Peter Obi releases Part 2 of Roadmap to a New Nigeria with emphasis on Education, Healthcare

 

Peter Obi releases Part 2 of Roadmap to a New Nigeria with emphasis on Education, Healthcare

 

 

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi has insisted that Education and healthcare remain the bedrock upon which every prosperous nation is built.

 

Releasing his Part 2 of the Roadmap to a New Nigeria on Thursday, Obi wrote on his handle that

“Education and Healthcare remain the Foundation of a Renewed Nigeria

 

“Recall that on July 1st, in Part 1 of “My Vision for a Productive and Prosperous Nigeria,” I outlined the broad framework of my proposed roadmap for national renewal. In it, I emphasised that the transformation of Nigeria must begin with rebuilding our human capital through quality education and healthcare, supported by reforms in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), character and civic education, and strategic investments that will move our nation from a consumption-driven economy to a production-driven one. I promised to follow up with other parts in the coming weeks and months.

 

“Today, July 16th, in the middle of July, I wish to expand on these two critical pillars – education and healthcare – because they are the bedrock upon which every prosperous nation is built. They are the cornerstones of the foundation that will ensure that a son of nobody can become somebody and remove many from the ranks of the disaffected who often become tools in the insecurity challenges confronting us.

 

“Evidence from around the world shows that quality education and accessible healthcare are among the clearest distinctions between thriving nations and lagging ones. Princeton University Nobel Prize-winning economist Angus Deaton highlights this reality in his book, The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality.

 

“Nothing, therefore, could be further from the truth than the claim by some young people that “education is a scam.” Education, when combined with good health, provides the ladder for individual upward mobility and drives economic growth for the nation.

 

“We must become more intentional about aligning education with our national priorities, as Singapore did, and challenge our country to value education in the same way Deng Xiaoping repeatedly urged China to do from 1978 onwards, with the remarkable transformation we see today.

 

“We will work through commissions that strengthen collaboration among the tiers of government, ensuring that primary education is domiciled at the community and local government levels, with strong parental involvement and curricula that are sensitive to local economic factor endowments and the value chains derived from them.

 

State governments will be supported to expand high-quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as well as general secondary education, through targeted grants and incentives.

 

“We are also developing schemes that will enable universities to focus more deliberately on specialised areas of teaching and research, making them globally competitive while producing a workforce equipped for the demands of the future,” he stated.

Physiotherapist Mary Habila who died in Minister Umahi’s house for burial Friday

 

 

Family Announces Burial Plans for Physiotherapist Mary Habila as Police Intensify Probe into Death at Minister Umahi’s Residence

The family of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila, popularly known as Mara, has announced the funeral arrangements for the late healthcare professional whose death at the residence of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Ebonyi State has continued to generate widespread public attention and calls for a thorough investigation.

 

The announcement comes as police authorities intensify investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death, while insisting that a comprehensive autopsy will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.

 

Mary Habila reportedly died under controversial circumstances at the minister’s official residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The incident has sparked nationwide debate, with many Nigerians demanding transparency and accountability over the events leading to her death.

 

According to a funeral programme released by her family, Habila was born on September 18, 2000, and passed away on June 27, 2026, at the age of 26.

 

The family disclosed that her funeral service will take place on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

 

Following the service, she will be laid to rest in her hometown in the presence of family members, friends, colleagues, church members and sympathisers who are expected to gather to pay their final respects to the young physiotherapist.

 

Her death has left relatives, friends and members of the medical community in shock, with many describing her as a promising healthcare professional whose life was cut short under troubling circumstances.

 

Public concern over the incident intensified after reports emerged that Habila’s body was allegedly found unclothed when it was removed from the minister’s residence, a development that has fueled widespread speculation and heightened demands for an independent and transparent investigation.

 

Although authorities have yet to establish the exact circumstances surrounding her death, the unusual details surrounding the incident have continued to attract significant public interest across the country.

