Category: OPINION

THE NEW KING AND THE TASK AHEAD

by GLOBE-TELLY, posted in OPINION

The All Progressives Congress flag bearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was in the early hours of Wednesday March 1, declared the winner of the February 25 presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

According to the commission, Tinubu polls 8,794,729 and got the required 25 per cent in 30 states to defeat his major opponents, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, who came second with 6,984,520 votes and Peter Obi of the Labour Party who got 6,101,533 votes.

Before the 2023 presidential election, some people predicted the elections will not hold, while many more were disturbed on the possible display of violence and outright breakdown of law and order after announcement of results. 

But in the end, there would only be one winner and going by history, the outcome would be disputed, no matter who won. 

As expected, Obi and Atiku have both rejected the outcome and are already challenging it in court. Interesting times ahead. Some would say it is a waste of time, but that was exactly what people told Obi in 2003 when he believed he was cheated in the Anambra governorship election. He gathered the evidence and went to the tribunal to prove that the final results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were false. It took him a while, but he won.

Tinubu has never hidden his ambition to lead the country. Despite tongues wagging at him, the political hurdles on his way, even during primaries, the cloud of controversies surrounding his birth and education, his rumoured wealth believed to be steeped in corruption, his alleged stranglehold on Lagos politics and finance, public worries over his health and doubts about his fitness for the most demanding job in the land, the ex-Lagos Governor has instead used the bricks and stones thrown at him to build a ladder to his dream job.

Some analysts are of the opinion that the president-elect of Nigeria, surely has to thank the broken opposition for his victory. Perhaps, it would have been more difficult for him if he was facing PDP’s Atiku Abubakar only. Previously, the south-east, south-south and Christian north always came through for the PDP in presidential elections, but this time they had to share their votes and LP’s Peter Obi was the major beneficiary.

This year’s presidential poll was an eye opener. It was full of surprises. Permutations were rubbished predictions never came true in many respects. Some candidates were underrated to opponents’ peril. Results in many districts and constituencies did not align with expectations. There were right and wrong projections.

It is often said that power is never served a la carte, and Asiwaju did not get it on a golden platter. His victory underscores the audacity of hope and power of courage. He is a thoroughbred politician. His lieutenants confirmed that he was not only focused, but planned well and teamed up with the right people across the six geo-political zones to realise his life-long ambition for selfless and higher service to his fatherland.

That the kingmaker has become king is not the end of the matter, hopefully, the president-elect would assemble a solid team, an inclusive, goal-oriented, and accountable administration that will rejuvenate and manage the ailing economy well. Asiwaju’s wealth of experience and visionary leadership must be felt in every aspect of our national life. It is gratifying that he has waved the olive branch and promised a government of national unity. This makes him the real unifier.

The economy is on crutches. Excuses will not be permitted. The problem of Nigeria has become Tinubu’s problem. Graduate unemployment, insecurity and epileptic power supply are among Nigeria’s major challenges. It is noteworthy that the President-elect has acknowledged that if electricity is fully resolved, the nation’s problems would be half-solved and all would be well with the nation. 

The greatest task in the months and years ahead, is the resolution of the national question through restructuring. Nigeria also expects reforms across the various sectors.

In four years time, the incoming administration will be assessed. Nigeria will not remain the same.

On the whole, Nigerians have made the decision that seem best to them. A democrat and statesman has been elected to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29. It is a turning point in national history; the beginning of a new dawn. Those who think otherwise are already in court.

CASHLESS POLICY: BEGGARS GROAN

by GLOBE-TELLY, posted in FEATURE, OPINION

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, on October 26, 2022, announced that new Naira notes would be introduced to replace the 200, 500, and 1,000 Naira notes.

Emefiele said the redesign notes will take effect from Thursday, December 15, 2022, and existing notes would cease to be  legal tender by January 31, 2023.

Unfortunately, between the introduction date of the redesigned naira notes and the deadline, not many Nigerians had seen the new notes or accessed them, hence the extension of deadline for naira swap to February 10.

The policy which has received both negative and positive comments from Nigerians has been heavily criticised for the poor timing as the people now groan under hardship.

It is no longer strange to see unmanageable queues at Automated Teller Machines, ATM,  customers rising as early as 2am to have vantage spots on the line and ended up with less than N5,000 notes as take home after 6hours.

The riotous situation looks like the Stone Age experience. Citizens who are unable to access either the new or old naira notes are suffering untold hardship. Most of the affected persons are exhibiting a cocktail of frustration, anger and disappointment. In some areas, people are exhibiting wild, weird and even absurd behaviours to compel the banks to give them money no matter how little to survive the hard times.

The financial crises caused by this unguarded policy in the last few weeks are uncalled for. Not only has the naira redesign cum cash swap  resulted in scarcity of local currency or cash withdrawal limitations, which Nigerians have not experienced before,  the masses now have taste of hunger even when they have hundreds of thousands of naira in their bank accounts. 

Before now, it used to be the foreign currencies in the black market, Nigerians now buy their own local currencies with the same naira, as getting little cash to make purchases become more difficult than getting visas for overseas trip! 

