Opinion

The Oracle: Nigeria Nation, the Past, Present and Future (Pt. 2)

Published

2 years ago

February 3, 2024

Eric

By Mike Ozekhome

INTRODUCTION

The first part of this treatise was a historical survey consisting of several segments: starting from Lord Lugard’s rule to Nigeria’s first prime minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa; the first Coup D’ etat (Ironsi and Gowon); the civil war; from Gowoin to Murtala Muhammed; from Obasanjo to Shagari; the Buhari Era,; the Babangida regime; from Shonekan to Abacha; the M.K.O Abiola Declaration and finally the Abdulsalam Abubakar regime. In today’s instalment, we shall continue with a review of the Abdulsalam regime to Obasanjo’s regime, after which we shall peep into the future of the Nigerian nation and discuss the proposals for constitutional amendment. Read on.

FROM ABDULSALAM ABUBAKAR TO OBASANJO

Abdusalam organized and conducted an election in 1999 where political parties contested. The parties included the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alliance for Democracy (AD), and All Peoples Party (APP). Chief Olusegun Obasanjo emerged as the winner of the presidential election under the umbrella of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The result of the gubernatorial election showed that AD won all the six states in the South West geopolitical zone, while All Peoples Party won nine states and the Peoples Democratic Party won the remaining states. Obasanjo was sworn in on May 29, 1999 as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Those who knew his earlier military style of leadership were not expecting so much from his regime. While others thought that because of the mental torture he underwent during Abacha’s regime, coupled with his harrowing and awful prison experience, he will perform well. Little did Nigerians know that the man at the helm of affairs was going to be a vindictive man. Little did Nigerians know that the man who claims to be a “Born Again Christian” will have no regard for fundamental human rights and little did Nigerians know that what Obasanjo would operate “rule of might” and not “rule of law”. Little did Nigerians know that incessant increment of petroleum prizes shall be the order of the day. Just barely a year of Obasanjo’s administration, precisely on June 1 2000, Chief Obasanjo increased pump price from N20:00 to N30:00 per litre. Obasanjo’s attitude towards fighting corruption can best be described as cosmetic. He sent a bill to the National Assembly sometimes in 2001 for the establishment of that Economic and Financial Crimes Commission which was formally signed into law in 2002. The object of the Agency is to fight corruption, but Nigerians soon realized under Obasanjo’s regime that rather than using EFCC to fight corruption, it was used principally to fight opponents. Whoever was perceived as against the Obasanjo Government became easy target for the EFCC. Chief Olabode George who today is being prosecuted for corruption charges by the EFCC was once given a clean Bill of Health by the same EFCC under its former boss, Obasanjo.

Obasanjo sometimes in 2001, set up the truth and reconciliation Commission headed by Hon. Justice Chukwudufi Oputa. Up till date, neither the report nor the recommendations of the Commission are known. To buttress the point that his ant- corruption crusade was cosmetic, selective and pselldo, Obasanjo fought effortlessly to recover some of Abacha’s loot, but nothing was done to the people who looted Nigerian treasury and are still alive. In fact, Chief Gani Fawehinmi is his book titled “Petrol Price Increases In Nigeria: The Truth You Must Know” succinctly put it as thus:
“A new twist has been added to the shame of corruption in Nigeria. Under Obasanjo’s government those who are opposed to him, i.e the Abacha are made to refund part of the loot but none of them has been charged to court for corruption under the criminal code or panel code. Neither the short nor the long arm of the law has ever touched those who supported the Obasanjo regime to come to power. They kept their loot, which they now use to attempt to destabilize the nation. When some of us asked Mr. President to go after them, he retorted that we should provide evidence even when a blind man could see it and deaf man could hear the sound of the fraud”.

Gani posited further that: “When Mr. President rightly deployed all the security agencies to find out where the loots of Abacha were kept, he refused to deploy the same agencies to find out where the loot of the Babangida and his collaborators were kept. Obasanjo has added a twist that: “If you support me your loots are protected, but if you are opposed to me, your loots will be exposed and even when they are exposed you peel off a part of the loot and you go scot-free”.