 

Minister David Umahi has publicly acknowledged that Habila died at his residence but has denied any wrongdoing.

 

The minister explained that the deceased was serving as a physiotherapist and had been seconded from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences to the Federal Ministry of Works.

 

Umahi has repeatedly maintained that he has nothing to hide and has expressed support for a full investigation into the incident.

 

He said he personally requested that a comprehensive autopsy be carried out to determine the precise cause of death, insisting that scientific evidence rather than speculation should guide public conclusions.

 

According to the minister, all relevant authorities should be allowed to complete their investigations without interference or premature judgments.

 

Police authorities have also confirmed that an autopsy forms a critical component of the ongoing investigation.

 

Investigators say forensic examinations, medical reports and witness statements will help determine both the cause of death and the sequence of events leading to the tragic incident.

 

Security sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that detectives are reconstructing the timeline of activities at the minister’s residence before and after Habila was found unresponsive.

 

According to the sources, investigators are attempting to establish who was present at the residence at the time of the incident, what immediate actions were taken after she was discovered, and when emergency medical assistance was requested.

 

Police are also reportedly examining allegations that the minister departed his country home shortly after the incident while aides arranged for an ambulance to transport the deceased.

 

Investigators are expected to verify the accuracy of these claims as part of their efforts to establish a complete chronology of events.

 

A senior source familiar with the investigation said detectives are carefully piecing together all available evidence.

 

“Our investigators are seeking to establish the complete timeline of events, including everyone who was present, the actions taken immediately after Habila was found, and the exact time emergency medical services were contacted,” the source reportedly said.

 

The investigation is expected to include forensic analysis, interviews with witnesses, examination of electronic records where necessary and review of medical evidence.

 

Officials say every relevant piece of information will be examined before conclusions are reached.

 

The minister has also responded strongly to allegations circulating on social media regarding the incident.

 

Umahi has denied involvement in any wrongdoing and warned that he would institute legal proceedings against individuals or organisations found to be publishing false or defamatory information concerning the case.

 

He maintained that while public interest in the matter is understandable, the spread of unverified claims could undermine ongoing investigations.

 

However, some questions raised in public discussions regarding the events preceding Habila’s death have yet to receive official clarification, contributing to sustained public curiosity about the case.

 

Civil society groups, professional associations and members of the public have continued to call for a transparent, impartial and independent investigation capable of restoring public confidence.

 

Many Nigerians have argued that the sensitive nature of the case requires investigators to ensure that every aspect of the incident is thoroughly examined and that the findings are made public upon completion.

 

Legal analysts have also stressed the importance of allowing investigators to complete their work without political interference or undue public pressure, noting that the outcome of the autopsy will likely play a central role in determining the next steps in the investigation.

 

As preparations continue for Mary Habila’s burial, her family has requested prayers and support during what they describe as one of the most painful periods in their lives.

 

Friends and colleagues have continued to pay tribute to the late physiotherapist, remembering her as a dedicated healthcare professional committed to serving others.

 

Her death has also renewed conversations about workplace safety, accountability and the need for transparent investigations whenever unexplained deaths occur under sensitive circumstances.

 

With the funeral scheduled for July 17, attention remains focused on the ongoing police investigation and the anticipated autopsy findings, which many believe will provide critical answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the young physiotherapist’s tragic death.

 

For now, investigators continue to gather documentary evidence, forensic materials and witness testimonies as they work to establish the facts surrounding one of the country’s most closely watched investigations in recent weeks. Uzorngoladi.

