Opinion

The Oracle: Nigerian Leaders and the Ephemerality of Power

Published

3 years ago

June 9, 2023

Eric

By Mike Ozekhome

INTRODUCTION

Power is as old as the creation of the world. The first expression of power was by God – when he created the Heavens and the Earth. [Genesis Chapter 1 v. 1 – 2]. The Qur’an states that ‘Allah created the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them.’ [7:54].

God proceeded to create man in His own image and likenesswhen he said, ‘Let us create man in our image, to our likeness. Let them rule over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, over the cattle, over the wild animals, and over all creeping things that crawl along the ground.’ [Genesis 1 v. 27]. This means that man looks like God, and posses the attributes of God – with absolute dominion [power] over all things created by God. Psalm 82: puts it poignantly: “I said, you are “gods”; you are all sons of the MOST HIGH”.

In the labyrinthine corridors of political power, a captivating dance of death unfolds- where the mighty ascend to the throne with grandeaur of illusion and grand promises, only to find themselves ensnared in the labyrinth of their own making. Such is the mesmerizing tale of power and its ephemeral grip on those who wield it. In the Nigerian political landscape, this narrative has played out time and again, as public office holders have succumbed to the allure of authority, often leading to the abuse, misuse and disuse of power.

The ephemeral nature of power, as highlighted in religious texts such as the Holy Bible and the Holy Quran, emphasizes the transient and fleeting nature of human existence and the potential pitfalls of wielding power arbitrarily and unconscionably, without humility, righteousness and due regard to those at the receiving end.

In James 4:14 of the Bible, it is expressed that humans do not have control over what will happen in the future. Life is compared to a vapor that appears for a short time and then vanishes away. This metaphor conveys the brevity and fragility of human life, suggesting that power, like life itself, is temporary and can dissipate rapidly. Similarly, the Quran, in verse 28:76, narrates the story of Qarun, a person of power during the time of Moses. Qarun abused his authority and tyrannized his people. He was granted immense wealth and treasures, symbolized by the heavy. The supremacy of divine power surpasses the transience of mortal power. God stands as the ultimate force to be acknowledged, while humanity’s existence is temporary. As they say, “Soldier come, Soldier go, Barracks remain”.

The Legendary musical icon, Prince, once said passively that, “But life is just a party, and parties weren’t meant to last.”

The historical chinese politician and poet, Li Shang-yin, also told us that, “And a moment that ought to have lasted for ever has come and gone before I knew.”

The much celebrated Indian author, Krishna Udayasankar, also echoed this, “No empire lasts forever, no dynasty continues unbroken. Some day, you and I will be mere legends. All that matters is whether we did what we could with the life that was given to us.”

I once a read mesmerizing poem that is engraved in my every thought of action, a peom by the highly celebrated English poet, Percy Shelly– “Ozymandias”. This was the first foremost metaphor for the ephemeral nature of power. It was written in a parlance – depicting a traveler telling the speaker a story about two vast legs of stone standing without a body, and near them – a massive – crumbling stonehead lies ‘half sunk’ in the sand. The words on the statute read thus, “my name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair! But today, the statute is broken and even decayed, where is the self – acclaimed king?”.

With this observation, a compelling pattern emerges—a thought-provoking notion that everything, as if orchestrated by the hands of time, may eventually and inexorably reach its transient conclusion.

The terrific Nebuchadnezzer, King of Babylonian, reigned for so many years. After his great fall, and having come to true repentance, he acknowledged the unlimited and unending power and greatness of God, thus: ‘The matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the Kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever HE will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.’ [Daniel 4 – 1].

What is power?. an American writer – Robert Green, popular for writing international books on human nature – power related, was asked the meaning of power, and this was his response: “Power is the measure of the degree of control you have over circumstances in your life and the actions of the people around you. It is a skill that is developed by a deep understanding of human nature, of what truly motivates people, and of the manipulations necessary for advancement and protection”.

Returning to the nucleus of our banter, let us embark on an expedition through the intriguing Nigerian terrain, shedding more light on the fleeting nature of dominion bestowed upon the fortunate wielders of power.

