Nigeria’s image under scrutiny over Natasha-Akpabio case, says ex-ambassador
A former Nigerian career diplomat, Ibrahim Mohammed Bashir, Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), has stated that the alleged sexual harassment case involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has put Nigeria’s image to the test. Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan This follows the report filed by the embattled senator at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Natasha, who was suspended by the Senate, has continued to fight against what she describes as “injustice”, following her suspension from the National Assembly. After her report at the IPU meeting, many Nigerians criticized her move, arguing that it was tarnishing the country’s image. In an exclusive interview with The New Daily Prime, Bashir remarked that Nigeria was already under international scrutiny, especially from Western nations, due to the ongoing crisis in the National Assembly. He further noted that the embattled senator was acting out of frustration, which is why she decided to escalate the matter to the IPU meeting. “Nigeria’s reputation is under scrutiny because of such a serious allegation of sexual harassment. Even before she took her case to the IPU, the UN Human Rights Commission and diplomatic missions in Nigeria were already closely monitoring developments and reporting their assessments to their respective governments,” he stated. Bashir emphasized that while the IPU is not part of the United Nations, it holds permanent observer status with the UN General Assembly, allowing it to participate in global discussions and activities. “Senator Natasha was pushed to the wall and had to resort to the IPU to be heard because her right to a fair hearing was denied. In today’s interconnected world, she took her case before a global body to ensure her voice was heard and to seek redress,” he added. Federal Government’s Response to the Crisis Bashir advised that the federal government must handle the matter professionally, especially when addressing it on an international platform. “The government of Nigeria, through its diplomatic representatives at the IPU, should not dismiss the matter as trivial or a mere domestic affair. A well-structured and convincing response should be provided sooner rather than later.” He also highlighted the legal implications of sexual harassment allegations, stressing that if proven, such misconduct carries serious legal consequences under Nigeria’s Criminal Code, Penal Code, and the Constitution. Bashir argued that the issue could have been resolved internally within the Senate, without escalating it to the international stage. “This was fundamentally a parliamentary dispute over seat allocation that should have been resolved within the Senate chamber. With effective leadership, this matter would not have escalated to this level.” He further explained that all 109 senators are equal representatives, and leadership roles, including that of the Senate President, should not create a hierarchical power imbalance. “Her suspension was handed down without giving her the opportunity to present her defence, violating parliamentary ethics and a High Court order in the process.” What remains clear is that the case has exposed deep flaws in Nigeria’s parliamentary governance and has placed the country’s commitment to justice, fairness, and democracy under global scrutiny.
Trump working to reinstate over 24,000 fired federal workers
President Donald Trump’s administration says it is moving to reinstate more than 24,000 probationary workers it fired as part of its efforts to slash the size of the federal workforce. Officials at 18 departments and agencies on Wednesday submitted signed declarations detailing their teams’ efforts to rehire the fired workers in order to comply with court orders. Last week two federal judges ordered the administration to temporarily reinstate thousands of probationary workers who were fired. The documents are the first full accounting of how many people lost their jobs in the Trump administration’s mass firings of probationary workers, who have typically held their positions for less than two years and don’t have full civil service protections. But many of the employees being reinstated won’t be getting right back to work; instead, they’ll be placed on administrative leave, including at the Education Department and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, two agencies that have been targeted for dismantling, and a number of other major federal departments. A rally in support of federal workers at the Office of Personnel Management in Washington on March 4. Alex Wroblewski / AFP – Getty Images Several of the officials said in the filings that reinstating employees to “full duty status would impose substantial burdens” on their departments or agencies, noting that the employees would need to be onboarded again, complete training and paperwork, and receive applicable security clearances and government equipment. Officials also said that while their departments and agencies were working to reinstate probationary employees, “an appellate ruling could reverse the district court’s order shortly after terminated employees have been reinstated.” “In short, employees could be subjected to multiple changes in their employment status in a matter of weeks,” the officials said. Charles Spitzer-Stadtlander, a Federal Aviation Administration probationary employee who was fired last month in the widespread cuts, was reinstated Tuesday, according to an email shared with NBC News. The email said the Transportation Department was “rescinding” his initial termination to be “in compliance” with the order from U.S. District Judge James Bredar in Maryland last week. Spitzer-Stadtlander will receive backpay as well, the email said. The court filings on Tuesday said fired probationary workers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been put on administrative leave, but three CDC workers told NBC News on Monday evening that they had not yet been reinstated. “I feel like I’m being gaslighted,” said Sarah Boim, a former communications specialist at the agency, said Tuesday. “What I’m being told my experience is is so deeply different than what my real experience is. It’s disconcerting, and it makes me angry.” When reached again on Tuesday, the three workers said they had not received any notice related to paid administrative leave. The CDC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Separately, in the second of the two cases dealing with the reinstatement of the workers, U.S. District Judge William Alsup took issue with putting those who are rehired on administrative leave, telling the government’s lawyers Monday night that doing so “would not restore the services the preliminary injunction intends to restore.” “The Court has read news reports that, in at least one agency, probationary employees are being rehired but then placed on administrative leave en masse,” Alsup said in a filing. “This is not allowed by the preliminary injunction, for it would not restore the services the preliminary injunction intends to restore.” Alsup, who serves the Northern District of California, asked that the government “state the extent to which any rehired probationary employees are being placed on administrative leave” by Tuesday at noon. The federal government moved last month to fire probationary employees after agency leaders were advised by the Office of Personnel Management to dismiss the workers, NBC News previously reported.