Gunmen attack sec school, abduct Principal, NECO Supervisor, 4 students  

Gunmen on Tuesday abducted principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) supervisor, and four students of Government Science Secondary School, Opada-Olowa, in  Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State,
during NECO examinations.
It was gathered that the incident occurred Tuesday afternoon while students were in the middle of writing their ongoing NECO examinations.
It was also gathered that abducted school officials have been identified as the Principal, Mr. Nyada Daniel, and the NECO supervisor, Mr. Solomon Audu. The names of the four abducted students have not yet been released by school authorities.
Local sources said the heavily armed attackers stormed the school premises, shooting sporadically to scare away teachers and students before seizing their targets and fled the scene with the victims before security operatives could arrive.
The whereabouts of the victims remain unknown and no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction.
Sunrisereporters.

Dogara warns of budget implementation gap, urges stronger oversight

 

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has raised concerns over the widening gap between government budget approvals and the actual delivery of projects and services to Nigerians, calling for stronger collaboration between the National Assembly and civil society organisations (CSOs) to improve accountability.

Dogara, who spoke on Tuesday at the National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, said effective oversight should go beyond committee inspections and official reports, stressing that lawmakers must ensure that public funds are properly utilised and government programmes achieve their intended objectives.

He lamented that despite 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance and huge financial allocations approved through successive budgets, many Nigerians are yet to feel the impact of democracy in their daily lives.

According to him, the major challenge facing the country is not only the availability of resources but the failure to adequately monitor and enforce the implementation of approved projects and policies.

“The essence of oversight is to ensure that every kobo appropriated by the National Assembly is spent for the purpose for which it was approved and that Nigerians receive value for public funds,” Dogara said.

The former Speaker said legislative oversight must serve as a tool for identifying corruption, waste, inefficiency and poor implementation of government programmes rather than being treated as a routine constitutional responsibility.

He urged lawmakers to place greater emphasis on tracking budget implementation, noting that the work of the legislature should not end with the passage of appropriation bills.

Dogara also called for deeper involvement of civil society organisations in parliamentary oversight, describing them as important partners with access to grassroots information, technical knowledge and evidence that can help lawmakers make informed decisions.

He said CSOs play a vital role in monitoring constituency projects, following public expenditure and highlighting areas where government interventions fail to achieve their objectives.

“Civil society organisations are the eyes and ears of the legislature. They provide information and evidence that can strengthen oversight and improve service delivery,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure as Speaker, Dogara said he encouraged the participation of civil society groups during budget defence sessions despite resistance from some lawmakers who were uncomfortable with increased public scrutiny.

He argued that institutions that reject transparency risk losing the confidence of citizens and weakening democratic values.

The former Speaker commended the current leadership of the House of Representatives under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for creating the National Assembly Open Week, describing it as an opportunity for citizens, lawmakers and stakeholders to engage on issues affecting governance.

He, however, stressed that such engagements should extend beyond annual events, urging the National Assembly to establish a permanent framework for collaboration with civil society groups.

Dogara also called on the executive arm of government to support effective oversight by providing timely information and cooperating with legislative scrutiny.

He urged CSOs to complement parliamentary oversight with credible data, verified reports and constructive recommendations capable of influencing policies and improving accountability.

The former Speaker maintained that democracy can only deliver meaningful benefits to citizens when public institutions embrace openness, accountability and continuous engagement with the people they represent. Authority.

NiMet forecasts 3-day cloudiness, thunderstorms from Wednesday nationwide

 

 

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudy and thundery weather activities from Wednesday to Friday across the country.

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‎NiMet’s weather outlook released  in Abuja envisaged patches of clouds on Wednesday over the northern region with prospects of morning thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over part of Taraba and Kebbi States during the morning hours.

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‎NiMet predicted isolated thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over ‎parts of Taraba, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano and Kaduna States later in the day.

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‎”For North central region, thunderstorms accompanied by light rains are expected over parts of Nasarawa, Niger, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory during the morning hours.

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‎”During the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains are expected over most parts of the region” it said.

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‎The agency predicted a cloudy atmosphere over the southern region with prospects of morning rains over parts of Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Cross River Abia, Imo, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom States during the morning hours.

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‎It anticipated moderate rains over most parts of the region later in the day.

