The Nigerian Army has alerted residents of Kano and Jigawa States to be on the lookout for members of Boko Haram fleeing from the Lake Chad region as their enclaves came under intense onslaught of the military.
The Deputy Director of the Army Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement today, Saturday in Maiduguri, said that 1,050 insurgents had surrendered to troops in Lake Chad and Monguno general area of operations.
The army spokesman said that some of the insurgents fleeing from the ongoing offensive were senior and junior commanders of the Al Barnawi faction.
“The insurgents are attempting to melt into communities in and around Kano, Geidam and Gashua axis unnoticed. One of such fleeing commanders is Bana Bafui.
“Members of the general public, particularly in Kano, Geidam, Gashua, Hadejia and northern part of Jigawa State are therefore enjoined to be vigilant, watch out for strange faces in their communities and report same to security agencies.” [myad]
On December 5, 2017, three wise men came from the East. They had come to see me at the State House, Abuja. Who were they, and what message did they bear? Surely, it’s not gold, frankincense and myrrh. Those are gifts for Divinity. The three men were Igwe Cyprian Madu Nevobasi, Igwe Omeluenyi of Aguneese, Ezeani 111 of Mmaku Kingdom, in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Chief Emmanuel Okeke, and Hon U.S.A Igwesi, a former member of the House of Representatives.
Of the three people, Hon Igwesi was the only person I’d known, right from his days as a Federal lawmaker. Soon, the Igwe unfolded the reason for the visit. He would be celebrating the 14th anniversary of his coronation with a grand Ofala Festival on January 2, 2018, during which some people would be conferred with chieftaincy titles. One of them would be my principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, and the other would be myself.
Shock is a very mild word to describe what I felt. Chief. Who, me? We all have dreams, desires and aspirations in life. But for me, being a Chief is not part of it. Not at all. Chief. Who, me? It was incredulous.
The Igwe handed me two official letters of invitation. One for the President, and one for me. He said I could always represent the President, since state matters may not permit the country’s number one citizen to attend personally.
Why me? As the question was running through my mind, the Igwe explained: “My traditional cabinet nominated you, because we have been watching how you serve the country, and our President with passion. President Buhari is God-sent, to bring enduring change to our country. And from the way you serve him, we believe you are deserving of a title from Mmaku Kingdom.”
My visitors left, and my dilemma began. Chief. Who, me? I am a church person, and may play greater roles in the Lord’s vineyard in the future, as God gives the grace. Can you combine that with chieftaincy? But the Igwe had told me it was purely a ceremonial affair, with nothing ritualistic involved. And before he left my office, he had even prayed. It was a Christian, and not a traditional prayer. Encouraging.
And then I remembered! On June 1, 2015, when I resumed as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, I’d met President Buhari at Defence House, which was then his temporary abode, before he moved to the Presidential Villa. How did he welcome me? Jocularly, he had said: “Chief Adesina, welcome to Sambisa House.” We both laughed. Chief? Well, just some fun. That was what I thought.
Then, in October 2015, we had travelled to India. And as he does in most of his official trips, the President found time to meet with the Nigerian community in that country. As he recognized members of his entourage, the President called me “Chief Adesina,” and we all laughed. He was to repeat the same thing a couple of times in the next two years, all lightheartedly. Now, come has come to become. Didn’t know President Buhari was also a prophet.
I began consulting. The first person I expected to baulk was my wife. An Akure princess herself (she is nee Adesida), I expected her to say a resounding no, based on Christian convictions. If she rejected it, ‘who born me’ to accept the title? Our women are often our bosses. But curiously, she only raised one or two qustions, and seemed satisfied with my answers. The Igwe’s prayers had worked!
Next, the Adesinas, both at home, and in the Diaspora. No dissenting voice. And next, my local church pastor, at the Foursquare Gospel Church. He was very practical about it: “Whether we like it or not, you have become a political figure in the country, and you may not be able to avoid things like this. As long as there are no rituals, and it is purely a ceremonial title, you may take it.”
