The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Applauding Kalu’s legislative excellence @ 54

    Applauding Kalu’s legislative excellence @ 54

    By Mike Ukoha

    When Aristotle defined excellence as a habit, it’s as if he foresaw the exemplary life and career of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. The philosopher’s timeless wisdom – that we are what we repeatedly do – perfectly captures the Deputy Speaker’s consistent pursuit of excellence. Through his tireless dedication to public service, legislative prowess, and unwavering commitment to the people, Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives embodies the very essence of excellence. His remarkable track record is a testament to the power of habit and character, inspiring countless individuals and cementing his legacy as a true leader.

    In life, there are peaks, valleys, wilderness, and renewal, which are always the yardsticks towards bringing out the best in every mankind. It is therefore important to say that for such to become a reality, it must have a touch of excellence.

    The life of Benjamin Okezie Kalu has been that which is entwined to render excellent leadership to mankind. As an excellent legislature, Kalu has moved a lot of bills and motions. Some of the bills have been signed into law, which have improved the economic and social development of the country.

    A peep into the rarefied prowess of the Deputy Speaker will reveal a man who has the  political sagacity and is ever ready to contribute his quota to the development of his country.

    At 54, the Deputy Speaker, has opened the eyes of many, especially the youth to see the need to put Nigeria first, wherever they find themselves, while rendering relentless services laced with a touch of excellence.

    Upon assuming his position as the Deputy Speaker in June, 2023, he hits the ground running by initiating the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), with his colleagues from the Southeast extraction in the National Assembly, aimed at seeking for a lasting peace through a non-kinetic approach in tackling insecurity, kidnapping, armed robbery and other anti-social activities in the Southeast region. So far, PISE-P  has been able to touch lives positively.

    Read Also: 28-year-old Nigerian entrepreneur inducted as fellow of ICMCI

    Furthermore, the Deputy Speaker, through his excellent performance ensured that the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) bill was signed into law by President Tinubu.This is a landmark achievement. Unprecedented. The SEDC, as established, will assist greatly in tackling years of underdevelopment in the region. It will, among other things, help in addressing decayed infrastructure, health facilities, insecurity, ecological and environmental issues, poor road networks, dilapidated buildings, and other public utilities.

    It’s important to note that his Bende Federal constituency has been turned into a massive construction site with health centers, primary schools, roads with proper drainage, and street lights dotted over the communities.

    Incidentally, the Deputy Speaker is also the Chairman of Constitutional Review Committee of the House; and efforts are ongoing to realize a holistic review of the constitution to make room for a seat reservation for women in parliament, establishment of State Police, Local Government Autonomy, Transition to Parliamentary System etc.

    It was due to his excellent performance that his Alma mater, the University of Calabar, recently honored him with the request to be the guest lecturer during the institution’s 50th anniversary and convocation lecture, with a title OUR GOWN IN TOWN AND IN CYBERSPACE: Sustainable and Human-Centred Education, The Mandate of our Universities, 2025-2075.

    A few days ago, the DS launched the Renewed Hope Partners in Umuahia,  Abia State, with more than 400,00 participants. He used the occasion to appeal to the Igbos to invest their votes and align with the government at the center for better democratic dividends.

    He further convened the first conference of Nigerian Former Legislators Forum (NFLF), southeast zone that saw over 1000 attendees and representatives from all the geopolitical zones. He told the former legislators that their wealth of experience will be put to use in shaping and advancing democratic ideas as well as seeking  ways to address their welfare.

    On the international scene, the Deputy Speaker is also making a huge impact.

    As a man so passionate about the pain of IDPs, the Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, while speaking as one of the panelists on April 16, 2025, at a high-level United Nation’s virtual event on IDPs plight and Kampala Convention Domestication, explained that he is concerned about the IDPs plight and that in a bid to ensure they are not permanently displaced in their own country, he is actively seeking for ways to domesticate the Kampala Convention, through a proposed bill he personally sponsored, stressing that President Tinubu’s administration, has proactively activated key issues of the treaty to significantly enhance the living conditions of IDPs.

    Similarly, in his address at the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Tashkent, Kalu’s excellent leadership quality also came to the fore as he reeled out some of the remarkable achievements of the Nigerian government which is in line with global achievements, while elevating Nigerian standing before the international bodies. His speech evoked hope and the belief of a nation in transformation and not of the negative narrative being bandied by those who are not conversant with the workings of governance.

    He hinted that the Nigerian government has done a lot, such as the establishment of regional development commissions, which will help to address peculiar regional issues in Nigeria. The Students Loan Act, which eventually gave birth to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), quality healthcare delivery, among other numerous achievements.

    Also, it will be heartwarming to note that the Deputy Speaker is a member of many international legist organizations where he also chairs critical committees. He chairs the Finance and Administrative Committee of the Economic and West African States Parliament. He is the Chairman, African Union Parliament’s Monetary and Financial Affairs Committee, a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), a member steering Committee of the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization (WTO). Kalu’s participation in the PCWTO steering committee is indeed, inspiring. These and many exploits of the DS have been able to manifest due to the cordial and harmonious relationship he has enjoyed with the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass and his colleagues in the House.

    Kalu is also well read. He has garnered robust academic qualifications over the years. He holds a Bachelor of Law (LL.B Hons), Masters of Law (LL.M), Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D), etc.

    He is a devoted Christian who loves God and the things of God and is always looking for what more to add in order to advance God’s work. A dedicated family man, he is happily married with lovely children.

    As Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, clocks 54, let his excellent leadership qualities continue to emblazon for the betterment of humanity.

    • Ukoha was a former Minority Whip of Abia State House of Assembly.

  • NOA: Bridging identity gap among children

    NOA: Bridging identity gap among children

    To ensure no child is disenfranchised, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) is working with partners to close the identity gap, starting from birth, writes EMMANUEL BADEJO

    In a country where millions of children are born without any official record of their existence, the simple act of registering a birth becomes an act of nation-building. Legal identity is not merely a bureaucratic formality but a gateway to health, education, protection, and participation in civic life.

