Opinion
Opinion: Kaduna Workers and the Bizzare Metamorphosis of a Good Person: An Open Letter to Governor Nasir el-Rufai
By Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN, OFR, PhD
INTRODUCTION
I know you people in the corridors of power don’t bother about reading or hearing from we lesser mortals. You love listening to yourselves, to fawners, bootleggers, bootlickers, contractors, influence-peddlers and genuflectors. I am not one. Fortunately. But, give me some minutes and read this this my humble open letter to you. This is because aside being a patriot, pan-Nigerian, Constitutional Lawyer, Human Rights Activist and Pro- democracy campaigner, I am also an avid and voracious reader, writer, Essayist, archivist and historian. Aside law books, I also write long essays, poems, articles and books on sundry matters, such as national discourse, literature, history, native laws, customs and traditions. I presently write 6 columns for 6 different newspapers EVERY WEEK, some since 2014. NON- STOP! The Sun, Sunday Telegraph, The Boss, Thisday, ThisNigeria and Afenmai News. These are aside my numerous weekly columns (at times daily) interventions on sundry national and international issues.
EXTRAPOLATION WITH LITERARY CHARACTERS
I once read Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka’s “JERO’S METAMORPHOSIS”, a play staged in 1960 (I was barely 2 years old then), and published in 1963. I also read Soyinka’s “THE TRIALS OF BROTHERS JERO”. In the former play, Jero was in possession of a confidential file which revealed government’s plans to transform the beach into a public prosecution ground and tourists’ centre. The satirical play was about the willy ways Jero tried to unite all the church leaders operating at the beach and make them form one church, with him as the sole leader. Soyinka was satirically decrying the hypocritical way Nigerians practised the Christian religion. He was shocked at the obsequious and unquestioning devotion that converts and adherents displayed towards their manipulative spiritual leaders.
In “THE TRIALS OF BROTHER JERO” first published in 1964, Soyinka mocked the proselytizing Church preachers who did not even have churches (as did brother Jero), and so preached in public places. He highlighted the transformation of these leaders from their religious titles of Bishop, Pastor and Prophet, to military titles, such as General, Colonel, Sergeant, etc. Soyinka depicted church leaders as deceptive, corrupt, fraudulent, politically ambitious and abandoning their flock in pursuit of merchantilistic and mundane cravings. Thus, Like Karl Marx, Soyinka satirized on these crafty preachers who deceived their sumnabulistic followers. The play exposed the contradictions in blind faith and slavish following, and satired the too many social and political imbalances in Nigeria of the 60s. The ills Soyinka kicked against in the early 60s are even worse today. Have u not seen viral videos where so called Pastors urinated in the mouths of their hypnotised worshippers, or farted on their faces, or sat on their heads, with other members clapping and washing his legs on their heads? They are told that is the only way to get rich or see paradise. Remember Jonestown where 909 people were made to commit mass suicide on the orders of their Pastor, Jones? Religion had been termed opium of the people by Karl Marx, used as an instrument to fight wars as beast in Europe, instead of using it to give solace to the soul of man. Soyinka had theorised along that line.
MY FRIENDSHIP WITH MALLAM EL-RUFAI
Welcome Mallam El-Rufai, the cerebral Quantity Surveyor Governor of Kaduna, who, once upon a time, was a jolly good fellow. I consider you my dear friend. I don’t know if you still do, me, based on our different world views and obvious glaring deological differences. You may not remember. We first met in 2002, at Sheraton hotel, Lagos. We had both come to deliver papers in our respective areas of expertise at a workshop. We again met in 2005, at the residence of Mr Brain Brown, the then American Consul-General. Then later as Minister of FCT in 2005. As Minister of the FCT, you were uncompromising against corruption and defacement of the Abuja master plan. Not ready to play ball with the legislative arm on financial gratifications from your Ministry, you were promptly declared a persona non gratia by the NASS, and banned from holding public office for 10 years. You immediately consulted me through my good friend, now Senator Uba Sani. We later met at your Life Camp home. On your instructions, I headed for the Federal High Court, Abuja, to challenge your ban. I won the case. The NASS appealed. I also defeated the NASS at the Court of Appeal, Abuja. That was how you, Nasir, bounced back to public reckoning from the limbo, to have been able to contest and win election as Kaduna State Governor, first, in 2015; and then, in 2019. I don’t know if your present beyond-the-clouds office will allow you remember this piece of history. But, the cold, hard records are there.
