Opinion

NNAMDI KANU IS GOOD RIDDANCE TO BAD RUBBISH

Published

5 months ago

November 21, 2025

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By Charles Nnaebuka, PhD

Nnamdi Kanu’s conviction and sentencing to life in prison marks not just the end of a chapter in Nigeria’s uneasy secessionist saga but a vindication of the view that his brand of defiance was not freedom-fighting but a toxic mix of arrogance, recklessness and a willful courting of violence. He is, in the starkest sense, a good riddance to bad rubbish.
To those who really know him, Nnamdi Kanu was never just a dissident. He was a swaggering provocateur whose rise was built on historical grievance, his own myth-making and a kind of hubris that finally destroyed him.

Born in 1967 in Nigeria’s southeast, Kanu came of age in a region haunted by the spectre of Biafra, the short-lived secessionist state that sparked a civil war. That war killed more than one million people and its memory became the fuel for Kanu’s long, volatile evolution. For years, Kanu wrapped his separatist ambitions in the language of self-determination, historical injustice and opportunism. He spoke of Biafra not merely as a lost dream but as a moral imperative.

In that regard, he launched Radio Biafra around 2009 from London broadcasting not just a separatist message, but a combative, almost messianic call: the Igbo people would no longer tolerate their status at the mercy of a Nigerian state they saw supposedly as corrupt, oppressive and irredeemable.
Riding on that faulty illusion, he formed the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) (which would later be proscribed a terrorist group by the courts due to violent activities), turning a radio station into a movement.

Over time he hardened his message, daring to turn resistance into an existential fight. By exploiting the ignorance of many in the Southeast, he mobilised thousands via Radio Biafra, calling on his followers to sit at home, to resist, to hate the Nigerian state. But that lofty narrative belied something more brittle: a man intoxicated by his own importance, certain that his convictions placed him above accountability. His antecedents, both real and self-styled laid the groundwork: Kanu tapped into deep-seated Igbo frustration, historical trauma and a longing for self-determination.

But rather than moderate or negotiate, he doubled down and saw himself not just as a leader, but as the voice of a people allegedly long wronged and his role rapidly grew into something grandiose. He did not just agitate for change, he believed he was indispensable to it.
When he was first arrested in 2015 on treason charges, he seemed to relish the spotlight. But after a dramatic military raid on his home in 2017, he fled while on bail and his disappearance only elevated his status among his followers. In 2021, he was re-arrested in Kenya and controversially extradited back to Nigeria, moves he would later decry as illegitimate and part of an alleged broader conspiracy against him.

However, when the court finally delivered its judgment, Justice James Omotosho did not mince words. He described Kanu’s behavior during the trial as “arrogant, cocky, and full of himself,” a man who refused to recognize the limits of his power. Kanu’s pride was not just in his speech, it was in his refusal to engage with the court’s processes. As self style activist and freedom fighter ala Obafemi Awolowo, Nelson Mandela and Martin Lurther King, he dismissed legal representation, challenged the court’s jurisdiction and eventually refused to mount any defense. That obstinacy amounts to more than ideological posturing but a strategic miscalculation, a self-inflicted wound.

Kanu’s charges were serious. The court found him guilty on seven counts related to terrorism. Prosecutors presented evidence that his broadcasts on Radio Biafra were not mere political speech, but calls to violence, that he incited attacks, gave instructions related to bomb-making and directed “sit-at-home” orders in the Southeast that paralysed movement and threatened and ended innocent lives of those who defied his orders. His orders and style infringed on the rights of citizens. Kanu’s violent nature is not a footnote but a raging reality: media reports tie his sit-at-home orders to almost a thousand deaths in the Southeast between 2021 and 2025, as armed actors enforcing those orders killed civilians and clashed with security forces. In court, a key witness testified that Kanu’s broadcasts directed his followers to “deal decisively” with security operatives, estimating 170 to 200 killed in attacks allegedly tied to his Eastern Security Network (ESN). Another prosecution witness accused ESN fighters of grotesque acts, claiming they desired to bury a dead member with “2,000 human heads” and used human flesh in ritualistic practices. This is not mere agitation, it is the architecture of terror.

