News

Never Say You Know It All-Dembo

Published

1 year ago

September 28, 2023

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

It is a public knowledge that some people always assume that they can’t be advised or corrected at a point on an issue bordering on their endeavours. This is absolutely wrong, because it is an easier way to self destruction.

There is no smoke, they say, without fire. I was having a conversation recently on phone with my respected brother and President of Ilorin Emirate Bayero University, Kano Alumni Association, Mallam AbdulGaniy Ayoku where we discussed issues that border on development in our community, Kwara state and Nigeria in general. He unequivocally said it is good to remind ourselves to always do good to one another. He explained that there is nothing wrong advising those in the position of authority, provided it is done with respect and devoid of vulgar language.

The Almighty Allah knows us, because He is our Creator. Hence, He said we should remind ourselves as it will be beneficial to mankind. Let me be blunt, nobody knows it all. If you are in a position of authority, it is imperative that you listen to those who are admonishing you on the path of truth; don’t disparage them. In fact, most times, listening to your critics would help you to grow in no small measure. This is because in their criticisms lie elements of construction and destruction. The psychophants would not tell you the truth because of one reason or the other. To me when you see someone refusing to listen to those who are genuinely telling him or her the truth, he is probably arrogant and pompous. Such a person is deemed to have traits of Shaitan (Devil).

It is significant to say that not all advice is workable, so it is now left to you to digest and think inward to ensure that you don’t commit grave errors that are capable of disrupting your affairs and people’s expectations from you. Of course, some people who know you are intelligent would want to paint you black once they know you would reject their selfish advice. As a community leader, politician, head of a corporate organization or head of a family; you must have people of proven integrity around you. The reason is simple, they are your first advisers.

Some men and women have failed because they have always been treating an advice from their wives or husbands with disdain and stubbornness. As a reasonable partner you should be able to listen and digest the advice so that you won’t run into “had I know I would have listened to you”. It is natural when you are advised against your wish that you feel bad, but all you need is to calm down, consult and pray. A typical instance is in the event that a young man or woman fell in love with someone and his or her parents had Advised him/her to leave the woman/man based on the history and unsuitability of the relationship. Naturally it is not easy to advise someone who is in love with a woman or man, but taking the advice would do him or her a lot of good If he or she listens. Most times our parents see what we don’t see when it comes to choosing a lifetime partner.

Essentially, your success would be largely determined by the crop of people around you as a leader in any setting. So open your mind and don’t be selfish and hasty, because nothing lasts forever. Great men who felt they knew it all have fallen down in history because they have refused to listen.

In fact, as a leader you would hear funny advice and scenarios; but your pragmatism and sincere approach would help you to weather the storm of those inadequacies.

It is only the Almighty that knows it all. As a human being; however, you can’t be an Island. The implications of proving that you know it all is, friends, families and associates would leave you to continue fooling yourself.

At this stage of my life, I know I don’t know it all, because I have limitations so I will listen to genuine advice that would make me nagivate across the ocean of wisdom, knowledge and wellbeing. When you listen to an advice from a wise elder, it does not mean you are a fool or because you can’t think for yourself but to ensure that you don’t make a lifetime mistake.

News

President Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation for Lt. General Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

Published

9 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

President Bola Tinubu on Friday wrote the Senate, seeking confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede’s appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.

“In his letter sent today, President Tinubu seeks Oluyede’s confirmation in accordance with the provision of Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act,” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed in a statement.

The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu writes Senate, seeks confirmation of Lt. General Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff.’

Tinubu appointed Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30 following the illness of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

General Lagbaja, however, died on November 5.

Onanuga said, “President Tinubu is confident about the leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience of Lt. General Oluyede to lead and inspire the army to ensure national security and stability.”

Before he was appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede, a member of the 39th Regular Course, like his predecessor, served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

News

Lawyer Alleges Tenure Elongation Plot in Letter to Governor Yusuf

Published

15 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Barrister Mustapha I. Zubair, a prominent lawyer and politically conscious citizen of Kano State, has written a letter to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, alleging a plot by certain senior civil servants to extend their tenure of service beyond the mandated retirement age. The letter, which expresses deep concern over the issue, highlights the potential implications of such actions on the state’s governance and public trust.

Zubair, a registered voter of Gwale Local Government, begins the letter by expressing gratitude and admiration for Governor Yusuf’s leadership and pro-people policies. “Your exemplary leadership and pro-people policies have continually fostered growth and prosperity, and we, the citizens, are deeply appreciative of your dedication,” Zubair states in the letter.

However, Zubair quickly shifts focus to the matter of tenure elongation, which he describes as a growing concern among the people of Kano State. “It is evidently clear that after the recent posting of permanent secretaries in the state, some top government functionaries who will be due for retirement in December 2024 are now striving day and night to secure tenure elongation only for themselves,” he alleges.

The letter emphasizes the potential negative implications of such actions, suggesting that the attempt to prolong service tenure by a few senior civil servants could undermine the principles of fairness and transparency in the state’s administration. Zubair urges Governor Yusuf to address the issue promptly to maintain public trust and ensure that the state’s governance remains transparent and accountable.

The letter concludes with a plea for Governor Yusuf to take immediate action to prevent any attempts at tenure elongation and to uphold the integrity of the state’s civil service. “We trust in your commitment to justice and fairness, and we believe that you will take the necessary steps to address this issue,” Zubair writes.

The allegations have sparked discussions among political observers and citizens, who are keenly watching how Governor Yusuf will respond to the concerns raised in the letter.

News

FG Obeys Court’s Order, Stops FAAC Allocation to Rivers State

Published

1 day ago

November 22, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

The Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu has confirmed that it has stopped the October monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenue payment to Rivers State.

The development comes amid the ongoing face-off between Governor Simi Fubara and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesome Wike.

According to the Spokesperson of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa, the decision to stop the payment was made in respect of a court order.

Mokwa disclosed that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) will respect the court order, which barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian government from disbursing monthly allocations to the Rivers State government.

His words: “What I got is that the October 2024 FAAC has not been distributed yet. However, the Federal Government will obey the court order on the matter of Rivers State allocation.

“We are going to follow due diligence as long as there is no contrary order. In case there is a contrary, the status will remain.”

He added, “The process of disbursement of the October 2024 monthly allocation is going.”

The court order was obtained by the factional Rivers State Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, who had filed an originating summons against the Rivers State Executive, under the leadership of Simi Fubara.

The Amaewhule faction had alleged that the Rivers State Executive was yet to comply with the order of a Federal High Court directing it to re-present the 2024 appropriation bill to the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly.