria to sign any business deal with Israel at a time the Zionist state is at loggerheads with the rest of the world. Israel has defied the United Nations. The genocidal state mocks all 193 member countries of the UN.

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    “As we speak, Israel has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians between October 7th and today. Christians have been killed inside churches, children and women form majority of Israel’s victims. Landlocked Palestine is being starved to death. The fundamental human rights violations of Israel are astounding.

    “Doing business with Israel at this moment is akin to dancing on the graves of those innocent women and children massacred by a belligerent, war-mongering and recalcitrant state. Every single sheqel from the Bank of Israel is blood money.

    “We charge Nigerians to shun Israel’s money and its genocide-infested businesses. Any business deal with Israel is a romance with a terrorist state.”

  • The enduring importance of volunteering

    The enduring importance of volunteering

    • By Ovigho Richard Okojevoh

    Sir: In earlier generations, volunteering was not just encouraged—it was embedded in the fabric of growing up. Organisations such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, and the Red Cross were well-regarded pillars of civic responsibility. It was common for schools to dedicate specific days—often Thursdays—for students to leave early and participate in these activities. Volunteerism wasn’t considered optional; it was simply a way of life.

    It’s disheartening to observe the growing apathy toward volunteerism today, particularly among young people from low- and middle-income backgrounds.

    Yet, volunteering offers immense benefits—not just to the beneficiaries, but also to the volunteers and society as a whole.

    The decline in volunteerism seems to have accelerated during the economic downturn of the 1990s. While there was a partial recovery in the early 2000s, the culture of volunteer service never fully bounced back. Today, as economic pressures resurface, many young people are priced out of participation by costs like uniforms, membership dues, or transportation.

    Still, participating in community service remains one of the most rewarding ways to create a sense of purpose, connect with like-minded individuals, and contribute to societal progress.

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    One of the most effective ways to break into an industry is by creating proof of work. Volunteering allows you to demonstrate your skills and commitment, often leading to entry-level opportunities. Employers value determination and initiative, and volunteering communicates both. Even compulsory service programs like the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)—though not technically voluntary—offer valuable lessons. Despite its flaws, NYSC promotes national unity, team-building, cultural exposure, and skill development. These are precisely the types of experiences we need more of.

    Organisations such as Junior Chamber International (JCI) and AIESEC continue to offer young people unique leadership and personal development opportunities through volunteer work. Similarly, internships—often unpaid or minimally compensated—can serve as critical stepping stones in a career. But for many from low-income backgrounds, unpaid work is a luxury they cannot afford. The lack of financial support, potential for exploitation, and absence of legal protection remain serious challenges.

    IWhile the culture of volunteering has evolved, its core values remain essential. We must find ways to revive and sustain a spirit of volunteerism, adapting to current economic and social realities while preserving its transformational power. Volunteering is not just about giving time—it’s about building character, fostering unity, and making a lasting difference in the world around us.

    •Ovigho Richard Okojevoh,

     <mrsafetyabc@gmail.com>

  • FRSC and its old ways

    FRSC and its old ways

    Sir: The experience of dealing with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as a motorist can often feel unnecessarily punitive. In many instances, when officers of the FRSC apprehend a driver for something as minor as a faulty brake light, they insist on dragging the vehicle to the nearest FRSC office. This practice is not only inconvenient but also almost unheard of in most developed nations. Drivers are subjected to treatment that borders on criminalization for trivial infractions, such as faded number plates — an issue that is not caused by the driver but often by poor-quality production and lack of standardization.

    If the FRSC ensured the provision of proper, standardized number plates, such infractions would hardly arise. More importantly, there would be far less tension if officers simply issued tickets for such minor offenses or allowed on-the-spot payment after clearly explaining the violation to the motorist. Unfortunately, the reality is different. Many officers go as far as entering a motorist’s vehicle uninvited, compelling them to follow them to an FRSC office. Once there, drivers are sometimes confronted with additional, often unrelated charges, subjected to long delays, and even threatened.

    In a democracy governed by the rule of law, such heavy-handed tactics should have no place, and citizens should not be subjected to these degrading experiences.

