Opinion
Wike: Unstoppable Against All Odds
By Jotham Ayuba Fnim, Aimim
It was on 28th August 1963, some 60 years ago, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, in Washington DC, United States, that renowned African-American activist, Martin Luther King Jr. recited his chilly, bone-piercing, famous and evergreen revolutionary speech, tittled; “I have a dream”. “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character”.
Those were Martin Luther King Jr’s opening statements which were supposed to eradicate sentimentalism, fanaticism and erode religious bigotry but decades after, our dear country Nigeria is still immersed in and cocooned by religious segregation fueled by so called religious leaders and political juggernauts.
The recent of such sentimental, fanatical and religious outburst has been targeted towards the very energetic, witty, and ‘lets call a spade, a spade’ former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who was recently appointed as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory by Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The grouse of the religious leaders, is that President Tinubu ignored what they described as “sensitive nature of Abuja” by appointing Wike, a southern minority Christian, to oversee the FCT, but the original Abuja inhabitants have applauded the appointment, expressing happiness that the administration of the FCT, for once, has not been made the birthright of Hausa, Fulani or Muslims.
Let me digress a little from the main core of this incessive article and harp on the formation of Abuja as the FCT for clarity and comprehension.
“Abuja” was in the earlier 20th century the name of the nearby town now called Suleja.
The indigenous inhabitants of Abuja are the Gbagyis, with the Gbagyi language formerly being the major language of the region. Other groups in the area include; the Bassa, Gwandara, Gade, Dibo, Egburra, Nupe and Koro. However, in light of the ethnic and religious divisions of Nigeria, plans had been devised since Nigeria’s independence from in 1960 to have its capital in a place deemed neutral to all major ethnic parties, and also in close proximity to all the regions of Nigeria.
The location was eventually designated in the centre of the country in the early 1970s as it signified neutrality and national unity.
The Federal Military Government of Nigeria, promulgated decree No. 6 on 4th February 1976, which initiated the removal of the Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja. The initial work for Abuja’s planning and implementation were carried out by the Military Government of General’s Murtala Mohammed and Olusegun Obasanjo. However, the foundation of Abuja was under the Administration of Shehu Shagari in 1979. Abuja, which is the eighth most populous city of Nigeria, eventually replaced Lagos, the country’s most populous city, as Nigeria’s capital on 12th December 1991.
Having established these facts, it is pertinent to say that in its 24years as the FCT no Christian or Southerner had manned the position of Minister of the territory, as the position has been held only by persons from the North West and North East as if the seat is meant for the other religious sect. Where has been the place of equity and justice in this story as readily captured by the great Greek philosopher, Plato, who said, “Democracy… is a charming form of government, full of variety and disorder; and dispensing a sort of equality to equals and unequals alike”.
Since 1999, The North West and the North East have produced three ministers apiece.
Those who had served as FCT ministers are Mohammed Musa Bello (November 2015 – 29th May 2023), Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed (8th April, 2010 – 29th May, 2015, Muhammad Adamu Mainasara Aliero (17th December, 2008 – 8th April, 2010, Aliyu Modibbo Umar (27th July, 2007 – 29th October, 2008), Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, (17th July, 2003 – 27th July, 2007), Mohammed Abba Gana (8th February, 2001 – 17th July, 2003) and Ibrahim Bunu (1999-2001). They were all Muslims. Jeremiah Useni, from Plateau State, was last Christian to serve as FCT Minister in the last 25 years and that was before Nigeria fully embraced democracy. It would be right to say that during the military junta, the likes of Jeremiah Useni, John Jatau Kadiya and maybe two more where Christians – and they were from the North. At that time the seat was rotated sort of to accommodate both religion.
It is a misnomer of the highest order and an insulting, ill-timed and injurious statement to, therefore, christen the appointment of Wike as the FCT Minister, as “against the sensitive nature of Abuja”. This is owing to the fact that even the real owners of the territory – the Gbagyis – have not tested or savoured the seat, not due to their incompetence but due to the commandeering nature of the Hausa/Fulani Muslims who presumptuously think that Nigeria and indeed the seat of the FCT is a birthright that should not be handed over to any other religions or sect.
We cannot seat back and allow mediocres take over positions of leadership in Nigeria just because they come from a certain religion (Islam) and purport that the state belongs to them. Such idiosyncrasies have plunged the most populous country in Africa into slimy quicksilver that is threatening to swallow Nigeria, as decadence has taken over progression. A nation touted or prophesied to become one of the most developed in Africa and the world at large, is now on the brinks of collapse – gradually sliding into a ‘Banana Republic’ and a failed state.
Even the appointment of Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the Chief of Defence Staff has been met with stiff opposition by those who believe that power is theirs alone.