Six dead, 40 missing in Italy boat disaster
Six people have died and 40 are missing after a boat disaster off the Italian island of Lampedusa. The wreck occurred on Tuesday afternoon. A half-sunken dinghy was spotted by Italian police patrols close to the islet of Lampione. The Italian coastguard rescued 10 people. The search for survivors resumed early on Wednesday morning. According to reports in the Italian press, survivors told rescuers there were about 56 people on the vessel, which had left from Sfax in Tunisia and got into difficulty owing to bad weather. They said many had fallen into the sea. The bodies of six people were taken to Lampedusa. Six men and four women were among the survivors transferred to a reception centre on the island. “The deaths in the Mediterranean of those who set out in search of a more dignified future point a finger towards our own inability to imagine a future capable of giving hope and horizons of life,” said Father Marco Pagniello, the director of the Italian unit for the Catholic church-run charity Caritas. “During days in which the merciless violence of wars are once again getting the upper hand over the prospect of peace, all the more is required of everyone, but especially those who have received the mandate to work for the common good, to respond first and foremost to the needs of those who are forced to abandon their home. We cannot get used to these [tragic] events as if they are business as usual.” The wreck comes amid a steady increase in the number of people arriving in Italy after making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean from north Africa in search of refuge. The rise was most noticeable in January, when 3,368 people arrived compared with 2,258 in the same month in 2024. Most of the people who came towards the end of that month had left from Libya, with whom Italy has a controversial pushback deal. The increase is believed to have been connected to the arrest in Italy of Osama Najim, a Libyan warlord wanted by the international criminal court for suspected war crimes, including abuse of migrants and refugees held in Libyan detention centres as part of the pact. Najim was subsequently released and deported back to Tripoli, causing uproar in Italy. At least 248 people are estimated to have died while trying to cross the Mediterranean in January and February, according to figures from the International Organisation for Migration. An estimated 2,300 either died or went missing during the crossing in 2024.
Santander UK to cut 750 Jobs as it closes 95 branches Nationwide
Santander UK, the British arm of Spain’s Banco Santander, announced on Wednesday its plan to close 95 of its 444 branches, a move that puts approximately 750 jobs at risk. The decision follows a 63% increase in digital transactions since 2019, while financial transactions in physical branches have dropped by 61% over the same period. These closures, set to begin in June 2025, will reduce Santander UK’s branch network by nearly 20%. Following the changes, the bank will operate 349 outlets, including 290 full-service branches and 36 with reduced hours. Like many other banks in Britain, Santander has been cutting branch numbers as more customers transition to digital banking. However, the move has faced criticism from UK lawmakers, who argue that reducing the number of physical branches makes it more difficult for local businesses and vulnerable customers, particularly in rural areas, to access essential banking services. In September 2024, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) introduced new rules requiring banks to ensure that communities have access to free alternative cash services before closing branches. “As a business, we must move with customers and balance our investment across all the places where we interact with them, to deliver the very best service now and in the future,” Santander UK stated. “Closing a branch is always a very difficult decision, and we spend a great deal of time assessing when and where we do this and how to minimize the impact on our customers.” The bank said it is consulting employee unions and will provide support to affected staff, including assistance in finding alternative roles within the company. Santander UK currently employs approximately 18,000 people, according to its annual report. The bank reported a 38% decline in annual pre-tax profit, falling to £1.33 billion in 2024. Last month, Banco Santander reaffirmed its commitment to its UK division, stating that it remains a key part of its global business and is not for sale, following media speculation that it was reviewing its presence in Britain. In January 2025, reports suggested that Barclays had approached Santander about a potential acquisition offer, but discussions did not progress beyond the early stages.