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    A comparison with Lagos State’s approach to traffic management shows that a better system is possible. In recent years, the operations of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have been restructured. Officers are now largely restricted to traffic control duties, while many traffic violations are handled digitally. The state government has installed cameras at strategic points, which automatically detect traffic offenses as vehicles pass by. Offenders are then notified via text or email and can pay their fines at their convenience.

    This system not only reduces face-to-face confrontations but also eliminates the possibility of roadside extortion. Motorists can continue to their destinations whether work, appointments, or emergencies without being unduly delayed. The FRSC’s current methods stand in stark contrast to this approach. Worse still, there are instances where FRSC officers allegedly invent violations that never occurred, simply to penalize or intimidate drivers. Such practices undermine public trust and must be addressed if the agency is to be seen as a credible enforcer of traffic laws.

    Same with FRSC’s handling of driver’s licences. Many Nigerians wait six months to a year after applying for a driver’s licence, despite paying increased fees. This is especially frustrating given that the Nigerian driver’s licence is a simple plastic card with no advanced biometric or electronic capabilities. This inefficiency recalls the frustrations Nigerians once endured with the passport office. To add insult to injury, some FRSC officers reportedly harass motorists for using the official print-out issued by the agency while waiting for the delayed physical card. This is deeply unfair, as the delay is entirely the agency’s fault.

    The FRSC must urgently overhaul its driver’s licence system — from application to issuance — ensuring it is transparent, efficient, and citizen-focused. But this alone will not be enough. The agency must also reform its enforcement culture, ending the practice of roadside harassment for minor or fabricated infractions, and adopt modern, technology-driven methods of traffic management similar to those successfully implemented in Lagos.

    Processes must be streamlined to remove unnecessary bureaucracy and opportunities for extortion, while service delivery must prioritize the dignity and time of Nigerians. This means embracing full digitalization, strict oversight of officers, and a zero-tolerance policy for corruption.

    At the leadership level, FRSC management must align with the federal government’s renewed hope agenda, ensuring that every reform effort produces tangible benefits for citizens. Where leaders fail to deliver, they must be replaced with competent individuals who can drive change and restore public trust.

    Nigerians deserve a Federal Road Safety Corps that treats motorists with fairness, delivers essential services without delay, and contributes positively to the nation’s progress. Anything less is a disservice to the country and its people.

    •Oguntoye Opeyemi,

    Lagos

  • Canada’s dangerous redefinition of Nigeria’s democracy

    Canada’s dangerous redefinition of Nigeria’s democracy

    • By Olufemi Soneye

    Sir: When a Canadian federal court recently declared Nigeria’s two largest political parties, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as terrorist organizations under Canadian law, it wasn’t just an immigration decision. It was a political earthquake with consequences that could reverberate far beyond Canada’s borders.

    This decision, made during an asylum case involving Nigerian politician Douglas Egharevba, was based solely on his past membership in these parties. No evidence was presented to show his personal involvement in violence or terrorism. Yet, under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, affiliation alone with a designated terrorist group is enough to bar entry.

    The implications are deeply troubling. Legally, the ruling sets a precedent that political affiliation, no matter how commonplace or mainstream can be equated with terrorism. Diplomatically, it risks souring Canada-Nigeria relations by painting the country’s core democratic institutions with the same brush as extremist groups.

    For Nigerians abroad, especially those who have ever held a party membership card, it signals heightened scrutiny, denied visas, and rejected asylum claims not only in Canada but potentially in other Western democracies that may follow suit.

    Even more alarming is what this means for democracy. Labelling established political parties as terrorist organizations undermines their legitimacy at home and abroad. It blurs the vital line between dissent and danger, between governance and extremism. Once such a label is applied, it can be wielded, domestically or internationally as a tool to silence opposition, suppress political participation, and erode civil liberties.

    Terrorism is a grave charge. To weaponise it against political organizations that have governed a democracy for decades is to dilute the meaning of the term and cheapen the fight against genuine extremists. It also blurs the essential boundary between political disagreement and criminal threat, a boundary that safeguards democratic life.