Under Obasanjo’s regime, rule of law was totally kept in abeyance. He flagrantly disobeyed court orders at will, including orders made by the apex court of the land, the Supreme Court. Even in the case instituted by the Lagos State Government over the creation of Local Governments, the Supreme Court ruled that the Local Government creation was inchoate, but that the Federal Government should release the local government fund of Lagos State, the judgment Federal government did not obey throughout Obasanjo’s regime. Obasanjo believe that he knows better than the entire Nigerians. He does not accept somebody’s view because he believes he has a better view. Obasanjo continued his open hatred for the Abiola’s family including M.K.O himself, even when the National Assembly passed a resolution that the National Stadium in Abuja be named after M.K.O Abiola, he never complied with the said resolution neither did he in anyway immortalize Abiola. Obasanjo never at any time of his administration acknowledged that he rides on the horse of M.K.O Abiola. If not for the death of M.K.O Abiola, the Northerners would not have conceded the presidency to the South West and how would have Obasanjo emerged? Anybody who dare opposed him automatically becomes his enemy. This is evident in how he controls the Peoples Democratic Party leadership at will. During his 8 years tenure. PDP had four different chairmen which included, Solomon Lar, Banabas Gimade, Aidu Ogbe and Ahmadu Alli. Nigerians agitated that Obasanjo should convoke a Sovereign National Conference where the problems of Nigeria will be discussed and solutions will possibly be preferred, instead of Sovereign National Conference he set up National Political Reform Conference (NPRC) whose delegates were handpicked by the same government. Neither the report nor the recommendation of the conference saw the light of the day under Obasanjo’s regime. Which means that millions of tax payers money that was expended on the conference is nothing but a waste. The same way Obasanjo administration wasted billions of Dollars on power project which never transcended into stability of electricity. Obasanjo’s regime, Nigerians could not boast of any tangible or meaningful achievement. No water, electricity was in comatose, joblessness was the order of the day among graduates, security situation degenerated as the rate of armed robbery and assassination went on unabated. Till date, the killer of the Attorney General of the Federal Chief Bola Ige are today walking freely the street of Nigeria. Nigeria is still rated one of the most corrupt countries by Transparency International inspite his kangaroo anti corruption crusade. The Climax of the Obasanjo’s Administration is the so called tenure elongation. Though Obasanjo had come out openly to say that he did not seek for third term. But the question on the lips of Nigerians is that if Obasanjo did not sponsor those who people to campaign for third term for him, why then did Obasanjo not stop those people who were campaigning for him? Why did he have to wait till the third term has been aborted before he came out openly to deny sponsoring it? Till now allegation still ranges that so much money was expended on the third term saga. We therefore call on EFCC to investigate properly the veracity or otherwise of these allegations. We also renew the agitation of Nigerian that the Obasanjo administration be probed.

Nigerians heaved a sign of relief when the third term was finally aborted. Nigerians thought that their next leader will pass through a transparent election process, little did they know that a man that was imposed on Nigerian for eight years will also bless and impose his own political God son on Nigerians. When Governor Ayodele Fayose the former Governor of Ekiti State was asked to screen nominees of PDP for the presidential race, Musa Yaradua was not one of those persons who went for the screening exercise. Little did Nigerian know that Baba set up the screening committee to direct peoples attention. Musa Yaradua came out as Kastina State Governor and contested for the presidential primaries. He emerged the winner after so many people have been told to step down for him. Musa Yaradua emerged as the winner of the April Presidential Election amidst critism of observers both within and outside Nigeria, who widely condemned the election as not free and fair. But the INEC Chairman Prof. Marice Iwu said that contrary to the opinion of the international observer, the election is free and fair. Well, since the result of the election is now a subject of litigation before the Supreme Court, we shall dabble into it.

