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PRESIDENT TINUBU: KIDNAPPING, BANDITRY UNGODLY; WE WILL EMBARK ON MASSIVE EDUCATION EFFORT

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PRESIDENT TINUBU: KIDNAPPING, BANDITRY UNGODLY; WE WILL EMBARK ON MASSIVE EDUCATION EFFORT

 

 

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent spate of kidnappings and bandit attacks, describing the development as disturbing, ungodly, and sinister.

 

 

 

Speaking when he received a delegation of Jam’iyyatu Ansaridden, a highly respected Islamic Movement, at the State House, in Abuja on Tuesday, President Tinubu said while security agencies are acting with dispatch to immediately address the current challenge, all required resources, policies and plans will be rolled out soon for the massive education of Nigerian youths.

The President said education is the antidote to the troubles agitating the nation, adding: “There is no weapon against poverty that is as potent as learning.

“I can assure you that we are here to change the life of our people. We are here to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity.

“We are dedicated to building a lasting peace with a focus on the comprehensive education of our children. We will get our teachers and their owners involved in an education process that will be relevant to the future of this country. It is important. Knowledge brought me here with your prayers and your support. Without knowledge, there is nothing to generate hope for mankind,” President Tinubu said.

The President also emphasized that it was important to promote updated knowledge through existing islamic learning institutions for youths in Northern Nigeria to speed up development in the region, in Nigeria, and throughout Africa.

“Please embark on special prayers. Embark on proper education for our youths. Kidnapping and banditry are not the way of God. Shedding each other’s blood is bad. And there can be no development without peace. It is only in the area of peace that we can eliminate poverty. We must work for peace in order for our economy to grow better,” the President concluded.

In his remarks, the Jam’iyyatu Ansaridden leader, Sheikh Muhammad Lamine Niass encouraged the President to continue implementing his reform initiatives while affirming that his movement, which is reputed for its promotion of peace and tolerance, would continue to pray for Nigeria’s peaceful development.

 

 

PRESIDENT TINUBU: KIDNAPPING, BANDITRY UNGODLY; WE WILL EMBARK ON MASSIVE EDUCATION EFFORT

Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 16, 2024

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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From Emilokan to Emergency: The Tragedy of Tinubu’s Unprepared Presidency”

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April 19, 2025

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From Emilokan to Emergency: The Tragedy of Tinubu’s Unprepared Presidency" By George O. Sylvester

“From Emilokan to Emergency: The Tragedy of Tinubu’s Unprepared Presidency”
By George O. Sylvester

 

When Bola Ahmed Tinubu thundered “Emilokan”; Yoruba for “It’s my turn”, during his now-infamous declaration of presidential ambition, it resonated not as a call to serve, but as a personal entitlement. The former Lagos governor, long regarded as a political tactician lurking in the shadows of power since the early 1990s, assumed the presidency in 2023 with the self-proclaimed aura of inevitability. But barely a year into his tenure, it has become glaringly evident: Bola Ahmed Tinubu was profoundly unprepared for the very office he schemed, plotted, and politicked for over three decades to attain.

This is no longer just political opinion, it is the lived reality of over 200 million Nigerians now burdened by escalating poverty, insecurity, and economic hopelessness. The man who once strutted the corridors of Bourdillon like a kingmaker has proven to be a disaster in office, leading with a detachment so severe it borders on abdication.

A President Abroad: Governance by Absence

Since assuming office, President Tinubu has spent an estimated 70% of his leadership days in Europe or elsewhere outside Nigeria. From medical trips cloaked as “private visits” to diplomatic shuttles that yield no visible results, his preference for foreign soil has turned Nigeria’s highest office into a revolving door of absenteeism.

Economic analyst Dr. Ayo Teriba did not mince words when he recently remarked, “We are in a leadership vacuum. The ship is rudderless while the captain watches from a distant shore.”

This chronic absence undermines not only the operational machinery of governance but the symbolism of leadership. In a nation grappling with multidimensional poverty, a spiraling exchange rate, and unprecedented inflation, the least citizens deserve is a president who is physically and mentally present.

Policy Catastrophe: A Clueless Economic Agenda

Tinubu’s first act as president was the abrupt removal of fuel subsidy, an economically necessary but grossly mishandled decision. Implemented without a cushion or plan, it triggered a tsunami of inflation that devastated the already impoverished populace. Transportation costs doubled overnight. Food prices soared. Businesses collapsed under the weight of erratic fuel supply and unaffordable diesel.

