By Ehichioya Ezomon

In my copy of Monday, January 15, 2024, entitled, “Shaibu’s talk about Obaseki’s betrayal laughable,” I posed the question, “Do politicians have conscience, and if they do, does it prick them?” This followed the declaration by the lately impeached Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, that Governor Godwin Obaseki had betrayed him by refusing to back his aspiration to succeed him on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Comrade Shaibu had reckoned that Obaseki supporting his ambition would be reciprocal for what he did to aid his first and second term elections, and his governments (under All Progressives Congress (APC) and PDP, respectively). Rather, Obaseki “anointed” a Lagos-based lawyer and financier, Dr Asue Ighodalo, to succeed him in November 2024.
In the article, I likened Shaibu’s accusation to “the kettle calling the pot black,” nudging him to recall “how he betrayed former Governor Adams Oshiomhole – whom he still addresses as ‘my father,’ perhaps to humour him – in order to ingratiate Mr Obaseki, who also betrayed Comrade Oshiomhole.”
Then, I took Shaibu through Oshiomhole’s unilateral endorsement of Obaseki against opposition from formidable foundation members of the defunct Action Congress (AC) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), “and did a yeoman’s campaign” for him to win the 2016 governorship.
But not long after, Obaseki broke with Oshiomhole for allegedly “attempting to lord it over him and his government as a ‘godfather,’ – which Oshiomhole really assumed in 2016 to swing the candidacy for and ‘crown’ Obaseki as Governor of Edo State.”
In closing, I noted that, if Obaseki could undermine “Oshiomhole’s benevolent spirit that broke his palm kernel for him,” and reward Oshiomhole with a series of betrayals, who’s Shaibu to escape retribution from Obaseki, who’s already “anointed” by Governor Oshiomhole as ‘Governor-in-waiting’ before Shaibu’s picked as his running mate?
That intro question of whether politicians have conscience, and if it pricks them, needs emphasising, owing to what’s happening in Rivers State between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his “political godfathers” and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, who Fubara’s rebelled against for alleged overbearing influence on his government that came into office on May 29, 2023.
Ahead of the general election – and the March 18, 2023, governorship poll that ushered in Fubara – Wike had “anointed” him against opposition from PDP chieftains, who’d assumed that Wike would pick one of them for governor after he’d “encouraged” them to so dream. They accused Wike of picking Fubara because he’s of his Ikwerre ethnic stock, whereas Fubara’s an Ijaw.
During the campaigns, Wike’s everywhere, as if he’s gunning for a “third term” in office. Like the mother-hen that protects her chicken from the predator-hawk, Wike shielded Fubara from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which declared him wanted for alleged financial sleaze perpetrated in his office as the Accountant General of Rivers State. Due to EFCC’s intense manhunt for Fubara, Wike literally assumed the candidate for the election.
Wike took all the arrows, darts and bullets aimed at Fubara, and made him governor under the PDP even when Wike – in support of the candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (now President of Nigeria) – worked against the interest of the PDP presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
This was similar to what former President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007) did for the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007-2010), when his bid for president was hampered by ailments that kept him mostly overseas from the campaign trail. Obasanjo more or less “swapped” position with Yar’Adua and campaigned for him to win the 2007 presidential poll.
Ditto for Senator and former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State (1999-2007), who campaigned for his then Chief of Staff, Theodore Orji, who’s detained in a Lagos jailhouse over corrupion allegation. On the strength of Dr Kalu’s campaign under the defunct Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Orji won the governorship from prison, and was released to assume office in 2007.
In 2016, Oshiomhole, so to speak, “carried on his back” Godwin Obaseki – the nominal chairman of his government’s Economic Strategy Team (EST) – while campaigning for him to succeed him as governor in November of that year, which Obaseki did.
There’s no crystal ball to foretell if Yar’Adua would’ve estranged Obasanjo had he lived beyond 2010 when he died, but he’s beginning to question some of Obasanjo’s policies, and even the election that brought him (Yar’Adua) to power in 2007 as indeed “rigged” in his favour. But Governors Obaseki, and Orji dealt with their political benefactors, Comrade Oshiomhole and Dr Kalu, accordingly.
Not surprising – given the MO of Nigerian politicians, Governor Fubara’s toeing a likely line, forgotting so soon Wike’s political sacrifices for him, and thus proving a liner from a book by former Rivers Governor Peter Odili (1999-2007) – and quoted by Wike – that, “Give a man power and money, that’s when you will know the person.” 
“If you have not given a man power and money, do not say you know the person,” Wike adds in an interview on African Independent Television (AIT), in reaction to the torching of the Rivers State House of Assembly on October 9, 2023, in attempts by pro-Wike lawmakers to impeach Fubara, who pulled down the complex to prevent the lawmakers’ action against him.
With power and money, Fubara’s graduated from “bended knee” (sevant) to straightened knee (master), and daily challenges Wike’s political clout, and his professed love for Rivers State. For instance, on April 27, on a visit to condole with “former Governor Celestine Omehia” on the death of his mother, Mrs Ezinne Cecilia Omehia, Fubara vowed he’d not kneel (to Wike) to govern Rivers.
(By law, Omehia’s never a governor of Rivers State, as his few weeks/months in office was vitiated by the Supreme Court, which declared Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the duly-elected governor of the PDP in 2007, sworn-in and ruled for eight years (2007-2015) – even though he only won the PDP primary, and didn’t participate in the governorship election, as he’s exiled in Ghana, afraid for his life from alleged officially-backed political goons. It’s Omehia who, supported by Wike, that campaigned and “won” the poll, which the Supreme Court voided because Amaechi won the primary for the governorship poll.)
Fubara’s words: “Anybody who claims to love this state should not be party to anything, directly or indirectly, that will bring us backwards. We will continue to support every course (cause) that will advance the interest of our dear Rivers State.
“And I am happy to say, and I’ve said it over and again, it doesn’t matter the number of people that are standing with me, I will stand on the side of truth. I will not, I repeat, I will not govern our dear state on my knees. If that was the purpose, I will not do that. I will stand to govern our dear state and stand continually on the side of (what’s) right.”
In response, Omehia expressed appreciation, on behalf of his family, to Governor Fubara, his delegation and other friends, among whom were those he described as “mature elders,” for the show of love.”
Then, Omehia massaged Fubara’s ego, saying, “I have taken a decision to be SIMplified (an alias derived from the governor’s name, Siminalayi). Wherever you (Fubara) go is where I will go. If you say tomorrow you are no more interested in this position, I will also stop fighting for anything in Rivers State.”
Omehia stated emphatically that almost the entire people of the State, including chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, women, youths, civil society groups and professionals across all spectrums, “were praying and working assiduously for the success of the Fubara administration,” stressing it was that support and prayers of the people that he needed to succeed, because, “one with God, is with majority, and would always excel and succeed.”
The inevitable questions: Wasn’t Fubara on “his knees” when he’s aspiring to be governor of Rivers State? Didn’t he bow, cower, crawl, cringe, flatter and genuflet to Wike to achieve his ambition? If Wike had asked him to commit a criminal act against Rivers State, would Fubara be his own man he claims, and stand straight and look the governor in the face and say, “no, I won’t do it?” 
Why does Fubara think he loves Rivers more than Wike; that only a few Rivers people, like Omehia, “understand that Rivers State belongs to everyone of us,” and “we must, therefore, fight together to sustain the soul of this state,” and that, “anybody who claims to love this state should not be party to anything, directly or indirectly, that will bring us backwards?”
Really? Because Wike – who single-handedly brought Fubara into his government, appointed him Accountant General, and anointed and crowned him as governor – asked him to honour a behind-the-scenes gentleman’s agreement Fubara entered into, Wike’s become an enemy intent on destroying Rivers State he’s helped to develop in his eight-tenure as governor (2015-2023)?
Does Fubara equate his fight over personal political and other hidden interests as a fight for the soul of Rivers? No, Mr Governor! Your fight isn’t for Rivers State nor for Rivers people, who weren’t there when you probably signed an agreement(s) you knew would mortgage the state! Now, you claim victimhood, stirring up, and blackmailing the innocent, but gullible citizens of Rivers to assist you to fight your self-induced battles with Wike! 
