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Your Excellency: Memo to a new Governor III by James Agada

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You excellency, permit me to send in the third part of my advise to you as you begin your governance journey. As I highlighted from beginning, the only true driver of what you do as a governor is that core thing that drove you into taking the plunge to contest and win.

It usually isn’t the publicly stated objectives. It is something that sometimes you are even afraid to tell yourself not to talk of others. But it is something strong enough to make you make all the alliances and compromises and sacrifices that has brought you to this table.

In my last missive, I pointed out that for most humans it is power, wealth and legacy that are the primary drivers of the ambition to get in to powerful political position. But then, your tenure is limited either by the constitution or by nature. Eventually everyone dies.

All the great men of yore are dead. Power and wealth often die first before the physical men as these are the easiest to lose once you are out of power. My advice to you will be to pursue legacy. With legacy you will have wealth and power that will survive your brief stint in power and in life. With legacy you could become immortal. And immortality is the goal of all great men from the time of Gilgamesh.

But what is legacy and how will you go about building one? How does legacy assure you of power and wealth in your present tenure and in the future when you are out of the government and possibly in the grave? Forgive me for how long this discussion is but the questions require lengthy discussion. For the rest of this piece I will concentrate on enlightening you on what legacy is and how to go about building a legacy. In a subsequent letter I will relate building a lagacy with the power and wealth you crave.

To understand what legacy is, let us go over a few stories of people who have attempted to and succeeded or failed in building a legacy. Let us start with a young man who in a space of 3 years some 2000 years ago created a movement that became what we call Christianity today. He publicly disavowed political power, but went about doing good ( feeding people, curing people of their mental and physical maladies), demonstrating an extraordinary power over nature but refusing to deploy his powers to save himself from death in the hands of those with political power. He preached a message of love and unending hope and promised an eternal destination where all our human frailties are replaced with eternal graces. 2000 years after his death , millions of people and millions of institutions can claim to be influenced or working under the influence of his message. 2000 years after. Battles have been fought, mercies extended and miracles wrought in his name. Wealth have been created in his name and power exercised in his name. In fact, his followers , do not accept that he died, he just went away to prepare a place and he will come back in the fullness of time. The fullness of time has no date. Jesus Christ created a legacy with a message, a promise, a clear vision and plan of how his message will be sustained across geographies and generations and works that serve as eternal reference. None of his traducers are remembered today except as traducers of Jesus Christ.

About 70 years ago, another young man sold his country a vision of Aryan superiority and his mission to propel them to the top as rulers and conquerors of the earth. His vision led to genocidal massacres of others regarded as subhumans, tremendous technological development and a world war that wrought havoc on his people and the rest of the world. Adolf Hitler is remembered today for crimes against humanity. But he was not the first or the last one that has promised his people that they have been ordained by God to rule others and if these others resist , massacre them and take their land and resources by force. Ghengis Khan did so. Tamerlane did so. Even Usman Dan Fodo did the same. And today, Donald Trump trumpets an America first message. Many of such people have created legacies that their descendants will keep apologizing for.

Your legacy is what lives on after you have exited the stage of power or of life. It is your claim to immortality. It is the influence you have to determine the flow of wealth and power when you are no longer in a position to demand it as of your right. Legacy is the foundation you have created that future generations can build upon and for which they remain grateful to you. Legacy is what you have left behind that others will fight to defend or advance when you are no longer there to command them to do so. Legacy is only a legacy when it has survived your exit from power and your exit from life.

With the example of Jesus Christ, it is easy to see that long lasting legacies are inscribed in the hearts of men and not in bricks and mortar or electrons. People like Obafemi Awolowo , Aminu Kano, or even Usman Dan Fodio has left a legacy where access to power in their region is tied closely to identifying with their name or family or friends even if their ideas are so diluted now they have become every con-man’s fable. If you can’t reach the level of Jesus Christ , at least you have to surpass the level of Awolowo and others mentioned earlier.

Building a legacy is a deliberate act that requires you to make plans and decisions with the future and future generations in mind. The first decision of course is to commit yourself to building a legacy, a sustainable legacy that will expand outside your region of immediate influence surviving across generations. With that done, you can easily weigh any decision from the prism of how will that decision impact my enduring legacy? This ritual of commitment is one you will do well to do publicly and get your core team and core of disciples to also do and then invite your general public to do. You will teach children to do it and create a whole ceremony , philosophy, history and science around it. The continuation of this ritual after you are gone is a major measure of whether you have truly established a legacy. Jesus Christ was baptized and Christians today do a ritual baptism that commits them to the ideals of Christ. Many other rulers seeking legacy from the Nazi’s in Germany to the communists in North Korea have discovered this truth.