Should we not be talking of Wike’s competence and qualifications for the position of FCT Minister, rather than his religion and the region he hails from, so much for one Nigeria. We must begin to put square pegs in square holes and that was exactly what president Tinubu demonstrated by appointing the sagacious and strongwilled former governor of Rivers State as FCT Minister. Wike’s accomplishment as a former Governor speaks volumes and in fact, I think it is imperative to walk you through some of these envious achievements.
Beyond the massive infrastructural development and various project commissioned, which continue to attract the attention and presence of eminent leaders across the federation, Governor Wike had positively impacted all sectors of River State’s economy while revolutions in the health, agricultural and education sectors, the strings of flyovers scattered all over strategic points in Port Harcourt to decongest a seemingly insurmountable traffic situation are a clear attestation to what visionary and people-oriented leadership can do.
Agricultural productivity was boosted with a state Cassava Processing Company with 3,000 uptakers, there are three new campuses for the State University supported with N9billion takeoff grant; Wike also established a Medical School for the state university and gave scholarships to Rivers indigenes studying Medicine at Pamo University.
In addition, 5,000 youths were recruited into the Rivers state civil service towards reducing youth unemployment, in sports, the Real Madrid Football Academy has been established to combine education and football towards addressing youth development and grooming of future stars.
In the health sector, there is now a Mother/Child Hospital to address antenatal and paediatric health issues while a Cancer/Cardiovascular Disease Centre is about to be established in Rivers state.
Those are just a few of the plethora of transformations that Wike accomplished as governor of Rivers State and upon assumption of office as the FCT Minister, his statement showed he was a man on a mission with the sole aim of repositioning the capital and bringing about unequalled restructuring.
Those who think that President Tinubu’s ministerial appointments were obscure and a mismatch, should have a rethink, as he is proving to be fixing the right people for suitable positions.
Ayuba writes from Abuja and can be reached through: jotham.agwam@gmail.com
By Capt. Caleb Danladi Bako
The global shipping industry is the lifeblood of international trade, with nearly 90% of goods transported by sea. Behind this vast network of commerce are the seafarers professionals whose dedication keeps the world’s economy afloat. Yet, while the focus often falls on operational efficiency, safety, and environmental concerns, an equally critical aspect remains largely in the shadows: the mental health and wellbeing of those who spend months away from home, isolated and often battling invisible struggles.
Having worked both at sea and now within the maritime industry ashore, we have witnessed firsthand the emotional challenges faced by seafarers. Life at sea is often romanticized, but the reality is far more complex. Prolonged isolation, communication barriers, high-pressure environments, and the unpredictability of life at sea contribute to a unique mental health crisis that has, for too long, gone unspoken.
A seafarer’s life revolves around routines, watches, and operations that leave little room for personal downtime. The absence of family support systems limited recreational facilities, and minimal mental health resources onboard amplify feelings of loneliness and helplessness. Recent studies, including those by the Mission to Seafarers and the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), reveal alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation among crew members. These findings highlight a pressing need for the industry to prioritize mental health with the same seriousness as physical safety.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed and intensified these struggles. Hundreds of thousands of seafarers were stranded aboard ships, unable to disembark for months beyond their contracts. Crew change crises turned ships into floating prisons, exacerbating feelings of abandonment and mental exhaustion.
Though some shipping companies have since introduced mental health initiatives such as access to tele-counselling and mental wellness apps, these measures are still the exception rather than the norm.
Mental health challenges at sea are not merely personal struggles; they can have direct safety implications. Fatigue, anxiety, and depression diminish focus and decision-making ability, increasing the risk of accidents. Thus, protecting seafarers’ wellbeing is not only a moral obligation but a safety imperative for the entire industry.
As industry experts and former seafarers, we believe urgent cultural change is required. Shipping companies must move beyond token programs to embed mental health care into the fabric of maritime operations.
Practical steps include mandatory mental health training, confidential support systems, improved internet connectivity for family contact, regular shore leave, and destigmatization of seeking help.
It is time to bring the untold struggles of seafarers into the light. By acknowledging their mental health needs and committing resources to support them, we honor not only their critical role in global trade but their fundamental humanity.
Capt. Caleb Danladi Bako
Maritime expert and Academic Researcher
E-mail: Caleb.Danladi@plymouth.ac.uk, dancb2k@yahoo.com
Phone: +2348064218253
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
In line with the decade of action , realizing SDGs 2020-2030 agenda, the mission and vision of government agencies, parastatals and departments must be in tandem with the present realities.
Therefore, efforts by the Financial Reporting Council, FRC to implement the already reviewed annual fee due for over two years cannot be over emphasized.