Picture this: Nigeria, a land of vast potential and immense diversity, where power dynamics dance like fickle flames in the wind. It’s a place where politicians rise to prominence like shooting stars, captivating the nation with promises of change, progress, and prosperity. But alas, as the old saying goes, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” In this case, it also evaporates like water in the Sahara. In 1655, King Loius xiv of France stood in front of Parliament and imperiously declared “L’etat C’est Moi” (meaning, I am the State”. This was to emphasis his complete hold on power to the exclusion of all other lesser mortals.

Oh, how we have witnessed the Nigerian political stage transform into a theatre of comedy, tragedy and absurd, where the script is written by fate itself. We have seen leaders sprinting towards power, fueled by sheer ambition and infatuation rhetoric, only to stumble and fall on banana peels of their own making. It is as if there is a cosmic prankster, delighting in the ironic twists and turns of political fortune.

An era of authoritarian rule or dictatorship no longer guarantees a leader’s long-term hold on power. While it may prolong their reign, as seen in the cases of Marcos, Khaddafi, Saddam Hussein, or Haile Selassie, it is inevitably bound to reach its end, sometimes through violent means, as witnessed in the fate of certain long-standing Heads of state. Furthermore, the limitations of human lifespan must be taken into account. An individual’s productive years typically fall within the 40 to 50-year range, following a normal distribution pattern known as the “Poisson” distribution. This implies that their most fruitful years span from ages 25 to 75, with the peak occurring between 35 and 65. Considering these factors, the window of power becomes remarkably narrow and encroaches upon the more enjoyable stages of life. Observing some politicians’ maneuvers to cling onto power forever, one might wonder if they harbor the belief of immortality.

Nothing lasts forever, even this life is vanity upon vanity. [Ecclesiastes 1:2 – 8 KJV]. William Shakespeare, in Macbeth from “The Tragedy of Macbeth”: “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more: it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” (Act V, Scene V).

But let us not forget the seriousness of this topic. Beneath the surface of my foregoing satire lies a profound examination of the fleeting nature of power. In a country brimming with potentials, how do we navigate the tumultuous waters of leadership? How do we separate the genuine statesmen from the temporary showmen? And what does it mean for a nation when power slips through the hands of those entrusted with its stewardship?

However, the intoxicating potion of power can be a double-edged sword, corrupting even the noblest of intentions. The abuse of power becomes an inevitable consequence when public office holders who succumb to their baser instincts, using their positions for personal gain, and turning a blind eye to the needs and aspirations of the people they are meant to serve. But in all of this, what is easily forgotten is the ‘EMPHEMERALITY OF POWER’ and position that they hold. With everything in life, nothing is permanent except for the word of God almighty himself. What we ask again, and again is, Leaders, what do you want to be remembered for when you leave power? For certainly you must leave someday. If not today, tomorrow.

Power to these sit-tight leaders is like opium; it intoxicates; it is aphrodisiac, it gives delusional ‘Dutch courage’. It can either make or mar the holder. It is not certain – but – evanescent, fleeting, transitory, volatile and short – lived. (See https://tell.ng/magu-the-ephemerality-of-power-mike-ozekhome-san/).

PRESIDENT BUHARI: FROM YESTERDAY’S STRONGMAN TO TODAY’S VANISHING ACT!

In the realm of politics, power is as transient as a fleeting breeze. It is capable of elevating one individual to the highest echelons of authority, only to swiftly deposit them back into the dustbin of history. As Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari prepares to bid farewell to his tenure, the ephemeral nature of power becomes a glaring reality. Ephemerality stares him in the face. In a race against time, the president now finds himself compelled to attempt making amends so as to leave a lasting impression in the dwindling moments of his authority.

