Columns
My Binocular: Zulum, Ahidjo and the quest to bring health care to the people of Borno and North East Nigeria.

My Binocular: Zulum, Ahidjo and the quest to bring health care to the people of Borno and North East Nigeria.
By: Bodunrin Kayode
I decided to bring this historic event as one of my end of year views into my binocular because of the tremendous love I have for the health sector. Apart from that I have watched both left handed Professors who are health lovers in this narrative do their best from the extreme corner of north east Nigeria. Both Professors Babagana Zulum and Ahmed Ahidjo have a common craze in their services to humanity. And that is their craze for infrastructural development regardless of the sector. Having watched the deteriorating health sector in Nigeria since 1999 when democratic governments took charge, never have I seen such synergy between the federal and state governments in a bid to restore the health sector as I have seen in Borno. Zulum has expectedly taken ownership of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) as a mark of his magnanimous social responsibility to his people as the chair of the north East Governors forum. His recent visit to the UMTH cannot pass without going into the annals of my series on the review of 2022 which will soon come to an end.
Alternative solar power at the UMTH
The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital UMTH has survived many challenges. One of the biggest challenges it has gone through is the very insurgency which has enveloped its catchment area which is north east Nigeria since 2009. That is why it has not escaped the eagle eyes of both Governor Kashim Shettima and his political disciple Professor Babagana Zulum. The donation of N100m by Professor Zulum to the institution recently was a big boaster which has turned out to be a saving grace for the mainly diesel support lighting system to the growing institution. Sadly alternative lighting of the hospital is a big burden to the Chief Medical Director which is why he directed that the grant from the government will go immediately to cushion the lightening system through solar. The massive lightening of the hospital will be a great relief to many patient who used to sleep in darkness with or without the knowledge of management especially when diesel is finished. For a facility which spends more than 50 percent of its internally generated revenue (IGR) on diesel re-lightening the facility through an alternative solar source is a giant leap in the service to the north east of the country. The UMTH has actually been swallowing more than it can chew because of the heavy burden and expectations placed on it by the entire North East Nigeria.
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Instead of concentration on only tertiary cases, primary and secondary issues have all been rushed into the facility and the consultants cannot say no to what is going on. They are always ready to respond to minor cases that is brought to their knowledge. Even if it’s just ordinary post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which can be handled by the secondary level in the state.
The Challenge of accommodation
From very reliable sources, one of the greatest problems of the UMTH has been the issue of accommodation which has not been tackled head long for the last 40 years. It’s been so biting in the hospital that it has affected both General practicing Medical Officers, residents and consultants. It’s been a major challenge because most of the medical practitioners feel unsafe living outside the facility which is heavily protected from all fronts and gates. Newly recruited resident doctors are the most hit because they must be near the facility to run calls. That is why the building of a new set of flats by Governor Zulum is coming at a time when it is quite needed in the hospital. The CMD Professor Ahidjo was extremely happy when the Governor came to turn the sod for the building of those flats located in the heart of the residential areas within the UMTH.
Hear his remarks during the visit of Governor Zulum to UMTH
” I would not hide my feelings as I was working with His Excellency, tears were running down my face I had to turn round to clean my tears. It is not because of the donation, but that compassion that goes with it. It is not every leader that you have, that would come and visit you and see what you have, after the challenges that you faced and share with you, not everybody can do that.

“Your Excellency, we cherish your compassion, and that is the most important thing. We all know the Federal Government has stopped building housing for its own staffs especially in facilities like this. And in our own environment we are all living in insurgency prone areas. Housing may be a single factor that may make a professional leave this institution. So one cannot overemphasize the importance of housing to our own staff. Many that want to come to this hospital with skills, but are not people that when you advertise for employment that will apply. NO! We look for them, because they have special skills. And one of the first thing they would ask YOU is, do you have accommodation? Without accommodation they won’t come, because where they work, they are already accommodated. For them to leave where they are to come here with no accommodation I think that may be very difficult. Recently our resident doctors have been crying aloud because of lack of this accommodation equally.
