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“No Nation Can Import Its Way To Posterity” – Peter Obi

By
The Source
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Peter Obi
Peter Obi

“The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has shared insights into the key message he intends to deliver to Nigerians during the upcoming campaign ahead of 2027. Addressing journalists at a press conference in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Friday, Obi suggested that his campaign will serve as a national dialogue focused on rebuilding Nigeria. Talking about each sector, Obi stated that he and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, come from diverse backgrounds and experiences but share a common goal—to improve the living standards of the impoverished among us.

 

Our experiences differ, but our conclusion is clear: Nigeria must invest in its people and manage its public resources responsibly. Regarding building an economy that works, Obi asserted that “Nigeria needs more than mere reactive reforms. The real questions are: Are Nigerians better off than they were four years ago? Can they afford food, education, and healthcare? Can businesses grow, produce, and generate jobs? Can young people secure productive employment? Can farmers work safely and get their produce to market? He urged citizens to seek direct answers from leaders, not through proxies or surrogates.

 

“This moment gives Nigerians the opportunity to evaluate the records, ideas, and plans of those seeking their mandate to lead their country at a time of significant uncertainty in our rapidly changing world. I consider myself quite privileged to be among those asking for your mandate to address these national challenges. I enter this contest with one firm belief: Nigeria can work, and Nigeria must work. Nigeria faces numerous serious challenges; some are indeed of existential importance.

 

“According to the IMF, 63%, or over 140 million Nigerians, live at or below the national poverty line, while humanitarian agencies estimate that 35 million people will require food aid during the 2026 lean season. About 3.6 million Nigerians remain internally displaced, largely due to conflict and insecurity. Each year, millions of young people join the labour market, yet many struggle to find meaningful opportunities.

 

On the theme of consumption to production, the NDC flagbearer said, “Nigeria, with a population now exceeding two hundred million and continuing to grow rapidly, has one of Africa’s largest domestic markets and labour forces. This is an opportunity we must capitalise on to transform our nation’s future. Nigeria cannot import its way to prosperity. We will produce more of what we consume, process more of what we produce, and compete more effectively in global markets.

 

“We will harness our collective experience in public funds management, the private sector, and the civil service to turn our population into productive human capital, our natural resources into value-added industries, and our domestic market into an engine for investment and enterprise. Agriculture, manufacturing, technology, construction, energy, creative industries, and services all have vital roles to play. On insecurity, Obi stated,

 

“Insecurity has displaced millions of Nigerians and continues to disrupt agriculture, education, trade, and investment. Our response must therefore be comprehensive. We need to improve intelligence gathering and coordination among security agencies, strengthen policing and border management, and make better use of technology. He also addressed several issues including healthcare, unemployment, and democracy, urging citizens to scrutinise their leaders, saying,

 

“Any presidential candidate who lacks the resolve to travel across the country, meet the people, and respond to their questions lacks the capacity to govern it.”

Tinubu Taunts Aregbesola, Says “Half Salary Regime” In Osun Will Return If Atiku’s Ignorance On Fuel Subsidy Is Adhered To

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rauf Aregbesola and President Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

 

President Bola Tinubu has cited the plight of workers in Osun state between 2010 and 2018, when former Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration was paying workers half salary as one of the evils of retaining oil subsidy.

 

In an apparent swipe at former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, President Tinubu mocked the controversial “half salary” era in the state under him,  while attacking former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s promise to restore petrol subsidy if elected in 2027.

 

Tinubu made the veiled reference while receiving Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, following Adeleke’s victory in the August 15 governorship election.

 

The President was reacting to Atiku’s pledge to bring back petrol subsidy, describing the proposal as evidence of what he called “serious ignorance” of governance and the economy.

 

“I saw one of my opponents now say he will go back to subsidy. I read it. That is a demonstration of a serious ignorance on governance and economy.”

 

But as he sought to justify the removal of petrol subsidy, the President turned his attention to the financial crisis that once crippled many state governments, including Osun.

 

“Before I came here, 27 states are unable to pay salaries, not to even talk of pensioners, salary of workers.”

 

He then delivered what appeared to be a pointed reference to Aregbesola, who governed Osun between 2010 and 2018.

 

“I know a man in your state that I raised who is nicknamed ‘half salary’. They come to the federal, cap in hand, unable to do anything,” the President said.

