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Tinubu: Overfed Father of Starving Children
IduwiniVoice
Tinubu: Overfed Father of Starving Children
By Farooq A. Kperogi
The unfailingly abiding emotional investment I have in the wellbeing of common people springs forth from my experiential and mediated identification with the twinge of hunger and misery that poverty breeds.
As people who read my columns know, my father, who died on December 31, 2016, was an Arabic/Islamic Studies teacher at a government-owned primary school for almost four decades. His salary was modest and often not guaranteed both during military regimes and civilian administrations. So, my siblings and I grew up in relative deprivation.
But there were choices he made as a father that earned him our unalloyed filial respect, loyalty, and love in spite of our lack. He never ever ate outside for any reason. Even when he was invited to preside over naming or wedding ceremonies, as Malams of his stature often were, he didn’t eat the food he was offered at the venues of the ceremonies. He would always bring it home to us.
When his colleagues would ask him why he didn’t eat outside, he would tell them that he couldn’t bear to luxuriate in outside culinary treats when the children for whom he lived stayed hungry at home or ate inferior food. He thought it was unjustifiably selfish.
He also never had more meat on his plate than we had when we had lunch or dinner. Each time our stepmother gave him more pieces of meat than she gave us children, like clockwork, he would consistently share the extra pieces with us and would watch us like a protective mother hen as we ate.
If he didn’t have enough money to buy new clothes for us, he never bought for himself. In fact, he would often buy clothes for us at the expense of donning threadbare clothes. His fellow Malams were often better dressed than he—because of us.
And he always ensured that, no matter the circumstance, our school fees were paid—even if we couldn’t afford to buy all required textbooks.
We didn’t need to be told that he loved us with the entire fiber of his being. We could feel, even touch, his pure, total affection.
So, on days we had no food, or had food but without meat, and on festive occasions when we didn’t have new clothes like our agemates did, we were never resentful. We knew we would have anything if he could afford it. And even when he disciplined us severely—and he was a strict, stick-wielding, no-nonsense disciplinarian—for our youthful transgressions and indiscretions, we forgave him easily. As young as we were, he made us understand the concept of tough love without articulating it.
That’s why I miss my father sorely every single day, and why he continues to be my most important role model.
There is a parallel between being the father—or mother—of children and being the president of a country. Just as selfless, responsible parenting automatically inspires filial respect and love, compassionate, responsible governance engenders patriotism and makes possible national self-sacrifice from citizens.
The more I read stories of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s profligate expenditures and vain acquisitions amid the once-in-a-generation cost-of-living crisis that ordinary Nigerians are going through as a direct consequence of his economic policies, the more I think of my late father.
If my father had splurged on himself while his children starved, would we have been as emotionally attached to him as we were—and still are posthumously? Would he have been able to persuade us that we didn’t have the fine things of life because he lacked the means to buy them for us?
Nigeria has one of the world’s highest poverty rates. Most Nigerians now live in way worse poverty than I lived in when I was growing up. Yet Tinubu’s economic reforms consist basically in denuding citizens of some of the subsidies we had taken for granted—relatively cheap petrol (which leads to affordable transportation and food costs), subsidized education (which allows the son of a primary school teacher like me to go to university), etc.
The justification for these “reforms” is that Nigeria is too poor to be able to sustain programs that help the poor to survive and thrive. So, sacrifice is required to rejig the economy. Money saved from the (temporary) withdrawal of the state from the lives of the people will be invested to ensure a greater, brighter, more prosperous tomorrow. Untrue, but fair enough.
But why is the sacrifice a one-way traffic? At the time that everyday folks have been told to contend with unsustainably extortionate petrol and electricity prices, which have had a domino effect on all aspects of life, President Tinubu bought for himself a new presidential jet worth $150 million, which is the equivalent of more than N150 billion!
This is aside from the fact that the sum of N12.7 billion has been allocated in the 2023 supplementary budget for the maintenance of the presidential air fleet. A country too poor to provide much-needed subsidies for its poor shouldn’t have a president who flies in an expensive plane or an air fleet that guzzles that much money to maintain.