    In recent months, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC) and UNICEF, has intensified efforts to bridge the identity gap through a nationwide birth registration drive targeting children aged 0 to 5 years.

    Without a birth certificate, a child is more likely to be excluded from essential services. In Nigeria, where an estimated 57% of children under five remain unregistered, the consequences are far-reaching. Lack of legal identity impedes access to immunisations, schooling, and social protections. It also leaves children vulnerable to trafficking, forced labour, early marriage, and statelessness.

    “We must go back and create a national value system that will define who we are as Nigerians,” said NOA Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu. He stated that a key part of that national value system is ensuring every Nigerian child is seen and counted. Through birth registration, the state recognises a child and affirms their rights and future.

    The joint birth registration drive was officially launched in Ibadan, Oyo State, in August 2024, with a mission to register over 12 million children across the country. Through mobile outreach teams, digital tools, and grassroots mobilisation, the initiative seeks to reach underserved and rural communities where formal registration systems are weakest.

    In these communities, NOA’s Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs) are leading the charge. Known for their grassroots engagement, COMOs serve as the first point of contact for families, educating parents on the importance of registration and guiding them through the process. Their presence has helped to overcome mistrust of government institutions and cultural barriers that have historically hindered registration.

    However, progress has not been without obstacles.

    Read Also: Adelabu urges Nigerians to embrace cost-reflective tariff

    Logistics, poor road networks, and digital infrastructure gaps in remote areas continue to delay mobile registration efforts. In some communities, parents lack the documentation needed to complete the process, or simply cannot afford the transport costs to registration points. According to UNICEF, over 50% of children under five in Nigeria remain unregistered, despite registration being free and legally required.

    As the Federal Government moves towards integrating birth certificates with the National Identification Number (NIN), there is growing debate about the balance between innovation and inclusion. Linking identity from birth to NIN could streamline access to healthcare, education, and social welfare. But it also introduces new barriers for vulnerable families.

    For many low-income or illiterate parents, navigating the technical requirements of NIN registration is daunting. Moreover, internet connectivity and power supply challenges in rural communities often hinder digital data capture. While the NIN linkage aims to create a unified identity system, it must not come at the cost of excluding the very children it seeks to protect.

    Mobile registration teams have, however, dramatically improved access. Mothers in Osun and Kano states have reported receiving their children’s birth certificates for the first time thanks to community outreach and health centre collaborations.

    Yet in others, bureaucratic delays and misinformation persist. In Bauchi State, for instance, a father recounted being told to return multiple times due to system outages and missing forms. For families already struggling with poverty and distance, these hurdles can be discouraging.

    NOA acknowledges these challenges but remains optimistic.

    “We are using every platform available, radio, town halls, community visits, to ensure that no child is left behind,” said an NOA official during a stakeholder briefing in April.

    One of the campaign’s key insights is the glaring gap between vaccination rates and birth registration figures. Nigeria has made significant strides in immunisation coverage, particularly for measles, tuberculosis, and polio. Yet millions of vaccinated children remain undocumented.

    To bridge this gap, NOA is championing the use of immunisation cards as entry points for birth registration. In collaboration with the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHDA), NOA has rolled out mass vaccination campaigns, timed to coincide with mobile birth registration drives.

    At a recent meeting in Akure, Ondo State NOA Director James Adekunle underscored the agency’s readiness to support the campaign, requesting IEC (Information, Education, Communication) materials to enhance sensitisation efforts. “We have recorded significant strides in maternal and child health services and will continue to work with health partners to ensure these services reach every household,” he stated.

    The synergy between vaccination and registration not only improves coverage but also reduces redundancies in data collection. By treating the immunisation card as a functional identity tool, the government can increase registration uptake while streamlining service delivery.

    The birth registration drive is not occurring in isolation. It forms part of a broader strategy by NOA to promote health awareness, child protection, and national cohesion. In recent months, the agency has signed a strategic partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) to expand HIV awareness, reduce mother-to-child transmission, and tackle stigma against persons living with HIV.

    This multi-sectoral approach reflects a recognition that children’s wellbeing is holistic. Health, identity, and inclusion are intertwined. A child without identity is less likely to receive vaccinations, attend school, or benefit from welfare programmes. As such, legal identity must be treated not just as a document but as a development imperative.

    Despite commendable progress, systemic fragmentation remains a concern. Multiple agencies operate parallel programmes with overlapping goals. Parents must often visit separate locations for birth registration, vaccinations, and school enrolment, wasting time and resources. Experts have called for the creation of integrated one-stop centres where children can receive vaccines and birth certificates in a single visit.

    As Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu stated, defining who we are as Nigerians must begin at birth. And that definition is incomplete unless it includes the millions of children currently left off the grid. It is time to ensure that every Nigerian child has a name, a number, and a nation that sees them.

    If Nigeria is to fulfil the rights of every child, its identity systems must be inclusive, accessible, and harmonised. The collaboration between NOA, NPC, UNICEF, and other partners offers a promising model. By investing in community mobilisation, digital tools, and inter-agency collaboration, the country can move closer to a future where every child is counted and protected.

  • PDP stalwart, others defect to APC in Akwa Ibom

    PDP stalwart, others defect to APC in Akwa Ibom

    Atuekong Felix Udoh, a former local government chairman of Obot Akara, Akwa Ibom State, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside hundreds of supporters. 

    The defection, which took place over the weekend in Nto Ide, has been described by political figures in the state as “the beginning of the festival of defections.” 

    Welcoming Udoh, House of Representatives member Dr. Patrick Umoh praised his move, assuring that it would bring greater democratic benefits to Akwa Ibom.

    APC State Chairman Stephen Ntukekpo hailed the event as the start of “political evangelism” in the state, emphasising the party’s role in community development. 

