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  • Adeboye @ 83: Actionable audacity!

    Adeboye @ 83: Actionable audacity!

    • By John Moyo Ekundayo

    The young and ebullient Adejare (his mother’s preferred name) was keen to further his education after his primary education, the unpalatable placement of his family as one of the poorest in the small town of Ifewara, Osun State was the albatross. However, he was undaunted and unyielding in his determination. He decided at an early stage of his life that nothing would stop him from getting properly educated even though his parents were unable to afford a secondary education at that time. He decided to shun food despite all entreaties by his beloved mother of blessed memory. After up to three days of total abstinence from meals, his parents conceded and concluded to sell their belongings in order for Adejare to have his way. It was apparent that the unseen hand of the Almighty was working marvellously and mysteriously in aiding him to complete his secondary education. It was from this early stage of his life that the young Adejare Adeboye started depicting the uncanny and uncommon audacity, despite all odds, that further saw him through from secondary to tertiary education, and up to earning his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in applied mathematics, specializing in hydrodynamics, from the prestigious University of Lagos, Nigeria.

     Adeboye: Setting His Face Like A Flint!

    Flint is a piece of hard grey coloured rock that produces a spark when hit against another of the same kind. The young Adejare, audaciously set his face like the biblical flint. As it is written in the book of Isaiah 50 verse 7: “For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.”

    It is seemingly interesting and intriguing for Adeboye armed with a PhD at such a time of his life to aim high in life. The audacious and ambitious disposition inherent in him propelled his hunger for unprecedented greatness in academia. His vision was to be the youngest vice chancellor of any university in the African continent. However, his unique and unprecedented encounters with the God of the RCCG altered that course to something different. He had a redemption encounter with the God of Reverend Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, the founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), at the Ebute Meta Headquarters together with his wife, Folu Adeboye. He was transformed and became “a new man” (2 Corinthains 5 verse 17), fully committed to the church and gospel of Christ. This was clearly evident to all his friends, family members and colleagues in the workplace. He was ready to sacrifice anything for the Lord; once he and his wife, at the directive of the founder, as the latter was led by God, closed their bank accounts, and put the money in the church’s treasury! It was later discovered that only he and his wife obeyed Pa Josiah Akindayomi’s divine directive. Any wonder God, the Rewarder responded years later resulting in Enoch Adejare Adeboye becoming the General Overseer of RCCG?

    Adeboye and RCCG: Contagious Audacity!

    RCCG) was founded in 1952 by Reverend Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi. It started as a fellowship called Egbe Ogo-Oluwa (Glory of God); it is pentecostal denomination with headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. Pa Josiah Akindayomi died at the age of 71 in 1980. Shortly before Pa Akindayomi passed to glory, he called the young and educated Enoch Adejare Adeboye that he would be taken over from him as the General Overseer, even though Adeboye had a foreknowledge of this earlier, he was unwilling to leave the academia, more so when there was nothing admiring or attractive in church headship compared with the academia where fame and money would be at his beck and call. Howbeit, the will of God prevailed as he decided to say: “Yes, Lord!”. Today, reflecting on that glorious decision, hinged on obedience to the heavenly vision, it was crystal clear that it was the Lord’s doing. Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye was 35 years old when he became the General Overseer of the RCCG in 1981; and was ordained as a pastor in the RCCG in 1977. His speedy rise was surprising and could only be God-orchestrated! God was indeed preparing him for higher assignment taking cognisance of his many dealings with the Lord Jesus Christ which space would not permit to share in this treatise.

    Ab initio, as inculcated by the founder, Pa Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, the sound doctrinal stand and status of RCCG, which prevails till date, rests on the “combined Aladura and Pentecostal features, which included holiness, prayers, speaking in tongues, Biblical inerrancy, belief in miracles and healing, and the manifestation of other charismatic gifts such as visions and prophecies. Fasting was also encouraged in the church …” (Adeboye, Olufunke (2020): Origin and Expansion of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. University of Lagos (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344044565, accessed on 27th February 2025).

    According to Professor Olufunke Adeboye of the Department of History and Strategic Studies, University of Lagos, “… by 1980, when Akindayomi died, the RCCG had about forty branches, mostly in southwestern Nigeria. It had not spread into the eastern and northern parts of the country yet.” Thus, with 40 parishes the young but fiery Adeboye took over the mantle to pilot the affairs of the RCCG.

    Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, even though initially rattled by severe succession struggles and battles, was divinely inspired to strategically envision the church’s exponential growth. The outcome was coining Vision and Mission Statements for the church akin to what obtains in serious minded business organizations globally. The vision statement of RCCG was in sync with Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAG). In Strategy Execution, Harvard University employs BHAG. These are goals that are seemingly larger than life; and with capacity and capability to stretch someone or group of people in actualizing them in real time.

    Read Also: Adeboye, Enenche, others for RCCG Reach4Christ Light up

    These Vision and Mission Statements of the RCCG were to be strategically placed and positioned in every local parish, congregation or assembly of the church worldwide like it is done in the corporate world. There is a way this communicates with the subconsciousness of both the shepherd and sheep in actualizing the vision. Initially, these appear as mere epithets or mere mouthed mantras that are unattainable! However, for the audacious, cerebral scholar and mathematician, Dr. Enoch Adejare Adeboye, there is no other option or alternative left for him and his team but to succeed, and excel at it!

    It is on record and as attested to by Professor Olufunke Adeboye, the strategic foresightedness of Enoch Adejare Adeboye, as part of translating the vision to mission, “the most revolutionary innovation was the establishment of what became known as ‘Model Parishes’ to attract young professionals and members of the upper middle class. In the words of Adeboye, “these are local assemblies geared toward reaching educated professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders in government and politics … The first of the model parishes was established in Lagos in 1988.” The establishment of model parishes achieved, with speed, the attraction of the young, educated and upwardly-mobile professional and political personalities to the rapidly influential and expanding Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

     Adeboye: Aping His Audacity …

    In conclusion, when the young and energetic Enoch Adeboye took over as the General Overseer at the age of 35, he was focused and fiery with his message of holy living, fervency of faith, fasting and praying, manifestations of the power of the Holy Ghost in healing, miracles and prospering those who truly follow and love the Lord Jesus Christ as enshrined and encapsulated in the Holy Scriptures.

     Cumulatively, over the decades, and consistently, as RCCG has exponentially expanded, Enoch Adejare Adeboye’s life remains, in his own words, “an open book”, available for all to read, reflect and respond to in daily living. A man of holiness, humility and honour; outstanding in succinct simple lifestyle that is steeped in straightforwardness and service to God and humanity. Between him and his dearly affable wife, there are lots of humanitarian services imparting millions of people all over the globe. Mummy GO, as Pastor Mrs Foluke Adeboye, the wife of the General Overseer is affectionately called by adherents and admirers. No one visits Mama Folu Adeboye and leaves empty handed! A case in point the writer will continue to remember and refer to for a long time. It occurred in 2007. In fact, when she was visiting Singapore with her husband and others to plant the RCCG parish in that South Eastern nation, I remembered before leaving that city-state-nation (Singapore), she sent the pastor in charge of the new parish to gift I and my wife already sewn local adire batik. It was unexpected, as at that time, we were not members of RCCG but belonged to a local church – Cornerstone Community Church, Odeon Katong, Singapore, where Pastor Adeboye preached in one of the services. Such was the gracious spirit of Mummy GO.

    It is remarkable to mention that a sign of the story of audacity turning to glory, in the year 2008, Newsweek magazine named Adeboye one of the 50 most influential people in the world. Presently, the RCCG is a global church with presence in not less than 197 countries and territories in the world. It is undoubtedly and unambiguously one of the largest denomination or congregation in the world taking cognizance of the records of attendance at both Convention and Congress Special Holy Ghost Services (August and December respectfully) annually. These two mega gatherings of God’s people annually witness attendance of millions of worshippers from all across the globe.

     Adeboye @ 83: Summing up …

    Presently, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), with presence in 197 countries and territories of the world, consists of more than 5 million members in Nigeria alone! The actionable audacity of a humble man, possessing a holy God of all possibilities, has transformed the then unnoticed church, RCCG of 1981, to becoming one of the biggest church denominations in the world possessing more than whopping 9 million members worldwide. We, as many as believe in the same God of Enoch Adejare Adeboye, can ape his humble, holy and humane lifestyle laced with fervent faith, aggressive fasting and praying and mission minded disposition of Enoch Adejare Adeboye and his wife, Mummy GO, Mama Folu Adeboye – there is no separating the snail from the shell!

    Finally, and worthy of emulation is the audacity of a man God promised a city. He was praying for only a befitting accommodation for him and his family in Lagos, Nigeria, when the Lord promised him a city. Initially, Adeboye was led to a jungle along the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway. In the words of Adeboye, the place was the abode of highway armed robbers and home of pythons and snakes at that time. He built the first house at the then evolving Redemption Camp and started residing there in total obedience to God Almighty. Today, it is now referred to as the Redemption City of God with many banks, a tertiary institution, secondary schools, international and state of the art Health Village, myriads of modern estates, tarred roads, constant water and electricity supply, etc. Indeed, the government at all levels – local, state and federal – need to ape the audacity and tenacity of this revered man of God. Today, 2nd March 2025, Daddy Adeboye turns 83 years exactly. Blessed birthday, Daddy! As your days, so shall your strength be in Jesus’ name. Amen. As one of your unknown children, by the special grace of God, I am looking forward to your 90th birthday; and to remind you of your promise of using 30 days to celebrate. I wonder how many millions will feature in such a fete!