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‎According to the agency, patches of clouds are anticipated over the northern region with prospects of morning thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of Jigawa, Kano, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Kaduna States from on Thursday during the morning hours.

Later during the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba States.

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‎”For North central region, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected over the central region with prospects of morning thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau,

‎Niger and Benue states during the morning hours.

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‎”Later in the day, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over the entire region,” NiMet said.

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‎NiMet envisaged light rains over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and cross River States during the morning hours of the southern region.

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‎It predicted continuous rains over most parts of the region later in the day.

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‎NiMet forecast high chances of flooding over parts of Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states

‎during this forecast period.

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‎The agency envisaged partly cloudy skies over the northern region with chances of thunderstorms accompanied by

‎moderate rains over Taraba and Adamawa States during the morning hours on Friday.

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‎According to it, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano,

‎Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa and Taraba States by the afternoon or evening hours.

‎

‎”sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over the central region with chances of thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger States during the morning hours.

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“Later in the day, thunderstorms with ‎moderate rains are anticipated in most parts of the region.

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‎”Cloudy atmosphere is expected over the southern region with prospects of moderate rains over parts of Ondo,

Ebonyi, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States of the southern region during the morning hours,” it said.

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‎The agency anticipated moderate rains over most parts of the region later in the day.

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‎According to it, strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.

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‎NiMet urged the public to take ‎adequate precaution and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.

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‎”The States with the possibility of flash flood should activate the emergency response system, immediately. Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. Newspot.

Kebbi fixes July 27 for mass wedding of 300 Muslim, Christian couples

The Kebbi Government, in collaboration with the Nafisa Nasir Charity Development Foundation (NANAS), has concluded arrangements to conduct a mass wedding for 300 couples on July 27.
Our correspondent reports that the event tagged “Inclusive Mass Wedding” comprised both Muslim and Christian couples who fulfilled the criteria set by the committee
The Chairman of the Organising Committee and National Organising Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday
Argungu, a former Deputy Governor of the state, said the beneficiaries, comprising 600 prospective Muslim and Christian spouses, were drawn from the 21 Local Government Areas of the state
He said the beneficiaries were selected from among orphans, widows and divorcees after fulfilling the required religious and legal conditions for marriage.
According to him, the exercise is the third edition of the mass wedding programme initiated by the state government.
If you recall, we successfully conducted the maiden edition for 300 couples in 2024 and the second one in 2025.
“We have already distributed application forms to prospective couples across the 21 local government areas, and preparations have reached an advanced stage,” he added.
Argungu said various committees had been constituted to ensure the smooth conduct of the programme
He listed the committees as those on security, medical services, transportation, Islamic scholars and general coordination.
He said all prospective couples were undergoing mandatory medical screening, including pregnancy, genotype and HIV/AIDS tests, in addition to other lawful prerequisites for marriage in the state
Argungu further said Gov. Nasir Idris had approved the payment of dowry for all the 300 couples, with N250,000 to be paid for each bride.
Argungu, a former Deputy Governor of the state, said the beneficiaries, comprising 600 prospective Muslim and Christian spouses, were drawn from the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
He said the beneficiaries were selected from among orphans, widows and divorcees after fulfilling the required religious and legal conditions for marriage.
According to him, the exercise is the third edition of the mass wedding programme initiated by the state government.
“If you recall, we successfully conducted the maiden edition for 300 couples in 2024 and the second one in 2025.
“We have already distributed application forms to prospective couples across the 21 local government areas, and preparations have reached an advanced stage,” he added.
Argungu said various committees had been constituted to ensure the smooth conduct of the programme.
He listed the committees as those on security, medical services, transportation, Islamic scholars and general coordination.
Argungu further said Gov. Nasir Idris had approved the payment of dowry for all the 300 couples, with N250,000 to be paid for each bride.
He added that the government and its partners would also provide the newly married couples with furniture, food items and other domestic materials to help them establish stable homes.
“There is no discrimination, provided applicants fall within the approved categories of orphans, widows or divorcees.
“The wedding will be solemnised after extensive consultations with Islamic scholars and in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which encourage marriage as a means of promoting family values and societal development,” Argungu said.
Authority.