    APC Senatorial Chairman for Akwa Ibom North West, Joseph Tombere, expressed confidence that Udoh’s experience would create better opportunities for the people. 

    In his remarks, Udoh expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Rep. Patrick Umoh for their leadership efforts, which he described as yielding positive results across communities.

    “I have served the Peoples Democratic Party faithfully for twenty-seven years. It is said that if you want improvement in life, you need to change, but to be perfect, you must change often,” Atuekong Udoh said.

    The highlight of the event was the presentation of Atuekong Udoh and hundreds of fellow defectors by the Obot Akara chapter Chairman, Hon Nsisong, and a formal reception by the State Chairman. Chief Ntukekpo into the All Progressives Congress.

  • LG Polls: Ojokoro APC leaders insist on Sanusi as consensus candidate

    LG Polls: Ojokoro APC leaders insist on Sanusi as consensus candidate

    • …release names, signatures to party leadership

    To reinforce its stance on the adoption of Mobolaji Sanusi as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ojokoro LCDA for the upcoming local council elections, the party’s apex council has released the names of the authentic leaders who signed his endorsement. 

    The names were included in a letter sent to the APC state chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, on Saturday. The group’s letter was intended to affirm a prior declaration made on Friday, officially recognising Sanusi, a former Managing Director of Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA), as the party’s consensus candidate. 

    Additionally, the leaders urged the party chairman to disregard a separate list presented by House of Representatives members Hon. Benjamin Olabinjo and Hon. James Faleke.

    The latest letter titled “Re: Clarification and submission of authentic list signed by majority of approved Ojokoro apex leaders for Mobolaji Sanusi as chairmanship consensus candidate,” read: “Consequent upon our letter of yesterday (Friday, May 2, 2025) on above subject matter, kindly find attached the original list of authentic leaders that voluntarily signed for the adoption of Mr Mobolaji Sanusi as consensus candidate of our dear APC party in the upcoming local government elections.

    Read Also:300 PDP, NNPP members defect to APC in Sani’s ward in Kaduna

    “The names of Ojokoro leaders herein attached overleaf for purposes of dispelling any doubts and for our party’s necessary information are:

    “Hon. Ipoola Omisore(two-term member, Lagos State House of Assembly), Chief Oluyomi Olaogun(an octogenarian and politician of note in Ojokoro and Lagos State), Otunba Aremu Akindele(pioneer chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye local government), Hon. Adisa Owolabi( immediate past member, House of Representatives), Hon. Emmanuel Olotu(incumbent member of the Lagos State House of Assembly), Hon. Jelili Oseni(former councilor and incumbent APC LG Chairman in Ojokoro), Dr Waheel Adeleke Ipaye(former Sole Administrator of Ojokoro LCDA), Prince Adewale Bello(immediate past APC LG chairman in Ojokoro), Alhaji Aminu Amosun(former APC LG Chairman in Ojokoro), Dr Idris Salako(former commissioner in Lagos State), and Hon. HID Tijani(incumbent chairman of Ojokoro LCDA). Accept our sincere regards.”

  • APC chieftain Lawuru slams NANS factional President over Seyi Tinubu

    APC chieftain Lawuru slams NANS factional President over Seyi Tinubu

    APC chieftain and National Leader of Southern Youth Movement (SYM) High Chief Promise Lawuru (aka Ozigizaga) has described the recent allegation by the factional President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, against Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as fabricated lies and campaign of calumny to discredit the Federal Government.

    The factional NANS President had accused Seyi Tinubu of bribery, torture, abduction and attempting to disrupt the inauguration of NANS leadership in Abuja.

    He also accused him of dispersing the crowd with thugs and locking up the inauguration venue.

    Lawuru, while addressing newsmen in Warri, described the allegations as baseless and unfounded.

    He wondered how Isah arrived at the conclusion that the son of the President had a hand in his abduction and dimissed allegation that Seyi offered N100 million to him to support his father in an election that is still two years away, by which time Isah will not be in office ‘assuming he was even the authentic NANS president’.

    He said: “First I will respond as the National Leader of the Southern Youth Movement. In addition, I will respond, for the fact that ;  Seyi been accused is somebody that I can vouch for.

    “I am not just speaking for the fact that I am the National President of Southern Youth Movement, but the the character been accused is someone I know what he could do at any particular time.

    “I strongly criticise that accusation leveled against a distinguished youth personality. You know that this is the first time Nigerians are seeing the son of a President coming out to mingle with the youths.

    “We have had previous presidents with their families; but non of them came closer to the society, like Seyi Tinubu who is trying to ensure all things works for the betterment of Nigerian youths.

    “But today, you can see how they are dragging him here and there. if it’s not this allegation, it will be another but all these are the handy work of the evil ones to distract him.

    Read Also: Seyi Tinubu denies involvement in alleged attack at NANS inauguration

    “Those alleging that Seyi Tinubu sent thugs to attack them, knows in their inner most heart that the allegation is false.

    “We therefore condemn that reckless accusation from the self acclaimed NANS President. He is not the NANS President, we have a duly elected NANS President; but this so called Atiku Isah is just but parading himself to discredit the Tinubu led administration.

    “We hereby advise Nigerians to ignore that boy. Of what importance is Atiku Isah to us the country, that he will be personally picked up and offered N100million to forget his ambition?

    “So those allegations against Seyi are baseless and condemnable.”

    Continuing he said: “No amount of campaign of calumny against Seyi Tinubu can stop him from emerging the Governor of Lagos State come 2027; because, when God has ordained you, no man can stop it. Therefore, no matter the amount of campaign of calumny against him, he will still emerge the governor of Lagos come 2027”.