    Dr. John Moyo Ekundayo, a minister in RCCG, also serves as the Special Adviser/Director General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD) to the Governor of Ekiti State, Nigeria. He is based in Ado Ekiti; and can be reached through: jekundayo@ekitistate.gov.ng; or Whatsapp: +2348030598267

  • A book that stirred a nation

    A book that stirred a nation

    Much has been said and written since President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s book, titled ‘A Journey In Service: An Autobiography’ was launched.

    As to be expected, the reviews are interesting and the commentary has been in some cases good, in some bad and in some ugly.

    This is a healthy development because the worst that one can do to a book or an essay is to ignore it.

    Whether you agree with its contents or not or whether you like the author or not is not the point: what makes it worth writing is the commentary that follows and the oftentimes divided opinions.

    This more than anything else makes the literary contribution a success, and as the saying goes: it is better for it to be spoken about, even in negative terms, than for it to be ignored.

    There is no doubt in my mind that few can ignore either Babangida or his controversial yet factual book and ever since its launch on February 20, 2025, it has been the talk of not just the town but the entire nation.

    I welcome and encourage such discourse wholeheartedly because it engenders intellectual debate and enriches and deepens our knowledge of history.

    I do however take objection to those that have gone a little too far and that have characterised Babangida as “a coward” and “a weakling” simply because he spoke the truth about the role General Sani Abacha, his Chief of Defence Staff, played in the annulment of the June 12 election.

    In the book Babangida displayed humility and remorse and assumed “full responsibility” for the annulment as Head of State.

    He also pointed out the fact that he chose to tread that precarious and regrettable path primarily as a consequence of the immense pressure that he was subjected to by General Sani Abacha.

    By bringing these facts to public glare and establishing this narrative, he was not, as some have argued, “making excuses” for his actions. Rather, he was trying to put them in context and, for historical purposes and the record, enlighten the Nigerian people about precisely which personalities and circumstances caused him to make the decision that he eventually made.

    This surely ought to be commended and not condemned as it can only enrich the historical discourse and shed more light on the darkest corners of our journey as a nation.

    I say this because I believe that the Nigerian people have a right to know about the real causes of the terrible trauma they were put through as a consequence of the annulment with its attendant loss of liberty and life and the six long years of suffering, strife, division and misery that it brought our people.

    Sadly, as a consequence of his submission about their patriach’s role in the whole sordid affair, certain members of General Abacha’s family, some very young and some a little older, took umbrage and offence and publicly described Babangida as “weak” and as “a coward”.

    This is not only a false characterisation of a man that has proved his courage on several occasions in our history and has put his life on the line for Nigeria many times, it is also very unkind given the strong friendship and trust that Babangida and Abacha themselves shared over the years and given the close relationship that their respective families have enjoyed ever since the Nigerian civil war.

    Outside of that anyone that says IBB is “weak” or “a coward” does not know IBB. It is better that we do not open up this debate because if we do those that are saying these uncharitable things will be worsted.

    It really is advisable for them to sheath their swords at this early stage in order to ensure that their father’s tenure is not subjected to even more public scrutiny than it already is.

    As they say, sometimes silence is golden.

    Some of us lived the experience whilst some of those talking today had not even been conceived let alone born.

    Between the father and grandfather of those who are throwing bricks today and calling IBB “weak” and a “coward” we know who the monster and cold-blooded killer was.

    Granted that it was under his watch that the June 12 election was annulled, what cannot be denied is that the real reign of terror began after Babangida left office and after Abacha toppled the Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government in a coup, took power and turned state-sponsored terror and murder into an art.

    For five years the entire nation and particularly the Yoruba people were subjected to the worst form of barbarity and tyranny that our nation had ever known.

    Many were falsely accused, persecuted, humiliated, killed, incarcerated, tortured and driven into exile to suffer in some foreign land whilst others, like the former military Head of State and later President, President Olusegun Obasanjo, General Shehu Musa Yar’adua (the second in command to General Obasanjo when he was military Head of State and the older brother to President Umaru Musa Yar’adua) and General Paul Oladipo Diya (General Sani Abacha’s second in command) were imprisoned for no just cause, and one of them (Yar’adua) was pinned down and forcibly injected with strange and toxic substances, poisoned and murdered whilst there.

    Meanwhile Abiola’s wife, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, along with many others including a young man by the name Toyin Onagoruwa, who was the son of Dr. Olu Onagoruwa, SAN (Abacha’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice who had earlier resigned in protest against all the atrocities that the government he served were committing), were either gunned down in the streets or, like Bagudu Kaltho, blown up with bombs.

    What can one say about a man who, according to Onagoruwa himself, could order the murder of his own Minister of Justices’ son simply because the man gave a press conference, criticised his brutal policies and heinous practices and resigned.

    Then there was the judicial murder of the activist and environmentalist Ken Saro-Wiwa.

    Even after the international community pleaded with him not to hang this man and implored him to at least allow him to challenge his “conviction” for murder before what was to all intents and purposes a kangaroo court and go to the Court of Appeal, Abacha refused to listen and had the poet and human rights activist hanged in the middle of the night.

    Worse of all is the fact that Saro-Wiwa was his close friend. This was singularly one of the most wicked and callous acts that took place under Abacha’s watch.

    Saro-Wiwa deserved to at least go on Appeal and exhaust the opportunities that the law and the legal system availed to him.

    It was a national tragedy and the Commonwealth nations particularly were so shocked that Nigeria’s membership was suspended.

    Yet it didn’t end there and there is so much more to say.

    For example, brutal psychopaths like Colonel Frank Omenka and his gang of heartless cut throats tortured people, including women and children, with sadistic pleasure in the dungeons of the Directorate of Military Intelligence in Apapa, Lagos.

    Few left there alive.

    Most of the young people talking and writing on social media today know nothing about these ugly events or this time because they were not born and they know NOTHING about the history of the country.

    We lived it, we were part of the struggle, we paid the price, it was hell and all of it happened under Abacha’s watch.

    Yet how did we get there? What transpired? Who were the major actors and who actually annulled the June 12 election and took us down that hideous path?

    This is the million dollar question and Babangida finally answered it in his book.

    The truth is that had it not been that IBB sheathed his sword, held his peace and conceded to the dark, sinister and evil forces that coordinated, orchestrated, initiated, effected and announced the annulment without his knowledge and behind his back, there would have been a very bloody military coup which would have in turn been violently resisted by the IBB faction and thereby result in a long and protracted civil war.

    Those that led these dark and evil pro-annulment forces were General Sani Abacha, Brigadier General David Mark, Lt. General Joshua Dogonyaro, Air Vice Marshal Nura Imam, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, Major General Alwali Kazir, Lt. General Ishaya Bamaiyi, Major General Jeremiah Useni and many others.

    Had Babangida resolved to resist them, renounce the unauthorised announcement and de-annul the election (which he could easily have done) I have no doubt that Abiola, his wives, his children, his key supporters, many of those heroes that were to later become the leaders of NADECO, IBB himself and all his key loyalists including Major General Salihu Ibrahim (the Chief of Army Staff), Brigadier General Haliru Akilu, Major General Aliyu Gusau, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Colonel Abubakar Umar, General Gado Nasko, Air Vice Marshall Hamza Abdullahi, Colonel Habibu Shuaibu, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, General Garba Duba, General Sani Bello, Colonel Nuhu Bamalli (as he then was), Major General Isola Williams, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu and many others would have been targeted for assassination and our country would have been plunged into a cataclysmic bloodbath given the fact that Babangida’s men would have struck back with equal ferocity and in equal measure.

    More likely than not few of the main players on both sides, including Abacha, Abiola and Babangida themselves, would have survived the conflagration and the country would have been at war with itself, brother killing brother, for an indefinite period.

    Anyone who doubts this or the horrific nature of such conflicts should remember what happened during the Nigeria/Biafra civil war and consider what is happening in Sudan today.

    When senior and powerful military officers each with a massive following in the Armed Forces refuse to tread the path of compromise, peace and sanity and take up arms against one another EVERYONE loses and the entire country implodes into ashes and crumbles into dust.

    I do not seek to justify the annulment, and at the time, along with millions of others, I opposed it with all my heart and every fiber of my being. But the reality was that IBB was faced with a very difficult choice. As he said in his book he was indeed “caught between the devil and the deep blue sea”.

    He could have done what some may deem right by resisting the deceit, betrayal, perfidy, pressure and subterfuge from the Abacha faction of the military, refuse to accept the illegal and unconscionable annulment, declare it as “null and void” and consequently spark off a bloody chain of events and a civil war or he could have chosen to do what some may deem wrong by keeping his cool, letting Abacha have his dastardly way, conceding to the dark forces, accepting the annulment and thereby save lives and maintain a tenuous even though short-lived peace.

    He chose the latter, saved MKO Abiola’s life and those of many others and maintained the fragile unity of the military and by extension the country by doing so.

    Yet, whichever option he opted to take, Babangida was not the villainous usurper, traitor and Kingslayer here: Abacha and his vile power-hungry cohorts were.

    This is what IBB has now firmly established in his book and we await sensible literary responses from those that are still alive and that were in the Abacha camp.

    They are more than welcome to dispute the facts and tell their side of the story and we are eager to hear them.

    However, until they do so and provide the necessary evidence to establish the veracity of their claims, yours truly, along with many others, are constrained to accept Babangida’s narrative because, in my view, he remains a respected elder statesman and a man of integrity and secondly his account appears to be credible and plausible.

    For the benefit of those that may not have the book, I would urge them to get a copy and read from pages 274 to 276 in order to get a clear picture of what actually transpired, and the truth is that it is shocking!

    Due to space constraints, permit me to quote just a portion of it from page 275 where he wrote, “On the morning of June 23, I left Abuja for Katsina to commiserate with the Yar’Adua family over the death of their patriarch, Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua.

    The funeral had taken place, and as I got ready to leave, a report filtered to me that the June 12 elections had been annulled.

    Even more bizarre was the extent of the annulment because it terminated all court proceedings regarding the June 12 elections, repealed all the decrees governing the Transition and even suspended NEC! Equally weird was the shabby way the statement was couched and made.

    Admiral Aikhomu’s press secretary, Nduka Irabor, had read out a terse, poorly worded statement from a scrap of paper, which bore neither the presidential seal nor the official letterhead of the government, annulling the June 12 presidential elections. I was alarmed and horrified.

    Yes, during the stalemate that followed the termination of the results announcement, the possibility of annulment that could lead to fresh elections was loosely broached in passing but annulment was only a component of a series of other options.

    To suddenly have an announcement made without my authority was, to put it mildly, alarming.

    I remember saying: ‘These nefarious inside forces opposed to the elections have outflanked me!’

    I would later find out that the ‘forces’ led by General Sani Abacha annulled the elections.

    There and then, I knew I was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea!

    From then on, the June 12 elections took on a painful twist for which, as I will show later, I regrettably take responsibility of its worst political crises ever.

    Like many of us in government, the political class was stunned.”

    All this yet Babangida still opted to take full responsibility for these troubling events and great injustice and kept his lips sealed about the abominable role that General Sani Abacha and his group played in the annulment of the June 12 election and the rape and usurpation of the mandate that was freely given to Chief MKO Abiola and his running mate Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, by the Nigerian people.

    To drive home the point about how dangerous the situation was for all and sundry, permit me to remind those that were alive at the time about the meeting that Babangida had with Abiola after the annulment in which he told him that “these people”, meaning the Abacha group, would “kill me, you and all the rest of us” if the election result was “de-annulled” and allowed to stand.

    His words were leaked to the media and widely reported at the time, yet they were never denied by either Babangida or Abiola.

    Again, there was the infamous contribution from Colonel David Mark (as he then was) who had hitherto been a Babangida loyalist where he was reported to have said “we will not allow Abiola to be sworn in as President and if NEC swears him in, we will shoot him”.

    Those that doubt this should read Professor Omo Omoruyi’s book titled The Tale of June 12: The Betrayal of the Democratic Rights of Nigerians.

    Omoruyi, who was the Director General of the Centre for Democratic Studies, was not only an Advisor and insider in the Babangida government, but he was also very close to the Head of State and a strong ally and voice of the pro-democracy and anti-annulment movement within the regime. He was a formidable intellectual who was credible, humane, decent, cerebral and highly respected, and I have no reason to doubt his word.

    Ironically, after the annulment took place and Babangida “stepped aside” from office, Mark fell out with Abacha and fled the country for his life.

    Then there was the case of Colonel Lawan Gwadabe who actually told one of Babangida’s children that they would pick up his/her father and “deal with him” if he allowed Abiola to take over. Ironically, the same Gwadabe, who at that time was in the Abacha camp, was later arrested by Abacha and tortured brutally for planning a coup. He was beaten so badly that he almost lost his life.

    Read Also: After Babangida’s book, what next?

    Both Mark (who 14 years later was elected Senate President) and Gwadabe were originally IBB boys but they turned their back on their mentor, joined the pro-annulment camp and vehemently opposed the election and mandate of MKO Abiola.

    Thankfully not all of IBB’s boys shifted camps at that crucial time and most remained loyal to him. Brigadier General Haliru Akilu, the clinically efficient Director of National Intelligence and the man who detected and prevented numerous coup attempts, exposed many conspiracies and single-handedly kept Babangida in power for eight years never faltered or failed and remains loyal to IBB till today.

    Colonel Sambo Dasuki, IBB’s erstwhile ADC (who became National Security Advisor to President Goodluck Jonathan 20 years later) was as constant as the northern star and was loyal till the end.

    Thankfully there were many others, but worthy of mention for his remarkable courage and gallantry at the time was Colonel Abubakar ‘Dangiwa’ Umar (my erstwhile Polo Captain from Lagos Polo Club and the former Governor of Kaduna State) who was the shining star of the Babangida inner circle.

     A former ADC to General Hassan Katsina (the Chief of Army Staff when General Gowon was Head of State), Umar was young, tough, outspoken, courageous, suave, sophisticated, dashing and very good-looking. He was also very pro-June 12 and was one of IBB’s greatest loyalists in the military hierarchy.

    Permit me to share a few words that I extracted from my essay titled President Ibrahim Babangida: An Irrepressible Enigma and Enduring Institution, which I wrote the day after the launch of President Babangida’s book.

    I wrote, inter alia: “Babangida has explained to us his own side of the story and told us exactly what transpired. He refused to remain silent, he did not shy away from speaking the truth or refuse to accept responsibility, and he did not pass the buck.

    “Instead, he came clean, displayed immense courage and did the right and proper thing.

    “That is what leaders are meant to do, and he did it without fear or favour regardless of whose ox was gored.

    “Kudos to him.

    “We need to appreciate this gesture, eschew all bitterness, let go of all our pent up anger, forgive him for what many perceive to be his sins and move on.

    “Equally, we need to accord him his rightful place in history as one of the greats despite his fallibility.

    “He is, after all, a mere man, albeit a great one, and not God.

    “Only God is free of fault and is infallible, and there is not one man that has ever lived, led or ruled that can claim to be perfect.

    “All those insulting and abusing him for putting the facts and his experiences on record in his book are malevolent, bitter, twisted souls and unenlightened, ignorant cowards who have no appreciation of history or what this man actually achieved in his eight years in office.

    “Again, they cannot fully comprehend or appreciate the complex events that led up to the annulment of June 12. They only see things in part and have allowed their emotions rather than their heads to rule them.

    “I was in the NADECO trenches during that difficult time and, like many others, paid my dues too. But I can boldly say that outside of the June 12 matter, IBB did more for Nigeria than virtually any other President or Head of State.

    “He left power 32 years ago and yet every single living former Nigerian President and Head of State, bar President Muhammadu Buhari who he had removed from power in a coup in 1985, attended his book launch in person, and despite all, Buhari actually sent a representative and a warm message.

    “It was an extraordinary event and I witnessed it with my own eyes because I had the privilege of being invited.

    “If the number of leaders that attended, which included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Head of State General General Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former President and former Head of State President Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Ghana Nana Akufo Addo, former President of Sierra Leone President Koroma, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President Namadi Sambo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar does not prove to Nigerians the high esteem that the ruling elites have for him then nothing will.

    “My prayer is that God continues to be with this great and inspiring man who has displayed immense discipline, resilience, dignity, self-respect, courage and humility throughout his distinguished and illustrious life.

    “I pray he continues to share his vast reserves of experience, knowledge and wisdom and make his contributions to national development for many years to come.

    “Whether his numerous detractors like it or not, IBB remains an enigma, an institution and the most consequential Head of State and President in our history.

    No one can take that away from him and we are very proud of him.

    “I wish both him and his family well”.

    I stand by every word.

    Permit me to conclude this contribution with a quote from Babangida’s book which many have chosen to ignore or misinterpret.

    For posterity’s sake we must put what he has said on record lest the uninformed, ignorant, unlettered and intellectually dishonest amongst us have a field day and misinform future generations about those that were behind the first coup d’etat in our country, which took place on January 15, 1966 and which was led by Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna and Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu respectively.

    On page 39 of the book Babangida wrote the following:

    “It was heinously callous for Nzeogwu to have murdered Sir Ahmadu Bello and his wife, Hafsatu, because not only were they eminently adored by many but also because they were said not to have put up a fight.

    “From that moment the putsch was infiltrated by “outsiders” to its supposed original intention and it took on an unmistakable ethnic coloration compounded by the fact that there were no related coup activities in the Eastern Region”.

    I hate to burst the bubble of those that are beating their chests like puerile apes and think otherwise, but there is NOWHERE in Babangida’s book that he said the coup of January 15, 1966 was NOT an Igbo one.

    In fact he alluded to the contrary when he said the coup had taken on an “unmistakable ethnic coloration”.

    That is what he wrote and that is the reality.

    The coup was indeed an ethnic one and the ethnic group he was referring to was none other than the Igbo!

    Those that have purposely twisted and misinterpreted his words and have said that he wrote that the coup was “not an Igbo coup” are either misguided and misinformed or are being mischievous and patently dishonest.

    Most of them have a poor understanding of the English language and have not even read the book and instead are relying on erroneous and nonsensical social media headlines, fake news, fake quotes and well-crafted propaganda and disinformation.

    I suggest that they procure a copy of the book, read it from cover to cover and stop attempting to revise history by misinterpreting the words of the esteemed author.

    Babangida, in his characteristic manner, was charitable to the Igbo in his book, but that does not give anyone licence to misinterpret his words and conclusions or use them in a self-serving manner in an attempt to rewrite history.

    Whether anyone likes it or not, the facts are clear and they are as follows:

    99% of the officers that planned and executed the January 15th 1966 coup and that were involved in the execution of the mutiny were Igbo and 99% of those that were murdered by them were non-Igbo military officers and political leaders, in some cases including their wives.