As the sun sets on Buhari’s presidency, the weight of unfinished matters, agenda and unfulfilled promises looms large. He is worried stiff. He says he will run and join his kiths and kins in Niger Republic as a safe haven if he is disturbed in Daura. He means it. He has done so much for the poverty-stricken country using Nigeria’s scarce resources to develop the country. The ever-watchful eyes of the public have always witnessed the rise and fall of leaders grappling with the complex web of power dynamics that define their poor tenures. Buhari, too, has experienced the fickleness of authority; He now understands that time waits for no leader.

In the face of his imminent departure, by constitutional effluxion of time, Buhari is desperate to utilize the remaining days of his vanishing presidency to attempt to make amends and do what he could not do in 8 years. He is now actually aware that his legacy will be shaped by whatever actions he can take within this remaining short span. The concept of a political “swan song” becomes a rallying call for him, as he races against time; against the clock. He now seeks redemption and a chance to reconcile past missteps. Can he do this successfully? I do not think so. Or, do you?

Like a performer on a grand stage, Buhari is noe fully cognizant of the fleeting applause and the ephemeral nature of public favor he had enjoyed so far, even while underperforming. The ticking hands of time now fuels his sense of urgency, urging him to seize the opportunity to rectify the grave missteps that have defined his tenure. Yet, the question remains: Can a leader mend the gaping wounds of a bleeding and beleaguered nation in this twilight of their power? I do not think so. Or, do you?

As we observe the closing chapter of Buhari’s lack-lustre presidency, we witness a leader grappling with the inherent fragility of power. The transitory nature of authority stands as a stark reminder to Buhari that time is an unforgiving adversary. It allows for only a limited window to enact any changes. Buhari’s quest for redemption in this final act is emblematic of the universal struggle to harness the ephemeral nature of power for lasting impact. But, it is too late now. History, a diligent recorder of events, has already closed his chapter.

BUHARI’S LAST MINUTE BAZAAR OF CONTRACTS AND APPOINTMENTS

The tabloids and front pages of our social media timelines have been abuzz with reports highlighting a common trend of Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), along with some Governors, engaging in last-minute appointments, humongous expenditures and award of contracts in hundreds of billions.

It was expected that the President and Governors should gracefully wind down their activities and leave certain crucial decisions for their incoming successors. This approach is important to prevent the imposition of projects that may be considered insignificant by the new administration; avoid policy reversals that could negatively impact various stakeholders; and maintain a stable and predictable investment and business environment.

Unfortunately, this ideal scenario now appears to be fading away faster than politicians’ promises after elections. Such hurried decisions often overdue, but they also tend to create predicaments for the incoming governments.

Imagine the shock and angst of a Nation discovering that, a mere 19 days before President Buhari was set to depart office, reports emerged on May 10, 2023, revealing his request for Senate approval of an $800 million loan from the World Bank. The purpose? To finance the National Social Safety Network Programme, aiming to soften the blow of fuel subsidy removal! Gosh!

Apart from the undeniable fact that such a loan would further burden the country’s already towering debt, the timing of the request, so close to the expiration of Buhari’s regime, raised eyebrows and sparked concerns among many Nigerians. It appears to be an act aimed at placing cherry on top of his presidential sundae just before handing over the baton.

One cannot help but wonder if this trend of last-minute borrowings is an attempt to leave a lasting legacy, or simply an act of great mischief, reminiscent of a student pulling an all-nighter to finish an assignment due the next morning. Either way, it certainly puts more suspense and uncertainty on the minds of an already drama-filled realm of Nigerian politics.

Renowned legal luminary Chief Afe Babalola SAN, the esteemed founder of Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), has expressed strong disapproval of President Muhammadu Buhari’s proposition to the National Assembly regarding a fresh $800 million loan aimed at funding the National Social Safety Network Programme (NSSNP). He wondered how Nigeria can be declared bankrupt and still borrow more money. He advised the NASS to reject the request.

Furthermore, during a meeting chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on April 19, 2023, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) granted approval for numerous contracts amounting to over N100 billion.

President Buhari and his ministers have also authorized contracts exceeding N3.7 trillion in the final stages of his administration, specifically between March 20, 2023, and May 14, 2023, and after the conclusion of the general elections. Only few days ago, Buhari wrote to the Senate to approve $800 million from the World Bank to allegedly finance the National Safety Net Programme- to support poor and vulnerable Nigerians through bank cash transfers. Mr President sir, why not leave this for your successor. Where have you been sir?

