For decades, we have always heard or read that government is continuum. We hardly get to see it happen in terms of projects especially when government changes hand from one political party to another, unfortunately it has denegerated lately into government changing hand to players within the same political parties abandoning project left by their predecessors.

In the media space, several analysts have tried to argue this as a basis for failure of government at several levels. While some people argue that it is politics of hatred, some other people argue that it is basically about priorities and some others argue that it is about each Governor or President wanting to leave a legacy. In this case lets focus on the Governors.

The question then becomes if a project should be completed because it has already been started or because the new Governor feels the project is not priority, remember that scarce resources had already been expended on the project.

Purpose conversion is something Nigerian leaders may have to pay attention to because if a particular project conceived for a certain purpose failed or has outlived its purpose, the same project can then be converted and used for another purpose.

Let me state here that the fact that government is continuum has been extensively exemplified by Governor Ademola Adeleke and this is not because of the basic functions of government but also on the basis of project abandoned by predecessors he has completed and projects that are moribund that he has now revived.

On one hand, let it be on record that when we say Government is continuum, it means that every new government inherits both the assets and liabilities of the previous government and is duty bound to fulfill those obligations.

Take loan repayment for instance, its impossible for any government to come and then refuse to pay back loan on the basis that it was taken by outgone governments, the loan is binding on the state.

In this regard, Governor Adeleke in two years of his administration, has paid back #62.31billion as domestic debt and paid back $13.61million in foreign debt.

The Domestic debt of Osun was ₦148.37 billion as at December 2022 when Governor Adeleke was sworn in but it has now reduced to ₦86.06 billion as at June 2024. In the same manner Foreign Debt of Osun as at December 2022 was $91.78 million but it has now reduced to $78.17 million as at June 2024.

Meaning that the Domestic debt of Osun has reduced by 42% and also the External debt reduced by 15% within to two years of our administration.

This is said to be my understanding of a government that is continuum, this is a liability or burden imposed on the state government by outgone administrations but which must be paid back, that’s one hand of the continuity of Government.

I say often that every leader must combine competence and character but in addition to this, every leader must be humane – showing concern for the pain or suffering of another, in other words, a Leader must be compassionate.

I remember that in December 2022 when Governor Adeleke was yet to move to the Government Secretariat and we were still operating from Imole House, he was being briefed by different agencies of government and then it was the turn of CSDA, while the Agency Boss was presenting her report she mentioned some communities that were disconnected from the national grid and also mentioned that the Agency had the fund but needed the Governor’s approval which the immediate past Governor didn’t give till he left office.

Governor Adeleke’s mood changed immediately and all of us present could tell that he was sad, so he got the microphone and he said he was sad, we knew that he was indeed sad and he gave approval for the kick off of the project immediately.

Going forward, Former Governor Rauf Aregbesola was famous among workers in the state for paying half salary and to be honest, many of the workers now retired had already thought the money had gone, Governor Adeleke again during the campaign period promised the workers of Osun both serving and retired that their welfare is his ultimate concern.

I am nostalgic about this because I have family members who were affected, in fact my mother and father had suffered the harmer of two former APC government both when it was AD, before it became, ACN and then its finally merger with CPC to become APC. I won’t be talking politics in this piece for now.

Now for retired civil servants on contributory penion, Governor Adeleke as at June 2024 has paid back over N12.7billion and paid back N4.3billion in gratuities, which his higher than what the previous administrations in the state paid back in twelve years all together. Only recently, in October 2024, Governor Adeleke approved another payment of N3.3billion pensions and gratuities and presented a N1.9billion cheque to Contributory pensioners in the state in November 2024.

You may want to argue that this is not an achievement but whatever makes an administration impose a burden on the government, its becomes an achievement for whoever lifts the burden, in this case, the name Ademola Adeleke suffices.

