WHY HON. ALPHONSUS LONGGAP KOMSOL, REMAIN THE BEST MAN FOR THE PLATEAU MINISTERIAL SLOT

 

WHY HON. ALPHONSUS LONGGAP KOMSOL, REMAIN THE BEST MAN FOR THE PLATEAU MINISTERIAL SLOT

AS President Bola Ahmed Tinubu started his tenure with some remarkable and outstanding strategies a very highly reputable, concerned group are urging the President to sustain the tempo by appointing credible and reliable and renowned politicians who have a very good track record of hard work, dedication and credibility. And such a person is HON. ALPHONSUS LONGGAP KOMSOL

The group message reads.

We deemed it fit after careful research, and as bona fide, loyal and committed members of the Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to state our candid view on who we thought it best to be given the constitutional ministerial slot from Plateau.

Our party has greatly lost at the 2023 polls where it dropped from having two Senatorial seats to one, and earlier from 4 House of Reps members to three and maintained the status quo by losing Mikang, Shendam and Qua'an Pan, Federal Constituency, but gaining Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency.

Our noble party could not deliver the Presidency and Governorship elections to victory.

Sadly, we dropped from the ruling party to the leading opposition party in the state.

Though a ray of hope is beaming at the horizon over probable victory at the gubernatorial tribunal alongside other seats, we cannot relent by folding our hands in boosting other areas of political appointments to regain strength and retake our political leadership of the state. Furthermore, we cannot rely on unseen court verdicts which are not sacrosanct by simple optimism which surprises of defeat could spring up.

In light of this, the constitutional ministerial slot allotted for Plateau requires a charismatic, forward-looking, patriotic, beloved by all political parties and workaholic person to attract attention to the party and boost its acceptability once again.

The right person for this job in our view is none other than Hon. Alphonsus Longgap Komsol, the immediate past member representing Mikang, Shendam and Qua'an Pan Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.

Komsol who was a first-timer in the National Assembly, has proven his commitment and doggedness in the discharge of any given assignment selflessly.

Within the span of his four years of sojourn in the National Assembly, he put the interest of his constituents above his consideration; thereby endearing himself to the good wish of the greatest population of the people he represented across the board irrespective of party, religion and ethnicity inclinations.

Prior to his victory at the 2019 polls, Komsol with his wealth of experience being in the corridor of Plateau State Government from the beginning of the Fourth Republic weathered the attempt to deny him victory at the APC primary and overwhelmingly won because of his antecedents.

If the APC wants to remain strong till 2027, its Minister from Plateau must be someone beloved across political lines, Senatorial divide, ethnoreligious consideration and above all a selfless workaholic whose pedigree has proven so.

We are aware that a Minister is a Federal Government servant who is expected to discharge his duty faithfully without prejudice, victimization, sectionalism and corruption. Of such calibre and sound material, is Alphonsus Longgap Komsol. He will only not bring pride to the Federal Government but to Plateau and the entire country.

Of all the APC members in Plateau who hold no elective position, there is none with the good wish that is capable of attracting more followers to the APC than Hon. Komsol. If any thinks it's untrue, they can embark on independent research at the grassroots and set an opinion poll objectively.

Suffice us to mention Komsol's major achievements as the first APC Federal legislator of his constituency He:

- passed bills for the creation of Federal Polytechnic Shendam, Federal Medical Centre Piapung and the Federal University of Agriculture Namu.

The Federal Polytechnic Shendam saw the light of day, when then President, Muhammadu Buhari signed it into law and was sited at Nya'k in Shendam LGA.

It is worthy of note that Komsol believes in governance as a continuum, which was why he continued the bill of creating the Federal Polytechnic in Shendam from where his predecessor, Johnbull Shekarau, stopped.

- constructed 32 classroom blocks spread across his constituency.

- constructed 3 well-equipped ICT centres in his constituency.

- mounted 500 solar panel street lights across his constituency.

- constructed a storey building model school at N250m which is ongoing.

- Attracted construction of Gidan Adamu - Kupkwap road at N500m.

- constructed Derailt road at N100m.

- distributed tens of thousands of bags of fertilizer to farmers every year, since his assumption of office.

- attracted Federal Government soft loans for 500 people some got two million, one million, five hundred thousand and so on.

- Secured Petroleum Development Trust Fund scholarship for some students doing their Master, PhD and degree programmes overseas and in the country.

- yearly pays the Joint Admission Matriculation Board, JAMB, fee for so many of his constituents seeking admission to various

universities.

- sank numerous motorized and hand pump boreholes across his constituency.

- sponsored recruitment of some of his constituents into the Police Force, Civil Defence and others.

- empowered his constituents yearly with numerous grinding machines, motorcycles and sewing machines.

- Secured National Directorate of Employment loan for 300 people at N20k each.

- distributed a car each to the three APC LG chairmen of his constituency.

- gave out 32 motorcycles to the APC ward chairmen of the 32 wards of his constituency.

- gave out five cars and 20 motorcycles to churches and mosques in his constituency.

- gave traditional rulers cars and motorcycles.

On the political front, Komsol was a member of the Planning and Strategic Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council and was also in charge of the Presidential Primary election delegates where he convinced a host of the delegates from Plateau state to vote for Tinubu even when most party stalwarts that are parading themselves now that they are Tinubu's where busy working for then Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo and Rt. Hon.

Rotimi Amaechi attached religious sentiments to the presidential primary. But Komsol refused to accept their posture and remained with Tinubu and that was what cost him his return ticket to the House of Reps.

Komsol was APC Presidential Secretary, Contact for Mobilization North Central Zone and State Coordinator, Independent Campaign Council, Plateau State.

Komsol has proven his love and passion for Nigeria and Nigerians.

As the saying goes, "Charity begins at home," and "he that is faithful in the little shall be faithful in much," Komsol has proven his mettle in them, showing he is fully set for a higher assignment.

If APC must have a firm grip in Plateau, Komsol should be considered for the Ministerial position as a huge contribution. He will deliver and boost the performance of his ministry.