 

The remark immediately evoked memories of the “modulated salary” regime introduced in Osun during Aregbesola’s administration amid the state’s financial crisis.

 

Workers on different grade levels were paid varying percentages of their salaries, with some senior civil servants receiving only half of their pay.

 

Contemporary reports show that the arrangement became a major source of tension between the government and organised labour.

 

Aregbesola’s administration defended the policy as a response to dwindling revenues and the inability of the state to meet its wage bill.

 

The state government explained that the arrangement was designed to prevent mass retrenchment, with lower-grade workers receiving full salaries while higher-grade workers received reduced payments.

 

The issue, however, remained one of the most politically damaging legacies associated with the former governor, with workers protesting and demanding a return to full salaries and payment of accumulated arrears.

 

Tinubu appeared to use that history to reinforce his argument that returning to petrol subsidy would recreate the type of fiscal pressure that left states struggling to meet basic obligations.

 

He argued that the benefits of his administration’s economic reforms should be measured not only at the Federal Government level, but also by their impact on states and local governments.

 

“Salary you pay for each family, they were at the local governments, they are in the states,” he said.

 

According to the President, the ability of governments to meet their wage obligations also translates into improved capacity to fund roads, schools, housing and healthcare.

 

He said the government had to focus on ordinary Nigerians and their families, stressing that workers’ salaries ultimately support households and sustain local economies.

 

Tinubu also used Adeleke’s re-election to preach reconciliation and responsible governance, urging the governor not to allow electoral victory to become a source of division.

 

“All for the reconciliation, expand your coast. That is the only way you can give thanks to our people,” he told Adeleke.

 

“Not the way you sang it or celebrated it. It’s the way you act it. Use me as an example, I got here. God put me here. Where you are today, God put you there.”

 

The President said Adeleke should see his victory as an opportunity to build a broader political legacy rather than settle scores with opponents.

 

“You are in a very, very unique position to make history, promote unity, peace and stability,” Tinubu said.

 

He further urged the governor to promote democracy, stability and the rule of law, while warning against victimising political opponents. Don’t stigmatise any of your opponents,” he said.

 

Tinubu also appealed to political actors to accept electoral outcomes and respect the democratic process.

 

“Anybody, any democrat, anybody in the political environment who cannot celebrate the joy of a free and fair election does not deserve the laughter and the happiness of democracy,” he said.

 

“Don’t make a single individual a victim of your campaign, not for you alone, not for the sake of us all alone, for the generations to come.”

 

The President congratulated Adeleke on his victory and urged him to use the mandate to unite Osun rather than deepen political divisions.

 

“You did not conquer anybody. You won the election. That is the essence of democracy,” Tinubu said.

Mamman Vatsa’s Execution: I Was Powerless, Couldn’t Save Him – IBB

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Ibrahim Babangida

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Former Military President, General Ibrahim  Babangida has described the presentation  by a Military Commission of Inquiry,  incontrovertible evidence linking Mamman Vatsa to the 1985 putsch  as one of the most difficult moments in his eight-year tenure as Nigerian leader.

 

Babangida, popular as IBB, said he was completely shocked and disappointed by the panel’s findings, and was deeply devastated by the grim, but unavoidable reality of having to watch his closet friend and school mate of many years, executed alongside other officers indicted by the military panel of plotting a violent overthrow of  his Government.

 

The source reports that, at the time,  not a few were shocked that IBB could allow Vatsa ,a close associate and school mate at Government College Bida ,Niger state ,both of whom had enlisted into the Nigerian Military School same period and year to be executed. An accomplished poet, Major General Vatsa was executed within an hour after Nigeria’s literary giants – Professors Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, J.P. Clark – went to IBB to plead that his life be spared.

 

But defending himself in an interview with Badeggi FM radio Minna in commemoration of his 85th birthday celebration ,the former Military President insisted that he couldn’t have intervened to save his friend without compromising and undermining the country’s military laws, security architecture, and exposing his administration to unbridled and inordinate military adventurism

 

According to Babangida , when the report  on the alleged involvement of Vatsa, then Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, and Major -General Gado Nasko in the planned coup reached him, he could not believe it owing to their close affinity.

 

“But while General Gado Nasko was cleared of any wrongdoing ,the Panel found evidence linking Vatsa to the coup plot.

