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  • Aminu Tambuwal’s tale of treachery

    Aminu Tambuwal’s tale of treachery

    • By Abubakar Dan Bala

    Barrister Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has earned an unenviable reputation in the nation’s political arena, as the Betrayer in Chief. While in office as the 12th Speaker of the House of Representatives (2011-2015), he dutifully lived up to his notorious reputation as a traitor. Perching at the apex rungs of the leadership ladder of the nation and his party, the People’s Democracy Party (PDP), Tambuwal actively worked  with the opposition elements behind the scene to ensure the destruction of the very party that brought him to power. His  double agent political treachery seemed very pardonable, or even justifiable, ahead of the 2015 general elections, because it tallied with the mood of the times. Majority of the people in the North wanted a return of power to the Region. So Tambuwal got away with blue murder.

    Aminu Tambuwal eventually joined the then emerging All Progressives Congress (APC) and went on to clinch the coveted seat of Sokoto State Governor with the solid support of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, who since 2007 has been in firm control of the politics of Sokoto State. True to character he betrayed Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko. Like they say a leopard does not change its spots.

    But he was not done with shameless duplicity. When President Muhammadu Buhari fell ill and battled for his life in some British hospitals, an ambitious but clearly empty Aminu Tambuwal quickly greased his elbows to unfold his familiar game of mischief, as he allegedly positioned himself as possible replacement for the ailing President Buhari, even when he had nothing tangible to show in his Sokoto state governorship role.

    When President Buhari recovered by the special grace of Allah, and returned to his duties, Aminu Tambuwal again dug deep into his bag of political treachery motivated by his burning ambition to become president and decided to dump the APC,like the proverbial dog that goes back to its vomit, the chameleon returned to the carcass of the same PDP that he had helped to destroy, and managed to retain the Sokoto State governorship seat, though many were convinced that the present governor, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, actually trounced him in the 2019 gubernatorial polls. The fact that as an incumbent governor he only managed to win with 342 votes confirmed that he was a beneficiary of the political structure of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.

    Agreed, in politics, there is neither permanent friends nor mortal foes; only permanent interests. But the world can easily differentiate a permanent political interest from disgusting acts of deception, destructive manipulation, betrayal of trust and abominable duplicity of a man without any iota of conscience!

    The story of how Aminu Tambuwal treated Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers state, smacks more of sheer deception than the legitimate pursuit of North’s political political interest by Tambuwal. Wike had supported Tambuwal against Atiku in the run up to the 2019 Presidential polls, ceded the chairmanship of PDP Governors Forum to him, and had  discussed his presidential ambition with Tambuwal. A deep pocket Wike followed up with a hefty donation of N500 million to the victims of the Sokoto International Market fire disaster in Sokoto. Till date, nobody has publicly accounted for how (and if) the humongous amount donated by Wike and many other people, was applied in aid of the fire victims.

    At the end of the day, Tambuwal played his trademark game of betrayal on Wike, shocking the Rivers state strongman to the bone marrow, as Tambuwal ditched him to back Atiku for the 2023 Presidential ticket of the PDP. Ordinarily, there was nothing wrong with supporting Atiku, in the spirit of namu namu, instead of reciprocating Wike’s selfish gestures, but it was unconscionable duplicity and sheer wickedness to have misled Wike into believing in the unreality of his support.

    The list of notable political heavyweights who once had trustful and cosy relationships with Aminu Tambuwal, only to come off with bloodied nose of regrets is endless. These would include Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko who in 2015, rescued Aminu Tambuwal from political oblivion, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN)  platform helped Tambuwal to become Speaker of the House of Reps in 2011, against the wish and permutations of the ruling PDP which ceded the position to the South West zone for balanced political representation.

    Both former Ekiti state governor Ayodele Fayose and the incumbent Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, also have gory tales of how they had been stabbed  in the back by one man who appears to relish in inflicting political pains on those who dared to repose their trust and confidence in him. Aminu Tambuwal exemplifies the popular saying that whoever chooses to dine with the devil must use a very long spoon. And in the case of Aminu Tambuwal he definitely would break the spoon ensuring that you don’t achieve your political goals like Wike suffered in his hands.

    Perhaps, the worst form of betrayal that can be ascribed to Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, now ineffectual Senator representing Sokoto South District, was the shabby and ignoble way he discharged the governorship mandate which the good people of Sokoto state willingly invested in him in 2015, and which he also grabbed in 2019. For nearly all the time that he occupied the exalted Office of the Executive Governor, Aminu Tambuwal spent more of his days in Abuja, only occasionally strolling into the state to spend time with the people that entrusted their welfare into his hands. He played the game of a Visiting Governor, perfected by former Saminu Turaki who served as absentee governor of Jigawa state between 1999 and 2007. Tambuwal also copied Turaki in wasteful application of public funds and in going into the Senate after wasting eight years on the governor’s seat.

    It is on record that the only period that Tambuwal stayed put in Sokoto state as governor was during the global lockdown occasioned by the Corona virus (Covid-19) pandemic. At all other times during his tenure, the allure of Abuja, his overarching presidential ambition, the meaningless oversight of the PDP Governors Forum, plus sheer indolence and lack of developmental initiative, all combined to keep Tambuwal far away from the people that he swore an oath to serve. It is not surprising that his eight-year tenure is remembered mostly in disdain or in regrets over the many things he failed to do, and the things he did wrongly. His litany of abandoned projects is a rude reminder of his failure as governor.

    Presently, Tambuwal is being investigated by a duly constituted panel of inquiry for alleged diversion of over N16 billion, proceeds of the sale of Sokoto State Government shares. It is likely that the panel will unearth more skeletons in the cupboard of the failed governor. But, rather than put his records together to truthfully respond to inquiries about how the public funds were used or misused under his watch, the serial betrayer and his hirelings chose the road of infamy, as they continue to wage a war of attrition against the incumbent governor, Ahmad Aliyu, aimed at diverting attention from the urgent need to render an account of his poor stewardship.

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    It is in furtherance of their ungodly agenda to distract the incumbent governor that Tambuwal and his PDP foot soldiers, from the pith of hell, came up with baseless allegation that the administration of Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto had awarded a contract of N30 billion for street fencing. It is hoped that the Justice Muazu Abdulkadir Commission of Inquiry being a Court of competent jurisdiction would compel the appearance of Aminu Tambuwal to answer for his actions against the people of Sokoto State,before he decides to return a paltry N1 billion like former governor Attahiru Bafarawa who recently returned what he thought he might have misappropriated.

    The Sokoto State Attorney General might also consider dragging the authors of that libelous fabrication that the contract was awarded at N30 billion to furnish irrefutable proof of their allegations, or be held accountable for attempting to instigate  the people against the state government.

    Facts have since emerged in the public domain to completely expose the falsehood respecting the “N30 billion” road fencing contract. Indeed, a contract was awarded for the installation of panel wire mesh to fence off road portions to prevent people from being knocked down by vehicles as they run across some busy roads in the metropolis. This life saving,  people orientated and highly commendable project was awarded on March 24, 2024, at the total cost of N866,399,743.75, a far cry from the senseless hype of N30 billion. The contract also includes beautification work designed to give the State Capital a befitting facelift, uplifted from the putrefying dirtiness of the Tambuwal wasted years.

