The week started for President Bola Tinubu abroad this last week. It was the week he took a day official trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he participated in the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh. He left Abuja on Sunday, participated in the summit, made his national statement and returned to Nigeria on Tuesday, a rather brief, but impactful outing. Though with a tendency to get the religious minded, whom we have in excess abundance, feeling either uneasy or exuding a victor’s mien, one whose faith has found the colour of superiority, the outing was for much more and a greater objective for Nigeria and its President.
While he was in Saudi, Tinubu, within the one day scheduled for him to be there, achieved more than just one goal; besides stating what Nigeria’s national opinion on the developments in the Middle East is, especially as it affects the ongoing Israeli activities in Gaza, he ensured to pursue one of his objectives as Nigeria’s President, which is all about bettering the economy and the lives of Nigerians.
On Monday, when it was time for him to express Nigeria’s point of view about the situation in Gaza, he did not spare those who should share the responsibilities for the carnage that has unfolded for more than a year in the Palestinian region. To start with, whatever the name of what is happening to the people of Gaza currently might be, or what the seemingly justifiable premise is, it has lasted for far too long, considering the magnitude of human casualty and the level of damage (pictures coming out of the place are some of the most disturbing our humanity has seen in recent history).
It was a straight call to all sides; the aggressor super-power Israel, which has chosen to wield the hammer against the errant mosquito and the hypocritical Hamas, and its backers, who were either too short-sighted to realise their unprovoked October 7, 2023 aggression on Israel would not go without a heavy response, or did not just give a hoot what the effect of their action would be on Gaza and its people, whom they chose to use as human shield. He did not spare the global community especially those that occupy the front row of global politics, who rather than taking real action to prevent the ongoing massacre from the onset, or halt it when it was becoming the genocide that everyone is currently witnessing. He favours action over weak, hypocritical pity-party displayed from different corners of the globe.
His call was to all that must take the required step to stop what is going on, save what is left of the people of Gaza, just for humanity’s sakes. He called out to the feeling of humanity in all leaders, painting a picture of what life has become for the defenceless, the weak; civilians, mothers, children, people who merely wish to live their simple, everyday lives, go to their work or farm in the morning, return to their families who will receive them back home with cheery open arms, sharing the dinner together. For children to be able to live normal lives; go to school to learn and experience a normal childhood. Just to be able to live the simple, uncomplicated life, like children in other parts of the world.
“The conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, inflicting immeasurable suffering on countless lives. As representatives of nations that value justice, dignity, and the sanctity of human life, we have a moral obligation to collectively bring about an immediate end to this conflict. It is not enough to issue empty condemnations. The world must work towards an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, which has persisted for far too long. No political aim, no military strategy, and no security concern should come at the expense of so many innocent lives.
“In a rules-based international order, States have the right of self- defense. But self defense must take proportionality into account, in line with global legal, diplomatic – and moral – frameworks. An entire civilian population, their dreams and futures, cannot be dismissed as collateral. Humanitarian aid is not a privilege — it is a basic human right. No individual, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion, should be denied access to the aid in times of crisis. We must also ensure that humanitarian workers on the frontlines are safe to carry out their mission in Gaza”, he said.
He did not just throw tantrums over what he considers inhuman and unfair, he suggested solutions and ways to heal the hurts and the mend dilapidated state of relations within the region. He said Nigeria has always favoured dialogue over test of might, coming from our domestic and regional backgrounds. He noted though that for the dialogue, to achieve a lasting solution, must target a two-state resolution.
“The two-state solution stands as a beacon of hope, representing the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination and peace. It is not just a diplomatic article of faith; it is a vision grounded in the principles of equality and mutual recognition. Achieving this vision requires a commitment to dialogue and respect for history. We all know this conflict did not begin on October 7th 2023. It can only be resolved through principled compromise, based on appreciation of the proper context. This conflict, in the cradle of history, is so visceral that the ripples of division spread far and quickly. The corrosive impact of the images of endless violence, repeated on a billion smart phones around the world is huge. We need to find new pathways to peace, without delay”, he said.