The queue at the banks ATMs is endless. The struggle is energy sapping. People spend most part of their productive time at the banks, only to get as little as #2000 or nothing. Those who can go through the pain of waiting for a long time before getting cash now sell to those who can’t sacrifice their time.

Another set of merchants cashing out on this disturbing situation are the Point Of Sale, POS operators who are exploiting the cash crunch. To get N,5000 from an Operator, people pay between N700-N1000, depending on the naira merchant or POS operator. 

Small businesses have been negatively affected, with small enterprises closing down temporarily due to inaccessibility of cash. The ripple effect is unimaginable,  because, many of these traders run their businesses through loans acquired from microfinance banks. Some pay back monthly while others service their loans weekly. What happens when  the lenders come for their money with interests?

Also, many local suppliers don’t have banking culture but deal in cash. The cash crunch implies collapse of their businesses. The list is simply endless;  Mobility through public transport, petty purchases, airtime, TV subscriptions, groceries and other food items are done with cash. 

Videos of horrible happenings at the banks are in the social media,  men and women going naked to prove the urgency in their cash need, their hard earned money. This is not government grants! Elders weeping their hearts out like babies. 

If you ask around, Nigerians would never imagined that such days will come, when  able bodied and working class citizens will   experience difficulties in accessing their money. Beggars must be close to hell in their daily experiences.

Assistance to beggars in major Nigerian cities has always been in lower Naira denominations, so it is assumed that beggars were always in abundance, supplied. Petty traders, sometimes go to these beggars to get them for the lower denominations, for trading. 

The cash crunch caused by the Nigerian Central Bank’s Naira swap policy has changed the narrative,  as the beggars wait in vain for the crumbs that refuse to drop.

They sit on the pedestrian sidewalks at various locations in Lagos. They stretch their hands to beg for money, while their mouths mutter different sing-songs in their local language, in sync with one another. Crippled, blind and aged, they are all united by similar fate: they are all beggars. While some of them wear oversized clothes, the ones whose clothes sit well on them look unkempt. 

They flash at you, teeth tainted yellow with kola-chewing. A closer observation shows that the men sit some distance away from the women. Obviously, for religious reason! While some of their children sit busily to finger leftover foods, others hold, by hands, their blind parents. 

They now groan in lack, hunger and more hardship. Many of them get lesser wads of cash than they used to. Emefiele’s policy has taking its toll on them.

Musa Danladi is a beggar at Ijesha, Surulere. He reveals that people who used to give him and his friends alms do not do so anymore.

“I am tired of hunger. I initially thought I was going to die. Every one stopped sending help to us almost at the same. I am crippled, I can’t work. Nobody will employ me”

Fatima Toure couldn’t share her thoughts audibly. She tried to put words together amidst tearful eyes. Apparently, she and her aged mother didn’t plan for the unpleasant experience. She kept pleading ,if the government can take decisions to ameliorate their situation.

For blind Usman Said in Olodi-Apapa, life seems to be unfair. His parents were killed by insurgents in Yobe state. He lost his sight on the same day, through an attack. ” I got to know about the CBN policy through my friend who is an okada rider. We will be happy if it can be reversed because we don’t get financial aid anymore. We were told that government is against people carrying cash around. We plead for mercy. We are Nigerians “

If able-bodied men are lamenting hunger and anguish,  the situation of the beggars are better imagined. Men, women,  traders, students, beggars etc are lamenting their pains this season, it is hoped that the government will reconsider the policy or find a way ameliorate impact of the policy on all Nigerians.

DON’T MARRY AN IDIOT !!!

by GLOBE-TELLY, posted in OPINION

The human race is blessed with diverse people with different backgrounds who with their beliefs have their dispositions about marriage. 

The choice of who to marry is important to every adult, while some find it easy to get a partner, others have been challenged for years, a situation that has led to societal pressure for many. 

There are certain qualities that should distinguish your partner from others, only then would marriage be enjoyed and not endured. 

Being ready for marriage means taking up on some responsibilities that keep the relationship going smoothy, a major determinant in which both parties agree on a course of forever. 

The narrative has changed, most couples have allowed the interference of third parties in their decisions which has caused more harm than good. 

Charity they say begin at home. When the home is divided, it begins to tell on the children and their development, a phase that cannot be avoided. 

Cases of domestic violence among couples is no longer news, it has become a recurrent problem within the society. It’s pivotal to state here that homes have been destroyed because of this. How then can this be tackled? The only way forward is to know your partner well before saying “I do”. 

Religious system strongly encourage intending couples to go for counselling sessions, this have been trivialised for years hence the fall out in marriages. 

The quality of marriage is a key factor in the overall health of both individuals, a clear communication between couples create an avenue for dignity and respect among them which would in turn boost their relationship to flourish and grow. 

With the aforementioned, it can be deduced that there’s no right time to get married, however couples must be intentional in making their marriages work, showing Commitment & trust, Acceptance, Forgiveness, and True Love. 