The challenges posed and identified by Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), as the umbrella body of companies operating in Nigeria may be normal and usual resistance to positive changes, posed by such bodies in the development, improvement and payment of dues across board.
But , irrespective of that , FRC under the leadership of Dr Rabiu Onaolapo Olowo has developed a new template, innovations and initiatives to drive the new council in line with not only the economic indices and realities in the country, but global requirements.
This is in accordance with the zeal to generate more revenues, increased revenue generation for remittances into the federation account to enable government meet up it’s obligations, through internal mechanism and revenue drive .
With the global standards and realities, FRC cannot be operating under the cocoon of archaic policies and programs, leaving behind the modern and modest standards of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), among others requirements.
Penultimate, the experience of the council towards payment of dues and remittances had been lackadaisical and laced with various resistances , litigations and sharp practices, particularly before the new fee reviewed under the guise of many anomalies, which MAN had overlooked .
Therefore, as the administrative head charged with controls and regulations, The Financial Reporting Council, FRC cannot be seen to be underpinned between new evolution and old order , as a government agency under an act amended , the singular decisions to review its activities is encumbered as an independent entity.
Experience have showed that some publicly traded companies, listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), continue to underreport the claims and litigation section of their annual reports, This is despite the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC)’s pledge to curb this before now.
The companies, published their 2023 audited financial reports at various times in 2024. However, each report contained figures lower than what was earlier revealed in a 2023 report.
According to the reports, the companies claimed cases against them in court amounted to huge amount .
“There are certain lawsuits pending against the companies in various courts of law. The total contingent liabilities in respect of pending litigations as at 31 December 2023 is ₦7.42 billion.”
“Some companies had the highest reported figure for claims and litigation of some companies in 2023. They stated that the cases against them amounted to N1.008 trillion claims. However, by June 30, 2024, the figure had become zero.”
This is at variance with FRC position, were many companies were underreporting their claims.
Since litigations may not stand the taste of time as adopted by previous leadership, the best solution is to effect an administrative decision beyond stagnating the activities of the new council and effect a new lease of life into the organization, through the enactment of the new regulations, reviews and controls.
“Not disclosing these claims in their annual reports for over a decade violates the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), hence the new leadership envisaged in its new position and decision.”
“Despite the FRC’s vocal commitment to addressing inaccurate financial reporting, it was revealed that partial compliance two years later.”
“The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are a set of accounting standards introduced to govern how particular types of transactions and events should be reported in financial statements. They were developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).”
“This IASB has a set of accounting standards that guide certain aspects of financial reporting.”
“IAS 37 is a standard for accounting for and disclosing provisions, contingent liabilities and assets.”
It describes contingent liabilities as “possible obligations whose existence will be confirmed by uncertain future events that are not wholly within the control of the entity”.
“An example is litigation against the entity when it is uncertain whether the entity has committed an act of wrongdoing and when it is not probable that settlement will be needed,” it states.
“A contingent liability is not recognised in the statement of financial position. However, unless the possibility of an outflow of economic resources is remote (distant), a contingent liability is disclosed in the notes.”
“Going by this provision, all defendants in the suit had contingent liabilities of at least N1.2 trillion each.”
“It is important to highlight that companies in business either have assets or liabilities. Assets add to the financial health of the company while liabilities are losses. ‘Contingent’ is a term that refers to something that is subject to probability or chance, and just as there are contingent liabilities, there are contingent assets.”
“Some companies were taking advantage of an exploitable gap in the IAS37 to operate .”
Interestingly, Council generally observed an exploitable gap in disclosure requirements as per IAS 37: ”
Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, especially as it relates to Contingent Liabilities. Paragraph 92 of IAS 37 which states that ‘In extremely rare cases, disclosures of some or all of the information required by paragraph 84-89 can be expected to prejudice seriously the position of the entity in a dispute with other parties on the subject matter of the provision, contingent liability or contingent asset.”
” In such cases, an entity need not disclose the information, but shall disclose the general nature of the dispute, together with the fact that, and reason why, the information has not been disclosed’ is instructive in this regard. This implies that entities are not compelled to disclose number of claims and financial implications thereon as such information has the potential to prejudice their position in disputes with other parties.”
“In the course of the reports, some companies declared huge amount of N11.3 trillion in contingent liabilities in its 2023 annual report; the highest it had ever declared since 2014.”