” So this came right at a time that we really needed it and I think your Excellency sir, we are really very grateful. However, this is not the very first time you started it. We all went to the auditorium with almost 1200 seating space in the main hall with the parallel section that will accommodate 1800 participants, which you donated freely to the hospital. We really cherish that particular action and we would never forget that.
Zulum’s boaster against Covid
“Again all of you can remember during the COVID time, things were hard, there was no single naira donated or given to this hospital to manage COVID 19 before intervention came from His Excellency of 20 million naira to this hospital, I vividly recall that his donation was the first that we got to manage COVID 19 patients and it came at a time when there was a lot of media challenges, here and there the money was given to the hospital to manage COVID 19 and nothing was done. As of that time not a single kobo was given to the Teaching Hospital to manage COVID 19 by the Federal Government. The Borno State Government was the first body to give University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital the sum of 20 million as support for managing COVID 19. We are really very grateful and we are very happy to be associated with you sir.
Ensuring that nobody leaves the north east Nigeria for advance treatment anywhere.
“Such leaders are really people that we all need to support, we are not talking about party, but there are individuals that have excelled. Showing exceptional virtues anywhere. They have sacrificed their lives not only to get anything but to service their own people. We salute you your Excellency for your exceptional expressions of your virtues that is beneficial to humanity. Not only that, whenever you are with him, before you start thinking of asking for this or that, he is the one that will ask you what are the challenges you are facing. Which means you are concerned with your own institution, that is why you are there to ask. But he is more concerned thinking about your own institution given you options before you even ask, that is only shown by few leaders. Some of the Governors have a clear cut demarcation between Federal and State Government institutions, but the case here is entirely different.
“I am happy for us here at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, myself and my team and the team of the board of management, has been exceptionally hard workin. Our Board Chairman is not from Borno State, he is not from the Northeast but for any door I want to open, he is there by my side in support. We live in peace, for one to have an opportunity to operate it means there is baseline peace. It is not possible for us to do all these things without the support of the UMTH staff and Borno Community. In other climes, we see petitions flying to EFCC, ICPC all the time. But here, everybody is supporting and that makes the environment conducive for all of us. And Unions they are all here from the Nigerian Medical Association, the Medical and Dental Consultant Association, the Resident doctors, JOHASU, Nursing Association, Pharmacists Association all of them are here today represented in this room. I really commend you because on any issue we work as a family in this hospital, we never had challenges between us. We have gone round we have seen centers. We have dreams, we have so many good dreams, but the main thing in our dream is to ensure that no one would leave Northeast for treatment elsewhere that’s where we are heading to. We may not be there we may be slightly less than 50 percent of where we really want to go, but we are moving. Today we have gone round, at least we have gone round 60 percent of the new things that we have done. There are other 40 percent remaining. I believe some of you may also want go round again, you can be able to see what we were able to achieve. Once again your Excellency we thank you for this kind gesture and lastly you came with a donation of 100m. If I tell you the reality. The expenditure of the hospital is far more than the revenue generated. Sometimes for you to manage such facility, you have to think outside the box, you have to have business skills. The internal revenue generation of this hospital is clearly about 50 million but the expenditure is over 100 million. Only two items in our expenditure, diesel is 50 something million in a month and yet all of the revenue generation is about 50 million. So you find that managing such facility is very difficult. If you say you will add the cost of investigation and services, the society is poor. If you say, you would loose, you will not add, vendor supply is their own money. How do you pay them? So you will be left in the middle. So you need a lot of skills to navigate. But many do not understand, they feel like there were piles of money and you refused to put light, you refuse to put water, you refuse to put the food that’s how they assume, but it is not so. So your Excellency sir, we really appreciate and we thank you.”
Governor Zulum responds
” The Government of Borno State under my leadership will continue to provide major support to this hospital with a view to delivering the mandate of providing portable quality healthcare delivery system to the entire people of Borno State, the Northeast Nigeria and Nigeria as a whole.