  • ‘Political parties, ideology and good governance’

    ‘Political parties, ideology and good governance’

    Author: Dr. Wale Ahmed
    Pages: 240
    Publisher: Sage Communications
    40, Shobowale Street,
    Off Akilo Road, Agege Lagos.
    Reviewer: Olalekan Andu

    The 240-paged book: ‘Political Parties, Ideology and Good Governance,’ written by Dr. Wale Ahmed, highlights and clarifies established thoughts and the linkages among the three concepts: political parties, ideologies and good governance.

    Although every human being is said to be a political animal, those who effectively play politics are politicians operating on the platforms of political parties. Their ultimate aim is the attainment of power for an objective. It is the key to the authoritative allocation of values.

    The exercise of power is only meaningful when it is impactful. Those in power live up to expectation through service delivery and distribution of dividends to the people.

    The role of ideology is the provision of a compass. Unfortunately, the ideological culture is dying as political parties have become mere vehicles for riding to power.

    But the period of ideological politics appeared far better when government and governance were better assessed and deviation easily detected and reprimanded. The danger of ideological vacuum is the lack of principle, a philosophical underpinning and clear direction.

    Dr. Ahmed is eminently qualified to do expositions on the relationships among ideology, party as an organisation and good governance having been a key player in the country’s political life in the last 25 years.

    Having placed his hand on the political plough in 1999, he has not looked back. His involvement is clearly associated with the era of uninterrupted civil rule and political instability.

    Apart from serving as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly for four years, he had also been privileged to serve as commissioner under two administrations. In those public offices, he was guided by party rules, ethos and beliefs which guided the steps of the governments midwifed by his political parties.

    Indisputably, his experience as a party officer in the two dominant political parties may have enriched his understanding of pseudo-ideological politics of the Fourth Republic where the two major parties – Alliance for Democracy (AD) (and its latter-day offsprings -Action Congress, Action Congress of Nigeria and to some extent, All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – have consistently been locked in the battle for power.

    Although politics usually assumes a national character and outlook because parties in Nigeria are centrally operated, the grassroots have remained the pillars of national politics. That has given birth to the dictum: politics is local. Without its taproots at the nooks and crannies, political parties’ aspiration for power at the centre under the presidential system may be difficult. It must be noted that the feedbacks from the grassroots are crucial to the reshaping and refocussing of government policies and programmes designed for the benefit of the people.

    In Chapter Two, the author brings to the fore the memory of the first democratic parties whose involvement in the elective process reinforced the awareness about minimalist participatory and representative democracy. The Nigeria National Democratic Party (NNDP), led by Herbert Macauley, laid the foundation of effective group participation.

    But although the party had a national outlook, it later nearly regressed into a regional body in post-Macauley period. Mismanaged and lacking in strategy, it failed to be the majority party at independence, although it remained popular. When the opportunity for an alliance with its rival, Action Group (AG), led by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, came, it was sacrified on the altar of deep tribal suspicion. Yet, the success of the alliance could have made it the ruling party.

    Chapter Three x-rays the independence parties – National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), AG, Northern Peoples Congress (NPC), the split in AG that led to the birth of NNDP, led by Chief Ladoke Akintola, and the consequences of intra-party conflicts that led to electoral rigging and tension in the wild wild West. The inability to manage the fruits of nationalist struggles and the gains of independence by the founding fathers led to the military coup of 1966. The lesson is that political actors should play by the rules, avoid rigging, respect the constitution and embrace the value of critical compromise.

    In Chapter Four, the author examines the perception of early political leaders about the national question. The NPC leader, Sir Ahmadu Bello, believed strongly in the recognition marked difference and defence of regional identities within the federation. The NCNC leader, Dr. Nnamidi Azikiwe, had to change his belief in unitary system, unlike Awolowo who had since 1947 canvassed federalism as the most suitable system befitting a plural or highly heterogenous country.

    Up to now, the battle for restructuring to foster true federalism is still raging. It is clear, through the explanations offered by the author, that centralisation of power is incompatible witb the nature of the geographical expression called Nigeria.

    In Chapter Five, the author draws attention to the impact of coups and military regimes. There is also a focus on the indigene/settler tension, which has remained unresolved till today.

    The coup of 1966 gave birth to more coups. Soldiers declared war on themselves to get and retain illegitimate power while posing as modernisers. But lacking the true national outlook, the regional bigots who struck in 1966 only invited retaliation few months later from another set of ethnic bigots in uniforms. The second coup led to a succession battle among military officers, which ultimately led to the avoidable civil war.

    The lessons of the war should never be forgotten. A ‘no victor, no vanquished’ was declared. But national integration has not been completely achieved. It is an unfinished business. Perhaps, more inclusive programmes may guarantee a sense of belonging.

    In Chapter Six, the author dwells on the significance of Lagos as a progressive state and the economic nerve centre; the headquarters of progressive nationalist agitations during the colonial rule, the former federal capital and stronghold of progressive parties and governments that have made it a reference point in the country. A complex, sophisticated, costomopolitan and politically conscious Yoruba town that accommodates other ethnic groups, its voting pattern has affirmed its preference for progressive ideas, policies and programmes. What other parts of the country should learn from Lagos is the absence of deep indigene/settler rift and tension and management of resources for greater wellbeing.

    Chapter Eight reminds Nigerians about the era of the Evil Genius, Military President Ibrahim Babangida, who midwifed an elongated transition programme that was deliberately designed to fail. Yet, the June 12, 1993 presidential poll has remained the best in the history of the country. The only snag was that the results were criminally annulled by those who wielded the power of the gun.

    Read Also: Democracy Conference urges INEC to register more political parties

    In Chapter Nine is an account of how former President Olusegun Obasanjo returned to power as a civilian leader but could not adjust to the requirements of the democratic order. No attempt was made to resolve the national question through restructuring and the hand of the Federal Government was heavy on the sub-regional units.

    But the greatest damage to democracy was the assault on the ballot box, as reflected in President Umaru Yar’Adua ‘s open confession that the election that brought him to power was severely flawed.