Some people have described the Yaradua administration as too slow in responding to the economic crisis of the country. Nothing and indeed nothing has charged. No pipe borne water, light situation has not improved, employment is still at its lowest ebb, security is nothing to write home about. The rule of law policy of the Federal Government has not been fully tested. Just few weeks ago, Channels Television in Lagos was short down by security operative, on the basis that, it allegedly reported that the president has purportedly resigned his position as the president due to his poor state of health. This act is barbaric and is an unbecoming of a government who claims that it upholds the rule of law. A law abiding government would rather go to court and challenge any act that is perceived illegal or unlawful instead of resorting to using security agents to unleash terror on its citizens and corporate establishment.

THE FUTURE

The point must be clearly made that Nigeria future depends on the policies of its today leaders. A country can only be guaranteed of a better future if the today’s leaders have a good vision which can transcend meaningfully into a better tomorrow. Nigerians ran to America and Europe today because they have leaders who rule with a purposeful vision.

Firstly, the syndrome of “winners take all” must be changed. To guarantee a better tomorrow, our political attitude must change. There must be a paradigm shift starting from the INEC Chairman to INEC Commissioners. There must be a complete overhaul of our electoral system such that electorates can express their wishes through the ballot box. A situation where the INEC Chairman said in a recent interview that “America has a lot to learn from Nigeria” it’s appalling and must be condemned by all well meaning Nigerians.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

There is no gainsaying the fact that the 1999 Constitution does not reflect true federalism and the wishes of the Nigeria people, simply because it was an imposition of the Military Junta.

Therefore, the 1999 constitution must be amended. Nigerians must have inputs in the amendments process. I must also say that there is no perfect constitution anywhere in the world. Even the constitution of the United State of America is not perfect. The operators of the constitution are the ones who give effect to the tenets of the constitution. The members of the National Assembly are hereby warned to desist from mischief making and personal interest, to avoid a repetition of the third term saga.

Giving the quality of brilliant people we have in this country, Nigeria has the potential of being one of the most economic viable country in the world. However, will such people be allowed to get to the position of leadership? Not until our political orientation changes, not until our vote begin to count, not until our leaders have the interest of the masses, not until corruption is reduced to the bearest minimum, the manifestation of all these will guarantee a better future. (The End).

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

“There is beauty and power in unity. We must be united in heart and mind. One world, one people”. (Lailah Gifty Akita).

Opinion

Book Review: Against the Odds by Dozy Mmobuosi

Published

2 days ago

December 4, 2025

Eric

By Sola Ojewusi

Against the Odds is an ambitious, deeply personal, and unflinchingly honest memoir that traces the remarkable rise of Dozy Mmobuosi, one of Nigeria’s most dynamic and controversial entrepreneurs. In this sweeping narrative, Mmobuosi reveals not just the public milestones of his career, but the intimate struggles, internal battles, and defining moments that shaped his identity and worldview.

The book is both a personal testimony and a broader commentary on leadership, innovation, and Africa’s future—and it succeeds in balancing these worlds with surprising emotional clarity.

A Candid Portrait of Beginnings

Mmobuosi’s story begins in the bustling, unpredictable ecosystem of Lagos, where early challenges served as the furnace that forged his ambitions. The memoir details the circumstances of his upbringing, the value systems passed down from family, and the early encounters that sparked his desire to build solutions at scale.

These foundational chapters do important work: they humanize the protagonist. Readers meet a young Dozy not as a business figurehead, but as a Nigerian navigating complex social, financial, and personal realities—realities that millions of Africans will find familiar.

The Making of an Entrepreneur

As the narrative progresses, the memoir transitions into the defining phase of Mmobuosi’s business evolution. Here, he walks readers through the origins of his earliest ventures and the relentless curiosity that led him to operate across multiple industries—fintech, agri-tech, telecoms, AI, healthcare, consumer goods, and beyond.