The final consultation was with the President. The visit of the three wise men from the East and the chieftaincy nomination had been widely published, and the President, an avid newspaper reader, was well aware, before I met him. The glow in his eyes when I told him about the event gave him away. He gave his blessings. He also gave me another blessing, which I won’t disclose here, lest some people ask for their share. Lol.
Every Christmas, the President encourages all Christians round him to take time off, and be with their families. He bade me goodbye, saying till after the New Year holiday, since the event was billed for January 2.
On New Year day, I prepared to leave Lagos on an afternoon flight, with my prospective Lolo (that’s the title for wives of chiefs), her younger brother, Dr Niyi Adesida, and my childhood friend, Tayo Oladapo. Others were to come on morning flights the next day, from Lagos and Abuja, respectively. And then, a spanner was almost thrown into the works.
When we checked in for Enugu, the airline officials had shaken their heads. Flights had not gone to that city for about a week, they said, because the weather had been consistently bad. My son, an airline pilot, had also hinted me about it the previous day. But we hoped the weather could have a change of heart, seeing it was the first day of a New Year.
Two hours after the scheduled time, the flight to Enugu was eventually cancelled, due to poor weather. Every airline did the same. The next alternative was to go through Owerri, and do three hours journey by land. But all Owerri flights had left for the day. The potential Chief was about to be stranded in Lagos.
My Secretary at the State House, Rosemary Ezeugoh, had gone ahead to Enugu on December 30. I phoned her, and she contacted the ADC to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, an old friend, who had also promised that he would be fully involved in the ceremony, and be my host. The ADC, Nnadozie Peter, who turned out to be a very decent and cultured police officer, encouraged us to proceed to Port Harcourt, and that he would meet us with a security convoy.
We changed our tickets to Port Harcourt, landing by 4.10 p.m. Journey to Enugu would normally be about five hours, but with the outriders and escorts, we made it in three hours, and ten minutes. Of course, you know where our hearts were throughout the journey. In our mouths! But God was gracious and faithful.
Gov Ugwuanyi (fantastic man, I must add), hosted us to dinner. Don’t mind that he is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor, he also invited Mr Osita Okechukwu, a core Buharist and Director General of Voice of Nigeria, who came with his wife. Perfect display of politics without bitterness.
D-Day. January 2. Mmaku is about one hour drive from Enugu. The governor insisted that myself and my entourage must ride in his convoy, as he would attend the ceremony. It was a God-ordained decision from the governor, as all those who were to have accompanied me had been stranded in Lagos and Abuja. Delegation from my former office, The Sun Newspapers, made of Steve Nwosu, the deputy managing director, Abdulfatah Oladeinde, editor of the Sunday paper, Femi Babafemi, editor of the Saturday paper, as well as my old friend, Shola Oshunkeye, waited hours on end, till their flight was cancelled. The same happened at Abuja end, with many would-be guests going back home in disappointment. The only guest who made it from Abuja was my friend, Mohammed Akwu, who had driven all the way with two others. Can’t we have what aviators call Instrument Landing Systems at Enugu Airport, in which case planes could land in the most severe weather? Something to discuss with Senator Hadi Sirika, Minister of State in charge of Aviation. Nigeria must keep pace with the rest of the world.
Mmaku was agog. The Igwe was resplendent in his traditional regalia and accoutrements. I had also dressed in Igbo attire. I didn’t look bad in it, or what do you think? Many movers and shakers of society were at the Ofala ground. A red letter day for Mmaku, if ever there was one.
First to receive us earlier in the day was His Royal Highness, Eze Barrister Igwesi Obi Igwesi, Chinwaeze 11 of Obuoffia and Omuoha 1 of Omuoha, in his own palace. He and his traditional cabinet treated us to an impressive reception, during which he applauded President Muhammadu Buhari, and the change he is bringing to the country. His words:
“Before now, we Igbos were suspicious of President Buhari, but we have now seen his programmes, and have no choice but to embrace him. I urge other Nigerians to support him beyond 2019, if he intends to seek another term.” Beautiful! I tell you, wise men still come from the East.