Before this commitment happens however, you need to have a promise and a message. A promise is the destination of your legacy while the message is what will be inscribed in the hearts of men. Nnamdi Kanu has promised that Biafra is his destination. And his message is clear, his followers just need to reject Nigeria. What, your excellency is your destination. Hitler’s destination was Aryan supremacy. His message was simple, Heil Hitler. Just believe and acknowledge Hitler and he will lead you to Aryan Supremacy. What, your excellency, is your promise and your message? For your legacy to transcend your exit, the destination must also transcend your exit. Will it be an Igbo supremacy? Or Wawa renaissance ? Or what?It obviously can’t be access to treasury or access to federal might or access to power. These will not transcend your exit or your demise.

If your destination is set then your message has to be crafted to encapsulate the association of the destination with you. The message will be in two parts, the simple message to excite the masses and a deeper philosophical and historical framework for the elites and scholars. So if for instance you coin Wawaism as the message for the masses for a destination of Wawa Renaissance then you have to also invent or resurrect the myths and philosophies and history of wawaism.

You do not of course have to have the mental capacity to invent these, but that is why in my first letter I advised you to have in your core team those who will create the myths. Messages and destinations can also evolve and can be created in partnership with the populace however legacies are built on certainties and strong belief. Which means you and your core team have to present a coherent destination and message as soon as possible to build the legacy around it.

If you have a destination, a message that resonates then you must have a plan for spreading this message and inscribing the destination, the message and your role as the embodiment of the destination and message in the hearts of your people and beyond. Jesus Christ appointed 12 disciples and gave them clear instructions and even sent the Holy Ghost to further advise them. When that was not enough given the educational limitations of those followers, he co-opted Paul who was learned enough to take the Jews on in their temples. Who are your 12 apostles? Who is your Paul ?

A few ideas in this regard. Utilizing ideas in mass communication, neural language programming, social media and community organization will quickly get your destination and message across. Oh , some call these tools of mass brain washing. Your modern day pastors are employing them to great success. You could co-opt one of them. Since you are looking at legacy, you have to put in place educational material and curriculum from kindergarten to doctorate level to teach your message. Education is the most powerful acculturation tool for building legacies. Early Christian missionaries started with education, Your Excellency.

The last component of building a legacy is the works. Jesus Christ went about doing good, raising the dead, feeding crowds, calming sea storms. Adolf Hitler built roads, rebuilt the army and conquered countries. What will be your works that will make your destination and message manifest in the life of your people today. All your people? Without works, faith is futile or so the Bible says. Your works will be geared towards reinforcing your message and creating unending hope for your destination. If you had taken advice from my last letter, your intelligence agencies should have surfaced the major issues your people are facing, the state of their physical and social environment and those things that they are afraid to aspire to. It is from these that you will pick your deliberate actions.

So, let us assume that your destination is Wawa Reanaissance, with a mass message of wawaism or I am proud to be a Wawa man. Your intelligence would have shown you that the Wawa man feels oppressed, unrecognized, frequently overlooked in federal appointments and inferior. It would have shown you that infrastructure in Wawa land is abysmal , that governance does not exist at the grass roots , that divisive politics have removed any commonly shared identity, that the Wawa man is threatened by criminals within and even more dangerous criminals without.

It would have shown you that Wawa land is not regarded as a leader in any sphere of political or economic activity. It would also have shown you that you met an empty treasury, a dysfunctional civil service and a restrictive constitution.

Amongst all this, I will suggest that you make it a mark of urgency to pick a loud public fight for something you are sure Wawaland should have. Maybe an appointment or a project or public policy. This action will mobilize the Wawa men around your destination and your message and send the tone for the rest of what you are to do. A loud boisterous campaign for an issue that feeds into your message and destination excites the public and makes it easy for them to buy into your message. Asiwaju fought for control of the local governments and used the fight to unite Lagosians around his message of federalism. And he won the fight and gained the legacy.

Secondly, Do an expert led root cause analysis of the state of Wawa land and identify no more than three issues to resolve in your first term. Start a public and private consultation on the best ways to resolve them. The public consultation feeds to your message, the private consultation allows you to get expert opinion. Say for instance that infrastructure is one of the areas. Then you launch public consultation for a policy and plan for creating world class infrastructure for Wawa land. Get every community and every group involved. Put it on social media and on radio and television. Hold conferences in Wawaland and outside Wawaland soliciting for ideas on how to fix the problem given the obvious constraints on tenure and capital. Hold night Virgil’s and prayer sessions. In fact craft prayer points around it. Get international organizations involved, get aid organizations involved, get leading researchers involved.