Dangote refinery dumps Naira, sells petrol in Dollars

 

 

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has ended naira-denominated sales of refined petroleum products, introducing a new pricing template that fixes the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) at $0.779 per litre.

The new pricing regime, which took effect on Monday, also sets the ex-depot price of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) at $1.087 per litre and Aviation Turbine Kerosene at $0.942 per litre, while coastal deliveries of petrol will be sold at $1,044.62 per metric tonne.

 

The move marks the refinery’s return to dollar-based transactions after operating under the Federal Government’s naira-for-crude arrangement introduced in October 2024.

In a notice issued to petroleum marketers and customers, the refinery announced that all previously issued naira-denominated Proforma Invoices and Deal Recaps for gantry and coastal transactions had been cancelled.

 

“Following our email of July 9, 2026, regarding the transition from naira to United States dollars, all issued naira coastal and gantry PFIs/Deal Recaps are now invalid, and no payments should be made against them,” the notice stated.

The refinery, however, clarified that the new payment arrangement does not apply to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which will continue to be transacted under the existing framework.

Industry sources said the decision was driven by the growing mismatch between the currency used to purchase crude oil and the currency in which refined products were being sold.

According to the sources, Dangote Refinery now receives a larger share of its crude oil supplies from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under dollar-denominated arrangements, while much of its refined products had continued to be sold locally in naira.

The imbalance, they said, increased the refinery’s exposure to foreign exchange risks, especially amid exchange rate volatility and fluctuating global crude oil prices.

The refinery’s shift to dollar pricing is expected to have significant implications for petroleum marketers, who rely heavily on Dangote Refinery for product supply, and could influence retail fuel prices depending on exchange rates, logistics costs, transportation margins, regulatory charges and marketers’ operating expenses.

 

The development also raises fresh concerns over the future of the Federal Government’s naira-for-crude policy, which was introduced to strengthen domestic refining, reduce demand for foreign exchange and stabilise fuel prices but has faced implementation challenges in recent months as more crude supply transactions reverted to dollar payments.

 

With Dangote Refinery now serving as Nigeria’s largest supplier of refined petroleum products, the new dollar-denominated benchmark is expected to play a key role in determining downstream fuel pricing across the country. conclaveNG.

#GbajaGate too serious to be swept under the carpet – Atiku

 

 

*Says Tinubu can’t be persecuting opposition in the guise of fighting corruption and covering his own officials

 

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar says silence, indifference and passage of time cannot kill the unfolding corruption allegations against Tinubu’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.

 

Reacting to the latest report by the  Gazette newspaper, accusing the Chief of Staff of “illegally cornering tens of billions of naira in oil and gas royalties from petroleum regulatory commission, citing a fake law for presidential approval, Atiku said he is baffled by such level of large-scale corruption and the impunity that legitimises it.

 

According to the ADC Presidential candidate, “this issue goes beyond partisan politics; it’s about the impunity of corruption that undermines the welfare and future of ordinary Nigerians.”

 

The former Vice President explained that “this level of corruption is unprecedented and the government can’t pretend to be prosecuting opposition figures for corruption, while corruption is growing like weed under its own nose.”

 

Atiku reminded the Tinubu administration that “you can’t preach the rule of law when your own officials are awarded with the trophy of untouchability.”

 

The former Vice President said that “Gbajabiamila must be held accountable like every other public official and independently investigated to give him full opportunity to defend himself against the brazen act of corruption as detailed in the Gazette report.”

 

According to Atiku, “former President Buhari suspended his SGF Babachir Lawal from office in order to allow for unfettered investigation against him and Gbajabiamila shouldn’t be treated differently.”