EFCC arrests Bauchi Accountant General for alleged ₦70bn fraud
The Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Jaja, has been arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of financial misappropriation amounting to ₦70 billion. Jaja was apprehended in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, alongside Aliyu Abubakar, an operator of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, an unlicensed Bureau de Change (BDC), and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator. The anti-hraft agency said the arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds, and financial misconduct. The EFCC has also extended its probe to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, concerning the case. Further investigations are expected to reveal more details about the alleged fraud. The EFCC said investigations showed that cash withdrawal of N59 billion had been made through various bank accounts opened and operated by the Accountant General on behalf of the state government. The money was allegedly moved to Abubakar and Sambo, who in turn made cash payments to party agents and associates of the governor. The BDC operator, Abubakar, earlier jumped bail and has now been rearrested. EFCC Spokesman, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest.
N’Golo Kanté’s traditional wedding holds in Mali
World Cup winner and renowned Franco-Malian footballer, N’Golo Kanté has reportedly held a traditional wedding ceremony in Bamako, Mali. The wedding of the 33-year-old Al-Ittihad and French national team star is reportedly to a Malian woman, and has captured global attention. The wedding pictures have gone viral on social media, sparking admiration among fans, particularly in Africa reinforcing his connection to the continent. Known for his humility, and tireless work rate, Kante made a name for himself with Chelsea, lifting Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles. He was also instrumental as France won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in style. The photos of the alleged wedding ceremony were marked by traditional Malian attire and showcased Kanté and his bride in elegant, culturally rich outfits. Kante was vibrant in white and gold traditional flowing garments and his bride in a stunning purple dress and headscarf of Malian culture. Kanté, who was brought up in Rueil-Malmaison, France has maintained a low-profile personal life and the fans were delighted to see pictures of his wedding go viral.
Ben & Jerry’s CEO sacked amid ongoing dispute with parent company Unilever
Ben & Jerry’s has dismissed its Chief Executive, David Stever, amid a longstanding conflict with its parent company, Unilever, over the ice cream maker’s political activism. Court documents reveal that Unilever is replacing Stever, citing concerns over his outspoken stance on social issues. The documents further allege that Unilever, a multinational consumer goods giant, took action to remove Stever following repeated disputes over the company’s history of activism. The development coincides with the U.S. government’s removal of hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members under a now-blocked authority. According to the filings, Unilever believed that Stever’s vocal support for political causes conflicted with its corporate governance policies. The controversy intensified last month when Ben & Jerry’s accused Unilever of pressuring the company to halt public criticism of Donald Trump. Ben & Jerry’s, founded in 1978 by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, was acquired by Unilever in 2000. As part of the merger agreement, an independent board was established to safeguard the brand’s mission and commitment to social causes. However, Unilever retained primary responsibility for financial and operational decisions, leading to ongoing tensions between the two entities. One of the most notable disputes arose in 2021 when Ben & Jerry’s announced it would cease selling ice cream in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, stating that continuing sales in the region would contradict the brand’s values. In response, Unilever sold the business to its Israeli licensee, effectively bypassing Ben & Jerry’s decision. The latest court filings, submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, claim that Unilever sought to curb Stever’s political statements and warned him against continuing the brand’s tradition of activism. “Unilever has repeatedly threatened Ben & Jerry’s personnel, including CEO David Stever, should they fail to comply with Unilever’s efforts to silence the social mission,” the filing alleges. “On March 3, 2025, Unilever informed the independent board that they were removing and replacing Mr. Stever as Ben & Jerry’s CEO.” Despite the announcement, Stever—who has been with Ben & Jerry’s since 1988, starting as a company tour guide—is still listed as CEO on the company’s website. The conflict between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever may soon shift as Unilever plans to spin off its ice cream division into a separate company. The new company, which will include brands such as Magnum and Wall’s, is expected to be headquartered in the Netherlands, with its primary stock market listing in Amsterdam. While the future of Ben & Jerry’s leadership remains uncertain, the move to separate Unilever’s ice cream business could signal a potential easing of tensions between the two entities. However, it remains to be seen whether the brand will continue its activist-driven identity under new leadership.