Thank you

Signed:

John Ribam Chairman

Abdul Dakop Secretary

Shalvel Yilwan PRO for

Concerned Patriotic Vanguard

Ministerial Appointments: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu To Break A Record or Continue the Legacy of Injustice, Unfairness, and Discrimination to The Indigenous People of The FCT.By Deborah Yusuf

All eyes are now on President Tinubu to  reveal his ministerial nominees. An act that would kick-start the engines of his administration and set the pulse of the nation while the Nigerian people react by either applauding or scrutinizing the cabinet appointments of the newly elected President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Nigerians await with keen interest the personalities to be tapped from across the country to form the next Federal Executive Council (FEC). The emergence of ministers will enable the people gauge the intent and direction of Mr. President towards tackling myriads of development challenges facing the country.

During this waiting period, indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja have a course to renew their perennial agitation to be considered for ministerial appointment. Just like other Nigerians, irrespective of where they may reside on the globe are interested in the affairs of their ancestral home and constantly stay in tune with ongoing  developments in their states. Indigenes of FCT  likewise yearn for such representation, justice, equity and fairness within the Nigeria project.

Since the advent of the present democratic dispensation in 1999, indigenes of FCT have been treated as second class citizens in the country. No President has considered it appropriate to appoint from the pool of brilliant personalities of the indigenes of the FCT as Minister of the FCT fulfilling  the Constitutional right of representation in the Federal Executive Council. This is in disregard of the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (As Amended) which provides that the FCT be considered and treated as if it were equal to the other 36 states of the federation. 

Aside representation, ministerial appointment is a balancing act that guarantees sense of belonging to all the federating units of the country. Indigenous people of the FCT have been denied these two fundamental rights over the years. Out of the nine ethnic groups in the FCT, none have been regarded for appointment nor considered as having the rights to be represented. The opportunity to correct this anomaly soonest rather than later presently beckons on President Tinubu.

The FCT is by no means bereft of indigenes politically and academically qualified to efficiently perform the duties of ministers of the Federal Republic. In the past and present dispensations, several citizens from amongst the FCT aboriginals have distinguished themselves in various capacities of national assignments. To mention a few and not in any particular order; there is Honourable Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo, a former member House of Representatives, AMAC/ Bwari federal constituency, and one-time chairman of Abuja municipal council.There is Malam Abdullahi Adamu Candido. A former two terms chairman of Abuja municipal area council, a former councillor in the same area council, and a former Council Secretary and immediate past Secretary Transportation Secretariat of the FCT administration

There is Senator Usman Jibrin Wowo, a one-time chairman of the Kuje area council and Senator Isah Maina, a retired army officer and Former Mandate Secretary, FCTA. These are capable personality that could be considered. 

However as a political analyst and follower of socio political events in the FCT and the nation at large, one name rings a resounding bell and stands out amongst these viable personalities, and that is no other but Malam Abdullahi Adamu popularly known as Candido. It is verifiable that during his time as chairman of AMAC, Candido executed several projects in Education, Infrastructure, job creation and several innovative interventions. He stands out among the lot and is a man with an unwavering passion for the cause of his people. 

Despite his principles based disagreements with the immediate past FCT Minister during his tenure as AMAC Chairman, the minister found him (Candido) worthy to be appointed Transportation Secretary after his tenure as AMAC chairman. As a household name across the FCT, Candido is presently about the most suitable of the chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the FCT to be considered for ministerial appointment. Only recently he was described by a respected traditional leader as the best performing AMAC Chairman amongst several accolades.

It is abundantly clear that the FCT is not lacking in indigenous persons that are fit for  ministerial appointment either for  the Federal Capital Territory or other ministerial positions. As a lover of justice, fairness and equity I join my voice along with many advocates of fairness, justice, equity and representation both dead or alive to implore that the President does due diligence and take a look at the antecedents and precedents of these persons as well as their heart for service before deciding who is best suited for the Ministerial appointment.

The people of Abuja should not be reduced to a lost people in the wilderness of history. Where they come from is not lost on them. The 1999 Constitution provided representation at the FEC and the same constitution also states that the FCT be treated as if it were a state. Sadly, for the indigenous people of the FCT, who have in their magnanimity and upon the promulgation of decree number 6 of 1976 gifted the nation its beautiful capital in Abuja, their good gesture has so far been rewarded in bad taste. These beautiful people of Amwamwa, Bassa, Egbira, Gade, Ganagana, Gbagyi, Gbari, Gwandara and Koro ethnicity have not had a feel of what representation at the highest level of Nigeria’s political echelon feels like since 1999. They have also not benefitted from other cabinet appointments in the past. This has left many of the indigenes in states of dejection and a feel of political marginalization.

The agitation has been long and futile. In 2019, Alhaji Hassan Usman Sokodabo, a House of Representatives member for Abuja South Federal Constituency in an interview stated that the agitation for an FCT minister is backed by the law and joined his voice in advocating that the then President, Muhammadu Buhari appointed an indigene as minister of FCT. This fell on deaf ears as the aboriginals of the FCT were yet again denied the opportunity to be represented by one of their own.

In 2020, when the issue was raised in the Senate under the leadership of former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan. The Senate urged the executive to appoint a minister amongst indigenes of the FCT referencing the decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

In 2021 An activist and Constitutional Lawyer, Late Musa Baba-Panya, in advocating for the representation of natives of the FCT called on President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint an indigene of the FCT Abuja as a minister to correct the injustices of the past, when the former president was to reshuffle his cabinet in August 2019.

These are only but a few references out of the decades-long agitation for representation and political emancipation by the aboriginal people of the FCT.

A lot has been said to infer that the Minister of the FCT must not be an indigene of the FCT and while that is true, it is also a matter of fact and absolute truth that the constitution did not state that the Minister of the FCT cannot be an indigene of FCT. Recall a court of appeal judgment on January 15, 2018, in favor of the natives on the need for a ministerial appointment and the legal status of FCT -Abuja to be a State by the provisions of the law and are indeed entitled to a ministerial representation in the FEC as provided by the combined provisions of Sections 147 (3), 299, 14 (3) and 42 of 1999 Constitution. 

