Bwala, speaking during the popular monthly interview discourse, Boiling Point Arena, held on Sunday night,  acknowledged the growing public discontent, stressing that democracy thrived on freedom of expression, even when such opinions were critical of those in power.

The presidential aide, Bwala, featured as a guest over a two-hour duration, alongside a respected political economist, Prof Pat Utomi, on the programme anchored by a veteran media professional and public relations strategist, Dr Ayo Arowojolu.

The once-in-a-month programme, now in its 42nd edition, was transmitted via Zoom and broadcast live on seven partner radio stations in Lagos, Ogun and Delta states.

“The Constitution has blessed every Nigerian with the right to express themselves. Even if what is expressed does not make sense, it is still a fundamental right,” Bwala said, underscoring that citizens must not be denied the space to air their grievances.

He noted that public anger directed at President Tinubu is neither unusual nor entirely representative of all Nigerians, describing reactions to the government’s policies as “relative” and shaped by individual experiences.

“There are people who are angry, perhaps even a majority, but there are also those whose lives have improved under this administration,” he explained.

Bwala, however, admitted that the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu government were never expected to be painless.

According to him, the administration had foreseen a period of “temporary hardship,” a reality he said is now playing out across the country.

While debates continue over whether the sacrifices demanded of Nigerians are justified, the presidential spokesman urged patience, pointing to structural limitations facing the nation’s economy.

With a population exceeding 230 million and an annual budget hovering around $35–$36 billion, Bwala argued that Nigeria lacked the fiscal strength required for rapid transformation.

He cited projections suggesting that for the country to compete globally, it would need to invest between $30 billion and $100 billion annually in infrastructure over the next three decades — a target he described as currently out of reach.

“What we are doing is with the little that we have,” he said, adding that meaningful impact from ongoing reforms would take time to trickle down to the majority of citizens.

He further explained that government interventions aimed at cushioning the effects of hardship remained limited by available resources, noting that authorities were constrained in their ability to reach the vast population requiring support.

The Boiling Point Arena discourse, which has become a notable platform for policy debates and civic engagement, once again provided a stage for frank exchanges on the state of the nation, reflecting both the tension and resilience within Nigeria’s democratic space.

As economic pressure persists, Bwala’s remarks signal an acknowledgment within government circles of the depth of public frustration — even as officials continue to defend the long-term benefits of the reforms.

A well publicized discourse, the Boiling Point Arena session, chaired by the Olota of Ota and Paramount ruler of Aworiland, Oba Prof Adeyemi Obalanlege, was  broadcast live on WASH 94.9FM, Sweet 107.1FM, Roots 97.1FM, Erimbe 94.7FM, Women Radio 91.7FM and Kruzz 92.9FM, Asaba, and Opera Tune 106.3FM as well as a cable television, NSTV on GoTV channel 316.

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The post Nigerians reserve right to be angry over hardship under Tinubu’s govt —Bwala appeared first on Frontpageng.

The discourse, scheduled for 8 p.m. tonight, will focus on the theme: “Tinubu’s Reforms: Economic Game-Changer, Necessary Evil or Endless Suffering for Nigerians?”

The once-in-a-month current affairs programme, now in its 42nd edition, is to be transmitted via Zoom and broadcast live on seven partner radio stations across Lagos, Ogun and Delta states.

With an incredibly large online following and wide listenership base, Boiling Point Arena is anchored by a media professional and public relations strategist, Dr Ayo Arowojolu.

Foremost traditional ruler, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof Saka Adelola Matemilola, is the Keynote Speaker and chair to herald the debate over a two-hour duration.

With Nigerians grappling with the realities of subsidy removal, currency fluctuations, and rising cost of living, tonight’s conversation is expected to provide clarity, provoke thought, and ignite nationwide engagement.

On one side of the debate is Prof. Utomi, a respected political economist known for his critical stance on governance and economic direction.

He is expected to interrogate the structure, implementation, and human impact of the current reforms.

Facing him is Bwala, a vocal public affairs analyst and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, is poised to argue that the reforms, though painful, are necessary steps toward long-term national stability and prosperity.

Boiling Point Arena, renowned for its robust and no-holds-barred conversations, has built a reputation as a credible hybrid discourse platform where ideas clash and perspectives are sharpened.

Tonight’s edition is widely tipped to be one of its most explosive yet.

Observers believe the Utomi-Bwala face-off could significantly shape public perception, especially among undecided Nigerians seeking to understand whether the current administration’s policies truly represent renewed hope or deepening hardship.