What about half salary, Governor Adeleke had in 2 years paid back a total of 7 months half salary from the 30 months half salary debt inherited from previous APC administrations, as if that wasn’t enough, Governor Adeleke cashed back the promotion of civil servants approved by the previous administration and left without financial implication.

Some people have gone about parading lies that Governor Adeleke had promised to pay the backlog in 6 months, I hereby challenge whoever said this to provide a video clip where he said that. At no time was such promised, he simply promised to pay and he has started, he has paid 7 months out of 30 in 2 years.

Now the highest ranking civil servants in any state is the permanent secretary, but for close to 10 years, Osun State operated without Permanent Secretaries because a government was trying to avoid the benefits of office and entitlements for the office holders then introduced “Coordinating Directors” instead, which the government of Oyetola that succeed it didn’t reverse until it lost the 2022 Governorship Election.

The question in the school of public thought then became, if the Oyetola-led Government in the state knew it would appoint Permanent Secretaries, why wait until the loss of an election before taking such step, does it mean it wouldn’t have if Oyetola had won his re-election bid?

Governor Adeleke upon assumption of office abolished the title of Coordinating Directors used in Ministries under the previous APC administration with the re-introduction of Permanent Secretaries to restore full confidence and right order in public service.

Now let me bring the conversation home, this conversation is so you can understand how Governor Adeleke has continued to clear doubts by doing things the previous administrations started.

In March 2023, while celebrating his 100 days in office, Governor Adeleke commissioned the second phase of 10.5km Osogbo Ikirun/Ila-Odo road which was abandoned by previous APC governments. The road was contract was first awarded in 2012.

On the 4th of December 2024, Governor Seyi Makinde on behalf of Governor Adeleke commissioned the the dualized Testing-Ground-Ilesa-Garage road in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

The 17.4km Oba (Sir) Adesoji Aderemi East Bypass was awarded in the year 2012 by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to Messrs Slava-Yeditepe Project Limited to ease the traffic congestion at the centre of the city and to serve as intracity link. The road passes  through Egbedore, Osogbo and Olorunda Local Government areas. The scope of works consist of 4nos bridges: One over Rail Line and Three over River Osun, a full cloverleaf interchange and host of the another items of work.

The road project is divided into four segments with each segment connected with roundabout or interchange in Osogbo metropolis which are;

Osogbo / Iwo road – Osogbo/Gbongan Road

Osogbo/Gbongan road – Osogbo/Ilesa Road

Osogbo/Ilesa Road – Osogbo/Ibokun Road

Osogbo/Ibokun Road – Osogbo/Ikirun Road.

The road was left incomplete by the time the tenure of Rauf Aregbesola expired and still incomplete by the time Gboyega Oyetola was completed his tenure, which means that for 12 years the road remained abandoned and Governor Adeleke in his two years completed it, with solar powered street lights.

In December 2024, Governor Adeleke commissioned Otan Ayegbaju – Iresi intercity road, which was abandoned for 44 years. This 7.5km road was constructed and commissioned to mark the second year in office celebration of the Ademola Adeleke-led administration.

On the same day of the Iresi road commissioning, Governor Adeleke had commissioned Cooperative College in Ode Omu, Osun State which was abandoned for 12 years and has been reconstructed by his administration.

I have to admit that even as an aide of the Governor I often wonder how easy or hard it must have been for a man who was completely underrated before becoming Governor, he was even degraded by the opposition party. The opposition party keeps searching for documents to nail him that he may have obtained loans but each time they did, the propaganda fails woefully, even the one they got featured on Sahara Reporters.

To be honest, I believe that the model of Imole government is worthy of emulation, let’s us the implementation of Minimum Wage as an example, the Ademola Adeleke-led administration started paying workers the 75,000 minimum wage with December 2024 salary, even when the federal government that approved 70,000 was yet to fully implement it. The salary scale of workers in Osun is now said to be second best in the southwest after Lagos. Nothing but commendable.

So what is it that Ademola Adeleke can not do? Against all odds, he continues to show to us all that he is here to do the job. According to Colin Powell, “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” Adeleke has proven to us beyond reasonable doubt that he meant business.

I’ll say this as I round it up, Oyetola-led Government told the people of Osun State it renovated Primary Healthcare Centres across the state, with that year in review, lets take 2023 for instance, Ondo emerge first in the southwest in the Leadership Challenge for Healthcare Delivery. This was announced in May 2023, 6 months into the government of Governor Adeleke. Where then is the result of the effort of Oyetola in the health sector. The challenge started in 2019, even when Oyetola was Governor, not once did Osun moved close to being a winner.

Fast forward to December 2024, 2 years after Ademola Adeleke became the Governor of Osun State, and took a bold step revamping the Primary Healthcare Centres in the state, Osun emerged Southwest Champions and won $500,000. There is therefore no doubt that the intervention of Ademola Adeleke is yielding results, its not a gimmick.

Osun in two years, under the leadership of Ademola Adeleke has seen tremendous improvement in the Health, Education, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Water, Sports and all other sectors, again I ask, what can Adeleke not do?

Sola Isola is a Media Aide to Governor Adeleke of Osun State.

Ribadu said the revelation made by Tiani came as a shock and surprise to them.

The Nigerian government has refuted allegations made by General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of state in Niger Republic, claiming that Nigeria is collaborating with France to establish a military base in its northern region to monitor Niger, Chad, and other neighbouring countries.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, the National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Nuhu Ribadu, dismissed the accusations as baseless and untrue.

“Nigeria has never had any agenda to permit foreign countries to come into our territory and set up military bases,” Ribadu stated.

Ribadu said the revelation made by Tiani came as a shock and surprise to them.

He clarified that Nigeria remains committed to fostering peaceful relations with Niger and would not support or engage in any actions that could destabilize the region.

In the five-minute interview obtained by SaharaReporters, Ribadu reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to regional stability and cooperation.
He urged for a focus on constructive dialogue rather than unfounded accusations.

The claims by General Tiani come amid heightened security tensions, with accusations that France is planning to establish a terrorist operational centre in Gaba, a forested area in Sokoto State, Nigeria, following the recent coup in Niger.

Nigeria has played a central role in efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to resolve the crisis peacefully.

Ribadu said, “Nigeria has no issues with instability or unrest with our neighbouring countries. We coexist peacefully with Cameroon, Chad, and Benin Republic. How, then, can someone claim we are having problems with the Niger Republic?

When asked about General Tiani’s allegation that France is financing the Nigerian government to establish a military base in the North for a potential invasion of Niger at will, Ribadu reiterated that such claims are unfounded and lack credibility.

Ribadu said, “Where did this come from? How could anyone claim that Nigeria would allow a foreign country to establish a military base here to cause havoc or instability for the people of Niger?

“Where would this happen? Nigeria has never had any agenda to permit foreign countries to come into our territory and set up military bases.”

“The British, who colonised Nigeria, have never attempted to bring their military into the country to establish a base,” he added.

“America has tried their best to establish a military base in Nigeria, but the Nigerian government declined their request. After our refusal, they went to Niger, and the Nigerien government accepted their proposal. However, the Nigerien government later realised their mistake and expelled them.”

He continued, “France, on the other hand, ensures that they establish military bases in almost all the countries they colonised. But Nigeria has never agreed to such arrangements with them to establish a military base in our country.

“We never agreed with them to launch anything, even for a day, let alone something that would disrupt peace or cause havoc in Niger. Where would this occur? However, we would never do such a thing.”

“But now, if Niger’s military is fighting with France, they cannot force us to join their fight. Nigeria is not at war with any country, and we have never fought any country in the world. Nigeria will never engage in warfare, and we will never allow any external forces to disrupt the peace and harmony of neighbouring countries,” Ribadu said.

Ribadu stated that the Niger junta leader mentioned some places in Nigeria, indicating a deep knowledge of the country.