Marriage must be seen as a means to better lives and not the other way round, when making a choice on who to marry, the individual must be careful of his/her choice, hence the need to be smart and not allow the love of money to influence their decision.

Above all, everyone’s mental health must be preserved, because the man or woman you marry will either destroy you or bring out the best in you.

Adeoye Oluwaseun

(c) Globetelly 2022

WHO IS AFRAID OF ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU?

by GLOBE-TELLY, posted in OPINION

Quite a lot has been said and written about the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is an enigma of sort.

Whenever he makes a move to advance his political interests, his critics come out of hiding, and begin to spin all sorts of arguments to disqualify the APC national leader.

Some people are of the opinion that Jagaban is not of keen mind or sound health. They reason that frailty that accompanies ageing is a reality of his present status. These critics believe a younger president will serve Nigeria better considering the country’s history of presidents who engaged in endless medical vacations.

The question is does Tinubu have the right to contest? Is he a Nigerian? The truth, without mincing words, Tinubu is eminently qualified to contest. Is he without sin? No. None of us is.

History and research have it that successful nations are not governed by saints but by performers. There is no doubt that Tinubu will definitely take this country to greater heights as President of Nigeria, if he eventually emerge as the All Progressives Congress flag bearer and wins. He has a knack for identifying brilliant minds and fertile brains, and the ability to nurture them to greatness. He has demonstrated this repeatedly. From Babatunde Raji Fashola, to Akinwunmi Ambode, to the incumbent Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu, they’ve all proved their mettle and the results are there for all to see.

Of course there will always be disagreements in the course of human interaction. And we witnessed some of these in the relationships between Tinubu and some of the people he was instrumental to their becoming politically relevant in the state and beyond.

However, it is undeniable fact that Lagos State has been better under his watch. Even elsewhere that Tinubu had played significant roles in deciding who became the Governor of the State, particularly in the southwest, most of such people had performed, even if they later had cause to disagree with this man, whom many had patrionized at his Bourdillon, Ikoyi residence before becoming stars on the field of politics.

It is uncharitable to say that Tinubu should not contest. At least let him be the one to decide if he is going to support a younger aspirant being a kingmaker, and not be forced to do so.

He has watered many seeds which have blossomed exponentially. Many, who are enjoying lime light today used to be nobodies. He has nursed many fledging political careers to maturity. He has created opportunities for many who were without clarity. He has invested his resources in building people. Without his efforts, perhaps APC will not be the ruling party today.

It is however difficult to exonerate the APC national leader from the blame of the current economic troubles in the country because of the challenges of the Mohammadu Buhari’s administration.

This Tutor -General of Nigerian politics met Lagos IGR at about N600m per month and he left it at N12 – 14bn per month. When former President Obasanjo seized Lagos allocations despite Supreme Court judgement, Tinubu was paying salaries and pensions regularly for three and half years that it lasted. It was Yar’Adua that paid the withheld allocation to Fasola’s government.

Asiwaju has taken years to build political structures and whatever he has become today is by grace and diligence.

Ahead of the 2023 Elections, Asiwaju has engaged huge logistics, from mobilisation of thousands of party agents, travelling across the states of the federation, when other contenders, with their lazy supporters are busy idling away with frivolities.

Any other contender, who knows his onions should go and prepare to slug it out at the polls, and stop disturbing the media space with cacophony. Let Tinubu be.

Akinyemi Seun

(c) Globetelly

JONATHAN IN HIDE AND SEEK STRATEGY

by GLOBE-TELLY, posted in OPINION



After rejecting the presidential nomination and expression of interest forms purchased by coalition of Northern groups, Former President Goodluck Jonathan has finally decided to join the presidential contest on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Jonathan, who had dissociated himself from the Northern group, had described their action as an insult.

However, credible source close to the former President disclosed that he has not only joined the APC formally at his Otuoke ward in Bayelsa, he will also contest for the number one office in the country on the platform of the ruling party.

It is uncontestable fact that politicians, especially in Nigeria, have no modicum of truth. They act shamefully at will without conscience. Or how do we explain the fact that Jonathan who was abused and maligned by the APC will be contesting under the same political party?

Nigerians attaching too much moral value to politicians and expecting political leaders to be truthful is like asking them to give what they don’t have. They are more concerned with their own selfish interests and ambitions than the People’s plight.

From all indications, Jonathan was looking for a consensus ticket, since he does not possess the financial resources to compete in the primaries. His recent maneuvering, especially meetings with the APC national chairman and the Northern groups are testaments of his intentions, yet some Nigerians fell for his trick.

It is obvious no politician is a saviour. We should endeavour to strengthen our institutions. Relying heavily on the false credibility of politicians will do more harm than good. Nigerians should not be deceived by their pretentious and deceptive ways that have brought nation to where it is.

Jonathan should have been straightforward to express his presidential ambition from inception, since he has the constitutional right to contest. There was no need for the games. No need to meander.

Another source has it that the cabal at the presidency wanted Jonathan. This is because he is expected to spend a term of four years, having served previously as president between 2010 and 2015.

Akinyemi Seun