Opinion
AS GOV SHETTIMA ROUNDS UP IN BORNO
By: Inuwa Bwala
We are already in the season when journalists will more likely ask people leaving political offices, especially governors about their stewardships. It is also a time when outgoing chief executives, will like to talk about their legacies or what they are more likely to be remembered for, even when they are not asked.
It is the time media houses smile to the banks as political players struggle to outdo each other in trying to showcase what they term their achievements in the media. It is yet another era of truths backed with facts, half-truths hidden behind manipulated figures and pictures and lies subsumed in propaganda. It is indeed an interesting period as we witness change of batons to mark the end of one democratic dispensation and the beginning of another.
My mind naturally went to Borno, my home state, where unless one visits, the likely conclusion is that there may be nothing to show given years of uncertainties, trauma and anxiety occasioned by the Boko Haram insurgency. Some people think that, Borno is hell of a sort, where life has become so meaningless and the Governor, Kashim Shettima who has held sway since May 29th, 2011, as Governor and chief executive may not have anything to show on his score sheet, like others when he rounds up to start a new era in the Senate.
Many people did not tend to give Governor Kashim Shettima the chance to survive the situation, even as the Governor. The types of stories we hear, the write ups we read and the often gruesome pictures painted of the situation in Borno may have informed the skepticism to the effect that nothing good could come from that enclave. The situation is further aggravated by the tales some of us who fled Borno in the wake of the crisis also tell, and the impressions given about the state to outsiders.
It is very sad, that those who discuss the story of Borno are more often those who may have never visited the state, or those who stayed away from the state for a very long period, and have lost touch with the realities on ground. Even as an initial insider, I was transfixed at various spots when I attempted to take inventory of the structural developments undertaken by Kashim Shettima, around Maiduguri the state capital alone. It may be uncharitable to say others before him did not do much, but it is also incumbent to say nobody has done as much as this young man did. It was not surprising to me that some people did not want him to come back for the second term, knowing his capacity and his tendency to break records.
With what I found out in my private visits and checking the records, Kashim Shettima will be leaving behind an oversized shoe. Pleasantly, the incoming Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zullum is himself a development oriented leader, having served as the anchor of Governor Kashim Shettima’s #Rebuilding Borno Agenda. As Commissioner in charge of the strategic ministry of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Resettlement. It is safe to say therefore that there are hopes for the continuation of Shettima’s strides.
With the privilege of having worked with three other Governors before him, I must confess, that Kashim Shettima is exceptional in terms of ideas for development. I was privileged to be amongst those who developed the initial blue print for the development of Borno State, which was anchored on the dreams of Governor Kashim Shettima. With the hindsight of having understudied the vast potentials of Borno State, Kashim Shettima came into Government with the firm conviction that the widespread poverty across state and the attendant social ills arising from lack of education, unemployment, lack of infrastructures amongst others cannot be justified.
It is on record that Kashim Shettima brought the best hands on board to serve as members of his cabinet. He has an avalanche of technocrats as advisers, and gathered some of the finest brains to midwife his development strategy. I recall that he convened a retreat where the likes of Audu Ogbe, the current Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Obadaiah Mailafiya, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, and Development Strategist, Engineer Ibrahim Ali, one of the finest brains in industrial development, Ibrahim Magu, the incorruptible anti-corruption czar, and Ishaq Modibbo Kawu, a media strategist, amongst others worked together with Shettima’s team finding a pathway to Borno’s development.
Those of us who had the privilege to work closely with other Governors before joining Kashim Shettima can attest to the fact that his passion for the development of Borno is unequalled. He is so emotionally attached to his policies and so easily moved by the plight of the people in the face of the challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgency, and could very easily breakdown. And having inherited a state that has come to be known as the theatre of an atrocious war, Shettima was at his wits end to see to the end of the crisis so he can implement his well thought out plans.
At the inception of the government during the first stanza, Kashim Shettima led a delegation of experts and Government officials to understudy agricultural, health, industrial and educational structures of fast developing countries, with a view to importing the technologies behind their successes. And they visited the United State, China, India, Germany, Israel, Turkey and the United Kingdom, amongst others. The success story behind what he has to show today, as his achievements could be found in these numerous study visits he undertook, and the attendant transplanting of parts of the technologies they saw to Borno.
Having been away for long, being one of those who fled Borno in the face of the Boko Haram onslaught, I had initially closed my mind and my eyes on anything good coming out of the Government. After I reconciled with the Governor and my subsequent visits to Maiduguri to face trial, I have recently been so impressed with the developments I see in the state capital. I could not miss seeing some of the edifices from the small window on the black Maria, when I was being driven through the city for my trips to my trial. When I eventually got a bail, I missed my way trying to navigate the city I thought I knew so well. So many structures have sprung up, so many roads newly developed. Old structures are either wearing modified looks with expansions, while newer ones have assumed the character of modern cities. Somebody joked about Maiduguri having been transformed into Dubai of a sort, and I agreed, given what I knew and what I now see.