 

He reminded that the controversial Chief of Staff has been mentioned in multiple allegations of bribery and corruption that has tainted the office of the President’s key aide: Stealing of $25,000 from a client in Georgia, USA leading to his debarment; Multiple allegations of bribe-for-appointments; Bribery allegation of N400m in the PFIPC and now this illegal cornering of N52 billion from an oil and gas regulatory age

 

The ADC presidential candidate added that, “given the apathetic and lackadaisical attitude of the Tinubu administration to the gales of corruption scandals against the Chief of Staff, it’s apparent that the government is just going through the motions to fool Nigerians.”

 

“Democracy is public service and when political office holders prioritise the amassing of personal wealth while the ordinary people are dying of hunger and preventable diseases, the Tinubu administration cannot pretend to be serving the people,” Atiku said.

President Tinubu, please read the writing on the wall

 

 

By Iliyasu Gadu

Let me begin this article with a reference to the scriptures.

 

There is a passage in the scriptures where the almighty God decided to test the faith of Pharoah the King of Egypt. Pharoah was at the height of his untrammeled power such that his rule over his subjects was absolute and unchallenged. He literarily had the power of life and death over them and they in turn surrendered to him without question.

 

To test the extent of Pharoah’s power and belief in whether there is another power above him, God decided to send an angel in human form.

 

The angel in human form proceeded to ask Pharoah whether he believed he truly was the most powerful ruler in the universe. Answering in the affirmative, the angel then asked the Pharoah, what in his view would constitute the greatest crime or challenge to his rule over his subjects. In reply, the Pharoah stated emphatically that any attempt not to recognise his absolute supremacy and to recognise others powers in his place would attract the greatest and harshest punishment. And that punishment Pharoah said, would be to drown that person or persons alive.

 

If we are conversant with the scriptures, we would know what became the end of Pharaoh in the depths of the Red Sea. The encounter with the angel was God’s way of judging the faith and belief of Pharoah in the divine omnipotence of God. Just as Pharoah brooked no challenge to his power for which he reserved the harshest of punishments, so also the almighty God admonishes us to recognise and to submit unquestionably to his absolute power over us and not to associate him with any other powers. In the end God applied on the Pharoah the same punishment he reserved for those that would have challenged his (Pharaoh’s rule) by drowning him alive in the Red Sea.

 

Nigeria may not be Pharoah’s Egypt, and many would dismiss this scriptural account of God and the Pharoah as unreal, but the lessons are historically and universally true.

 

Presently nobody would deny that Nigeria is in a state of dystopia with mounting insecurity, hunger, poverty, corruption among others ravaging the land. Amidst this pestilence is also a disconnect between the masses of people and those that rule over them. Not only are those entrusted to rule over the people engaging in denial over the state of things that they are responsible for bringing about, they are proceeding to exacerbate the situation by the policies and measures they apply. And to add salt to injury the rulers of the land have turned to mocking the people over the suffering and misery the subject the people.

 

It is no doubt by God’s design that President Bola Tinubu is ruling Nigeria under the present circumstances. While President Tinubu basks in this state of power, it is a huge question as to whether he recognises that this position carries with it a heavy test of faith and belief in the power of God who placed him on the throne he now sits.

 

On the strengths of his policies and utterances majority of Nigerians would doubt very much that President Tinubu deeply cares about the plight of the people he rules over. Many Nigerians would point to the statements of the President as evidence that he is in denial, disconnect and even in disdain of the people of Nigeria.

 

But rather than bask in opulent exercise of the power that God has bestowed on him, President Tinubu should also consider the responsibility he owes to God and not forget that the power he currently wields is not ad infinitum. And most significantly, President Tinubu should consider that the power he currently exercises by the divine hand also  carries with it circumstances and consequences that will not just test him, but also judge his actions and statements surely and inevitably as happened with rulers before him. And in this divine judgment, no human Judge or security apparati, indeed no human contrivance can intervene to ward off God’s course of action. We witnessed it with Generals Ibrahim Babangida and late Sani Abacha and with President Olusegun Obasanjo all of whom contrived to ”outwit” God.