If Fubara actually believes “politics of bitterness will not take us anywhere,” he should shealth the sword, stop rattling the sabre and threatening fire and brimstone everywhere and at any opportune moment – such as he did during a solemn occasion of condoling with Sir Omehia over the death of his beloved mother.
There’re no half measures for peace. It’s holistic and enduring. If you want peace, you continually talk peace. If you talk peace, you cultivate peace. If you cultivate peace, you walk peace. If you walk peace, you drop the stick for the carrot. If you preach peace, you don’t pursue war. For war doesn’t achieve peace, but eternal enmity. 
You don’t pretend to preach peace, and do the opposite. It amounts to betrayal of trust, and the cause. It cuts deeply, even in politics where there’s no permanent friend or permanent enemy but permanent interest.
The road to peace – which Fubara preaches openly while also fanny the embers of discord – is to honour another gentleman’s agreement he publicly endorsed at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on December 19, 2023, before President Bola Tinubu, his (Fubara’s) representatives, and Wike and those in his camp.
Agreed that controversy trailed the eight-point agreement, which’s the outcome of Fubara’s reported personal invitation to Tinubu, to intervene in the crisis in the Rivers polity. Yet, contrary to claims by newfound political allies, Fubara didn’t object to any of the items, and he signed the document in the presence of his backers, some of whom also signed the agreement.
Fubara, in a Christmas broadcast on Monday, December 25, 2023, said the resolution brokered by Tinubu to resolve the crisis was “not a death sentence,” but would ensure lasting peace in the state, and pledged to implement the agreement in such a way that would restore political stability in Rivers.
This was as the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP warned Fubara against implementing the accord without its input, while some Rivers elders filed writs against President Tinubu and others for allegedly violating the amended 1999 Constitution, by finding political, rather than legal solutions to the Rivers crisis. Just imagine, faulting the deployment of a political strategy to solving a political issue!
Present on the government side at the parley were President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the president’s Chief of Staff, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila; and on Wike’s side we’re Wike, Rivers Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and APC Chairman, Rivers State, Mr Tony Okocha
From the governor’s camp were Fubara, former Governor Odili, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and PDP Chairman, Rivers State, Mr Aaron Chukwuemeka; and those who signed the agreement included Fubara, Wike, Prof. Odu, Ribadu, Amaewhule, Okocha and Chukwuemeka. 
As a governor, who claims to “stand by the side of truth and the side of (what’s) right,” it behoves, and is incumbent on Fubara to wholeheartedly respect President Tinubu and his intervention in the Rivers palaver, and honour the “peace agreement” fully, and not pick-and-choose for piecemeal implementation that’s the potential to exacerbate tension in Rivers State. The eight-point Resolutions are as follows: 
• All matters instituted in the courts by Fubara, and his team shall be withdrawn immediately.
• All impeachment proceedings initiated against Fubara by Rivers Assembly should be dropped immediately.
• The leadership of the Rivers Assembly, as led by Amaewhule, shall be recognised alongside the 27 members who resigned from the PDP to APC.
• Remunerations and benefits of members of Rivers Assembly and their staff should be reinstated immediately and the Rivers governor shall, henceforth, not interfere with the full funding of the Assembly.
• The Rivers Assembly shall choose where to sit and conduct legislative business without interference and/or hindrance from the Executive arm.
• Governor Fubara shall represent the state budget to a properly-constituted Rivers State House of Assembly.
• The names of commissioners, who resigned their appointments due to the political crisis in Rivers, should be resubmitted to the Assembly for approval.
• There should be no caretaker committees for Rivers State local governments. The dissolution of the Local Government administration is null and void and shall not be recognised.”
Looking through the items in the agreement, it’s evident that Governor Fubara’s continued to sidetrack the sticky issues that backgrounded the political crisis in Rivers. This, and other matters will be treated in the next installment!