Only in December, 2022, the NASS approved Buhari’s #819.5bn request for domestic loan. And just on May 4, 2023, the “yes sir” and “Take-a-bow” worst Senate in Nigeria’s legislative history, since the time of Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr. Nwafor Orizu, approved Buhari’s #22.7 trillion, CBN’s “Ways and Means” loan request just 26 days before quitting!

In a display of consistency, President Buhari has been skillfully curating an ensemble of individuals to occupy various esteemed positions. Just last month, he skillfully reassembled the Board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, unveiling the dashing James Akintola as the new Captain at the helm.

Not stopping there, he cunningly selected the retiring Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Garba Baba Umar, to take on the pivotal role of Senior Security Adviser on International Police Cooperation and Counter-terrorism in the Office of the Minister of Police Affairs. It’s almost as if President Buhari possesses a knack for handpicking the “finest” talents in his twilight.

And just when you thought his appointing prowess had reached its zenith, news broke of the appointment of Toyin Madein as the new Accountant General of the Federation following the vacancy for a year due to the suspension of the former AGF, Ahmed Idris, amidst allegations of a staggering N109 billion fraud.

On May 23, 2023 (less than one week to go), President Buhari not done has formally communicated with the Senate to approve humongous sums to settle judgment debts amounting to $566,754,584.31, £98,526,012.00, and N226,281,801,881.64, allegedly owed by the Federal government. Promissory notes are the means of payment. This is well over 500 billion. Where have Mr. President and the Attorney-General been? Who are these judgement creditors? Which courts gave the judgement? Were there any appeals or agreements entered into? Why now for God’s sake? Why not leave it to the next administration since government is a continuum?

As the curtains drew inexorably to a close on Buhari’s tenure, the circus-like atmosphere began to fade. The contracts, the loans, the appointments, the sudden remembrance of existing “debts” due, all remain as reminders of a complex dance between fleeting power, strategy, and public perception. Only time would reveal the true impact of these decisions and whether they would stand as a testament to effective governance or a captivating yet ultimately hollow performance. Do you know the impact? The lives of Nigerians yet unborn have been mortgaged.

BUHARI’S MIGRATION FROM ONE ‘NIGER’ TO ANOTHER

President Buhari’s threatened migration from Nigeria if he faces too much disturbance after his tenure reminds us of the ephemeral nature of power. Buhari’s audacious proclamation to leave Nigeria if “disturbed too much” after his tenure is reminiscent of a fleeting magician who mesmerizes the audience with grand illusions, only to vanish when the curtain falls. It begs the question: does his commitment to the Nigerian people only extend as far as his political reign? True leaders stand with their nation, through thick and thin, rather than making flighty escape plans. Is he afraid of the apparition of his woeful below average performance? Is it not this same Buhari that one Mallam …. tracked from Lagos to Abuja to celebrate his victory? Is it not the same President that …, rode a bicycle from Kaduna to Abuja to herald his victory? How the cookies crumble! How the mighty are fallen!

President Buhari’s offhand remark about leaving Nigeria if disturbed after his tenure reveals the transient nature of his power and its tenuous grip on the nation. Leadership requires steadfastness, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the people. By hinting at an escape plan, Buhari inadvertently highlights the frailty of his connection to Nigeria and raises doubts about his dedication to the challenges that lie ahead. In the end, a true leader must weather the storm and stand strong, rather than evaporating into the ephemeral mist of fleeting power. President Buhari fails again and again to rewrite his poor history of governance.

ADMONITIONS

POWER IS INDEED EPHEMERAL

There is no man that has rules for ever, every king must have a heir – because nobody is immortal. If we can view life as power, then we would know that, one day, just like life goes – power disappears. The rise and fall of great empires men – should teach us about the ever changing nature of power.

