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Make Peoples’ prevailing concerns central in govt programming – Don urges FG

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***calls for people-centred policies to address trust deficits

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

President, Nigeria Political Science Association Professor Hassan A. Saliu,has called on the Federal Government to evolve people-centered policies and make the prevailing concerns in the country central in its programming.

Prof. Saliu of the Department of Political Science, University of Ilorin who made the call during a Public Lecture at the birthday celebration of Professor Salisu Usman Ugbo and unveiling of a Sickle Cell Foundation on Sunday in Lokoja.

The Professor of Political Science described the widening gap between government and citizens at all levels as a cancerous disease requiring urgent cure from both government and citizens.

In the Public Lecture titled: Towards Promoting a Robust Government-Citizens Relationship in Nigeria, Prof. Saliu said the widening gulf was retarding national development and advancement of the country.

He said that the issue was one of the topical issue concerning Nigerians saying that the polity had failed to appreciate the fact that difficulties in mobilizing people for national goals stem from the disjointed government-citizen relationship.

“Citizens no longer exhibit past values of bonding with governments. Nigerians see governments as alien or evil, irrelevant to their daily lives amidst spiraling costs.

“Governments view citizens as enemies, not the greatest resource for development. I argue that democracy’s disappointment in Nigeria stems from the growing gap between citizens and government.

“The Federal Government’s situation is relatively better, but state administrations and Local Government Councils (LGCs) have alarming disconnections. This undermines democracy’s success, reliant on active citizen support.

“Democracy is conversational; blurred communication between people and government hinders progress. Nigerians’ skepticism frustrates national efforts. The war against terrorism exemplifies this.

“Despite claims of subduing terrorists, threats persist due to government-citizen disjoint. Citizens remain aloof or aid tormentors.

“Low electoral participation also illustrates this disconnect. Citizens’ apathy stems from trust deficits incubated in poor government-citizen relations.

“Secessionist agitators’ stubbornness can be attributed to lost faith in Nigeria, fueled by poor relations. This instability transmits negative signals internationally”, he pointed out.

On the birthday, the Executive Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, congratulated Prof. Ogbo Usman saying “Today is a remarkable day of celebration as we rejoice with you.

“Prof. Ogbo Usman, indeed you are a great blessing to Kogi state and the people. May the good Lord grant you peace, wisdom and blessings in abundance. I wish you many more years of celebrations”.

The Governor who was represented by Speaker of Kogi House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, said that the grandeur of the birthday ceremony was “a clear indication of your mark of excellence and most distinguished Professor in your field.”

The father of the day, Atta Igala, HRM Dr Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche-Akpa CFR, described Prof. Ogbo Usman as a dependable son and brother whose enduring contributions have solidified his position as Rector and strong pillar in the growth and progress of Kogi State.

He asserted that Prof. Ogbo Usman, is acknowledged as a relentless administrator and philanthropist, leaving an indelible mark through his generosity and benevolence

The President, Kogi State council of Traditional Rulers noted that these qualities have become synonymous with his engagement in both public and private spheres.

Responding, Prof. Usman however thanked the state Governor Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo and other top government officials for gracing his Birthday Celebration and flag-off of his foundation.

“I acknowledged God for the gift of life, God’s mercy has allowed me to witness yet another year, even as many of my peers have long departed, but God’s grace has kept me alive.” (Ends)

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Edo Governor Joins National Economic Deliberations

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Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, attended his inaugural National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday at the State House Council Chambers in Abuja.
The session was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The NEC serves as a vital forum for state governors, deputy governors, and the federal government’s economic team to discuss and address key economic challenges.

In a gesture to mark his first appearance, Governor Okpebholo was invited by Vice President Shettima to lead the opening prayer after the national anthem.

This event underscores Edo State’s active commitment to collaborating on national economic policies and driving solutions for Nigeria’s progress.

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At Achebe Forum, Obasanjo Labels Nigeria a ‘Failing State’ Criticizes Tinubu’s Leadership

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Olusegun Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed sharp criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that Nigeria’s decline is now evident to “every honest observer.”
Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University in the U.S., Obasanjo attributed the country’s deteriorating state to leadership failure, pointing specifically to Tinubu’s governance, which he referred to as “Baba-go-slow and Emilokan.”

In his keynote address titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” Obasanjo highlighted that pervasive corruption and mismanagement have worsened Nigeria’s challenges, driving the country deeper into insecurity, division, and underdevelopment.
He quoted the late writer Chinua Achebe, who in his book The Trouble with Nigeria argued that the country’s fundamental problem is a failure of leadership, not a flaw in its people or resources. According to Obasanjo, this diagnosis remains as relevant today as it was over 40 years ago.