What is striking is the pattern of calculated risk-taking. Mmobuosi positions himself as someone unafraid to venture into uncharted territory, even when the cost of failure is steep. His explanations offer readers valuable insights into:
• market intuition
• the psychology of entrepreneurship
• the sacrifices required to build at scale
• the emotional and operational toll of high-growth ventures

These passages make the book not only readable but instructive—especially for emerging

African entrepreneurs.

Triumphs, Crises, and Public Scrutiny
One of the book’s most compelling strengths is its willingness to confront controversy head-on.

Mmobuosi addresses periods of intense scrutiny, institutional pressure, and personal trials.

Instead of glossing over these chapters, he uses them to illustrate the complexities of building businesses in emerging markets and navigating public perception.

The tone is reflective rather than defensive, inviting readers to consider the thin line between innovation and misunderstanding in environments where the rules are still being written.

This vulnerability is where the memoir finds its emotional resonance.

A Vision for Africa

Beyond personal history, Against the Odds expands into a passionate manifesto for African transformation. Mmobuosi articulates a vision of a continent whose young population, natural resources, and intellectual capital position it not as a follower, but a potential leader in global innovation.

He challenges outdated narratives about Africa’s dependency, instead advocating for
homegrown technology, supply chain sovereignty, inclusive economic systems, and investment in human capital.

For development strategists, policymakers, and visionaries, these sections elevate the work from memoir to thought leadership.

The Writing: Accessible, Engaging, and Purposeful

Stylistically, the memoir is direct and approachable. Mmobuosi writes with clarity and intention, blending storytelling with reflection in a way that keeps the momentum steady. The pacing is effective: the book moves seamlessly from personal anecdotes to business lessons, from introspection to bold declarations.

Despite its business-heavy subject matter, the prose remains accessible to everyday readers.

The emotional honesty, in particular, will appeal to those who appreciate memoirs that feel lived rather than curated.

Why This Book Matters

Against the Odds arrives at a critical moment for Africa’s socioeconomic trajectory. As global attention shifts toward African innovation, the need for authentic narratives from those building within the system becomes essential.

Mmobuosi’s memoir offers:
• a case study in resilience
• an insider’s perspective on entrepreneurship in frontier markets
• a meditation on reputation, legacy, and leadership
• a rallying cry for African ambition

For readers like Sola Ojewusi, whose work intersects with media, policy, leadership, and social development, this book offers profound insight into the human stories driving Africa’s new generation of builders.

Final Verdict

Against the Odds is more than a success story—it is a layered, introspective, and timely work that captures the pressures and possibilities of modern African enterprise. It challenges stereotypes, raises important questions about leadership and impact, and ultimately delivers a narrative of persistence that audiences across the world will find relatable.

It is an essential read for anyone interested in the future of African innovation, the personal realities behind public leadership, and the enduring power of vision and resilience

Opinion

Redefining Self-leadership: Henry Ukazu As a Model

Published

3 days ago

December 3, 2025

Eric

By Abdulakeem Sodeeq SULYMAN

In a world filled with talents and unique gifts, nurturing oneself for an impact-filled living becomes one of the potent metrics for assuming how one’s life would unfold – either in the nearest or far future. I am sure the question you may be curious to ask is ‘what is the important quality that has shaped the life of every individual who has unleashed their ingenuity?’ Apparently, our society is filled with numerous people, who missed the track of their life. Their iniquity is boiled down to one thing – failure to lead oneself.

Realising how important it is to be your own leader has been the springboard for every transformative life. Notably, this also becomes the premise for appreciating and celebrating Henry Ukazu for setting the pace and modeling self-leadership in this era, where self-leadership is under-appreciated by our people. Self-leadership itself engineers purposeful and impactful living, turning individuals to sources of hope to others.

This is exactly what Henry Ukazu symbolises. The name Henry Ukazu is akin to many great things such as ‘Unleashing One’s Destiny,’ ‘Finding One’s Purpose’ and ‘Triumphant Living.’ Regardless of the impression one have formed about Henry Ukazu, one thing you cannot deny is his ability to be pure to nature and committed to his cause. Henry Ukazu is one of the rare people who still believed in the values of the human worth and has committed every penny of his to ensure that every human deserves to live the best life.