EL-RUFAI’S METAMORPHOSIS
Now, El-Rufai, you, have since metamorphosed, like brother Jero. You now see yourself as a tin god, a powerful deity, to be worshipped and perennially appeased by human sacrifices in terms of toying with citizens’ welfare.
El-Rufai, you had sacked over 45000 workers. You did not care about their families and dependants in these horrific harsh economic times unleashed on Nigerians by your clueless and anti-people APC Government. The workers kicked, as they are entitled to do in any democracy; even under totalitarian military juntas. You flexed your tiny mosquito muscles and played Louis X1V of France (of the ‘L’ etat ce’st moi’ – I am the State’- fame). Ayuba Wabba, NLC President, gathered his Kaduna flock workers, like a hen, her chicks, and called out a Kaduna State strike. You, El-Rufai, will hear none of it. Your authority had been challenged by lesser mortals. How dare they? Their temerity and audacity!
To you, a civil strike amounts to economic sabotage, and Ayuba Wabba must be apprehended and tossed into jail like a common criminal. You even placed a handsome reward, an expensive ransom, on Waba’s head. Thank God, it was not a fatwa. You are a Governor who has so far refused to pay ransom to free your own innocent University Students kidnapped from their University, right under your nose in Kaduna. Five of them have since been gruesomely butchered. You were not touched. The rest of the hostages live in daily terror; fear of death, and fear of fear. Their parents are tired of crying. Their oceans of tears have since dried up in daily supplication to god El-Rufai, to help save their innocent children. You, El-Rufai, will not budge. Like the Pharaoh of Egypt, you will not let your people go! (Exodus 5:1-10; 5:6-23; 7:13; 16; 8:15,19).
Now, the Kaduna workers carried out their threat. They downed tools. Swagging Emperor Nero El-Rufai will take none of the ‘nonsense’. Pronto, you fired all Nurses from level 14 downward, for daring to participate in the collective strike. Nigerians, can you believe that? I cannot, myself!
The workers nonetheless took to the streets in a peaceful protest, waving banners. Yes, as done by innocent Nigerians who had waved Nigerian flags and banners in a peaceful protest and were horrendously mauled down at the Lekki toll gate in October, 2020.
What did your (El-Rufai’s) Government do next? It panicked, instigated violence, employed a horde of weed-smoking, cudgel-carrying, machetes- brandishing and stones-hauling street thugs and urchins to unleash violence and mayhem on these peaceful protesters. The security agents were there, watching, probably enjoying themselves. They ‘siddon look’. Never mind that Ayuba Wabba, NLC President, had pro-actively sent SOS to the Director, DSS, Abuja, Director, DSS, Kaduna branch and the DIG of Police, Kaduna State. That is Nigeria’s sorry State. Complete nadir. No help from anywhere!
MY FREE ADVISE TO YOU, EL-RUFAI
My free advice to you, Mallam swashbuckling deity, El-Rufai. You should drop these issues immediately. You must not dare arrest the NLS Chairman, or actualise the dismissal of the said Nurses. You have since changed from the sweet humble guy I used to know, and gradually, not suddenly, become dictatorial and despotic. You are reminding us of Hitler and Musolini. I am genuinely shocked as to how such a well read, exposed and travelled man like you, who once self-exiled himself from Nigeria, for fear for his life, has metamorphosed into a full-blown tyrant and intolerant absolutist god that must be worshipped. Because of the intoxicating effect of power on you, as an aphrodisiac. Why have you developed an insatiable bacchanalian appetite to inflict sufferings and misery on Nigerians, especially your own citizens that you govern?