“We acknowledge the contribution of each and every one that is working in this facility. We have seen the magnitude of the problem that we had in Borno State as a result of the Boko haram insurgency. We have seen the impact of efficiency to this hospital within the last 12 years. We are also glad to understand the nexus of peace that exist between the management of this hospital and principal officers. And above all the relationship between the management and the senior and junior staffs of this hospital which I clearly reiterated during my tour. I have nothing to say, than to pray to Almighty Allah for you to continue the good works that you are doing with us here.Thank you very much.
“I want to deliver the Check of 100 million naira to this hospital. If you are writing the budget down it will be very difficult for someone outside this environment to understand it. Funding is very key. For those that have managed organizations including CMD and others that are here fully understand. For somebody who is outside the box, it would be very difficult to understand how strenuous it is to manage an institution, like you are spending your hard earned money. There are a lot of fights and what is to be in the account sometime may not be even up to 10 percent of the products you want that are already on your desk. Therefore, we pray that God will give you wisdom, in the running of this very important hospital like University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.”
Presentation of letter of commendation by Resident Doctors to Governor Zulum
” Your Excellency sir, it is my wish to present this token to you sir it is a letter of recommendation the Association of Residence Doctors of UMTH are proud of you, we want to associate ourselves with you, we want to rebrand the world. The Association of Residence Doctors of UMTH lead by myself wish to appreciate your magnificent gesture in laying the foundation for 24 housing unit sir. There is no doubt that this intervention will go a long way in cushioning the demands of our members seeking to reside within the hospital for easy proximity to their place of work. We cannot overemphasize the support you have being rendering to the health sector within the state. This has indeed attracted so many professionals to come down to Borno State. As you said while laying the foundation for the 24 housing unit, we pray we will soon gather for the official commissioning of this project. Sir, we pray to Almighty Allah to continue to guide you and protect you as you pilot this administration.
“At this juncture I want to narrate a small story. Last October, I was reading in our library when you came into our hospital around 12am to a patient in ICU. I saw you and I greeted, I was standing there when you returned from the ICU and you gave me N100,000. That money was used to pay for my certificate and that night I told myself this is a good sign and I have passed that exam.
Board Chairman University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital speaks
“I felt after receiving that N100m, it is absolutely necessary for me to give a vote of thanks, not only for the money and not only for the building of 24 houses that you are about to embark upon building but for your magnanimity in making time whenever we have a problem you are always giving us listening ears. Such leaders are very rear. When we give you a call, you take our call, you listen to us if it is something that you will intervene on our behalf you do that, because you know that the responsibility being given to us is also part of your responsibility. Whatever we do here we do it to serve the people of Borno State and by extension you are their number one citizen. We give you your mandate, you are always conscious of that.
“I lack words to express the appreciation, the honor the respect and the reverence we have for you. We hold you in the highest esteem you can ever imagine. We do this because of the compassion that you have for us not only us but the entire people that you lead. As we were walking about today, we met people that were on duty, you called them by their names, you even told us stories of those that you had even driven commercial vehicles together with them in the past, people that you have being borrowing money from them while in the University. Sir, these are things that you can hardly find in a leader once they go up they have forgotten the past, they have forgotten their stories. But you are a different specie of human being entirely and I hope you live Insha Allah to tell more stories ahead of you. And we hope you have an opportunity one day to lead this nation. And there, as we are going round you gave us advices and we took all your advices.
“I just want to put into record that Prof. Ahidjo and his top management team and of course the governing board and all the union in the hospital and the staffs, that we believe even the most down trodden of all the people are important because you served the people, in a complete system. If one does not work the others will not be appropriate to function that is our approach to this thing. So when the board is one there will always be synergy on what we are doing. When we came here, we came to change things and Alhamdullillah we have been able to receive the support of the management to lead and to ensure that all these wonderful things you are doing are fine.
“And the cardinal thing is we had a transformation plan that is in three phases. The first aspect is this infrastructure development that you are seeing your Excellency. The next phase is capacity building and human capital development which is being done simultaneously with infrastructural development and it is only when you have skill you can be able to attract all the necessary research grants that you need in order to undertake all the three cardinal principles. And Prof. Ahidjo and his team are doing wonderfully well towards achieving that goal.