 

President Tinubu, like Pharoah in the scriptures, may have unwittingly pronounced his own divine fate and judgment when he stated that Nigerians should not vote for him when he comes for reelection if within the four years of his first term he did not provide full electricity to Nigeria. If he meant this do garner votes from the people, his wish was granted by God who installed him in power. But since he had not made good on his promise and he is now seeking to come for reelection President Tinubu should bear in mind that just as God granted the first part of his request, he probably would also grant him the second part which is to deny him his wish for reelection.

 

Again it is also probable too that God has hearkened to his statement made years ago that he never believed in the unity of Nigeria. So under the present circumstances that he is president of Nigeria with full executive powers, God is also daring him to implement the breakup of Nigeria as he once uttered. It is as they say, from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh. God cannot be mocked.

 

But history has recorded that rulers who forgot to imbibe its enduring lessons end up becoming its victims. It has been the way of rulers in history in exercise of the powers given to them by God to forget him. In a way it is God’s way of setting them for eventual judgment by denying them the necessity of introspection and recognizing that not only the power they exercise comes from God but also of making them to get lost in their covenant with God.  We remember the Roman Emperor Nero who was fiddling while his empire burned fiercely from within figuratively and literarily. There was also the case of Nebuchadnezzar the Babylonian King who at the height of his grandeur was brought crashing down. Then of course there was the French Queen who dismissed the suffering of her French subjects when brought to her attention with a derisory ”Let them eat bread”!

 

All the signals are clear in the horizon of a looming rupture in Nigeria under President Tinubu. For sure he cannot be blamed entirely on how we got to this pass. But by the same token President Tinubu cannot deny knowledge of the dire conditions precedent in the country before he came to power and the fact that God had given him the powers to change things for the better as a test of his faith and belief.

 

President Tinubu cannot deny seeing and reading the clear signals of the consequences of his rule in Nigeria. And surely like rulers of the country before him he will not escape the divine judgment that follows from his rule.

 

Iliyasu Gadu, a former Foreign Service Officer who served at the Nigerian Missions in Germany and the United Kingdom (UK), is also a columnist with Daily Trust

Moses Simon’s fallacy on Enugu Rangers International    

 

By Ike Abonyi

A recent online interview featuring Super Eagles player Moses Simon saw him attempting to disparage Rangers International, seemingly in response to his alleged rejection by the club. Simon presented an improbable narrative, claiming he was prevented from playing for Rangers International of Enugu during a tryout due to his Northern origins. This assertion is demonstrably false for anyone familiar with Rangers, a club that has historically and continues to feature numerous players from Northern Nigeria. It is posited that Simon, having achieved stardom, may have perceived his past rejection as a significant humiliation and fabricated this story as a form of retribution, inadvertently harming his own public image.

 

Rangers enjoys unparalleled popularity and a substantial fanbase throughout Nigeria, exceeding that of any other club. A significant portion of this devoted following also admires Moses Simon’s current achievements. By publicly denigrating such a prominent institution, Simon should anticipate considerable criticism. His current stature may have led him to believe he has outgrown the sting of past setbacks, overlooking the many footballing luminaries who, after initial rejections, rose to prominence without seeking to tarnish the reputations of the clubs that once overlooked them. Notable examples include Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Liverpool, and Belgian stars Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, all of whom faced rejection from Chelsea in their formative years.

 

Simon appears to have been ill-advised in his public statements, which could have lasting negative repercussions on his professional career. Elevating one’s career by attempting to damage the reputation of a widely respected and beloved brand like Rangers is counterproductive. Dragging tribe into was clearly unwise. It is hoped that he will consider removing the interview or issuing a retraction.

 

Ike Abonyi editor @ large and Rangers fan