Mr Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria

By Bolaji Afolabi

For democracy to thrive, it is imperative that various elements including opposition political parties, civil societies, faith and community-based organisations, the media, and citizens play their respective roles as watchdog of government in every way, where possible. Since Nigeria’s return to full-blown democracy in 1999, the fourth republic has witnessed the emergence and relevance of some individuals and groups who, at different times and diverse ways performed defining functions as checks to successive governments. The likes of Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Ayo Obe; Late Yinka Odumakin; Idiat Hassan; Ene Obi; Auwalu Rafsijani; Hussein Abdu; Clement Nwankwo; Kayode Ogundamisi; Jite Ogunye; SISLAC; SERAP; CDD; PLAC; PLAN; Action Aid; Save Nigeria Group as recognized and legitimate groups and activists have succeeded in monitoring different governments. As properly constituted entities whose primary agenda is national development, they have remained largely focused by giving knocks, offering back-pats, and proffering perspectives to governments where and when necessary.

In the past few years there has been a preponderance of self-styled CSOs whose objectives and modus operandi are patently pecuniary-driven and attention-seeking. A situation like this calls to question the integrity and morality of “public policing” in democratic development. It is tragic that in most cases, these latter-day organisations are largely procured to “fight a cause” and do the bidding of certain pay masters without recourse to objectivity, sincerity of purpose and national interest. Sadly, these incongruous and derisive groups which are usually managed by one-man or few persons are by their narrow mindedness and selfish desires doing collosal damage to national growth and development. Careful analysis of the activities of CSOs during military governments, and the early years of the fourth republic when juxtaposed with what is presently obtainable reveals glaring decline. In terms of effectiveness and efficiency, these “new age” groups are shamelessly rubbishing the noble ideals of CSOs as enunciated by its progenitors such as Late Gani Fawehinmi; Late Chima Ubani; Late Beko Ransome-Kuti; Late Bala Usman and others.

Unknown to many Nigerians, in the past few days, there has been a coordinated effort by some faceless individuals and phoney CSOs to skew narratives about the injection of $600m into Nigeria’s economy by A.P. Moller-Maersk, a global maritime and shipping conglomerate. The vicious and contrived controversy generated, is patently unpatriotic, outrightly devilish, and ludicrously juvenile. Attempts to poo-pooh and demonise certain government officials notably Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential media adviser, and throw invectives at the audacious moves by the Tinubu administration in negotiating and sourcing foreign direct investment is totally uncalled for.

I have never met Ngelale. He was a familiar face on television before his current brief in the Tinubu scheme. I speak in this instance as a politically unaffiliated journalist and a dispassionate Nigerian. To rehash the catchphrase of former President Muhammadu Buhari in his early days, “I belong to no political party, but I belong to every well-intentioned plan to get Nigeria working.” One of the “fast food, pasta-like” CSOs procured for this insipid project has deployed vacuous tactics in its stain and spoil statement, calling for the disengagement of some government officials. The plot has clearly exposed the intentions of these purveyors of falsehood, deceit and confusion. Having had years of close interaction with activists, research, investigation, and less sensationalism should ordinarily be germane to the principles and operations of CSOs. Unfortunately, these attributes have been jettisoned by the groups and individuals involved in this anti-Ngelale plot. Their approach has been at best mischievous preposterous, insensitive, and insourciant to national interest.

In their respective bids to present skewed and rancorous agglomeration of variegated misinformation with mischievous intents, they forgot to uphold the time-tested and serially-proven operational guidelines anchored on fairness, firmness, and objectivity. They seem to have chosen the route of deliberate falsehood, targeted browbeating, and pillorying innuendos to whip up public sentiment against government. They have most probably recoursed to wrongful vilification and demagoguery of government officials to elicit a bandwagon effect among unsuspecting Nigerians. This may be a reflection of competency deficit, conceived shenanigans and intellectual indolence. After detailed and dispassionate reviews, assessment and distillation of the narratives and explanations by government and it’s accusers, one can conclude that the “CSOs and individuals” are guilty of one or more of these conjectures.

From reports in the local and foreign media, President Bola Tinubu and Mr. Robert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller-Maersk, a Danish global provider of logistics and services in the maritime industry had a meeting on the sidelines of the recently concluded World Economic Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. According to the presidency, at the end of deliberations, Maersk, whose company has been operating in Nigeria’s shipping and maritime sector for over three decades reiterated it’s commitment to on-going investment drive by government towards deepening growth and development. Maersk further re-affirmed the company’s resolve to expand its investment in the Nigeria’s shipping industry which is expected to be mutually beneficial. However, in a bogus campaign to downplay this laudable development, some CSOs, social media influencers, and opinion moulders copiously refered to a “rebuttal” published in Lloyd List, one of the World’s oldest-running maritime journals. In the report, an unnamed person among other things denied knowledge of such extensive talk between Maersk and Nigeria; that the investment plans appears to be news to it’s officials.