Strange disease kills 6 Kebbi varsity students, many hospitalised
An outbreak of a strange disease at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, have reportedly left at least six students dead, with several others currently hospitalised. Some students of the university, who spoke on the condition of anonymity since the institution has not made an official statement, revealed that four students mysteriously died last week, while another passed away on Sunday after falling sick overnight. The students expressed frustration over what they described as the authorities’ inaction. “The situation is getting worse, yet the school management has not taken any decisive action to protect us,” a student said. “We informed the school management about the outbreak earlier, but they showed no concern. Students became unconscious within a short period, and some complained of severe neck pain. We don’t know the exact number of affected students, but we have recorded more than six deaths,” the student added. Another student disclosed that vaccines arrived on campus just the previous day, and students had begun receiving them. However, he noted that the outbreak was not limited to students alone. “A local friend told me that more than 10 people have been dying daily in the past two weeks,” the student claimed. According to SaharaReporters, yet another student said that despite the alarming situation, the school has yet to formally address students. “The Students’ Union Government (SUG) has also remained silent, apart from sending condolence messages for the deceased,” he said. A 400-level student lamented the worsening situation, saying, “We are not safe here anymore. I have lost two of my classmates to this outbreak. We want the school to be closed until a solution is found. Moreover, the healthcare system in this state is in terrible condition.” He explained that patients at both the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Birnin Kebbi and the Teaching Hospital in Kalgo, Kebbi, are being attended to in the hospital reception due to a lack of bed space. There are also complaints of a lack of electricity to run medical tests at the federal medical centre. “Our SUG is just a figurehead; they are not doing anything. If possible, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) should intervene on our behalf.” He said that a student identified as Abdulraheem Abdul Ganiy was reportedly attended to at the reception of FMC Birnin Kebbi before he passed away Tuesday night due to the unavailability of hospital beds. Meanwhile, in a statement released on Wednesday, the university’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mustapha Mansur Ango, advised students to take precautionary measures. The statement read, “To the entire University staff and students, prevention is better than cure. Sleep in well-ventilated areas, keep your surroundings clean, wash your hands regularly, and maintain good hygiene. “Sleep in well-ventilated areas.If you experience headache, catarrh or neck stiffness, visit the university clinic immediately.” However, the university management has yet to provide further details on the outbreak or measures being taken to address the situation. Meanwhile, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, expressed condolences over the passing of Olasoji Samuel Timileyin, a 400-level student in the Department of Architecture. In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Union President, Comrade Abdulrahman Ibrahim, the SUG revealed that the deceased was transported to the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kebbi for treatment without the necessary consent or prior awareness of the university’s relevant staff or the Students’ Union Government. “We wish to formally notify the esteemed Student body of the Kebbi State University of the tragic passing of Olasoji Samuel Timileyin, a dedicated 400-level student in the Department of Architecture. Samuel, who resided off-campus in Aliero, experienced a serious illness that necessitated medical attention. His relatives took the step to transport him to the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kebbi for treatment; however, this was done without the necessary and prior consent and awareness of the university’s relevant staff neither the Students’ Union Government. “In the wake of this heart-wrenching loss, the Students’ Union Government feels the weight of grief deeply and extends its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Olasoji Samuel Timileyin. President Imamu has conveyed the sentiments of the entire student body, emphasising the profound tragedy that accompanies the loss of a young person with much potential ahead of him.