All the way from Osun, my state, was the Alaagba of Agba Kingdom, Oba Rufus Ogunwole, who added his royal touch to every place where I was received. He came with his chiefs. May the Oba reign for long. Amen.
Installation time. President Buhari was given Isi Mmiri Mmaku, which, freely translated, means, Fountain of Support. I received the insignia of the title on his behalf. Then, my wife, Adenike, was made Lolo, and shortly after, entered the Nwanne Di Namba (A Brother from Another Land). And that was your’s truly. It still sounded like a dream.
I thank all my friends from the East who came to honour me. Deputy Senate President, Dr Ike Ekweremadu, Elder Ekeoma E. Ekeoma and his wife, Ngozi, who came with three other friends, Ezinne Ojukwu, who represented her father, Chief Ojukwu of Ekesons Motors, Rev Austin Epunam, who represented Chief Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Motors, Dr Kelechi Nwagwu, Ichie Tony Onyima, former managing director of The Sun Newspapers, Ismail Omipidan, Chidi Nnadi, Uche Nnamani, Marcel Alozie, Bethel Obioma, all of The Sun, (Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, Publisher of Sun and New Telegraph had given me two full pages of congratulatory adverts), Chooks Oko, Oge Nnenne Edoh, Ifeoma Ogukwe, and many others I can’t mention for space constraints. I appreciate you all.
About a month ago, the thought of ever being a Chief never crossed my mind. So, why am I one today? Because it is good for our country. The fact that the offer came from outside my Yoruba ethnic stock was very significant. It is good for national unity and cohesion. Nigeria will remain one country, where in the words of our National Anthem, peace and justice shall reign. Again, though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we shall stand.
Also, the title was offered by a kingdom that recognizes the good job President Buhari is doing for the country. I was honoured because I am deemed to be serving him well. It would have been both impudent and imprudent to have said no.
And finally, the title was unsolicited. I never met Igwe Nevobasi, till he visited my office. And the fact that such a prominent figure came personally to inform me of the nomination, was humbling and remarkable.
My final words. Be careful what people call you. It may as well come to pass. President Buhari had always called me Chief. It has become prophetic. Also, I worked at The Sun Newspapers for 13 years, starting as founding editor, and rising to become Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief. I had always written to defend the cause of the Igbos in Nigeria. When they seemed to be making political mistakes, I had also pointed out the danger. It got to a time that a number of newspaper readers from the East began to address me as Nwanne Di Namba. And what title have I got today? The same. I had opened my mouth in amazement when the title was eventually unfolded by the Igwe. Mind what people call you. The biblical Nabal was foolish, because his name meant foolish. Simon meant a reed, an inconstant, untrustworthy fellow, tossed about by the wind. Jesus changed the name to Peter, which means The Rock. He became a pillar of the early Church. Mind what you are called. It may well come to pass.
.Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity. [myad]
Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has wondered where masquerades would spend the N2 million he was alleged to have given to them recently.
The governor asked rhetorically, when he fielded questions from news men at the Presidential Villa, Abuja today, Friday: “I don’t know how a masquerade will go and spend money? Is it in the grave? They are supposed to be spirits and I don’t know how masquerades will spend money.”
Governor Yahaya Bello responded to a question as to what was the rationale behind giving masquerades N2 million and vehicle each for which he was criticized.
The governor responded: “I think I’m just hearing that for the first time. But let me just tell you that in Kogi State, first we promote culture, two we don’t give millions to masquerades. In our culture, masquerades are ancestors. There is nothing of that nature at all.”
On what he thought about President Muhammadu Buhari contesting the 2019 election for his second tenure, Yahaya Bello said: “I’m sure you are following us as we are receiving decampees from PDP and all other political parties.
“And any time we hold any decamping rally in any local government, you will see the mammoth crowd that turns out.
“So, Kogi State has already endorsed President Buhari for second term. We are just waiting for the time to come.
“You are going to see the votes that will come out of Kogi State. It will dwarf that of Katsina State, I can assure you.” [myad]
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has won the Africa Man of the Year 2017 Award for his personal commitment to anti-insurgency war in Nigeria and West Africa sub-region.