    It is annoying to hear from the grapevine that Aminu Waziri Tambuwal still nurses a presidential ambition, and is not even ashamed to tell people about it. That ambition is certainly dead before arrival. Whenever the indolent senator declares for the 2027 race, he would be met with an appropriate payback by all victims of his betrayal, most especially the good people of Sokoto state who suffered abhorable neglect and poor governance from his vast emptiness.

    It is only fair that Aminu Waziri Tambuwal should reap bountiful whirlwind, since he has dutifully sowed wind by betraying all or most of his benefactors!!

  • Bishop Olowokure: Tribute to epitome of grace and virtue

    Bishop Olowokure: Tribute to epitome of grace and virtue

    • By Lanre Arogundade

    Symbolically, it was while participating in a media leaders’ summit in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital last May that I received the news of the transition of Rtd. Bishop Jacob Olabode Kehinde Olowokure. It was in the rocky ancient city that his fascinating earthly journey as an identical twin brother of Professor Taiwo Olowokure began.

    Symbolic too was the fact that my family was part of that unique breaking news in 1929 for it was the young Samuel Odeyemi Agbola, my paternal grandmother’s elder brother, then an apprentice ‘Osomaalo’ under their father, who was dispatched to perform the journalistic function of breaking the news to family folks at Ijebu-Jesa.

    The other dimension of what became a tripartite family bond was the fact that the old Olowokure family house was located opposite that of my maternal grandfather, the late High Chief Saba Yekoni Ayoade, in the Odo-Ese quarters of the town, close to the Agbola compound.

    I got into the picture in 1979 while seeking admission to the Federal School of Arts and Science, Ondo (FSASON). My mother, Layoonu (nee Ayoade) urged me to enlist the support of yet another ‘egbon’ (brother) of hers who was then a Venerable and Archdeacon of All Saints Anglican Church, Ogbonkowo-Ondo. I teased Layoonu that I thought I had known all her Uncles and Aunties who, nightmarishly, she would insist I prostrate for on the streets of Ijebu-Jesa.

    Ven. Olowokure promptly accompanied me to FSASON to inquire from the Principal why my admission was delayed despite the good result. Soon after, I was admitted to study Economics, Geography and Religious Studies. Before long I became a weekend regular at the Archdeaconry where I found the Venerable and his wife – interestingly also a twin and a Kehinde – extremely accommodating and generous. The biological and non-biological children under their roof equally radiated warmth and love such that I transformed from being the Venerable’s ‘cousin’ to being a ‘son’.

    To confess, there was a culinary dimension to the weekend odysseys. The Sunday afternoon pounded yam with varieties of soup and protein was gastronomically irresistible. I would joyously participate in the Sunday services knowing that a pounded yam feast would follow. The picture of pounded yam in my head did not however obscure the fact that Ven. Olowokure’s sermons were knowledge-based and intellectually rooted. Punctuated with humour and anecdotes, his perceptive messages were always well received. It couldn’t have been otherwise. An educationist, he was once the school principal of Ado Grammar School, Ado-Ekiti. Following the emerging tradition in the Anglican communion to promote qualified scholars into higher positions, he was consecrated the founding Bishop of the Ikare-Akoko Diocese where he excelled as a courageous pulpit-activist.

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    My plan was to spend two full academic sessions at FSASON, for my ‘A’ level before seeking University admission, but Daddy Olowokure encouraged me to sit for JAMB again in 1980. Even when I missed the cut-off mark of Economics, my first choice, he insisted I should embrace Psychology, the second choice, wondering if I wanted to study in the university at old age. It was actually an order as I encountered his tougher side. However, it was all congratulatory smiles when I returned with the news of my admission into the University of Ife. As a radical who spoke truth to power from the pulpit, he also welcomed my involvement in student unionism and indeed nicknamed me ‘Lanrewaju Idiagbon’ when as NANS president, I led Nigerian students to confront the Buhari-Idiagbon’s military regime over its attempt to commercialise tertiary education in 1984. Post-NANS he and his wife switched to calling me Olola-Olanrewaju!

    Long story short, to borrow the phrase I fell in love with through Wale Bakare, Daddy Olowokure positively impacted my life. His household was a faculty of learning, which I was privileged to pass through. Always showering my family with love and prayers, he was happiest whenever we stayed under his roof at Ijebu-Jesa. He would express disquiet if the option was our own family house. Still, he would insist we had meals with him; either at his place or that of his twin brother as they normally eat interchangeably in each other’s residence located within the same premises. Their telepathic communication, bond and banters are of legendary stuff. In lighter moments, the Prof would call the Bishop, Baba Ijebu; while the Bishop would call the Prof, Baba JABU, since the later taught at the Joseph Ayo Babalola University after a long stint at the University of Maiduguri. They would sometimes don the same apparel without prior communication. Mistaken identity especially in their younger days was a common phenomenon even by one of their spouses.

    Daddy Olowokure once hinted that he would like his memoir to be written and titled: ‘From the classroom to the pulpit’. Though apt, I feel it might not capture the full essence of his life that was full of grace, humanism and philanthropy. So, as his burial comes up on Friday October 18, 2024, here is my epitaph: Here lies a humble man of grace, born in tough circumstances in a rocky city, survived early life vicissitudes but by dint of hard work got well educated, molded lives as a teacher and spiritually uplifted souls as a Bishop”.

    •Arogundade is a journalist and Executive Director of International Press Centre (IPC)

  • UN Security Council permanent seat not “Vanity Fair”

    UN Security Council permanent seat not “Vanity Fair”

    • By Alade Fawole

    The Nation’s editorial of October 7, titled “Suspect Campaigns” took positions against the twin issues of debt forgiveness and Security Council permanent membership for Africa that Nigeria canvassed at this year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York in September. Of interest to me are the three assertions regarding the quest for UN Security Council permanent seat and to which I hereby respond.

    The editorial’s first assertion is that “Security Council permanent membership is vanity fair;” the second is that seeking a permanent seat constitutes at this time “needless distractions, until Nigeria gets right its social, political and economic fundamentals;” and the third is that “after Nigeria must have done its homework…and the result is clear to all…no one can turn down its request for SC permanent membership; not even the United States.”

    I beg to disagree with all three assertions.

    First, asking for Africa’s inclusion in the hallowed chambers of global decision-making pertaining to the maintenance of international peace and security cannot reasonably be seen as “vanity fair”, for Africa parades several of the conflicts the UN has to deal with. And it was the UN back in 2004 that had kick-started the global debates and discussions on the implementation of the recommendations for comprehensive reforms of both the General Assembly and the Security Council which included expansion of membership of the latter. This was on the strength of the recommendations for comprehensive reforms submitted to the Secretary-General Kofi Annan which he had placed before the General Assembly for consideration for implementation.

    It would be recalled that Secretary-General Kofi Annan had set up the 15-member High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change in 2003 to look into the future of the UN and make suitable recommendations for necessary reforms for the continued relevance of the organization into the 21st Century as it was about clocking its sixth decade. This was because its Cold War era structure needed to be rejigged to reflect current and unfolding realities in the world. For example, its total membership of less than 60 states at its inception had since increased to 193; Africa, which had only four members then, now has 54; and new great powers have also emerged, therefore the Cold War era structure was no longer tenable if the body would retain relevance into the future.