YOU ARE DESECRATING CITIZENS’ INALIENABLE RIGHTS
Let me tell you this. The rights to life, dignity of the human person, personal liberty, fair hearing, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association and freedom of movement, etc, are basic fundamental and inalienable human rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution. They are respectively contained in sections 32, 33, 34,35,38,39 and 40 of the1999 Constitution of Nigeria. At least, your tyrannical APC Government has not yet abrogated this Constitution. These rights are also universally recognised under the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, the European Charter on Human Rights, the American Convention on Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other international instruments. The right to protest without even seeking Police permission has been serially upheld by Nigerian appellate courts. See the cases of IGP V ANPP (2007) AHELR 179 (CA); (2007) 18 NWLR (PT 1066) 457, at pages 49I- 499, per Adekeye, JCA (as she then was?; AG FEDERATION V ABUBAKAR (2007) 10 NWLR (PT 1041) 1,92-93; OSADEBEY V AG,BENDEL STATE (1991) SCNJ 102, 218.
WABBA’S HEAD: RANSOM, RANSOM, RANSOM!!!
Mallam, I read to my chagrin, that you have allegedly offered to pay handsome ransom for the arrest of Ayuba, the NLC Chairman. Let me advise you to perish that obnoxious idea. You should rather use the ransom for the release of the helpless and unfortunate Boko Haram- kidnapped students of your state. If you yield to my advice, you would not be doing anything new at all. After all, you once told shocked Nigerians how you had to pay humongous ransom to the rampaging Fulani armed bandits that ceaselessly poured into your state from neighbouring African countries in 2015, to enable the 2015 presidential elections hold. I have therefore been incredulous and nonplussed as to your sudden pretended Janus votle-face “haram” or revulsion against payment of ransom, even to free the endangered souls of vulnerable school children who were kidnapped under your very despotic Government. Out of these, 5 students have already been brutally killed in cold blood. Can you really sleep, or fold your legs on the mat, to pray to Allah? What will you be praying for? Will your prayers and supplications cross the ceiling? I can no longer understand these elites in Government, and how they suddenly change once they taste the intoxicating liquor of power. Or, can you, Nigerians?
HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED?
Mallam, how would you want to be remembered in history? As a tyrant, autocrat, despot, absolutist, oppressor, totalitarian, autarchy, dictator? As a slave driver, persecutor, bully, scourge? Just how? El-Rufai, why are you playing brother Jero? Why are you acting out Idi Amin, Emperor Bokassa, Adolf Hitler, Timur, Queen Mary 1, Vladi-mir Lenin, Augusto, Pinochet, Kim Jong II, Emperor Hirohito, Leonid Brezhnev, Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot? Why have you shredded your beautiful garments of innocence and empathy and dorned the dictatorial apparels of Saddam Hussein, Ivan The Terrible, Kim 11 Sung, Ayatollah Khomeini, Nero, Ghenghis Khan, Mao Zedong, Ivan 1V, Lepold 11 of Belgium and Attila The Hun? Why Nasir? Why, El-Rufai? Why, Ahmad? Just why, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, for God’s sake?
Opinion
Onnoghen, Free at Last
By Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN, CON, OFR, LL.D.