He won the award also “for being a rare officer, a real gentleman, whose patriotic zeal in executing the war against Boko Haram is exemplary.”
The Nigerian Army also won the Best Institution of the Year 2017 for their supreme sacrifices and relentless efforts to clear the country of not only the Boko Haram insurgents but all forms of criminal elements for citizens to coexist peacefully.
The confirmation of the honour on the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army was announced in Abuja by the Pan-African amalgam, the Coalition For Governance and Leadership in Africa.
According to a statement signed by the group’s Award and Privileges Committee Chairman, Okpokwu Ogenyi, the coalition said that as an infantry officer, Lt. General Tukur Buratai’s “professional approach to operational planning to fight insurgency is highly plausible.
“For us, the successes so far made in the war against terrorism in Nigeria came as a combination of good leadership enhanced by motivation through enhanced troops morale by the land forces under General Buratai.
“Records available to to us show that, General Buratai’s personal sacrifice, commitment, zeal, and determination towards eradicating insurgency in Nigeria, and by extension the whole of West Africa, have not only resulted in the defeat of Boko Haram in Nigeria but has promoted regional peace and stability across African Nations”
The group said that “Pockets of attacks by degraded and fleeing Boko Haram insurgents not withstanding, the Nigerian military as an institution, have made unquantifiable supreme sacrifices and given their all to ensure that we all coexist in peace and harmony in the year under review.”
The Coalition For Good Governance and Leadership in Africa said that the winners emerged after its Award and Privileges Committee “considered numerous nominations from various organizations and individuals across Africa, disclosing that after a tedious screening exercise, the two nominees came tops.
The leadership award is an annual Honour bestowed only on two African Leaders or institutions that have distinguished themselves in promoting regional peace, infrastructure, wealth creation, food security, education, and health, among others.
Some eminent Africans who have received the honour in the past included Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Atta Mills (late), Mrs Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Monday Riku Morgan, to mention a few. [myad]
Soldiers of Operation Lafiya Dole have chased Boko Haram insurgents into the Republic of Niger Defence Forces, following the Amnesty granted the insurgents by the Government of that country. The soldiers, during a sustained artillery and aerial bombardments of the insurgents’ enclaves in the Lake Chad region, wounded a major factional leader of the terrorists group, Mamman Nur. A statement by the Deputy Director, Public Relations of the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu said that the fatally injured leader and his sub-commanders had fled from the onslaught. The statement said that several of the foot soldiers of the injured leader were killed while many of them have surrendered.[myad]
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris has confirmed that there are enough police men and women to adequately deal with an upsurge of community clashes, killings and other civil and criminal activities across the country. Answering reporters’ questions today, Friday after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the police boss said: “I cannot say Nigeria is under-policed.” He emphasised that the police “cannot be overwhelmed” by the spate of crises that are being witnessed in many parts of the country. He confirmed that the discussion he had with the President was how to have effective security of the Nation. On the crisis in Benue state and herdsmen killings of over 50 people, Ibrahim said that he had already deployed a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police to the affected areas to take care of the situation. He said that the DIG would work with an Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of police already in the state, together with the Commissioner of Police in the state to address “this issue of community problems in Benue.” He insisted that the crisis in Benue state is a communal misunderstanding. “Obviously, it is communal crisis; herdsmen are part of the community. They are Nigerians and are part of the community are they not?” The IGP assured that with the joint efforts of relevant security operatives, the recent crisis in Benue would not repeat itself. “I think what we should be praying for is for Nigerians to learn to live in peace with each other. I think it is very important.”[myad]