    We owe it to the memory of those that were so callously slaughtered not to hide, distort or sugar-coat the bitter truth, not to revise history and not to tell pernicious lies.

    The coup was UNMISTAKABLY and UNEQUIVOCALLY an Igbo one, and Babangida made this very clear when he wrote about its “ethnic coloration”.

    I urge all those that have a poor understanding of the English language and that cannot read more than three lines of any book or essay to stop using his words to establish their revisionist and patently dishonest narrative and their futile attempt to perpetuate an age-long mendacity and delusion.

    Falsehood, deceit, specious lies and intellectual fraud have no place in a civilised society or the world of the educated and the literate.

    The truth is that the January 15, 1966 coup WAS an Igbo one, and I am glad to say that Babangida has confirmed it.

    This is a FACT, and as our journalist friends will tell you, “facts are sacred and comment is free”.

    God bless Nigeria!

    • Chief Fani-Kayode is the Sadaukin Shinkafi, the Wakilin Doka of Potiskum, a former Minister of Culture and Tourism and a former Minister of Aviation
  • Climate Change: Unlocking the economic benefits of climate action

    Climate Change: Unlocking the economic benefits of climate action

    • By Adebayo Adeleye

    As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, a growing body of evidence suggests that taking bold action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can have significant economic benefits. In fact, a report by the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate finds that climate action could deliver at least $26 trillion in economic benefits through 2030.

    So, what are the key economic benefits of climate action. For starters, reduction in energy costs is a major advantage. Investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy can help businesses and households save money on their energy bills. Additionally, creating new job opportunities is another significant benefit. The clean energy sector is already supporting millions of jobs worldwide, and this number is expected to grow as the demand for renewable energy increases. Improvement of public health is another important economic benefit of climate action. By reducing air pollution from fossil fuels, we can prevent millions of premature deaths and reduce the economic burden of healthcare costs. In fact, a study by the World Health Organization finds that the economic benefits of reducing air pollution can be as high as $1 trillion per year. Furthermore, stimulating innovation and growth is a critical economic benefit of climate action. Investing in clean energy and green technologies can drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. The report by the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate finds that climate action can generate over 65 million new low-carbon jobs in 2030, equivalent to the entire workforce of the UK and Egypt combined. The economic benefits of climate action are clear. By taking bold action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we can unlock significant economic benefits, from reducing energy costs to creating new job opportunities, improving public health, and stimulating innovation and growth. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, it’s time to recognize the economic benefits of climate action and work towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.

    For the purpose of clarity and emphasis, listed below are five major economic benefits of climate action:

    Job Creation and Employment Opportunities: Climate action can create new job opportunities in various sectors, including the following;

    Renewable energy: The renewable energy sector is creating new job opportunities in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.

    Energy efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in buildings and industries can create jobs in retrofitting, insulation, and other related services.

    Sustainable infrastructure: Investing in sustainable infrastructure, such as green buildings, can create jobs in construction, architecture, and engineering.

    Climate resilience and adaptation: Climate resilience and adaptation measures, such as sea walls, levees, and green roofs, can create jobs in construction, engineering, and environmental management.

    According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the renewable energy sector employed 11 million people worldwide in 2020, and this number is expected to triple by 2050.

    Increased Economic Productivity: Climate action can increase economic productivity by:

    Improving energy efficiency: Energy-efficient technologies and practices can reduce energy consumption, lower energy bills, and increase productivity.

    Read Also: Climate change threatens food system, says minister

    Enhancing resource efficiency: Climate action can promote the efficient use of resources, such as water and raw materials, which can lead to cost savings and increased productivity.

    Reducing climate-related disruptions: Climate action can reduce the risk of climate-related disruptions, such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods, which can impact economic productivity.

    Promoting sustainable agriculture: Climate action can promote sustainable agriculture practices, which can increase crop yields, improve food security, and enhance economic productivity.

    According to a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy efficiency measures can increase economic productivity by up to 2% annually.

    Reduced Healthcare Costs: Climate action can reduce healthcare costs by:

    Improving air quality: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions can improve air quality, which can reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases and other health problems.

    Reducing heat-related illnesses: Climate action can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

    Reducing water-borne diseases: Climate action can reduce the risk of water-borne diseases, such as cholera and typhoid fever.

    Promoting physical activity: Climate action can promote physical activity, such as walking and cycling, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

    According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), the economic benefits of reducing air pollution can be up to 10 times higher than the costs of implementing pollution control measures.

    Increased Property Values and Reduced Infrastructure Costs: Climate action can increase property values and reduce infrastructure costs by:

    Reducing flood risk: Climate action can reduce the risk of flooding, which can increase property values and reduce infrastructure costs.

    Improving urban planning: Climate action can promote sustainable urban planning, which can increase property values and reduce infrastructure costs.

    Reducing heat island effect: Climate action can reduce the heat island effect, which can increase property values and reduce infrastructure costs.

    Promoting green infrastructure: Climate action can promote the use of green infrastructure, such as green roofs and green walls, which can increase property values and reduce infrastructure costs.

    According to a study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), every dollar invested in flood resilience measures can save up to $4 in economic losses.

    Reduced Climate-Related Risks and Uncertainty

    Climate action can reduce climate-related risks and uncertainty by:

    Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: Climate action can reduce the risk of catastrophic climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    Promoting climate resilience: Climate action can promote climate resilience by supporting the development of climate-resilient infrastructure and ecosystems.

    Reducing climate-related uncertainty: Climate action can reduce climate-related uncertainty by promoting the use of climate models and scenario planning.

    Supporting climate risk management: Climate action can support climate risk management by promoting the use of climate risk assessments and climate risk management frameworks.

    According to a study by the Economist Intelligence Unit, climate change can reduce global economic output by up to 11% by 2100 if left unchecked.

    • Dr. Adebayo Matthew, Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan) Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control badeleye@gmail.com  +234 803 525 6450
  • June 12, annulled dreams and the unending agony

    June 12, annulled dreams and the unending agony

    June 12, 1993 marked a significant setback for Nigeria, harking back to the January 15, 1966, coup-d’etat. This unfortunate event pushed the country back by at least a century, primarily due to the suspension of the 1963 Republican Constitution. Although the masterminds behind the coup never explicitly stated that they had abolished the constitution, the consequences of its suspension continue to manifest in Nigeria’s persistent underdevelopment.

    Ayo Ademiluyi, a civil rights lawyer and political activist, recently pointed out that the General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida government, similar to previous and succeeding military administrations, was characterized by diarchy. This system of governance, which combines the military top brass and parts of the political establishment, was more pronounced under IBB, as Babangida is known, than any other military administration. This diarchy was on full display during the publication and public presentation of a book, titled ‘A Journey in Service: An Autobiography of Ibrahim Babangida’, and fundraising for the Presidential Library, where startling revelations about Babangida’s military rule came to light.

    A gentleman on the podium stated that he and others present owed their success not to entrepreneurial spirit, but rather to state capture and favours. In contrast, entrepreneurs like Adeola Odutola, Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, and Aminu Dantata from the previous era achieved success through genuine entrepreneurial zeal and innovation. Unfortunately, under Babangida’s regime, state favours became the primary means of economic advancement, leading to a society that is uncompetitive

    The concept of state capture, which originated in South Africa, was exemplified in Nigeria during the IBB era. However, for Nigeria to make progress, it should focus on promoting entrepreneurship among its citizens. Notable examples include Bayo Ogunlesi of Global Infrastructure, Olugbenga Agboola, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji and Adeleke Adekoya of Flutterwave, as well as Shola Akinlade and Ezra Olubi of Paystack. The new generation banks, led by individuals like Atedo Peterside and Fola Adeola, are also worth mentioning. Instead of promoting entrepreneurship, the IBB book presentation unfortunately celebrated an era marked by ‘man-know-man’ and ‘padi padi’ arrangements, commonly referred to as state capture. This approach will not make Nigeria competitive, create much-needed jobs, catalyze growth, or achieve sustainability.

    One of the most troubling aspects of the June 12, 1993, election saga is how Babangida inadvertently relinquished his authority as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. By refusing to uphold the mandate of the free and fair election, Babangida exhibited a cowardly cop-out, as noted by Reuben Abati in his column. Abati’s critique, however, stopped short of drawing a more profound conclusion. A more incisive analysis would have contrasted Babangida’s actions or inactions with those of Chile’s democratically elected President Salvador Allende Gossens, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his principles on a fateful night in 1973.

    In a tale of two leaders, Salvador Allende, a medical doctor-turned-president, stood in unambiguous contrast to General Ibrahim Babangida, who rose through the military ranks. When faced with a coup, Allende’s commitment to his people and his mandate was unwavering. Despite an American plane waiting to whisk him to safety, he opted to fight alongside his Chief of Staff and eleven ministers, refusing to give up their mandate. It’s one of the most remarkable arts in recent political history. So, who’s a ‘General’? Allende, a trained medical doctor, or Babangida, who entered the army straight from secondary school?

    Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi’s ultimate sacrifice for Major General JTU Aguiyi-Ironsi during the 1966 military coup in Nigeria also exemplified the enduring power of loyalty and duty in the face of overwhelming adversity. So, there’s no point in blaming General Sani Abacha, Augustus Aikhomu and others, who are no longer here to defend themselves; and dead men tell no tales! What’s more? IBB has simply shot himself in the foot, for, certainly, he has not presented himself as a Commander-in-Chief!