“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, it must be demanded by the oppressed” (Martin Luther King, Jnr). Justice Walter Onnoghen who was unfairly disgraced out of office presumably as a crook by former dictator President, General Muhammadu Buhari, has just demonstrated this apophthegum through three appeals, namely CA/A/375/2019; CA/A/37/SC/2019 and CA/373C/2019. He valiantly fought for his freedom through these three appeals against his April 18, 2019 outrageous conviction which was schemed by Buhari and his kitchen cabinet to humiliate Onnoghen out of the Bench so as to make CJN, his preferred candidate (Justice Tanko Mohammed), CJN (rtd.) on the eve of the 2019 presidential election. Buhari knew he had performed dismally and would be rejected at the polls by angry and hungry Nigerians. So he went Judge-shopping. The rest as they say is history. The legal saga of Justice Walter Onnoghen is not just the story of one man’s acquittal, but a larger commentary on the poor state of Nigeria’s judiciary and the ever-present tensions between political power wielders and judicial independence. It is a story fit for a Grammy Award movie. His acquittal on 4th November, 2024, by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, marked a significant chapter in Nigeria’s legal history, casting a powerful shadow of doubt and curious spotlight on the principles of separation of power, due process, the sanctity of judicial independence and the perils inherent in political intervention. The appeal that restored Justice Onnoghen’s hard-earned reputation and returned his assets to him is also a profound testament to the importance of procedural integrity and jurisdictional boundaries in any democratic society.
I had the opportunity in the nineties to appear before the brilliant Judex while he was a High Court Judge of the Cross River State Judiciary, Calabar. I know he was a man of integrity and character. During the infamous Onnoghen’s trial by ordeal, I made many interventions. In one, I said:
“A strong judiciary is one of the irreducible fundamental platforms for any meaningful constitutional democracy. If you terrorise, intimidate, harass and humiliate the judiciary, using strong hand and brute force, it is a stage set for bidding democracy farewell”- Mike Ozekhome, SAN (https://dailytrust.com/ozekhome-charges-judiciary-to-shut-down-courts-over-onnoghen/). (13th January, 2019).
In a world where the judiciary stands as the final arbiter of justice, Justice Onnoghen’s story is one of a victim who faced unprecedented tribulations, endured a long agonising path to redemption. He ultimately emerged victorious. The appeal process that culminated in his acquittal is a reminder that justice may sometimes be delayed, but it can never be forever denied.
HOW THE APPEAL COURT ACQUITED ONNOGHEN
The verdict by the Court of Appeal represented a turning point in a legal drama that had captivated Nigerians and raised profound questions about the nature and quality of justice in the country. On the 4th of November, 2024, a three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed ruled in favour of the ex-CJN, Walter Onnoghen, acquitting him of the charges initially levied in 2019 by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in 2019. This decision not only vacated the earlier conviction but also ordered the unfreezing of all his bank accounts, thus restoring his financial freedom that had been denied him since the controversial trial began.
I have been overwhelmingly vindicated in all my angst and ventilations against the victimhood suffered by Onnoghen. Hear me:
“The CJN can be removed from office either if he has been convicted or if under section 291 of the constitution, the Senate affirms a request by the President to remove him by two-third majority vote” – Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN (https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/mike-ozekhome-reacts-to-allegations-against-cjn-onnoghen/zdx9del). (12th January, 2019).
The acquittal judgement was predicated on a legal principle central to the Nigerian jurisprudence which articulates around jurisdiction. The Court of Appeal asserted that the CCT had no authority in the first instance to try and convict Justice Onnoghen having not passed through the National Judicial Council (NJC). This oversight, the appellate court argued, rendered the entire proceedings null and void. This requirement had been emphasized in Nigerian case law with decisions such as FRN v. NGANJIWA (2022) LPELR-58066(SC) and OPENE v. NJC & ORS (2011) LPELR-4795(CA), which clearly emphasise that judicial officers must first be vetted by the NJC before facing any criminal trial by a tribunal or court. This process is designed to protect the judiciary and its judexes from strong-hand politicians and political interference, thus ensuring that judges are treated with the respect, dignity and due process that their offices richly deserve. I had angrily queried:
“…Our system of justice being Anglo-Saxon based, which is accusatorial, meaning that the innocence of a person is presumed. It is different from the criminal justice system of the French model which is inquisitorial, wherein the guilt of an accused person is presumed. This doctrine has been encapsulated in section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, that the person’s innocence is presumed until he has been proven guilty. Assuming for example that Senator Bukola Saraki had been forced to resign his office when charges were brought against him before the same Code of Conduct Tribunal almost three years ago, what would have happened and what would have been his fate when the Supreme Court eventually discharged and acquitted him of the charge, following judgements and earlier order of the Court of Appeal and the Code of Conduct Tribunal itself? If you ask me, I sense serious political undertones oozing from this so-called imminent arraignment of the noble CJN. Question, when did they discover the alleged offence for which they now want to charge him on Monday? Was it just yesterday, was it last week, two weeks or six months ago? The CJN has been in office now for well over one year, how come that this misconduct or whatever offence that he is being alleged, was not seen up to now? How come, that it is just less than 40 days to the 2019 Presidential election, when the CJN is going to play the major role in constituting the Presidential election petition tribunal, that he is being moved against? Who is afraid of the Judiciary? Who is afraid of Justice Onnoghen and his impartiality and straightforwardness? How come we are reducing governance in Nigeria to one of impunity, one of despotism and one of absolutism. Don’t this people know that the world is laughing at us? Did we not see how Dino Melaye was yanked out from police hospital and taken to DSS quarters when he had no business or case with the DSS and DSS had no case against him. Did they not see Dino Melaye, a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, sleeping in the open yesterday? Do they go on social media and do they watch international televisions? Do they know how the whole world is deriding us in this country? That governance has been reduced to mere witch-hunt, very opaque, very unaccountable, very un-transparent and very very fascist! Can’t they see that?”- Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN (https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/mike-ozekhome-reacts-to-allegations-against-cjn-onnoghen/zdx9del). (12th January, 2019).
My intervention as far back as 2019 served as a reality-check, pointing out that removing a Chief Justice can never be a whimsical decision; it is bound by the checks and balances that keep our justice system watered. My then reference to “impunity, despotism, and absolutism” hit like a huge hammer, evoking the imagery of a judiciary under siege of political transaintionists. By drawing parallels with then Senators Saraki and Dino Melaye’s own public tribulations, I attempted to paint a vivid picture of a prostrate justice system afflicted by power jackbootism.
Justice Onnoghen’s acquittal is a clear victory for judicial integrity, independence and an affirmation that the judiciary cannot be used as a pawn on political chessboards. The ruling also reinforces the fact that procedural lapses, especially in matters bordering on citizens right and high-ranking judicial officers, are unacceptable and grossly violate the principle of fair trial. As the Bible counsels in Proverbs 31:9, “Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” This verse captures the essence of due process, emphasizing that justice must be dispensed with fairness and respect for established procedures. I did not mince words then in condemning the executive lawlessness unleashed on Onnoghen:
“It must be pointed out that this latest step by the CCT… appears to be teleguided by the dictatorial Executive, especially the presidency” – Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN (https://dailypost.ng/2019/02/13/ozekhome-gives-nine-reasons-cct-arrest-order-onnoghen-cannot-stand/). (14th February, 2019).
The ugly circumstances surrounding Justice Onnoghen’s initial trial and conviction by the CCT underscore the potential dangers when procedural norms are bypassed. My passionate critique of the dastardly role played by the Buhari-led administration from 2015 to 2023 as regards Onnoghen’s trial by ordeal revealed the high stakes which were at play. By overstepping the NJC, I had warned then that unchecked executive power could encroach upon the independence of the judiciary which will ultimately undermine the very foundation of democracy.