Focus of this capacity building is ongoing here , just when we pursue that NGO you made a promise that you will partner with us, in order to work with us to see how we can attack and rescue the incidences of renal failures that we are testing, so I believe that partnership will bring about the needed research grant to us because you have to identify why renal failure in the first place. Before you can go into advocacy and start telling people what and what. So for me you have already opened the door for that research grant and we want to thank you. When the time comes we will come back with our caps in hand to ask for even more, Commissioner of health take note. And for all your Excellency I want to thank you most profoundly, most gratefully on behalf of the board of governance top level management senior Professors, staffs and management of this institution for your generosity, magnanimity, humility in fact all that I can mention that are positive thank you very much and we wish you all the best that this life can offer. “
Conclusion
I have so many astounding events I recorded with my binocular but this is one very important one I will not forget as a health freak myself. A visit to the quarters for the doctors being built by Zulum shows that it will soon be commissioned for its service to humanity. Solar electricity is also an insignia of strength for the UMTH.
My Binocular: Zulum, Ahidjo and the quest to bring health care to the people of Borno and North East Nigeria.
Columns
VP Kashim Shettima: Fate, Faith, and Lessons (1)

VP Kashim Shettima: Fate, Faith, and Lessons (1)
By: Dr. James Bwala
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s political trajectory is emblematic of the intricate interplay between fate, faith, and the lessons derived from Nigeria’s fraught political landscape. His ascent to the vice presidency amid a controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket underscores the delicate balance he must maintain in a deeply religious and ethnically diverse nation. This position has thrust him into debates about inclusivity and representation, compelling him to advocate for equitable power-sharing despite prevailing sectarian tensions.
Shettima’s public endorsement of a Southern Christian Senate President, even at the expense of perceived meritocracy, reflects his commitment to national unity over narrow religious or regional interests. Such gestures reveal an understanding that faith should foster cohesion rather than division—a lesson critical in Nigeria’s volatile sociopolitical climate. However, this idealism exists against a backdrop where governance often appears disengaged from citizens’ urgent needs. This disconnect between leadership and citizenry challenges Shettima to bridge the gap, urging him to align his actions with the foundational values of empathy and accountability that can steer Nigeria towards a more inclusive future.
Ultimately, Shettima’s experience illustrates how personal conviction and political pragmatism coalesce within leadership roles constrained by structural violence and historical grievances. His journey teaches that navigating Nigeria’s complexities demands not only strategic acumen but also an unwavering faith in dialogue and inclusivity as tools for lasting peace. In this context, Shettima’s leadership journey serves as a testament to the necessity of balancing personal beliefs with the broader imperative of fostering national unity. His efforts underscore a critical lesson: that sustainable governance in Nigeria hinges on leaders who prioritize collective well-being over entrenched divisions. His leadership demonstrates the critical importance of empathy and a genuine commitment to national progress in overcoming deep-seated challenges that threaten Nigeria’s stability.
His ability to navigate these challenges with a focus on dialogue and inclusivity not only affirms his commitment to national progress but also exemplifies the potential for leadership that transcends personal and political divides. His leadership approach, characterized by a deliberate effort to embrace diversity and promote equitable representation, reflects an understanding that Nigeria’s future hinges on the strength of its unity. His vision for a unified Nigeria, though ambitious, is a necessary pursuit in a nation where historical divisions have too often been exploited for political gain.
Shettima’s advocacy for equitable political representation, as evidenced by his controversial yet principled stance on promoting a Southern Christian Senate President to ensure balance and inclusivity, further illustrates his dedication to transcending religious and regional divides. This commitment to bridging divides is a testament to his belief in a Nigeria where leadership is defined by the ability to rise above entrenched sectarian loyalties and foster an environment of mutual respect and cooperation. Shettima’s approach is not merely theoretical; it is grounded in a pragmatic understanding of Nigeria’s complex political landscape and the pressing need for leaders who can navigate these intricacies with both wisdom and courage.