LEAD FOR THE PEOPLE AND NOT SELF

Leaders now go into power with the mindset of enriching their family, friends and generation. To many, it is – let us go and take my share. This a bad practice and ideology to follow. A study of all people-oriented leadership ends well – with great appreciation from the people. Little wonder some politicians are not re – elected on several occasions.

LEARN FROM MISTAKES OF PAST LEADERS AND NOT YOURS

It is only a fool that would want to get his finger into the fire, after witnessing his neighbour’s get burnt by the same attempt. History is important. If you do not study history, you cannot shape the future. We should always endeavour to read antecedents of past leaders and their mistakes so that we can correct our paths.

THE LAW OF KARMA IS REAL

Whatever goes around comes around. Whatever you sow – so shall you reap. It is a natural law. Men of power have always reaped what they sowed. We should learn that.

POWER INTOXICATES

There is a saying that, “apart from the occasional saint, it is difficult for people who have the smallest amount of power to be nice.” I would say no more on these.

CONCLUSION

It is not a mistake that God gave us dominion over the world. We must be wary of power. We must strive to exercise it for the benefit an survival of humanity. Power is ephemeral; it does not last. It comes and goes. Therefore, men of power must try to acknowledge this fact and guide against intoxication. Power has made and marred many great men. We must accept this truth or face the bitter aftermath of our actions.

Opinion

A Vindicating Truth: A Factual Presentation on the Supreme Court’s Intervention in the ADC Leadership Matter

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Eric

By Comrade IG Wala

To All Nigerians, Party Stakeholders, and Lovers of Democracy,

In the life of every great political movement, there comes a moment where the noise of confusion meets the silence of the Law. For the African Democratic Congress (ADC), that moment arrived on April 30, 2026.

For months, the ADC was held in a state of judicial paralysis caused by a lower court order that froze the party’s activities. This order did not just affect a few leaders, it threatened to delete the ADC from the Nigerian political map and disenfranchise millions of supporters ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Today, we present the facts of the Supreme Court’s intervention to ensure that every Nigerian, from the city centers to the grassroots, understands that Justice has spoken, and the ADC is alive.

The Three Pillars of the Supreme Court’s Ruling:

1. The End of Paralysis (The Status Quo Order)!

The Supreme Court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, was clear and firm: the Court of Appeal’s order to maintain a “status quo” was improper and unwarranted. The apex court recognized that you cannot freeze a political party indefinitely without a trial. By setting this aside, the Supreme Court rescued the ADC from a leadership vacuum that was being used to justify de-recognition by INEC.

2. The Restoration of Administrative Legitimacy.

By nullifying the appellate court’s freeze, the Supreme Court effectively restored the David Mark-led National Working Committee to its rightful place. This means that for all official, administrative, and electoral purposes, the ADC now has a recognized head. The party is no longer a ship without a captain; the doors of the headquarters are open, and the party’s name remains firmly on the ballot.

3. The Order for a Fresh Trial on Merits.

True to the principles of fair hearing, the Supreme Court did not simply gift the party to one side. Instead, it ordered the case back to the Federal High Court for an accelerated hearing. This is a victory for the Truth. It means the court is not interested in technicalities or stopping the clock, it wants to see the evidence, read the Party Constitution, and deliver a final judgment based on the Right vs. Wrong.

Note: I will drop the 7 prayers made to Supreme Court by ADC in the comment section.

A Message to Our Members and Supporters.
To our members who have felt a sense of fear, apprehension, or a lack of confidence in the Nigerian courts, let your hearts be at peace.

It is a delusion to believe that gross injustice can simply walk through the doors of our highest courts unnoticed. This matter is currently one of the most publicized and people-centric cases in Nigeria. In such a bright spotlight, the Judiciary acts not just as a judge, but as a shield for the common man.

The Law is not a tool for the crafty, it is a searchlight for the Truth.
Inasmuch as they say the Law is blind, it sees with perfect clarity the difference between a lie and the truth, between right and wrong. The Supreme Court’s refusal to let the ADC be strangled by procedural delays is proof that the system works for those who stand on the side of justice.