    The Panel’s Report, submitted to the General Assembly in December 2004, recommended two permanent seats without the veto power for Africa. That was two decades ago. African member-states have since then been part of the discussions and consultations on the need to rectify what constitutes injustices to a continent which has 54 members but no permanent representation in the most strategic organ for global decision-making, and had taken a collective position known as the “Ezulwini Consensus” as far back as 2005 on the expansion of the permanent membership and the question of the veto. Now that the global order is experiencing tectonic rumblings, Nigeria as a pre-eminent African state must not allow itself to be left behind just because of its internal problems. All countries have their internal problems!

    The second assertion that seeking permanent membership constitutes “needless distractions, until Nigeria gets right its social, political and economic fundamentals” implies that Nigeria should wait to solve its problems completely before engaging in world politics. No country can solve all problems and challenges, since new ones arise every day. Despite Nigeria’s domestic challenges, it has been active in fulfilling the UN objectives and had made enormous sacrifices more than any other African country in maintaining global peace and security, participating in over 40 global and regional peacekeeping operations. It is therefore preposterous to ask Nigeria to wait until it ‘solves all its challenges’ before aspiring to a leadership position in world affairs to represent Africa.

    Also, the editorial’s third categorical assertion is wrong. For example, Germany has for several decades been the biggest and most dynamic economy in Europe; similarly, Japan, India, Brazil, South Korea are economic and technological powerhouses, yet the other great powers have resisted their inclusion. If anything, the US prefers them to be included only as second-class members of the Council without the veto power. Again, China’s permanent membership for example predated its contemporary superpower status, so it goes beyond merely “doing your home-work first.”

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    I would concur though that back in 1992 when Nigeria first signified its intention to seek a permanent seat in the SC, it was an overweening ambition because there was no reform agenda at the time. But things have since changed, as noted above, with the recommendations of the High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change. The Panel’s 99-page report made wide-ranging recommendations for reforms that would align the UN more effectively with the realities of the 21st Century world. The recommendations that are germane for my intervention here concern the expansion of membership of the SC from its present 15 members to 24 to accommodate regions of the world like Africa and Latin America that were hitherto unrepresented in that highest portals of global governance and decision-making. It recommended: no veto power for all new permanent members without exception; two permanent seats also without veto to Africa, as well as the inclusion of Japan and Germany on the strength of their individual developments and contributions to the budget of the UN. It is therefore clear from this point that Nigeria’s aspiration for a permanent seat in the Council is not merely vanity but one needed to represent Africa. I need not waste time on its qualifications since the editorial in question acknowledged them.

    Not all the current five permanent members actually earned it. France, for example, was still under Nazi military occupation while the “Big Three” – US, USSR and Britain – were meeting at Yalta and Potsdam towards end of the Second World War to fine-tune the shape of the post-war world order, and was merely gifted a seat to increase Western preponderance over USSR and China. Today, neither France nor Britain can honestly justify their continued membership, for both are economically and militarily smaller than India, and contribute far less than Germany and Japan which have remained locked out of the Council. I agree totally with Ambassador Kishore Mahbubani, the perceptive Singaporean intellectual and diplomat, who submits that it’s time Britain yielded its seat in the Council to India! And so should France.

    Let’s be fair to Nigeria; enough of the casual self-flagellation and belittling of our country in the eyes of the world, which is the pastime of the intelligentsia. Nobody is denying that Nigeria has serious problems, but which nation doesn’t! Even America, the famed greatest power, is battling nation-wrecking debt overhang in excess of $35 trillion, divisive social and political problems, democratic backsliding, drug problems, industrial scale gun murders, and sundry criminalities, yet these have not eviscerated its status as a global power.

    Many across the globe look up to Nigeria, as Nelson Mandela had said, to get things right for the sake of Africa and the Black race, while we ourselves are busy pulling it down and destroying its reputation. Funny enough, the same elites would be in the forefront of condemnation and protests should Nigeria by inadvertence allow other African countries of lesser stature and standing, like South Africa for example, our perpetual competitor for continental pre-eminence, or Egypt, a country that neither share nor represent authentic African interests, or even Senegal or Morocco, to clinch the seat. Let’s make hay while the sun shines.

    •Prof Fawole sent this rejoinder to The Nation’s editorial of October 7.

  • Lagos residents and the budgetary process

    Lagos residents and the budgetary process

    • By Omolara Otuyemi

    Universally, the common accounting tool that governments, companies, organizations, and other institutions use for planning and controlling what they must do to satisfy the people and customers and succeed in their respective endeavours is the budget.

    Budgets provide a measure of the financial results a company expects from its planned activities. By planning for the future, government officials, chief executives, managers, administrators, and others in leadership positions learn to anticipate potential problems and how to avoid them. Instead of subsequently facing problems, they can focus their energies on exploiting opportunities.

    The essence of budget preparation is to give a sense of direction, financial stability, efficient resource allocation, informed decision-making, and promote accountability and transparency in managing a state’s finances.

    Failure to prepare a budget at the state level can have significant repercussions. An unstructured budget exposes the government to overspending, which can lead to financial instability and challenges in meeting fiscal obligations. This absence of a financial plan challenges the ability to make informed decisions, as state officials would lack a clear understanding of resource allocation and available funds.

    The lack of a budget also results in a deficiency in financial direction and control, making it difficult to effectively manage expenditures or respond to unforeseen financial challenges. Over time, this can escalate into financial distress, necessitating cuts to essential services, increasing the state’s debt burden, and potentially leading to a broader economic crisis that impacts both the state and its citizens.

    The government has over time strategically mastered the art of budgeting to progressively transform the city. In the last five years, the government has changed the paradigm, not only in budgeting but in its implementation. The state has not only effectively monitored budget implementation, it has consistently delivered a budget performance of over 70%.

    It has been the government’s policy and practice to embark on periodic budget reviews, repeated monitoring, critical examination, and diligent application of the entire budgetary process. This has largely impacted positively on budget performance in the State.

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    The idea of periodic budget assessment speaks volumes about the pro-activeness of the government as it affords it a scientific basis for measuring its performance consistently while putting pressure on government departments and agencies to meet budgetary targets.

    An integral aspect of the state’s budgetary process is the Budget Consultative Forum (BCF), which is part of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s inclusive governance philosophy. To give the state budget an inclusive outlook, the input of relevant stakeholders across the state is always sought in the budget process.

    This initiative is usually done through the BCF, which is held across the state with the presence of community leaders, traditional institutions, religious organizations, civil society, and the private sector.

    Here, the importance of stakeholder engagement is for crafting a budget that meets the needs of the citizens as well as ensuring transparency and inclusivity in the budget preparation process.

    The purpose of the forum is tilted towards informing the stakeholders with comprehensive updates about budget performance from the previous year and soliciting their feedback for the forward movement of their division.

    This strategy, over the years, has fostered meaningful dialogue and active collaboration between the government and the citizens.  It not only enhances the budget’s relevance and effectiveness but also promotes a sense of ownership among community members. This, in return, leads to quality governance and improved public services strictly tailored to the needs of the people. This is a significant step towards an even more participatory method of governance aimed at achieving a ‘Greater Lagos’.