Renowned economist and former CBN Deputy Governor Kingsley Moghalu summed it up sharply:
“Sound economic reform is not about bravado. It’s about sequencing, communication, and empathy. None of these were present in the Tinubu administration’s fuel subsidy removal.”

The naira, which was ₦460 to $1 in May 2023, has plummeted to over ₦1,400 within months, despite empty promises of “market reforms.” The CBN remains directionless, mired in confusion and panic-driven policies. Inflation now stands at over 33%, with food inflation nearing 40%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Tinubuomics: Tax the Poor, Enrich the Powerful

Under Tinubu, fiscal policy has turned predatory. New taxes and levies are imposed almost monthly, squeezing an already overburdened informal sector. Yet the same administration refuses to cut government waste, reduce the bloated cost of governance, or hold political elites accountable.

“Tinubu’s economic strategy is a tale of punishing the poor while protecting the powerful,” said Professor Pat Utomi. “The government has become a collection agency for the elite.”

Instead of addressing structural issues, the administration obsesses over optics, renaming airports, appointing redundant aides, and holding international meetings that produce no real investment or outcomes.

Security in Shambles: A Nation Under Siege

The security situation remains dire. Boko Haram, bandits, unknown gunmen, and kidnappers continue to run riot. In Plateau, Zamfara, Kaduna, and even the FCT, citizens live in fear. There is no sense of urgency or coherent national security policy from the presidency.

Just weeks ago, over 300 schoolchildren were kidnapped in Kaduna in one swoop, yet Tinubu issued no national address. Former National Security Adviser Col. Abubakar Dangiwa (rtd) lamented, “There is no soul in this leadership. They do not feel the pain of the people.”

The Tinubu Myth: A Manufactured Legacy

Much of Tinubu’s rise was built on the myth of his “Lagos success.” But Lagos is not a model of good governance, it is a privatized state run by cronies. Its development has been largely driven by federal allocation and private sector investment, not Tinubu’s genius. In fact, Lagos ranks low in transparency, urban planning, and public education outcomes compared to other African megacities.

“What we see in Lagos is state capture, not development,” noted Dr. Chidi Odinkalu, former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission.

Cronyism and Nepotism: The Emilokan Manifesto in Action

Tinubu’s appointments so far reflect not merit but patronage. Political loyalists, ex-governors with corruption cases, and family members dominate the corridors of power. From the Central Bank to the Customs, Tinubu’s cronies are embedded, deepening Nigeria’s institutional decay.

It’s not “Renewed Hope” na 💯 recycled failure.

The Global Image Crisis

On the international stage, Nigeria’s reputation is now synonymous with instability. Investor confidence is at an all-time low. Global brands are exiting Nigeria, Procter & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, and others, citing policy inconsistency and economic chaos.

“Nigeria under Tinubu is not a place for business. It is a place for survival,” said Dr. Obadiah Mailafia before his untimely death. His words remain prophetic.

From Hope to Hopelessness: The Nigerian Mood

Ask the average Nigerian today what they think about the Tinubu administration, and you’ll be met with silence, sarcasm, or outright rage. The streets no longer chant “Emilokan”; they mutter “Wahala no dey finish.” The illusion has shattered. The so-called national messiah has become a symbol of elite entitlement and failed leadership.

As Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka once warned, “The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.” It is time Nigerians spoke loudly against this deception masquerading as governance.

In conclusion: A Call for Reckoning

Tinubu’s presidency is not just a failure, it is a betrayal. A betrayal of the youth who voted for change. A betrayal of the suffering poor. A betrayal of democratic ideals, and stolen mandate. History will not remember Bola Tinubu as a reformer. It will remember him as a man who schemed for power but squandered it in spectacular fashion.

There is still time for correction, but not under this leadership. Nigeria deserves more than recycled ambition. We need courage, vision, and competence.

Until then, the nation waits. And suffers.