    Although the electoral agency has since improved on the conduct of elections, the consensus is that electoral reform is also an unfinished business.

    It is not surprising that Dr. Ahmed has exclusively devoted the later part of the book to the political career trajectory of his leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was governor of Lagos State when he was a member of the House of Assembly.

    I am convinced that aspiring politicians across the three tiers and geo-political zones have a lot to learn from his audacity, daring attitude, boldness, capacity for bridge-building and risk-taking and courage.

    From being a senator and governor, Asiwaju Tinubu has achieved federal power, recording the feat that even eluded many founding fathers of the country and associates who carried on with their ideas and inherited, as it were, their structures.

    It is interesting that Dr. Ahmed has also tried to demonstrate that Tinubu has not bidded for or achieved power in vain. He highlights some of his achievements, which are salutary, despite the constraints of governance in a highly heterogenous country that is still struggling to become a nation, almost 65 years after independence.

    Although it is too early to really assess the administration, based on its campaign promise of ‘renewed hope,’ there are indications that it is on course; focussed, determined to succeed and result-oriented.

    This is a rich historical book focusing on party politics in the pre-indepence era, the first and second republics, the aborted Third Republic and the Fourth Republic.

    Subsequent editions could be expanded to accommodate a critical analysis of the demise of ideological culture in Nigerian politics.

    Referencing should also be reviewed to reflect the adoption of formats prescribed by the American Psychological Association (APA).

    The book should be recommended to all and sundry – scholars of history and political science, party officers, ideologically-inclined politicians and students of political society.

  • Ahmad Sokoto and leadership

    Ahmad Sokoto and leadership

    • By Emmanuel Ado

    The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people (appointees) to do the greatest things.” Unknown

    Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s widely publicized public statements commending the “exemplary integrity and dedication to duty” of three  Commissioners in his cabinet is worthy of celebration because, in Nigeria, a governor publicly acknowledging the contributions of his political appointees is rare.

    In a rare demonstration of true leadership, Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto praised Mustapha Mohammed Kofa Marke, the Commissioner of Sports, for “exemplary integrity and dedication to duty and Prof. Ahmed Ladan Ala and Prof. Attahiru Ahmed, the commissioners of Basic and Secondary Education, and of Science and Technology respectively, for their “effective supervision of schools across the state and commitment to revamping education”

    This sort of public commendation of political appointees by their principal is positive departure from the norm. The norm is that more often than not, the contributions of appointed officials are hardly acknowledged. In fact, they are often treated with utter contempt by some tin-god emperors masquerading as leaders, who believe that the appointees actually owe them eternal gratitude for their appointments, and as such, are undeserving of any  appreciation.

    It is public knowledge that, for many governors, giving credits to members of their team is considered beneath them. Nigeria, no doubt, has and would continue to suffer from such tragic mentality of some people in leadership positions who have the erroneous impression that they have the monopoly of knowledge, and who notoriously govern their states based on their whims and caprices.

    Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, apart from being effusively generous in his recognition of the contribution of some of his appointees, is also a firm believer in Constitutionalism. It is an open secret that he treats Idris Muhammad Gobir, the deputy governor of Sokoto State with utmost respect. Again, unlike the situation in some other states, the deputy governor is not a deflated spare tyre,instead , he functions with the full powers of the office of governor whenever the governor is outside the state on official duties. A treatment the governor didn’t receive as deputy governor under Aminu Tambuwal.

    Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, by this singular action, has not only rekindled hope that he represents the crop of new leaders that are urgently needed, that are wholeheartedly committed to good governance,treat appointees with utmost respect, acknowledge their contributions, and consider them as invaluable assets in the transformation journey. This leadership style makes an eloquent statement that governance is basically about teamwork.

    Kudos to Governor Aliyu for unashamedly acknowledging that the remarkable progress that his less than two years administration has recorded is attributable to the hard work of his team members, even as he demands more!

    Governor Sokoto, by his statement, has doubled the loyalty of his team, because he has in an unmistakable manner reinforced their valuable contributions, stressing that nothing can be accomplished without the joint effort of all team members.

    Another message clearly delivered to the team is that they have his full confidence to function effectively.

    While praising the three commissioners, Governor Sokoto has also placed  the other appointees on notice that, like Big Brother, he is closely watching them and confirming to them that he  has his ears to the ground. Otherwise, how did he know that Sports Commissioner Kofar Marke resumes early and closes late? Or the education commissioners are enforcing discipline in schools?

    Read Also: Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto and the Almajiri matter

    Governor Sokoto’s demonstration, by words and deeds, that he values the contribution of his appointees is a breath of fresh that further shows the governor as a man that is confident in himself and understands that great leaders mobilize others around a shared vision. And that like a true leader, the captain of a good team, he understands that playing together is key to the desired success, and that the trophy is ultimately handed over to the captain.

    But, why did Governor Sokoto, a man of very few words, wholeheartedly commend some of his appointees and what is the overall impact of the effusive praises heaped on them on governance?

    In the case of Mustapha Mohammed Kofar Marke, a doctorate degree holder in engineering, Governor Sokoto noted with “extremely deep satisfaction Marke’s sense of responsibility, discipline, and leadership”, by consistently showing up to work early and staying late to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.

    The governor continues:“This is the kind of leadership we need. Dr. Engr. Mustapha Mohammed Kofar Marke is an example of what every public servant should strive to be—committed, disciplined, and sincere. I am proud of his conduct and I urge everyone here today to take a cue from him. If every member of this council conducts themselves with such integrity, Sokoto State will only continue to move forward.”

    Why should the governor be concerned with the punctually to work? First, it is because of the adverse effect of truancy and lack of effective supervision by political heads on service delivery. The truancy of many public servants, including some political appointees, is well known.

    What Governor Sokoto is demanding from his appointees with this statement is “kindly provide leadership” in your respective ministries and departments in the overall interest of the people who elected him. If the ministries don’t function, how can the government deliver on its campaign promises?

    Clearly, Mustapha Mohammed Kofar Marke is a rare breed of public servant considering that, even as Special Adviser, he had equally distinguished himself with his hard work, discipline, and integrity which might have moved the governor to promote him from the position of adviser to a commissioner. His reward by the governor for his proven commitment to public service is also extremely rare. And going by his steady rise in his stocks with the governor, it won’t be a surprise if he is further rewarded with a more challenging appointment than sports.

    Governor Sokoto’s commendation for Prof.Ahmad Ladan Ala and Prof.Attahiru Ahmed Sifawa, commissioners of education basic and secondary education and science and technology for “their effective supervision of schools across the state, unwavering commitment and dedication to duty”, is a confirmation that the governor is indeed a team player. The commendation is also a pat on the back for the turn around educational experts that have  justified their appointments  in a recent cabinet reshuffle.

    Education is one sector that the governor has made very huge investment and has consistently surpassed the 25% UNESCO recommendations for education in line with his 9- Point Smart Agenda of which education is central. In the 2025 budget, education got the lion’s share of the N526.88 billion budget proposals, a clear statement of Governor Sokoto’s commitment beyond intentions.

    Clearly, the governor could not disguise his happiness that his investments in education have started yielding the desired results, which, before he assumed office in 2023, faced significant challenges like inadequate funding, dilapidated infrastructure, lack of instructional materials and lack of teachers, all of which contributed to the crisis in the sector.

    Governor Sokoto’s massive investment in education is because he fully understands the importance of education as the bedrock of development. Schools have been renovated and new classes constructed, which has led to a significant increase in enrollment of pupils and drastic reduction in the number of out-of-school children. His scholarship scheme has also enabled students to pursue higher education, both within and outside the country.

    For the governor that is spending so much on education, the results showing some light at the end of the tunnel has certainly confirmed to him that he is not just throwing money at the sector. And this would further encourage him to do more in terms of the provision of a conducive learning environment, hiring of more qualified teachers and the provision of instructional materials. Why would the governor be spending more money if students and teachers are not punctual to school and no learning is taking place?

    By handling the commendation of his three commissioners with tact and diplomacy, Governor Aliyu Sokoto has ensured that the egos of the other appointees are not bruised. And by making it abundantly clear that he would celebrate and reward hard work, he has shown that he has no favorites. Had he handled it badly, it would have led to an unhealthy atmosphere that would be counterproductive to the goals he wants to achieve.

    Governor Sokoto, by recognizing and publicly applauding the hard work and commitment to duty of his appointees, has raised the bar and stands to reap numerous benefits by way of improved performance, increased morale and enthusiasm, and stronger sense of teamwork, all of which would help him deliver a prosperous and developed Sokoto State. It’s a known fact that when appointees receive recognition for their hard work, they feel personally appreciated, and that would no doubt improve their confidence and enthusiasm for the job.

    Again, Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto shows the way worthy of emulation by his peers!

  • Ekiti’s digital platform sets new standard for good governance

    Ekiti’s digital platform sets new standard for good governance

    The Ekiti State government has launched a groundbreaking digital platform called Ekiti Dashboard that provides citizens the opportunity to track projects as well as hold the government accountable for its actions, writes RASAQ IBRAHIM.

    In Nigeria, the culture of  transparency and accountability in governance have long been elusive, with corruption and inefficiency plaguing the system. Most state governments’ activities are bereft of  transparency and accountability  in governance, thus, accentuating the rising level of corruptive tendencies in public service.

    Successive governments have designed, formulated and implemented structural and institutional reforms, but sadly, the transparency and accountability are still elusive and there has been no significant improvement in Nigeria’s standing on the global corruption perception index.

    However, some sub-nationals are taking groundbreaking steps to change this ugly narrative. One of the few states is Ekiti. The state has become a beacon of hope in  the country’s quest for good governance, thanks to its commitment transparency and accountability.

    Under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Ekiti state has implemented various  initiatives aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and citizens’ engagement without denying them the absolute rights to know and be informed of the running of the government. In the state, transparency and accountability reign supreme.

    The unalloyed commitment of Oyebanji-led administration to transparency and accountability in governance has paid off with Ekiti State taking the lead in the

    Fiscal Transparency League ranking for three years in a row. The recognition by BudgIT Foundation positions Ekiti state as a trailblazer in financial transparency and model in the prudent management of resources, thereby reinforcing trust among citizens.

    According to a research carried out by the Subnational Audit Efficacy Index, an global non-profit organization fostering public accountability in Nigeria, Ekiti ranked number one among the 36 States in transparency, anti-corruption and good governance.

    The body’s research assesses the level of transparency and accountability in the management and utilization of public funds and the implementation of public policies across all 36  states  through public audit and key actors in the public audit action cycle.

    Unarguably, Ekiti state has set the pace for governance excellence. Despite the groundbreaking feats and recognition, the state government is not resting on its oars in further entrenching transparency, accountability and efficiency in the state.

    The governor last Wednesday launched a  Strategic Pillars Monitoring  System called ‘ the Ekiti Dashboard’, an initiative that has the potential to revolutionize the ‘arteries and capillaries’ of  governance not only in Ekiti but also in Nigeria and even beyond.

    This cutting edge digital platform which was designed by the Ekiti state Office of Transformation and Service (OTSD) led by its Director General/Special Adviser, Dr. John Ekundayo, an Harvard-certified organizational development strategist to enhance transparency, openness and accountability.

    The Dashboard which has the potential to serve as a model for good governance in Nigeria and beyond is multi-functional. Its innovative designs and functionalities make it an exemplary case study in the use of innovative technology to promote excellence, transparency, accountability and openness in governance.