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    Once the budget has been meticulously prepared and approved, its success centres on effective implementation. The government adopts a multi-faceted approach to ensure that allocated funds are effectively utilized. Adhering to timelines, establishing performance metrics, and allocating responsibilities among various other MDAs are essential aspects of the process.

    To facilitate the smooth execution of the budget, various monitoring committees are charged with the responsibility of tracking project progress and expenditure against the budgetary allocations.

    These committees typically consist of members from the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Project Implementation Units, and critical external stakeholders. Their involvement is vital to ensuring that projects remain within their allocated budgets, thereby optimizing resource operation.

    Recognizing the importance of transparency and accountability, the state leverages technology by deploying e-governance platforms that provide real-time data on budget execution. This innovative approach allows the citizens to track the progress of public projects in their communities, fostering a culture of civic engagement and public oversight.

    Through online portals, residents can access information regarding the status of various infrastructure projects, enhancing their understanding and involvement in the governance process.

     Monitoring budget performance is essential for assessing the efficacy of government spending. The government employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures to evaluate the alignment of budget implementation with the state’s strategic goals.

    Regular assessments of key performance indicators, such as the rate of completion of capital projects and the delivery of public services in healthcare and education, provide insights into how effectively the budget is serving its intended purposes.

    Periodic reviews are instituted as part of the monitoring process, enabling timely adjustments to be made when necessary. These reviews assess whether projects are on track regarding timelines and financial spending, allowing the government to reallocate funds if certain initiatives are falling behind schedule.

    The authenticity of this monitoring process is the active engagement with stakeholders, which includes regular town hall meetings and community consultations to solicit feedback on the implementation of the budget and its impact on residents’ daily lives.

    This feedback loop strengthens the relationship between the government and its citizens, fostering trust and enhancing the responsiveness of public services. Furthermore, the Lagos State government encourages the involvement of civil society organizations and the media, inviting them to participate in monitoring exercises.

    This collaborative approach promotes transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, empowering citizens to take an active role in governance while serving as a deterrent against corruption and mismanagement.

    There is no doubt that challenges may occur during the process from preparation to monitoring. However, to address this, the government is committed to investing in capacity building for its employees, particularly in areas related to project management and financial accountability. It also prioritizes enhanced systems for tracking and reporting budget performance, reducing the chances of error and enhancing the accuracy of financial data.

    By and large, the government’s approach to budget preparation, implementation, and monitoring reflects a commitment to transparency, accountability, and active citizenry engagement.

    The decision to engage the public in the budgeting process is no doubt, the hallmark of true democracy.  This approach helps the government meet the needs of its citizens, use resources wisely, and support long-term growth. It encourages citizen participation which is essentially the gateway for the rising Lagos of our collective dream.

     From all indications, with the availability of the required financial resources, the government would accomplish its ‘Greater Lagos’ objective.  Over the years, the government demonstrated enough capacity to implement projects.

    To ensure the total success of subsequent budgets in the state, the people need to be more involved in its implementation. The projects in their localities are theirs and are principally meant for them. So, they should monitor them to ensure that the money being spent is well spent.

    •Otuyemi is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

  • Before trees are felled in the forest

    Before trees are felled in the forest

    • By Sunday Saanu

    The topic of his inaugural lecture was somewhat sensational: “Working in the Shadows of Death”. The presentation was equally not only terrifying, but mesmerizing as the multitude in attendance and those watching online stayed enchanted till the end of the lecture. It was not deliberately intended to be so fearsome, but indeed it was the reality of his scholarly enterprise.

    Professor of Forest Engineering, Ayodeji Oludare Omole, unarguably is one of the prominent professors at the University of Ibadan. He is the only academic staff at UI who is also a pro-chancellor and chairman of Governing Council of another university – Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTH, Ogbomoso. This is in addition to his current status as Head of Department, Forest Production and Products, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources. He is also a one-time chairman of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UI branch, among other notable positions he has held.

    This probably explained why his inaugural lecture was not only unique in many respects, but crowd-pulling as multitude came from far and near, not only to solidarize with the man of the people, but to also listen to a scholar who has been walking and working in the shadows of death in all his scholarly endeavours.

    Delivering the 561 lectures at the popular Trenchard Hall of the University, it was clear that Prof. Omole did not exaggerate the tittle. He has actually been applying his knowledge both in the coven of the devil, and theorizing in the shadows of death. Otherwise, how does one explain a situation in which this scholar must perform elaborate rituals and sacrifices to appease the spirits and to ask for forgiveness before cutting down a tree for experiment in his laboratory? In his words, “This process often involves consulting a priest to interpret and determine appropriate offerings!”

    “There is a belief that those who cut down certain trees without observing traditional practices may suffer mysterious accidents, such as the tress falling in an unexpected direction or the chainsaw malfunctioning. These incidents are attributed to the displeasure of the spirits or the tree’s inherent power. Some loggers believe that seeing certain animals, such as owls, giant rats or snakes near a tree (to be cut) is a bad omen. If such signs appear, it is considered a warning from the spirits, and the tree should not be logged, as it may bring misfortunes. To counteract the potential negative effects of logging, some loggers do carry protective charms or talisman believed to be potent enough to shield them from harm and appease the spirits associated with the forest”.

    For example, according to Prof. Omole, “One of the revered trees in Yoruba culture is the Iroko tree (Milicia excelsa) which is believed to be the dwelling place of a powerful spirit called “Oluwere”. This tree is seen as a guardian of the community, and cutting down an Iroko tree is believed to be capable of bringing misfortune, madness, or even death to those who commit the act. Cutting down a Baobab tree is seen as severing ties with the ancestral spirits, leading to social and spiritual disarray. Cutting down tree indiscriminately is believed to be disrupting the balance of nature and violate spiritual laws; leading to various forms of misfortune, including environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity.

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    Prof. Omole hinted that, “There are tales of individuals who cut down sacred trees and suffered dire consequences, such as being haunted by spirits, experiencing personal tragedy, or bringing calamity to their community”, adding that, in Yoruba mythology, the cutting down of trees in sacred places is a profound act that goes beyond the physical destruction of nature. He stressed that the reverence for sacred trees reflects the deep respect the Yoruba people have for their environment and the belief in the interconnectedness of all things.

     “However, education, religion, modernization, science and the forces of global capitalism have largely tampered with these myths in Africa in general and Nigeria in particular. It is in this, in a contemporary scientific context that my scholarship as a forest engineer is rooted and what I have done in this regard is the subject matter of this inaugural lecture”, he stated.

    Forest engineering is a specialized discipline which focuses on the design, construction and management of infrastructure and technologies used in forestry. It integrates the principles of civil, mechanical and environmental engineering with forestry science to address the unique challenges associated with sustainable management and utilization of forest resources. Key areas include Forest Road Design and Construction, Harvesting System and Techniques, Erosion Control and Watershed Management, Forest Operations Management, and Safety and Risks Management. Forest engineering principles with environment stewardship to support the sustainable management of forest resources, ensuring that forests continue to provide ecological, economic and social benefits for humanity.

    The inaugural lecturer explained that forest engineering and utilization of logging waste, municipal tree management and utilization of urban wood, wood mechanics as well as wood protection were his areas of his research focus which he said centred on a better understanding of the efficiency of wood exploitation problems and associated damages in tropical forests.

