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By Saifullahi Attahir Wurno.

John Grisham’s The King of Torts tells the story of Clay Carter. He is a Washington city-based, poorly paid lawyer who works as a public defender on the city’s outskirts. Like most employees, he was unsatisfied with his job as it hardly paid his monthly expenses. Another problem with Clay was that he had been dating Rebecca for a long time, and her parents were unhappy with their relationship. These issues kept Mr Clay’s poor mind busy, always thinking of nothing but how he would become rich.

One afternoon at the office, a man named Max Pace appeared before Mr Clay, claiming to be an insider of one pharmaceutical company that secretly carried out a clinical trial on some prisoners without their consent. The story goes that a drug called Tarvan had a side effect that forced its victim to carry out senseless killings without any remorse. Mr Clay became interested in the case and went to investigate up to the prison and interviewed the victims. 

Mr Clay gathered enough evidence to sue the pharmaceutical company involved. Before that, he went into an agreement not to disclose or involve Max Pace in the dealing. After lengthy litigation, the company pleaded guilty and made a massive settlement for the victims through Mr Clay’s hands. This made Mr Clay a hot cake within a month. 

Surprisingly, Max Pace appeared again while trying to adjust to his new life, promising Mr Clay that more litigation cases needed another lawyer for the investigation, so he advised Mr Clay to try his luck. Ever greedy with money, without question, Clay accepted the challenge and plunged into action.

 This one involved another giant pharmaceutical company called Ackerman Laboratories that developed a drug called Dyloft, which was found to be carcinogenic (potential to cause cancer). This time, Mr Clay raised a campaign in TV and magazines until, eventually, the Ackerman laboratories pleaded guilty and agreed to pay a 100 million Dollar settlement. Barrister Clay became an overnight Millionaire and the talk of the city, with magazines featuring and making stories about him; they even nicknamed him ‘The King of Torts’.

Typical of a man longing for cool Dollars, Mr Clay bought a new black and latest Mercedes Benz for a couple of millions, purchased a house in a neighbouring suburb, leased a building and founded a private law firm just for handling litigation cases. He hired more smart rookies ( young lawyers) and decorated his office building to appear prominent and affluent. 

The problem with soft Dollars is that they often affect our thinking negatively. This time, Mr Clay’s relationship with Rebecca becomes sour, and he begins to distance himself from her, although they genuinely love each other. The fact that her parents are not happy with their relationship and would not allow them to live together forced Mr Clay to date other young girls secretly. He was always roaming from one five-star hotel to another, paying huge bills to satisfy his desire.

 He entered the big league of Great lawyers in town, spending lavishly, travelling around the country attending conferences in a state-of-the-art private Jet he leased! and travelling to the Caribbean Islands during holidays to enjoy his wealth. 

 He eventually met a lady named Ridley, who was a beauty Model. Ridley (modern-day prostitute). That is where Mr Clay was losing his soft Dollars quickly and without noticing. He bought many properties in her name, fearing to lose them to the FBI, thinking he trusted her enough and their relationship would be permanent.

As for his work, he was luckily getting more dollars, litigating more pharmaceutical companies, the latest involving a company called Goffman that produced a drug called Maxatil. Thinking it’s always a win, he invested heavily in this case by orchestrating expensive adverts, hiring expensive lawyers, and even recruiting fake victims just to get the soft Dollars. Unfortunately, Goffman was not ready to back down; they hired more expert lawyers and conducted a deeper investigation. Eventually, Mr Clay lost the case.

Losing for the first time, Mr Clay lost his balance, and more trouble awaited as the Goffman company sued him for blackmailing their products; this forced Mr Clay to lose a large proportion of his fortune.

 Mr Clay was sued again before the court by the clients on whose behalf he collected a massive settlement for not paying them enough to cover their hospital bills after leaked news by one of his close allies. Without saying, Mr Clay becomes more deeply in trouble.

He was eventually investigated by the FBI, risking a jail term or a settlement that would cost him almost all of his fortune. He has the option for the latter.  He lost all his assets and new ‘friends’, including Ridley, who fled without a trace. He fled the country, and surprisingly, all this while, his original lover Rebecca was married to another man but got divorced later. Finding out Mr Clay’s story, she travelled to meet him, console him and offer her genuine care and love. They continued to live afterwards, and Mr Clay learned his lessons.

History has continually shown that overnight riches or those who stumble upon a vast fortune suddenly and effortlessly are similarly more susceptible to losing it. The problem with overnight riches is that they impede our positive thinking, allowing us to dive deep into fantasies, opening unrealistic doors, and drawing us toward deceptive paths.

This story can reference some of our lives today; this insatiable search for soft money by all and sundry, hook or crook, could remind the old maxim that happiness, contentment, genuine wealth, and loving family matter more. 

By Iranloye Sofiu Taiye (Optimism Mirror)

In today’s society, the value placed on labour appears to be diminishing, leading to job seekers being labelled as lacking vision. The prevailing mindset prioritises monetary gain over the intrinsic significance of the work itself and fails to question the ethical implications of wealth accumulation.

Throughout the annals of history, labour has consistently been regarded as noble, transcending various economic systems such as feudalism, the industrial revolution, legitimate trade, slave trade, colonialism, and the post-colonial era. Regardless of the prevailing economic orientation, whether capitalist, socialist, or communist, the consensus remains that individuals must sell their labour, skills, or ideas to earn a commensurate wage, stipend, or salary.