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    Canada has long been a champion of democratic values abroad. This ruling contradicts that legacy. It must be revisited, challenged, and corrected, not just for Nigeria’s sake, but for the integrity of democratic politics everywhere. If this precedent stands, no political party, in any country, is safe from being redefined into illegitimacy by a foreign court.

    One immediate consequence of the Canadian ruling is that law-abiding Nigerian youths, both at home and across the diaspora could be branded “terrorist” solely for past or present affiliation with the APC or PDP. I know for a fact that the immigration laws of the US and Canada allow inadmissibility based on membership in a group deemed terrorist; this creates a real risk of collateral stigma for young people whose involvement was purely civic. The prospect of visa denials, asylum rejections, or routine travel scrutiny will chill legitimate political participation among youths who are the lifeblood of party renewal. Far from strengthening democracy, such deterrence erodes pluralism by pushing emerging voices out of mainstream politics.

    The world should take note: when courts begin deciding which foreign political parties are “terrorists,” the erosion of democracy is no longer theoretical, it has begun.

    This is not merely Canada’s internal immigration matter. It’s a global warning. If the definition of terrorism can be stretched to encompass mainstream political organizations in one of Africa’s largest democracies, then no political movement anywhere is safe from being redefined into illegitimacy.

    Canada’s decision is not just about Douglas Egharevba, it’s about the dangerous precedent it sets. And if democratic nations don’t push back on this kind of overreach, they may one day find their own politics on trial in a foreign court.

    •Olufemi Soneye,

    Abuja

  • What bites Babachir Lawal? 

    What bites Babachir Lawal? 

    Just as well: Sunday Dare, the president’s special adviser on Media and Public Communication, has given Babachir Lawal, first secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) under President Muhammadu Buhari, a piece of his rather caustic tongue — and fairly so.

    The former SGF must know that the privilege of elite access to the public space (radio, TV, even the new media, with its all-comer malady) comes with anticipated elite decorum.  If you breach that decorum, you’re fair game for whatever riposte comes your way.

    So, if Lawal withered under Dare’s withering fire, he simply had it coming.  It wasn’t pretty, though!

    Some tasters, from what Dare felt was an indecorous Lawal’s interview, on Channels TV: “The outing revealed a deeply troubled soul, slowly unravelling — even if wildly swinging in all directions, wearing ideological inconsistency like a badge of honour,” opened the blast. “It was obvious that the entire performance on Channels … was nothing more than a poorly scripted attempt to bait President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is the same man Babachir (who) once swore the ‘wrath of God’ should fall upon anyone who stood in Tinubu’s way to the Presidency.”

    Dare was clearly piqued Lawal was heaping insults on the president.  He also claimed his grumpiness had to do with ogling the Tinubu vice presidential ticket, which proved a mission impossible.  During that gambit, an Armageddon flared over a “Muslim-Muslim” ticket, in which Lawal was the unfazed crusader-in-chief.  Two years later, after a quietened war front, Lawal would appear still unconsoled, nay unconsolable!

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    Even then, the president won’t be the first the rather cocky Lawal would insult.  The other day, on a live show, he told TVC’s Nifemi Oguntoye: “Give me a break, man.  Shut up! …” bang on air!  But for Oguntoye’s civility and calm professionalism under a rude and crude assault, that interview could well have pivoted into an ugly shouting brawl.

    Now, what’s eating Babachir Lawal?  Why does he think — and with Oguntoye, his body language was haughty, puffy and utterly condescending! — that being rude to others is the new high fashion in civilized discourse?

    Then, his claim, at the Channels TV interview, that Peter Obi won the 2023 presidential election — how so?  By INEC records, Atiku Abubakar even beat Obi to the third place.  Though both second and third pushed their legal right to clamour for a sole spot they both lost, how could, in Lawal’s bizarre record, the third even have trumped the second, to claim a phantom win, when both knew they lost?  Lawal magic?

    Lawal probably voted Obi — no crime! — the so-called “Christian candidate” in 2023. But that absurdity collapsed after that election had been lost and won.  For Lawal to still be mouthing that moonlight tale is not only reckless but also unbecoming.