The good thing is that at the end of the day, you will have a solid infrastructure plan with the buy in of Wawa populace, international support and national support. Then take the action in the plan. In doing these you have mobilized people and resources around your destination, and your works will start to cement your legacy.

Let me apologize again for the length of this letter. As you digest it, I will take time to show you in my next letter how chasing a legacy will also bring you power and wealth.

Best Regards

James Agada is the former CEO of Computer Warehouse Group Plc

Note: This article was first published on his Medium.com page.

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Atiku Abubakar’s Coalition on a Path to Failure after Struggles

By: Prof. Ojo Emmanuel Ademola

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Atiku Abubakar

In Nigeria’s political landscape, Atiku Abubakar’s coalition stands as a significant challenger to the status quo but faces challenges like internal disputes, regional divides, and distrust among stakeholders. To succeed, the coalition must present a clear economic vision resonating with an informed electorate. Fostering unity, transparency, and inclusivity while addressing internal conflicts and regional disparities will enhance trust and strengthen its position in Nigerian politics.

Atiku Abubakar is leading a coalition of major political parties, including the APC, PDP, and Labour Party, to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. The coalition aims to tackle regional insecurity and economic issues, which Atiku believes the current government is mishandling. In response, President Tinubu is employing a carefully crafted strategy, termed a divide-and-rule approach by some analysts, to weaken this coalition. However, analysts suggest that Nigerians are increasingly focused on economic solutions rather than divisive politics.

Political analysts assert that Atiku Abubakar’s coalition faces immense challenges, indicating it is “dead on arrival.” Atiku Abubakar’s coalition is plagued by internal conflicts, particularly between him and Peter Obi over leadership and the presidential candidacy. Regional divisions have weakened the coalition, with the PDP losing influence in the South-South and South-East to Obi’s Labour Party. Trust issues persist as members question Atiku’s motives and whether the coalition serves a collective purpose. Amid Nigeria’s economic and political instability, the coalition struggles to gain support and maintain unity, highlighting the need for cohesion to navigate upcoming challenges, especially ahead of the 2027 elections.

Public opinion plays a crucial role in the success of political coalitions like Atiku Abubakar’s, influencing political dynamics significantly. Support from the public can enhance a coalition’s credibility and momentum, making it a stronger alternative to the current government. As politicians are attuned to public sentiment, aligning coalition goals with public concerns can motivate them to join or support the coalition. Positive public opinion leads to greater media coverage and supporters while mobilising essential resources for campaign efforts. Ultimately, electoral success depends on the coalition’s ability to connect with voters, making it imperative for Atiku’s coalition to engage with and address public concerns effectively.

Prioritising youth engagement, economic growth, and sustainability is essential for any administration aiming for progress. With Nigeria’s large youthful population, active involvement can enhance political participation, spark innovation, and build a strong workforce. Addressing the youth’s needs through targeted policies on education, job creation, and inclusivity is crucial.

Additionally, focusing on economic development is vital to tackle unemployment, poverty, and regional disparities, requiring policies that promote entrepreneurship and attract foreign investment. Emphasizing sustainability ensures economic progress while protecting the environment; this includes investing in renewable energy and eco-friendly technologies. President Tinubu’s commitment to these areas is key to fostering a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable Nigeria.

It’s an interesting perspective that Atiku Abubakar’s coalition might be seen as a distraction rather than a genuine attempt to address Nigeria’s challenges. In the digital age, where information flows rapidly and citizens are more informed, such strategies can indeed face significant hurdles. Here’s an expanded view on why this approach might struggle and what could be more effective:

Challenges of Distraction Politics in the Digital Age:

In today’s digital age, Nigerians have greater access to information through social media and online news, making traditional political diversion tactics less effective. This increased transparency allows citizens to monitor government actions closely and hold officials accountable. The youth, who are active online, prefer practical solutions over distractions, highlighting the need for meaningful policies to drive genuine progress and change.

Effective Strategies for Democratic Development:

Focusing on economic empowerment through sustainable initiatives such as job creation, small business support, and investment in technology can significantly improve citizens’ well-being. Enhancing education and skills for youth prepares them for the job market and strengthens the economy. Inclusive governance that addresses regional disparities fosters national unity and stability. Additionally, promoting environmental sustainability through green technologies and renewable energy ensures long-term prosperity and a healthier future for everyone.