    The entire book presentation was clearly a jarring celebration, utterly disconnected from the somber reflections that events like the Holocaust or Soweto Massacre demand. As Peterside aptly noted, such tragedies cannot be commemorated amidst joviality. This is a very bad taste, which should not have happened. In sane climes, the occasion would have been an opportune moment to establish a Trust Fund for the countless individuals who suffered irreparable losses – lives, limbs, and livelihoods – due to the annulment. Many of these brave souls are still alive, struggling to rebuild their shattered lives.

    In this context, President Bola Tinubu, himself a victim of the annulment, has a unique opportunity to make amends. By setting up the Trust Fund, he can provide long-overdue rehabilitation and support to those who risked everything for democracy. This gesture would honour their sacrifices while allowing him to forge his own path, distinct from the shadows of the past, and create a more just and compassionate society. The last word is that, June 12, 1993, allowed the genie to escape from the bottle. All manners of long dormant and suppressed agitations came out of June 12 across the six geopolitical zones and the political will to resolve these issues has still not been found.

    In his 1852 book, ‘The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Napoleon’, Karl Marx famously remarked: “History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.” As Marx pointed out, and as Babangida demonstrated, June 12, 1993, was a tragic event and the scars are still showing with broken limbs, disrupted lives and people suddenly becoming orphans. On the other side of the coin, the book presentation and the launch of a proposed Babangida Presidential Library was a pure farce.  

    Read Also: June 12 and IBB’s say nothing book

    Now that the book presentation has again highlighted the shame of a country, IBB can still hold his head high, not because of any personal merit, but because Nigeria’s flawed system often enables leaders to deflect accountability. This phenomenon is deeply ingrained in our national psyche, where the failures of leaders are frequently downplayed or even celebrated. Here, our justice system remains defective, yet society inexplicably applauds it. Nigeria’s complexities are well-known to those familiar with our unique brand of ‘Nigerianness’ – a reality marked by pervasive shock, anxiety, uncertainty and chaos. Our nation has become a contested territory, where the lives of countless individuals are being squandered amidst this turmoil.

    IBB’s ‘invented’ excuses have been a means to an end, but the question remains: what is that end? Now that he has exhausted his justifications for past inadequacies, what’s next? This raises questions about accountability and the lack of genuine introspection. But, wait a minute, the attendance of notable figures like Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria’s former Vice President, and Bola Tinubu, the current president, at IBB’s event is also perplexing. While Tinubu’s presence might be attributed to diplomatic obligations, Osinbajo’s attendance is harder to justify, given his reputation as a democrat. Moreover, Tinubu’s participation in the laugh-it-off competition with the evil genius, a man often regarded as one of Nigeria’s most notorious leaders, is particularly jarring.

    Agreed, the dead are dead, and nothing can be done about that again! Twenty-six years after Nigeria’s return to democracy, it is essential to reflect on the sacrifices made by individuals like Abubakar Umar, who relinquished their military commissions, and others like Ambassador Musbau in Mushin-Lagos, who went totally blind during the agitations, all in support of the June 12 movement. How does the democratic system honour their memory and sacrifices? A former warlord reportedly advised Abacha to “hang” MKO Abiola, the winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, for treason. Ironically, his wife is now a Minister in Tinubu’s cabinet!

    So, ‘eni to ku ni tie gbe! Indeed, he who is dead has lost it all!

    May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

  • IBB’s memoir: Matters arising

    IBB’s memoir: Matters arising

    By Ojo Emmanuel Ademola

    The 1993 Nigerian presidential election annulment, denying Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola’s victory, remains a dark chapter in history. Ibrahim Babangida’s recent confirmation of Abiola’s win sparks discussions on accountability and democracy in Nigeria. Babangida’s evasion of responsibility raises questions about strengthening frameworks for human rights and democracy. The government and citizens promote transparency and respect for democratic principles.

    Can Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) be trusted? His past actions in deceiving and exploiting Nigerians raise doubts. Reflecting on past dictators worldwide, what consequences should individuals like Babangida face for abusing power and betraying trust? The central theme surrounding IBB is a deep sense of incredulity and mistrust in his words and deeds. His history of manipulation and disregard for Nigerian welfare fuels scepticism of his intentions.

    The need for accountability in addressing how IBB exploited and deceived Nigerians for personal gain is crucial. Perpetuating consequences for such actions uphold justice and the rule of law. Allowing individuals like IBB to evade responsibility sets a dangerous precedent that undermines governance principles. Examining this issue reveals parallels with other dictators who inflicted harm through unchecked authority and impunity, emphasising the necessity of accountability and democratic values.

    Holding individuals like IBB accountable is vital for justice and preventing past injustices. Transparency, accountability, and safeguarding democratic institutions are essential. Addressing leaders’ crimes like IBB can pave the way towards a future marked by integrity, respect for human rights, and good governance.

    Responsible leadership is crucial for a functioning democracy and just society. Leaders must serve their constituents and uphold the rule of law. Corruption and abuse of power undermine democracy, eroding public trust. Holding leaders accountable is paramount for justice, safeguarding democracy, and promoting ethical governance.

    Leaders facing accountability serve as a warning to others and demonstrate the consequences of misconduct. The resignation of former South African President Jacob Zuma amid corruption allegations highlights the importance of accountability in a democratic society. Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s conviction for corruption in the 1MDB scandal showcases the legal system’s commitment to holding officials accountable, regardless of their status.

    To hold leaders like IBB accountable, key mechanisms can be employed as deterrents against future misconduct, including conducting independent investigations and legal proceedings to ensure transparent and fair accountability processes free from political interference. Strengthening anti-corruption measures with robust laws and oversight mechanisms is essential to prevent and combat corrupt practices. Promoting civil society engagement encourages public participation and whistleblower protection to uphold accountability standards. Seeking international cooperation and collaborating with global bodies to investigate and prosecute corruption cases are crucial steps towards ensuring accountability. Enhancing electoral accountability and empowering citizens through democratic processes like elections and informed voter education further solidify efforts to hold leaders accountable and promote integrity and responsible leadership in a democratic society.

    The June 12 annulment by Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) continues to be a contentious issue in Nigeria’s history, with significant implications for democracy, justice, and accountability. The list of key individuals connected to the annulment who have since passed away raises questions about the challenges of seeking justice and accountability in cases involving influential political figures.

    The deaths of prominent figures linked to the June 12 annulment, including Chief MKO Abiola (the winner of the annulled election), General Sani Abacha, Arthur Nzeribe, Clement Akpamgbo, Justice Bassey Ikpeme, Justice Dahiru Saleh, Abimbola Davis, Prof. Omo Omoruyi, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, and Vice Admiral Aikhomu, raise concerns about the limitations of holding individuals accountable posthumously. The absence of these individuals as witnesses in present-day inquiries or legal proceedings poses challenges to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for the events surrounding the annulment.

    The statement refers to the confirmation by former Nigerian military ruler Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) that Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as M.K.O. Abiola, won the presidential election in Nigeria. This confirmation raises questions about accountability and justice since Babangida is seen as responsible for annulling the election results in 1993, leading to years of political turmoil and Abiola’s subsequent imprisonment and death. The reference to IBB as an “arch-coward” implies criticism of his actions in blaming numerous others who are in graves, I mean they were now deceased, for the annulment instead of taking responsibility for his own role in the crisis. The discourse highlights the need to address past injustices and decide on the way forward in light of these revelations.

    Undoubtedly, the statement reflects a deep-rooted concern about the pervasive culture of impunity and lack of accountability in Nigerian politics, particularly in the actions of leaders like Ibrahim Babangida (IBB). By confirming that M.K.O. Abiola won the election and acknowledging his role in the annulment, IBB is seen as perpetuating a trend of escaping consequences for his actions. This weakens the national frameworks of accountability, responsibility, and integrity and erodes public trust in the political system.

    Babangida’s ability to “get away” with his alleged wicked acts, such as annulling a democratic election and subsequently blaming deceased individuals for it, underscores a broader issue of power dynamics and impunity within Nigeria’s political landscape. The lack of consequences for such actions not only sets a dangerous precedent but also undermines the very foundations of democratic governance and the rule of law.

    The June 12 annulment by Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) remains dreadful in Nigerian history, affecting democracy, justice, and accountability. The deaths of key individuals connected to the annulment, including Chief MKO Abiola and General Sani Abacha, pose challenges in pursuing posthumous accountability. IBB’s acknowledgement of Abiola as the election winner raises accountability issues, given his role in the annulment and ensuing political unrest. This highlights the need to address past injustices and move forward, reflecting concerns about Nigeria’s culture of impunity and lack of political accountability, especially within leadership like IBB, which undermines national accountability frameworks and erodes public trust.

    To address these issues, we must hold individuals like Babangida accountable, strengthen institutional transparency, and promote ethical leadership. Without genuine reforms, the cycle of impunity will endure, damaging Nigeria’s democratic core. Although key witnesses may be unavailable, we can explore other avenues to ensure accountability. This includes reviewing evidence and engaging experts to fully understand the annulment’s circumstances. Additionally, truth and reconciliation initiatives can provide a platform for survivors and families to seek redress and promote transparency in governance.

    Efforts to reform institutions, bolster the rule of law, and enhance judicial independence can prevent future injustices and foster political leaders’ accountability. Preventing electoral fraud and protecting fundamental rights safeguard democracy and honour June 12’s legacy. Overcoming witness challenges in the annulment case requires a united quest for truth, justice, and accountability to address past wrongs and build a just and democratic society. Upholding transparency, rule of law, and responsible governance is vital to prevent impunity and avoid repeating history.