Further extrapolation of the news report bandied by naysayers reveals yawning gaps and holes. That the celebrated online maritime publication quoted an unnamed and non-descriptive Maersk official casts doubt about the veracity of the report being circulated by mischievous elements. The report, contrary to the warped interpretation of critics emphasized that, “discussions (between Maersk and the Nigerian government) were on-going.” Reasons that the entire Maersk team was yet to get full disclosure was equally provided in the news report by the unnamed official, “….. may be by next week, we would be properly briefed.” It should be noted that at the time naysayers activated their spin arsenals, Maersk was yet to deny or contradict government’s position as released by Tinubu’s spokesman. Why “pick and choose” by these critics? Why not dwell on the entire news report and do proper inquisition if any? Why the unnecessary dust and hullabaloo? Why the wrong, pervasive vilification of Tinubu’s spokesman?

Findings from further research and empirical studies reveals that in February 2024 in the course of an exploratory visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the A P. Maersk Terminal Chief Executive Officer, Keith Svendsen detailed the company’s $600m investment commitment to Nigeria’s economy. Svendsen, who re-affirmed Maersk’s commitment to investing more in Nigeria, clearly outlined plans to allocate “an initial $100m, with an additional half-billion dollars ($500m) earmarked for port investments in Lagos, Nigeria.” Contrary to wrong insinuations, the Riyadh meeting was another opportunity by Maersk to re-confirm it’s investment interest in Nigeria’s maritime sector. These investments are expected to support modernisation and expansion of our ports; improve trade; reduce corruption; and boost efficiency. Maersk’s interest in the sector is buoyed by government’s commitment, and to complement on-going $1bn development of seaports construction and development across Nigeria’s eastern and western ports.

In a widely published statement by Maersk that did not only expose the despicable, hideous, and vengeful intentions of traducers but explicitly described the seriousness and benefits of the company’s investment in Nigeria, Svendsen confirmed that the company has concluded plans to invest over $500m in the upgrades of Nigeria’s port facilities. He added that, “I earlier this year publicly told about the proposal to invest more than $500m that we have discussed with President Tinubu both in February, and which we further elaborated in late April. We have intensified talks with the administration and port authority to make these plans concrete and I’m pleased with the significant progress made towards implementation.” According to Svendsen, the global logistics and provider has being a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s maritime sector with, “container terminals in Lagos, Apapa, and Onne, provision of high-quality and modern equipment, direct employment of about 2,500 people, and indirect employment of about 65,000 people.” Maersk in the words of Svendsen, “believes strongly in the future prospects for the Nigeria economy, and the long-term opportunities that the current economic reforms and invitation for international investments will generate.”

Contrary to the negative narratives floating around, Maersk, while acknowledging Nigeria as the key market in Africa, and the company’s central role in trade between Nigeria and the rest of the world, is determined to consolidate it’s position as a leading force in Nigeria’s maritime sector, and desirous to upgrading it’s greenfield terminals in Lekki and Badagry as well as other ports infrastructure across the country. Svendsen declared that, “we seek to do this under a long-term agreement with the government to support our ambition to continuously improve the import and especially export opportunities for the country, creating jobs and diversifying opportunities locally. For us, it is important that we not only operate highly efficient terminals, but also that we play a role contributing to the development of the local communities and bring opportunities for growth and new prospects in Nigeria.”

For emphasis, Nigeria and Denmark have always had a robust, and mutually beneficial business relationship spanning four decades. This relationship has involved steady exchanges of goods and services, crude petroleum, concentrated milk, non-fillet frozen fish, margarine, transportation, solar power, renewable energy, biotechnology and few others. Specifically, Maersk with over $2b existing investments in Nigerian ports and other activities has shown that it’s involvement is not just fruitful but transcends to reputable and equitable partnership with states including Ogun where a container terminal is under construction.