As the clock ticks toward showtime, expectations are high for a debate that will not only inform but also challenge assumptions and stimulate meaningful national dialogue.

Nigerians across the globe are encouraged to tune in and be part of what promises to be a defining conversation on the nation’s economic trajectory.

In the recent past, several leading political actors and eminent economic and thought leaders have featured as guests among which are former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Prof Toyin Fálọlá, Prof Wande Abímbọ́lá, Bishop Mathew kukah, Akogun Tola Adeniyi, Pastor Femi Emmanuel and Prof Farooq Kperogi.

A well-publicized discourse, Boiling Point Arena, will be broadcast live on WASH 94.9FM, Sweet 107.1FM, Roots 97.1FM, Erimbe 94.7FM, Women Radio 91.7FM, Opera Tune 106.3FM, and Kruzz 92.9FM as well as a cable television, NSTV on GoTV channel 316.

Boiling Point is a news and general interest group comprising of eminent personalities including over 300 professors, media professionals, technocrats, industry leaders, high court justices, traditional rulers, security top shots and several others.

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The post Boiling Point: Utomi, Bwala dissect Tinubu’s reform policies tonight appeared first on Frontpageng.

The topic for the edition — Tinubu’s Reforms: Economic Game-Changer, Necessary Evil or Endless Suffering for Nigerians? — is expected to ignite a lively and insightful debate on one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria today.

Prominent political economist and public affairs commentator, Prof. Pat Utomi, and presidential spokesman, Daniel Bwala, are set for the high-stakes encounter holding via Zoom and to be broadcast live on seven radio stations across Lagos, Ogun and Delta States.

Boiling Point Arena is hosted by a seasoned media professional and public relations strategist, Dr Ayo Arowojolu.

The highly anticipated discourse platform will focus on the topic: Tinubu’s Reforms: Economic Game-Changer, Necessary Evil or Endless Suffering for Nigerians?

With the nation sharply divided over the impact of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, the upcoming edition is expected to ignite a robust national conversation as Utomi and Bwala bring opposing insights, perspectives and ideological interpretations to one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria today.

As one of Nigeria’s most respected voices on governance, economics and public policy, Prof. Pat Utomi is widely expected to offer a critical and analytical assessment of the administration’s reform trajectory, especially against the backdrop of worsening economic hardship, spiralling inflation, rising transport costs, and deepening pressure on households across the country.

On the other side of the conversation, Daniel Bwala, a key voice within the presidency and one of the administration’s notable public defenders, is expected to present the government’s argument that the reforms, though painful in the short term, are necessary corrective measures designed to rescue the economy from long-standing structural distortions and place Nigeria on the path of sustainable recovery.

Since the removal of fuel subsidy and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange regime, Tinubu’s reform agenda has remained one of the most polarising subjects in the country, drawing both commendation and condemnation from economists, labour groups, civil society organisations, opposition figures and ordinary Nigerians who continue to grapple with the daily realities of rising living costs.

Against this tense national backdrop, Boiling Point Arena is poised to provide a compelling platform for serious public interrogation of whether the reforms are indeed a bold economic reset, an unavoidable but painful policy transition, or a prolonged era of suffering for millions of Nigerians.

Known for its no-holds-barred format and issue-driven engagement, Boiling Point Arena has steadily built a reputation as a leading hybrid media discourse platform where topical national issues are subjected to rigorous debate, informed perspectives and civic-minded analysis.

With Utomi and Bwala bringing both intellectual depth and political edge to the conversation, the forthcoming edition is already being projected as one of the most explosive and consequential episodes in the series so far.

Viewers, analysts, policymakers, students, professionals and concerned citizens are expected to tune in massively for what may well become another defining national conversation on the true cost — and possible promise — of Tinubu’s reform agenda.

In the recent past, several leading political actors and eminent economic and thought leaders have featured as guests among which were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Prof Toyin Fálọlá, Prof Wande Abímbọ́lá, Bishop Mathew kukah, Akogun Tola Adeniyi, Pastor Femi Emmanuel and Prof Farooq Kperogi.

A well-publicized discourse, Boiling Point Arena, will be broadcast live on seven radio stations including WASH 94.9FM, Sweet 107.1FM, Roots 97.1FM, Erimbe 94.7FM, Women Radio 91.7FM, Opera Tune 106.3FM, Kruzz 92.9FM as well as a cable television, NSTV, on GoTV channel 316.