    Omole who took the audience through the historical trajectory of the discipline with its benefits to humanity, listed the hazards associated with logging operations which he said ranged from the falling of dead branches hidden under dense canopy, unexpected collapse of hollow trees, and neighbouring trees that were entangled with woody climbers being pulled down as trees fall.

    According to him, “The accidents and health risks during logging activities cause heavy loss of capital, lives and property, with little attention being paid to their occurrence in developing countries like Nigeria. His words, “Many forest workers employed in manual or motor-manual operations suffer from back, neck, chest and stomach pains due to whole body vibrations which are the main reasons for early retirement”

    On the trees in UI, Prof. Omole noted that these trees were important assets which have long been admired for their roles in the beautification of the university landscape, stressing that, apart from the fact that these trees are of great cultural and social value to the community, they also have historical significance, pointing out that the municipal trees on the campus require special care and maintenance just like any other public property.

    Sadly, Prof. Omole lamented that forestry practice in Nigeria in recent times has become endangered due largely to widespread incidences of attacks, killings, raping and kidnapping for ransom by armed men, who are allegedly foreigners and their local collaborators who have taken over many of our forest estates in Nigeria.

     He recommended that, ‘federal and State governments should follow the UI and Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources’ rehabilitation efforts to restore the Awba dam watershed ecosystem. Allocating funds for forestry can support reforestation and afforestation, restoring ecosystem functions and increasing forest cover. Financial institutions should support these initiatives to mitigate climate change, improve food security, and increase prosperity and employment as a way of fulfilling the UN mandate of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda 2030 and attain “Working in the shadows of Life”.

    •Saanu is with the University of Ibadan. Email: sundaysaanu@gmail.com

  • Some reflections on the CBN’s monetary policy

    Some reflections on the CBN’s monetary policy

    By Isah Aliyu Chiroma

    In a bid to further combat inflation and stabilize the economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 50 basis points to 27.25% from 26.75%, alongside several other policy adjustments. This move has ignited conversations across the country as both businesses and consumers grapple with the potential effects of these changes. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), assessed key economic developments and risks, ultimately opting for a policy tightening approach. While the intention behind these decisions is clear, the implications for Nigeria’s economy are mixed and merit further reflection.

    At the core of this policy decision is the need to manage inflation, which remains a persistent issue. Inflationary pressures have been somewhat alleviated in recent months, with headline inflation easing from 33.40% in July to 32.15% in August. This slight dip, primarily due to a decrease in food inflation, is encouraging, but the rise in core inflation—driven by escalating energy prices—continues to pose a significant challenge.

    The CBN’s decision to raise the MPR is a classic response to high inflation. By increasing the cost of borrowing, the bank hopes to reduce the amount of money in circulation, thereby curbing demand and slowing down price growth. However, this approach has its own setbacks. A higher interest rate could stifle economic growth by making loans more expensive for businesses and consumers alike. This could hamper investment, slow down production, and, in turn, reduce the overall growth of the economy.

    Nevertheless, the CBN’s approach reflects a delicate balancing act between curbing inflation and ensuring that Nigeria’s nascent economic recovery is not derailed. With real GDP growing by 3.19% in the second quarter of 2024, up from 2.98% in the first quarter, it appears we are on a positive trajectory. However, the persistence of inflationary pressures, particularly from the energy sector, requires decisive action to prevent long-term destabilization.

    One of the most notable aspects of the CBN’s latest approach is its acknowledgment of the core inflation drivers, particularly energy prices. As energy prices continue to rise, they exert upward pressure on the cost of goods and services, leading to increased inflation. There is a lot of concerns over the price of energy products, which brings the need for collaboration with fiscal authorities to tackle this issue head-on.

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    In addition to energy prices, insecurity in farming communities is another significant factor contributing to inflation, particularly food inflation. Flooding, scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and challenges posed by insecurity have hampered agricultural production, driving up food prices. The federal government has moved to address these issues, including the duty-free importation of food commodities and the lifting of refined petroleum products from the Dangote refinery.

    While these measures are steps in the right direction, they are only short-term solutions. For lasting stability, there needs to be a concerted effort to address the structural issues in the agricultural and energy sectors. Insecurity must be tackled decisively, and infrastructure investments prioritized to improve the efficiency of Nigeria’s agricultural supply chain. Without these long-term fixes, inflationary pressures could remain a constant thorn in the side of the economy.

    There is the need to manage excess liquidity in the system. With the growing money supply and pressures on the foreign exchange market, the MPC opted to raise the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) for deposit money banks by 500 basis points to 50%, and by 200 basis points to 16% for merchant banks. This move is aimed at tightening liquidity and controlling the flow of money into the economy, which could help alleviate pressure on the foreign exchange market.

    Additionally, a raising concern is the growing fiscal deficit, on the other hand, and the government’s commitment not to resort to monetary financing through Ways & Means—a practice where the central bank finances government deficits by printing money. The connection between the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and liquidity in the banking system is a potential pressure point for the exchange rate.

    While these steps taken shows fiscal discipline, the broader issue of Nigeria’s fiscal imbalance remains a cause for concern. Addressing the country’s fiscal deficit requires more than just monetary restraint; it demands comprehensive fiscal reforms, including improved revenue generation, effective public spending, and curbing government borrowing. Until these reforms are put in place, monetary policy alone cannot stabilize Nigeria’s economy in the long term.

    The CBN’s new policy also emphasized the condition of Nigeria’s banking system, noting that despite familiar headwinds, the sector remains safe, sound, and stable. This is a positive development, as a strong banking sector is crucial for economic growth and financial stability. However, the Committee underscored the importance of sustained supervisory oversight to ensure that the banking industry continues to support the broader economy.

    Furthermore, the CBN highlighted the need to achieve a positive real interest rate to attract investment into Nigeria. With the real policy rate still negative, even after the recent moderation in headline inflation, the country remains less competitive for international capital. By tightening monetary policy and stabilizing inflation, the CBN aims to enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness to foreign investors, which could bolster the exchange rate and support long-term economic growth.

    The latest monetary policy decisions reflect its ongoing commitment to stabilizing the economy and curbing inflation. While raising the MPR and tightening liquidity are necessary steps to address inflationary pressures, these measures must be complemented with broader structural reforms in the energy and agricultural sectors. Additionally, the government must continue its efforts to address insecurity and maintain fiscal discipline to ensure that the country’s economic recovery remains on track.

    As Nigeria moves forward, it is essential for both monetary and fiscal authorities to work in tandem to navigate the challenges ahead. The country is at a crossroads, and while the CBN’s latest policy adjustments are a step in the right direction, sustained collaboration and long-term reforms are needed to secure Nigeria’s economic future.

    •Chiroma writes via aliyuisahchiroma29@gmail.com

  • Understanding Tinubunomics

    Understanding Tinubunomics

    By Leonard Karshima Shilgba

    Here are some undeniable facts since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was sworn in as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2023: The pump price of Nigeria’s beloved petrol ballooned from less than N200 a litre to above N1,000 a litre, the exchange rate of naira to US dollar has madly swung from about N300 to $1 to above N1,600 to $1 (far above even the benchmark mark exchange rate of N800 to $1 stipulated in the 2024 Appropriation Act!).