The Court also declared that the persistent denial and refusal of past presidents to so appoint an indigene of FCT Abuja as a minister since May 1999 was tantamount to a gross violation of the said constitutional right against discrimination.

It therefore rules out that argument. The Abuja indigenes are rather being faced with an issue of fairness, justice inclusion, and representation which shouldn't be denied to the natives of the FCT especially because they are as Nigerian as other Nigerians across the 36 states of the country. 

Beyond record-breaking, a decision by President Tinubu to appoint an indigene of the FCT as minister as well as giving due consideration for appointment in other ministerial positions, will demonstrate the spirit of federal character and his slogan of renewed hope will automatically resonate across the length and breadth of the FCT and beyond.

It is the hope of the FCT indigenous people that this noised renewed hope is extended to them, to yet again hope and count on Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make the unparalleled decision of giving the people the representation they have long agitated for along with the some of the optimum decisions he has made since his entry into the Presidency that has given many Nigerians the reason to hope against hope. The indigenes of the  Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria have yet again renewed their hope as the President has called for and are keeping the hope alive, waiting anxiously that this will not be yet another shattered dream but rather the breaking of a new dawn for them to experience what it means to not just be seen, but be heard and as well represented.

BOSAT Felicitate with Abdullahi Sule and other members over their victory at the polls

 

BOSAT Felicitate with Abdullahi Sule and other members over their victory at the polls

National President of BOSAT Bldr. Raphael Chinkik Rume has described the re-election of Engr. A. A Sule. as confirmation of his tract records,  accomplishments and developmental strides as governor of Nasarawa state.

He said Engr. Abdullahi Sule has over the years, combined tack, humility, wisdom, experience and civility in the task of administering a multifaceted State like the Nasarawa State, thus changing the narrative in governance and thereby eliciting the confidence of the Nasarawa people.

Bldr. Raphael Rume said ‘Great BOSAT, ladies and gentlemen, may I at this juncture, on behalf of the BOSAT family, with a profound joyfulness in our hearts felicitate with our amiable, gentle, calm, smiling, tall hansom man, our ambassador per excellent, our light bearer and front line achiever for whom we are proud of, a pragmatic and astute politician, BOSAT Patron, His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi Sule on your well-deserved RE-ELECTION as the Governor of Nasarawa State for the second term at the recently concluded general elections.

He further said ‘We believe, this Victory at the polls is also the divine will of God Almighty, it is also an endorsement of the unshaken confidence the people of Nasarawa State have in you as a result of your enormous, indelible tracts records and given your phenomenal achievements over the years and most especially in Infrastructural and Human Capital Developments against all odds and in the face of limited resources and most especially too in your quest to providing and equipping the people of Nasarawa State with adequate technical and vocational skills as it can be seen in this edifice where we are holding this occasion Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational Technology Institute. BOSAT is highly obliged for appointing one of its members as the Executive Director of the institute in the person of Dr. Daniel Ewuga Asele. He added.

While pouring encomiums on the governor  Bldr. Raphael Rume said ‘As our Ambassador par excellence, BOSAT will not only strive to emulate your leadership qualities, but will ever be ready to cooperate with you in all ramifications and as the need arises for the good of the State and our Alma Mater.

Your Excellency, we the BOSAT Family are very proud of you because you have proven that leadership is about service to humanity, impact, influence and inspiration. To us, you are an exemplary leader whose passion to serve humanity knows no bounds. He added.

He said ‘We believe that your second term in office will lift the State to the next level of development. We pray for God’s guidance, protection, blessings and Kings Solomon’s wisdom to pilot the affairs of the state, better than before.

The National President of BOSA also congratulates some of its members who were also elected into various offices. He said ‘we rejoice with four of our members who were recently elected into various positions in their respected constituencies; Hon. Isaac Kwallu representing Qa'anpan, Shandam and Mikang Federal Constituency in Plateau State, Prince Ayuba Aboki Zaku Damper, member representing Ibi/Wukari federal constituency in Taraba State, Hon. Nannim Joseph representing Langtang North House of Assembly in Plateau State and

Hon. Kudu Ajegana Jacob representing Nasarawa Eggon East in Nasarawa State House of Assemble.

He said their triumph at the polls is an endorsement of the unshaken assurance of the people bestowed on them due to their enormous strong will, character, and passion to serve.

Noting that their respective constituencies have spoken with one voice; this is a strong indication that they are undeniably a gift to humanity, an aspiration to the younger generation, and a blessing to the BOSAT, your state and the country at large.

He wish them well and assured them of the BOSAT's undaunted support. While praying to the Almighty God continues to Grant them good health; strength and wisdom.

BOSAT hold Emergency Congress amidst unprecedented turnout of members

 

BOSAT hold Emergency Congress amidst unprecedented turnout of members

It was a moment filled with glamour and excitement as the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational And Technology Institute Lafia Nasarawa State venue of the emergency congress meeting was filled by Bukuru Old Student’s Association Technical, BOSAT members, it was indeed a memorable moment to behold. 

It was a moment filled with glamour and excitement as the Wing Commander
Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational And Technology Institute Lafia Nasarawa State venue of the emergency congress meeting was filled by Bukuru Old Student’s Association Technical, BOSAT members, it was indeed a memorable moment to behold.

In an address by the National President of BOSAT Bldr. Raphael Chinkik Rume who was thrilled and overwhelmed by the large number of members who turn out could hide his excitement as he said It gladdens his heart to see the calibre of members united in the hall with a quest to find ways to make the association a formidable one.

He said ‘I am elated because with each passing moment, we have not lost sight of why we are saddled with the responsibilities of piloting the affairs of BOSAT, we never cease to acknowledge the hands of God in everything we do.

Bldr. Raphael further said ‘Today marks a major milestone in the life of BOSAT; as we converged here in Lafia, being first of its kind in the history of BOSAT to take a new bold step towards realizing some of our core missions and visions.

While mentioning the agenda of the emergency congress meeting he said they are gathered to consider and adopt BOSAT amended constitution, have a brief on the preparation for the 70th anniversary of our Alma Mata coming up in November, and finally to congratulate and celebrate with our amiable Patron Engr, A. A Sule and some of their members have made their mark and made BOSAT proud.