Lagos business etiquette: the dos and don’ts
By Aanu Adeoye. Illustrations by Diana Ejaita How to navigate everything from greetings to meetings to dress code in the Nigerian megacity So you have decided to come to Lagos for a business trip. Why? But seriously, welcome. You may have heard that Lagos can be chaotic at the best of times. That is true. It’s an inevitability when the country’s smallest state by land area also holds its largest urban population of more than 20mn. There are more people in Lagos, a tiny strip of land surrounded by water, than in London and New York combined. Pack sunscreen — the sun really shines here. The heat and humidity can leave fairer-skinned people looking rather red. The first thing to know is that Lagos is not for the faint of heart. Many visitors have opined that the airport, particularly the old international terminal that is now thankfully undergoing some renovations, can often be a taste of what is to come. The airport also holds a valuable lesson: you must exercise patience, lots of it, at every turn in Lagos. Outside the airport, a sprawling city with snarling traffic awaits. Lagos is a mirror on wider Nigerian society where wealth, often gaudy and sometimes extreme, lives side by side with glaring poverty. If you, dear reader, are visiting Lagos for a business trip, it’s likely that you will see floating slum communities as you are being chauffeured to gleaming towers in the business district of Victoria Island or the fancy private members’ clubs that dot Ikoyi and its environs. Anyway, welcome once again. And bear in mind that the only universal code in Lagos is that there are almost no rules and everything is being made up as we go along. If you’re a stickler for order or time, as I often am, that may be incredibly frustrating and you need to learn to roll with the punches. But if you’re a freewheeling soul not opposed to fun, you’ve found the perfect city. If there’s one thing Lagos knows how to do, it’s how to have a good time. After all, it is the home of Detty December, the month-long season of fun and good vibes that marks the end of every year and brings in the Nigerian diaspora and other nationalities too. “The only universal code in Lagos is that there are almost no rules and everything is being made up as we go along“ Lagos is also the capital of Afrobeats, the music genre that has taken the world by storm and got people dancing across the globe, from Johannesburg to London, New York and Australia. As the singer Banky W noted in his seminal 2009 hit “Lagos Party”, “Ain’t no party like a Lagos party”. He’s right. Greetings Hugs with people you barely know are rare (plentiful when you do know them); French-style kisses on the cheek are non-existent. A firm handshake works in most business settings in Lagos, regardless of the gender of the person on the receiving end. Like the rest of the country it inhabits, Lagos has a big culture of loudly cosplaying respect, so a bow of sorts while shaking hands, especially with a much older person, goes a long way. It costs you nothing as an outsider and garners you a lot of goodwill. There are no downsides to this. In meetings in restaurants, expect to hear a lot of “Sir” and “Ma” from wait staff, who pepper every interaction with one or the other. I find most of it overbearing, but these are the unwritten customs of the land. Never call anyone by their first name unless they specifically ask that you do. And even then, exercise restraint. It’s usually better to address people as “Mr”, “Mrs” or “Ms”. Most people here use an honorific; you will almost certainly meet a “Chief” or “Dr”. Call them “Chief” and you’re halfway to earning their trust. Respect — or, rather, signalling respect — is a big part of Nigerian culture. Go against it at your own risk. Meetings Schedule your meetings, but be fully aware that start times are a suggestion in Lagos rather than a binding agreement. If you’re 10 minutes late, there’s still a very good chance you’re early. But always be punctual, and plan ahead on how to beat traffic. You may have to wait. It’s not unusual to be kept kicking your heels for 30 minutes or more, especially if you’re meeting a “Big Man”. After the exchange of pleasantries, there will be chit-chat about how you’re finding Lagos, questions about your family, how the wife/husband and kids are faring back home. Do not fret; your interlocutor is not gathering intel for nefarious purposes. They’re trying to get you to relax before delving into the matter of the day. Indulge in it. Phones will ring during meetings. Your host will almost certainly interrupt a meeting to answer one of their many phones at some point. Bring a business card and hand one out to everyone on the table. It matters little that they may already have your details. Most importantly, do not come empty-handed: bring “gist”. What is gist, I hear you ask? In Nigerian parlance, it’s laid-back chatter or gossip, which can be sprinkled throughout your meeting or conversation. You may have come to discuss an oil or telecoms deal, but you will also engage in this dissemination of information of the non-public variety — about a senator, say, who has secured a dodgy contract, or an executive out of favour with the authorities. A London-dwelling friend of mine who regularly visits Lagos for work tells me her meetings are incomplete without this ritual. It’s always better if the element of your gist is true, but do not be deterred by sharing that third- or fourth-hand scandalous story you picked up from another meeting. The city runs on gist. Dress Code Look smart and come properly dressed. This is important. People here often use a person’s clothes as
From critic to enforcer: Tinubu’s U-turn on emergency rule