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The post Boiling Point: Utomi, Bwala to debate Tinubu’s reforms next Sunday appeared first on Frontpageng.

At a time when many Nigerians are contending with rising living costs, inflationary pressure and deepening social strain, the forthcoming conversation is expected to interrogate whether the administration’s reform agenda represents a credible path to long-term recovery or an extended season of pain for already burdened citizens.

Sunday April 12, 2026 is the date for the potentially explosive encounter via Zoom and live broadcast on multiple partner radio stations in Lagos, Ogun and Delta States. Time is 8pm.

Bringing together two influential voices with sharply contrasting perspectives, the Utomi-Bwala face-off is already generating keen interest among followers of governance, policy and public affairs, with expectations of a robust and insightful exchange on one of the nation’s most contentious issues.

Hosted on Zoom and amplified across multiple radio stations and digital platforms, Boiling Point Arena has continued to earn a reputation as a credible marketplace of ideas where critical national conversations are driven with depth, balance and intellectual rigour.

As the countdown begins in earnest, the upcoming encounter is widely seen as one that could help shape public understanding of the difficult choices, hard questions and policy consequences surrounding Tinubu’s reforms.

Hosted by a seasoned media professional and public relations strategist, Dr Ayo Arowojolu, Boiling Point Arena is currently in its 42nd monthly edition since debuting in November 2022.

The topic of discourse is: “Tinubu’s Reforms: Economic Game Changer, Necessary Evil or Endless Suffering for Nigerians.”

Foremost traditional ruler, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Prof. Saka Matemilola is the Keynote Speaker and Chair to herald the debate over a two-hour duration.

Prof. Pat Utomi, a respected political economist and public policy advocate, and Mr Daniel Bwala, a notable lawyer and Presidential Adviser on Policy Communication, are expected to bring sharp perspectives from opposing ends of the debate, even as viewers and listeners can anticipate a rich, insightful and intellectually stimulating conversation.

The discourse will provide a robust platform for critical interrogation of the Tinubu Administration’s policy direction, its intended benefits, and the harsh realities many Nigerians are grappling with daily.

Key among the reforms are the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate liberalization, tax reforms and other sweeping economic policy measures.

While supporters of the reforms argue that the policies are bold, inevitable and capable of repositioning Nigeria’s economy for long-term stability, critics insist that the burden on ordinary citizens has become unbearable, with rising inflation, worsening cost of living, and increasing social anxiety.

Against this backdrop, Boiling Point Arena is once again setting the stage for a thought-provoking exchange that will not only dissect the economic and political implications of the reforms, but also help citizens better understand the difficult choices confronting the nation at this defining moment.

As always, Boiling Point Arena, a hybrid discourse platform infusing conventional radio and digital channels, continues to distinguish itself as a credible marketplace of ideas where national issues are examined with depth, courage and clarity.

This edition is widely anticipated to be one of the biggest and most talked-about conversations yet on the platform.

In the recent past, several leading political actors and eminent economic and thought leaders have featured as Guests among which were former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu; Prof Toyin Fálọlá; Prof Wande Abímbọ́lá; Bishop Mathew kukah; Akogun Tola Adeniyi; Pastor Femi Emmanuel and Prof Farooq Kperogi.

A well-publicised discourse, Boiling Point Arena, will be broadcast live on seven radio stations including WASH 94.9FM, Sweet 107.1FM, Roots 97.1FM, Erimbe 94.7FM, Women Radio 91.7FM and Kruzz 92.9FM as well as a cable television, NSTV, on GoTV channel 316.

Boiling Point is a news and general interest group comprising of eminent personalities including over 300 professors, media professionals, technocrats, industry leaders, high court justices, traditional rulers, security top shots and several others.

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The post Boiling Point: Utomi-Bwala face-off on Tinubu’s reforms for April 12 appeared first on Frontpageng.

Two prominent voices in Nigeria’s political space, Prof. Pat Utomi and Presidential Adviser, Mr Daniel Bwala, are to engage in what promises to be a high-voltage conversation on one of the nation’s most contentious issues.

The focus of the discourse is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, which has continued to generate intense reactions across the country since the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate liberalisation, and other sweeping economic policy measures.

Titled “Tinubu’s Reforms: Game Changer, Necessary Pain or Endless Suffering for Nigerians?”, the discourse is billed to hold on Sunday April 12, 2026 at 8pm.

The once-in-a-month current affairs programme, now in its 42nd edition, is to be transmitted via Zoom and broadcast live on seven partner radio stations across Lagos, Ogun and Delta states.