He emphasized that the choice of holding the meeting in Nasarawa State is for unity, to encourage and appreciate BOSAT members from Benue and Nasarawa State, considering the zeal, sacrifice and commitment of its members from that axis

Saying that he strongly believed that after the meeting, the few BOSAT members around Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna Abuja Taraba Katsina and other States who never took BOSAT activities with significance will arose their minds towards the BOSAT activities, thereby making them one BIG family. More mended, united, and stronger and making us a sturdier, more robust association, thereby competing with other sister associations and surpassing them. He added.

He eulogised the effort of the BOSAT family in Benue and Nasarawa and other states around.

The National President acknowledge the magnificent contributions of His Excellency the Governor of Nasarawa Engineer Abdullahi Sule towards the hosting of emergency congress and other activities, ‘I comment on your patriotic zeal, determination and commitment to your Alma Mata considering the sacrifices you made by putting asides your schedules in ensuring the clarion call to be part of this emergency congress’  This demonstrates the importance you attached to this gathering which is a source of inspiration to the Exco, we remained undauntedly grateful for your cooperation and support in all ramifications. He added

Bldr. Raphael equally eulogised the Grand Patron, Baba Famed for his sacrifices, saying he is a man who thinks BOSAT, dreams BOSAT, eats BOSAT, drinks BOSAT and involves himself in all BOSAT activities, he is very compassionate, very human, honest playfulness, committed and devoted to BOSAT. ‘You are the source of encouragement and a stimulus to the BOSAT family, may God continue to bless you and keep you for BOSAT’.

He also reminded Congress about the preparation for the 70th-anniversary celebration of the Aalma-Mata which is scheduled to take place in November 2023 noting that the planning committee headed by Dr Shirka Kamsem, is doing a wonderful job.  

IS EMEFEILE VICTIM OR CULPRIT?

Modest Thoughts with

(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba Yilgak'ha, June 12, 2023; 08116181263)*

When transition speaks, guilty men quiver. This hypothesis is a classical reality during the adolescence stage in humans and governance transitions as we are currently witnessing in Nigeria and many states of the country. On June 9, 2023, news filtered on social media about the embattled CBN governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele. As it stands, I do not know whether he should be addressed as former governor of the apex bank or embattled head of the institution that could be returned when found innocent after investigation.

The press that floated the media was signed by one Willie Bassey, Director, Information on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The title and full text of the press release are reproduced verbatim for readers' appreciation:

"OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

"PRESS RELEASE

"PRESIDENT TINUBU SUSPENDS HEMIFIELD FROM OFFICE AS CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR

"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended the Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, CFR, from office with immediate effect.

"This is the sequel to the ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy.

"Mr. Emefiele has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of the investigation and the reforms."

For obvious reasons, upon seeing and reading the press paper, I placed a puzzling reaction on my WhatsApp status aimed at gauging the mood of the public on the latest news in town. It reads: "CBN GOVERNOR, GODWIN EMEFIELE IS DOWN, WHO SHOULD BE NEXT? YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS MINE:...!Modest Thought is just thinking!"

Many replies started pouring in but I found one attractive. It was a question from one of my contacts which reads: "Who pls oo!!

No, guess here o!! Help out!!!". My initial take was that the person asking the question might either not be in Nigeria for a while, secluded or could he be out of touch with recent happenings around the country? Just as Cleopas and Simon would ask Jesus on their way to Emmaus from Jerusalem as recorded in the book of Luke 24: 18 - 35.

Anyway, I replied promptly saying: 'Professor Mahmud Yakubu is on my mind but will the president sack him for having been the alleged beneficiary of the former's alleged abracadabra associated with the management of the 2023 electoral processes and outcomes?' It is no news that some frontline presidential candidates are in court to challenge the declaration as the winner and the consequent swearing-in of Tinubu as President of Nigeria by the Independent Election Commission (INEC) which Mahmud chairs!

Anyway, the mind of the man who asked the referenced question could not have gone the way of Professor Mahmud because those who are likely to politically sweat under this present regime are perceived political enemies who did not support Tinubu's most cherished political, that is, presidential ambition, especially, those who served in the former administration of Buhari.

I cannot hold brief for Emefiele but because of trends in politics of vendetta, what the president is likely to do with those who are at cross purpose with his highest political ambition. Things are happening very fast, it has been reported that Godwin Emefiele is already in the dragnet of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) for interrogation. For me, if he is found wanting, then, the law should take it cause but which law are we talking about here? Nigeria is full of ironies. Ideally, those who come to equity are expected to come with clean hands but, substantially, this is not the case in Nigeria!

In this country, state institutions are so weak to the advantage of corrupt elements. It seems, with illicit wealth, a criminal is likely to escape justice effortlessly. It is so sad to observe that in Nigeria, the dubious survival strategy is for a potential criminal to learn to steal big and, then, use the elicited wealth to bribe his or her way into vantaged corridors or positions of power where crime is seemingly protected and legitimized.

Nigerians are living witnesses to how highly placed people in government who shortchanged the system in the most wicked manner faked ill-health while appearing before panels of enquires or oversight or special committees at the National Assembly and after those staged comedies nothing will be heard about the issue or issues again because a lot of water has gone under the bridge. Bribery and corruption, that is, dubious giving and taking, call it exchange of blood fortune has taken place and the matter dies naturally without any mention of it again!

The legal and prosecuting system or philosophy has to be changed if any progress can be made in stemming all manners of corruption in the system. Left for me alone, the idea of declaring a suspect innocent until proven guilty by the accused which is the practice in the Nigerian legal system should be changed so that any suspected person is declared guilty until such a person proves himself innocent as it is the case in the United States of America (USA). The paradigm has to shift because the burden of proof in any case is often very heavy and criminals could easily leverage it to escape justice. If anything, such a heavy burden should be on suspected persons.