Inspiring Examples:

Digital innovation has transformed governance and public services in Estonia, highlighting transparency and efficiency. Nigeria should adopt similar strategies to enhance its performance. Youth-led initiatives are crucial for economic growth and support young entrepreneurs. The tech industry in Nigeria is booming, with start-ups gaining global recognition.

Community engagement is vital for effective political movements, requiring grassroots involvement to address diverse needs. Leaders who connect with communities foster strong support, essential for successful governance. Nigeria can build a brighter future by embracing innovation, empowering youth, and engaging communities.

Distraction politics may have worked in the past, but the digital age requires more transparency. By focusing on real solutions and engaging with an informed electorate, leaders can foster democratic development and a brighter future for Nigeria.

Atiku Abubakar and his coalition have faced challenges in developing winning strategies. Let’s examine some democratic perspectives on the reasons behind this and potential alternatives.

Challenges Faced by Atiku Abubakar and His Coalition:

Progress in Nigeria’s political landscape hinges on overcoming formidable hurdles such as the lack of a unified vision, deep-rooted trust deficits, and intricate regional and ethnic divides. The coalition must navigate complex agendas and historical disappointments to present a cohesive front and inspire confidence among voters. Addressing Nigeria’s diverse societal scope requires inclusive strategies that bridge demographic disparities and deliver tangible solutions to pressing economic and social woes. By forging a unified vision, rebuilding trust, and fostering cohesion among varied communities, the coalition can chart a path towards transformative change and sustainable development in the nation.

Engaging Democratic Views:

To succeed, a coalition must first establish a unified vision that transcends individual ambitions and resonates with the broader public. Rebuilding trust is key, requiring transparency, accountability, and consistent communication to demonstrate a commitment to democratic principles. Inclusivity in policymaking is vital, necessitating engagement with diverse groups to address regional and ethnic needs effectively. A strong focus on the economy, with clear and practical plans for job creation and infrastructure investment, is essential for garnering voter support. Additionally, prioritizing youth engagement through education, skills development, and political participation initiatives can ensure a more inclusive and sustainable political strategy.

Inspiring Examples:

Building grassroots movements is essential for a coalition’s success, as local networks create strong support. Digital campaigns via social media and online platforms can broaden the coalition’s reach. Collaborative leadership fosters voter confidence, as united leaders convey solidarity and commitment.

Atiku Abubakar and his coalition have struggled to meet essential foundational criteria. Despite the challenges they face, there are effective strategies they could implement to enhance their prospects. However, various reasons limit their ability to adopt these strategies. Instead, they should foster unity, trust, inclusivity, and economic development. By doing so, they can craft a compelling vision that truly resonates with the Nigerian public.

In conclusion, Atiku Abubakar’s coalition is at a pivotal moment, with the potential to either reshape Nigerian politics or struggle with its challenges. To succeed, the coalition must present a unified vision that resonates with all Nigerians. It needs to rebuild trust through transparency and accountability while addressing the diverse needs of the country’s various regions and demographics. By focusing on economic empowerment, youth engagement, and sustainable development, the coalition can provide a compelling alternative to the current administration. In a time when voters seek genuine solutions and meaningful change, the path to success lies in tackling the real issues facing Nigeria and engaging the public in a transparent and inclusive manner.

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Insecurity In Zamfara – Hold Lawal Accountable, Not Matawalle

Writes Nasiru Aliyu, Media Advisor to the Hon. Minister

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Zamfara and Bandits

The recent protest organized by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Akida Forum raises significant questions about political motivations and accountability.

Led by Musa Mahmoud the APC AKIDA group staged a demonstration at the Abuja headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding an investigation into the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, amid allegations linking him to banditry in the state.

The protest, predominantly featuring hired women and youths from Abuja, was framed as a response to escalating security concerns in Zamfara.

However, the underlying motives appear to be rooted in political rivalry rather than genuine concern for public safety.

The leader of the APC Akida Forum Tijjani Ramallan claims that Governor Dauda Lawal has accused Matawalle of collusion with bandits, suggesting that such ties have perpetuated the insecurity plaguing the region.

A critical point overlooked by Mahmoud and his supporters is that Matawalle is no longer the executive governor of Zamfara.

The current governor, Dauda Lawal, now holds the title of the state’s chief security officer, and therefore, he bears the primary responsibility for addressing the security crisis.

Instead of engaging in a blame game, Lawal should focus on implementing effective strategies to combat the rampant insecurity and provide the dividends of democracy to the people of Zamfara state.