 

“There was nothing I could do to exonerate him ( Vatsa) from the consequences prescribed by military law. My hands were tied. That was how I lost my brother, General Mamman Vatsa”, he  stated .

 

IBB said he had earlier on, when news about the planned coup reached him, invited the duo of Nasko and Vatsa to his office to ascertain the truth concerning their alleged involvement .

 

According to him, he could not believe the preliminary findings indicating that Vatsa was involved considering their long-term relationship and shared history.

 

“When they arrived, I asked them about the reports that they had been mentioned in a plot to topple my Government .

 

“Both of them denied any involvement. A Military Commission of Inquiry was, thereafter, set up to investigate the matter.

 

“While General Gado Nasko was cleared of any wrongdoing, the panel found evidence linking Vatsa to the plot”, Babangida added.

Atiku To Obasanjo: “North Made You President, You Have No Electoral Value”

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Atiku Abubakar and Olusegun Obasanjo

By Akinwale Kasali

 

The renewed war of words between African Democratic Congress, ADC, Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar and former President Olusegun Obasanjo is  getting more messier bh the day.

 

 Atiku, on Wednesday, took a swipe at Obasanjo, and reminded him of the  the pivotal role the North played in his emergence as President in 1999.

 

Atiku said tge North propped him up when it was seen that s

his former boss did not have the electoral strength to win even his own State, not to talk about the entire South-west during the 1999 Presidential election.

 

Atiku stressed that “In 1999, he (Obasanjo) could not even win his own State or the South-West; it was Arewa that made him President. He possesses no electoral value,” Atiku said.

 

The Adamawa State born politician made this assertion while speaking with journalists on Wednesday amid his untidy  political relationship with Obasanjo and their respective roles in the former president’s emergence in 1999.

 

The latest exchange is part of a renewed dispute between the former president and his former deputy. Both  have traded accusations over their political relationship and events surrounding the 1999–2007 administration.

 

Recall that Obasanjo had described his decision to choose Atiku as his running mate in 1999 as the “biggest mistake” of his presidency, while accusing the former vice president of disloyalty and involvement in an alleged attempt to impeach him.

 

Responding to Obasanjo’s submission,  Atiku rejected the former President’s account, accusing him of rewriting history and attempting to use the past for political advantage ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

He had also defended his role in the administration, saying he supported Obasanjo after his release from prison and helped build the political structure that facilitated their victory in 1999.

 

Highlighting his track  record of creating opportunities for young Nigerians during his tenure as vice president, Atiku stated that more of this is certain if he emerges as President in 2027.

 

He said some of those who benefited from such opportunities had gone on to become governors, ministers, directors, and other public officeholders.

 

Atiku promised that if elected president in 2027, his administration would continue to create opportunities for young Nigerians to serve and take up leadership positions.

 

The former Vice President is seeking the Presidency on the platform of the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Omo-Agege Alleges Attack On Campaign Venue; APC Says Ignore

By
Ayodele Oni
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Senator Ovie Omo-Agege

By Ayodele Oni

 

Coming few hours after he raised concern about his safety, former Deputy President of the 9th Senate and National Democratic Congress, ( NDC) Senatorial Candidate for Delta Central, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has alleged that more than 50 armed men attacked a campaign meeting venue in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State in the early hours of Thursday, destroying canopies and campaign materials.

 

 Omo-Agege, in a statement issued from his office alleged that the attackers were led by Mr Emmanuel Erube, whom he identified as the Disciplinary Committee Chairman of Jakpa.

 

He further claimed that the men threatened to kill him and the NDC Uvwie Campaign Coordinator, Olorogun Dr Esere Ejifoma Atumu, if he appeared at the campaign event.

 

 The Senator alleged that the incident occurred at about 5:30 a.m., describing it as a deliberate attempt to intimidate the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

 “This morning at 5:30am, over 50 armed men led by Mr Emmanuel Erube — the Disciplinary Committee Chairman of Jakpa — stormed the venue of our NDC campaign meeting in Uvwie, Delta Central.

 

 “They tore down canopies and destroyed every campaign material we had set up. This wasn’t random. It was planned,” Omo-Agege alleged.

 

 According to him, the attackers subsequently issued threats against him and his campaign coordinator.