Born on August 4, 1961, Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele, CFR is a Nigerian economist, banker and, most recently, politician who served as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and unsuccessfully aspired to be Nigeria's president during party primaries leading the just concluded 2023 general poll. He will go down in history as the only serving CBN Governor, who against all odds and the conservative nature of his banking profession, contested to be president of Nigeria.

From the plump job of a CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele is entering a new but trying phase of his life. The question which begs for answers at this juncture is thus: Is Godwin Emefiele a victim of circumstance or a culprit caught in the web of institutional corruption? Recall, the embattled CBN governor was appointed by former President GGoodluckEbele Jonathan on June 14, 2014, following the removal of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who later became Emir of Kano under former governor Kwankwaso's regime but was deposed by Tanduje's administration.

Perhaps, Emefiele is the longest-serving CBN Governor in Nigeria who presided over many monetary policy decisions in the country including full implementation of the cashless policy which started in 2010 under Sanusi's watch, and the currency redesign that has somersaulted.

In particular, the currency redesign and cashless policy which were concurrently implemented by the apex bank close to the 2023 general election which produced Bola Ahmed Tinubu as president were perceived, in some quarters as a deliberate ploy by former president Buhari who recently handed over power to the incumbent with his political associates to frustrate the incumbent's chance of becoming Nigeria's president. Whether this insinuation was true is a matter of conjecture. What is in the public space is the excuse the apex bank gave for the implementation of the policies.

According to the press released by the CBN on October 26, 2022, the justification and attraction for the currency redesign were predicated on glaring contradictions arising from the management of the current series of banknotes and currency in circulation, particularly, those outside the banking system in Nigeria. It explained that in recent times, currency management in the country has faced several daunting challenges that have continued to rise in magnitude and sophistication with attendant and unintended implications for the integrity of both the CBN and the country. One of such primary challenges includes significant hoarding of banknotes by members of the public with statistics showing that over 80 percent of currency in circulation is outside the purview of commercial banks. The cashless policy and the currency redesign were, in particular, targeted at the repositioning of Nigeria's monetary policy towards better performance for inclusive growth, stability, and sustainable economic development to take place.

Not satisfied with the justifications provided, however, the matter was challenged and tested in court up to the supreme court by mostly pro-Tinubu governors like Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi and Nyesom Wike of Rivers amongst others. The currency redesign was consequently scuttled but the CBN stuck to its decision of continuing with it. The reality now is that the policy has badly somersaulted or halted and it is no news that Tinubu won the presidency and has since been sworn in on May 29, 2023!

A week or thereabout before the inauguration of President Tinubu, it was widely rumored that former president Buhari had granted study leave for Emefiele to travel for school abroad. Some public observers felt that if the leave rumor turns out to be true, then, the suspended CBN boss will be planning an escape from a perceived vendetta that could come from the new government. The truth or otherwise of this insinuation is a matter of speculation too and only time shall tell.

What is known is the list of weighty allegations the government has against Emefiele which include money laundering, politically motivated employment to power brokers toward brightening the chance of his presidential ambition amongst other weighty breaches of public trust. Anyways, skeptics have their reservations about the objectivity of the investigation against Emefiele but time shall tell who is right and who is wrong and what can be done about it. 

As Nigerians watch the investigation unfold, what is fresh on their minds is the possibility of another high-profile government official going down the abyss or traveling the Dasuki Gate road of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Ibrahim Dasuki code-named "Dasuki Gate" and the fall of the former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekeremadu. At a point, these men were powerful movers and shakers of things in the politics and governance of Nigeria but the table has turned against them with ffar-reachinglessons for us all to learn that power is transient and no matter how powerful you become, the passage of time can bring you down to nothing, especially, when you have skeletons in your cupboard!

Let me project that Emefiele's travail might end up becoming the Dasuki Gate of the present time and should that happens, then it will be proper to code name it Emefiele Gate which will provide a lead way into Pandora's box of the immediate past regime. Let me assert that genuine and thorough investigation/interrogation of the past regime of Buhari and its extended legacies (those appointed by him but whose tenure extends into the current time) is a welcome development. However, it is only good that the searchlight be put everywhere without any political bias, sentiment, or vendetta. 

Corruption is a menace in Nigeria and any initiative or action that could help the country root out this hydra-headed monster is expressly welcome. Godwin Emefiele has nothing to fear if his hands are clean. I wish all Nigerians a happy June 12 democracy celebration!

WALLOK: A HOUSE MEMBER WITH A DIFFERENCE

(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba Yilgak'ha, June 10, 2023; 08116181263)

Hon. Barr. Wallok Phillip Goma is a specimen in leadership having been a house of assembly member that represented Kanke State Constituency from June 2019 to June 2023. Leadership is a unique opportunity to serve but with responsibility to account as well. As a matter of fact, the pairs of vision and forthrightness; intellegence and emotional decorum; probity and accountability as well as courage and morality are key elements that make a difference in purposeful leadership but these demands are always hard to keep up with by most leaders.

In history, while anybody can be in a position of leadership; not all are accountable in such vantage position. It was Warren Buffet, one of the world's greatest Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) who aptly said that in hiring manpower, 'you are looking for three things, generally, in a person: intelligence, energy, and integrity. And if they don't have the last one, don't even bother with the first two.' This assertion underscores the superior importance of integrity also referred to as public accountability. Truth be told: It takes classical self discipline and high sense of morality for someone in leadership position to keep sharp focus on things that really matters while navigating through the tempting tendencies that come with it without failing or hurting badly.

Having been on the spotlight for four good years, Hon. Wallok has substantially demostrated clear understanding of the dynamics of leadership and has tried to make a difference living the true meaning of such understanding as will be seen in this concised reflection or peer review that is before us. It is important to mention, upfront, that after serving his four years term in office, the focused legislator, on June 4, 2023, promptly brought together people from far and near for a thanksgiving service which took place at Church of Christ In Nations (COCIN), Golkung, Shiwer, his ancestral village.