    Ex-SGF Lawal must know that he adds nothing to his reputation by throwing tantrums in interviews just to make a political point, no matter how cynical.  There’s life after politics — and the next generation are watching.  A word is enough for the wise.

    Besides, Dare, a much younger fellow, should not be schooling Lawal on the etiquette of civility.  The reverse should be the case.  Those who have ears, let them hear!

  • The distortion of statistics and the way forward

    The distortion of statistics and the way forward

    By Bamidele Ademola-Olateju

    As of 2025, Nigeria is grappling with a profound structural imbalance. The country is experiencing a crisis of expectations versus reality, and the challenge lies in transitioning out of a failed system of social relationships. The fallout from this structural imbalance is manifested every election cycle. We’ve been experiencing it these past few weeks as political parties begin to gear up for the 2027 presidential election (see, for example, Tinubu and the North, Daily Trust, August 4, 2027, and Nigerians are hungry, Daily Trust, August 5, 2025).

    Nigeria’s unique characteristics as a multi-ethnic and multicultural society, operating a less-than-balanced federal system is at the root of the problem. An ideal federal system for Nigeria would be akin to Switzerland’s, but the country has deviated from this model since the adoption of the 1960 and 1963 Republican Constitutions. The transition to a presidential system of government in which states are subservient to the centre has not helped matters. The government has made some adjustments, which have been painful but unavoidable. These adjustments have given rise to various symptoms, and statistics have been misused to highlight the issues, as if the current administration is responsible for the underlying decay in some quarters.

    The structural imbalance is complicated by disparities in various sectors, with the economic and educational disparities staring us in the face. The imbalance and disparities must be addressed through more creative means. Currently, statistics are being used as weapons of attack, and there is a need to contextualize them. Given limited resources, a new approach must be developed, focusing on immediate, medium, short, and long-term solutions that would yield transparent results.

    Nigeria’s lack of a national democratic agreement among its political establishment and elite has contributed to the current situation. Such an agreement would provide a general navigating map, allowing for differences in emphasis and disagreements, while maintaining an overall consensus on the way forward. The absence of this consensus has turned a crisis that could have been transformative into a tool for attacking the government as preparations are underway for another round of elections.

    An elite consensus on the way forward is necessary, but unfortunately, it is lacking. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s attempts to rally the republic, to borrow a phrase from Charles de Gaulle, is being sabotaged by ambitious politicians, who have engaged in scaremongering, using statistical distortions. This is not a trend that could be beneficial to the country or its people.

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    When President Tinubu’s government took office, it was faced with two alternative paths: (a) continuing as usual or (b) taking a decisive and bold step to address the damage. The administration chose the latter, more difficult but necessary option, and deserves credit for doing so. This decision has prevented the country from falling into a debt crisis and has enabled it to make gains in exports and federal allocations to the states and local governments.

    The government must now break free from the destructive tendencies and take a robust position. It was as well that the President’s media team immediately exposed the misuse of statistics by the distortionists (see Sunday Dare, Responsible critique requires fact-driven narratives: A response to Daily Trust, The Nation, August 6, 2025 and Tunde Rahman, President Tinubu, the North and Distortions of Politics, Thisday, August 10, 2025). True, one of the Daily Trust editorials provided some urgent tasks that the presidency must embark upon to ameliorate the hardships, it failed to explain why those hardships were necessary for the short-term. Rather, it sought to inflame the masses through distortions of reality. Besides, the presidency was already implementing some of the editorial’s suggestions before they were made.

    Nevertheless, the government needs to determine the territory of public discourse and create a conventional wisdom that acknowledges the challenges, while emphasizing the gains made and the bright future that lays ahead. For instance, the gains in exports should be highlighted and explained in ways that show (a) how they were made possible and (b) how they can benefit ordinary people. The government should also point out how sustained export growth can strengthen the naira, benefiting an import-dependent society. Finally, it must be emphasized that it is not for nothing that major international organizations and finance institutions rated the President’s policy high and painted a robust macro-economic outlook for the country.

