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Odinkalu Dismisses Ahmed Bako’s Lecture As Worse Than Anti-Climax

Published

1 month ago

September 9, 2024

Eric

Legal practitioner and human rights activist, Mr. Chidi Odinkalu, has come hard on Professor Ahmed Bako, describing his recently delivered inaugural lecture as an exercise worse than an anti-climax.

In a lengthy writeup that reviewed the totality of Bako’s lecture, Odinkalu revealed as follows:

Thanks to (all) who have offered up views on Prof. (Ahmed) Bako’s Inaugural.

I was honestly minded to un-look after reading it twice for reasons that will follow shortly. But given the depth of your effort, I want to offer a limited and deliberately narrow complement.

For a relatively short Inaugural Lecture delivered on the eve of retirement after nearly 45 yrs teaching & researching Nigerian history, this text is riddled with distressing errors of text, context, sub-text, & texture.

I say nothing of errors of intellectual method – it explores no alternative explanations or interpretations for its limited sourcing & evidence. So the lecture seems to be embarrassingly devoid of basic intellectual curiosity too.

One major error that caught my eye on p. 13: “The Igbos embarrassed modern education….” I presume he meant to say “embraced”.

That is 10 pages after he puts Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the category of Igbo “separatist” groups on p. 3. It goes on…. If this was an error of commission, it’s evidence of prejudice. If it is one of omission, it is worse than embarrassing. Either way, it is totemic of the lecture.

All over the text, you see such and worse embarrassments.

On pp. 45-46, in support of his suggestion that the Igbo drove host-community competitors from the marketplace, he cites a rental incident, claiming that rent in 1974 and 1986 was in ££:

“My view is that because of ethnic solidarity, Igbo traders gradually marginalized or even displace (sic) large number of Hausa traders. A typical example of a Hausa man displaced by the Igbo was Alhaji Abubakar Makwarari. He became a textile retailer in 1974 in a stall he rented from Alhaji Salisu Barau Zage at the cost of *£6,000* per annum. In 1986 he was ejected due to his failure to pay the new rent of *£30,000* . Chief David Obi Oknokwo (sic) paid the stated amount and occupied the stall. Many other Hausa traders such as Lawal Sulaiman (Minister), Alhaji Yahya etc were displaced by the Igbo who were ready to pay high rents….”

On the face of this text, this is evidence of his pursuit of a pre-determined single narrative: Alhaji Salisu Barau Zage who on this evidence shafted his own brother in order to collect the Igbo man’s money lacked agency or responsibility. He fell victim to the presumed sorcery or wickedness of the blighted Igbo man.

That is a segue to the substantive issues. Underlying his thesis is the claim that the Igbo embraced education for purposes of domination and not development. Avoiding for the moment any contest over meaning here, he provides no authority or evidence for this claim. He takes this over the top on pp.39-40: “What needs emphasis during this time was the fact that searching for economic power and dominance make the Igbo to be desperate and aggressive. Desperation is what make (sic) them to not only be disliked by host communities in several of the areas of their dominance in Northern Nigeria but to pushed (sic) some young Igbo into criminal activities.”

He asserts this as fact with no effort to back it up with evidence, authority, or comparison. And the text is littered with such carefree attitude to prejudice as fact.

He also complains somewhat about the insularity of the Igbo and how that has been a source of blowback. But yet he also explains – without appearing to know that that was what he was doing – that this was an outcome of colonial-era segregations which effectively rendered Sabon-Gari into an ethnic ghetto.

Interestingly, the exception to the treatment of Sabon-Gari as a ghetto was Mal. Abacha Maiduguri, the father of Gen. Abacha. That is no accident because the Kanuri were also outsiders among the Karnawa and that has some antiquity. That is another story altogether.

On the whole, the lecture is worse than an anti-climax. If this is what passes for history and what has been taught for over 4 decades, one can only lean back with the jaws askew.

But I also don’t want to be too unkind about the lecture. The man has done his best. Now and again, there are some accidental nuggets in parts of the paper (such as the reference to the Ajie Ukpabi Asika interview of 1971 or the Newswatch interviews with survivors of 1985 but they appear entirely accidental and not followed up or developed. So, it is a useful read and a useful source of intelligence: If a university professor supposedly specialized in history offers this up, the rest can be imagined.

In the end, an Inaugural in my view and experience is essentially a celebration of a thread of intellectual forage. The reason I was minded to un-look is that I will not knowingly rejoin to a paper to which it is impossible to attribute a quote of more than one sentence without two [sics].

Of course, there is no rejoinder to the fact that the Pound was abolished in Nigeria in 1973 and, therefore, that in 1974, rent in Kano was not rendered in £££.

And if he believes that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is a separatist organisation, that is his view. But that would, presumably also, be applicable to Arewa, or the Egbe or MBF or any number of ethnically defined associational groups in Nigeria; which would then beg the question: why does the Igbo one call for any form of his attention if he is not going to make the effort to distinguish those others from Ohanaeze.

If a man – or anyone at that – has spent over 40 years of his life spouting this kind of stuff even with the best of intentions as seems evident on the face of this paper, I will take pity on him and pity even more the students who endured it.