The motivation for the thanksgiving service, in the estimation of the humble house member, was that it was a symbolic act of appreciation to God and his constituents. He used the platform to thank God for the great opportunity of serving Plateau people, generally, and Kanke State constituency, in particular. In the course of his representation at the state assembly, Hon. Wallok who became Deputy Majority Leader, Chairman House Committee on Finance (CHCF), Chairman House Committee on Judiciary Ethics and Privileges (CHCJEP) of the house as well as the Legal Adviser APC States' Assemblies Forum (ASAF) of Nigeria, went memory lane to to tell the poetic story of his entrance into politics as he presented the scorecard of his stewardship before the people he served.

While telling the history of his entrance into politics, he said, it can only be God that guided his truimphant inroad into the game of politics. The people's legislator recounted how he left Kano where he was staying and practicing noble law profession; his miraculous employment with the Plateau State Ministry of Justice (PLSMJ) where he made his lovely wife and, then, voluntary resignation from the state civil service after serving for three (3) years to contest for the house of assembly seat which he won landslide and was sworn into office on June 10, 2019 to serve his people.

Daring to leave a government paid job to dabble into uncertain and murky waters of politics is a clear pointer that Hon. Wallok is an adventurous man who believes in the audacity of courage.  Even though some colleagues at the PLSMJ discouraged his decision to quit, he had the guts and tempered steel to try and it paid off. Perhaps, his sourjourn at the justice ministry was just a point of contact for him to meet his heart throb, the wife he married. Who knows, some mysteries can only be fathomed by God who knows everything about us and our destinies from the beginning.

Through practical experience, Hon. Wallok who is fondly regarded as the smiling legislator pointed out that leadership in an age where people are critical is a very difficult task. Outside leadership position, any favour one extends is appreciated but in power, you hardly can satisfy everyone. In fact, the best of charity can be bilttled and thrown back at you with insult but you have no freedom to defend yourself because you are the leader, especially, in a democracy under which the social contract was signed with the people. Anyway, Hon. Wallok has long learned to come to terms with the philosophy that 'critics are the unpaid guardians of our souls', be they objective or subjective critics. Objective or constructive criticism is to a politician what mirrow is in a barber's shop. It helps in shaping the methods and moves of the politician toward becoming a celebrated servant leader.

In a social contract pact, that is, leader-followers set up, no monument can be built in honour of a subjective critic. The bad news for a subjective critics and goodnews for any objective leader which Hon. Wallok practically exemplifies, is captured in the words of former American President, Theodore Roosevelt who said: "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

Leadership is practical politics within the contest of service. If anything, it is about deliberate action(s) not utopian ideal which exists only in the imagination of lazy thinkers whose only joy derives from criticising others, just for the sake of it. In all honesty, Hon. Wallok acknowledges his infallability when he noted that he could not have pleased everybody but God preserved him throughout his going out and coming in. In practical humility, the house member noted that whatever he was able to do for his constituents could not have been enough because the community he served was backward and in dire need of concentrated attention from government and other development partners. He, then, presented a comprehensive catalog of his achievements in line with his primary and secondary responsibilities as a house member.

Hon wallok core-sponsoring many bills in the 9th assembly and was the main sponsor of the traditional remuneration bill which has since been passed and ascent to by the executive. Amongst the motions he moved include the motion for the completion of Kanke cottage Hospital which has now been successfully completed and commissioned; motion seeking justice for Late Rinji Bala who was sadly killed by an STF police personnel and motion for on quick resolution of Somji -Dongha community clash and was also part of all the resolutions reached the 9th assembly.

Hon. Wallok was a representative whose voice was loud towards ensuring Kanke people had full benefit of state resources and projects due to it. He tries to organise town hall meeting to keep his constituents abreast with happenings in the state. The house committee chairmanships and memberships he belonged spoke about his oversighting functions he performed in ministries and agencies of government that led to improvement in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) was and the rehabilitation of court rooms across the state.

Some of the community interventions by Hon. Wallok include successful construction and completion of 34 meters Shiwer-Golkung bridge, the first of its kind constructed by any legislator in plateau state; construction and completion of two classroom blocks at Nemel and Goktok with that of Dungyel, Garram under construction; construction of a shed at Dawaki Dog international market; renovation of a classroom and office apartment at Primary School Belbu. Others are sinking 2 motorised boreholes at Amper Central and rehabilitation of some in many communities; donation of bundles of zinc toward renovation of Gyangyang clinic as well as influencing the speedy completion of the community's access bridge; donation N200, 000.00 towards Gugur road construction; payment of counterpart funding for the construction of community library at Garram; repair of transformers at Shiwer and Munok; donation of 20 bags of cement and, also cash support towards the reconstruction of collapsed bridge at Tipik; distribution of farm inputs like fertilisers to constituents; donation of a printer to NANGS Business Centre as well as one year payment of school fees of selected secondary school student in Amper.

The legislator sponsored and supported the following skills acquisition and empowerment programmes: Training with start up capital of 300 women in the production and marketing of household products;  empowerment of 500 constituents with cash and varying items like sewing, grinding and water pumping machines; barber clippers to boost the businesses; financial support to NDA skill acquisition centre towards youth training amongst others. He also gained sizable number of permanent jobs for his constituents and was always there to support all through thick and thin. No wonder, these gestures were appreciated with many awards which include but not limited to Icon of Democracy in African by African Students Union Parliament(ASUP); Arewa Youth Council Award of Excellence; Award of Excellence by ungraded Village Heads, Kanke.

Hon. Wallok, through graces in due diligence and the fear of God, tethers the path of honour throughout his tenure. This submission is validated, also, by the rainbow of comments, accolades and goodwill messages which poured in from various community leaders and representatives of groups who spoke at the thanksgiving service. For instance, the representative of the PLSHA, Hon. Eng. Hussaini Amurudu noted that Hon. Wallok  has been a team player, trusted and dedicated law maker whose resourcefulness was brought to bare throughout the four years he held sway at the house of necessary actions and wished him well in his future engagements. The Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kanke Chapter who, also, doubled as the Chairman Regional Church Council (RCC) Dawaki of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Abner Gyikatda, also, remarked that the house member remembered  the church and carried it along in all he does, therefore, thank God for his life and wished him well too.