 

 “In the middle of it, Erube and his men made it clear what they came to do. They vowed to kill me and my Uvwie Campaign Coordinator, Olorogun Dr Esere Ejifoma Atumu, if I show up in Uvwie for the event.”

 

 Omo-Agege accused Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, of responsibe for the alleged attack, while claiming that the governor had previously made threats against him.

 

 “I hold Governor Sheriff Oborevwori directly responsible and culpable for this. My basis is unambiguous.”

 

Reacting, Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed  Ovie Omo-Agege’s latest allegation of threats to his life and that of his family, describing it as a desperate attempt to attract sympathy, distract the electorate and tarnish the image of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori

 

 In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Valentine Onojeghuo, Esq., the party said it was “highly irresponsible and reprehensible” for Omo-Agege to repeatedly link the governor, the Delta State Government and the APC to alleged threats against him without presenting evidence to the appropriate security agencies.

 

 The party categorically rejected any insinuation that Governor Oborevwori or the APC had any involvement in the alleged threats.

 

 “Delta APC categorically rejects any insinuation that His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Government or our party has anything whatsoever to do with any alleged threat against Sen. Omo-Agege or his family.’

 

 It added that, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, Oborevwori remained committed to protecting the lives and property of all Deltans, making it “unthinkable” for anyone to accuse him of sponsoring threats against a political opponent.

 

 The APC described Omo-Agege’s latest allegation as “nothing more than a cheap attempt to attract unnecessary attention, manufacture public sympathy and distract from the real issues before the people of Delta State.”

 

 The party also criticised what it described as the senator’s attempt to pre-assign responsibility to the governor for any unspecified future incident, warning that such allegations could create a predetermined narrative and prejudice the public against the governor.

 

 “Of particular concern is Sen. Omo-Agege’s reckless attempt to pre-assign responsibility to His Excellency for any unspecified future incident.

 

“This is a politically motivated insinuation designed to create a predetermined narrative and prejudice the public against the Governor.”

 

 It challenged Omo-Agege to submit whatever evidence he had concerning the alleged threats to the relevant security agencies for investigation.

 

 “If he genuinely believes his life or that of his family is under threat, he should immediately present whatever evidence he possesses to the appropriate security agencies for investigation,” the statement said, adding that “despite our repeated calls, he has failed to do so.”

 

 The APC further accused Omo-Agege and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) of lacking a credible campaign strategy to challenge what it described as the performance of the Oborevwori administration.

Presidency To Atiku: You Are Ignorant Of The Consequences of A Return To Fuel Subsidy Era

By
Ayodele Oni
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Atiku Abubkar and Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Atiku Abubkar and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Presidency has informed that former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the African Deomcratic Congress, (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, that he will require a clear legal, fiscal and administrative framework before he can reverse the withdrawal of petrol subsidy.

 

Reacting to Atiku’s statement to restore fuel subsidy, the Presidency, in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Spokesman stated that

“any proposal to restore petrol subsidy must be subjected to rigorous scrutiny, especially, regarding its cost, funding, legality and implications for the country’s emerging domestic refining industry.

 

The statement reads: “Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and presidential aspirant, has unveiled his economic prescription for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election, proposing, among other measures, a return to the fuel subsidy regime abolished under the country’s ongoing petroleum-sector reforms.

 

“The proposal has raised questions over its fiscal implications, particularly given the significant changes in Nigeria’s petroleum industry since 2023.

 

“Atiku is constitutionally entitled to canvass alternative policies and seek the support of Nigerians. He is also free to revise positions he previously held.

 

“But any proposal to restore petrol subsidy must be subjected to rigorous scrutiny, especially regarding its cost, funding, legality and implications for the country’s emerging domestic refining industry.

 

“The first issue requiring clarification is the meaning of ‘fuel subsidy’. Subsidy is not money simply waiting in government coffers to be distributed to Nigerians in order to make petrol cheaper.

 

 “Under the old arrangement, the government absorbed the difference between the regulated pump price and the actual cost of supplying petrol. That system imposed a substantial burden on public finances and contributed to accumulated liabilities within the petroleum sector.

 

“The Petroleum Industry Act established a new framework for the downstream petroleum market and provided for the eventual removal of petrol subsidy. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu accelerated the process in 2023, bringing an end to a system that had already become financially unsustainable.