With an incredibly large online following and wide listenership base, Boiling Point Arena is anchored by a media professional and public relations strategist, Dr Ayo Arowojolu.

Foremost traditional ruler, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof Saka Matemilola is the Keynote Speaker and Chair to herald the debate over a two-hour duration.

Prof. Pat Utomi, a respected political economist and public policy advocate, and Mr Daniel Bwala, a notable lawyer and Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communication, are expected to bring sharp perspectives from opposing ends of the debate, even as viewers and listeners can anticipate a rich, insightful and intellectually stimulating conversation.

The discourse will provide a robust platform for critical interrogation of the Tinubu Administration’s policy direction, its intended benefits, and the harsh realities many Nigerians are grappling with daily.

While supporters of the reforms argue that the policies are bold, inevitable and capable of repositioning Nigeria’s economy for long-term stability, critics insist that the burden on ordinary citizens has become unbearable, with rising inflation, worsening cost of living, and increasing social anxiety.

Against this backdrop, Boiling Point Arena is once again setting the stage for a thought-provoking exchange that will not only dissect the economic and political implications of the reforms, but also help citizens better understand the difficult choices confronting the nation at this defining moment.

As always, Boiling Point Arena, a hybrid discourse platform hosted on Zoom and amplified across multiple radio stations and digital channels, continues to distinguish itself as a credible marketplace of ideas where national issues are examined with depth, courage and clarity.

This edition is widely anticipated to be one of the biggest and most talked-about conversations yet on the platform.

In the recent past, several leading political actors and eminent economic and thought leaders have featured as guests among which are former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Prof Toyin Fálọlá, Prof Wande Abímbọ́lá, Bishop Mathew Kukah, Akogun Tola Adeniyi, Pastor Femi Emmanuel and Prof Farooq Kperogi.

A well publicized discourse, Boiling Point Arena, will be broadcast live on WASH 94.9FM, Sweet 107.1FM, Roots 97.1FM, Erimbe 94.7FM, Women Radio 91.7FM and Kruzz 92.9FM as well as a cable television, NSTV on GoTV channel 316.

Boiling Point is a news and general interest group comprising of eminent personalities including over 300 Professors, media professionals, technocrats, industry leaders, high court justices, traditional rulers, security top shots and several others.

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The president stated this on Friday in Abuja when he received a delegation of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria led by its General Secretary, Archbishop Chivir Chianson at the State House.

Represented on the occasion by his Special Adviser on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, President Tinubu said the security agencies were ready with renewed commitment to restore safety and security to every part of the country, stressing that the fight against insecurity will be holistic.

According to him, “This administration is committed to addressing insecurity and will not tolerate any form of evil. Crime is crime and has no religious or tribal colouration. The security forces have fresh marching orders to deal decisively with all criminal activities.

“We are engaging with state governors to address root causes of insecurity. It may exist to a certain degree but rest assured that we are committed to ensuring citizens can pursue their dreams in a secured environment.”

He, however, stressed the need for a broad-based national consensus to deal effectively with the scourge where everyone agrees that evil is evil and crime is crime, without shielding or politicizing it.

President Tinubu also informed the delegation that the economic reforms undertaken by his administration are yielding positive results as various economic indicators are revealing.

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He urged members of the team not to waver in supporting the administration to ensure that the economic progress being witnessed, including increased revenue for states and reduced incidences of strike actions, continued.

In his remarks, the General Secretary of the group, Archbishop Chianson, said the members of the delegation were at the State House to express their concern on the state of the nation particularly as it related to the well-being of their members in the rural areas.

He, however, commended President Tinubu for the various landmark reforms instituted by his administration aimed at ensuring a decent living for Nigerians.

He cited the recent approval for the recruitment and deployment of forest guards to secure the country’s forest reserves, describing it as a step in the right direction which would go a long way in checkmating the activities of criminal elements operating in the forests.

Archbishop Chianson also lauded President Tinubu for the fairness in his appointments as they were devoid of any religious leaning.

“The Church in Nigeria is impressed with his appointments so far. The choice of Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, a Christian, was particularly appreciated as a sign of positive change.

“We will continue to support President Tinubu’s administration, as we believe in the Renewed Hope agenda,” Chianson affirmed.

The General Secretary who revealed that the group had 906 members across the nation, informed the president about the group’s forthcoming 2025 Synod, which aims at praying for the peace and good governance in the country as well as the training and empowerment of its members.