Former Nigerian Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has vehemently protested against allegation by a Tiv elder, Chief Paul Unongo that he (Atiku) is the chief financier of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria. In a statement today, Friday, in Abuja, the media adviser to the former Vice President, Mazi Paul Ibe said: “let it be known that though Waziri Adamawa is a Fulani, he is not a member of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria nor has he ever been a member. He has also never discussed about that group with Chief Paul Unongo. “Yes, Waziri Atiku Abubakar is a Fulani and proud to be one and has never hidden that fact. However, the Waziri is a thoroughly detribalized Nigerian that would never favour one ethnic group over another.” The statement said that it is very disheartening that in this period of intense grief in Benue State, Chief Paul Unongo would choose to level these desperately sad and false allegations on the person of Atiku Abubakar whom he erroneously described as the chief financier of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria. The statement recalled that last year during the massive flood in Benue State which affected over 100,000 families, Atiku, “who holds the Tiv traditional title of Zege Mule U Tiv, donated cash to the Benue State Government for the care of the victims. “This is fitting for a man whose Tiv traditional title means ‘the biggest shade of the Tiv people’. “It is strange that Chief Paul Unongo chose to neglect that act of love and care from the Waziri Adamawa to the people of Benue. Not only did the Zege Mule U Tiv make a financial donation, he also called on the Federal Government to do more to assist the flood ravaged communities.” It noted that the same Atiku is the one that had enjoin that a thorough investigation be made into the killings in Benue, and that anyone found culpable be made to bear the full weight of the law. “Having said that, it has not escaped our notice that Chief Paul Unongo is the Chairman, Governing Board of Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), a position he was appointed to in April of last year. “Understandably, Chief Unongo would be very grateful to those who gave him such a position and may feel it is his duty to attack and sully those in their bad books. “If that is the case, it would be a very sad day when a supposed elder chooses to make mileage of the sufferings of the people of Benue State who have had to endure the impunity of these killings for far too long.”
Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello has sworn to high heaven that as at today, he is not owing workers in the state. He stressed that with the N1.2 Billion which President Muhammadu Buhari approved to be given as part of the Paris Club refund, together with N10 billion he borrowed and the November/December allocation, he was able to clear four months at a stretch before Christmas and some left over (of salaries) were cleared before this January in Kogi State. Answering reporters’ questions at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly after observing Jum’at (Special Friday) prayer besides President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Yahaya Bello said: “in Kogi State today, we are up to date as far as salary is concerned. In the month of December, like Mr. President magnanimously assisted us with another tranche of Paris Club Refund, our own figure was N1.2 billion and some other change on top. “We didn’t just stopped at that. We borrowed up to N10 billion and we added November/December allocation to our figures and we were able to clear four months at a stretch before Christmas and some left over were cleared before this January in Kogi State. “As you all know, the salary was very bogus and according to the figure we had, we were able to distribute it among these months. So, glory to God as far as Kogi State is concerned.” The governor said that henceforth, his government would place emphasis on what he called ‘clock-in device’ for every civil servant in the state; both at local and state levels. “So that as you come to work and clock-in, that is exactly how your salary will end generated. “It is online. It is automated, so nobody is going to cheat anybody. That is how we are going to go in the state, so Kogi state civil servants, pensioners are all happy with this administration. “Thanks to God and Mr. President for this magnanimity.”[myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has warned Customs and Ports officials not to frustrate the smooth operations of the newly commissioned Inland Dry Port in Kaduna. He emphasised the need for the officials to make the facilities at the Port work “and not to frustrate business, commercial and industrial enterprises with unnecessary bureaucracy and inflicting on them delays and hardships, thereby defeating the object of the whole exercise as has happened in the past. Make these facilities work this time.” The President spoke today, Thursday, in Kaduna when he commissioned the Dry Port which he said, hinterland business community had waited for for too long. He said that such facility has tremendous potentials to ease the way of doing international business for the interior based importers and exporters. According to Buhari, the Development of Inland Dry Ports is an important factor in the nation’s economic development efforts. “As Ports of origin for exports and ports of destination for imports, the Inland Dry Ports will accelerate the implementation of our economic diversification policy. “The concept of Inland Dry Port has gained widespread importance with the tremendous changes in international transportation as a result of the container revolution and the introduction of door-to-door delivery of cargo. It provides importers and exporters located within the nation’s hinterland, especially industrial and commercial outfits, access to shipping and port services without necessarily visiting the seaports. “It also enables them to process clearance of their import cargo and take delivery of their raw materials and machinery close to their places of business. “Furthermore, the Inland Dry Ports will also provide our exporters the much needed facilities to process, package, consolidate and forward their exports to their customers all over the world without having to physically be at the seaports. “This replicates the port economy in the various centres where the Dry Ports are located inland thereby generating employment and contributing to the ease of doing business. Buhari said that in addition to the Kaduna Inland Dry Port, six other Inland Dry Ports in Ibadan, Aba, Kano, Jos, Funtua and Maiduguri, which have also been gazetted, are at various stages of completion.” The President congratulated the Kaduna State Government, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the hinterland importers and exporters on what he called “this epoch making occasion.” He also commended the initiative of Nigerian Shippers’ Council towards promoting the provision of the modern transport infrastructural facilities even as he advised the Concessionaires of the other six Dry Ports to emulate the Concessionaires of the Kaduna Dry Port by accelerating work on theirs “so that, in the next few months, they too can be commissioned. “With the full complement of the seven Dry Ports, congestion at the seaport and traffic gridlock in the port complex will be eliminated. Consequently, the cost of transportation and therefore cost of doing business will be reduced.” He called on all relevant stakeholders across the public and private sectors, particularly Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Shipping Companies and Agencies, Seaport Terminal Operators, Clearing and Forwarding Agents, Road Haulers and importers and exporters to utilize the facility optimally. [myad]
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has made it clear to Enugu Christian cleric, Rev. Father Ejike Mbaka that government and election are not run on prophesies.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement responding to Mbaka’s prophesy warning President Muhammadu Buhari not to contemplate seeking for a second tenure in 2019, said that anyone who feels the prophecies are true was at liberty to believe, but that the APC will only act on what is politically correct not prophecies
“We cannot run a political party by prophecy. Prophecy is a matter of personal conviction or personal belief.
“The party cannot act based on any kinds of prophecies because we are not operating on that. We only act based on what is politically correct. People are free to believe such prophecies but our party will not act or take critical decisions based on prophecies.” [myad]
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[myad]
A Handshake Across The Niger, By Femi Adesina
On December 5, 2017, three wise men came from the East. They had come to see me at the State House, Abuja. Who were they, and what message did they bear? Surely, it’s not gold, frankincense and myrrh. Those are gifts for Divinity. The three men were Igwe Cyprian Madu Nevobasi, Igwe Omeluenyi of Aguneese, Ezeani 111 of Mmaku Kingdom, in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Chief Emmanuel Okeke, and Hon U.S.A Igwesi, a former member of the House of Representatives.
Of the three people, Hon Igwesi was the only person I’d known, right from his days as a Federal lawmaker. Soon, the Igwe unfolded the reason for the visit. He would be celebrating the 14th anniversary of his coronation with a grand Ofala Festival on January 2, 2018, during which some people would be conferred with chieftaincy titles. One of them would be my principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, and the other would be myself.
Shock is a very mild word to describe what I felt. Chief. Who, me? We all have dreams, desires and aspirations in life. But for me, being a Chief is not part of it. Not at all. Chief. Who, me? It was incredulous.
The Igwe handed me two official letters of invitation. One for the President, and one for me. He said I could always represent the President, since state matters may not permit the country’s number one citizen to attend personally.
Why me? As the question was running through my mind, the Igwe explained: “My traditional cabinet nominated you, because we have been watching how you serve the country, and our President with passion. President Buhari is God-sent, to bring enduring change to our country. And from the way you serve him, we believe you are deserving of a title from Mmaku Kingdom.”
My visitors left, and my dilemma began. Chief. Who, me? I am a church person, and may play greater roles in the Lord’s vineyard in the future, as God gives the grace. Can you combine that with chieftaincy? But the Igwe had told me it was purely a ceremonial affair, with nothing ritualistic involved. And before he left my office, he had even prayed. It was a Christian, and not a traditional prayer. Encouraging.