 

“Consequently, restoring the old arrangement cannot be achieved merely through a presidential announcement.

 

“It would require a clear legal, fiscal and administrative framework, including identification of the funds required and the mechanism through which the subsidy would be administered.

 

“More importantly, Nigeria’s petroleum landscape has changed considerably since 2023.

For decades, the country depended heavily on imported petrol, while government bore the financial consequences of selling the product below its economic cost.

 

“Today, the emergence of substantial domestic refining capacity has begun to change that equation.

 

“The Dangote Refinery, alongside other emerging local refineries, has strengthened Nigeria’s capacity to refine petroleum products locally.

 

“The development presents an opportunity to conserve foreign exchange, deepen domestic industrial capacity and strengthen energy security.

 

“A return to a heavily subsidised market could undermine these gains and create fresh distortions in the downstream sector, with consequences for smaller domestic refineries, investment and employment.

 

“It is, therefore, important that the subsidy debate reflects the realities of Nigeria’s petroleum industry today rather than the conditions that prevailed several years ago.

 

“The financial burden of the former subsidy regime was enormous. Government financing arrangements, accumulated liabilities and obligations to suppliers placed considerable pressure on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and the wider public finances.

 

“The question Nigerians should therefore ask is simple: If fuel subsidy is restored, who pays for it? If petrol is sold below its economic cost, the difference must be absorbed somewhere.

 

“The consequences could include reduced allocations to states and local governments, lower spending on infrastructure and social services, increased borrowing, higher public debt or a combination of these.

 

“There is no doubt that the rising cost of petrol has imposed serious pressure on Nigerian households and businesses. The hardship associated with higher transportation and energy costs is real, and government must continue to pursue measures that reduce the burden on citizens.

 

“One such approach is the promotion of Compressed Natural Gas, which offers a potentially cheaper alternative to petrol for vehicles, taxis, buses and distribution fleets. Several major companies have already begun incorporating CNG-powered vehicles into their operations.

 

“The objective should therefore be sustainable relief for Nigerians, not a return to a fiscal arrangement that could once again weaken public finances.

 

“Nigeria must take advantage of its growing refining capacity, improved petroleum-sector regulation and increased competition to achieve greater stability in energy supply and, ultimately, more affordable prices.

Political promises, however attractive, must be supported by credible fiscal arithmetic.

 

“If Atiku Abubakar intends to restore fuel subsidy, Nigerians deserve clear answers. How much will the programme cost annually? What revenue source will finance it? Will the government borrow to fund it? Will existing petroleum-sector legislation have to be amended?

 

“How will subsidy payments be monitored and protected against the abuses that characterised the old regime?

 

“And now that Nigeria has substantially increased domestic petrol production, what exactly would the proposed subsidy subsidise-the cost of local production, transportation, distribution or another component of the petroleum value chain?

 

“These questions cannot be wished away.

Nigeria cannot afford to return to policies whose immediate benefits are visible while their eventual costs emerge as debt, reduced public investment, pressure on the naira and diminished resources for development.

 

“The country deserves a robust debate on the cost of living and the direction of economic policy. But that debate must be anchored in the realities of Nigeria’s economy and petroleum sector today, rather than the conditions of yesterday.

 

“Atiku Abubakar has every right to propose a different economic direction. Nigerians, in turn, have the right to demand full disclosure of the fiscal, legal and economic implications of any plan to restore fuel subsidy.

 

“The choice before the country should not merely be between cheap petrol today and expensive petrol tomorrow.”

Gov. Okpebholo Intervenes As Workers Of Chinese Owned Company Protest Death Of Colleagues

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Monday Okpebholo

By Ayodele Oni

 

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has intervened as workers of a Chinese company embarked on violent protest after five staff died within a month.

 

It was gathered that some of the deaths were caused by electrocution, while others died after falling from a crane at Rongtai Building Materials Nigeria Limited, in Utesi Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

 

A section of the firm was reportedly razed by the protesters and over 20 vehicles and motorcycles  destroyed.

 

Following the violent protest by workers and some community youths over the death of a forklift operator at the company, the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, was forced to visit the company.

 

Speaking during the visit, Governor Okpebholo called on the management of the company to strengthen safety measures to protect workers.

 

“What happened here came to me as sad news, and the incident is condemnable. An establishment of this nature should not be attacked like this.