The UK is a much wealthier country than Nigeria. It gives its citizens the sorts of subsidies that Nigerians have been blackmailed into accepting that they are unworthy of, but the UK Prime Minister had no dedicated aircraft until 2016 when a plane was purchased for the Prime Minister (and “other ministers and senior members of the royal family when they travel on official engagements”) at the cost of $15 million.
UK government officials, including the Prime Minister, used to charter commercial jets for official travels. Until 2016, the “United Kingdom was, in fact, the only one among the Group of Seven industrialized countries without a dedicated government VIP jet,” according to the Points Guy website.
Recall that Tinubu caused a well-deserved national stir when he ordered the purchase of a presidential yacht worth N5 billion sometime in 2023. It also came to light that he bought for himself a bulletproof Escalade SUV worth N1.5 billion, among other examples of indefensible epicurean lavishness.
In response to my last week’s column, a government apologist (who knows if he is a government appointee?) pointed out to me that, “The price of petroleum [in Nigeria] was the second lowest in the world (in dollar terms) by the time the subsidy was (partially) removed.”
He said this as an indictment. He is miffed that Nigeria had the second lowest petrol price in the world. I doubt this is even true, but even if it were true, what’s wrong with that? It’s like a wealthy but stingy father who splurges on himself telling his starving children that they don’t deserve the crumbs he throws their way because there are poorer neighbors with way hungrier children than they.
So, the rich but penny-pinching father stops the crumbs to the children but continues to luxuriate in conspicuous opulence while telling his children to learn to sacrifice for a greater tomorrow. That’s not a father worth respecting or obeying.
A president who indulges in the kind of primitive acquisitiveness and conspicuous consumption that are becoming the trademark of President Tinubu at the expense of subjecting the broad masses of the people to the most extreme deprivation that Nigeria has witnessed in living memory has no moral right to expect patriotism or willing sacrifice.
If President Tinubu and members of this government are serious about “sacrificing,” in light of the fact that Nigeria is “broke,” they should first give up their own “subsidies.” There is neither honor nor dignity in being the overfed father of starving children.
By Divine Perezide
The tranquil town of Oporoza in Delta State came alive with vibrant celebrations as the Amaseikumor Festival commenced, transforming the peaceful community into a lively cultural destination. Known for its ancestral significance, the festival drew visitors from across the globe, eager to witness the colorful traditions of the Gbaramatu Kingdom.
Amaseikumor, meaning “no evil should befall the community” in the Gbaramatu Ijaw dialect, is a time-honored celebration dedicated to paying tribute to forebears and divinities, expressing gratitude for harvests, and showcasing the rich customs of the Gbaramatu people. This year’s edition kicked off with remarkable energy, drawing attention from cultural lovers, foreign tourists, and dignitaries from various parts of the world.
The annual event has become a cultural and economic cornerstone for Delta State, significantly boosting tourism and driving local commerce. As festivities began, community members welcomed the large influx of visitors with open arms.
“We are extremely elated to have people from different parts of the world gather here to celebrate our culture and tradition. This festival is a demonstration to the unity and diversity of our people,” residents expressed proudly.
The festival features a wide range of traditional activities, including dance performances, exhibitions of indigenous art, and cultural presentations. A standout moment is the grand parade of the elegant Amaseikumor Masquerade, touted as the king of all Masquerade, where participants don bright, colorful garments and perform traditional dances and rituals that reflect the spiritual and cultural essence of the Gbaramatu people.
Many day 1 attendees were visibly moved by the experience. “I have never witnessed anything like this before, it’s truly a sight to behold,” said a tourist from the United States, visiting the festival for the first time in 2024.
Beyond its cultural impact, the Amaseikumor Festival has also given a significant boost to the local economy. The influx of tourists has led to increased demand for accommodations, traditional cuisine, and locally made crafts. Vendors and small business owners are experiencing a surge in sales, hoping the positive economic ripple continues even after the festival ends.
As the celebrations go on, the people of Gbaramatu are filled with pride, seeing the world engage with their rich traditions. The Amaseikumor Festival continues to stand as a powerful symbol of cultural preservation, community unity, and the beauty of diversity.