The representative of the forum of ungraded Village Heads of Kanke Local Government Council (LGC) and village head of Jaksham noted that, Hon. Goma Wallok kept a date with their forum and, so, said their blessings were with him. The secretary and representative of the local assembly where the honourable worships in Jos, COCIN Local Church Council (LCC) Jiyep, Elder Sati Abednego congratulated and thank God for seeing him through, noting that greater things were loading ahead.

More accolades came from the Chairman Shiwer Development Association, Nde Shedrach Golen who stated that his community celebrates Hon. Wallok as 'one of its best', maintaining that he did not disappoint neither the people of Kanke nor their community while at the state assembly, therefore, wished him better opportunities ahead. Also,  Rev. Peter Tor MSule, a consistent prayer partner of the house member thank God for his safe landing while hoping and praying that, for keeping a date with God, God was going to open another window of opportunities for greatness. The Central Planning Committee of the thanksgiving through Rev. Nanle Nenfa, the Chaplin Baptist Theological seminary, Lamingo, Jos, observed with great satisfaction and pointed out that the mystery behind Hon. Wallok's success in office was that he surrounded himself with people whose heart God had touched. For the man who has not disappointed his constituents and state, God will graciously bless!

While preaching at the thanksgiving service, Rev. Ezekiel Z. Dakup who took his text from Luke 17:11-19 pointed out that thanksgiving and gratitude to God is a must but most people hardly do it. He also noted that leadership was a great responsibility which only God can help someone to measure up and so it was a wise decision that Hon. Wallok and family took to thank God who protected, guided and provided him throughout the four years leadership. Wopinne Wallok, a son God blessed the family with during the four years in the house was dedicated to God during the thanksgiving service.

It is important to note that Hon. Barr. Wallok Phillip Goma contest to represent the people of Pankshin Kanke Kanam (PKK) in the Federal House of representatives but could not scale through the All Progressives Congress' (APC's) primary. However, he is grateful to God who has the sole power to give leadership responsibilities. Hon. Wallok asserted that there is a catalysing place of God even in political offices. Therefore, he firmly upholds the scripture that says, 'all things work for good in favour of those who believe in God.' Whatever God wills, definitely shall because He is the 'uncaused cause and the unmoved mover'!

When the end is good, the beginning could not have made any difference. The beauty of any journey is for the one who embarks on it to arrive or return safely. For four years down the line, Hon. Barr. Wallok Phillip Goma embarked on a tasking voyage of discovery in the service of Plateau and Kanke people which sometimes took him outside the shores of the country yet returned safely to the glory of God. Because nobody takes the glory of God, he is saying thank you to God for his care; thank you to Kanke people for the support and opportunity to serve them and, more importantly, apologising to communities or individuals whom his hands could not have reached. May God forever bless and empower his people and grant the people's legislator peace, now and always, amen.

Nigeria: A COUNTRY SMILING IN TEARS

Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, May 29, 2923; 08116181263)

In present day Nigeria, only a few are happy with the way things went in the last decade plus. You must have seen the sarcastic "Survivor Certificate" that is trending on social media these few days. The content reads: "The Bearer ... of this Certificate is Hereby Proclaimed as a Survivor of the Muhammadu Buhari led Administration from May, 2015 - May, 2023, in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We made it alive." The insinuation and implication is that the eight years of president Muhammadu Buhari have been hell as far as survival in Nigeria was concerned. 

Under the regime, Boko Harm insurgency which was prevalent in the North East was minimised but other forms of insecurity such as armed banditary and kidnapping escalated in other parts of Nigeria, namely, the North West, North Central, South West as the violent activities of separatists agitators,  Indegeneous People of Biafara (IPOB) intensified in the South East with needless fatalities. This is not even to mention the brazen bunkering and crude oil theft in the South South.

Under the administration still, Nigeria became the poverty capital of the world after overtaking India with over 133 million Nigerians living in abject poverty in 2019. The country's problems were existential, complex and practically hydra-headed in nature.

Nigerians literarily went through the valley of the shadow of death. It was as though the citizens were under the sceptre of death. The country's situation could better be described in terms of the words expressed by Nora Roberts in his novel, 'Ceremony in Death' which was published in 1997. The first paragraph of the novel's chapter one reads: "Death surrounded her. She faced it daily, dreamed of it nightly. Lived with it always. She knew its sounds, its scents, even its texture. She could look it in its dark and clever eye without a flinch. Dead was a tricky for, she knew. One flinch, one blink, and it could shift, it could change. It could win." When Nigerians stepped out of their home, they were not sure if they could return safely. The citizens had to die to live. It was that bad!

Buhari's regime as democratically elected president of Nigeria began on May 29, 2015 after his historic defeat of the then incumbent president Goodluck Ibele Jonathan in a keenly contested poll. It was the first time an incumbent president was soundly defeated in any president polls in the country. Prior to the contest that brought Buhari on power, he had made three consecutive but fruitless attempts at becoming president in Nigeria. The first was in 2003 when he stood election against former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003; the second was when he contested against Late Umaru Yar'Adua in 2007 and the third was when he attempted the contest against former President Jonathan in 2011 and serially lost the bids. It is pertinent to note that in all the three (3) Buhari has never lost the north where he had cult followership.

After the third unsuccessful attempt in 2011, president Buhari vowed never to try it again. He lamented and even cried publicly as to why Nigerians were suffering under failed or underperforming governments and how his planned mesianic effort at becoming president was being frustrated. He literally wept over the level of excalating issues of insecurity, corruption and economic failures in Nigeria and said Nigeria and Nigerians shall miss the great president he could have been at the time. It is important to note that Nigerians, especially, northern electorates believed Buhari and when he lost the poll in 2011, there was violent protest where many lives and properties were destroyed under the guise that the poll was rigged in favour of former president Goodluck Jonathan.

After vowing never to contest for presidency again following the third unsuccessful attempt in 2011, President Buhari backtracked on his words and tried again in 2015 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) which was a coalition of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a faction of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). A splinter group from the then ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) called the new, nPDP which later joined the coalition with seven (7) governors. The coalition deployed its strategic propaganda machine, worked and Buhari became president with the firmed promise to fix Nigeria's security woes, ailing economy and corruption. It was the first time a coalition party could win any election in Nigeria's chequered history and, therefore, it made Buhari a jinx breaker and a historic legend also.

