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2024 NBA Conference: Okonjo-Iweala Tackles Govt, Says Oil Theft, Weaponisation of Insecurity Must Stop

Published

2 years ago

August 26, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), who was Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has come hard on the government of the day, urging public office holders and politicians in Nigeria to stop weaponising insecurity, oil theft among a plethora of governmental lawlessness.

The former External Affairs Minister made her stance while delivering a keynote address as the Guest Speaker during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Sunday, held at the Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The theme of the 2024 edition, which is the 64th series is Pressing Forward: A National Posture for Rebranding Nigeria.

Frowning at already established path of discussing Nigeria’s challenges, Okonjo-Iweala reiterated that time has gone when it should just be a discussion, but an action.

“I said it is not in recreation, but it’s moving our country and advancing in quick steps. We are leaving in very difficult times, nobody care in Nigeria or also globally. We have seen protest in this country few weeks ago, and we have also seen protest elsewhere on this continent and beyond.

“These difficulties should make us think deeply and decide on what is needed to move this country forward so we can have the right time of conversation not about playing games of reprimandation, but about what we actually need to do to tackle present and emerging problems to assure the bright future for our young people in this country; that is why my speech today is tagged “a social contract for Nigerians”.

She further admonished the public to desist from quoting her out of context as she intends to blame no one in her address.

“I know I have read just a bit of the present need of the press, I am not here to castigate or blame anyone, I just want you to say my words or put out any points that don’t reflect what I am saying. I am here to speak to all governments of my country, all political parties, all Nigerians about possible ways to help the country.

“If we look at health care, it is clear that Nigerians don’t have what it takes to succeed. I want to remind you in the first half of the 1960s, South Korea took up from exporting primary products to manufacturing goods back then, it was textile and footwears compared to today’s integrated circuits, electronics, shipping and autos,” she said

The keynote address was titled, ‘A Social Contract For Nigeria’s Future’, in an event that attracted some of the nation’s political bigwigs and legal luminaries including President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, Former President of Ghana, Dr. John Dramani Mahama; President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, Governors of Lagos and Plateau states, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Barr Caleb Mutfwang, outgoing President of NBA, Yakuba Maikyau SAN; and NBA President-elect, Mazi Afam Osigwe.

Others were Prof Ihonvbare, who represented the Hon Speaker of the Hiuse of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass; Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Hon Adewale Rabiu, who represented Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife; Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Mrs. Oyinkansola Okusanya and former President of NBA, Mrs. Priscilla Kuye.

Chief Folake Solanke SAN, who is the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as well as first female Commissioner in Western Nigeria, attended via pre-recorded virtual, where she delivered her goodwill message.

“We cannot have socio-economic development without security. We certainly cannot have security without development.

“We all know that security has been weaponised in our country for political purposes by political actors, leading partly to the situation we have now.

“We have politicians who believe that the best way to make their opponents look bad is to instigate insecurity,” Okonjo-Iweala noted.

Taking the audience through a lane riddled with policy somersaults, the WTO DGadvocated policy consistency in Nigeria regardless of change from one administration to another.

She said, “Maintaining good economic and social policies; maintaining policy consistency and adding more reforms on top of that will lead us along the path of good progress that we all desire.”

The globally respected developmental economist, whose best preferred attire is African print Ankara wears and headgear to match, decried a phenomenon she labelled as the “not-in-my-administration syndrome” in governance which she said has been responsible for the not-so-good economic performance of Nigeria.

She said Nigeria needs a social contract and that all Nigerians regardless of political or other affiliations should agree on a social contract.

She said certain sacrosanct policies should not be changed whenever Nigeria witnesses administration changes, adding that some of these policies should be made into law after being scrutinised by the public.

Okonjo-Iweala said maintaining policy consistency, adding more reforms among other factors will foster good governance.

The woman, whose introduction was heralded by the loudest Ovation at the event said the security of lives and national assets should be prioritised in the social contract, adding that basic organs of the economy should be left to work independently, especially the Central Bank.

“No one should tamper with the Central Bank asking for the manipulation of interest rates or exchange rates. Do not use the Central Bank as a fiscal agent asking for the printing of naira beyond agreed Ways and Means limits as this can fuel inflation,” she said.

The former World Bank top executive said the provision of basic infrastructure should form the third element of the social contract. She said the crafting of social safety nets for the most vulnerable of society should be included in the social contract.

True independence of the judiciary should form the fourth element of the social contract, she said, while charging the NBA to hold the government accountable on all grounds.

She said a social contract will enable a strong and stable foundation for Nigeria upon which citizens and residents can thrive.

The NBA Conference is a yearly retreat of all Nigerian lawyers that kicked off in 1959 in Lagos.