On the sidelines of the Summit, President Tinubu found the time to pursue other goals in the interest of Nigeria. He had a meeting with the very influential Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman. The meeting was focused on Nigeria-Saudi Arabia diplo-bilateral discussions and before it was wrapped up, the President already got his host praising his administration’s reforms, drawing similarities in what is unfolding in Nigeria with what he is doing in Saudi Arabia.
A statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, described the atmosphere of the meeting: “The two leaders explored potential areas for cooperation, particularly oil and gas, agriculture, infrastructure and the constitution of the Saudi-Nigeria Business Council. Nigeria wants an agreement with the Saudi government over a proposed $5 billion bilateral trade facility between the two countries.
“The Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) invested $1.24 billion in 2022 to acquire a 35.43% stake in Olam Agri, one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural firms. Talks are being held so that SALIC can have more stake in the company. The Saudis hoped the investment would make Olam one of the biggest agro-allied businesses in the world. The Crown Prince commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, noting similarities to his steps to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s stability and development when he became Prime Minister. He also assured Nigeria of his support and promised to motivate his team to realise the various areas of partnerships discussed at the meeting”, the statement said
He returned to the country on Tuesday after the event and he sure has since devoted his time to domestic issues. There were activities reported in the media through the course of the week; he presided over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Thursday, made new appointments, as well as some other unreported activities.
However, the final burial ceremony of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, on Friday got Mr. President to come out and express his thoughts about a man he described as “A Soldier’s Soldier”, leading the crème of Nigeria’s elite class; the political, bureaucracy and the military, to honour the man who shone for just a while as the nation’s number soldier, but who lost to the personal battle with nature. In honour of this Officer and Gentleman, he led the top echelon to the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, the final resting place of Lagbaja.
As the nation gathered to honor a man whose life epitomized courage, dedication, and service to Nigeria, President Tinubu led the rain of tributes, describing the late Chief of Army Staff as one of Nigeria’s finest, a soldier whose commitment to the nation and his troops set him apart.
He emphasized that Lagbaja embodied the highest ideals of military service. Rising through the ranks after enrolling in the Nigerian Defense Academy in 1987, he reached the pinnacle of his career in June 2023 as Chief of Army Staff. During his service, Lagbaja held several prominent positions, including General Officer Commanding of Headquarters 82 Division and Headquarters 1 Division. His leadership was instrumental in reshaping Nigeria’s approach to counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations, earning him widespread respect within the Armed Forces and beyond.
Lagbaja’s career was not only defined by battlefield achievements but also by his commitment to the welfare of his troops and their families. He advocated for better support for soldiers, championing the clearance of long-standing life assurance benefit backlogs for the families of deceased personnel. This effort, along with his hands-on approach to leadership, earned him admiration from all ranks of the military. His tenure was brief, but transformative, as he worked tirelessly to strengthen the morale and resilience of the Armed Forces.
The loss of Lagbaja, the President noted, is a profound reminder of life’s uncertainties. Despite the sorrow, the late General’s legacy offers strength and inspiration to those he left behind. His contributions to national security and his unwavering dedication to Nigeria will serve as a guiding light for the Armed Forces. President Tinubu called on the military to honor Lagbaja’s memory by continuing the work he began, securing the nation with the same courage and determination that defined his life.
To immortalize his contributions, the President posthumously awarded Lagbaja the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). This gesture underscored the nation’s deep appreciation for his service and sacrifice. Lagbaja’s journey from a modest upbringing to the highest echelons of the military is a story of resilience and patriotism that will inspire future generations.
As the ceremony concluded, the President expressed gratitude to Lagbaja’s family for sharing him with the nation. The late General’s widow, Maria, and his children were assured that his sacrifices would never be forgotten. While the nation mourns, Tinubu emphasized the importance of looking forward, carrying on the late General’s mission to secure and unify Nigeria. He noted that Lieutenant General Lagbaja leaves behind a legacy of selflessness, courage, and exemplary service, ensuring that his memory will endure in the hearts of Nigerians for generations to come.
The final interment of the Soldier’s Soldier concluded the week on yet another solemn note. However, the new week, which is expected to be mostly spent in Brazil, should be brighter with more bloom.