The Vice President remained committed by prioritizing national unity and inclusivity, even when faced with potential backlash from entrenched interests. By demonstrating a willingness to engage with diverse communities and advocate for equitable representation, Shettima exemplifies how faith can be harnessed as a unifying force rather than a divisive tool. By prioritizing a leadership style that embraces diversity, Shettima challenges the status quo and inspires hope for a political culture that values cooperation over conflict.
This vision aligns with the notion that true leadership requires courage to enact meaningful change and a dedication to principles that transcend immediate political expediency. By fostering an inclusive political environment, Shettima not only highlights the potential for faith to act as a bridge across divides but also demonstrates an understanding that true progress in Nigeria hinges on leaders who are willing to prioritize long-term national stability over short-term political gains, a sentiment echoed by those who champion the need for leaders who embody both integrity and a vision for inclusive governance.
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Shettima’s approach to governance, marked by a deliberate effort to balance religious and regional representation, serves as a testament to his belief in the power of inclusive politics to foster national cohesion. By navigating the complex interplay of religion and politics with a focus on fairness and representation, Shettima underscores the potential for faith to facilitate dialogue and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse populace. Shettima’s efforts to promote inclusivity and balance in political appointments, as evidenced by his advocacy for a Southern Christian Senate President despite potential controversy, reflect his commitment to fostering national unity and countering religious bias. Shettima’s vision for governance, therefore, emphasizes the importance of transcending religious and regional biases to create a political landscape where diverse voices contribute to national development.
His advocacy for equitable representation is a pragmatic approach to addressing the historical imbalances that have often fueled distrust and division among Nigeria’s ethnic and religious groups. His leadership philosophy, thus, not only challenges the status quo but also aims to redefine the political narrative by fostering an environment where every Nigerian feels represented and valued. Shettima’s leadership, therefore, becomes a beacon of hope in a political landscape often marred by division and distrust.
In this context, Shettima’s leadership is not only a reflection of his personal beliefs but also a strategic response to the broader challenges of religious bigotry and political imbalance in Nigeria. His approach, as observed in his recent initiatives, is a testament to his belief that sustainable progress can only be achieved through genuine collaboration and understanding among Nigeria’s multifaceted communities. Shettima’s endeavors, as highlighted by his leadership style, underscore a profound understanding that true progress in Nigeria is contingent upon dismantling the barriers of division and fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual respect among its citizens. His advocacy of balanced initiatives has sparked significant discussion, illustrating his willingness to prioritize national unity over parochial interests.
Shettima’s efforts to promote inclusivity and balance in political representation highlight his commitment to addressing the deep-seated issues of religious and ethnic division, demonstrating a leadership style that prioritizes unity over divisiveness. Shettima’s vision for a more cohesive Nigeria is not without its challenges, yet it reflects a strategic foresight that prioritizes long-term stability over short-term gains. His dedication to fostering a more inclusive political landscape is further reinforced by his efforts to engage with leaders across different regions and religious affiliations, promoting dialogue as a means to bridge the gaps that have long hindered national cohesion.
His actions resonate with a broader vision for a united Nigeria, where diversity is celebrated as a strength rather than perceived as an obstacle to progress. His approach, rooted in both fate and faith, suggests that leadership can transcend entrenched divisions by embracing a broader vision of national identity that is inclusive and equitable for all citizens.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
VP Kashim Shettima: Fate, Faith, and Lessons (1)
Columns
2027: SDP, El-Rufai, and the refuge of lies

2027: SDP, El-Rufai, and the refuge of lies
By Dr. James Bwala
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state and the former senator representing Kaduna Central, Senator Shehu Sani, have severally revealed in their various commentaries and interviews with journalists the kind of person the former governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, is and what he represents within and outside the political circles. Many who had also come across such pieces of writing or articles written about the former Kaduna state governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, have either aired their sentiments or held their reservations about the person of El-Rufai. Those of us who were born and brought up in Kaduna State can agree or disagree with Governor Uba Sani and Senator Shehu Sani on their conclusion of the person of El-Rufai. But certainly, one thing we may all agree on is better put in the words of Nigeria’s former head of state and president, Olusegun Obasanjo, when he described the Man-El-Rufai in his book, “My Watch,” Vol. 2, pages 110-112. “El-Rufai has a penchant for lying, disloyalty..’.