Featured

A Peep into the World of Nollywood Acctress, Judith Iwu

Published

57 mins ago

October 10, 2024

Eric

Name: Judith Iwu

Age: 42 years old

Place of Birth: Sokoto State, Nigeria

Partner: Ogechi Nwanekwu

Children: Bayo Iwu, Kizito Iwu, Angelica Iwu

Height: 6 feet tall

Award: International Media Personality Award

Career:

Judith Iwu is a renowned Nigerian actress with a distinguished career in Nollywood. Her exceptional acting talent has made her a standout performer in the industry, known for taking on complex roles that captivate audiences.

Notable Movies:

Judith Iwu has starred in several notable movies, including:

“House of Trouble”

“Priceless Woman”

“Nicest Gifts to Men”

“Evil Household”

“Virgins on Fire”

“Agony of Love”

“The Tigress”

These films have showcased her versatility, earning her respect from both peers and fans in the entertainment world.

Award:

Judith Iwu received the prestigious International Media Personality Award, highlighting her contributions not only as an actress but as a key figure in the media space. Her work continues to inspire upcoming talent within the industry.

Ended Marriage:

Judith Iwu’s marriage ended in 2006. After this, she faced the challenge of raising her three children—Bayo, Kizito, and Angelica—singlehandedly. Despite the personal difficulties, she balanced her responsibilities as a mother with her thriving acting career.

Current Partner:

Judith is currently in a supportive relationship with Ogechi Nwanekwu, who plays a significant role in her life. Together, they navigate their shared life while Judith continues to pursue her passions in the entertainment industry.

Featured

Dele Momodu Bags NAOSNP Media Icon of the Decade Award, Thanks ‘Colleagues’

Published

4 hours ago

October 10, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Veteran and celebrated journalist, who is the Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu, has been named the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) Media Icon of the Decade for his contribution to the field of journalism as well as lifting budding journalists to reach their desired heights.

The award was presented by the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who was the Distinguished Guest of Honour at the occasion, assisted by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Onikan, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, President of NAOSNP, Samson Oki and a host of other dignitaries present, at the 2024 National Security Conference of the Association, held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, on Wednesday.

In her remarks at the presentation, the Honourable Minister praised the Ovation boss for his continuous to journalism, projecting African business and political leaders as well as other Nigerians in a positive light.

“We thank you Mr Ovation for all you do and continue to do. You deserve the award, and I happily present it to you,” the Minister, who reminisced with gusto the season Ovation covered her event, said.

In his response, an elated Dele Momodu, expressed gratitude to the executives and members of NAOSNP, whom he modestly described as ‘colleagues’, for considering him for the award, saying that it is always a thing of joy when your own constituency acknowledges your good works, and shows appreciation.

“I thank the members of this association for this award. It is fulfilling when your own colleagues remember you, and support you with an award of thus type. I thank the honorable minister for being available to present it to me. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said with a sense of patriotism.

Born on May 16, 1960, in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Chief Dele Momodu, a distinguished African Journalist of high repute, fulfills the dictates of impeccability in credentials, testimonials and track record.

A publisher, businessman, philanthropist, and more, he runs the highly rated Ovation International Magazine, a member of the Ovation Media Group, that has given publicity to numerous personalities. Others in his line of publications are Ovation Television and The Boss Newspaper.

Momodu has redefined negative perceptions of Africa, profiling positively African personalities, using his X, Instagram and more, where his followership runs into millions.

A former presidential candidate, Momodu has a degree in Yoruba, from the Obafemi Awolowo University and Doctorates (honoris causa) from various universities, with multiple traditional titles.

He is well traveled, and has visited over 69 countries of the world.

He is married, with four children.

Featured

Kyvatron Revolutionises Arbitrage Trading in Nigeria

Published

2 days ago

October 8, 2024

Eric

Bayo Chisom Iwu, Founder/CEO of Kyvatron, a multinational arbitrage trading company, is changing the face of investment in Nigeria. Established in June 2022, Kyvatron specialises in sourcing commodities and currencies cheaply in bulk and reselling them at a profit.

Iwu’s vision for Kyvatron began as a solo endeavor, but he soon realised the need for a more professional approach to attract major investors. Today, Kyvatron boasts an impressive portfolio, with operations spanning the US, UK, China, and Nigeria.

The company’s focus on arbitrage trading eliminates risks associated with traditional investments. By sourcing currencies and commodities in bulk, Kyvatron capitalises on wholesale rates and resells at retail prices, generating consistent profits.

Kyvatron’s innovative approach has attracted numerous investors seeking to combat inflation and financial insecurity. The company’s stable trading profits have positively impacted many lives, with returns reaching up to 23% per month.

“We specialise in Yuan Arbitrage trading, sourcing Chinese currency in bulk and reselling for profit,” Iwu explained. “Our profit comes from sourcing things in bulk, and with cryptocurrency, we can move billions of naira quickly and efficiently.”

To mitigate risks, Kyvatron deals with established brands and reputable partners, ensuring secure transactions. The company’s use of stable coins like USDT, pegged to the US dollar, protects investors from market fluctuations.

Kyvatron’s expansion plans include establishing more offices in Nigeria, with a focus on creating awareness about the benefits of arbitrage trading. Iwu aims to make the platform more robust, enabling users to pay suppliers directly and facilitating international trade.

“We’re filling a gap in the market, providing a secure and profitable investment opportunity for Nigerians,” Iwu said. “Our goal is to make Kyvatron a household name, synonymous with trust and reliability.”

With its innovative approach and commitment to investor satisfaction, Kyvatron is poised to revolutionise Nigeria’s investment landscape.