Of particular note is the seeming revolution in the education sector. With his declaration of state of emergency in the education sector, what has become of so many public schools in Borno today, in terms of structures, is a sight to behold. Public schools have outshined the private ones, and with the additional incentives to pupils and students, the public schools alone are enough evidences that Borno is working. In the localities, after spending three months without visiting home, I could not believe that the only secondary school in Marama has been completely fenced, Pakilama Primary school, renovated and fenced and our hospital got a face lift.
The projects in the education sector were too numerous for me to personally visit, though I had the privilege to visit some. Facts on ground however indicate that there are 1711 classrooms constructed, which I understand is spread across 156 Primary schools across the state. 44 ultra-modern mega primary schools have been newly constructed, in addition to 27 Senior Secondary Schools overhauled or expanded, with 16 others newly established.
And to establish whether there is synergy in the educational policy to cover all the levels, I had the privilege of personally visiting the Ramat Polytechnic, Kashim Ibrahim College of Education and the Mohammed Goni College of Legal and Islamic Studies, all in Maiduguri. I interacted with staff and students, and they all agree that the transformations going on in each of the schools have never been experienced.
My curiosity was aroused with the recent visit of some of my colleagues to Maiduguri for personal assessments. Many others may not believe it, that, Borno today has what somebody described as an industrial hub. Here, we have industries like, PVC pipes industry, Animal Feed Mill, and many manufacturing outfits that can compete favorably with the ones found in their originating countries. Without a personal excursion to Borno, many people may not believe that some of the things I am talking about really exist. Before you dismiss this as part of the end of term rituals embarked upon by Governors, one needs to take time out and visit Borno, and one wil be proud that out of the debris of the Boko Haram madness, Kashim Shettima indeed has a robust balance sheet, in terms of infrastructural development.
So many people may be surprised at my verdict, given my hitherto critical stance against the Governor. My explanation is this, that, criticism does not only imply finding faults, it includes positive assessments based on facts. My profession behooves upon me to speak out once I notice anything contrary to perceptions. As he rounds up, I dare say that Governor Kashim Shettima will be leaving Borno with his head high.
Inuwa Bwala is the former Commissioner For Information in Borno State
By Kassim Omomia
We have watched Ben Okezie Kalu the deputy speaker of the House with all admiration. He exudes humour, humility and hardwork.
Kalu did not catch our glimpse from the wrong side but from a prism of competence, dedication and above all patriotism in his legislative duties. Even though we may not have a full grasp of Okezie’s elementary political life up till his ascension to the exalted office of Deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria, but it is on record that he served extremely well and meritoriously when as a first time member of the House of Representatives he was chairman Media and Publicity committee, doubling as spokesperson and image maker.
Okezie stirred the House public outlook to the approval of Nigerians and the outside world,comparing that unit of the Nigerian bicameral legislature he managed its image to world parliaments, like the US Congress and the British House of Common,among others. At home, the House of Representatives earned “the Peoples Parliament” accolade “.
Recalling Okezie’s past,the nostalgia breeds excitement and a continuous commitment to legislative and representatives’ service to his people and the country.
Albeit these well delivered services, his underscoring accomplishments were reinforced by his promotion and advancement to the post of Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, a divine elevation to yet, many exalted offices to come.Kalu qualifies to be governor, and Vice President, even the President of this great country ,if young men are roundly supported for such enviable positions.
Notwithstanding, his Bills , motions are not watery but of immense value to democratic governance, systemic reforms and overall growth and welfare of Nigerians. Call it democratic dividends, the Bende constituents have never had it so good, until now. Similarly his quest for a people’s constitution brings to fore his worthy contributions in the current alteration of the1999 Constitution exercise which he midwife’s for the House of Representatives. He speaks continually about a people’s inclusiveness in people’s document. He speaks about equity, justice and fairness for all. He’s concerned about security, a community policing strategy where states look critically into domestic security and policing. Okezie speaks for all: about good life for Nigerians, not only the Abia people he represents.
Curiously, I have also come in good terms and stead with his leadership style, especially his legislative prowess in presiding, either as Speaker in Chair or Chairman at the Committee of Whole”,a serious and critical aspect of legislative business, where reports become laws made by the parliament. At this critical level of legislative engagement, Ben Okezie Kalu has performed extremely well ,surpassing past deputies. This scoring is without prejudice or gainsaying but with all modesty.