    The question then arises again: How can a commitment to journalism and human rights contribute to the fortification of democracy and prevent the recurrence of past injustices in Nigeria? In examining the roles and responsibilities of both the government and its citizens, how can we ensure accountability, transparency, and the protection of rights for all individuals?

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    Upholding journalistic integrity and respecting human rights are essential for safeguarding democracy in Nigeria. By prioritising these values, society can achieve greater accountability and justice. The government must focus on transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, investigating past wrongdoings and implementing reforms to prevent future abuses of power. Citizens also have a crucial role in holding their leaders accountable, speaking out against injustices, and advocating for transparency and change through peaceful protests, policy advocacy, and voting. Together, these efforts can foster a culture of respect for human rights and democratic ideals in the nation.

    A partnership between the government and its citizens is essential for strengthening democracy, ensuring human rights protections, and preventing the recurrence of past injustices. By working together to uphold democratic values, promote accountability, and protect human rights, Nigeria can build a more resilient and inclusive society that respects the rule of law and values the voice of its citizens.

    Conclusively, in the journey towards building a more just and democratic Nigeria, the intertwined responsibilities of the government and its citizens are paramount. As revelations about past injustices like the annulment of the 1993 election come to light, authorities must prioritise accountability, uphold the rule of law, and implement reforms that prevent such abuses of power in the future. Equally important is the role of citizens in pushing for transparency, advocating for human rights protections, and holding their leaders accountable. By working collaboratively to strengthen democratic institutions, protect human rights, and promote political accountability, Nigeria can move towards a future where the mistakes of the past serve as lessons that guide the nation towards a more inclusive, just, and resilient society.

  • Feud over Herbert Wigwe’s estate: Matters arising

    Feud over Herbert Wigwe’s estate: Matters arising

    By Akpan Nwachukwu

    The social media has been awash with stories about the Wigwe family and the ruling by Hon. Adeyemi J. of the Ikeja High Court (Family & Probate), which arose from a motion for interlocutory injunction brought by the claimant/applicants in Suit No. ID/7735FPM/2024.

    The matter is about the Administration of the Estate of the late Mr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, and has Christian Wigwe and Pastor Shyngle Wigwe v Uche Wigwe, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Otutochi Wigwe.

    Since the matter has become a subject of public discourse because of its enlistment on social media, as a legal practitioner, I hope my perspectives will guide the public away from social media disinformation.

    Unfortunately, the matter has caused tension and emotions to rise, but the law remains stable and solid in its position on every matter, including this very one. There had been similar cases in the past, which we could draw insights and facts from. It is important to know that even with the splendour of ingenuity, which is a major hallmark of legal practice, precedence is the most reliable compass of the law. 

    As a parent, I feel obliged to speak up for the orphaned children of late Herbert Wigwe, whose inheritance seemed to be at risk because of family ties. I am almost certain that the law will protect the children through precedence, but I weep for the kids amongst them because their innocence could not allow them to recognize the danger lurking around in the appearances of family members.

    It is important to highlight the two situations that could possibly arise upon the death of an individual in the context of the Law on Estate Administration.

    Where someone person dies and leaves a will, it is Testacy, (see the Wills Law of Lagos State 2004 (WL)), but when the death of someone happens without leaving a will, it is Intestacy (see the Administration of Estates Law of Lagos State 1959, now 2015 (AEL)).

    It is expected that a Testator must be of sound mind and not less than 18 years old (see Section 3 of the WL). Also, the will must be made voluntarily. If it the right conditions are met, a will made outside Nigeria, can also be valid in Nigeria.

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    In his situation, Herbert Wigwe also used Revocable Trust. This could be used instead of, or with a will. Revocable Trust does not require Probate. By this, the privacy of the assets and beneficiaries are guaranteed, and provides for transfer of assets from one generation to generation, under the administration of the Trustee.

    According to reports, Herbert Wigwe’s will was made outside Nigeria, and it covers everything that belongs to him, which includes his personal and real property in Nigeria and abroad. The will has since been submitted to Probate in Nigeria.

    In his testaments, Herbert Wigwe named three people alternatively to be his personal representatives and three people alternatively to be his trustees. It is important to note that, in the two capacities, that is – personal representative and trustee, his wife, late Doreen Wigwe and his first cousin, Uche Wigwe are listed as 1st and 3rd respectively, while an American, Ms Blanco is listed as the 2nd alternative personal representative, and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, his friend and business partner, is listed as the 2nd alternative trustee. Ms Blanco later declined to be the personal representative.

    It is clear from the above that it is not only a biological relationship that confers interest on people in respect of a deceased’s estate; it is, more importantly, the wishes of the deceased, when a will exists, or in intestacy, and the provisions of the law following the hierarchy of inheritance.

    Hon. Adeyemi J. of the Ikeja High Court (Family & Probate) reduced the issues for determination in the motion on notice into three: (1) appointment of interim administrators; (2) appointment of interim guardians/supervision; (3) request for a Norwich Pharmacal Order. All the claimant/applicants’ prayers were, however, refused by the court in this well-considered ruling.

    The law is not with the claimants – Pastor Shyngle Wigwe and Christian on the ground that the prayers in the motion were practically a repetition of the requests in the substantive suit. The judge also pointed out an instance of abuse of court process: praying the court for the appointment of interim guardians/supervision, when Otutochi Wigwe, the adult daughter of Herbert and Doreen Wigwe, and the older sister of the three minors – David, Hannah, and Okachi – had already been so appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction as their legal guardian. Moreover, the claimant/applicants adduced no prima facie evidence of wrongdoing against the respondents.

    A claim that someone is manipulated by another is neither here nor there and holds no water in law.

    In the circumstance, the claimant/applicants, not being beneficiaries under the will of late Herbert Wigwe, with all due respect, may be what is referred to in law as ‘meddlesome interlopers’, that is, uninvited participants interfering in something that doesn’t concern them.

    In other words, while the 1st claimant/applicant, Christian Wigwe may be Herbert Wigwe’s cousin, and the 2nd claimant/applicant, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe is Herbert Wigwe’s father and the 90-year-old patriarch of the Wigwe family, their familial relationships do not appear to endow them with the locus standi to have brought the application, particularly as Herbert’s wishes as to his personal representatives, trustees and bequests have been clearly stated.

    Mere assertion of a familial relationship without more does not suffice in this case. The relationship must confer a right or vested interest that can be protected and enforced in law. Additionally, when an individual lives their life under the law as opposed to native law and custom as Herbert Wigwe did, customs and traditions play no role.

    It is not the natural order of life for one to pre-decease one’s parents, so even though Herbert Wigwe’s love for his parents is undeniable and undoubted, one would not expect that they would be mentioned in his last Will and Testament, as this would be considered to be an abomination in our culture as Africans. Nevertheless, it is expected that the parents would be catered for by Herbert Wigwe’s estate.

    In this matter, alternative dispute resolution, particularly mediation or amicable settlement is the best option to resolution because with litigation, only one party will emerge victorious. It is a winner takes all situation. Wisdom needs to come to play in resolving this matter.

    •Bar. Nwachukwu writes from Lagos

  • Seeking local funding for development work

    Seeking local funding for development work

    By Innocent Edemhanria

    President Donald Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the USAID have got many worried about the impacts on Africa and Nigeria in particular. Lessons can be drawn from the dismantling and the foreign funding freeze. If the Trump approach works, more countries may take a cue from the U.S. Already, the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer recently announced a boost to the UK’s defence spending, with the increase coming at the expense of the aid budget.  Sir Keir explained that the increase will see an additional £13.4bn on defence every year from 2027, but it will be paid for by cutting development assistance aid. Netherlands has equally announced a cut to its funding for UN and civil society. It appears there were similar moves from Belgium and Sweden in the past few months. This surely is a bleak outlook across many relevant donors funding development work globally.

    There is a strong argument that Africa will be the first victim of the USAID collapse. Only the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa received US$12 billion from USAID in 2024. This was even a reduction from US$16 billion in 2023. Across the continent, countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Somalia, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) received huge aid from USAID and other donors.

    For Nigeria, what local opportunities are there to tap into to provide sustainable funding source for development work? Generally, there is a decline in Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Nigerian civil society organizations (CSOs) rely disproportionately on international donors, with more than 500,000 organisations competing for scarce donor funds even as Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Nigeria declined from $11.43 billion in 2006 to just $3.38 billion in 2020—a 70% drop.

    It is time for the Nigerian government to consider the setting up of endowment which should be managed independently. The proceeds of such endowment could be used to advance development work and fund projects that address Nigeria’s economic, social, and climate challenges. The country can tap into the significant revenue from the petroleum sector, leverage on recovered assets and debt swap to pursue this idea. The Nigerian Endowments through Asset Transformation (NEAT) initiative offers a potential solution to the financial needs of CSOs, especially as reliance on international donors decline.

    The NEAT Initiative represents an innovative approach to addressing the chronic funding challenges faced by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria. Through its strategy of “Philanthropication through Privatization” (PtP), the initiative seeks to leverage assets, including recovered loot, extractive industry proceeds, and debt swaps, to create endowments that can independently fund developmental work. By channelling proceeds from asset transfers into independent, private, charitable foundations, it hopes to fund projects that address Nigeria’s economic, social, and climate challenges.