The meeting was also attended by Archbishop James Maljit, Deputy National President North; Archbishop Joseph Jatau Yari, National Vice-President North West; Archbishop Alexander Nyoonkyeh, Overseer of Benue Province and Bishop David Gyang, Overseer of Plateau Province among others.

The post We’ll not tolerate evil under the guise of insurgency -Tinubu appeared first on Frontpageng.

Mr. Sunday Dare – Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation – is now Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications.

Mr. Daniel Bwala – announced last week as Special Adviser, Media and Public Communication, is now Special Adviser Policy Communication.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

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He explained that with the appointments, along with the existing role of Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, underscored that there was no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency.

He said, instead, all the three Special Advisers would collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.

“This approach aims to ensure effective and consistent communication of government policies, decisions, and engagements,” Onanuga said.

The post Tinubu restructures media and communications team appeared first on Frontpageng.

The announcement was made on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

The new appointees, according to him, are:

(1) Mr. Olawale Olopade – Director-General, National Sports Commission

(2) Dr. Abisoye Fagade – Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism

(3) Dr. Adebowale Adedokun – Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement

(4) Daniel Bwala — Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications (State House)

Onanuga said Olopade, the new Director-General of the National Sports Commission, is a sports administrator with many years of experience in the sector.

He served as commissioner of youth and sports in Ogun State and was chairman of the local organising committee of the 2024 National Sports Festival.

The new Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, is a marketing communication professional.

He is the founder and managing director of Sodium Brand Solutions.

Adedokun, the new helmsman of the Bureau of Public Procurement, was the director of Research/Training and Strategic Planning at the bureau before his appointment.

The Special Adviser on Public Communications and Media, Mr. Daniel Bwala is a lawyer and notable public affairs analyst.

The president, Onanuga said, enjoined the newly appointed officers to discharge their duties with dedication, patriotism, and excellence.

The post Tinubu appoints three directors-general, one special adviser appeared first on Frontpageng.

There is a common cliché that, it is always painful where one expects wisdom and discernment to prevail, it is indiscretion that take order. In recent times, I have taken my time to observe happenings within the polity. I have been vociferous, many times, against people’s views, especially those who have had the rare opportunity to occupy one position of authority or the other in the country but have had little or nothing to their name. I have had cause to call people out including but not limited to governors, National Assembly members as well as other government appointees. It will amount to sheer hypocrisy or worst still unctuousness. It smacks of double-face of my personality if I fail to address this and now. Like Gilbert Ryle opined, to be hypocritical is to ‘try to appear activated by motive other than one’s real motive.’

Bela Szabados and Daniel Statman argue that self-deception is the characteristic attribute of “garden variety of hypocrisies.” In their views, Roger Crisp and Christopher Cowten identify four (4) types of hypocrisy – pretense of moral goodness; moral criticism of others by those possessing fault of their own; failure to satisfy self-acknowledged moral requirements; and a complacent, unreflective commitment to virtues feigned or preached. It is from this prism that it becomes germane that I make this very important position, rightly and now that the Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, a man who has enjoyed tremendous benevolence through, largely providence, has repeatedly proved to be an expert of grandstanding with his endless controversial stance on national issues. From proving to be a controversial personality in actions and inaction, the 21-year-sway National Assembly member seems not to have learnt anything in and about leadership. It is for this reason that I am compelled to call him out over his endless unguarded verbal utterances in the media in recent times against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Senator Ali Ndume has continued to show lack of leadership quality by any standard. He is just a beneficiary of a system that promotes Stockholm syndrome. Otherwise, how could a man with relatively less political value continue to represent people for 21 years, yet enmeshed in endless controversies with little or nothing to show in his Senatorial District? Of course, he knows his people too well. Like Maxwell clearly stated in law 20 – The Law of Explosive Growth, John Schnatter, one of America’s best makers of pizza had said, “It is my job to build the people who are going to build the company.” The question therefore is, how many people has Senator Ali Ndume built in his 21-year sway at the National Assembly? As a 2-term House of Representatives member from 2003 through 2011, and now a 4th term Senator representing people of Southern Borno in the Red Chamber, who are his mentees who have gone on to excel in life?