I have written about parliamentary activities,from plenary to investigative hearings, to deliberations and considerations of reports , either in Committee of Supply for money issues -budgets etc, since 2000. I have also been privileged to sit for longer periods listening from the gallery, deliberations at the “Committee of Whole’, a tedious and significant session of legislative processes and never seeing a deputy speaker as pragmatic and intelligent like Kalu. it takes a Chair that is not lazy but with dexterity, humility, patience and resilience to succeed in any report consideration at the “Committee of Whole”.And one former deputy speaker who comes close to Kalu in assesment was Hon Lasun.But with this current Deputy Speaker, the magic wand to navigate these trying moments where every member appears uninterested in their legislative function, is unprecedented.
Two manoeuvres that beat my imagination and exhibit Kalu’s superb style is his smooth management of deliberations and final consideration of the 2025 Electoral.Amendment Bill and the passage of the 2026-2028 MTEF and FSP, on Thursday December 18 2025, few moments to the 2026 Budget presentation by President Ahmed Tinubu to the joint session of the National Assembly.
His mental alertness, understanding of the subject matter, his assessment of the mood and psyche of the members and his strategic demeanour coupled with the patience and resilient approachas well as his humility, diplomacy in getting an unwilling session sit for hours, unknowingly to the members that they had sat for so long and passed a record two critical national assignments, still leaves even the members amiss how it began but ended well.
For over two weeks now, there have been several adjournments to consider the Electoral amendment Bill. The constraints at times point to the inconsequential number of members in session , or when there’s a seeming quorum, inertia and unwillingness sets in.
According to checks, members’ lacklustre attitude in these ending times, come from failed promises from the executive branch such that it was gathered that the lawmakers were adjourning for the yuletide break without cash -backings.This development not only worries the legislators who are at a loss over how to satify their insatiable constituents during the Christmas festivities, but has resulted to the lethargy displayed by them in carrying out their statutory duties of law making . Fears are that, the members may not chorus “on your mandate we stand”, going forward, especially on 19 Friday December 2025, when the President presents his 2026 budget to the joint session of the National Assembly
While the outcome of that session is awaited, the success gained in the House of Representatives for completing and finally passing the MTEF/FSP in record time and upon which premise President Tinubu submits the 2026 Appropriation Bill, after the Senate hurriedly put out their own since Tuesday evening,underscores the goodwill the deputy speaker enjoys from his colleagues,expectedy due to his humility and resilience,such that in over six- unstoppable hours, he successfully managed a tensed session to effectively pass the MTEF and Electoral.amenment Bill. This is all kudos to a young PAN- Nigerian legislator in our hearts
That Ben Okezie Kalu displays an uncommon leadership acumen, which promotes unity and which with he won the hearts of all who sat in plenary on that faithful Thursday 18 2025,is an understatement . This is so because all the lawmaker at that Thursday session,wether Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba,Edo, TIV ,Idoma,Gbagy and of course Ibo were in sync with, aligning with his master stroke with which he chaired that earlier unpredictable session that later became a huge success. I have a dream that Ben Okezie Kalu shall accomplish more in his political career, given his character, competence and leadership capacity.
He will excel beyond this time, tide and position. Ben Okezie Kalu is the lawmaker in our hearts and qualifies for our award as ‘ A Legislature- Exemplar’ even as we watch him deliver again during the final voting of the alteration to the 1999 constitution ( As Ammended) in the days to come.
Kassim Omomia of the Bigeyeonline writes from Abuja
By James Itodo
The Nigerian oil and gas sector, since its discovery, exploration, and exploitation at the turn of the century, has become the goose that lays the golden egg, likened only to the much-sought-after bride.
This is because oil, and later gas, remained the main economic sustainer, accounting for virtually all the revenue utilised for the economic sustainability and stability of the country—a nation driven by a monolithic economy.
Various attempts at sustaining its viability failed because those reforms lacked the necessary ingredients and the political will of their drivers to succeed. Moreover, the temptation of the enormous amounts generated, and the ease of generating this revenue, became stronger than the moral responsibility and patriotic devotion of the country’s leaders, causing various rulers to rely completely on oil while abandoning or ignoring agriculture and every other means of generating revenue, including all forms of diversification and integration.
The present Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) was born out of necessity: first, to inherit the abnormalities of the past; and second, to set in motion reforms aimed at effectively repositioning the sector. Key among these is strong political will and the appropriate sensitisation of the country’s political leaders to look beyond oil and gas revenue and think towards diversification.
To carry this out effectively, there is a need to build trust and confidence on the fulcrum of accountability and transparency.
So far, the verdict has been positive. The basic recipe for repositioning and bringing about a volte-face in the sector is now present: accountability and transparency.