Our confidence is not in personalities, but in the Process. We are returning to the Federal High Court not with fear, but with the armor of Truth.

The Handshake remains strong, the vision is clear, and our participation in the 2027 elections is now legally anchored.

Stand tall. The ADC has been tested by the fire of the courts, and we have emerged not just intact, but vindicated.

Signed,
Comrade, IG Wala.
02/04/26. — with Shareef Kamba and 14 others.

Opinion

The Police is Your Friend and Other Lies We No Longer Believe

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Eric

By Boma Lilian Braide (Esq.)

There was a time in Nigeria when the phrase The Police is Your Friend was not a national joke. It was a civic assurance, a symbolic handshake between the state and its citizens. It represented the ideal of a civil security architecture built on trust, service, and protection. Today, that once reassuring slogan has decayed into a bitter irony. It no longer evokes safety; it provokes fear. It no longer signals partnership; it signals danger. What should have been the soul of Nigerian civil state relations has become a cruel parody of our lived experience at checkpoints, stations, and on the streets.

The Nigerian security apparatus has undergone a transformation so profound that it now resembles a predatory machine rather than a protective institution. The sight of a police patrol vehicle, which should ordinarily bring comfort, now triggers anxiety. Citizens instinctively brace themselves, not for assistance, but for extortion, harassment, or violence. We are not merely witnessing isolated incidents of misconduct. We are watching a pattern of state enabled brutality unfold in real time, a pattern so consistent that it feels like a televised execution of the social contract. In this grim theatre, the Nigerian state often appears not as the protector but as the principal aggressor.

On Sunday, April 26th 2026, the quiet air of Effurun in Delta State was shattered by the crack of a service pistol. What should have been an ordinary Sunday afternoon became the final chapter in the life of twenty-eight year old Mene Ogidi. A viral video, barely two minutes long, captured the horrifying scene. Ogidi sat on the dusty ground, his hands tied behind him with a rope. He was unarmed, exhausted, and pleading in his mother tongue for a chance to explain himself. Standing over him was a man in plain clothes, a man sworn to protect the very life he was about to extinguish. Assistant Superintendent of Police Nuhu Usman raised his pistol and fired two shots at close range into the body of a restrained, helpless citizen.

This was not a confrontation. It was not a crossfire. It was not a struggle for a weapon. It was an execution. A daylight assassination carried out by a state paid officer who felt so insulated by impunity that he performed his violence in front of a digital audience. The collective outrage that followed was not simply about one death. It was the eruption of a nation that has watched this script repeat itself far too many times.

Barely days later, in Dei-Dei Abuja, another life was cut short. A National Youth Service Corps member was shot inside his father’s compound. Authorities described it as a mistake during a crossfire, but the silence that followed spoke louder than any official explanation. These tragedies are not anomalies. They are symptoms of a deep institutional rot, a rot that has turned the badge into a license for violence rather than a symbol of service.

Extrajudicial killings in Nigeria represent a direct assault on the fundamental right to life and the presumption of innocence. When a law enforcement officer assumes the roles of accuser, judge, and executioner, the very foundation of the state begins to crumble. In the case of Mene Ogidi, the Delta State Police Command admitted that the officer acted in gross violation of Force Order 237, the regulation governing the use of firearms. This admission is significant because it reveals that the problem is not the absence of rules. The problem is the collapse of discipline, the erosion of accountability, and the entrenchment of a culture of impunity.

Between 2020 and 2025, Nigerian security agencies were implicated in nearly six hundred violent incidents against civilians, resulting in more than eight hundred deaths. The Nigeria Police Force accounted for over half of these fatalities. These numbers paint a disturbing picture. The institutions funded by taxpayers to provide security have become one of the greatest threats to their safety.

The psychology behind this brutality is rooted in the absence of consequences. When officers believe that nothing will happen after they pull the trigger, the threshold for using lethal force drops to zero. In the Effurun case, reports suggest that the suspect was even transported to a station after the initial shooting, only to be shot again. This level of cruelty reflects a complete dehumanization of the citizenry. The victim is no longer seen as a person with rights. He becomes a disposable suspect. This mindset is a legacy of the defunct SARS unit, whose methods and mentality continue to shape policing culture. Rebranding SARS into SWAT or the Rapid Response Squad means nothing if the same men, trained in the same violent ethos, continue to operate with the same predatory instincts.