The animosity towards Matawalle seems to stem from his previous role as the Director General of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign in the Northwest, where he played a pivotal role in securing significant electoral support for the current president.

This success has reportedly fueled envy among some political figures like Tijjani Ramallan, including Musa Mahmoud and others who may feel threatened by Matawalle’s rising profile.

It is noteworthy that allegations against Matawalle have been investigated by the National Security Adviser’s office, which found no evidence to support claims of his involvement in banditry.

This investigation contributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to retain Matawalle in his ministerial position, where he has reportedly managed security matters in the Northwest with professionalism.

Adding to the complexity of this situation, a Kano High Court recently issued a restraining order against Governor Lawal and others, prohibiting them from continuing their smear campaign against Matawalle. This legal development underscores the court’s recognition of the potential harm caused by unfounded allegations and the need for accountability in political discourse and the state government has found an ally in APC AKIDA led by Tijjani Ramallan.

Despite the court’s intervention, Governor Lawal continues to leverage media platforms to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation, linking him to banditry and corruption without substantiating evidence.

Such tactics appear to be desperate attempts to undermine Matawalle’s credibility, likely motivated by Lawal’s desire to solidify his political standing.

The ongoing campaign against Matawalle by Lawal and his associates raises serious concerns about the integrity of political discourse in Zamfara.

It is imperative for the public to remain vigilant against misleading narratives and to recognize the broader implications of such political maneuvers.

The Kano High Court’s ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the need for responsible governance.

In conclusion, the focus of accountability in Zamfara should shift towards Governor Dauda Lawal, who now holds the reins of security in the state.

Instead of casting blame on former officials, Lawal must take ownership of the security situation and work towards tangible solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of the people of Zamfara.

Furthermore, since Matawalle operational visit to sokoto led to the elimination of Bandit leader Halilu Sububu who is alleged to have died with the treasure of the sponsors of banditry in zamfara state, the pain propelled them to further embark on campaign of calumny.

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Exposing the Malicious Sabotage of MoMo PSB Project in Enugu Ezike

By: Cyprian Nwodo

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MoMo Payment Service

The recent activities of some individuals with one Davids Iyida attempting to sabotage the MoMo Payment Service Bank project intended to benefit, especially  Enugu Ezike people, have raised significant concern and outrage within the community.

Davids Iyida
Davids Iyida

Such actions aimed at undermining a project with immense potential to uplift and empower the people of Enugu Ezike can only be described as malicious.

The MoMo PSB project is designed to bring financial services closer to the people of Enugu Ezike, facilitating easier access to banking and financial transactions.

This project is expected to create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. In a region where such opportunities are rare, the MoMo PSB project represents a beacon of hope for many residents.

It is particularly baffling and disheartening to witness a member of the community collaborate with outsiders to hinder the progress of their own people.

The reasons behind such alliances remain unclear, but the impact of these actions is evident and deeply troubling. Working to obstruct the project is not only delaying progress but also actively working against the welfare and advancement of Enugu Ezike.

The efforts to destroy Kingsley Ifeanyi Adonu’s good intention, despite all the positive contributions he has made, are nothing short of wickedness.

Adonu, a visionary entrepreneur and the leading MTN Partner in the South East, has dedicated significant resources and efforts to bring the MoMo Payment Service Bank project to fruition.

His vision for the community includes economic growth, financial inclusion, and overall development. Attacking his vision is an attack on the progress and future of Enugu Ezike.

The question that lingers in the minds of many is: Why sabotaging our own benefits? In a time when unity and collective effort are paramount for the community’s advancement, such actions of sabotage are counterproductive and harmful. The community needs all hands on deck to drive development and improve the quality of life for its residents. Internal conflicts and malicious actions only serve to set back these efforts.

Despite the challenges and the malicious attempts to derail the project, it is important to reaffirm that S Mobile Group vision for establishing a MoMo Payment Service Bank in Enugu Ezike will prevail.

The community stands behind this vision, recognizing the immense benefits it promises to bring. Efforts to hinder progress will ultimately fail in the face of collective determination and support.

The actions of these ungrateful individuals, aimed at sabotaging the MoMo PSB project, are grave disservice to the community of Enugu Ezike.

In a time when progress and development are desperately needed, such malicious activities are deeply regrettable.

However, the vision and determination of Kingsley Ifeanyi Adonu and the community’s support ensure that the project will succeed, bringing much-needed growth and prosperity to Enugu Ezike.

Let it be known that no amount of sabotage can dim the light of progress and unity.

Nwodo, a public commentator writes from Enugu State

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