    Ineluctable with these indices is the horrendous dip in the real incomes of everyday Nigerians by at least 400%! To illustrate this scenario, I should state that while the highest paid professors at federal universities went from earning about $3,000 a month pre-Buhari era to earning less than $1,000 a month by May 29, 2023 (a loss of 200%) in about eight years, the same professors went further downwards from earning barely $1,000 a month to earning less than $500 a month in less than one year! I concede that the harsh economic situation under President Tinubu (less than two years into his tenure) has cost him many admirers already.

    l must, however, state the not so obvious facts as follows: (1). The current inflation in Nigeria is driven primarily by very high energy costs (e g. costs of petrol, diesel, gas, aviation fuel), which, in turn, have made electricity tariffs to be hiked. The federal government sustained “fuel subsidy” as a policy rather than a palliative for TOO LONG, whereas, all subsidies are supposed to be only a stop-gap approach to temporarily support the weak (people and industries) while being enabled to be strong and self-supporting.

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    Unfortunately, one national government after another in Nigeria was too fearful or lacking in initiative to remove the public funds-guzzling hole called “fuel subsidy” at the APPROPRIATE TIME. And what were its opportunity costs? Public Education, Development Infrastructure, Public Health, Living Wages for government employees, etc., became opportunity costs. Budget deficits grew as “fuel subsidies” became a permanent policy rather than a temporary palliative. It got so bad that the Nigerian government started staking crude oil in the ground against foreign borrowing!

    (2). President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in October 2021, which officially scrapped the long overdue “fuel subsidy,” while President Bola Tinubu had the onerous responsibility to fully implement the PIA. Some Nigerians argue that why was President Jonathan resisted when he removed “fuel subsidy” in 2012 while some people who opposed his decision at the time (e.g. Tinubu and other patriots such as my humble self) now support the removal of “fuel subsidy”?

    The reason is apparent, isn’t it? There is a time for everything, says the Holy Scripture. At the time President Jonathan announced the removal of “fuel subsidy” Nigeria lacked local petroleum refining capacity, and there was no prospect that she would get such capacity even in a decade. Today, Nigeria has local petroleum refining capacity both for domestic consumption and export. Accordingly, she doesn’t have to rely on imported refined petroleum products post-subsidy removal. Secondly, removal of “fuel subsidy” by presidential fiat in 2012 rather than through a well thought-out Act of the National Assembly (which has now cleaned and opened up the oil sector) was poor management of the situation.

    (3). From October when Nigeria officially stopped importing petroleum products, it is economically reasonable to expect that demand for foreign exchange for their import would gradually taper towards the zero level, thus driving up the value of the Nigerian naira, national income, household incomes, while progressively reducing inflation or cost of living.

    (4). One of the bills that President Tinubu sent to the National Assembly a few days ago aims at requiring 30% of annual accruals to the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND) for zero-interest student loans. If this passes and the end result is faithfully implemented, public universities and other tertiary education institutions shall be well funded thereby, because they could charge appropriate market value for the education they offer. What has been going on is that directives forbidding tuition and moderating other charges in federal tertiary education institutions have deprived them of needed funds while, at the same time, the federal government’s inability to generate high revenues (due, in part, to various “subsidies” and loopholes in our tax or revenue collection buckets) has hampered its ability to offer them the desired operating funds.

    What President Tinubu is doing is gradually handing back autonomy to federal universities and other tertiary education institutions, growing federal revenues, blocking leakages in the system, and allowing real market-driven prices in our economic system.

    Many Nigerians are feeling the heat economically, and this is understandable and indubitable. By May 29, 2025, let us revisit this discussion.

    Anyone that has better ideas should offer them.

    •Shilgba is a professor of mathematics at the Admiralty University of Nigeria.Delta State.

  • Oloyede’s 70 years of impactful service career

    Oloyede’s 70 years of impactful service career

    By Kunle Akogun

    As he attains the Platinum age of 70 today, October 10, Professor Is’haq Olanrewaju Oloyede’s public service trajectory has marked him out as a rare breed Nigerian, who is apparently immune to the general malaise bedevilling the nation’s socio-economic milieu. Here is a university don whose entire public service record radiates transparency, accountability, single-minded commitment to service excellence, administrative acumen, dogged commitment to the achievement of set goals, undiluted integrity, effortless exhibition of leadership by example and unapologetic insistence on fairness to all!

    In the face of a national feeling of hopelessness, despondency and unending apprehension over whether anything good could ever come out of Nigeria, fuelled by a near general belief that the country is probably primed for failure or even decidedly doomed to perdition, the actions of a few exceptional Nigerians tend to elicit a glimmer of exultation.  The registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is one of these rare breed Nigerians, who have rejected the way we do things here and are frantically proving to us all that Nigeria, our own dear fatherland, can indeed be made to work for Nigerians, function properly and take its rightful place in the committee of sane nations.

    This audacious public servant became a household name nationwide during his tenure as vice-chancellor of the University of Ilorin between 2007 and 2012, having largely succeeded in turning the second generation university to a world class institution. This, he achieved by dint of hard work, resilience, consistency, tenacity of purpose, innovative ideas, and unparalleled team spirit.

    As registrar/chief executive of JAMB, Oloyede is leaving no stone unturned in his relentless pursuit of academic excellence through which he ensured that admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria is transparent and credible. Apart from ensuring and sustaining the unassailable integrity of the tertiary institutions’ admission process, another remarkable feat of JAMB under Oloyede’s watch is the yearly remittance of huge funds, running into billions of naira, to the federal government’s coffers.

    Born on October 10, 1954 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oloyede graduated in 1981 with a First Class Honours from the University of Ilorin where he also bagged his Master and Ph.D degrees in 1985 and 1991, respectively. He became a professor of Islamic Jurisprudence in 1995.

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    Oloyede was the first alumnus of the University of Ilorin to become its vice chancellor. So, if a diligent research is to be carried out on the secret behind his super exemplary performance as the head of the university, it may not be surprising to find out that one of the reasons might not be unconnected with a certain innate patriotic zeal to take his alma mater to an enviable height never before witnessed in the annals of the institution. And so, within a period of five years, this celebrated academic and consummate administrator succeeded in turning around the fortunes of the institution from an unranked university to the best in Nigeria and one of the best 20 in Africa.

    Among the crucial areas in which he made his marks, which, in turn made the University of Ilorin to become the talk-of-the-town and the toast of admission seekers, were his uncompromising attention to time management, keen focus on technological development, relentless attention to staff training and retraining, commitment to clean and green environment, massive infrastructural development, unprecedented commitment to staff and students’ welfare, strict enforcement of discipline,  as well as unwavering attention to innovation. He also instilled academic integrity, financial prudence and general fiduciary transparency in running the affairs of the University.

    Professor Oloyede also placed the University of Ilorin on the technological super highway with his deliberate policy of putting Information and Communication Technology on the front burner.

    As part of his digitisation efforts, Oloyede initiated and pioneered the Computer-Based Test (CBT) method for the post-JAMB screening of candidates for admission into the university and also for internal large class examinations in the university. This system, which was initially pooh-poohed in many academic circles, has now been adopted by almost all tertiary education institutions and several government establishments and some private organisations in the country not only for examination-related screenings but also for employment purposes.

    In his five-year stint as vice chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Oloyede literally changed the university’s skyline with the rapid spring-up of physical infrastructure in every nook and cranny of the campus.