The Nigerian police system has evolved from a flawed institution into what many citizens now describe as a state sponsored cartel. The Zero Tolerance mantra often repeated by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has become a public relations slogan that evaporates at every checkpoint. The immediate dismissal and recommended prosecution of ASP Usman and his team may satisfy the public’s immediate hunger for justice, but it does not address the deeper institutional vacuum that allowed an officer to believe he could execute a restrained suspect without consequence. If accountability only occurs when a video goes viral, then we are not being policed. We are being hunted by a uniformed gang that is occasionally caught on camera.

This raises critical questions. Where were the superior officers? Where was the Area Commander while this culture of execution was taking root? Command responsibility in Nigeria remains a myth. Until a Commissioner of Police is removed for the actions of their subordinates, there will be no internal incentive to reform. The decay is structural. We are recruiting frustrated individuals, training them in aggression rather than professionalism, and unleashing them on a population they are conditioned to view with suspicion and contempt.

The mistake narrative used in the Abuja NYSC shooting reflects this tactical incompetence. A professional force does not mistake a youth corper in his bedroom for a combatant. Nigerians are effectively subsidising their own endangerment, paying for the bullets that cut down their brightest young citizens. A nation cannot survive this level of uniformed recklessness. The state has lost its monopoly on violence to its own agents. When police officers fear the citizen’s camera more than they respect the citizen’s life, the system has failed.

Five years after the historic 2020 End SARS protests, the systemic reforms promised by government remain largely unfulfilled. Only a handful of states have implemented the recommendations of the judicial panels or compensated victims. The National Human Rights Commission reported in July 2025 that it had received over three hundred thousand complaints of abuses. This staggering figure reflects the scale of the crisis. While the current Inspector General has introduced new regulations to align the Police Act of 2020 with operational realities, the gap between a gazetted document in Abuja and a patrol team in Delta remains vast.

The solution to this bloodletting must be radical and structural. First, police oversight must be decentralised. Relying on Force Headquarters in Abuja to discipline an officer in a remote community is inefficient and ineffective. Each state should have an independent, citizen led oversight board with the authority to recommend immediate suspension and prosecution without interference from the police hierarchy.

Second, Force Order 237 must be overhauled to strictly limit the use of firearms to situations where there is an immediate and verifiable threat to life. Under no circumstances should a restrained or surrendering suspect be shot.

Third, Nigeria must address the mental health and welfare of police officers. Men who live in dilapidated barracks, earn inadequate wages, and operate under constant stress are more likely to lash out at the public. However, poverty cannot be an excuse for murder. Welfare reform must go hand in hand with strict accountability.

Finally, justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. The trial of ASP Usman and others like him should be public, transparent, and swift. It must serve as a deterrent that resonates in every police station across the country. The era of secret disciplinary rooms must end. Nigeria must invest in technology driven policing, not only in weapons but in body cameras and digital accountability systems. When officers know they are being recorded, hesitation replaces recklessness.

A NATIONAL CALL TO ACTION

The era of Orderly Room secrecy must end. Nigeria must decentralise police disciplinary trials, moving them from closed sessions in Abuja to open, civilian led inquiries in the states where the abuses occur. A National Firearms Audit is urgently needed. Every officer must account for every round issued, and any missing ammunition should trigger automatic suspension for the entire chain of command.

The National Assembly must fast track the Victims of Police Brutality Trust Fund, ensuring that compensation becomes a legal right funded directly from the budgets of offending commands. Nigeria must stop being a nation of post script outrage. Command responsibility must become law. If an officer under a Commissioner’s watch executes a handcuffed suspect, that Commissioner must lose their job alongside the shooter.