    The use of statistics for mischievous purposes has been easy because the government has not done enough to highlight its gains. Instead, too much time is spent on responding to mischievous interventions. It is time for the government to focus on highlighting the progress made, how it will be sustained, and how it will deliver real dividends to the people in the long term.

    For tactical convenience, the strategic imperative may have led the President to avoid public accusation of Governors for failing to show proof of the federal governments social interventions in various sectors. However, in a functioning federalism, much more is expected of state governments than the center. The reality is that state governments have not fulfilled their responsibilities, despite increased federal interventionist subventions social investment, and increased monthly allocations. The government needs to find a way to put state governments on the spot, making the public aware of their ineptitude across various sectors.

    As a federal republic, state governments must provide the inputs that people erroneously expect the central government alone to deliver. The public’s aggression should not be transferred solely to the central government; instead, they should also hold state governments accountable for their responsibilities.

    Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, a former Ondo Commissioner for Information, is Director of New Media and Corporate Services for the All Progressives Congress (APC)

  • Falcons, D’Tigress and rewards

    Falcons, D’Tigress and rewards

    Sir: Sports are no doubt a unifying factor whose influence on nation’s building can hardly be resisted or discarded. Sports are so powerful it does what politics and money cannot do in terms of uniting people of nations in all parts of the world.

    In Nigeria, it’s during sports seasons that people of the South, North, East and West forget their differences. Irrespective of the geographical location they come from, Nigerians often care less for their common and ultimate goal is the victory and glory that sport brings to the country. Perhaps the reason ethnicity and tribalism rarely flourish in the atmosphere of sports.

    Countries all over the world have benefited and are still benefiting considerably from sports. Apart from financial gains, sports have brought peace to countries. The qualification of Côte d’Ivoire – for the first time – for 2006 FIFA World Cup influenced the government of Laurent Gbàgbo and the rebel force to end the civil war in the southern coast of West Africa. Despite the differences of the two warring sides, they found common ground in sports. They sheathed their swords when the national team of the country, the Elephants, qualified for the 18th quadrennial international football world championship tournament in Germany.

    If sports are capable of uniting people of diverse culture/background and propelling two warring sides to lay down their arms, then sports cannot be said of costing the earth.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saw the need to reward the Super Falcons and the D’Tigress, both whose performances earned Nigeria unparalleled victories in the world of sports. The Super Falcons won their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) while the D’Tigress won their 5th consecutive Women’s Afrobasket title, making seven titles overall. Without a doubt, both teams’ unprecedented performances called for commendation and were worthy of celebration.

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    This, of course, was the reason the president, Tinubu, rewarded the players of both teams and their technical crew with national honour, three-bedroom flat each and the sum of $100,000 each for players and $50,000 each for their handlers. But why did the rewards generate so much controversy despite the influence and impact of sports on Nigeria and Nigerians?

    Some believe it’s inappropriate to shower so much goodies on the women athletes, especially in this period of economic downturn. Their argument is based on the state of the nation – particularly the economy. On the contrary, many Nigerians see nothing wrong in what Mr President did for the sports women. They argue that nothing is too expensive to do for any dedicated and patriotic Nigerian whose gesture promotes the image and portrays the country in good light. They believe that this will serve as an encouragement to others.

    In my view, the government can do better by waking the consciousness of the multinational companies that operate in Nigeria. One of their corporate responsibilities is the promotion of sports and encouragement of sports participants. These companies can be persuaded to handle the financial aspect of the rewards while the government handles the honorary premium.

    Inasmuch as sport is a short-lived career with a long tale of consequence, there are schemes the government can initiate to cater for the welfare of the Nigerian sports professionals after retirement. We have witnessed situations where the past sports men/women who were darling of sports lovers during their heydays later battled deteriorating health with little or no support

    Programmes like National Sports Pension Scheme, Mandatory Insurance Coverage, Athletes Welfare Trust Fund and others can be established to cater for the Nigerian athletes after they have exceeded their prime time, when the cheers of the crowd and flashes of cameras eventually cease. These structured pension and welfare system will ensure dignity, security and a future for our sportsmen and women and their lives after hanging up their boots will be guaranteed.

    •Ademola ‘Bablow’ Babalola, babalolaademola39@gmail.com