    Also to the credit of the Oloyede administration was the establishment of the first campus radio station in the entire North-Central zone of the country, the Unilorin FM radio, in 2009.

    Oloyede’s commitment to a clean and green environment invariably turned the university campus to one of the best in the country. With a deliberate attention to environmental cleanliness and beautification, he embarked on massive landscaping of the campus with ornamental flowers planted at strategic areas on campus. Also as part of his green and clean initiative, Oloyede embarked on massive planting of economic trees.

    That the University of Ilorin is now entirely cultism-free, could be traced to Oloyede administration’s zero tolerance to the menace of cultism and other anti-social behaviours. He also instituted the dress code, which forbids indecent dressing by students and staff of the university.

    Oloyede also instituted the weekly publication of the report of the university’s financial transaction report in the University Bulletin as a mark of his prudence and transparency.

    For Oloyede, the JAMB appointment in 2016 was another opportunity to showcase his well-known credentials of administrative acumen, financial discipline and legendary transparency in public service.

    Moving to JAMB with that messianic mind-set of a missionary, the erudite professor of Islamic Jurisprudence set off immediately on assumption of office to set new operational standards, literally putting a break to administrative drudgery, financial malfeasance, and general staff lackadaisical attitude to work, it was not long before every staff of that central admission processing agency knew for sure that a new Sheriff was indeed at JAMB. Not a few attempts were made by some of those who were not comfortable with the new wind of change sweeping through the organisation to sabotage the new efforts or even ground its operations to a halt. But, with the timely deployment of his administrative acumen, the new registrar was able to neutralise all those attempts to thwart the new progressive efforts in no time.

    Some of Oloyede’s indelible footprints at JAMB include the introduction of the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), which automates the admission process; the institution of Equal Opportunity Group for the conduct of the Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for blind candidates; the expansion of the capacities of CBT centres for standardisation purposes; the introduction of E-Ticketing (for Complaints; the introduction of the Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System (IBASS) for prompt delivery of admissions requirements; the use of Biometric Authentication to confirm validity of registration, the introduction of E-slip printing; the introduction of management dashboard to monitor registration and admission exercise real time; the use of CCTV cameras in all CBT centres to monitor the examination and registration process real time; and exemplary funds management; as well as prudent and judicious use of JAMB’s financial resources.

    Not only has he instituted an enhanced welfare scheme for JAMB staff members that greatly boosts their morale, and is positively changing their attitudes to work, Oloyede’s tenure has substantially restored the sanctity of the Board’s main mandate: the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME). And, as evident in all the eight admission exercises he has superintended so far, JAMB’s technology has considerably improved, with high level of transparency and advanced networking. The scrapping of the traditional scratch card system for checking results is another positive rebellion by this audacious JAMB helmsman. And the drastic reduction in the application fees is a serious relief to sundry admission seekers and their parents and guardians.

    But by far the most remarkable feat by any non-revenue yielding MDA in the country is the consistent remittance by Oloyede’s JAMB of billions of naira to the federal government coffers in each of the last eight years. This is indeed novel in a country where even some MDAs that were specifically and originally established to collect revenue for the government often turn round to ask the same government for extra-budgetary bail-outs to augment their overheads!                

    Indeed, the entire public service career of Oloyede is an open book of worthy lessons for all, especially incumbent and aspiring public servants and political office holders. The erudite scholar exemplifies the very best in moral values that any public official should imbibe. Indeed, he is the face of the new Nigeria that many fervently pray and yearn for.

    •Akogun is Director, Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin.

  • The hypocrisy behind Saraki’s demolition crusade

    The hypocrisy behind Saraki’s demolition crusade

    By Kemi Ayoola

    The recent demolition of the Crystal Place shopping mall in Ilorin has sparked an outcry from former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who has seized the event as an opportunity to portray himself as the voice of Kwarans.

    His press release condemning Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s government reeks of desperation, falsehood, and hypocrisy, aimed at exploiting a situation for cheap political gain.

    But let’s set the record straight: Saraki’s sudden concern for Kwara’s economy and youth is nothing more than an attempt to rewrite his own sordid political legacy marked by years of misrule, manipulation, and cronyism. First, it is laughable that Saraki is now championing the cause of Hon. Moshood Mustapha, the same man he side-lined for political expediency.

    The same land Saraki refused to allocate to Mustapha during his time in power is now being paraded as a victim of demolition by Saraki himself.

    Did he consider the “big picture” back then? Or was his decision guided solely by the narrow interests of consolidating political power at the expense of those who served him?

    Saraki orchestrated his own version of political demolition, denying Mustapha the same land he now pretends to defend. How convenient for him to forget this when he is seeking to score political points?

     The truth is clear: the demolition of Crystal Mall is not about politics. It is about enforcing the law, which Saraki so conveniently ignored during his years in power.

    According to the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KW-GIS), the land was approved strictly for a car park in 2013—under Saraki’s protégé governor, Abdulahmed Abdulfatai , no less.

    Yet the site was unlawfully converted into a shopping complex, violating urban planning laws, hindering road expansion, and sabotaging the environmental renewal agenda of the Abdulrazaq administration.

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    The former Senate President, who now claims to be concerned about the state’s economy, was silent when these violations first occurred.

    Why didn’t he speak up then?

     Governor Abdulrazaq’s administration has proven time and again that it is committed to the rule of law and good governance.

    The urban renewal program currently underway in Kwara is not about targeting political opponents; it is about ensuring that all structures comply with regulations, whether owned by supporters or critics. Several other properties have faced demolition for similar breaches, but Saraki conveniently chooses to focus only on this one instance.

    Why? Because it fits into his narrative of persecution, a narrative built on the false assumption that everything must be viewed through a political lens. Saraki, of course, operates from a mind-set of political warfare, where everything is personal and every action is driven by vendettas.

     But Governor Abdulrazaq is cut from a different cloth. His administration has consistently worked for the larger public interest, not the selective defence of cronies.

    This demolition is not about Moshood Mustapha’s falling out with Saraki or his alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC); it is about upholding the law, something Saraki seems to find difficult to understand after 16 years of running Kwara State as his personal fiefdom.

    Now, let’s talk about the youth of Kwara State, whom Saraki suddenly remembers as victims of this demolition. Does he also remember the very youths he weaponized as political thugs during his reign?

    The same thugs who terrorized the state, engaged in violence, and were implicated in the Offa robbery that claimed 33 innocent lives, including a pregnant woman? If Saraki is truly concerned about the future of Kwara’s youth, perhaps he should begin by making restitution to the families who were destroyed by his reckless political games. Saraki’s tears for the economic loss caused by the demolition are nothing short of crocodile tears. Under his watch, Kwara’s economy was ravaged by 16 years of crass mismanagement, siphoning of state resources, and the creation of an elite class that benefited only those in his inner circle.

    The very youth he claims to care about were left without opportunities, their futures mortgaged to fund the interests of a dynasty’s relentless thirst for power. Now, he dares to accuse Governor Abdulrazaq of destroying jobs? Perhaps he should be reminded that the jobs lost due to the illegal conversion of Crystal Mall are the same ones created under unlawful circumstances. Is Saraki truly advocating for lawlessness as a path to economic development?

    The governor’s focus has been clear: building a Kwara State that works for all, not just for the elite.