 

“The protest was triggered by anger over the death of a young man who was a staff member of this company. Our culture values life and prosperity, and I advise you to ensure the safety of your staff.

 

“Security and safety measures should be put in place. If you had a clinic here, what happened would not have happened.”

 

Okpebholo who expressed satisfaction that the company was already building a clinic, has commenced the process of purchasing an ambulance, and was recruiting doctors, also urged the company to fulfill its Corporate Social Responsibility to the host community.

 

“For the sake of CSR [corporate social responsibility], just fix the bad road to discourage hoodlums from attacking vehicles coming into your company. Criminals take advantage of bad roads to cause havoc.

 

“As a government, we are sorry for the loss of lives and property. I am glad that you have over 8,000 workers here, and I believe you will employ more,” he added.

 

The Governor disclosed he had discussed with the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, on the need to establish a police post and provide accommodation for officers at the company.

 

“Let it be like a semi-barrack to protect the area because we have a whole community here. Having 8,000 workers here is no joke,” he stated.

 

Responding on behalf of the company, Huang Shibin, who commended the Governor for the visit, said the organization had been fulfilling its CSR but alleged that some community elders had received large sums of money from the company without allowing the benefits to reach other members.

 

Huang appealed to the Governor to help improve security around the company and create a conducive environment for business to thrive.

Adeleke Visits Tinubu At Aso Rock Villa, Presents His Certificate Of Return To Mr President

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Governor Adeleke and President Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

 

The first face-to-face meeting between President Bola Tinubu and relected Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke after last Saturday’s election, and, indeed, in many months, took place on Thursday at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

 

Adeleke  secured re-election in the State’s Governorship Election on the platform of the Accord Party, defeating the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, after winning 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas. Oyebamiji secured victory in 11 local government areas.

 

Adeleke arrived at the forecourt of the Aso Rock Villa at exactly 5:25pm, dressed in a navy blue traditional attire. He was accompanied by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

 

Adeleke was later joined at the Villa by several officials from Osun State, including the Director-General of his Campaign Council, Senator Lere Oyewumi; a member of the council, Sunday Bisi; the governor’s Chief of Staff, Akinleye Kazeem; and Bamidele Salam, representing Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

 

The meeting comes days after Tinubu personally congratulated Adeleke on his victory in the August 15 poll, describing the outcome as an indication that democracy would continue to thrive in Nigeria.

 

President Tinubu had also urged the governor to use his renewed mandate to unite the people of Osun State, irrespective of their political affiliations.

 

The visit is coming against the backdrop of Adeleke’s recent comments on his relationship with Tinubu and his decision to support the President despite belonging to a different political platform.

 

Following his victory, Adeleke declared support for Tinubu in the forthcoming presidential election.

 

He, however, clarified that his support was not based on any political agreement between him and the Federal Government.

 

Speaking during an interview on Channels TV, the governor dismissed speculation that he had reached a deal with the President, saying his support was influenced partly by Tinubu’s Yoruba identity and the projects being undertaken by his administration.

 

“No, I did not reach an agreement with Mr President,” Adeleke said.

 

He explained that he believed Tinubu should be given an opportunity to implement his development agenda, particularly in areas affecting Osun State.

 

“My support is just based on Mr President being a Yoruba man and his projects. And I believe that all the federal roads that he has started, I want to encourage him not to forget Osun too,” he said.

 

The governor also appealed to the President to extend federal infrastructure projects to Osun, particularly the rehabilitation and construction of federal roads linking the state to other parts of the country.

 

“I feel like, since a Yoruba man has won for the first time, maybe I will give him another chance to develop his reforms,” Adeleke added.

 

Adeleke further signalled his willingness to cooperate with individuals and political actors aligned with Tinubu in Osun State, provided their activities were geared towards supporting the President.

 

“As long as they say, ‘I’m doing it for Mr President,’ I don’t mind. I will work with them,” he said.

 

The governor, however, ruled out any immediate plan to return to the APC, despite his stated support for Tinubu.

“As I’m talking to you right now, I’m not even thinking about that. It’s not on my agenda,” Adeleke said.

Over 40 Sokoto Rice Farmers Perish As Passenger Boat Capsizes

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Boat Mishap

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

No fewer than 40 persons were feared dead following the capsizing of a passenger boat filled with rice farmers in Gorau town, in Goronyo Local Council of Sokoto .