And then I remembered! On June 1, 2015, when I resumed as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, I’d met President Buhari at Defence House, which was then his temporary abode, before he moved to the Presidential Villa. How did he welcome me? Jocularly, he had said: “Chief Adesina, welcome to Sambisa House.” We both laughed. Chief? Well, just some fun. That was what I thought.
Then, in October 2015, we had travelled to India. And as he does in most of his official trips, the President found time to meet with the Nigerian community in that country. As he recognized members of his entourage, the President called me “Chief Adesina,” and we all laughed. He was to repeat the same thing a couple of times in the next two years, all lightheartedly. Now, come has come to become. Didn’t know President Buhari was also a prophet.
I began consulting. The first person I expected to baulk was my wife. An Akure princess herself (she is nee Adesida), I expected her to say a resounding no, based on Christian convictions. If she rejected it, ‘who born me’ to accept the title? Our women are often our bosses. But curiously, she only raised one or two qustions, and seemed satisfied with my answers. The Igwe’s prayers had worked!
Next, the Adesinas, both at home, and in the Diaspora. No dissenting voice. And next, my local church pastor, at the Foursquare Gospel Church. He was very practical about it: “Whether we like it or not, you have become a political figure in the country, and you may not be able to avoid things like this. As long as there are no rituals, and it is purely a ceremonial title, you may take it.”
The final consultation was with the President. The visit of the three wise men from the East and the chieftaincy nomination had been widely published, and the President, an avid newspaper reader, was well aware, before I met him. The glow in his eyes when I told him about the event gave him away. He gave his blessings. He also gave me another blessing, which I won’t disclose here, lest some people ask for their share. Lol.
Every Christmas, the President encourages all Christians round him to take time off, and be with their families. He bade me goodbye, saying till after the New Year holiday, since the event was billed for January 2.
On New Year day, I prepared to leave Lagos on an afternoon flight, with my prospective Lolo (that’s the title for wives of chiefs), her younger brother, Dr Niyi Adesida, and my childhood friend, Tayo Oladapo. Others were to come on morning flights the next day, from Lagos and Abuja, respectively. And then, a spanner was almost thrown into the works.
When we checked in for Enugu, the airline officials had shaken their heads. Flights had not gone to that city for about a week, they said, because the weather had been consistently bad. My son, an airline pilot, had also hinted me about it the previous day. But we hoped the weather could have a change of heart, seeing it was the first day of a New Year.
Two hours after the scheduled time, the flight to Enugu was eventually cancelled, due to poor weather. Every airline did the same. The next alternative was to go through Owerri, and do three hours journey by land. But all Owerri flights had left for the day. The potential Chief was about to be stranded in Lagos.
My Secretary at the State House, Rosemary Ezeugoh, had gone ahead to Enugu on December 30. I phoned her, and she contacted the ADC to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, an old friend, who had also promised that he would be fully involved in the ceremony, and be my host. The ADC, Nnadozie Peter, who turned out to be a very decent and cultured police officer, encouraged us to proceed to Port Harcourt, and that he would meet us with a security convoy.
We changed our tickets to Port Harcourt, landing by 4.10 p.m. Journey to Enugu would normally be about five hours, but with the outriders and escorts, we made it in three hours, and ten minutes. Of course, you know where our hearts were throughout the journey. In our mouths! But God was gracious and faithful.
Gov Ugwuanyi (fantastic man, I must add), hosted us to dinner. Don’t mind that he is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor, he also invited Mr Osita Okechukwu, a core Buharist and Director General of Voice of Nigeria, who came with his wife. Perfect display of politics without bitterness.
D-Day. January 2. Mmaku is about one hour drive from Enugu. The governor insisted that myself and my entourage must ride in his convoy, as he would attend the ceremony. It was a God-ordained decision from the governor, as all those who were to have accompanied me had been stranded in Lagos and Abuja. Delegation from my former office, The Sun Newspapers, made of Steve Nwosu, the deputy managing director, Abdulfatah Oladeinde, editor of the Sunday paper, Femi Babafemi, editor of the Saturday paper, as well as my old friend, Shola Oshunkeye, waited hours on end, till their flight was cancelled. The same happened at Abuja end, with many would-be guests going back home in disappointment. The only guest who made it from Abuja was my friend, Mohammed Akwu, who had driven all the way with two others. Can’t we have what aviators call Instrument Landing Systems at Enugu Airport, in which case planes could land in the most severe weather? Something to discuss with Senator Hadi Sirika, Minister of State in charge of Aviation. Nigeria must keep pace with the rest of the world.