Finally, rather than resort to cheap, mindless, and fruitless public ridicule as well as unnecessary debilitating politicisation of any, every intention and programme of government that will impact positively on the country and citizens, it is incumbent on “professional naysayers” to allow objectivity to prevail. In matters of development, banal reasoning, ethnic consideration, and tribal imputation should be subsumed under national interest and true nationhood. Multi-faceted buffeting, multi-pronged chicanery, and caustic denunciation of appointees and officials of government by hirelings and sourced ranconteurs is not what Nigeria need now. Given the multi-dimensional economic challenges and corrosive poverty that Nigerians are experiencing, every human capacities should be deployed towards supporting any development-driven initiative by government. The comments of Maersk’s Chairman at the Riyadh meeting with Tinubu will suffice, “with the growth potentials of the Nigerian economy, we are very eager to invest in it, and we will continue to dialogue with the relevant Nigerian authorities to explore further investment opportunities in an economy that has the capacity and potentials to be among the best in the world.”

Bolaji Afolabi a seasoned media practitioner, has served in the Office of Public Affairs in The Presidency and as Communications Resource Person in the House of Representatives, respectively.

8Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN, CON, OFR, FCIArb, LL.M, Ph.D., LL.D., D.Litt, D.Sc.
A famous Nigerian musician with the stage name, Patoranking, in his track, “Celebrate me”, admonished us on the need to celebrate and appreciate people while they are alive. High Chief Tom Ikimi, CON, FNIA KSG, D.Sc, the Akinrogun of Ife, the Inneh of Igueben, is, in the word of Patoranking, a “big name” and a towering figure in both stature and influence. He stands out as a beacon of resilience, wisdom, integrity and leadership.
High Chief Tom Ikimi, my elder friend and brother from Igueben, Edo State, was born on 10th April, 1944, in Kumba, Southern Camerouns. He attended the St. Joseph’s College, Sesse-Buea in Southern Camerouns; obtained a National Diploma in Building and Civil Engineering from the Midwestern Polytechnic, Auchi (the former Midwestern Nigeria, now Edo and Delta States); and a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he was a prominent member of the Students Union and the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS).