 

According to eyewitness accounts ,the boat carrying about 70 people  capsized while ferrying  the farmers across a river to access their rice farms  Thursday evening. Over 40 persons including children drowned in the sad incident.

 

According to reports, the Village Head of Gorau, was among six others rescued  from the boat mishap which occurred shortly after take off .

 

“So far, we have recovered about 40 dead bodies  while six people, including the village head were rescued”, a local volunteered.

 

However, a large number of passengers on board are still unaccounted for. Combined rescue operations featuring mainly residents are underway.

 

Reports further indicate that most of the dead were  farmers and labourers who  were going for a harvest session before tragedy struck.

 

As at the time of reporting, there were no official reactions to the unfortunate development from the Sokoto state Government or the authorities of the  National Inland Waterways. Local divers are continuing to lead rescue efforts.

OPINION: So, Chris Nwokeabia Is A Professor?

By
The Source
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Chris Nwokeabia

By Valentine Obienyem

 

The first time I heard Chris Nwokeabia declare, in attack of Mr. Peter Obi,  that “governance is not about saving money”, alongside other equally untenable assertions, I wondered what calibre of thinker could advance such a proposition. For a moment, I imagined I was listening to one of those arguments that emerge from a barber’s shop where  the most absurd opinions are often expressed with absolute confidence. It was only through the writings of my brother, Tai Obasi, and his apostles that I learnt that the man actually holds the title of professor.

 

Without intending undue disrespect, anyone who dismisses the necessity of saving appears to overlook one of the most elementary principles of survival and responsible planning. Even in today’s Nigeria, would any academic seriously contend that their salary is sufficient to meet every unforeseen emergency without putting something aside?

 

The wisdom of saving is not uniquely human. Nature has demonstrated it for millions of years. The dog buries surplus food for a time of hunger; the squirrel stores nuts against scarcity; bees preserve honey in their hives; and ants gather provisions in preparation for harsher seasons. These are simple but powerful illustrations of a universal principle: consume what you need today, but preserve something for tomorrow.

Valentine Obienyem
Valentine Obienyem

The wisdom of prudence is also deeply rooted in philosophy. Seneca and the Stoics repeatedly praised frugality, moderation and simplicity as safeguards against misfortune. In his “Letters from a Stoic”, Seneca emphasised the value of learning to live with less and avoiding dependence on abundance, because doing so frees a person from anxiety, dependency and the unpredictable turns of fortune. The Stoic lesson was clear: prudence is not the enemy of prosperity; it is what enables prosperity to survive adversity.

 

Indeed, serious countries understand this principle. Responsible governments build reserves, stabilisation funds and other fiscal buffers precisely because they know that economic shocks, recessions, emergencies and unforeseen expenditures are inevitable. Saving is therefore not an admission of failure; it is an instrument of responsible planning.

 

So, the proposition that “governance is not about saving money” is difficult to defend as a general principle. A more defensible formulation would be this: “Governance is not merely about saving money; it is about spending wisely while maintaining sufficient reserves to survive the inevitable bad times.”

 

That distinction matters. Saving everything would be foolish; saving nothing is even more foolish. Responsible government requires a balance between meeting present needs and preparing for future risks. The objective is neither to hoard resources nor to spend recklessly, but to ensure that today’s expenditure does not leave tomorrow’s government helpless when adversity arrives – this was what Mr. Obi did.

 

In the harsh realities of present-day Nigeria, can anyone honestly argue that it is unnecessary for a household, a business or a government to keep something in reserve? What responsible professional would spend every naira earned today on the assumption that tomorrow will bring no emergency, recession, illness, disruption or unexpected expenditure?

 

What is particularly perplexing is not merely the statement itself but  coming from a professor. When an idea that contradicts such an elementary principle of prudence is presented as sophisticated economic thinking, scholarship risks becoming a justification for fiscal recklessness rather than an instrument for illuminating public policy.

 

If even the creatures of the animal kingdom instinctively understand the wisdom of preserving today’s surplus against tomorrow’s scarcity, and philosophers such as Seneca recognised the value of frugality and preparedness, perhaps the real question is not whether governance is about saving money, but what kind of governance deliberately chooses not to save?

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