The political landscape of Nigeria in 2027 presents a complex narrative of opportunism and strategic repositioning, epitomized by Nasir el-Rufai’s calculated maneuvers within the Social Democratic Party (SDP). El-Rufai’s persistent party-hopping demonstrates the pragmatic nature of Nigerian political elites, who prioritize personal interests over substantive national transformation. This phenomenon reveals a systemic problem where political leaders view party affiliations as tactical instruments rather than platforms for genuine societal progress. The strategically orchestrated political realignments, particularly el-Rufai’s mobilization of opposition leaders under the SDP banner, underscore a deeper malaise in Nigerian democratic practice. His attempts to reconstruct political narratives reflect a calculated approach to maintaining relevance in an increasingly volatile political environment. The persistent manipulation of electoral dynamics suggests a continued reliance on rhetorical strategies designed to obscure fundamental governance challenges.






In 2027, the political landscape in Nigeria continues to be shaped by complex dynamics involving several players, notably the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and prominent figures like Nasir El-Rufai. This piece explores the intersection of political strategies, governance, and the pervasive influence of misinformation, encapsulated in the idea of a “refuge of lies.” The SDP has historically positioned itself as a party dedicated to social justice, democracy, and economic advancement. However, as 2027 unfolds, it faces significant challenges that threaten its credibility and electoral viability. One critical issue is the party’s struggle to maintain a clear and honest narrative amid a climate of misinformation.
In recent years, the proliferation of social media has allowed for rapid dissemination of both information and falsehoods, leading to confusion among voters. The SDP must navigate this reality by championing transparency and engaging with citizens on the ground to rebuild trust. Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, also plays a pivotal role in this narrative. Known for his controversial approaches to governance, El-Rufai’s political maneuvers often stir debate. His strategies, ranging from economic reforms to security initiatives, highlight the necessity of truthful discourse in politics.
In a political climate where misinformation can skew public perception, El-Rufai’s successes and failures must be viewed through a lens of honesty. The SDP could benefit by aligning its objectives with truthfulness, demonstrating how effective governance relies on accurate and factual communication. The “refuge of lies” refers to the tendency of some political actors to resort to deceitful tactics to gain an advantage. This can involve making exaggerated claims about achievements or downplaying failures to manipulate public opinion. This practice erodes the foundation of democracy, as voters are left with distorted views of their leaders and their policies.
Throughout 2027, as both the SDP and El-Rufai navigate their agendas, it is crucial to foster an environment where integrity prevails over deception. Voter education campaigns that promote critical thinking and fact-checking can combat the effects of misinformation. Indeed, the interplay between the SDP, Nasir El-Rufai, and the concept of the “refuge of lies” presents a critical moment for Nigeria’s political future. It emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in governance and the need for political accountability. As the country approaches the next electoral cycle, the challenges posed by misinformation demand urgent action. A commitment to transparency and integrity from both the SDP and political leaders like El-Rufai can foster a healthier democratic process, ultimately benefiting the electorate and the nation as a whole.
Ultimately, the 2027 political landscape for the SDP and its co-travellers under the umbrella called “A Coalition” represents a refuge of lies, where political survival trumps meaningful democratic engagement. El-Rufai’s maneuvers exemplify a broader pattern of political opportunism that undermines the potential for substantive national renewal. As Nigerian voters navigate these complex political terrains, the imperative for critical engagement and systemic accountability becomes increasingly paramount. Voters are left to discern between the rhetoric of change and the reality of recycled political tactics. The electorate’s skepticism is further fueled by a political climate where promises of reform are frequently overshadowed by entrenched interests and the perpetuation of power dynamics that favor the political elite over ordinary citizens. The entrenched cycle of political defections and alliances, as evidenced by El-Rufai’s maneuvers, highlights a stark reality where the pursuit of power supersedes the commitment to national development.