However , to achieve the global SDGs 2020-2030 agenda with Nigeria playing a leading position, the ongoing sharp practices, inactions, anti government and anti council policies by companies in the area of declaration of transparent and accountable financial reports , that is in tandem with the global standards and practices must be adhered to, in line with the intention of the new management and leadership under Dr Rabiu Onaolapo Olowo as the Executive Secretary, Chief Executive Officer ES CEO of Financial Reporting Council, FRC.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
There is something common in politics and with Politicians in this clime, it stems from the arrogance of power, it stinks to high heavens, it is shit in its worst form; that a few men and women play God, they assume that their egocentric predilections represent the collective will, and they undermine the Law as well as the mindset of the electorate. They move to Party B with the mandate given to Party A by the People. And they Cross-carpet or decamp to another Party without deference to the provisions of the Law.
Just yesterday the entire Political Structure in my home State of Delta was led by the State Governor Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP to the All Progressive Congress APC, that tsunami of sorts happened without firm reasons but the usual refrain that ‘they want to align with the centre for more democratic dividends to come to the State’. I wouldn’t have opted to do this piece had the All Progressive Congress APC made great feats of the States under its watch, alas President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) and his followers are masters of deceit, subterfuge and perfidy. They spew soulless propaganda, having no soul they lack moral margins, they lie about everything and they destroy the moral fabrics of our nation. They are shameless, spineless and have no scruples.
Where is the Soul of the men of power who dumped the PDP just yesterday for the APC in Delta State? They have chosen to stand on a Blood Stained Mandate. They have elected a Hunger ridden mandate. They have chosen a corruption riddled mandate. They laud an insecurity enabling mandate. They salute a nepotistic mandate. And they dance to a frustration festering mandate. Had the PBAT led APC at the Centre made Nigeria better than it met her, I would applaud Governor Sheriff and his fellow travelers, but the truth is what consistently the APC, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his men have chosen to trample upon, nay the Truth is that under the PBAT led APC Government, Nigeria is today worse than it was yesterday.
What logic situates the movement of the Delta State Political Structures from the PDP to the APC at a time when Nigerians feel the most unsafe in their homeland? When the States of Plateau, Benue and Bornu have become theatres of human barbecues. Is it not stupidity to elect a blood stained and a blood soaked mandate over being in a Party in the opposition?
Is it not a show of shame to elect a mandate that has left the masses of the people in poverty, despondency and want over fueling the fervour of an opposition seeking a new deal and a new Republic of hope for the people? Which sincere and people oriented leader would dump the opposition for a Party that is absolutely rudderless and progressively multiplying poverty? Only the soulless and the shameless, surely.
The fulminating shenanigans that undermine the monstrous corruption of the APC Government, the unending Infrastructural decay, the unhinged failure of the energy and the power sector, the pervasive hunger, disease and pain in the land, and the murderous gangs killing and maiming citizens with reckless abandon defines the Olympic soullessness of the Delta State Political Merchants who have elected a Blood Stained Mandate over matching for the redemption of Nigeria.
I believe that it is manifest stupidity to desert the opposition at a time that our nation is in dire straits and badly craving vibrant opposition. I believe that it is a show of shame to decamp to a Party and a Government that has failed to protect lives and property.
And I hereby lampoon with unbridled vehemence all those who have chosen to stand on the blood stained and blood soaked mandate that PBAT epitomizes.
Hmmm, so suddenly my home State is now APC, interesting. A class of less than 300 people nay ‘leaders’ met at the Government House in Asaba, and in one fell swoop changed the political colour, temperature and identity of the State, interesting. My People, this One-Party State wey APC and PBAT dey push and pursue na to what end? PBAT and his Party the APC through this manifest antics of State capture have tied democracy to the stake, and are daily through acts of impunity, lawlessness, and braggadocio shooting violently at democracy, I pray they do not shoot this jingleover democracy to death. I pray that they understand that One Party State is the precursor to Authoritarian Rule and Dictatorship. And I pray that they are not oblivious of the politico-social tendencies of the Nigerian State, a State that cannot and has never been captured by any one tendency. In any case, before they completely murder democracy, it must be on record that someone warned against the Stupidity, against the Show of Shame and against the Shenanigans of our Political Operators.
Call me names, but let it be on record that when the elders and the hoard of egotistic political merchants that predominate our political kaleidoscope fiddled with the poisoned chalice of sycophancy and hypocrisy, I wasn’t quiet. Let it be on record that when they ate poisoned bread baked with blood stained and blood soaked mandate, and when they chose to dance on the tombs of the dead across our space who were unlived because government failed to protect them, that someone called out the discerning, and warned against the omnious times that they make certain.
The sequel to this patriotic effort shall most certainly tell more, reveal more and foretell the pitfalls that a most arrogant and self-seeking political class weave in the path of our ‘democracy’. We have got some difficult days and difficult times ahead.
Call me the Wailer, that’s ok, for I Wail that Nigeria may become Great.
Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr
Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVT. A Good Governance Advocacy Group.