Notably, the judge pointed out that by ordering people to stay home, Kanu violated their freedom of movement and that he lacked any constitutional basis to demand a people’s shutdown the way he did.
Even more stark, during the trial, the court admitted a video recorded statement by Kanu from 2015, in which he denied any link to violence, yet security operatives testified they had evidence to the contrary. There were suitcases seized at his arrest containing broadcasting equipment, suggesting his “struggle” was anchored in real world operations, not just rhetoric.

During sentencing, the judge could have imposed the death penalty, but opted for life imprisonment, citing global opposition to capital punishment and invoking mercy. That mercy came despite what the judge described as Kanu’s ongoing “tendency of violence” even in court. In fact, at one point, he was ejected for unruly behaviour.

What finally brought Kanu down was not just the state or the weight of the charges; it was his own hubris which made him a tragic hero. He became a man consumed by own unbridled pride and error of judgment. As typical, he was a man who thundered at crowds, who believed his cause justified every excess, but who could not or would not respect the formal structures of law when they turned against him. He may have projected an image of invincibility, but in reality, he built his power on a foundation of confrontation without compromise.

Kanu’s downfall is human, not mythic. He was not a martyr with clean hands; he was a provocateur who toyed with fire until it burned him. He refused to repent, refused to adapt, refused to play by any rules but his own. And now, at the end, justice has caught up. His conviction is more than a legal outcome. It is a warning: no matter how righteous a cause, defiance without discipline, conviction without humility, arrogance without accountability, that’s a recipe for ruin. A man who cast himself as a liberator became undone by his own arrogance. His cause may have been rooted in historical injustice, but the method, the refusal to bend or compromise, the constant drama, all of it built a tower whose base was too narrow. And in this case, the ruin is complete. He became the provebial grasshopper that went to the grave with the corpse simply because he lacked tact, wisdom and discernment. Kanu is indeed a good riddance to bad rubbish.

Opinion

Odua People’s Assembly defends NSA Ribadu, criticizes Ishola Williams’ call for removal

Published

1 month ago

March 18, 2026

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The Odua People’s Assembly (OPA) has come out in defense of National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, condemning recent remarks by retired Nigerian Army General Ishola Williams calling for Ribadu’s removal.

In a statement issued by OPA Chairman Richard Olatunji Kayode, the group described Williams’ comments, made during a Channels Television interview on March 15, 2026, as “irresponsible and counterproductive,” arguing that they lacked factual basis and risked undermining efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

“His assertions lack factual support and are driven more by emotional manipulation than by evidence-based reasoning,” Kayode said. “Such rhetoric contributes to a culture of ‘permanent pessimism’ that undermines the morale of our security forces and the integrity of our national institutions.”

Kayode emphasized that irresponsible criticism, unlike constructive feedback, damages reputations, fosters mistrust, and distracts from meaningful solutions.

He urged that public discourse focus on actionable measures rather than unsubstantiated accusations.

The OPA highlighted Ribadu’s proactive initiatives, including the National Forest Guard programme, as well as his record as former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he gained recognition for anti-corruption efforts.

“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ribadu has been recognized for his effectiveness in combating banditry and terrorism. His ability to coordinate security forces and solve criminal cases demonstrates his competence and dedication to public safety,” Kayode said.

The group called on influential Nigerians to engage in responsible and constructive dialogue on national security issues, urging Williams to reconsider his position and contribute to solutions rather than criticism.

“Our collective responsibility is to foster an environment of trust, collaboration, and constructive criticism, ensuring that our security forces are equipped and supported to protect our great nation,” Kayode concluded.

Opinion

Ben Okezie Kalu: The Lawmaker in Our Hearts

Published

4 months ago

December 20, 2025

Our Reporter

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

Opinion

MAKING THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR WORK FOR CITIZENS: NUPRC RESCUE MISSION

Published

4 months ago

December 17, 2025

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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