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    The NEAT governance principles would involve independent governance, professional management, transparency (operate with complete transparency—statutes, by-laws, grant information, board and staff list, reports, and finances would be publicly accessible), there would be accountability and conflict of interest provisions, and the governance should be meaningfully representative of the constituencies they serve through robust community consultation processes.

    Specific case studies already exist where similar models have been demonstrated in other jurisdictions. In fact, up to 643 NEAT types of foundations have been identified in 28 countries around the world and such foundations are managing over US$201bn. The NEAT Initiative is inspired by successful models in other countries, like the BOTA Foundation in Kyrgyzstan and the Kiisi Trust Foundation in the case of human rights abuses in Ogoniland, Nigeria. The BOTA Foundation in Kyrgyzstan was established through a multi-lateral agreement to accountably and efficiently distribute returned corruption-based assets to the neediest citizens of Kazakhstan. The BOTA foundation has been widely cited as one of the most effective and successful examples of asset return administration, including by Transparency International France in its 2022 “Handbook for Asset Restitution.”

    The Kiisi Trust Foundation (KTF) was set-up from the philanthropic actions of the plaintiffs of the 2009 Wiwa vs. Shell lawsuit with $5 million out of the $15.5 million out-of-court settlement in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The plaintiffs were victims of human rights abuses arising out of SPDC’s operations in Ogoniland. At the time of the settlement, it was agreed that the Kiisi Trust “should stand as one legacy of the labours of our heroes past.” The Kiisi Trust Fund is used to support programmes in education, health, community development, and other benefits for the Ogoni people and their communities.

    High-level advocacy efforts have already been launched to advance the NEAT initiative in Nigeria. This includes the formation of an advisory committee by the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, to push for the adoption of the initiative by the Nigerian government. The committee will engage with key stakeholders, including government officials within the executive and legislature, academia, and civil society organizations, to drum support for its adoption and implementation.

    To succeed, the initiative would need passionate advocates who can raise awareness and garner political support. It is a promising strategy for addressing the funding challenges faced by CSOs and contributing to the country’s development.

    The NEAT initiative represents a bold and innovative step toward self-sustaining, locally driven development solutions in Nigeria. With support, it could play a significant role in addressing the country’s most pressing social and economic challenges.

    •Edemhanria writes from Benin City

  • Ogun and the death penalty option

    Ogun and the death penalty option

    By: Elijah Udofia

    There is no doubt that killings and acts of killings have become the order of the day in Nigeria. Apart from death in the hands of terrorists, the lives of Nigerians are daily being cut short by ritualists, cultists, kidnappers, armed robbers and a host of others.

    From the north to the south, east to west, it is one killing after the other. It is either husband killing his wife or the wife killing her husband; father killing his daughter or son killing his mother. It is so pathetic that one begins to wonder when the country became a jungle, where life is so cheap. Even in the jungle, animals do not kill one another for the fun of it except for survival and territorial dominance.

    In Nigeria of today, killing has become a hobby or a pastime for some people. While ritualists kill and harvest body parts for money making rituals, some kill to take possession of the deceased property. Others, like cultists carry out revenge killing or kill to show superiority while others kill for ransom.

    About two years ago, the media, both traditional and new, was awash with how a boy who resides in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, connived with his friends, killed his girlfriend and used the head for money ritual purpose after disposing the body by burning. Sometimes one begins to wonder the benefits of these senseless killings or is it that humans have lost their humanity?

    Also in Ogun State, in the middle of last year, three Indians and a Nigerian were kidnapped along the Ijebu-Ode – Ore axis, but were lucky to be rescued by men of the Nigeria Police. Similarly, not too long ago, the wife of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Folasade Odumosu, was kidnapped on her way to work and the sum of N40m demanded for her release.

    Apart from kidnapping, cult related killings are also rampant in places like Abeokuta, Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode. Cultists’ reign of terror saw the killings of rival members with the lives of innocent people cut short in the clash.

    The question now is: when did Nigeria and Nigerians descend to this abysmal low in morality? Can this be attributed to exposure to modernity, technology or influence of social media? What really went wrong in the past few decades that people no longer regards life as sacred?

    Though the Nigeria’s legal system is noted for undue and prolong delays in delivering justice, it has also made some landmark judgements especially in cases involving murders and the likes by passing death sentences on those who took other people’s lives.

    On February 3, an Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta, sentenced the trio of Lekan Adekanbi, Ahmed Odetola, and Waheed Adeniyi to death by hanging for the murder of Kehinde Fatinoye, his wife, Bukola Fatinoye, and their son, Oreoluwa, on January 1, 2023. The Fatinoyes were attacked at their Ibara GRA residence shortly after returning from a crossover church service. Led by their driver, Adekanbi, the assailants broke into the home around 2 am, murdered the couple and set both their bodies and the house on fire.

    Not done, the attackers also tied up their son, Oreoluwa, along with an adopted son, before throwing them into the Ogun River. While Oreoluwa unfortunately lost his life, the adopted son miraculously survived.

    After their arrest by the police, Adekanbi, in an interview with journalists admitted spearheading the attack, citing his employers’ refusal to increase his salary or grant him a loan request.

    Many Nigerians observed with dismay that death row inmates remain in prisons for years, living off taxpayers’ money after the death sentence had been passed on them. Concerns have also arisen over the government reluctance to sign execution orders—a trend that has left many death row inmates languishing in correctional facilities indefinitely.

    Since the return to democratic rule in Nigeria about 26 years ago, it is on record that no Nigerians governor has signed and ordered the execution of condemned criminals despite being empowered by the nation’s constitution. This act is quite contrary to what obtained during the military era where military administrators or governors approved execution once the death sentence was pronounced by competent courts.

    Refusal or unwillingness to sign execution orders have no doubt contributed to the high rise of heinous crimes that most often led to loss of lives because in a situation where the Biblical “an eye for an eye” injunction is not followed to the letter and where justice is not seen to have been served, it emboldens criminals to commit more heinous crimes.

    Disturbed by this ugly trend and the need to eradicate incidences of violent crimes like kidnapping, cultism, ritual killings and the likes as well as ensure that victims of these crimes get justice, the Ogun State government is considering a drastic action by looking at the death penalty option through signing death warrants of those sentenced to death by competent courts.

    The Ogun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), gave this indication and expressed concern on the increase in criminal activities in recent times in the state.

    He observed that despite the proactive measures put in place by security agencies in tackling crimes, there appears to be an upsurge particularly in ritual killings, adding that government has identified the wrong perception that there will be no repercussions when some of these crimes are committed to be the root cause.

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    The Attorney General emphasized that the state government is looking seriously at this as a means of sending across a message that Ogun State is not a place where you can come and commit such serious crimes and get away with it.

    “The law as at today, for example, a murder case attracts death penalty and some other offences. But if you look at it nationally, for a long time, there had been reluctant of government across the states particularly since the advent of democratic rule to sign death warrants but I assure you that the time we are now, we are looking very seriously at following the law to its letter”, he noted.

    He alluded to the fact that constitutionally, “It is part of the duty of the governor to sign death warrants and I am certain that when he took that oath of office, he took it knowing fully well the responsibilities that comes with it and he is a governor that uphold the rule of law so I can assure you that in deserving cases, he will not shirk away from that constitutional duty”.

    From time immemorial, society has always found a way of dispensing justice and death penalty has always been a way of ensuring that those who commit serious crimes especially the ones that involve human lives pay dearly for it.

    It is often said that “drastic situation requires drastic solution” and since criminals have decided not to heed several warnings of Governor Dapo Abiodun, who on many occasions, advised them to turn a new leaf, then it is time for them to begin to face the hangmen’s noose.

    The postulation of a celebrated thinker, John Locke, is apt on this: “This life is dangerous not because of those who perpetrate evils but because of those who watch it and let it happen”. Indeed, the Chief Security Officer of Ogun State is a man with zero tolerance for criminality; he has demonstrated that trait and will still exhibit that distinct value.

    •Udofia writes from Laderin, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

  • June 12: IBB’s albatross

    June 12: IBB’s albatross

    By Olabode Lucas

    General Ibrahim Badamasi Babaginda, the only military president to have ruled Nigeria presented his much-awaited autobiography last week at Abuja. The presentation was well attended by political and business bigwigs in Nigeria. Those in attendance included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all the living former Heads of State except Muhammadu Buhari who sent a representative.

    The big crowd at the presentation and the whooping N17 billion collected at the presentation for the Babaginda’s presidential library are indisputable testimonies that the General who stepped aside in ignominy 32 years ago for good or for bad, is still a force to be reckoned with in Nigeria’s political dispensation. He was lauded to high heavens by speakers at the event and the book reviewer, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the former vice president, made light of all the involvements of Babaginda in many previous coups in Nigeria. President Tinubu who was almost trapped in Babaginda’s orchestrated political quagmire referred to him as visionary, while the revered General Yakubu Gowon thanked him profusely for restoring his military rank which was removed by Obasanjo’s administration after the failed Dimka coup of 1976.

    Babaginda, who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993 no doubt affected tremendously the socio-political trajectory of the country during that period and the effect of his rule is still felt in the country up till today. In his foreword to the book, General Gowon acknowledged this by writing that in the post-civil war period, IBB’s tenure was easily the most remarkable and Gowon called him a natural leader. During his administration, he was variously referred to as ‘Evil Genius’ and ‘Maradona’ because of the devious and unpredictability of his actions while in power.