A grasp of this best-seller’s piece by Maxwell would have been very helpful to controversial Sen. Ali Ndume. Who knows, may be his failed attempts at becoming the Majority Leader of the 10th National Assembly after his alleged support for the now Senate President, Senator Akpabio is his recent drive for his expertise in gaslighting and grandstanding. But then, it is what it is – who you are is who you attract. The 9th and 11th laws explained by Maxwell in his ‘The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership speaks about the ‘Law of Magnetism’ and ‘The Law of the Inner Circle’ respectively. While the 9th law emphasises likes attracting likes, the 11th law says a leader’s potential is determined by those closest to him. A look at the many controversies surrounding Senator Ali Ndume reveals his personality and that of those who flock around him. It is only natural that one cannot give what they do not possess. Just like Maxwell expressed in another of his books titled, ‘The Ultimate Leadership – Maximise Your Potential and Empower Your Team,’ Maxwell had opined, change the leader, change the organisation or setup – here, everything rises and falls on leadership.

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Senator Ndume has thrown caution to the winds with his continuous attempt to mudslide, denigrate, asperse and besmirch the name of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He continues to make it look like the situation Nigeria finds herself is President Tinubu’s making. He is quick to forget that whatever Nigeria is going through today, the seed was planted by his Northern brother, President Muhammadu Buhari’s unfortunate leadership for 8 years. He is oblivious of the fact that it is the mess of his brother that the present administration is trying hard, in the midst of excruciating economy situation, to clean up. He has forgotten that it is easier to destroy than to build. The humongous revelations with odious and odoriferous ooze of financial recklessness of appointees of former President Muhammadu Buhari is why Nigeria is the way it is today. It is unfortunate that Senator Ndume expects a miracle-performer or a man with the magic wand to correct the many anomalies of the past administration. Of course, he has been a beneficiary of the endemic system for many years. He does not believe in laying good foundations, like the Tinubu administration is currently doing to put the country on a trajectory of economic prosperity and socio-political wellness of the common man.

It is also often said that a man with his eyes full of pecks does not leave his to help another man. Senator Ndume, like a self-conceited man that he is, is always blaming and accusing everyone except himself. He absolves himself of any blame whatsoever while he relishes in grandstanding.

What is so disturbing in all of this is that Senator Ndume hails from the same State as the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Mustapha (GCON) and my humble self. Even if one must agree without conceding that he did not have access to Mr. President, is he saying he does not also have access to the Vice President who incidentally is from same state like him? How about his leader, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio whom he supported to become the Senate President, or the Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila with whom he served together with as House of Representatives members many years ago? Can Senator Ndume deny if he has seen the president at least twice after President Tinubu came on board? What sin has Mr. President committed that Senator Ndume finds it pretty difficult to forgive? Why the sudden change after his purported support for same man less than 13 months ago? Why has Ndume continued to visit every media platform to cast aspersions on the name of the president, using many derogatory adjectives, suggesting Mr. President is in cage in the Villa as if the Villa had become amusement park or zoo? Does this stem from the insinuations that Senator Ndume is working clandestinely with some dissenting voices against Mr. President? For his information, the president has been meeting the people he wishes to meet on a daily basis as has been reported by several media outlets. If however Senator Ndume is in doubt, he can ask the Press Corps from the Villa. I personally think Senator Ndume has over-exaggerated opinion about his elf importance. There is a ubiquitous hunger in the land. No one is in doubt, not even Mr. President himself who has constantly empathised with the Nigerian people and has continually promised to change the tide. For crying out loud, Mr. President has always made known many of his intervention programmes to address the situation. Some of these interventions also touched on Senator Ndume’s Senatorial District. What else does Ndume want?

It is also often said that a man with his eyes full of pecks does not leave his to help another man. Senator Ndume, like a self-conceited man that he is, is always blaming and accusing everyone except himself. He absolves himself of any blame whatsoever while he relishes in grandstanding. What the public will like to know is that how many persons has Ndume raised in the last 2 decades of benefitting from the country? What has been his impact in his Senatorial District? His Southern Borno Senatorial District still suffers from lack of portable water. The health system is still comatose with many debilitating diseases claiming lives of the ordinary people. What has Ndume brought to his people even as a past member of the Senate leadership? He was a former Minority Whip. What benefit did that bring to his people? Senator Ndume does not listen to anyone from his constituency – whether eminent members of the public or even political leaders. He does not give them audience. He does not run an open-door policy. Except for his political bootlickers, Senator Ndume does not allow for engagements with the people. The purported signature bills he proposed at the hallowed chamber were decoys to take advantage of the people. His bill seeking for creation of Southern Borno State was a deceit meant to hoodwink his Southern Borno people. It is akin to giving people false hope so they can think he has their interest at heart.