It is no longer news that President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu announced the emergency measure and appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.), as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs. The 1999 Constitution, under Section 305, grants the President the power to declare a state of emergency under specific conditions. However, such a proclamation must be published in the government gazette and submitted to the National Assembly for approval. A two-thirds majority of the National Assembly is required to validate the declaration, ensuring checks and balances to prevent executive overreach. Tinubu’s decision has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that he lacks the constitutional authority to suspend a duly elected governor. Among those who condemned the move are former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), among others. Meanwhile, this newspaper gathered that Tinubu is the third president to declare a state of emergency since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. His Tuesday proclamation marks the fourth time a sitting president has invoked emergency powers. History of states of emergency The first state of emergency in Nigeria was declared in May 2004 by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo in Plateau State, one year into his second term. Like Tinubu, Obasanjo suspended the governor and the State Assembly, appointing Major General Chris Alli (retd.) as administrator to restore order. Obasanjo’s action followed violent clashes between Muslims and Christians, which led to a breakdown of law and order. He subsequently removed Governor Joshua Dariye, accusing him of failing to contain the violence. In October 2006, Obasanjo again imposed a state of emergency—this time in Ekiti State—following the controversial impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose, which plunged the state into chaos. READ ALSO: Tinubu meets Rivers state administrator Ibas after emergency declaration He suspended Fayose and appointed Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) as administrator until stability was restored. In May 2013, amid the escalating Boko Haram insurgency, then-President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. Unlike Obasanjo, Jonathan did not suspend the governors or lawmakers but instead deployed additional troops and imposed curfews to curb insurgent activities. Once opposed, now in favour A resurfaced newspaper clipping shared by ArchivingNG on X shows an excerpt from ‘The Comet’ quoting Tinubu as condemning Obasanjo’s 2004 suspension of Dariye, calling it illegal. Tinubu was among the political figures who fiercely opposed Obasanjo’s move, arguing that it set a dangerous precedent. Similarly, Tinubu, as leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), criticised Jonathan in 2013 for allegedly using the state of emergency as a tool to weaken elected governments in opposition-controlled states ahead of his re-election bid. In an opinion piece published by Premium Times on May 15, 2013, titled ‘Jonathan Bares His Fangs, By Bola Ahmed Tinubu’, he accused Jonathan of intimidating and emasculating the governors of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa. Tinubu warned that Nigeria was witnessing a dangerous trend in governance, describing the move as a deliberate attempt to subvert constitutional democracy. A decade later, Tinubu now finds himself championing the very measure he once opposed. His article read thus: “The body language of the Jonathan administration leads any keen watcher of events with the unmistakable conclusion of the existence of a surreptitious but barely disguised intention to muzzle the elected governments of these states for what is clearly a display of unpardonable mediocrity and diabolic partisanship geared towards 2015. “Borno and Yobe states have been literally under armies of occupation with the attendant excruciating hardship experienced daily by the indigenes and residents of these areas. This government now wants to use the excuse of the security challenges faced by the Governors to remove them from the states considered hostile to the 2015 PDP/Jonathan project. “Let me be quick to say that this administration will be setting in motion a chain of events the end of which nobody can predict. Experience has shown clearly that actions such as this one under consideration often give root to radical ideologies and extremist tendencies, a direct opposite of the intended outcome of unwarranted and unintelligent meddlesomeness. “The present scenario playing out in the country reminds one of the classical case of a mediocre craftsman who continually blames the tools of his trade for his serial failure but refuses to look at his pitiable state to adjust. “It has become crystal clear, even to the most incurable optimist, that the country is adrift. That the ship of the Nigerian state is rudderless is clearly evident in the consistent and continual attacks ferociously executed by elements often referred to as the insurgents in some northern states of the federation, particularly Borno and Yobe states respectively. “Indeed, no part of the country is immune from the virulent but easy attacks, veritable indices of a failing state. Unfortunately, the tenuous and uncoordinated approach adopted by this government betrays a grossly incompetent disposition which stands at variance with current realities in the country, nay the international community where acts of terrorism are engaged and contained. “No Governor of a state in Nigeria is the Chief Security Officer. Putting the blame on the Governors, who have been effectively emasculated, for the abysmal performance of the government at the centre which controls all these security agencies, smacks of ignorance and mischief. “Terrorist acts are perpetrated routinely and the government at the centre appears incapable of stemming the tide of the horrendous crimes unleashed on the hapless populace. The considerable ease with which lives and property are destroyed daily should excite deep introspection on the part of a government truly desirous of finding a lasting solution. “The Constitution provides that the safety and welfare of citizens shall be the primary purpose of having that structure of any political leadership in the