Even though some Nigerians, especially, the older generation were sceptical about Buhari's ability to deliver as president; vast majority of the citizens were lured and convinced to believe that Nigeria will automatically work under a Buhari presidency. Part of the hope-trigger was when Buhari insinuated that, 'if corruption was not killed, it would kill Nigeria'. This insinuation was not only true but politically correct and it was the kind of thing Nigerians were eager to hear. 

Buhari's campaign in 2015 was successful because of it populist appeal. It was masses-centred campaign which promised to reorganise Nigeria in favour of the toiling masses, frontal fight against corruption that was believed to be more prevalent amongst the country's elites. At Buhari's inauguration on may 29, 2015, the populist president thrilled anyone who cared to listen that 'he was for everybody but for no one.' In other words, he was saying he was going to be neutral, a president for all irrespective of social status, tribe, region or religion. After serving eight years (2015 - 2023), Nigerians now know better.

After serving two (2) tenures of eight years, Buhari's hyped integrity is under critical scrutiny. How are Nigerians viewing the president today? Is Buhari now a better person, in terms of his public image, than if he were never elected president? Has the president kept his promises to the citizenry? These are germane questions that begs for answers and, trust Nigerians, every one of them has a view to express on those questions. Perhaps, Buhari's regime will go down in history as one which suffered the worse of summersault, it had relatively good laws and policies which include border closure, economic diversification policy, cashless policy, the 2022 Electoral Act which provided for electronic transmission of election results, etc but there was no strategic mechanisms and the political will to ensure practical implementation to put Nigeria on the path of progress and sustainable. That was the missing link. The regime promised so much but practically delivered so little!

President Buhari promised to conduct most freest and fairest election in Nigeria before leaving office; now the citizens know better. Burahi promised to end Boko Haram (BH) insurgency and, also, rescue Chibok and Dapchi girls including Leah Sheribu, the Dapchi lady who refused to denounce her Christian faith in captivity; now Nigerians know better. Buhari promised to end insecurity in the country but BH which was narrow in scale has only metamophosed into wide scaled kidnapping and banditary; Nigerians now know better. Buhari promised to end corruption but snakes were swallowing billions of naira under his watch; Nigerians now know better. Buhari promised to fixed the economy but the country's macroecomic indicators have shown worrisome signals; Nigerians know better. 

Nigerian have stories to tell in respect of inflation, unemployment, poverty rate, exchange rate, subsidy, industrial actions, insecurity, corruption, issues of marginalisation, religious division, selective justice, just to mention a few. Senator Shehu on his varified Twitter handle, @shehusani, chronicles the regime as follow: "He led the country without economic direction. He presided over a government that failed to secure the lives of Nigerians, 63 thousand dead, 3 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and 366 thousand refugees in neighbouring countries. He failed to restructure as he promised. He granted waivers to the rich and empoverished the poor. He closed the borders for those who import bags of rice on motorcycles and permitted those who use ships. He built magical pyramids that disappeared after 3 days. He left uncompleted projects with huge debt to service for decades. He enabled, enriched and reinforced a cabal for eight years. He announced and and retained failure and rewards them with extensions. He was weak in taking decisions and run away when it is tough. He has no house in London but made London his home. He left behind record inflation, record devaluation, record, unemployment, record fall in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), record figures in poverty and record plunder of state resources. He left behind a nation with 60 million people suffering from mental illness. He is leaving behind the health workers on strike. He setup traps for the next government in order to make his own look better."

To say the least, Nigerians are victims of extended-broken promises under Buhari's government. Many who could not survive had died through controversial and needless existential struggles. Nigerian citizens who survived saw their survival as a miracle. The regime was practically very tough in all ramifications. It is leaving Nigerian youth with bruised ego and the entirety of the citizenry in survival limbo.

In an oxymoron fashion, Nigerians are smiling in tears and there are, possibly, three theoretical explanations for this classic and pratical expression of this oxymoron in the country: Survival Strategy Hypothesis (SSH), overwhelming hypothesis (OH) and Religion as Opium Hypothesis (ROH). The SSH argued that 'If you worry about a trouble it becomes double but when you smile at it, it disappears like a bubble

so always smile at your problem.' The OH has to do with smiling in tears because one is overwhelmed with a challenge which left him smiling like a mad person. The idea is that even when the victim cries; it would not change anything and, therefore, the best he can do is to smile in utter shock and bewilderment. The RHO derives from Karl Marx's hypothesis that religion is like a soothing balm that massages the pain of a suffering people and make them see all misfortunes as acts of God. It is a fated disposition constructed by a conceding belief system. 

In Marx's days, religious leaders who were in active collaboration with the state were always in the habit of encouraging suffering people to see their frustrations as acts of God and, so, were not doing anything to change the harsh conditions of their congregation. This way, the people were constrained and conditioned to smile in tears. There nothing wrong in propagating hope but religious leaders must learned to speak in defence of the defenseless and not the other way round. They must shy away from being cowards and be frontal in condemning evil when the see one to make the society an all inclusive and just one.

After representing all that he truly is for eight on Nigeria's most coveted seat, the office of the president, Buhari gave himself and regime a solo pass mark saying, he is fulfilled and will be remembered as that president who laid a solid foundation for enduring national development in Nigeria. He also noted that his successor and president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) was "the best candidate among all the contestants and Nigerians have chosen well". These assertions were made in his Sunday broadcast and valedictory speech to Nigerians on May 28, 2023. How Nigerians receive this self assessment by the president is left to be seen and a matter for another day!

Leadership is transient and whether president Buhari performed creditably or not shall be at the mercy of history. God rules in the affairs of men. Today Nigeria is heralding the end of an era and the beginning of another. Buhari is stepping out; Tinubu is stepping in. There is no vacuum in governance and time as a natural order and changer of seasons has spoken. May Nigeria triumph over its most daring travails and grow into greatness!