Senator Ndume constantly disparages President Tinubu’s administration over his cabinet members. He is quick to forget that many of the so-called cabinet members were brought by people like him, governors and party leaders from across the states of the Federation. And Mr. President has repeatedly told whoever cared to listen that he would not run a cabinet that is not prone to reshufflement like Nigerians witnessed under former President Muhammadu Buhari. Only recently, the assessment of the current crop of Ministers was done. And in a couple of days or weeks from now, President Tinubu would unveil a new cabinet reshufflement. Why cannot Senator Ndume wait till that time to know if he will continue with his wailing and ululation? Senator Ali Ndume has continued to show that he is an overrated political beneficiary of our system and in endless search of his self-discovery.

What Senator Ndume should have done is to show that he is a man of honour and dignity. If his desire is to pander and fraternise with those who overtly want Tinubu out, he should show his true colour without hiding behind a finger. He should stop using the masses situation to promote his ulterior motive. If he has any reason not to believe anymore in the leadership of Mr. President, he should opt out with immediate alacrity, not hiding under any incognito or under any illusion of speaking truth to power. He should be man enough. When I opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket shortly after the All Progressives Congress Presidential Primaries in 2022, I opted out. I left the party and made my decision public. That is how a man with integrity and honour does, not exhibiting a two-faced personality. It is only hypocritical of Senator Ndume to continue to blame the same system that he, alongside his family has benefitted immensely from. It does not portray him as a man with dignity.

Whether or not Senator Ndume and his ilk like it, President Bola Tinubu will ultimately deliver a Nigeria that everyone will be proud of.

*Dr. Bwala, a legal practitioner and policy analyst writes from the United Kingdom (Dbwala2002@yahoo.com)

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Now, has he eaten his vomit? Is he defecting? Is this an act of disloyalty and has he, in so doing, stabbed both Atiku and PDP in the back? Rather than his act – which is commonplace anyway and which is to be expected from our bread-and-butter politicians devoid of principles, character and ideology – it was the reason he gave that resonated with me: “In this time of hunger and problems…” he was quoted as saying! Is it not said that when hunger enters the belly, nothing else finds its way there? Has hunger entered Bwala’s belly?

Bwala was more forthright than Dr. Doyin Okupe who resigned from the Labour Party citing “ideological differences”. Okupe, who was for a brief period the Director-General of the Peter Obi/Labour Party presidential campaign, did not, however, state the direction in which he was heading.

Bwala was more forthright than Dr. Doyin Okupe who resigned from the Labour Party citing “ideological differences”. Okupe, who was for a brief period the Director-General of the Peter Obi/Labour Party presidential campaign, did not, however, state the direction in which he was heading. Can he return to PDP? Or is he joining APC, the winning team? If talks of a grand alliance between PDP, Labour Party and NNPP materialize in future, what happens? It has been said that success (APC) has many fathers – and attracts many defectors! – but failure (PDP/Labour Party) is an orphan!

Okupe, however, made a profound disclosure, which should sadden every lover of democracy, when he referred to political parties as Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) for the purpose of contesting elections. No considerations for party ideology or manifesto. Assuming the Labour Party had won the last presidential election, would Okupe have still resigned from the party because of ideological differences?

Judging by the use to which SPV and shell companies have been put to undermine this country, it is sad when our leaders treat an important pillar of the democratic system as political parties as mere SPV. A shell company is defined as “essentially a corporation without any active business operations or assets. These entities often mask the true ownership from law enforcement, other businesses, and the public, facilitating the concealment of illegal funds and evading anti-money laundering regulations and taxes” while SPV is defined as “a legal entity created to fulfill narrow, specific or temporary objectives. Special Purpose Entities are typically used by companies to isolate the firm from financial risk”. The mentality of buccaneers that our politicians exhibit about politics and governance is the reason why nothing is working in this country.

Back to Bwala. There is no denying the fact that a majority of Nigerians today live in a time of hunger and problems. All available economic indexes say so from the rooftop. Inflation rate roars at 28.2%. Food prices; transportation costs; cost of living generally, cost of drugs and medicaments, Naira depreciation, cost of utilities are beyond the reach of many while high unemployment rate rose to 4.2% in the second quarter of 2023. Keeping children in school is no longer possible for many parents.

Many Nigerians now resort to self-medication or traditional medicine. People eat what they find – when they find it at all – and not what they want or like to eat. No more balanced diet. Lagosians, who can be said to be representative of Nigerians generally, chanted that unfortunate reality to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on December 30 last year in Lagos with choruses of “We are hungry”. Yes, people are hungry! And angry as well – justifiably so!

