Opinion

Sanusi Lamido and His Hallucinations

Published

4 years ago

February 11, 2022

By Abdullahi Tahir

What does one say about a man who is often full of himself and seeks undue relevance? What personality disorder is that called? Sanusi Lamido will not be the first and last false prophet of doom to talk about a Nigeria that will break or disintegrate. His forebears foresaw a disunited Nigeria before 2015. The year came to pass and the country is still one. Unsatisfied, Sanusi and his cohorts, from within and outside, are at it again. This time, Sanusi is trying, without any mandate, to declare fatwa on beloved country. According to him, Nigeria is on the brink or “living on extra time”. As a fortune teller or seer that he has become, he did not see his dethronement and banishment. But he is so pessimistic to see a collapsed nation.

When looking for a typical illustration of a hypocrite, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi fits the description perfectly. Sanusi has carved a niche for attacking and throwing tantrums against authorities to attract attention and sympathy to himself while covering up his antecedents of self-glorification, imprudence and perceived corruption. His entrance into limelight came after he got appointed as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2009 to serve under the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. He was to descend on the President at any given opportunity.

As a seasoned economist and financial analyst, presenting an astute persona, Sanusi was quick to warm his way into the hearts of Nigerians who believed his wealth of experience would transform the country to a world class economy. Unbeknown to many, behind the eloquent exuberance and adornment of bespoke outfits, lies a controversial figure and intellectual nuisance who craves attention by inciting the public. Like the proverbial phrase that says “time reveals all things”, Sanusi’s actual character gradually unveiled with time. Sanusi is a loose cannon. He shoots without aiming. He is an unpatriotic citizen who continues to hurl baseless criticism against authorities even when he is part of it.

In the Jonathan era and under this administration, his condemnations were a defence against allegations of misconduct and abuse of office during his tenure as CBN Governor and Emir of Kano, both positions in which he was disgraced and shown the way out. It is widely known that under the Jonathan administration, he operated the CBN like his personal venture and allegedly committed humongous financial atrocities. Report of a panel set up in 2014 to probe him noted that Sanusi was indicted for being fraudulent, reckless and wasteful. He was fingered in the missing N38bn by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria in April 2013. The money was said to have been paid to Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Press, a subsidiary of the CBN. However, MINT account showed no evidence of such transaction. Between 2011 and 2012, he supposedly expended the outrageous sum of N5.3bn on legal and professional fees, private guards, lunch for security aides and promotional activities. Mr Saint indeed.

Accusations of recruiting staff into the CBN without following due process were also leveled against him. According to PremiumTimes report of 31 March, 2014, Sanusi was further suspected by Federal Government of being one of the financiers of boko haram terrorism in the country. This culture of impunity was quick to attract a query from the then government. Rather than answer to his financial impropriety and terrorism financing, he hastily went on the offensive and began making inconsistent public statements about financial indiscretions in the NNPC. After his disgraceful exit from the CBN and as trademark of his character, he cunningly lobbied his way to become the Emir of Kano to escape prosecution for his “crimes”. Sanusi was never a qualified candidate for the throne. Some quarters believe he (un)wittingly had long began scheming his way into the Kano emirate when he suspectedly arranged for Boko Haram members to attack the former Emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero who later died after succumbing to the injuries he sustained.

Sanusi of course, brought immense pressure on the Emir. He brought him to Abuja to support the third term bid of then President Obasanjo, a reason the ordinary Kano people, for the first time, stoned their Emir or his convoy. He never hid his likeness for the seat of the Emir and became desperate to occupy it even while the incumbent was alive. The Emir eventually died from mental harassment suffered from Sanusi. In connivance with Rabiu Kwankwaso and Abdullahi Ganduje both of whom, for political exigency, installed him as Emir. The duo of Kwankwaso and Ganduje were Governor and Deputy Governor of Kano State. Against popular demand, they conspired to make Sanusi Emir. And same people, at least Ganduje undid Sanusi. They realised that Sanusi is a dog which does not know its owner. Friendship with Sanusi is like buying a wild cat for a pet.

Even as Emir, he lacked respect for due process and constitutional authority while desecrating traditional institutions. To show his double standard, Sanusi continues to advocate the culture of family planning among northerners. He also condemns polygamy. Meanwhile, he is married to four wives with thirteen children as at last count. He preaches against corruption but in less than three weeks after ascension as Emir, Sanusi was accused of embezzling at least N4bn from the Emirate Council coffers and squandered over N37m on recharge cards. He politicised the emirate and created unnecessary tensions in Kano State and divisions among the populace. This led to him being disgraced once again, dethroned and banished from the State. Though some of the issues are under litigation, it is not probable he would ever win in the court of public opinion even if he wins in the Court of law.

As proof that he does not care about the people he claims to serve, Sanusi chose Lagos, a cosmopolitan state outside the conservative North to enable him get close to his local and foreign hostile allies. Reason for his choice of Lagos instead of Loko LGA of Nasarawa State where he is banished in disregard of customary rites daily manifests. It is obvious he is partisan. His public utterances betray him. He seeks to be among Lagos Big Boys as well as power brokers in the country. His preoccupation is to install a President of a South West extraction and he is assiduously working for this.

In his unending quest for power, influence and relevance, Sanusi again shamelessly bribed his way into becoming the leader of the Tijjaniyya sect in Nigeria and continues to appear in the full regalia of Emir and addresses himself as one. Luckily, the Tijjaniyya sect knows who its real leader is. Adorning the outfit of an Emir exemplifies his disrespect for the people. An insensitive man, Sanusi appears in full regalia of a sitting Emir simply to deceive the unsuspecting public. Deposed and banished, how does he think he can return to Kano to reclaim the seat? Kano people are not lily livered. And Sanusi knows he cannot test their resolve. Only a highly hallucinating person like Sanusi will decide to live in his dream world. Sanusi and his Hallucinations!

Sanusi is not the only Emir to have been deposed and banished. His grandfather was deposed. Then Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki and Emirs of Muri and Gwandu were once deposed and banished. They took it in good faith. Faced with their fate, they never constituted a nuisance as Sanusi has. They went about their normal businesses and did not incite the public against constituted authorities. They never sought to go back to their thrones. Sanusi’s desperation to sneak into Kano is an aberration. Why does he want to destabilise Kano? Is it a task from his Lagos sponsors so the authorities can be marked as failed.

Those who come to equity must do so with clean hands. While citizens have the right to advise and criticise, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi lacks that moral ground. Where the Judicial system works, Sanusi would be in jail serving time for his crimes. Rather, he continues to play victim by skewing narratives that project him as virtuous to divert attention from his indecorous personality. If Nigeria is on the brink, distressed, sinking or living on borrowed time, Sanusi and his wasteful lifestyle contributed immensely to it. Sanusi should do a soul searching and change for good, as a good Muslim, Sanusi should accept his fate and imbibe the teachings of Islam. He should adhere to the admonition of Quran that God gives power to whom He wishes and takes it away from whom He wants. Mallam Sanusi wake up and stop hallucinating.

Abdullahi Tahir, a public affairs commentator writes from Kano.

Opinion

Ben Okezie Kalu: The Lawmaker in Our Hearts

Published

3 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

3 months ago

December 17, 2025

milcah

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

Opinion

Chief Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN to Receive Ivaaniyange Chieftaincy Title

Published

3 months ago

December 10, 2025

milcah

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.