This pattern of political maneuvering not only perpetuates a cycle of disillusionment among the electorate but also poses significant challenges to fostering a stable and transparent democratic process. The electorate’s growing disillusionment is exacerbated by political figures like El-Rufai, whose repeated party affiliations underscore a tactical play for power rather than a commitment to transformative leadership. The electorate’s skepticism is further fueled by a political climate where promises of reform are frequently overshadowed by entrenched interests and the perpetuation of power dynamics that favor the political elite over ordinary citizens. Such political maneuvering not only undermines the electorate’s trust but also perpetuates a cycle where substantial policy reform remains elusive. The strategic alignment of political figures with parties like the SDP, as advocated by El-Rufai, underscores a pervasive trend where political survival is prioritized over authentic governance reforms. Such a focus on political expediency rather than genuine reform efforts raises critical questions about the future of democracy in Nigeria and whether the electorate will continue to tolerate this cyclical betrayal.
The electorate’s growing disillusionment with these political machinations may eventually catalyze a demand for transparency and accountability, challenging leaders like El-Rufai to move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible reforms. Given the electorate’s increasing frustration, it becomes imperative for political leaders to demonstrate a commitment to substantive policy changes rather than mere political posturing. The electorate’s demand for accountability is not only a call for action but also a test of the political will to transcend entrenched interests and foster genuine progress. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) must navigate these turbulent waters carefully, as its credibility hinges on distancing itself from the pervasive culture of political expediency that has long plagued the nation’s governance.
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As the 2027 elections approach, the SDP’s challenge lies in convincing an increasingly skeptical public that it can break away from the entrenched practices of its predecessors and offer a viable alternative to the status quo. The party’s ability to present a cohesive and transparent platform will be crucial in dispelling the pervasive cynicism that has long characterized Nigerian politics. The party’s leadership must recognize that empty promises and shifting allegiances, as exemplified by political figures like El-Rufai, are no longer sufficient to secure the trust of a populace weary of recycled rhetoric and superficial alliances. The electorate’s skepticism is further fueled by figures like El-Rufai, whose frequent party shifts are seen as emblematic of political opportunism rather than a genuine commitment to reform.
The challenge for the SDP will be to distinguish itself from figures like El-Rufai, whose political maneuvers have often been perceived as prioritizing self-interest over meaningful reform. To truly resonate with the electorate, the SDP must present a clear and consistent vision that starkly contrasts with the opportunistic tendencies of career politicians like El-Rufai. The SDP must focus on articulating policies that address the systemic issues of governance, resource mismanagement, and public disenchantment, rather than succumbing to the allure of temporary palliatives that have historically characterized political campaigns. The SDP’s commitment to integrity and reform will be tested as it navigates the complex landscape of Nigerian politics, where promises are often made with little intention of being fulfilled. The SDP must also remain vigilant against the allure of figures whose past actions, such as those of El-Rufai, have often contributed to the perpetuation of a political culture rooted in cynicism and self-preservation. The SDP’s ability to build trust will hinge on its willingness to break away from the shadow of political figures like El-Rufai, whose influence often symbolizes a return to the entrenched power dynamics that many voters are eager to dismantle.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
2027: SDP, El-Rufai, and the refuge of lies
Columns
NNPCL Appointments: Ahmadu Musa Kida, Sahara Reporters, and Journalism Without Ethics

NNPCL Appointments: Ahmadu Musa Kida, Sahara Reporters, and Journalism Without Ethics
By: Dr. James Bwala
The discourse surrounding Ahmadu Musa Kida and Sahara Reporters raises critical questions about the ethical standards in contemporary journalism. Kida, as a prominent figure in Nigerian sports administration, has become embroiled in controversies that reflect broader issues within the media landscape. Sahara Reporters, known for its investigative journalism, often blurs the lines between reporting and sensationalism, which can undermine public trust. This critique explores how such practices may detract from the credibility of journalism as a whole.