The blood of Mene Ogidi and the NYSC member in Dei Dei is a stain on our national conscience. It is a reminder that as long as one Nigerian can be tied up and shot without trial, no Nigerian is truly safe. Silence is no longer an option. Waiting for the next viral video is no longer acceptable. The time to demand change is now.

Opinion

Kwankwaso-Obi Anti-Coalition Alliance and the Perception of the North

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2026

Eric

By Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba

Let’s not sugarcoat it, what is unfolding is not just political maneuvering for 2027, but a carefully calculated roadmap to 2031. Anyone who believes Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is acting out of patriotism or prioritizing Nigeria above his personal ambition is simply ignoring the pattern before us. His willingness to deputise Peter Obi is not born out of ideological alignment or national interest, it appears to be a strategic move aimed at one target weakening Atiku Abubakar and ensuring he does not emerge as president in 2027.

Kwankwaso’s real calculation seems anchored in 2031. He understands that as long as Atiku remains active and contesting, his own presidential ambition struggles to gain traction, especially in the North where Atiku’s influence remains deeply rooted. By positioning himself in a way that could undermine Atiku now, he potentially clears the path for himself later, when he can conveniently lean on the “it is the turn of the North” narrative with stronger moral leverage. This is not about helping Obi win, it is about ensuring Atiku is completely removed from the equation.

It is also important to state plainly that Kwankwaso is fully aware of his electoral limitations in this arrangement. He knows he cannot significantly attract Northern votes for Obi beyond a few pockets, even within Kano State. And even there, the good people of Kano are far more politically aware and discerning than to be swayed purely by sentiment. This makes the entire proposition even more questionable, if the electoral value is limited, then the intention behind the alliance becomes even clearer. It suggests that even if he joins an Obi ticket, it is not driven by a genuine commitment to Obi, the Igbo, the South-East or Nigeria but by a broader personal calculation.

Northerners must understand that this is a long game, and every move appears deliberately designed. Kwankwaso seems cautious not to overtly confirm growing suspicions that he is working, directly or indirectly, to the advantage of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Yet, many are beginning to connect the dots. The belief that there is an underlying alignment is gaining ground, especially when actions repeatedly result in one outcome, a divided North that weakens its collective electoral strength, a repeatation of 2023 in a different style. The alignment of Kwankwaso’s political godson and the governor of Kano Abba Kabir Yusuf with Tinubu only fuels this perception, suggesting a dual-front approach: one operating directly and visibly, the other indirectly and subtly.

This is not the first time such a pattern is being observed. Many Northerners still recall similar dynamics from 2023, and recent developments have only intensified the conversation. In fact, within just the last 24 hours, the level of criticism and open dissatisfaction directed at Kwankwaso across Northern Nigeria has been unprecedented. What was once dismissed as mere suspicion of a quiet alliance is now, in the eyes of many, being confirmed by actions seen as disruptive to any meaningful coalition.

For Kwankwaso, this moment carries significant weight. The long-circulating “sellout” label, which many had hesitated to firmly attach, now appears to be finding a resting place in public discourse. Should he once again position himself outside a collective Northern arrangement, that perception may become permanently entrenched.

The implications for the North are serious. Voting Obi because of Kwankwaso, which is unlikely, could fracture an already consolidated political base, reduce its bargaining power, and ultimately produce outcomes that do not reflect its true strength. The North has never historically rejected a dominant figure like Atiku in favor of a subordinate position, nor has it embraced a configuration where its most established candidate is sidelined. The idea that the region would choose Kwankwaso as a deputy while overlooking Atiku as a president is not just improbable, it runs contrary to established Northern political behavior.

What is at stake goes beyond individual ambition. The North is fully conscious of the stakes and increasingly resolute in its direction. There is a growing determination to stand firmly behind its own Atiku Abubakar, to protect its collective political strength, and to resist any arrangement that appears designed to divide it. The signals are clear, the North has decided, and it will not fall into what many perceive as calculated traps, whether from Kwankwaso or from forces seen as working against its cohesion and democratic leverage….

Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba writes from Kano, and can be reached via drssbaba@yahoo.com