The trajectory of Henry Ukazu’s life is convincing enough to be choosing as an icon by anyone who chooses to climb the ladder of self-leadership. Oftentimes, Henry Ukazu always narrate how he faced the storms of life when birthing his purpose. He takes honour in his struggles, knowing full well that every stumbling blocks life throws at him helped in building himself. If not for self-leadership, he will not found honours in his struggles, let alone challenging himself to be an example of purposeful living to others.

Without mincing words, Henry Ukazu’s life has been blessed with the presence of many people, with some filling his life with disappointments, while some blessing him with immeasurable transformations. Surprisingly, Henry Ukazu has never chosen to be treating people negatively; rather he would only choose the path of honour by avoiding drama and let common sense prevail. That’s one of the height of simplicity!

Dear readers, do you know why today is important for celebrating Henry Ukazu? Today, 3rd December, is his birthday and with all sincerity, Henry Ukazu deserves to be celebrated because he has chosen the noble path, one filled with honours and recognitions for being an icon of inspiration and transformation to the mankind. As Henry Ukazu marks another year today, may the good Lord continue shielding him from all evils and guiding him in right directions, where posterity will feel his role and impacts!

Many happy returns, Sir!

Opinion

The Fault Lines of Power: A Global Leadership Crisis and the Path to Restoration

Published

1 week ago

November 29, 2025

Eric

By Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD

“Across the world, we are navigating the fault lines of outdated leadership. The future belongs to those who can mend these cracks with the mortar of integrity, the vision of long-term purpose, and the resilience of empowered people” Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD

Leadership serves as the foundational pillar for any thriving organization, corporation, or nation. It is the critical framework meant to ensure stability, inspire direction, and foster resilience against challenges. Yet, a pervasive and unsettling phenomenon is emerging worldwide: the development of deep fault lines within these very structures of authority. This crisis of confidence spans sectors and continents, from established Western democracies to burgeoning economies in the Global South.

This examination explores these global leadership fissures, with a specific focus on Nigeria’s complex landscape. We will diagnose the universal symptoms, analyze their acute manifestation in the Nigerian context, and ultimately, propose a constructive framework for renewal aimed at individuals, businesses, and governments.

Diagnosing the Global Leadership Decay

The erosion of effective leadership rarely happens overnight. It typically begins with subtle, often ignored fractures that gradually weaken the entire system. These fractures commonly appear as:

The Credibility Chasm: A growing disconnect between a leader’s promises and their tangible actions. When rhetoric of transparency clashes with a reality of opacity, the essential bond of trust is severed.
The Tyranny of the Immediate: An overwhelming focus on short-term gains—be it quarterly earnings or political popularity—that sacrifices long-term strategy and sustainable health. This is the equivalent of building on unstable ground.
Strategic Inertia: In a world defined by rapid change, leaders who cling to outdated, rigid hierarchies render their organizations incapable of adapting, innovating, or surviving future shocks.
The Empathy Void: Leadership that is intellectually or emotionally detached from the realities of its people, employees, or citizens. This breeds disengagement, stifles collaboration, and fuels a silent exodus of talent and goodwill.
The Succession Failure: A critical neglect of leadership pipeline development, which creates a dangerous vacuum of vision and competence during transitions, jeopardizing institutional memory and future stability.

The Nigerian Context: A Magnified View of the Crisis

Nigeria, a nation brimming with phenomenal human and natural potential, offers a powerful case study where these global fault lines are particularly pronounced and consequential.

Within the Political Arena:

Leadership is frequently marred by a system that rewards patronage over performance. Rampant corruption diverts essential resources from critical public services, leading to a catastrophic decay in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. This, combined with policy instability across political administrations, creates an environment of uncertainty that discourages vital long-term investment.