He named specific locations, and we are calling on journalists and residents of those communities to investigate for Allah’s sake.

“Please verify if there are any foreign visitors in these areas, let alone connections to France,” he said.

“We want to assure the people of Niger that the Nigerian government will never allow any harm to come to them.

“We have been combating terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, IPOB, and militants in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country. By God’s grace, we have always emerged victorious.

“Nigeria’s neighbouring countries must understand that anything that happens in Nigeria will inevitably affect them as well. The Niger government needs to recognise that Nigeria is not their problem.”

Ribadu further explained that terrorists are the real issue. The problems caused by terrorists in Niger Republic are the same problems they are causing in Nigeria.

“We need to unite and fight these terrorists together. The people of Niger must understand that we are one big family, and any injury to one will inevitably affect the others,” Ribadu said.

He explained that it is unfounded for anyone to claim that the Nigerian government is aiding terrorists, especially when Nigeria itself is grappling with insecurity.

He urged Niger’s leaders to reconsider their stance and conduct thorough investigations.
He also warned that if Niger replaces France with other foreign entities or missionaries, they may inadvertently create future problems for themselves.

“They should not allow countries opposing France to establish military bases in Niger. Any nation that comes as a friend today might become a problem for them tomorrow,” Ribadu stated.

He cited an earlier instance where the Nigerian government advised Niger against permitting the establishment of an American military base. Ribadu said despite the warning, Niger allowed it, only to later regret the decision.

“We are now appealing to Niger to avoid relying on external forces. Nigeria is your family. Let us work together,” Ribadu urged.

He further called on Niger to rejoin the joint task force established with Nigeria, Chad, and other nations to combat Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.

He stressed that Niger’s withdrawal weakened collective efforts and could escalate security challenges.

Air Peace Chairman Accepts NCAA Sanctions, Pledges Compliance with Aviation Regulations

Lagos, Nigeria — The Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has accepted sanctions imposed on his airline by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) following violations of consumer protection regulations. Onyema acknowledged the infractions by his staff and pledged to ensure compliance moving forward.

The NCAA announced enforcement actions against five airlines, including Air Peace, for breaching provisions of Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023. The development was disclosed by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, in a statement on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

“Earlier today, I notified five airlines that the NCAA has initiated enforcement actions against the operators for violation of various consumer protection regulations,” Achimugu wrote.

Onyema Responds to Violations

On Friday, Acting Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, provided an update on the issue, revealing that Onyema publicly acknowledged the enforcement actions.

“The Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, stated that he has witnessed some of the infractions by his staff and has cautioned them to ensure compliance with the Authority’s regulations, particularly regarding refunds within the stipulated timeframe,” Najomo posted on X.

Onyema emphasized his support for the NCAA’s actions, admitting, “I will always acknowledge it where the fault is ours. This shows that the NCAA knows what they are doing.”

NCAA Takes Stronger Stance

Najomo underscored the significance of the enforcement, noting that this marks the first time in over a decade that the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Department has sanctioned airlines for such violations.

“It will no longer be business as usual as we continue to protect both airlines and passengers as impartial umpires,” Najomo said.

He commended Onyema for his cooperation and assured the public of continued efforts to safeguard passenger rights.

Broader Compliance Efforts

In related news, Ethiopian Airlines also confirmed its readiness to comply with NCAA regulations following a similar enforcement notification. The airline pledged to submit a compliance report promptly.

The NCAA’s actions come amid growing calls for stricter oversight in Nigeria’s aviation sector, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring accountability and protecting consumer rights.

Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Ltd. from MTN Nigeria’s network over the non-settlement of interconnect charges.

In a public notice issued Friday and signed by the NCC’s Public Affairs Director, Reuben Muoka, the commission explained that the action would remain in effect until further notice.

“The Nigerian Communications Commission hereby notifies the public that approval has been granted for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Ltd. (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd. (MTN) as a result of non-settlement of interconnect charges,” the statement read.