    It provides real-time  information on government  projects, enabling citizens to track the status, progress of projects, identify areas of inefficiency, and hold government accountable for its actions. The platform’s inbuilt transparency and accountability features helps  to reduce corruption and ensure timely execution of projects.

    It also enables seamless collaboration, knowledge sharing, peer review among Ministries, Departments  and Agencies ensuring  that projects are well-executed and delivered on record time. With this, the dashboard will not only  impact on project management but also help drive development in the state.

    Ekiti dashboard, the first of its kind in the country, has cemented Ekiti’s reputation as a shinning example  in transparency and accountability for other states of the federation to follow. The digital platform has set a new standard for transparency and accountability in Nigeria,  inspiring others to adopt similar innovative model.

    Speaking while commissioning the dash board at a brief event held at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House in Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the initiative was part of his government’s irrevocable commitment to excellence, transparency, and accountability in public service.

    While maintaining that the success of any administration depends on its ability to efficiently monitor and evaluate implementation of projects, the Governor explained that the innovation platform would further enable his administration to identify challenges promptly, allocate resources effectively, improve service delivery, and ensure timely completion of critical projects aligned with his six pillars of development.

    Oyebanji described the initiative as a game changer that will further empower Ekiti citizens to actively participate in the government activities  by providing them the platform to monitor and evaluate performances.

    The governor said  the platform would also help track progress and  monitor the execution of government projects from inception to completion and improve the decision making process through use of data driven insight as well as promote accountability.

    Read Also: Ekiti State collaborates with stockbrokers on financial training

    Oyebanji who described the launching of the  digital platform as a dream  come true, commended Dr Ekundayo and his team for the cutting-edge  innovation in project monitoring and evaluation.

    This is a dream come true. I must thank Dr. Ekundayo for your tenacity  and for being audacious. There were  lots of resistance to this innovation but  you persevered. I’m one man that believes in your commitment to Ekiti course and I know you love Ekiti State.

    “So, It gives me a great pleasure to be here today to commission into use the strategic pillar monitoring system dashboard, an ict infrastructure developed to ensure seamless and real time monitoring of programmes and projects of government.

    “This dashboard is a cutting edge tool designed to provide realtime information onthe  status, progress and impact of all government projects in Ekiti State. You will recall that we campaigned on six pillars of this administration and we have committed ourselves religiously to the fulfilment of our mandate on the basis of the pillars.

    “As part of our unalloyed commitment to transparency and also ensure value for money in line with global trends, it became necessary for the state to have a  digital infrastructure to showcase the process and stages of all projects in Ekiti State.

    “This will enable the citizens of Ekiti and Nigerians at large to have access to projects being implemented around the six strategic actionable  pillars in Ekiti State from any location across the world.

    “I am pleased to inform you that this innovative system is the first of its kind in any state in Nigeria and it represents our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability and excellence in public service”, he added.

    In his opening remarks, the  Special Adviser, Office of Tranformation and Service Delivery, Dr Ekundayo expressed his gratitude to the Governor for his visionary leadership and commitment to transparency and accountability.

    He said the groundbreaking initiative is to track the progress of projetcs across the state as encapsulated in the six pillars of the administration.

    Ekundayo explained that the Dashboard represents the commitment of Biodun Oyebanji administration to transparency, efficiency, and result driven governance by harnessing the power of data, cutting edge technology in project management.

    The Special Adviser said that the Ekiti Dashboard will also enhance seamless collaboration and knowledge sharing between Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state.

    While commending Governor Oyebanji for his unwavering support in ensuring that the project came to fruition, he noted that the initiative is a testament to the governor’s dedication to leveraging technology for good governance.

    He tasked stakeholders to leverage on the platform to ensure the successful delivery of projects, urging the governor to continuously support the OTSD for the maintenance and  sustainability of the Ekiti Dashboard.

    He said: “The SPMS is more than just a tool, it represents our commitment to transparency, efficiency and result-driven governance by harnessing the power of data cutting-edge technology in revolutionizing our approach to project management, enabling us to track progress, make informed decision, depict transparency and ensure accountability.

    “Moreover, it would ensure seamless collaboration and knowledge sharing between MDAs in the state. It assists prompt access to project information for executive decision-making. The system would address the need for the government as contract awarding institution to ensure that projects are well-executed, delivered on time and ultimately be of value to the targeted beneficiaries.

    “I wish to urge everybody to continue to work together in the public service to build a brighter future for our dear State and hold ourselves to the highest standards of excellence and accountability as well as commiting ourselves to the work ahead with renewed diligence and determination”, he added.

    Also present at the event were, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo, the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun and other members of the state executive council and heads of MDAs.

  • Council poll: APC leaders in Ojokoro endorse Sanusi

    Council poll: APC leaders in Ojokoro endorse Sanusi

    All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, have endorsed Bolaji Sanusi, journalist and lawyer, as consensus chairmanship candidate for the council polls.

    They rejected a list of consensus candidates submitted to the state chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, saying it did not emanate from a quorum of the Ojokoro Apex Council.

    The local leaders, who insisted on Sanusi’s candidature, said the inexplicable list submitted at the state party office at Ogba, Ikeja,  should be discarded by the party leadership.

    A letter jointly signed by Ipoola Omisore and Adisa Owolabi, former lawmakers, on behalf of Ojokoro Apex Council, said rejected the purported list submitted, ostensibly by Benjamin Olabinjo, a member of the House of Representatives.

    In their letter titled: ‘Clarifications On A Purported Chairmanship List Submitted To The APC State Chairman By An Ojokoro Group,’ the apex leaders said Sanusi is the choice of the people. 

    It reads: We the under signed are bonafide leaders of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area and our attention has been directed to a purported list submitted, ostensibly by Hon. Benjamin Olabinjo, the member representing Ifako federal constituency, to the state APC chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.