Within the Corporate Sphere:

Many organizations, including prominent family-owned conglomerates, are hindered by overly centralized decision-making and weak corporate governance structures. When nepotism overshadows meritocracy, innovation is suppressed, and employee motivation withers. A survivalist mindset, driven by a challenging economic climate, often trumps strategic investment in talent and innovation.

Within Public Institutions:

A pervasive culture of bureaucracy and inefficiency often widens the gap between the government and the governed. This leads to profound citizen frustration and a demoralized public workforce, undermining the very purpose of these institutions.

The cumulative effect of these intersecting failures is a palpable national anxiety—a widespread belief that the nation is operating far below its potential, not due to a lack of resources or talent, but because of a fundamental breakdown in its leadership frameworks.

A Framework for Renewal: Building Resilient Leadership

Identifying the problem is only the first step. The imperative is to forge a path forward. The following advisory framework outlines how to bridge these fault lines and unlock latent possibilities.

For Individuals (The Agents of Change):

Transition from Spectator to Stakeholder: Exercise accountability through informed civic participation and constructive advocacy. Use platforms, including digital media, to demand transparency and results from leaders.
Embody Ethical Leadership Daily: Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and empathy within your immediate circle—your workplace, community, and family. Leadership is an action, not merely a position.
Commit to Lifelong Learning: Proactively acquire new skills, cultivate a global perspective, and strengthen your emotional intelligence to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Engage in Reciprocal Mentorship: Actively seek guidance while also dedicating time to mentor others. Cultivating the next generation is a collective responsibility that ensures a continuous flow of capable leaders.

For Corporations (The Economic Catalysts):

Ingrain, Don’t Just Install, Governance: Move beyond superficial compliance. Foster a culture where independent boards, radical transparency, and ethical practices are non-negotiable core values.
Systematize Leadership Development: Establish robust talent management and succession planning programs. Intentionally identify and nurture future leaders through targeted training, mentorship, and strategic role assignments.
Champion a Stakeholder-Centric Purpose: Define a corporate mission that creates genuine value for all stakeholders—employees, customers, communities, and the environment. This builds lasting brand equity and attracts purpose-driven talent.
Cultivate Psychologically Safe Spaces: Foster an organizational climate where employees feel empowered to voice ideas, question assumptions, and experiment without fear of reprisal. This is the bedrock of a truly innovative and adaptive organization.

For Nations (The Architects of Society):

Fortify Institutions Over Individuals: Invest in building strong, independent institutions—such as the judiciary, electoral commissions, and anti-corruption bodies—that can function autonomously and uphold the rule of law.
Prioritize Human Capital as the Supreme Asset: Direct national investment toward foundational pillars like quality public education and healthcare. An educated, healthy, and skilled populace is the most critical driver of sustainable national development.
Articulate and Adhere to a Long-Term National Vision: Develop a strategic, non-partisan national development plan that provides a consistent direction for policy, transcending political cycles and uniting citizens around a common goal.
Establish a Consequence-Based Culture: Implement a system where integrity is visibly rewarded and corruption is met with swift, transparent, and impartial justice, regardless of the offender’s status.

Conclusion: Laying a New Foundation

The fault lines in global leadership present a significant challenge, but they also offer a clarion call for renewal. The solution lies in a deliberate return to the core tenets of visionary, accountable, and empathetic leadership.

For Nigeria, and for the world at large, delivering on our shared potential requires a concerted effort to repair these foundations. We must collectively shift from a culture of short-sightedness to one of intergenerational stewardship, and from fractured allegiances to a unified commitment to the common good.

The blueprint for change is clear. By choosing to reinforce our leadership at every level, we can transform these fault lines into cornerstones for a more prosperous, stable, and equitable future. The responsibility to build rests with all of us.

Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in History and International Studies, Fellow Certified Management Consultant & Specialist, Fellow Certified Human Resource Management Professional, a Recipient of the Nigerian Role Models Award (2024), and a Distinguished Ambassador For World Peace (AMBP-UN). He has also gained inclusion in the prestigious compendium, “Nigeria @65: Leaders of Distinction”.