A new era, based on a better concept of transparency and accountability, is enhancing the effective repositioning of the Nigerian oil and gas sector, which will work for the overall benefit of all citizens and indeed residents.
Today, Nigerians are now seeing the oil and gas sector as a blessing, with transparency and accountability becoming the fulcrum of operations at the NUPRC.
There is no doubt that, for decades, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector was a cesspit of abhorrent and odious corruption, coupled with mismanagement—a centre of graft, earning the moniker “resource curse.”
Instead of bringing blessings to the country, it became an avenue for self-aggrandisement and self-enrichment at the detriment of national interest, economic growth, prosperity, and development.
As a whole, the sector’s opacity and lack of accountability led to widespread corruption, where the few who had access to this national wealth enriched themselves and their families—buying choice houses at highly exorbitant prices in prime cities of the world and sending their children to schools abroad on ear-splitting school fees, all with our common patrimony—at the expense of the country. This resulted in environmental degradation and human rights abuses, leaving citizens with little to show for the country’s vast oil resources, world oil production status, and its derived and associated wealth.
However, a new dawn has emerged with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) leading a rescue mission to reposition the sector with renewed vigour, intentionality, and patriotic commitment under the leadership of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, who has turned the NUPRC into a beacon of hope for Nigerians.
Unambiguously, the NUPRC’s commitment to transparency is demonstrated through its proactive disclosure of key industry data—which had previously been shrouded in obscurity—including production figures, revenue streams, and contract awards.
The demystification and openness of this key information have greatly enhanced the fostering of trust and confidence among stakeholders, including local communities, civil society organisations, and international partners.
Another signature reform is the strengthening and implementation of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), which ensures that oil and gas revenues are transparently tracked and accounted for, thereby reducing corruption and ensuring that revenues are channelled for the overall benefit of all citizens.
Projecting the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu-led administration, the NUPRC has also prioritised increased utilisation of local content development, bringing on board many more Nigerian companies to participate in the oil and gas value chain, thereby creating more jobs, stimulating economic growth, and empowering local communities.
The sector’s transformation is an unequivocal demonstration of the power of transparency and accountability.
Daily, Nigerians are beginning to see oil and gas resources as a direct blessing rather than a curse, with a sector and operators poised to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve living standards.
However, this is just the beginning; the journey is far from over, and the best is yet to come—for all of us.
While Nigerians holistically embrace these reforms, they must also continue to demand transparency and accountability from their leaders, while the NUPRC’s efforts must be supported and sustained to ensure that the sector remains a catalyst for national development.
There is no doubt that the oil and gas sector can be a powerful catalytic tool for poverty reduction, wealth creation, and economic transformation. This can be imminently and necessarily achieved when the NUPRC continues in its commitment to transparency and accountability, predicated on the resilience of Nigerians, who will look forward to a brighter future where their natural resources work for them, not against them.
It must be a collaborative and conscientious responsibility of all Nigerians not only to support the NUPRC’s efforts and reforms targeted at transforming the oil and gas sector but also to demand consistent transparency and accountability from our leaders, as this will ensure that our natural resources benefit all Nigerians, securing a brighter future for Nigeria and Nigerians.
Itodo writes from Abuja
The Tiv Supreme Council has announced that former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kaase Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, will be conferred with the Ivaaniyange chieftaincy title.
The title, according to the Council, recognizes individuals considered to have made notable contributions to the advancement and welfare of the Tiv people.
Chief Aondoakaa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, currently serves in various public and private sector roles, including Chairman, Endowment Fund Raising Committee at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. He also provides advisory support on foreign investment, entrepreneurship, and agricultural development. He is associated with the West African Rice Processors Association (WARIA) and the Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN).
He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and the International Bar Association.
Associates describe him as a supporter of youth development and educational advancement. According to persons familiar with his philanthropic activities, he has supported scholarship initiatives and facilitated opportunities for several indigent beneficiaries over the years.
The Tiv Supreme Council stated that the new honour acknowledges what it views as his years of service in legal, governance, and agricultural sectors. The Council expressed confidence that he will continue to contribute to community development following the conferment.
Chief Aondoakaa previously received a traditional chieftaincy title, Tsar-U-Tiv Mba Sha Nasarawa, from the Mutual Union of Tiv People in Nasarawa State in 2008.
He has participated in various international engagements across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas, and Africa, representing Nigeria in official and professional capacities. He has also been recognised with awards by different organisations for what they described as service and excellence.
Chief Aondoakaa is a practicing Catholic and is married with children.
The formal conferment of the Ivaaniyange title is expected to hold in Makurdi on a date to be officially issued by the Council.
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