Mmaku was agog. The Igwe was resplendent in his traditional regalia and accoutrements. I had also dressed in Igbo attire. I didn’t look bad in it, or what do you think? Many movers and shakers of society were at the Ofala ground. A red letter day for Mmaku, if ever there was one.
First to receive us earlier in the day was His Royal Highness, Eze Barrister Igwesi Obi Igwesi, Chinwaeze 11 of Obuoffia and Omuoha 1 of Omuoha, in his own palace. He and his traditional cabinet treated us to an impressive reception, during which he applauded President Muhammadu Buhari, and the change he is bringing to the country. His words:
“Before now, we Igbos were suspicious of President Buhari, but we have now seen his programmes, and have no choice but to embrace him. I urge other Nigerians to support him beyond 2019, if he intends to seek another term.” Beautiful! I tell you, wise men still come from the East.
All the way from Osun, my state, was the Alaagba of Agba Kingdom, Oba Rufus Ogunwole, who added his royal touch to every place where I was received. He came with his chiefs. May the Oba reign for long. Amen.
Installation time. President Buhari was given Isi Mmiri Mmaku, which, freely translated, means, Fountain of Support. I received the insignia of the title on his behalf. Then, my wife, Adenike, was made Lolo, and shortly after, entered the Nwanne Di Namba (A Brother from Another Land). And that was your’s truly. It still sounded like a dream.
I thank all my friends from the East who came to honour me. Deputy Senate President, Dr Ike Ekweremadu, Elder Ekeoma E. Ekeoma and his wife, Ngozi, who came with three other friends, Ezinne Ojukwu, who represented her father, Chief Ojukwu of Ekesons Motors, Rev Austin Epunam, who represented Chief Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Motors, Dr Kelechi Nwagwu, Ichie Tony Onyima, former managing director of The Sun Newspapers, Ismail Omipidan, Chidi Nnadi, Uche Nnamani, Marcel Alozie, Bethel Obioma, all of The Sun, (Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, Publisher of Sun and New Telegraph had given me two full pages of congratulatory adverts), Chooks Oko, Oge Nnenne Edoh, Ifeoma Ogukwe, and many others I can’t mention for space constraints. I appreciate you all.
About a month ago, the thought of ever being a Chief never crossed my mind. So, why am I one today? Because it is good for our country. The fact that the offer came from outside my Yoruba ethnic stock was very significant. It is good for national unity and cohesion. Nigeria will remain one country, where in the words of our National Anthem, peace and justice shall reign. Again, though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we shall stand.
Also, the title was offered by a kingdom that recognizes the good job President Buhari is doing for the country. I was honoured because I am deemed to be serving him well. It would have been both impudent and imprudent to have said no.
And finally, the title was unsolicited. I never met Igwe Nevobasi, till he visited my office. And the fact that such a prominent figure came personally to inform me of the nomination, was humbling and remarkable.
My final words. Be careful what people call you. It may as well come to pass. President Buhari had always called me Chief. It has become prophetic. Also, I worked at The Sun Newspapers for 13 years, starting as founding editor, and rising to become Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief. I had always written to defend the cause of the Igbos in Nigeria. When they seemed to be making political mistakes, I had also pointed out the danger. It got to a time that a number of newspaper readers from the East began to address me as Nwanne Di Namba. And what title have I got today? The same. I had opened my mouth in amazement when the title was eventually unfolded by the Igwe. Mind what people call you. The biblical Nabal was foolish, because his name meant foolish. Simon meant a reed, an inconstant, untrustworthy fellow, tossed about by the wind. Jesus changed the name to Peter, which means The Rock. He became a pillar of the early Church. Mind what you are called. It may well come to pass.
.Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity. [myad]