    Many momentous and controversial events happened during his eight-year tenure, and this included the Nigeria OIC membership, Dele Giwa’s death through letter bomb, Mamman Vista coup, C-130 Hercules plane crash, Gideon Orkar coup, SAP riot, Gulf oil windfall, the seemingly unending and winding transition programme and June 12 election debacle.

    I understand Babaginda tried to explain and justify his actions on all these events in the book. The startling admission he made in the book is his regret for annulling June 12, 1993, election which was the freest election in our history. He belatedly admits now that Chief M.K. O. Abiola, the presidential candidate of the then SDP won the election squarely. In the book, he blames the annulment of the election on his right-hand man then, the late Sani Abacha who according to him was beholden to northern political establishment. According to Babaginda, he was in faraway Katsina when Abacha annulled the election. To me, he can tell this to the Marines.

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    As expected, General Babaginga’s new stands on June 12 election and the acknowledgement of Abiola’s victory at the election have elicited a lot of negative comments about his personality. This is to be expected because this unfortunate annulment brought untold grief to Nigeria and shook the country to its fragile foundation. Many lives were lost and there was general dislocation and fear in the country. With the annulment, Babaginda brought darkness to the country and the country’s onward march to democracy was halted abruptly. From his new revelations, many people now feel that despite his bravado and his geniality as a smart and no-nonsense soldier, Ibrahim Babaginda was nothing but a coward in an Army General’s tunic because he was afraid to do the right thing at the appropriate time. 

    History shows that many leaders around the world had had their names in infamy and in the mud and dustbin of history because of the precipitous, ill-conceived and unpopular actions they took while in power. In this group of leaders, we have people like Adolf Hitler who plunged the world into Second World War because of his ambition to make his Aryan race to rule the rest of the world, Neville Chamberlain  for his appeasement agreement he had with Hitler in 1937, Mussolini of Italy for aligning with Hitler during the Second World War, Richard Nixon for the Watergate scandal of 1974, Joseph Mobutu in DR Congo for running down his otherwise very endowed country  and Idi Amin of Uganda who unleashed a reign of terror on his people. Unfortunately, for his annulment of the freest election in Nigeria, Babaginda is now in the same league with leaders whose names are in infamy in history of the world. This is a personal tragedy for a man who strived to have his name in the right side of history but now he cannot escape the albatross of June 12 on his neck.

    June 12 is about the enthronement of democracy in our country. The country eventually had democratic dispensation in 1999, thanks to the struggle of organisations like NADECO and others who fought the military to a standstill. It is now almost 26 years since we embarked on this democratic journey, and this is a convenient point to assess how we as a country have fared in the dispensation.

    If we are going to be honest with ourselves, apart from the fact that the present dispensation has been the longest in our history, we cannot say that our practice of democratic norms has been above average. Our elections are still marred by high level of unimaginable irregularities. None of our elections since we started the present dispensation has come near the June 12 election in terms of authenticity and credibility. None has been found to reflect the true wishes of the people like the June 12 election. The electoral umpire INEC is not truly independent because its members are appointed by the party in power.  In addition, our system of governance is still financially intimidating gulping a sizeable portion of our resources. The geo-political setup presently in place in our country is retarding our progress as true federalism is still a mirage in the country.

    Perhaps, the greatest blight in the present dispensation is the states of the federation where the executives have muzzled the legislature, the judiciary and the local governments. During the First Republic with all its imperfections, there were free District Councils elections where opposition parties could easily win elections to control the District Councils. This has become an abomination in the present dispensation where the party in power always win all the local government elections. The local government council election in Osun State last week is a pointer to this. It is certainly not Uhuru for democracy in Nigeria.

    June 12 eventually ushered in democratic dispensation in Nigeria but unfortunately the political class has disappointed the people in their behaviour towards true democratic norms, as our politicians are in politics to serve themselves and not the people. It is good that Babaginda whose administration kick-started the process leading to June12 has acknowledged its authenticity, but he has unwittingly become its casualty for his inaction when it mattered most.

    •Prof Lucas writes from Old Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State.    

  • Distractions of Taiwan in Nigeria-China relations: Way forward

    Distractions of Taiwan in Nigeria-China relations: Way forward

    • By Charles Onunaiju

    The successful state visit to China and subsequent participation at the Summit of the Head of States and Governments of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in September last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and China to historical new heights. The joint statement of the two sides which pledged to establish “a comprehensive strategic partnership and build a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future” outlined among several areas of cooperation and collaboration, a mutual commitment “to support each other on issues related to their respective core interests and concerns, particularly sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

    While “the Chinese side supports the Renewed Hope Agenda and efforts made by Nigeria in maintaining National Unity, Peace, Security and Social Stability”, the Nigerian side “firmly adhere to the One-China principle, acknowledges that there is but One China in the world and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory”.

    To underline the success of the state visit and its productive outcomes, President Tinubu on return to Nigeria appointed a global liaison and a director of Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership to follow-up on the outcomes and he would be directly responsible to the Office of the President.

    The Taiwan question is a matter of China’s internal affairs and a leftover of her history. It arose specifically in China’s history when the island was seized following the Sino-Japanese war from 1894-1895 during which the weak Chinese Qing dynasty was forced to cede it to Japan. However, in the Cairo declaration of December 1, 1943, the Heads of Government of China, the United States, and Britain stated solemnly that “All the territories Japan has stolen from the Chinese such as Manchuria, Formosa (Taiwan), the Pescadores shall be restored to the Republic of China”. And on July 25, 1945, the Potsdam proclamation defining the terms of Japanese surrender affirmed that “the terms of the Cairo declaration shall be fully carried out”.

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    On October 25, 1945, commander of the Japanese 10th Area Forces and Japanese governor of Taiwan, Kikichi Ando surrendered to China and Taiwan and Penghu Islands resumed their original status as integral part of the Chinese territory.

    Following the civil war, the Nationalist Party (KMT) which lost, fled to Taiwan after the liberation of the mainland.  Taiwan became estranged from the central government in Beijing because of foreign interference until the decisive and unequivocal resolution of the United Nations 2758 on October 25, 1971 which recognized the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as “the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations”, with the world body “expelling forthwith, the representatives of Chiang Kai-Shek from the place which they unlawfully occupy at the United Nations and in all organizations related to it”. The resolution was passed with an overwhelming majority of 76 votes to 35 with 17 abstentions”.

    Nigeria was among the 26 African countries that voted for the resolution. The representative of the U.S to United Nations, whose government and her Western allies have been the main protector of the KMT clique acknowledged that “no one could escape the fact that the votes which have just been cast do in fact, represent the views of the majority of the UN members” and since then, this historic resolution has been mainstreamed into the core of the contemporary international diplomatic practice.

    Nigeria, since establishment of diplomatic relations with China on February 10, 1971, has not equivocated on her “One-China policy”. In the 1990’s, when Nigeria under the military launched economic diplomacy, it recognized that the so-called Asian Tigers – China’s Hong Kong, China’s Taiwan, Singapore and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) would make inputs to its reset to economic diplomacy. On that account, Nigeria through the Ministry of Commerce signed MOU on trade cooperation with the Taiwan region which specified among other things that each side shall set up a trade office and appoint a trade representative.

    The Taiwan side is known to have abused the provisions of the trade agreement, openly engaging in activities that are both political and diplomatic, clearly in contravention with their status as a trade office. In 2017, Nigeria took a decisive step to reaffirm the credibility and integrity of her “One China policy” by relocating Taipei Trade Office to Nigeria’s foremost commercial capital – Lagos, to reflect the original intention of Nigeria for a strict trade and commercial ties with the Taiwan region of China.

    Recently, the Taiwan Trade Representative, Andy Yih-Ping Liu has been making strenuous efforts to undermine Nigeria’s “One China policy” by calling for a relocation of the “Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria” to Abuja and has engaged in provocative statements in the media. For being diligent in maintaining the integrity of one of her core foreign policy outline of “One China”, the Trade Representative of the Taipei Trade Office, makes unsubstantiated claims that Abuja takes instructions from Beijing.

    Actually, the circumstances of Nigeria’s economic outreach to the Taiwan region no longer exist. Trade with the mainland China last year was over $20 billion, while it was a paltry $500 million with the Taiwan region. There is no more economic logic, including trade and other commercial reasons to justify the maintenance of the “Taipei Trade Office”, in Nigeria, because it would only be a source of irritation and distraction to the “comprehensive strategic relation” between Nigeria and China.

    Beijing has enormous capability to resolve her national questions as it has done successfully with the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, with the creative formula of “One Country: Two Systems”, an acknowledgment that due to historical reasons, these regions have developed separately and evolved different systems and economic models from the mainland.

    One of such efforts by Beijing to solve her national questions was the famous 1992 Consensus which states that both sides of the Taiwan Strait are “One China”. Under the circumstances in which one of Nigeria’s foremost international partner is the People’s Republic of China, a fact that enjoys consensus across various strata of Nigeria’s society, and in order not to endanger or subject it to stress or even ridicule, it has become imperative to shut down the Taipei Trade Office and summarily expel its trade representative.

    At this point of implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation for which the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi paid visit to Abuja last month where both sides devised roadmap for the fruitful implementations of the outcomes, the distractions of the Taipei Trade Office cannot be cannot be conducive to Nigeria’s national interest, including her economic recovery plan.

    The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai and his team have remained focused on the implementation of the FOCAC and President Tinubu state visit outcomes and should not have cause to be distracted from contributing to the efforts to “build China-Nigeria relations into a community of shared future”.

    •Onunaiju writes from Abuja.