From Emilokan to Emergency: The Tragedy of Tinubu’s Unprepared Presidency" By George O. Sylvester

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Good Friday: Ambassador Ajadi’s Bold Call for Nigeria to Embrace Christ’s Sacrifice to Overcome Corruption and Injustice

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April 18, 2025

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Good Friday: Ambassador Ajadi’s Bold Call for Nigeria to Embrace Christ’s Sacrifice to Overcome Corruption and Injustice

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

As Christians across the globe commemorate Good Friday today, April 18, 2025—a sacred day marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ—Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the Chairman and CEO of Bullion Records, has extended a heartfelt message of reflection, urging Nigerians and the international community to draw enduring lessons from Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.

In a statement made available to The Merit Newspaper and other media platforms, Ambassador Ajadi described Good Friday as more than a religious commemoration. According to him, it is a day of deep moral introspection and a call to purposeful sacrifice, love, and justice—principles sorely needed in Nigeria’s current socio-political landscape.

“Good Friday reminds us of the depth of love and sacrifice that Christ showed to humanity. He gave His life not for a select few, but for all mankind—regardless of race, tribe, or religion. It is this level of selflessness that our leaders, especially at the federal level, must emulate in service to the people,” Ajadi stated.

He noted that at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with inflation, unemployment, and insecurity, the message of Good Friday should challenge those in authority to govern with compassion, humility, and a genuine heart for service.

“Christ didn’t die for Himself. He died for the weak, the poor, and the oppressed. That lesson should not be lost on those in power today. The federal government must place the needs of the suffering masses above personal or political interests,” Ajadi emphasized.

The music executive and philanthropist also appealed to citizens not to lose hope but to remain committed to doing good in their communities. “If every Nigerian—Muslim, Christian, or traditional believer—embodies the sacrificial spirit of Christ by showing love, tolerance, and respect to others, we will rebuild a nation we can all be proud of,” he added.

Reflecting on his own contributions through entertainment, Ajadi revealed that Bullion Records remains committed to producing music that uplifts, unites, and educates. “As we reflect on today’s spiritual significance, let us also appreciate the role of art and culture in healing society. Our artiste, Harcher, will be releasing more inspirational tracks aimed at promoting peace and national consciousness.”

Good Friday, observed during Holy Week, is a solemn reminder in the Christian calendar of the pain and price of redemption. Across Nigeria and the world, it is marked by church services, fasting, and prayers—particularly emphasizing forgiveness, humility, and hope in the face of adversity.

Ajadi went further by calling on both the government and citizens to renew their commitment to nation-building. “The resurrection story teaches us that even after pain, there can be restoration. Let us rise from this moment of hardship with a renewed resolve to serve one another, speak truth, and live in love,” he said.

This call from Ambassador Ajadi, a respected entrepreneur and patriot known for his vocal support for youth empowerment and national development, comes at a time when Nigeria is searching for healing, unity, and visionary leadership.

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There Was a Country: Chinua Achebe’s Testament of Nigeria’s Lost Promise

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2 days ago

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April 18, 2025

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There Was a Country: Chinua Achebe’s Testament of Nigeria's Lost Promise

There Was a Country: Chinua Achebe’s Testament of Nigeria’s Lost Promise

 