    Read Also: Akume urges religious leaders to champion national unity

    “According to informal sources and third party confirmation from within and outside the APC secretariat in ACME, the list was supposedly submitted to Pastor Ojelabi, through Hon. James Faleke, the member representing Ikeja federal constituency in Lagos state.

    “However, we state without equivocation, that the said list does not emanate from a quorum of the Ojokoro Apex Council and as such should be discarded by the state party leadership. 

    “The purported list reportedly contains twenty names. Herein lies the fallacy of its originality because the entire membership of the original Ojokoro leadership list recognised by the party in the state contain 18 names. Where did the originators of this list get the additional names-possibly from their loyalists that are not leaders. This amounts to nothing but mere impersonation that deserves serious reprimand by the party leadership.

    “More importantly, we want to draw the attention of the state party leadership to an earlier consensus building initiatives by peace loving Ojokoro Apex leaders to ensure a hitch free emergence of our LCDA chairmanship party candidate in the upcoming local government elections in Lagos State.

    “It was at one of such numerous meetings that leaders that were present, voluntarily agreed to signing a resolution adopting Mr Mobolaji Sanusi as the APC candidate for Ojokoro in the upcoming local government elections. Other decisions were equally agreed upon, voluntarily at that meeting.

    “The beauty of democracy is supremacy of the majority. Therefore, it is interesting to highlight that twelve out of 18 Ojokoro leaders signed for Sanusi’s adoption as the party chairmanship candidate in the upcoming elections. 

    “Of utmost importance in this regard is the fact that three members who are listed Apex members with chairmanship aspirations were not allowed to sign because of the trite equitable legal principle of someone not being a judge in his own cause.

    “Therefore, in line with our regulation, only fifteen (15) leaders could have readily been voluntary signatories to the resolution adopting Mobolaji Sanusi. Listed herein are those three(3) apex members aspiring to contest for the chairmanship position but could not vote including: Alhaja Fausat Olajokun, Hon. Rasheed Makinde and Mobolaji Sanusi Esq.

    “From the 15 leaders that were qualified to vote, 11 signed for Sanusi’s adoption. No reasonable person can doubt the consensus in 11 out of 15 qualified leaders adopting Sanusi as our party chairmanship candidate in Ojokoro.

    “The binding resolution, freely signed by eleven(11) leaders of Ojokoro remains binding and cannot be superseded by a subsequent list of largely adulterated ‘20 leaders’. We call on the party leadership to throw the list into the waste bin despite insinuations that few leaders from amongst the ones that signed for Sanusi also signed the reactionary list of ‘20 leaders’ submitted to the state party chairman by Hon. Faleke. Apart from this list’s inherent inadequacies, we also believe in law and equity that when two equities are equal, the first in time prevails.

    “We present herein names of authentic leaders that freely signed for Sanusi’s adoption for purposes of absolute information and sanctity of truth. They include: Hon. Ipoola Omisore(two-term member, Lagos State House of Assembly), Chief Oluyomi Olaogun(an octogenarian and politician of note in Ojokoro and Lagos State), Otunba Aremu Akindele(pioneer chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye local government), Hon. Adisa Owolabi ( immediate past member, House of Representatives), Hon. Emmanuel Olotu(incumbent member of the Lagos State House of Assembly), Hon. Jelili Oseni(former councilor and incumbent APC LG Chairman in Ojokoro), Dr Waheed Adeleke Ipaye(former Sole Administrator of Ojokoro LCDA), Prince Adewale Bello(immediate past APC LG chairman in Ojokoro), Alhaji A.A. Amosun(former APC LG Chairman in Ojokoro), Dr Idris Salako(former commissioner in Lagos State), and Hon. HID Tijani(incumbent chairman of Ojokoro LCDA). Alhaja Fatimo Oye-Balogun, notable politician and former woman leader of Ojokoro also signed for Sanusi.

    “None of the aforementioned leaders could claim, in all conscience, that their signatures were procured under coercion(Hereby attached is the list of voluntary signatories to Sanusi’s adoption).

    “We call on Pastor Ojelabi and Hon. Faleke not to allow few self serving leaders in Ojokoro to bring their reputation into disrepute. 

    “The surreptitious list hurriedly submitted to the party chairman was done in haste and in bad taste with dire consequences of creating malcontents including projecting our dear party in bad light.

    “We state that our list adopting Sanusi is the authentic consensus list from genuine Ojokoro leaders while the one in contention should be treated as an afterthought that could not stand the test of legal scrutiny.”

  • APC chieftain Emetitiri lauds Oborevwori, Wike for supporting Tinubu’s re-election 

    APC chieftain Emetitiri lauds Oborevwori, Wike for supporting Tinubu’s re-election 

    A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Isaac Emetitiri, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike  for fully supporting the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

    Emetitiri, a founding member of APC in Delta State, who spoke to newsmen on Friday in Asaba, hailed the defection of Governor Oborevwori to the party , adding that Delta State is now fully APC.

    He expressed optimism that Wike will work with stakeholders in Rivers State  to deliver the votes again from the state  to President Tinubu 

    Emetitiri also noted that with Oborevwori now in APC, it is sure Tinubu will win Delta State in 2027.  urging the Governor to embark on full scale reconciliation within the APC in Delta State.

    Read Also: Oborevwori’s defection and the changing political map

    “As members of APC , we are glad with the defection  of Governor Oborevwori to the party, however, I will advise Governor Oborevwori to quickly initiate an inclusive government to accommodate or give appointments to old APC members who have been building the party. 

    “ Let us come together to build a Delta State we can enjoy, also  that our children and upcoming generations would be proud of. I am using this opportunity to appeal to His Excellency Sheriff Oborevwori to deliver on justice & equity in Delta State APC,” he said. 

    He congratulated  Governor oborevwori for joining the APC,  adding that a house that is divided against itself never stands strong enough.

    The former governorship aspirant  warned against the misleading narrative that the sins of whoever defects to APC are forgiven.