Metro
Jerry Gana calls for value-based leadership at Dr. Steven Achema’s 25th Memorial Anniversary
***Urges for action on Ajaokuta Steel, agricultural transformation
Former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, has reiterated the need for value-based leadership in Nigeria while delivering a profound lecture at the 25th Memorial Anniversary of Dr. Steven Makoji Achema (Alapa).
The event, held to honor Dr. Achema’s legacy, drew attention to his contributions as a visionary leader and his enduring impact on Kogi State.
Dr. Achema a great Icon and a statesman had a sterling record of service in his profession as Verternary Medicine practitioner as well as an accomplished politician.
Until his death on 6th November 1999, he was a senior special assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In his address, Prof. Gana praised Dr. Achema’s leadership qualities, describing him as a man of integrity, resilience, and dedication to the welfare of his people.
“Dr. Achema was a leader who embodied character and competence. He believed in building others and fostering excellence in leadership,” Gana said.
On the Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria, the former minister did not shy away from critiquing the state of leadership in Nigeria. He noted that a lack of integrity and accountability among many leaders has hindered the nation’s progress urging citizens to prioritize these qualities when choosing leaders, stating, “Our leaders must inspire trust and be guided by justice and fairness. The rule of law is non-negotiable for national development.”
Highlighting Dr. Achema’s passion for community development, Prof. Gana recounted his initiatives in agriculture, education, security, and resource-based industries. He emphasized the relevance of these efforts, particularly in unlocking Kogi State’s economic potential.
“Dr. Achema envisioned a Kogi State thriving on its abundant natural resources and agricultural wealth. His dream remains a beacon for the state’s future,” Prof. Gana remarked.
The lecture also proposed the establishment of a leadership institute in Nigeria to cultivate future leaders grounded in ethical values.
Prof. Gana called on citizens to engage actively in governance, stressing that democracy thrives when leaders are held accountable.
Prof. Gana passionately highlighted the potential of the Niger and Benue River Basins in transforming Nigeria’s agriculture.
Addressing the Minister of State for Development, he said, “The key to real agricultural transformation is ensuring the Niger and Benue Basins are fully operational. With year-round farming, Nigeria can feed the entire African continent.”
A significant portion of Prof. Gana’s speech was dedicated to the unfinished Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill, recalling Dr. Achema’s relentless advocacy for the project,
Gana urged the current administration to prioritize its completion. “If you finish Ajaokuta, you will not only become a hero but also unlock tremendous industrial and economic potential for Nigeria,” he said.
Prof. Gana underscored Kogi State’s immense natural resource wealth, lamenting the lack of resource-based industries to harness these assets.
He called for immediate efforts to establish industries tied to the state’s mineral base, noting, “Kogi is so wealthy. Resource-based industries could turn Kogi into the richest state in Nigeria. This is an opportunity that must not be wasted.”
Citing Dr. Achema’s passion for education, Gana emphasized its role as a catalyst for societal transformation. “Education is the foundation of progress. When you transform the people through education, they will, in turn, transform society,” he said, encouraging Kogi to build on its historical legacy of educational excellence.
In an emotional appeal, Prof. Gana urged Kogi’s people to foster unity and self-love to drive development. “God loves Kogi, but Kogi must learn to love itself. With your resources, there is no reason for poverty,” he said, adding that unity among citizens is essential for progress.
Prof. Gana’s remarks served as both a tribute to Dr. Achema’s enduring legacy and a call to action for Kogi State and Nigeria at large. “Dr. Achema’s vision lives on. Let us honor him by taking bold steps toward the development he dreamed of for Kogi State and Nigeria,” Gana concluded, earning a standing ovation.
The event was a poignant reminder of Dr. Achema’s contributions and a renewed call for leadership committed to transforming lives and communities.
The event celebrated Dr. Achema’s life and work while offering a roadmap for addressing the challenges of governance in Nigeria. “Dr. Achema’s legacy is a testament to the transformative power of value-based leadership. Let his example inspire us to build a better Nigeria,” Prof. Gana concluded.
Metro
Obidient Movement tackles APC for threatening Peter Obi, demands accountability
The Obidient Movement has strongly condemned the recent remarks by Mr. Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, describing his comments as reckless and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking on Arise TV on January 5, 2025, Mr. Morka asserted that “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and he has what’s coming to him, and whatever he gets, he should manage it.” This statement, the movement insists, constitutes a veiled threat to Mr. Obi’s life and safety, as well as an assault on the fundamental principles of democracy.
The coordinator of the Obidient Movement Dr. Yunusa Tanko in a statement on Monday raised critical questions about the legitimacy of such remarks asking rhetorically what line Mr. Obi crossed, and who set these boundaries? What specific actions or statements justify such ominous threats? What exactly is ‘coming to him,’ as implied by the APC spokesman?
Such language, the group contended, reflects authoritarian tendencies and undermines the rule of law, which guarantees freedom of speech and protection from harm.
Explaining further, the statement indicated that Mr. Peter Obi’s commitment to issue-based politics, constructive criticism, and solutions-driven proposals has been a hallmark of his leadership.
“His New Year address, which evaluated Nigeria’s current challenges while offering actionable solutions, was devoid of hate or incitement.
“The APC’s attack on Mr. Obi shows a disturbing trend of silencing opposition voices rather than engaging in meaningful debate,” the statement noted.
The Obidient Movement issued a stern warning to the ruling APC and its agents, declaring that they will be held directly responsible should any harm come to Mr. Obi, his family, or supporters.
