News

The Gang up of failed Ministers and the Illusion of Grandeur

Published

9 years ago

July 5, 2017

There couldn’t have been anything more absurd, a gathering of ministers who in their time failed to deliver on key programmes of their administration and were summarily sacked from office. But in Nigeria, anything is possible as people no longer feel ashamed over the consequences of their actions.

In trying to understand the motive for the Monday meet which this time chose to focus on 2019, let us examine the history of this group as that would determine their worth and their significance to the polity.

When President Muhammadu Buhari took over power on the promise to cleanse the country of the mess of corruption left behind by the administration preceding his, it was discovered that the rot was deeper than expected and to get to the root of the matter, it was decided that the head of that administration had to be asked certain questions even though this was against the gentleman concession made by the president initially.

But as the interest of the nation became paramount and all seems to be settled that there was a need for the former president to clear the air on certain issues, some ministers with skeletons in their cupboards and who realized their tracks would be exposed in that bid quickly convened a meeting to sway the mood of the nation against the plan.
Their action which was not in the interest of the nation but clearly to cover their tracks was what gave them the idea to converge.

Prior to that the ministers had tried to frustrate investigations into their administration by running to Jonathan to save them from Buhari and issuing warning to permanent secretaries in federal ministries not to do them in.

So when the same coterie of ministers who served under the PDP concluded their meeting at the residence of former minister of special duties, Tanimu Turaki at Asokoro, Abuja, one could not help but feel sorry for Nigeria when viewed against the backdrop of the fact that the nation once gave the task of running the affairs of this nation to this awful pack of self serving politicians.

At the end of their meeting, despite all the challenges facing their party, their image and integrity and their dwindling political fortunes coupled with the startling revelations about how their party tried to run the country aground, all the ex-ministers could muster was to challenge the president on his sick bed with something they know they have no capacity to deliver.

If the intention was divert the attention of the public from investigations of sleaze during their time then it must be emphasized that the task has failed as their conclusion at the meeting has only highlighted the need to accelerate the process of investigations so that these ones who have done incalculable damage to Nigeria and its resources can be prosecuted and permanently put behind bars where they belong so that the nation can this time and on a serious note breath fresh air.

Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, Turaki said they will like to see President Muhammadu Buhari re-contest in 2019 so as to defeat him in the election. After having a good laugh at the childish outburst, the first question any serious minded person would ask this pack of comedians is on which platform do they intend to do that giving how their party has not only been fragmented but stymied to the point that it has remained in permanent convulsion.

Without the capacity to manage a party once out of power, the former ministers have exposed their real motive of being in government, which reads, ‘to milk the country dry’ and once that attraction was removed by the loss of power they all scampered leaving the party to bleed endlessly to the point where no single awe inspiring individual is remaining.

One would have expected that given this grim reality, the ministers would have done a deeper introspection to examine the factors that have rendered them redundant and effete that they cannot muster courage and resilience to put up even a feeble opposition and why their party seems heading to extinction.

The recourse to meaningless and childish talks about inviting Buhari to re-contest does not even arise as right thinking members of the society are concerned about how to clean the mess left behind by the PDP.
The PDP leaders had the temerity to talk about the security situation in the country. What an irony. They forget that the Boko Haram menace got its seed from the PDP store, got planted under that administration, was watered by same, grew and began to bear fruits all under that administration.

Nigerians have not forgotten that when they were in power Nigeria did not just lose local government but more than the land mass that could make three or more states while all the leadership then could offer was a feeble ‘we are on top of the situation.’
The PDP leaders also accused Buhari of trying to polarize the country thereby choosing to forget that it was during the Jonathan administration that regional suspicion heightened due to the open bias shown on issues that affect the polity.

When a group from Niger Delta planted a bomb around the Eagle Square Abuja and detonated same and later owned up to the act, then President Jonathan came out openly to exonerate them because as he said they were his brothers.

The attempt to compel other leaders of the group responsible to pin the plot on northern political leaders though it failed set into motion the process for which all the regions began to view themselves with suspicion.

They forgot that it was a PDP president, who on assuming power jettisoned the political arrangement within his party that stipulate the sharing of offices on rotational basis and further sowed the seed for divisive politics when he reneged on a promise not to run again in 2015.

The claim that Jonathan exercised patriotism and selflessness by conceding power is also hogwash as it was later found out that the idea did not run deep with him and the top men in that government when they tried to pressure the then national chairman of the party to use the platform of the party to challenge the elections in court.

In saner climes, the PDP and its henchmen would have been haunted and prosecuted for the damage they have done to the country which the APC government is trying very much to fix but because shamelessness has been elevated to a virtue this pack have the temerity to show their faces in public.

If they are serious, they should intensify their prayers that the President should come back hale and hearty and they will see the reality that would greet their long expected comeuppance when further investigations would not only reveal the real amount stolen by key members of their government but when the process would put them where they belong, behind bars.

Idoko Ainoko, a political analyst writes from Kaduna.