Exchange Telecommunications Faces Regulatory Action

Exchange Telecommunications, a local and international interconnect carrier, was informed of the application and given an opportunity to present its case. However, after reviewing the circumstances and the company’s explanations, the NCC determined that Exchange failed to provide sufficient justification for its inability to pay the charges.

The disconnection aligns with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012.

Timeline for Disconnection

The NCC announced that MTN Nigeria would cease routing voice and data traffic through Exchange Telecommunications five days from the date of the notice.

“At the expiration of five days from the date of this notice, MTN will discontinue passing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will, thereafter, utilise alternative channels in interconnecting with other network service providers,” the NCC stated.

Regulatory Oversight

This decision underscores the NCC’s commitment to ensuring compliance with financial and operational obligations in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry. It also highlights the commission’s enforcement of interconnectivity standards to maintain seamless service for consumers.

Northern leaders have expressed displeasure over President Bola Tinubu’s declaration that there will be no reversal on the controversial tax reform bills.

The leaders, comprising members of the National Assembly, the League of Northern Democrats, and the Northern Elders’ Forum, criticised the President’s firm position, describing it as unilateral and devoid of inclusive consultations.

During his maiden media chat held on Monday in Lagos, the President acknowledged that the bills might not be embraced by everyone, but maintained that there was no turning back on them.

He added that the tax reform bills were necessitated by the need to eliminate colonial-based assumptions in the nation’s tax environment.

Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, the lawmaker representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District, Senator Mohammed Onawo, said the President must allow National Assembly members to perform their duties without undue interference from other arms of government.

He emphasised the importance of adhering to due legislative procedures, noting that, as a former legislator, the President should respect the established process.

Onawo stated, “If the President, who was once a legislator, is passing judgment on bills that are before the National Assembly, it is unfortunate.

“Be it good or bad, the President should let the bills go through the normal legislative process and get the approval of the legislators. If they get approval, they will become law, but if they don’t, they die.

“I don’t subscribe to a situation where a president introduces a bill to the National Assembly and doesn’t give the lawmakers a chance to go through it and says it’s here to stay. For a legislature as reputable as this one, I think that’s wrong.”

He added, “Most of the people, even the legislators commenting on the bills, have not gone through the full content to know whether they’re good or bad. It’s just the summary that is being passed around.

“There is no bill initiated by anyone that is totally bad. The right thing is for legislators to go through the bills, identify contentious areas, and amend those that do not represent the public’s opinion or will not benefit the general public.

“Even laws as old as 100 years can be amended; so, I don’t see any reason why anyone will claim it’s good or bad without reviewing the content.

“We will look at the bills, and if any part is contentious or doesn’t benefit the people we represent, we will bring our opinions together, and at the end of the day, those with popular opinion will ensure the bills pass.”

Also commenting on the issue, Senator Ibrahim Gobir, who represented Sokoto East in the 9th Assembly, accused Tinubu of playing “politics of tribalism” with the tax reform bills.

According to him, the President cannot unilaterally implement the bills without legislative approval.

He criticised the proposed allocation of value-added tax revenue, saying, “If the parliament agrees with the bills, that’s fine, but if they do not agree, what can he do? Will he do it without the legislature?

“The bills are not only about the North; they are about Nigeria. You cannot be the president of only the Yoruba; he is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. All Nigerians, not just Yoruba people, voted for him. Why should he be a regional president when this bill will benefit only Lagos, Rivers, and Ogun states?

“Section 77 of the bill is the main issue. Consumers in Nigeria are not only Yoruba or Lagosians; they are all over the nation. When I drink Pepsi here in Abuja, I have to pay VAT to Lagos – why? If that is the case, then for any food item brought from the North, the VAT on it should be paid to the North.

“How can you give the impression that one section of the country is better than the other? What about the people from the Niger Delta who produce the oil that everyone is stealing?”

When asked if the legislators would review the bills before passing them, Gobir said, “We are not going to review them; we are going to dump them unless they correct all the abnormalities in the bills.”