By George Omagbemi Sylvester
When Chinua Achebe published There Was a Country in 2012, he did more than write a memoir of the Biafran War. He issued a damning verdict on Nigeria’s descent from promise to peril—a once-hopeful post-colonial state now defined by corruption, ethnic strife, impunity, and the persistent betrayal of its founding ideals. Through a blend of personal recollections, literary reflections, and searing political critique, Achebe chronicled the tragedy of a nation that lost its soul to tribalism, mediocrity, and greed. More than a personal account, his work is a national epitaph and a warning that remains as relevant today as it was over a decade ago.
Achebe begins by reminiscing on Nigeria’s early days, when a generation of dreamers imagined a country that could stand tall among nations. As a young man, he had every reason to be optimistic. Nigeria’s independence in 1960 was greeted with joy and international acclaim. The country was rich in human and natural resources, boasting an educated elite, a vibrant press, and a federal constitution that promised unity in diversity. But Achebe, ever the realist, understood that these were fragile gains. The cracks were already visible in the foundation.
There Was a Country: Chinua Achebe’s Testament of Nigeria's Lost Promise
The seeds of Nigeria’s unraveling were planted by colonial rule and hastened by post-independence mismanagement. The British had left behind a deeply divided society: a North shaped by indirect rule and Islamic conservatism; a Western region dominated by Yoruba culture and political sophistication; and an Eastern region led by an industrious, commercially successful Igbo elite. This artificial federation, created for imperial convenience, lacked a cohesive national identity.
Achebe’s Igbo heritage played a central role in There Was a Country. The book reflects the trauma of the Biafran War (1967–1970), during which the Eastern Region attempted to secede from Nigeria following pogroms against the Igbo in the North. Achebe writes of the horror of starvation, the bombing of civilian targets, and the silence of the international community. Over two million people—mostly children—died in the conflict. Achebe, who served as a Biafran diplomat, watched with sorrow as his country turned on its own, driven by what he described as a “failure of leadership.”
Perhaps no phrase in There Was a Country is more enduring than Achebe’s declaration: “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” He argues that the post-independence generation of politicians, many of whom were products of missionary schools and early nationalist movements, quickly abandoned the principles of service and justice. Instead, they embraced tribalism, nepotism, and opportunism. Merit was sacrificed on the altar of mediocrity, and elections became contests of identity, not ideology.
There Was a Country: Chinua Achebe’s Testament of Nigeria's Lost Promise
Achebe’s indictment of successive Nigerian governments is unrelenting. He condemns the military coups of 1966 and 1983, the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election won by Chief Moshood Abiola, and the rise of what he called “an ignoble class of millionaires who are neither industrialists nor farmers nor professionals.” He viewed Nigeria’s oil wealth not as a blessing, but as a curse—a source of unimaginable corruption that enriched a few while deepening the poverty of the many.
The relevance of There Was a Country in contemporary Nigeria is sobering. Over a decade since its publication, the problems Achebe decried have only worsened. The country is still grappling with insecurity—terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, secessionist agitations in the South-East, and kidnapping-for-ransom across the country. Nigeria remains among the top 10 countries with the highest number of out-of-school children. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2023), over 63% of Nigerians are multidimensionally poor, while youth unemployment hovers around 40%.
Corruption remains endemic. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (2024) ranked Nigeria 145th out of 180 countries, reflecting a lack of progress in tackling systemic graft. Public infrastructure has decayed. The power sector still generates less than 5,000 megawatts for over 200 million people. Universities frequently shut down due to strikes, and the health sector has been hollowed out by the exodus of professionals. The Nigerian dream, once luminous, now flickers dimly.
There Was a Country: Chinua Achebe’s Testament of Nigeria's Lost Promise
Achebe’s reflections on the civil war also serve as a warning about the dangers of unresolved ethnic tensions. Nigeria has never fully reconciled with its Biafran past. History was removed from school curricula for decades, and official narratives often ignore the suffering of Eastern Nigerians. As Achebe wrote, “A people without knowledge of their history are like a tree without roots.” Today’s South-East youths, many of whom feel excluded from national politics, are increasingly attracted to separatist movements, echoing the unhealed wounds Achebe documented.
Internationally, Nigeria’s image has suffered. Once hailed as the “Giant of Africa,” it now battles negative headlines—ranging from cybercrime to human trafficking. The failure to project soft power, coupled with diplomatic missteps and internal instability, has eroded its regional leadership. Achebe warned of this decline, noting that a country that cannot manage its diversity, reward merit, or provide security, risks becoming irrelevant on the global stage.
Yet, There Was a Country is not a book of despair. Achebe believed in the possibility of redemption. He admired young Nigerians who defied the odds, who built businesses, won scholarships, and used the arts to challenge injustice. He called for a return to core values—honesty, empathy, accountability, and service. For Achebe, the soul of Nigeria could still be reclaimed, but only through courageous and ethical leadership.
His call is more urgent now than ever. As Nigeria prepares for the next round of elections in 2027, Achebe’s words should guide both leaders and voters. The nation must abandon the politics of tribe, money, and manipulation. It must invest in education, rebuild its institutions, and reward competence. Most importantly, it must tell the truth about its past so it can chart an honest course for the future.
Achebe’s legacy is a challenge to all Nigerians—to remember that there was a country, full of promise and possibility. The question is whether there still is, and if so, what must be done to save it. He wrote not as a cynic, but as a patriot who loved his country enough to tell it the truth. As he once said, “One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised.” In a world of compromised ideals and broken promises, Achebe’s voice remains a clarion call to conscience.

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