In different times and climes, people have reacted in different ways to “times of hunger and problems”. The scriptures record in Genesis 12: 10 – 20 that when there was famine in the land, Abraham “japa” to Egypt in search of greener pasture but disaster nearly befell him there, if not for God who intervened and reclaimed his wife, Sarai (as she then was), for him.

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Again, in the time of his son, Isaac, another famine visited the land and Isaac, forgetting the nasty experience of his father, also chose to “japa” to Egypt but God restrained him, leading him instead to Abimelech, king of the Philistines at Gerar. What befell his mother (Sarai) in Egypt almost befell his own wife, Rebecca, at Gerar but God also saved the day for him.

So, “japa” is not a new phenomenon and some problems can pass from generation to generation. In the time of Jacob, the son of Isaac, there also was famine in the land and Jacob had to send his children to Egypt in search of food. (Genesis 42, 43 and 44).

It is instructive for Christians to note what Isaac did at Gerar in the time of hunger and problems, such as we have today in Nigeria. The Bible records: “Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him. And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great” (Genesis 26: 12 & 13). Isaac might have prayed; he might also have fasted a hundred days; he might have done a countless number of days of vigil – but in addition to all of that, he sowed in the land. He toiled.

Isaac did not wait only for miracles, signs and wonders. He did not wait for manna to fall from heaven. He did not wait for palliatives from the government. Isaac sowed in the land. We have thousands of miles of arable land lying fallow. Many are not ready to work but all the same want to live life to the hilt. They go from one prayer place to another shouting “I receive” to prophesies that are not backed up with work!

At another time there was famine in the land and a certain man of Bethlehem called Elimelech and his wife, Naomi, and their two sons “japa” to the country of Moab. There, however, disaster struck as the man and his two sons died. The only saving grace left to Naomi was Ruth, wife of one of the dead sons, who insisted on following her back to her country. So devastated was Naomi that, when her kinsmen came to welcome her back home, she told them: “Call me not Naomi (Pleasant) but call me Mara (Bitter)”, because she said she went out full but came back empty. Through Ruth, however, God changed her story.

Be careful before you join the Joneses. Abroad is not for everyone a bed of roses. Defection or political prostitution, though may accord you temporary respite in the short run, may inflict permanent damage on your political career in the long run.

Back, again, to Bwala. He said he was invited by the President; it was not him that initiated the visit to the seat of power. He said he had been a Tinubu man in the past. He said he told his erstwhile (?) principal, Atiku Abubakar, that Tinubu had sent for him and he was going to answer the presidential summons. Like they do say that there must be an end to litigation, he said there must also be an end to politicking. Patriotism, he said, dictates that the man declared by INEC and the courts to have won an election should be allowed – in fact, assisted – to govern. If I am permitted to quote the late Ooni Olubuse, I will say Bwala made some sense to me, but…!

Politicians are masters of use-and-dump; they are fair-weather friends. For them, there are no permanent friends but permanent interests.

Those who are used to being in the corridors of power, enjoying government largesse, cannot do without it for long. Politicians generally gravitate towards the winning side. Four years is too long a time to stay in the political wilderness. What will they eat “in this time of hunger”? How will they grapple with the many problems popping up here and there, one of which is that their followers will scatter in no time if they no longer can afford the means to retain their loyalty. Before the next election, another politician in power would have wormed his way into the hearts of the electorate in Bwala’s locality and our man would no longer be politically relevant. No politician wants that. Years and decades of toil in politics must not be allowed to go down the drain just like that.

So, when they move the cheese, move with the cheese! That is the wisdom in “Who moved my cheese?” by Spencer Johnson. If Bwala and Okupe decide, “in this time of hunger and problems”, to move where the cheese is, don’t blame them! Corruption and politics are the two thriving “business” in this time of hunger and problems!

Politicians are masters of use-and-dump; they are fair-weather friends. For them, there are no permanent friends but permanent interests. And the interests that matter to them are their own selfish interests. Trample principles! Eat your vomit to feed your stomach! If you can’t beat them, join them!

*Bolawole (turnpot@gmail.com / 0807 552 5533), former Editor of PUNCH newspapers, Chairman of its Editorial Board and Deputy Editor-in-chief, was also the Managing Director/ Editor-in-chief of THE WESTERNER newsmagazine. He writes the ON THE LORD’S DAY column in the Sunday Tribune and TREASURES column in New Telegraph newspaper on Wednesdays. He is also a public affairs analyst on radio and television.

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