As a top Nigerian politician, Ikimi has, over the years, held various high-ranking positions in the Nigerian political firmament and has been involved in helping to midwife different political parties throughout his career. He was a foundation member of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); and he led the party to win the 2012 Edo State Gubernatorial elections. He was also a foundation member and national leader of the Advanced Congress of Democrats, inaugurating the party in Edo state on February 21, 2006. Other party activities were honourably executed in the All Peoples Party (APP); the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); and the All Progressives Congress (APC), the present ruling party.
The tenacious politician made a lasting mark as the pioneer Chairman of the National Republican Convention (NRC), one of Nigeria’s two leading political parties during the transition to civilian rule in the early 1990s. His main rival was the Social Democratic Party (SDP) chaired by Babagana Kingibe. However, the Babangida military junta had with military dicta suddenly dissolved the Ikimi and Kingibe cabinets in October, 1992. Subsequently, Chief Tony Anenih (fondly called “Mr. Fix it”) became the Chairman of SDP, while Dr. Hahmed Kusamotu became Chairman of the NRC. The election that produced Chief M.K.O. Abiola who roundly defeated his closest rival, Alhaji Bashir Tofa, by 8,341,309 (58.36%) to 5,952,087 (41.64%) votes was held under this latter leadership. Ikimi had indeed been active in Nigerian politics since the 1980s and has played significant roles in various political administrations.
One major contribution made by High Chief Tom Ikimi towards strengthening democracy is his pioneering involvement in the founding of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria. He was one of the founding fathers of the APC. He played a key role in the merger of several opposition parties to form the APC in 2013. The formation of the APC provided a formidable platform for opposition politics in Nigeria; and eventually led to the party’s victory in the 2015 presidential elections. This ended the 16-year rule of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). However, in 2014, Chief Ikimi quitted the APC as he accused the party leadership of ignoring national sensitivities in the administration of the fledgling party.
Chief Ikimi’s political influence transcends mere party activities. Engaged in various movements advocating for democracy, good governance, and national integration, Ikimi embodies a commitment to Nigeria’s political development. It is worthy of note that during General Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime, Chief Ikimi and other prominent figures faced deregistration from the PDP. This had exposed the party’s agenda to eliminate internal opposition with a view to facilitating Obasanjo’s self-succession and transmutation agenda. In sharp response to this, chief Ikimi rallied with trusted allies to establish the Movement for the Restoration and Defence of Democracy (MRDD). This movement not only effectively challenged Obasanjo’s autocratic ambition; but it also championed democratic principles during these trying times.
On the diplomatic sphere, Chief Ikimi’s illustrious career exemplifies a remarkable dedication to diplomatic excellence and global leadership. Ikimi had served as the Special Adviser to General Sani Abacha in 1994 during which he prepared the memo that led to the establishment of the highly successful Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). He later served as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in the heat of military dictatorship. Chief Ikimi’s diplomatic acumen shone brightly throughout that turbulent era. In April, 1995, he graced the international stage, leading Nigeria’s delegation to the Review/Extension Conference of the Parties to the treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in New York, where his eloquent delivery of Nigeria’s national position left an indelible mark on the global scene.
Furthermore, his leadership was evident at the Ministerial meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Bandung, Indonesia. Throughout his tenure, Chief Ikimi’s presence resonated at numerous international gatherings, including the 40th Anniversary Meeting of the Movement of Non-Aligned countries in Bandung, Indonesia, and the Ministerial meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement in Cartagena, Colombia.
Ikimi’s role in representing Nigeria at various sessions of the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council, articulating Nigeria’s stance on various issues with eloquence and authority, underscored his unwavering commitment to advancing the nation’s interests on the global stage.
Before his political engagements, Chief Ikimi in the realm of professional calling, had established his own architectural practice in 1977. Over the years, he demonstrated remarkable prowess in executing a diverse range of projects, encompassing private residences, sports facilities, office complexes, and industrial buildings, both locally and internationally. Notably, his architectural firm achieved international recognition and fame when it won the prestigious competition for the design of the new OAU office and conference Centre projects in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia. Recognized for his contributions in the field of Architecture, he attained the status of Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA). Beyond architecture, Chief Ikimi has cultivated successful business ventures spanning construction, trade, and farming, showcasing his versatility and entrepreneurship.
In recognition of his unquantifiable contributions to community development, Nigerian politics and public service, Tom Ikimi was honoured with the title of High Chief Oduma in his native Igueben Kingdom. “Oduma” simply means lion. Ikimi is indeed the roaring lion. While his career has seen both highs and lows, his achievements have left indelible footprints on Nigeria’s political landscape.
Today, as I reflect on Chief Ikimi’s illustrious journey, I am reminded of his unwavering commitment to service and dedication to the betterment of his country. Throughout his exemplary career, Ikimi has exemplified the noblest virtues of selflessness and sacrifice, always placing the needs of the country and others above his own. No wonder Pope John Paul II in 1993 honoured him with the revered Knighthood of St. Gregory the Great (KSG). Rivers State University of Science and Technology followed suit when he was honoured with the Honourary Degree of D.Sc (Architecture).
Chief Ikimi’s leadership has been characterized by rare vision, foresight and wisdom in guiding countless individuals and organizations towards greater heights of success and prosperity. His innate ability to inspire and empower those around him has been instrumental in fostering positive change and development on both local and national scales.
Beyond his sterling professional achievements as an accomplished architect of global fame, Chief Ikimi is cherished for his warmth, compassion, empathy and humility. He possesses a rare gift of connecting with people from all walks of life, forging meaningful relationships and alliances built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.
I celebrate Chief Tom Ikimi’s today, not only for his remarkable accomplishments, but also for the countless lives he has touched and transformed. May the Oduma’s indelible legacy continue to inspire generations to come, serving as guiding light and beacon of hope for all who aspire to make a difference in the world. Through his smiles and affability, the taciturn Oduma lights up dark crevices, energises tired muscles and rekindles hope to the hopeless, hapless and vanquished citizens of Nigeria – the hoi folloi; the Frantz Fanon’s “Wretched of the Earth”.
Happy birthday to a great Pan-Nigerian patriot! May all your days be filled with joy and love in appreciation of all that you are; all that you have don; and all that you stand for.
Let me end this tribute to this towering Nigerian and luminous man of many parts by quoting Edgar Allan Poe, “Life is a song – sing it. Life is a game – play it. Life is a challenge – meet it. Life is a dream – realise it. Life is a sacrifice – offer it. Life is love – enjoy it”.
So, Oduma, enjoy life to the fullest as you hit the octogenarian age. Beyond this, receive Genesis 6:3. It is your portion.