“This administration must know that democracy cannot thrive under threats and intimidation,” the statement emphasized.
The Obidient Movement therefore semanded an immediate retraction and apology from Mr. Felix Morka and the APC leadership.
The Movement demanded an investigation by security agencies into the intent and implications of Mr. Morka’s remarks.
It also demanded a commitment by the government to protect democratic values and promote constructive engagement over divisive rhetoric.
The monement vowed that it can not be intimidated, stressing that Nigerians must resist the slide into dictatorship by demanding accountability and justice.
“We urge Nigerians to stand united and protect the gains of democracy. We also call on the international community to take note of this emerging pattern of repression and help safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”
Finally, the Obidient Movement called on the APC to discipline its spokespersons and adopt a more mature approach to political discourse, focusing on solutions rather than threats.
Metro
Incessant Military Strikes on Defenceless Nigerians Unacceptable
An activist and public affairs commentator, Malam Salihu Othman Isah, has condemned what he described as the incessant air strikes and other forms of military attacks on defenceless civilians in some parts of the country.
Isah, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said in an interview that it is unprofessional for the Nigerian military to continue unleashing its weapons on people they are trained and paid to protect.
He also criticized the approach being deployed by the authorities—both the government and the Nigerian Armed Forces—to stop the killings, which have become a recurring situation in the country.
He disclosed that it is common knowledge that hapless and harmless Nigerians, going about their normal duties to seek their livelihoods, are sent to their early graves through avoidable military attacks.
According to him, some of these attacks and killings—both by the ground army and the Air Force—cannot be justified, as they are extrajudicial in nature.
“The army of any nation is established primarily to defend the territorial integrity of its people and not to eliminate them.
“The army is supposed to complement other arms of the security apparatus of a nation. It is meant to protect its citizens and not mow them down,” he reiterated.
It will be recalled that a few days ago, a fighter jet said to be carrying out an attack on Lakurawa bandits in Sokoto killed over ten innocent civilians during the operation.
An Air Force fighter jet, on a mission to dislodge the bandits, was reported to have terminated the lives of innocent villagers going about their legitimate businesses.
But in their usual manner, the Federal Government as well as the army authorities have set up commissions of inquiry primarily to ascertain the remote cause of the incident.
Isah expressed disappointment over the trend, saying, “We often travel this same lane anytime there is an occurrence.
“Why would the Chief of Army Staff constitute an inquiry to investigate the remote cause of the attack on defenceless Nigerians instead of acting decisively to tackle the failure of its men and officers?
“Instead, energies should also be directed at solution-seeking, beginning with holding errant officers responsible for such killings accountable.”
He lamented that investigations and inquiries have become too monotonous and counterproductive, surmising that real action is required.
The civil rights activist advocated that the armed forces must follow laid-down rules of engagement, which is a global practice required for any army operation to be successful, especially when carried out in civilian-populated areas.
Isah pointed out that, “Beyond the rules of engagement, every individual army officer must have service rules to guide their operations. And while these are available but flouted, there must be consequences.
“It is not enough to set up inquiries whose reports are kept secret and with no reprimand of violators.”
He further stressed that the trend has always been to condemn military actions against civilians, adding that such condemnations have come in torrents.
Nigerians in both high and low places have been unanimous in their criticisms after the recent attack.
“It’s sad that after this, we usually move on, awaiting the next incident and speculating where and how it will occur. Don’t expect any severe action against any of the officers responsible for this action. And next time, another attack will occur, the real targets will be missed, innocent souls will be terminated, and the vicious circle will continue with no end in sight. For how long will this be?” he noted.
The political scientist also stated that a nation with no disciplined army and no regard for its citizens is bound to fail. This is simply unacceptable.
“Henceforth, those found wanting should be called out, and punishment must be meted out to serve as a deterrent in the future.”
Metro
Bayelsa Groom Flees Engagement Ceremony Over Endless Cash Demands in Imo
***Elders’ N850,000 Refund Request Sparks Drama
What was meant to be a joyous union turned into high drama in Imo State when a Bayelsa man, Biobelemoye David, fled his engagement ceremony after being subjected to a series of outrageous financial demands by his bride’s family.
The ceremony, which began on a celebratory note, took a dramatic turn as David faced mounting charges, including a N1.5 million bill for food, tents, chairs, and a public address system, in addition to a N100,000 bride price that both families had initially agreed upon.
However, tensions escalated when David was asked to pay an extra N50,000 fine for impregnating his fiancée before the ceremony. The fines didn’t stop there—he was slapped with another N10,000 penalty for mistakenly taking a wrong route to the bride’s homestead and a N15,000 charge to appease elders who had grown impatient with his late arrival.
The breaking point came when David was subjected to a bizarre test. Twelve veiled women were paraded before him, and he was asked to identify his fiancée. When he guessed incorrectly, he was fined N15,000 yet again.
But the final straw was the elders’ demand for an N850,000 refund—allegedly covering the bride’s school fees and upkeep since childhood. Unable to contain his frustration, David excused himself under the guise of using the toilet.
Eyewitnesses later confirmed that David switched off his phone and was spotted boarding a bus back to Bayelsa, leaving the ceremony in chaos and disbelief.
The incident has since sparked widespread debate on social media, with many condemning the excessive demands and calling for an end to exploitative marriage practices.
Meanwhile, efforts to reach David for comments have been unsuccessful as his whereabouts remain unknown.
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