News
Tantita Security Commissions Modern Police Station, Reaffirms Commitment to Security and Community Development
By Favour Bibaikefie
Chief Engr. Kestin Ebimobowei Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has reaffirmed the company’s dedication to both national security and grassroots development. He made this assertion over the weekend during the official commissioning of a newly constructed and fully equipped police station for the Nigerian Police Force at the Ugborikoko Divisional Headquarters in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
While addressing the attendees, Chief Engr. Pondi remarked:
“Today marks a significant milestone in our journey at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. We are beyond proud to commission the new Ugborikoko Divisional Police Station—a symbol of our unwavering commitment to security, peace, and community development.
“This station is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a tangible manifestation of what can be achieved when communities, governments, and the private sector unite with a common purpose. For us, it’s about creating safe spaces where citizens and officers alike can thrive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to live in security and peace.”
He went on to emphasize that the company’s objective extends well beyond securing oil and gas pipelines, stating:
“Since 2022, our mission has always gone beyond security—it’s about contributing to national prosperity and local empowerment. As we hand over this new facility, we’re reminded that true progress isn’t just in improving infrastructure, but in uplifting the very people who protect it. With state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering focus on operational efficiency, this police station is built to serve you—our community.”
Concluding his remarks, he offered a message of dedication to the local residents:
“To the people of Warri, Effurun, and Ugborikoko, this station is for you. Together, we’ll continue working towards a brighter, safer future where security is not just a priority, but a reality for all,” the statement added.
The event marks another significant step by Tantita in supporting law enforcement and fostering a secure environment in the Niger Delta region.
By Divine Perezide
The ongoing political tension surrounding the state of emergency declared in Rivers State has escalated, as 11 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have assembled a formidable legal team to contest the decision at the Supreme Court.
According to an April 14 report by NijaNews, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is currently drafting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official response to the lawsuit. The suit stems from the March 18, 2025, emergency proclamation that led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara—who also serves as Vice Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum—alongside his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
President Tinubu had appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.) as a sole administrator to oversee the state during the six-month emergency period. The National Assembly backed the President’s move through a voice vote.
In response, PDP governors from 11 states—Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa—filed a legal challenge at the Supreme Court. Their suit, identified as SC/CV/329/2025, questions the constitutionality of the emergency rule and the President’s authority to suspend a sitting governor and deputy, replacing them with an unelected administrator.
To press their case, the governors have enlisted a high-profile legal team featuring seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), including Bolaji Ayorinde, Eyitayo Jegede, Kamaldeen Ajibade, J.A. Mumuni, Musibau Adetunbi, Samuel Atung, and Yunus Abdulsalam. They are joined by six other experienced attorneys.
The core of the legal challenge revolves around the interpretation of Nigeria’s Constitution, particularly concerning the limits of presidential power and the principles of federalism. The governors are asking the Supreme Court to clarify whether the President can suspend elected officials under the guise of emergency rule and whether such actions undermine constitutional democracy.
A source within the Ministry of Justice confirmed that the AGF’s office is fully engaged. “As we speak, my colleagues are in the office working on the processes,” the source disclosed.
In a related development, the House of Representatives is forming an ad-hoc committee to take over legislative responsibilities in Rivers State. This move is part of an effort to ensure continuity of governance under the emergency rule.
According to House spokesman Akin Rotimi, the National Assembly subjected the President’s emergency declaration to “rigorous legislative consideration,” resulting in amendments aimed at enhancing democratic checks. He explained that one of the key changes “was to designate the National Assembly, rather than the Federal Executive Council, as the oversight authority for all regulations issued under the emergency arrangement.”
The ad-hoc committee will be chaired by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with the Minority Whip serving as deputy. Other committee members include Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris Wase, Muktar Betara, and Sada Soli. Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi will lead the committee’s secretariat.
Rotimi emphasized the House’s commitment to constitutional integrity. “This development highlights the House of Representatives’ commitment to upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and ensuring that the extraordinary measures taken during the emergency period remain subject to legislative oversight, guided by principles of transparency and accountability,” he said.
The Supreme Court is yet to announce a date for the hearing of the high-stakes case.