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Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu Felicitates with Nigerian Muslims, Urges Renewed Patriotism

Published

7 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Eric

As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, urging renewed commitment to the nation and humanity.

President Tinubu enjoined Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to the noble teachings of the holy month, which emphasise piety, empathy, and unity among humanity.

The President’s message was contained in a statement signed by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday.

“We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period,” he said.

President Tinubu urged all Muslim faithful to extend a hand of kindness to the needy of all faiths, to further show unity and camaraderie.

The President also tasked Muslim leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace and prosperity to prevail in the country.

On Wednesday, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, approved the declaration of Friday as the day for Eid-el-Fitr.

He congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan and called for sustained prayers for national unity and development.

The Sultan’s announcement came after the Federal government of Nigeria declared Thursday, 19 March, and Friday, 20 March 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, on Tuesday, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

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2027: Peter Obi Raises Doubt About Clinching ADC Presidential Ticket

Published

24 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

A former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed reservations over his ability to clinch the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.

In a video address to his followers, Obi stated that receiving the ADC’s presidential ticket is not guaranteed.

He said: “Someone asked me how I know for sure that the ADC will give me the presidential ticket. I cannot be certain. What matters is that we are committed to a cause.

I keep wondering how we ended up in this situation and what might happen if we decide to stop working on this project.”

“Obi also said he is still committed to his goals, and he hasn’t let any reported threats stop him.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate praised his supporters for their resilience, recognizing the difficulties of working within opposition politics in Nigeria.

Obi thanked everyone who stayed loyal even though they didn’t get much benefit right away.

“I thank you for your sacrifice. It’s not easy to be in the opposition in Nigeria, and I’m thankful to those who keep supporting even when there’s no clear reward,” he said.

He, however, expressed uncertainty about the future, especially concerning political alliances and commitments.

“How can we be certain that the people we’re working with right now won’t leave us behind tomorrow? I wish we could be sure, but we can’t,” he said.

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Terrorism: Tinubu Seeks UK’s Assistance Amid Challenges

Published

1 day ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, solicited partnership with the United Kingdom to crush terrorism in the Sahel before it engulfs the region.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel,” Tinubu told King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and elite guests, at a state banquet.

Speaking as the first Nigerian leader at the historic venue, Tinubu said: “As one of the largest nations within the Commonwealth, Nigeria looks forward to contributing constructively to the continued growth and vitality of this global community.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability. In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Kier Starmer tomorrow.

“Despite these challenges, Nigeria approaches the future with hope and confidence. We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, of young people dreaming big, of entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and of a hopeful people determined to realise their full potential.”

The Nigeria’s President said it was an honour to stand before the royal family, representing the people of Nigeria to reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship, history, and shared purpose that have united Nigeria and the United Kingdom for several centuries.

“Allow me first to express my sincere appreciation to Your Majesty and to Her Majesty, The Queen for the warmth and generosity extended to me, my wife, Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation.

“As the first Nigerian leader to speak here at Windsor Castle, which has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, is particularly historic. Windsor has stood as a symbol of continuity, witnessing the steady evolution of institutions that have shaped governance, culture, and public life not only in Britain but far beyond these shores.

“Nigeria and the United Kingdom have shared more than just history; our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.

“Standing here in Windsor Castle, one cannot help but reflect on Britain’s impact on modern democratic governance worldwide.”

He explained further: “The Magna Carta of 1215 laid the early foundations for the rule of law and the development of parliamentary democracy, establishing enduring ideals around liberty, accountable government, and civic responsibility.

“Great British thinkers and writers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke helped to propagate those democratic ideals. Their influence continues to resonate to this day.

“The literary genius of William Shakespeare and other writers such as Charles Dickens, has enriched and shaped the English language, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide.

“In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of our own republic. Our courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English common law. Our parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved here over centuries. Our civil service structures have also drawn upon administrative models developed in Britain and adapted to Nigeria’s own national context.

“While institutions matter greatly, our people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries.”

He said the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom has become one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide, adding: “Nigerians contribute enormously to the vitality of this nation. Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare. Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest groups of international medical professionals serving the NHS.”

He noted the exploits of Nigerians in the country especially in sports, saying: “in sport, rugby players such as Maro Itoje, footballers including Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua, illustrate the remarkable human connection that links Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

“Our partnership is further strengthened through the Commonwealth of Nations, which connects 56 countries under Your Majesty’s leadership.”

He expressed confidence that the friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom will continue to grow.

“Finally, Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship. Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta.

“That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I thank Your Majesty, Her Majesty The Queen, Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, other members of the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom for their longstanding friendship.

“In the spirit of friendship and our shared destiny, I invite you all to raise a glass with me:

“To the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together.”