Obasanjo cited works by American experts Robert Rotberg and John Campbell, who have characterized Nigeria as a “failed state.” Their argument, he noted, suggests that Nigeria’s inability to maintain security and stability has serious implications for Africa and the world at large.

Additionally, the former President described “state capture” as a pressing issue in Nigeria, where powerful individuals and groups exploit government resources and policies for personal gain. Obasanjo argued that this corruption undermines national interests, with influential elites shaping the country’s legal and economic systems to benefit themselves. Such practices, he warned, compromise public welfare, affecting the quality of education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

In reflecting on Achebe’s legacy, Obasanjo praised the late author’s commitment to truth and the moral foundation he established for Nigeria. He urged Nigerians and the international community to recognize the dangers of state capture and work towards restoring a governance model that prioritizes the public good.

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Sule Lamido, Shehu sani disagree over National Security Adviser

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Shehu Sani and Sule Lamido

The senator who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani has disagreed with a former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido over national security issues
Lamido had taken a strong position against the current National Security Advisor (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu accusing him of compromising his professional integrity and acting more like a spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu than fulfilling his constitutional role.
Sani advised Lamido to at least appreciate how the Tinubu led Administration tackled insecurity instead of politicizing it in his comment on the National Security Adviser.
Ribadu who was basking in the euphoria of the recent claims of decimating the insurgents cautioned anyone “not to dare Tinubu”, espercially the new Lakurawa Insurgents a development which infuriated the former governor of Jigawa State and a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party,(PDP), prompting him to take to his verified facebook wall to describe the NSA as “loquacious, flippant and qualified to have been Tinubu’s Minsiter of Information instead of NSA.”
Lamido Criticizes NSA for Sycophantic Behavior, Urges Focus on Duties.
Lamido in his comment had expressed concerns over the NSA’s behavior, particularly his past actions as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under President Olusegun Obasanjo. Lamido reminded Nigerians of the NSA’s controversial remarks, including his public labeling of prominent governors—such as Tinubu, Kalu, and Akume—as the “most corrupt.” Lamido pointed out the stark contradiction between the NSA’s earlier criticisms and his current position, serving under the same figures he once condemned.

The former governor called the NSA’s decision to join the administration of President Tinubu—a leader he previously described as corrupt—a “singular mistake,” one that Lamido believes has tarnished the NSA’s credibility and character. “You are not a spokesperson for the President, you are a National Security Advisor,” Lamido emphasized, urging the NSA to return to the professionalism that has historically defined the role.

Lamido argued that previous holders of the NSA position, including the late Umaru Shinkafi, General Gusau, and Colonel Dasuki, all displayed discipline and a low profile, focusing on security matters without resorting to public displays or sycophantic behavior. Lamido lamented that the current NSA’s behavior reflects a departure from this standard, pointing to his increasingly vocal and partisan approach.

Rather than fulfilling his duties as an anonymous and diligent security advisor, Lamido claimed that the NSA’s moral dilemma and excessive displays of loyalty to the president have shifted him into the role of a “Minister of Information,” undermining the neutrality and importance of his position.

In closing, Lamido urged President Tinubu to allow his NSA to regain focus, remove his fears, and return to the professional standards expected of someone in such a sensitive and critical role. The criticism continued to ignite debates about the role of the NSA and the expectations of public office holders in Nigeria, with many calling for greater transparency and consistency from those in power.
Reacting, Shehu Sani countered Lamido in a statement on Friday in Abuja, saying there should be a credit and a commendation for an administration that inherited multi-faceted security challenges ,but which has been reduced to the barest minimum, wondering how the elderly statesman failed to acknowledge the many triumphs of government in bandits hotbed regions in the north.

Sani who served in the upper legislative Chamber in the 8th National Assembly said, he witnessed to the appropriation budget allocated to security which unfortunately did not abate security challenges before now, expressing that Nuhu Ribadu has achieved what many of his predecessors have failed to accomplish despite the hundreds of billions spent in the name of defence and security in the past;

According to him, bandits have been neutralized to a large extent, thus encouraging government in this direction until total victory should have been ideal rather than playing haywire politics which he said may not help the yet-volatile situation in the North.

He said: “Neutralisation of top bandit leaders, end to mass abductions of students in northern schools,

“Securing rail lines and major northern highways hitherto notorious for kidnappings. The prompt response to terrorist attacks on power lines is worth mentioning.

“Security challenges are not over but in all indices of comparison, he has performed better and set unprecedented records. His political critics are fully entitled to their views ,but his delivery on his mandate is unparalleled.”, Sani concluded.

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