THE PRECEDENT OF JURISDICTION AND JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE
Justice Walter Onnoghen’s acquittal by the Court of Appeal is not just a victory for one individual, but a landmark affirmation of a fundamental principle of law, that jurisdiction is the bedrock of any valid legal proceeding. Without proper jurisdiction, any judgement rendered is, as many legal scholars have agreed on, will merely be an exercise in futility. This principle is enshrined in our legal jurisprudence to protect the sanctity of judicial offices and prevent arbitrary persecution. The Court of Appeal’s decision to vacate Justice Walter Onnoghen’s conviction reaffirmed this core legal tenet, sending a clear message that the judiciary is not a toothless bulldog and tool to be wielded by the executive or any other arm of government.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” – Martin Luther King Jr. The Nigerian legal framework, supported by landmark cases such as FRN v. NGANJIWA (Supra) and OPENE v. NJC & ORS (Supra), outlines that the NJC must first investigate and make recommendations regarding any allegations against judicial officers before any trial can commence at the CCT. This process serves as a bulwark against arbitrary trials, ensuring that judges are not subjected to undue pressure or political intimidation. I had also then warned about the dangers posed whenever these procedural safeguards are disregarded: “The CCT was unrelenting: it discarded its earlier precedents; ignored court rulings barring it from trying Onnoghen. It was the case of the falcon not hearing the falconer”- Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN (https://www.thecable.ng/ozekhome-onnoghen-resigned-because-the-cabal-had-sealed-his-fate/). (6th April, 2019).
Thus, five years ago (2019), I was nothing short of prophetic. I had foreseen the critical blunders and overreaches that would compromise the integrity of the judiciary in the Onnoghen saga. My warnings were very clear then about the dangerous precedent that was being set in bypassing due process and using the judiciary as a tool for political manoeuvring. As events have now unfolded, my observations then have proven me to be a visionary critic who critiques (not criticises) a justice system that was then on the brink. I had cautioned against the erosion of judicial independence in the face of executive influence. I had given nine reasons why the CCT’s arrest order on and trial of Justice Onnoghen could not stand. See:
(https://dailypost.ng/2019/02/13/ozekhome-gives-nine-reasons-cct-arrest-order-onnoghen-cannot-stand/).
My list was not just a check-list of procedural irregularities; it was also an indictment of a system seemingly hijacked by political buccaneers. Each point landed like a blow, revealing layers of oversight that were by-passed; up to the requirement for humane treatment under the ACJA that was ignored. I meticulously built my case, demonstrating that Onnoghen’s trials were not just about one man, but about the sanctity of the judicial process itself. It was persecution, not prosecution.
My vivid metaphor of the then CJN being “mob-lynched,” painted a grotesque picture of a judiciary cornered by hidoues forces intent on humiliation rather than achieving justice.
Justice Onnoghen’s acquittal by the Court of Appeal thus serves as a reaffirmation of judicial independence, reminding all branches of government that the rule of law cannot be compromised for political expediency. As the Bible says in Psalm 82:3, “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” These words resonate deeply in the context of Onnoghen’s trial, encapsulating the judiciary’s duty to protect the innocent from unwarranted persecution and uphold the principles of justice.
POLITICAL UNDERTONES AND THE QUEST FOR JUDICIAL AUTONOMY
Justice Walter Onnoghen’s journey from indictment to acquittal reflects a deeper narrative about the political undertones that permeated his trial. His suspension by then President Muhammadu Buhari which took place only weeks before the 2019 presidential election, had raised significant concerns about the timing and motivations behind the charges. Many saw it as an attempt to influence the judiciary ahead of a critical election, a sentiment I shared and eloquently captured in “Onnoghen… knew that his fate had been pre-determined by the cabal, signed, sealed and delivered”- Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN (https://www.thecable.ng/ozekhome-onnoghen-resigned-because-the-cabal-had-sealed-his-fate/). (6th April, 2019)
The timing of the charges, as well as the swiftness with which Onnoghen was brought to trial, laid validation to public perception that Justice Onnoghen was merely targeted for his position and influence within the judiciary. Like I put it then, “Many facts bear this simple deduction out. The petitioner, an NGO, actually committed the Freudian slip by anchoring its petition on ‘bearing in mind the imminence of the 2019 general elections’” – Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN (https://dailytrust.com/ozekhome-charges-judiciary-to-shut-down-courts-over-onnoghen/). (13th January, 2019).
The Bible, in Proverbs 21:15, declares, “When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” The acquittal of Justice Onnoghen, in this light, is therefore not just a personal victory but a broader triumph for all who value justice and integrity.
