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.

Khalid Ibn Abubakar

Political power play, power game as well as high political interests aggregation, are normal variables that define partisan politics. However, when these correlates are stretched beyond certain limits, there may be the likelihood of ushering in very dangerous instinctual reactions that have huge capacity for destabilizing the polity.
For all followers of the politics of Kano, Northwest Nigeria, particularly between May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007, there is a tie-back to the historical precedence of the joint electoral victory between Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as then governor-elect and Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, PhD, as deputy governor-elect, respectively.
These two gentlemen were members of the same political party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party {PDP}, but they had definitely passed through varying and divergent socialization processes. Even as it is a known fact that all deputy governors in Nigeria are hardly allowed to exercise full political authority, the duo of Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje managed to work together in harmony during their first tenure.
For Alhaji Kwankwaso to consider the inclusion of Ganduje as running mate for the second term, however, it was a tug-of-war. Elders of the party, eminent citizens and significant others, intervened, persuaded and eventually prevailed on Kwankwaso to restore Ganduje to the joint gubernatorial ticket as running mate. They expectedly won the elections. So, they worked together for eight years.
Ganduje was to succeed Kwankwaso as governor, perhaps against the wishes of his former political principal and leader who, after his tenure as governor, was rewarded with a high end political portfolio as Nigeria’s minister of defence by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Over time, Ganduje has achieved a solid political stature which tended to overshadow his former principal. The result is that Kano has been split between the two tendencies. The particular human behavioural trait at play here is none other than the human Ego. As a student of the Freudian tradition, one is quick to point out that the major behavioural set back that any political leadership , must avoid in his or her political career, is by avoiding a negative inter-play of the different roles of the three major clinical psychology properties that regulate the impulse of all human, namely, Id, Ego and Superego, respectively.
These three, when negatively influenced, can bring about the downfall of anybody who is somebody, irrespective of his or her social stratification in the larger society.
It is therefore imperative to point out within this medium that the ongoing struggle for political power, relevance and advantage between a former political principal, Alhaji Kwankwaso, and his “junior” associate, Dr. Ganduje — who by way of chronological and mental age is much more senior and better educated than his erstwhile political boss— can all be traced to politics. That is why there is a desperate plot by Kwankwaso and his group to oust Dr. Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Part of the plot is the sinister scheme to destabilize the Tinubu administration using veiled propaganda, campaign of calumny and allied methods to tarnish APC and its leadership with the hope that such a distraction will add to the political fortunes of Kwankwaso and his NPP in Kano. The calculation is that once Ganduje is out of the way, Kwankwaso and his acolytes can have the whole of Kano to themselves.
Not surprisingly, the whole machinery of the Kano State Government has been deployed to achieve this end.
Dr. Ganduje in his eight years as governor of Kano State produced a very credible democratic scorecard, whose sectoral achievements are cogent and verifiable by any interested member of the public. Apparently not getting adequate results from all the failed plots so far executed by him and his lackeys, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso does not seem to have any iota of respect for seniority and civilized order.
Devoting and ploughing all his energies towards clandestine schemes aimed at pulling down the personality of Alhaji Ganduje who had paid his dues in society by Allah SWT’s divine blessings, is akin to trying the patience of the Almighty ALLAH SWT. The bitter jealousy of Kwankwaso and his men can be further understood when one considers the fact that Ganduje is an urbane intellectual who obtained his Doctor of Philosophy degree {PhD} at the famous University of Ibadan, in 1993, following his first degree in 1975, when Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso had not dreamt of enrolling in any Higher School Certificate program.
The conditioned behaviour, which had always propelled Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who has an affinity for wanting to show political dominance over every citizen from Kano State as an infallible dictator, was what made eminent personalities like Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau and Distinguished Senator Jibrin Barau, just to mention a few, not stay in the same political camp with him.
In Kwankwaso’s world, his word is law. He cannot tolerate democratic tenets. He cannot work with intellectually endowed people. For him, getting Dr. Ganduje out of his current position as the National Chairman of the APC is his greatest headache. He is probably calculating that Ganduje’s ouster will enable him (Kwankwaso) grab a ministerial position as a pre-electoral bargaining condition and convince President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he has the entire Kano State in his pocket and that his NNPP is waiting in the wings to play ball.
The NNPP gang is full of hypocrites. They demand integrity from others while lacking it themselves. An example: Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf has appointed Kwankwaso’s son as a member of the Kano State Executive Council. It’s payback time. They are sharing the spoils as all the other parties do. There is no difference between the way they are carrying on and the way Ganduje ran the government. If anything, Ganduje was better. Time will tell.
When Governor Yusuf eventually finds out that he is not allowed to have a mind of his own and that Kwankwaso is supposed to be all-knowing, the current cosy relationship between them will disappear. Owing to the fact that Kwankwaso would always want every eminent political citizen in Kano State to submit to his overbearing and dictatorial tendencies, all who flock around him must play the dummy to be considered loyal.
In their desperation to pull down Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, NNPP hirelings have embarked on senseless moves to procure fake “APC Executive Members”, at the ward and state levels, who are their sidekicks. They’ve tried impersonation, blackmail, open threats and all sorts of sabotage to no avail.
From the grapevine, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s most pressing need now is how best he can penetrate the APC federal administration to get a plum ministerial appointment when the president rejigs his cabinet as expected. To achieve this, he is persuaded that he has to destroy Dr Ganduje. But, if history is anything to go by, all their schemes will fail. For, history teaches us that those who plot the destruction of others often fall on their own sword.