One significant concern is the potential for misinformation when journalistic integrity is compromised. The sensationalist approach taken by some media outlets can lead to distorted representations of events or individuals, particularly in politically charged environments. This tendency not only affects the subjects of news stories but also shapes public perception and discourse. In this context, Kida’s experiences serve as a case study of how personal narratives are manipulated for broader agendas.
Moreover, ethical journalism necessitates accountability and transparency—principles that seem increasingly neglected by platforms like Sahara Reporters. The lack of rigorous fact-checking and adherence to ethical standards can result in harmful repercussions for individuals involved. As such, it is imperative for journalists to uphold their responsibilities not only to inform but also to respect the dignity of all parties involved in their stories.
The assertion by Saharareporters that Ahmadu Musa Kida will compromise Nigerian interests is a glaring example of unethical journalism. This claim not only lacks substantiation but also undermines the principles of responsible reporting. Ethical journalism, as outlined in various studies, emphasizes the necessity for accuracy and fairness. By making sweeping accusations without credible evidence, Saharareporters fails to uphold these standards and instead engages in sensationalism that could potentially harm Kida’s reputation and the broader Nigerian context.
Moreover, the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists in Nigeria are well documented, underscoring the challenges of maintaining integrity within a politically charged environment. The media’s role should be to inform rather than to defame; therefore, such reckless claims reflect a significant deviation from journalistic ethics. The consequences of this behavior can be profound, contributing to public distrust in media institutions and exacerbating existing societal tensions.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/tinubushettima-the-epidemic-of-economic-insecurity-in-nigeria/
Ultimately, it is imperative for media outlets like Sahara Reporters to adhere strictly to ethical guidelines. Responsible journalism requires rigorous fact-checking and an understanding of the complexities surrounding individuals like Ahmadu Musa Kida. Failing to do so not only tarnishes their credibility but also poses risks to national cohesion and integrity (Hile, 2024). Thus, it is essential for journalists in Nigeria to navigate their responsibilities with care and accountability.
The report by Sahara Reporters is indeed very sad for every practicing journalist who understands “MORALITY” in framing issues to influence public perception. It is only in Nigeria that one can go into media and start writing unsubstantiated news about the person they virtually know nothing about.
Journalism, like any profession, is guided by ethics, which enjoin journalists to undertake investigations before writing about any personality. That was not the case when Sahara Reporters came up with their reportage about the appointment of Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman of NNPC Limited.
I need not say much about the person of Ahmadu Musa Kida here, but many Nigerians who came across him will agree that this personality without mincing words is the best thing that happened to the Tinubu administration in terms of appointments. His records at Total Oil speak volumes and are available for serious journalism research. His accelerated growth and rise to deputy managing director. A growth not due to Godfatherism but due to the highest degree of professionalism, owing to his result orientation and the value addition he put to bear in his capacity as their managing director, is straight for any debate.
This is a hard-earned achievement, not through bootlicking or lobbying. He retired after thirty-five (35) years of meritorious service, but the organization had to retain him as a non-executive director. All these achievements were due to his hard work, dedication, honesty, and selfless service.
To Nigeria Basketball, one need not be told of his landmark achievements from nowhere in the map of basketball. The Nigerian team (both men and women) started to exhibit brilliant performance. Nigeria became the first country to beat the USA on their home turf, which is highly unprecedented. At the Australia Olympics, America narrowly escaped humiliation on a global stage by Nigeria; this result was the encouragement, funding, and dedication of Ahmadu Musa Kida and his team. He remains a very good team player, an expert in the oil and gas sector, and beyond that, a truly outstanding nationalist who will not compromise the national interest of his country at the expense of anybody. I have known Ahmadu Musa Kida for several years, and I can attest to his patriotism, honesty, and dedication to duty in terms of taking all responsibility with the seriousness it deserves.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
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