Like I noted then, “Justice Onnoghen’s removal was also an attempt by the executive arm of government to have a firm control of the nation’s judiciary”- Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN (https://dailypost.ng/2019/02/13/ozekhome-gives-nine-reasons-cct-arrest-order-onnoghen-cannot-stand/). (13th February, 2019).
CONCLUSION
Ultimately, Justice Walter Onnoghen’s acquittal is a landmark victory for judicial independence and a testament to the enduring principles of justice and due process. His journey from indictment to acquittal serves as a potent reminder that the rule of law must remain inviolable, even in the face of political pressures.
Onnoghen’s case will remain a watershed moment in Nigeria’s legal history, a vivid reminder that the judiciary’s role is to safeguard the rule of law, protect citizens’ rights and ensure that democracy even when faced with formidable forces of political influence, triumphs. It should be able to skillfully navigate through the ever present interplay of centripetal and centrifugal forces.
As Nigeria continues to evolve as a work-in-progress, Justice Onnoghen’s exoneration stands as a powerful reminder to us all that, in the words of Proverbs 21:3, “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Congratulations, Milord. Enjoy your hard won-back integrity, honour and dignity.
Opinion
Masquerade of Excellence: Celebrating Prof Mike Ozekhome’s Remarkable Journey @ 67
By CDS Omon-Irabor Esq
Chief Prof. Dr. Mike A.A. Ozekhome SAN,
the only masquerade that dances in the farm without cutting a single reed of the yam tendrils.
The Gadfly is climbing the 67th rung on the ladder. From the hills of Agenebode down to the plains of the Iviukwe, the celestials, the principalities and the gods of Weppa and Wano Kingdoms are celebrating this colossus, who came in disguise as a little rough village boy; but very comely and handsome, his divine intelligence surpasses those of his peers.
Taking a sudden flight through primary and secondary schools casaded him into the land of Oduduwa. He anchored his life voyage at the ancestral home of the Yorubas, Ile-ife. Here his projenitors believed to have a temporary abode before sending the last born of the Ogisos Ile-ife (I ran and I became rich, Benin translation). Omonoyan (wrongly called Oromiyan) was sent to go to the land of Igodomigodo where today Chief Mike Ozekhome holds the title of Enobakhare of Benin Kingdom.
This great man had all his trappings, equipped himself and became a lawyer, taking abode in the Delphic Oracle (that is what we called the Chambers of Chief Gani Fawehim). There he became the Aristostle, tampering with the Apologia left at the eye of euroba.
He journeyed on, for no destiny, no chance, no faith, nor circumstance could hinder, control or circumvent the firm resolve of a determined soul in Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome as epitomised or postulated.
The great learned Senior Advocate of the masses grudges on, defending the most vulnerable and giving voice to the voiceless and muscle to the powerless.
The Okporokpo of Oleh kingdom, Delta State; the Aimotekpe of Okpeland, the Agbamofin of Ijanikinland, Lagos; the Ohamadike1 of Obibi Ochasi, Imo State; the Ada Idaha of Efik land and the great Akpakpa Vighi Vighi of Edo Land, the land of my ancestors, I salute you for it is morning yet.
There is no space here,for my ink is running dry; but before I drop, I remember your words to me while I was in the dock of the Warri High Court on the 12th day of July, 2013, “Omon, you look worried; mind you, those who think that they can cover the shinning sun with their palms will soon find the heat unbearable”.
Those who stopped you from becoming our Governor in 2003 indirectly made you Governor of all Governors.
In all these odyssey you traversed, behind the dìm unknown standeth God, watching over you, His own.
Obokhian, amonghon, iyare iyare, mooooooh.
CDS Omon-Irabor Esq writes from the hill and the cave of Ebudinland
Opinion
Mr. President: Affordable Fuel is Possible at Zero Subsidy
By Dr. Aliyu U. Tilde
Yesterday evening, I listened attentively to a panel of experts and stakeholders on the BBC program Ra’ayi Riga, anchored by Umaima Sani Abdulmumin. The program ended with a big doubt in my mind regarding a matter purported to be a provision of OPEC and crucial to the price of petrol in Nigeria.