    The current administration’s urban renewal plan is a testament to this commitment. It is about making Kwara a state of pride, where laws are respected, urban planning is followed, and the environment is protected.

    The transformation that has been underway in Ilorin and other parts of the state is a far cry from the decay Saraki left behind.

    It is not about suppressing voices but about enforcing standards that serve the public interest. Saraki’s thinly veiled threats about his father’s burial site being the next target are just another example of his shameless attempts to incite fear and unrest.

     Governor Abdulrazaq has shown that his administration operates with dignity and respect for the law, and no amount of Saraki’s melodrama can change that. Saraki may believe that stirring up old divisions will serve his political ambitions, but the people of Kwara have moved beyond his toxic brand of politics.

    Governor Abdulrazaq’s time in office is about liberating the state from the chains of political patronage and impunity that Saraki imposed during his reign.

    The demolition of illegal structures is not a war on the people, as Saraki claims, but a step toward ensuring that Kwara becomes a state where rules are followed, and no one, no matter how powerful, is above the law.

    Conclusively, it’s time for Dr. Saraki to reckon with his own legacy. The same people he now purports to defend are the ones he abandoned during his long years of dominance. Kwarans cannot be fooled by his sudden reawakening.

    His attempt to rewrite history will not work. Kwara is moving forward, and no amount of empty rhetoric can change that. Saraki should go and make restitution to the state he misruled, instead of crying wolf when the law finally catches up to the legacy of impunity he left behind.

    •Ayoola writes from Ilorin, Kwara State.

  • Oyebanji: Cultivating Ekiti’s future through agricultural revolution

    Oyebanji: Cultivating Ekiti’s future through agricultural revolution

    • By Folorunso S. Aluko

    On a day when most Nigerians were commemorating the nation’s independence with parades, speeches, and celebrations, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State (affectionately known as BAO), chose a different path—one rooted in the fertile soils of his state. As others waved flags, BAO was leading his team through muddy tracks, visiting farms, and ensuring the implementation of his visionary agricultural policies. It was an unorthodox way to celebrate Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, but it was a powerful statement of where Ekiti State is headed under his leadership.

    BAO’s recent tour of Ekiti’s agricultural clusters has captivated many, not just for the symbolism of a governor getting his hands dirty but for what it signifies: a long-term commitment to transforming the state’s economy through agriculture. For several days, Governor Oyebanji has been visiting farm settlements across the state, observing first-hand the progress of his administration’s agricultural policies. This isn’t just about agriculture—it’s about Ekiti’s future, and it is a future deeply intertwined with a shared prosperity agenda designed to elevate the state’s fortunes.

    At the heart of BAO’s efforts is an inclusive 30-year agricultural plan that aims to transform Ekiti’s farming sector by 2050. This long-term vision is designed not merely for the next election cycle but for the next generation. Oyebanji has made it clear that this blueprint is about building a sustainable economy, creating jobs, and ensuring food security for the people of Ekiti State.

    Over the Independence Day weekend, Governor Oyebanji and his team visited various farming clusters across the state. On Saturday, they toured Okeako (with its four clusters), Iyemero (another four clusters), and Gede (seven clusters). On Independence Day itself, the governor led visits to Ikere (four clusters), Emure/Eporo (five clusters), Aramoko (four clusters), and Ado (two clusters). Each location is unique, with different crops cultivated and different farming techniques employed.

    In Emure, vast fields of maize and cassava dominate the landscape, providing both sustenance and employment for the local population. The Ikere cluster is dedicated to yam and melon farming, while Aramoko has become a hub for horticultural farming, with fruits and vegetables taking centre stage.

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    But this was no ordinary tour. When the governor arrived in Aramoko, torrential rains had turned the roads to mud, causing vehicles to get stuck. Security personnel advised the governor to turn back, but BAO, ever the determined leader, refused. “If the farmers endure this every day, I should too,” he reportedly said, hopping on a motorcycle and navigating the treacherous path for 35 minutes until he reached the farmstead. The farmers were overjoyed to see their governor, mud-streaked and smiling, standing with them in solidarity. It was a powerful moment—a leader showing that he is not above the people but with them, in their struggles and in their triumphs.

    Governor Oyebanji’s agricultural plan isn’t just about boosting crop production; it’s about creating opportunities, especially for the youth. Under his leadership, Ekiti’s agricultural sector is being transformed into a viable and attractive career path for young people. As part of this transformation, more farm roads are being constructed, with bridges to improve access to remote farmlands. Dormitories are being built to provide comfortable accommodation for the youth working on these farms. Security measures are being strengthened to ensure the safety of farmworkers, and vehicles and motorcycles will be provided to ease transportation challenges.

    This is the kind of comprehensive agricultural development that will not only feed Ekiti State but will also create jobs, stimulate local economies, and foster a sense of pride among the people. For too long, farming has been seen as an arduous and unprofitable endeavour, but under BAO’s leadership, it is becoming a central pillar of Ekiti’s economic future.

    While Governor Oyebanji’s focus on agriculture has captured the attention of many, it is only one part of a broader strategy to develop Ekiti State. Since taking office, BAO has worked tirelessly to improve infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Roads are being constructed and rehabilitated, not just to connect cities but to link rural communities and farms to urban centres. Healthcare services are being improved, with investments in hospitals and rural health programs to ensure that no community is left behind. Education is receiving attention too, with vocational training programs designed to equip young people with the skills they need to thrive in a modern economy.

    BAO’s approach is holistic, addressing not just the immediate needs of the state but laying the foundation for a prosperous and self-sufficient future. His policies are designed to empower communities, create sustainable economic growth, and ensure that every Ekiti citizen has access to the opportunities they deserve.

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s vision for agricultural transformation and economic growth is clear, and the results are beginning to show. However, no leader can succeed alone. It is up to the people of Ekiti State to rally behind this vision and support the government’s efforts.

    This is not just about politics—it’s about the future of Ekiti State. The decisions we make today will determine the state’s trajectory for generations to come. With BAO at the helm, we are on the right path, but it requires the collective effort of all Ekiti people to ensure that this progress continues.

    Even those who may not agree with every decision of the government must acknowledge the importance of the work being done. The agricultural revolution underway in Ekiti is real, and it has the potential to change the lives of thousands of families. It is creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and making Ekiti a leader in food production. This is a future worth fighting for, and it requires the support of every citizen.

    Governor Oyebanji is not just a politician—he is a statesman, a leader with a clear vision for the future of Ekiti State. His dedication to agriculture, his willingness to get his hands dirty, and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the people are all testaments to his transformative leadership. BAO’s agricultural policies are laying the foundation for a prosperous future, one where Ekiti is self-sufficient, economically vibrant, and a model for other states to follow. But this vision cannot be realized without the collective support of the people.

    Now is the time for all Ekiti citizens to come together and support this progressive government. Whether you are a farmer, a student, a business owner, or a civil servant, you have a role to play in building the Ekiti of tomorrow. Let us unite behind Governor Oyebanji’s vision and work together to ensure that Ekiti’s future is one of prosperity, progress, and shared success.

    The journey may be long, but with BAO at the helm, there is no doubt that Ekiti State is on the right path. Let us walk this path together, for the sake of our children, our state, and our future.

    •Aluko, a psephologist and development expert writes from Oye-Ekiti.