And Four Other Things…
MERCHANTS OF MALICE
Many years ago, a photograph of corpses on Benin-Ore road went viral. The story then was that the passengers were robbed, asked to lie on the road and then crushed by their assailants. This narrative was designed to paint a picture of insecurity under Jonathan. Police denied the tale, saying a bus broke down and while the passengers disembarked, an oncoming vehicle rammed into them. Well, the photograph has resurfaced with a new tale: Fulani herdsmen just butchered some people. For effect, the audio of a crying lady went with it. Nigeria! Meanwhile, an old video showing Boko Haram militants slaughtering a soldier is back in circulation, just that it is now showing “Fulani herdsmen” at work. Those working to set Nigeria on fire neither sleep nor slumber. Kontunu.
ANIMAL FARM
Prof. Usman Yusuf, executive secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), has been recalled from suspension by President Muhammadu Buhari — in a move that has clearly undermined the supervisory minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole, who had suspended him over allegations of gross misconduct. Alas, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, minister of information, has said the recall will not affect the investigation of allegations levelled against Yusuf. Wonderful. How come Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, the suspended DG of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), does not enjoy this presidential privilege? The contradictions of this government are simply ridiculous. Change.
INSOLENT GENERAL OF POLICE
Am I the only one wondering why Prince Kassim Afegbua was declared wanted by the police over the statement he issued on behalf of former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida? IBB urged Nigerians to vote for “digital” leadership in 2019 and asked President Buhari to sacrifice “personal ambition” in the “national interest”. I thought it is Babangida that should have been declared wanted, not his media aide. Anybody who knows the inspector-general, Mr Ibrahim Idris, should please remind him that we have seen many overzealous and sycophantic IGPs in Nigeria. Where are they now? We will certainly see Idris’ end too. Impunity.
GANDUJE GAMBLE
Politicians must politick. The herdsmen/ farmers crisis has offered a big stage for drama from all sides — PDP governors are trooping to Benue to shed crocodile tears, and Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the governor of Kano, has decided play the game. He has asked all “rejected” herdsmen to relocate to Kano. What are the plans on ground? Does he know the population of the herd and the herdsmen? Will there be enough grazing fields? Is there sufficient water supply? Have the potential host communities been identified and consulted? And to think Ganduje has a PhD in public administration from UI! May we be blessed with leaders who think before they talk. Amen.