News

“Nigeria’s Biggest Ever Coalition, Civil Groups, Professionals, Labour, Artisans, Declare for Bola Tinubu”

Published

4 days ago

April 14, 2026

milcah

In what is being described as an unprecedented political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, a broad-based national coalition cutting across civil society organisations, professional bodies, labour groups, artisan associations, and other grassroots networks has announced plans to formally endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.

The coalition, spearheaded by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, COCSON, now extends far beyond the traditional civic space, bringing together over 1,500 groups from diverse sectors of the Nigerian society. Participants include human rights organisations, medical and legal professionals, trade and artisan unions, community-based organisations, and influential labour leaders, reflecting a wide national spread and multi-sectoral backing.

The historic convention is scheduled to hold on May 17, 2026, where leaders and representatives of the various groups are expected to converge in what organisers say will be the largest endorsement gathering in Nigeria’s history. The event will serve as the official platform for the coalition to collectively declare support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

In a major demonstration of grassroots mobilisation, the coalition also revealed plans to submit a compiled total of 20 million signatures of Nigerians who have endorsed the President’s candidacy. The signatures, gathered through extensive nationwide engagement, are being positioned as a clear indication of public support cutting across regions, professions, and social strata.

Organisers of the event stated that the decision to back President Tinubu is driven by what they described as tangible strides in economic reforms, governance, and national stability. They emphasised that the inclusion of non-traditional actors such as artisans, market groups, and labour unions underscores a broader national consensus that transcends the usual civil society framework.

Political analysts say the scale and diversity of this coalition mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, where support structures are no longer confined to political parties and elite stakeholders but are increasingly driven by a fusion of grassroots and professional constituencies.

As momentum builds towards the May 17 convention, observers are keenly watching how this expansive alliance will shape political narratives and influence voter sentiment in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

Further details on the convention and breakdown of participating groups are expected to be unveiled in the coming days.

News

How ISWAP killed Army Col. Six others in Borno.

Published

4 days ago

April 14, 2026

Our Reporter

☆☆☆As Troops Foil Series of Ambushes.

Troops of the Nigerian Army under operation Hadin Kai have foiled a series of ambush by suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (I SWAP) terrorist along the Monguno in Borno state.

Islamic state of West Africa province (ISWAP) have attacked the Nigerian army from Monguno 242 Battion Barrack in Borno State on their way to reinforce the camp.

A serving Nigerian Army Colonel was reportedly killed in an ambush by insurgents in Monguno, Borno State, during a reinforcement mission

Source added said that colonel I.A. Muhammad was ambushed by ISWAP and killed along with four other soldiers.

Community confirmed that the troops who were on a fighting patrol as part of operation,came under fire from suspected terrorists

As of the time of felling this report, there has been no official statements from the Nigerian Army regarding the accident.

News

Dogara Felicitates Dangote at 69, Applauds His Enduring Impact on Africa

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

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Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has joined Nigerians and the global business community in celebrating Alhaji Aliko Dangote on his 69th birthday. In a detailed tribute, Dogara described Dangote as “a visionary whose life’s work has become a cornerstone of Africa’s economic transformation.”

Dogara emphasized that Dangote’s entrepreneurial journey is one of resilience and foresight. From humble beginnings, he built the Dangote Group into Africa’s largest conglomerate, with investments spanning cement, sugar, salt, fertilizers, and the landmark Dangote Refinery. These ventures, Dogara noted, have not only revolutionized industries but also created millions of jobs, strengthened Nigeria’s economy, and reduced dependence on imports. “Alhaji Dangote is not just an entrepreneur; he is a nation-builder whose vision has redefined what is possible for Nigeria and Africa,” Dogara said.

He pointed out that the Dangote Refinery, in particular, represents a turning point in Nigeria’s energy sector, offering the promise of self-sufficiency in petroleum products and positioning the country as a major player in global energy markets. “This singular achievement underscores his commitment to solving Africa’s most pressing challenges through bold and innovative solutions,” Dogara remarked.

Beyond his industrial empire, Dogara praised Dangote’s philanthropy through the Dangote Foundation, which has invested heavily in healthcare, education, and humanitarian relief. From building hospitals and funding scholarships to providing aid during crises, Dangote’s generosity has touched countless lives across the continent. “His philanthropy reflects a deep commitment to humanity. He has shown that true greatness lies not only in building industries but also in uplifting lives,” Dogara added.

Dogara also reflected on the inspirational power of Dangote’s story, stressing that his rise from modest beginnings to global prominence serves as a beacon of hope for young Africans. “His journey proves that with hard work, faith, and determination, Africans can build enterprises that rival the best in the world. He remains a shining example of African excellence,” he concluded.

As Dangote celebrates his 69th birthday, his legacy continues to resonate far beyond Nigeria’s borders. His life stands as a testament to the transformative power of vision, enterprise, and compassion—an enduring reminder that Africa’s future can be defined by innovation, resilience, and generosity