By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

It is often said that one should not judge a book by its cover. You can only effectively describe a book after one might have gone through its content in what FR Leavis and Q.D Leavis referred to as the “beautifully woven fabrics of a text”

The Leavis are literary critics; they were husband and wife. Therefore,religious tolerance can’t be seen in abstract because it is a practical disposition. One can’t claim emphatically that he or she is religiously tolerant when his actions, transactions and interactions with neighbours, colleagues and friends are in conflict.

It is on this basis,I feel obliged and enticed to talk write about the recent religious tolerance exhibited by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio when he hosted both Muslims and Christians senators for Iftar on Monday,1st April,2024 in Abuja.As a leader you must work the talk.

In his remarks at the occasion, the Senate president opined that religion cannot divide us,”stressing that it was not a mere coincidence that the Christians Lenten and Muslim Ramadan periods came up again same time.He said despite the different religions, Muslims and Christians have one God.

Mr Akpabio congratulated his colleagues for breaking their fast with him and thanked the Almighty God for enabling them to witness the day alive.He sought for God’s protection and good health for all.

He explained that it was not a coincidence that God is merging the fasting of the Muslims and that of the Christian together.He stressed that it was not the first time the two faiths were observing their fasting the same time.

He stressed the need for them to continue to work together as brothers and sisters of the Almighty God, for the benefit of Nigeria.He asserted that for every human being there is a time to be born and there is a time to go.In his words ” no matter the turmoil,no matter the political disagreement,even families do disagree.But we must bear one thing in mind,that we are serving humanity through Almighty God and that one day,we shall leave this world to go and account for our deeds while we were on earth.I think that is the guiding principle.”

One may not be far from the truth if one opines that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio was speaking like a clergyman through his admonition to co-senators that were present at the event.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin,thanked Senate President on behalf of other senators for inviting them for Iftar.According to him “we are really grateful.The invitation is a demonstration of the care that you have for all Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.We all know you as a very caring leader, someone who cares about the welfare of all Senators.”

He equally said the invitation has reinforced what they know about Senate President and linked it to Hausa adage that says”inviting you to come is more delicious than the food.”Senator Barau also said they were happy about the invitation, because it showed that the Senate president has them in mind.He prayed to Allah to continue to be their guide and support as they work with the Executive arm of government to face the challenges confronting the country.In his words “..we are going to change the challenges to prosperity”and that Nigeria would become a land of eldorado within a short time by the grace of God.

Religious tolerance is an integral part of National integration; no one can play down its benefit in the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria.So whenever I see a leader who have proven beyond reasonable doubt that he is religiously tolerant I appreciate the person,just like the way I’m doing it for the distinguished Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.Similarly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also demonstrated the significant level of religious tolerance by hosting series of Iftar with several religious, political and business community leaders in the country during the holy month of Ramadan.

Interestingly, religious tolerance contributes to robust inter-personal relationships in a pluralistic society like ours.It broadens the society for opportunity in order for a nation to actualize her dream.It also abrogates suspicion among adherents of different faith and promote love.This is why I can’t look away without writing something about what Senator Akpabio has done recently.Even as a Governor of Akwa Ibom State for eight years, Akpabio had never been in a news for religious intolerance.This is a greatest feat to his personality and it will continue to resonate across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

Significantly ,I was joyous when I saw my political principal, Senator Saliu Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin Emirate sitting by the right hand side of Senate President during the Iftar in Abuja.Senator Mustapha is a top-notch politician when it comes to religious tolerance.He is from Muslim majority Kwara Central Senatorial district, yet he appointed a Christian as a legislative Aide recently.It is obvious that like minds work together.

In conclusion,no Nation can strive where religious tolerance is relegated to the background, therefore we must as leaders and followers imbibe the culture of inclusivity and religious tolerance for a more United and prosperous country.

abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com
07037813177

By Yusuf Auwal Saleh Lulu

In the intricate dance of governance, the appointment of key officials holds the power to shape destinies and professional service. However, when political expediency trumps competence, the consequences can be dire. This seems to be the case of many appointments for chief executive officers even for critical professional organisations in the Heath, media and educational sector in most states in Nigeria. This appointment of incompetence tenure, embodies a stark lesson in the perils of appointing leaders devoid of expertise and integrity.

Handling the reins of authority with little regard for meritocracy, lead to character flaws that quickly come to the fore.
Most of these kinds of appointments are characterised by Selfishness, total incompetence to handle or administer professional tasks assigned and driven a voracious greed for personal enrichment, the ill-suited for the weighty responsibilities entrusted turns vaque and rather than stewarding the organization with wisdom and vision, they mostly embarked on a reckless pursuit of quick riches, heedless of the long-term repercussions.