Tyranny
I could not fathom how particularly the representatives of NNPC and IPMAN stressed that Nigerians will be at the mercy of two variables: the international market and the price of the US Dollar in Nigeria. They said OPEC agreement compels member countries to sell allocated domestic crude at international rate even if refined locally. One of them even said the Iran-Israel conflict can cause domestic price of petrol in Nigeria to rise.
So we should expect higher fuel prices anytime the rate of the dollar appreciates in Nigeria and also when, for any reason, there is a rise in the cost of crude in the international market. It is the rule, according to them. Our fate, they claim, is sealed, regardless of our OPEC membership and Dangote refinery. Nigerians will no longer have a stable fuel price.
Trust me, in Nigeria, the equation will be simultaneous. At any given moment, a reason will be found to use either or both parameters to increase pump price. The target of government is to extract more revenue from citizens while the businessmen in Dangote, Major Marketers, NNPCL and IPMAN continue to feed their greed for endless profit with our blood.
One would wonder why OPEC would be so oppressive in inflicting such tyranny on the citizens of its members. Senator Ndume, who was in the panel, said if he cannot understand why, how would they expect a commoner sitting under the tree to do so?
The truth
The truth is that there is no provision like that in OPEC agreements. In fact, the very idea of domestic crude quota arose in realization that citizens of member countries may need to enjoy cheaper oil than the international market price. That is why those citizens have been enjoying cheaper fuel for the past five decades in different countries. Many still do. Why not Nigerians?
If you ask ChatGPT whether OPEC agreement compels member countries to sell crude for domestic consumption at international market price only, this is the answer you get:
“OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) does not directly compel member countries to sell crude oil for domestic consumption at international market prices. OPEC’s primary role is to coordinate and unify petroleum policies among member countries to stabilize oil markets and secure a steady supply of oil.
“However, OPEC’s production quotas, agreements on output levels, and policies can indirectly influence domestic oil pricing. In practice, many OPEC members choose to sell crude oil domestically at subsidized rates or prices lower than the international market. This decision is made at the discretion of individual member countries, often as part of national energy policies aimed at supporting domestic economies and industries. Nonetheless, these policies may vary from one member country to another depending on domestic priorities and economic strategies.
“There is no formal OPEC rule that requires domestic sales to match international prices, though it can be influenced by international agreements and market pressures.”
The Truth
The truth is that the President and Minister of Petroleum can sell our 445,000 barrels a day to Dangote at even N50,000/barrel after taking into consideration the cost of extraction and OPEC will not raise any eyebrow. Dangote can charge the cost of refining, add his profit and sell to NNPCL and IPMAN at, say, N300/litre. On their part the marketers will add their cost of transportation, storage, profit, etc., and sell it to Nigerians at N400/litre. And—boom—we all will be happy.
It is entirely the discretion of the President and his government. So whoever wants to sell our locally produced fuel by that simultaneous equation is on his own. There is no OPEC in the equation.
The Squeeze
Also, among those who would fight against Nigerians enjoying affordable fuel rates are the IMF, World Bank and the West generally. They want the government to squeeze us the more such that we can service our debts and collect more loans from the Shylock. The age long philosophy is: our poverty, their wealth; our pain, their joy.
Added to these are local liberal economists who believe in high taxation, claiming that the blood money will be used to develop our infrastructure, health, education, etc. It is just the same old bunkum selling since 1986 at the debut of Naira devaluation while our infrastructure, hospitals and schools continue to deteriorate in rebuttal of that thesis.
A Call
I call on the President to consider the low income status of our citizen. Only affordable fuel price will hold together our social fabric, ensure our prosperity and guarantee our security. It is zero subsidy because we are not buying it from anyone. It is our oil.
The President must keep in mind that the IMF and oil magnates are not his partners in 2027. He is on his own. They will be there to outlive him and work with the next President. Let this sink into his psyche. Tam!
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