On its part, the Northern Elders’ Forum said Tinubu’s declaration that the “tax reform bills are here to stay” undermined the principle of democracy.

The spokesman for the NEF, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, cautioned Tinubu against causing a crisis between the executive and legislative arms of government.

He said, “President Tinubu’s declaration raises concerns. The potential for bypassing the legislative process, inherent in his strong assertion, undermines the principles of democratic governance.

“By pre-emptively declaring the bills’ passage, the President risks alienating lawmakers and potentially creating unnecessary political friction.”

Commenting on Tinubu’s declaration, the League of Northern Democrats cautioned the President against rigidity on issues affecting the general welfare of citizens.

Speaking on behalf of the group, a former spokesman for the ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo and a pioneer member of the LND, Umar Sani, said, “We know that the country requires tax reform. One of the reasons for tax reform is to fight corruption.

“Corruption is very high because people don’t pay taxes. If people pay taxes, the rate of corruption will be lower because you know the larger part of the money you steal will go to the government.

“But there are areas we want the government to review, like the inheritance tax, which is against religion, and some other incidentals. There are areas we agree with the bills, and we have given suggestions on areas we don’t agree with. In summary, our position is not against the bills.

“The President has offended the sensibilities of many Nigerians, particularly those of our leaders, with his declaration, and it shows the level of independence of our National Assembly. The President should not be rigid in decision-making.”

The PUNCH reported that on September 3, 2024, Tinubu transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration, following the recommendations of the Taiwo Oyedele-led Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms.

The bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which aims to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill, which will provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.

Others are the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, expected to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, as well as the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which will create a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman.

As several African nations continue to grapple with economic instability, many have turned to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial assistance, resulting in significant debt obligations.

These loans, while intended to stabilize economies, often come with stringent conditions that can hinder long-term development.

The latest data, updated on December 23, 2024, reveals the African countries with the highest outstanding IMF credit.

Egypt tops the list with a staggering $9.3 billion, far exceeding other nations. Kenya follows with $3.02 billion, while Angola is close behind with $2.9 billion. Côte d’Ivoire has climbed to the fourth position with $2.75 billion, overtaking Ghana, which now ranks fifth with $2.51 billion.

Other nations on the list include the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with $1.6 billion, Ethiopia with $1.31 billion, and South Africa with $1.14 billion.

Cameroon ranks ninth with $1.13 billion, and Morocco joins the top 10 with $1.1 billion, replacing Senegal, which has dropped off the list, information on Business Insider Africa revealed.

The reliance on IMF loans has sparked concerns about the long-term implications for these economies.

Additionally, the restrictive economic reforms tied to these loans, known as Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs), have been criticized for exacerbating socioeconomic inequalities.

As African nations remain vulnerable to external shocks, such as fluctuations in commodity prices and global financial crises, the growing debt burden underscores the need for more sustainable financial solutions.

The IMF’s role in the region continues to be a subject of intense debate, with questions lingering over whether its assistance helps or hinders long-term economic stability.

See list below:

1. Egypt1. Egypt – 9,305,675,014
2. Kenya – 3,022,009,900
3. Angola – 2,900,483,338
4. Cote d’Ivoire – 2,746,507,040
5. Ghana – 2,514,421,000
6. DRC – 1,599,000,000
7. Ethiopia – 1,313,857,500
8. South Africa – 1,144,200,000
9. Cameroon – 1,130,220,000
10. Morocco – 1,100,200,000

Nigeria services some loans collected

The Nigerian government spent more than $2.24 billion to settle matured external debts between January and June 2024.

A breakdown of figures showed that in 2024’s first quarter (January to March), the Nigerian government spent $1.12 billion to service debts owed to various foreign entities.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Lagos residence to felicitate with him as part of the Christmas festivities.

This was contained in a photo message made available to the media,as the NDDC boss felicitates with the President in the spirit of the season.