Compounding their incompetence was a glaring lack of proficiency in the field they are appointed to oversee. With scant knowledge of the subject matter, they stumbled through unknown duties, leaving chaos and disarray in his wake.
Most of the organizations where these kinds of appointments are done, are those meant to be a beacon of hope, progress and some even a fighting tool under the government’s auspices, languished under these kind of misguided leadership.

Despite mounting evidence of their ineptitude, with lust most governors remained oblivious and lost to love shadows for their appointees and to the havoc wrought by these kinds of ill-conceived appointments. While some are Blinded or blindfolded to the damages inflicted upon the organization and the broader community.
Oftentimes, most governors turned a blind eye to the signs of impending disaster. Ignoring all signs with complacency shields these kinds of appointments, either from accountability point of view, to subject proficiency and capabilities, prolonging the suffering of those affected by the illusions of their mismanagement.

Yet, time is a relentless arbiter of truth. As the days pass and these kinds of stoothed leadership’s failures become increasingly apparent, the veil of deception woven by political expediency, will inevitably fray.
There will be a time that it will be too late to reverse these kinds of damage wrought by their misplaced trust with a lot of repercussions
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In the annals of governance, the cautionary tale of a selfish, impatient, and greedy leadership may serve as a poignant reminder of the imperative to uphold principles of meritocracy, professionalism, commitment and integrity in service.
For, in the absence of such virtues, the dreams of progress and prosperity risk being dashed upon the rocks of incompetence and folly.

Just because incompetence is elevated.

Seyi Olorunsola

In the vast landscape of Nigerian politics, where the terrain can often be fraught with division and personal agendas, Honourable Leke Abejide stands out as a beacon of progressive legislation and political integrity. Representing the Yagba East/West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abejide’s tenure in both the 9th and current 10th Assembly has been marked by unwavering dedication to national development through legislative initiatives that address crucial issues facing the nation.

One of the hallmark contributions of Honourable Abejide is his sponsorship of the Nigeria Customs and Excise Management Amendment Bill. In a compelling debate on the floor of the House, Abejide articulated the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the Customs and Excise legislation, which had remained unchanged since 1958. He astutely pointed out that in today’s globalized and competitive world, outdated regulations hinder the effectiveness of revenue collection and enforcement efforts. By advocating for the modernization of customs and excise policies, Abejide demonstrated a keen understanding of the imperative to adapt legislative frameworks to contemporary challenges.

Central to Abejide’s proposed amendments was the consolidation of customs and excise legislations into a single compendium, streamlining operations and facilitating efficient policy implementation. Moreover, recognizing the critical role of adequate funding in enhancing the capacity of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abejide championed provisions for additional financial resources, aligning with international best practices. By advocating for a more robust penalty regime for offenders, he underscored the importance of deterrence in combating economic crimes and safeguarding national interests.

Beyond his legislative endeavors, Honourable Abejide has emerged as a vocal advocate for various national issues, ranging from security to infrastructural development. His contributions to parliamentary debates reflect a deep-seated commitment to advancing the collective interests of Nigerians, transcending partisan divides. Notably, his recent foray into sub-national politics, contesting for the governorship of Kogi State under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), showcased his principled approach to governance. Eschewing divisive tactics, Abejide focused on substantive policy issues, offering pragmatic solutions to the challenges facing the state.

Despite the outcome of the gubernatorial election, Abejide’s dignified campaign underscored his stature as a new breed politician, driven by a genuine desire to serve the people. His ability to navigate political landscapes with integrity and grace has earned him admiration from across the political spectrum. Indeed, Abejide’s allegiance to national interest over partisan affiliations is a testament to his statesmanship and commitment to a united Nigeria.

As we look to the future, it is imperative that leaders of Abejide’s caliber are entrusted with critical national assignments. His demonstrated leadership qualities and unwavering dedication to the ideals of democracy make him eminently qualified for roles that require vision, integrity, and pragmatism. I hereby call on President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a stalwart of Nigerian politics, to recognize and harness the exceptional talent and potential embodied by Honourable Leke Abejide.

In conclusion, Honourable Leke Abejide epitomizes the essence of public service—a steadfast commitment to the common good, unwavering integrity, and visionary leadership. His contributions to legislative reform and political discourse are emblematic of his unwavering dedication to national development. As Nigeria navigates the complex challenges of the 21st century, leaders like Abejide offer hope and inspiration for a brighter future. Let us rally behind them and embrace the promise of a truly inclusive and prosperous nation.

Seyi Olorunsola, writes from Abuja