Selling one’s labour is undeniably the most legitimate means of earning a living. However, it is worth pondering why employment has become synonymous with working exclusively in corporate organisations. It is both peculiar and disconcerting that those engaged in seemingly menial jobs, such as shop attendants, cashiers, bolt drivers, waitresses, security personnel, graphic designers, and others, are frequently dismissed and their contributions overlooked.

In reality, the services provided by these individuals are indispensable to our collective well-being as a society. Imagine a world devoid of bricklayers, furniture makers, plumbers, teachers, tailors, farmers, and countless others—can we guarantee survival under such circumstances? This serves as a stark reminder to anyone engaged in any form of work that they should consider themselves honourable contributors to the fabric of society.

Regrettably, our society is currently grappling with the pervasive issue of the “get-rich-quick” syndrome, which is predominantly prevalent among the youth. Parents, religious leaders, friends, and elders openly encourage and support their offspring to pursue wealth by any means, irrespective of the nobility of the endeavour. Labour is now seen as optional, and the value of hard work has been overshadowed.

Consequently, we find ourselves in a problematic situation where numerous graduates, lacking practical work experience, wander the streets searching for white-collar jobs that offer exorbitant salaries. They are unwilling to consider jobs that would cover their basic expenses and provide personal growth and development opportunities. It is vital to acknowledge that not everyone is destined to be an entrepreneur or business owner—some individuals will sell their expertise, labour, and creativity to others. CEOs and business leaders require a workforce to carry out essential production activities.

Nevertheless, loving and appreciating the value of one’s work is imperative and essential. No one should succumb to intimidation, bullying, or dehumanisation for engaging in an honest means of livelihood, as long as it is legitimate. It is of utmost importance to recognise that the dignity and worth of work extend far beyond the confines of corporate offices.

Significantly, we must re-evaluate our societal perceptions of work. We must wholeheartedly embrace the notion that all forms of labour contribute to the well-being of our communities. By cherishing and honouring our work, regardless of its nature or scale, we can foster a society that recognises and respects the nobility of every individual’s contribution.

Iranloye Sofiu Taiye (Optimism Mirror) is a political/public affairs analyst, writer, public speaker and youth advocate. He can be reached via iranloye100@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service has come up with a strategic alliance with the West Africa Security Project (WASP) to boost trade. 

The collaboration, announced on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, aims to equip customs officers with enhanced security awareness for more efficient trade facilitation. 

Speaking at the meeting held at the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, hailed the partnership as a important step towards combating smuggling and illegal trafficking.

Emphasising the significance of the initiative, CGC Bashir underscored its potential to empower officers to execute their security duties effectively. 

Outlined within the collaboration are various benefits, including cargo profiling, handling of small arms and light weapons, and participation in global shield programmes targeting chemical and radioactive elements.

CGC Bashir also highlighted the opportunity for resource-sharing among stakeholders to foster synergy. 

According to the CGC, “there is an existing project managed by the world bank that looks at the Lagos-Abidjan corridor whose aim is to promote trade facilition. Bringing in this new project that looks at the security aspect will boost our performances and potent a lot of opportunities for us.”

“We will be able to account for 60% of the GDP if we are able to cooperate effectively. This project requires the cooperation and collaboration of all the Customs administrations involved,” he added. 

Moreover, the programme entails the active engagement of field officers in brainstorming sessions and knowledge exchange to identify smuggling routes and minimise illicit activities.

Terry Wall, the project manager of WASP, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the programme’s focus on identifying high-risk cargo, providing training in the national Customs Enforcement Network (nCEN), and delivering geospatial intelligence. 

As the Nigeria Customs Service aligns with WASP, the collaboration signifies a concerted effort to fortify trade security, foster regional cooperation, and mitigate transnational threats, underscoring a commitment to safeguarding economic interests and promoting lawful commerce.

By Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu

The recent Facebook ribbing about the number of professors from states and localities in various northern cities with universities reminds me of the male adolescent macho posturing of “mine is bigger/thicker than yours” game played behind classrooms! I am even mentioned as a trophy — “yes but WE are the ones with a double professor!” referring to my being from Bayero University, Kano (BUK), in Kano State (Daneji in Kano Municipal).

The whole thing was ignited by an infographic with its origin in ₦airaland Forum where one Zafsy75 posted the graphic. Right away a fierce debate ensured on the forum with many commentors disputing the figure. Zafsy75 themselves did not provide additional scientific methodology on how they arrived at the figures. Nevertheless, they infographic became viral — and started the prideful ‘mine is bigger than yours’ ribbing.

The infographic was from Statisense which uses Generative Artificial Intelligence to generate its data! A search on its site revealed another graphic of “most professors” in Nigerian universities, in September 2023, with the University of Jos leading with 530 professors. BUK had 434 professors which included 10 women. I can personally count more than 20 women professors in BUK in 2021, not 2023! No methodology was provided as to how the figures for the universities were arrived at.

People should be aware that AI generated data is based on what the engine can find — it does not create the data. Thus, it is actually not possible to accurately determine the number of professors per state or local government even based on the much-quoted NUC Directory of Full Professors, 2021 (link to the publication attached below).

This is because the directory lists professors by DISCIPLINE in order to promote research collaboration and networking amongst Nigerian academics. Also, the Directory was not based on official submissions by various universities, but voluntarily by INDIVIDUALS which was synthesized and summarized by NUC. Additional source for the AI was personal websites where a professor proclaims to come from a particular university.

Thus, not EVERY professor agreed to submit their details to be captured. With this, it therefore becomes very difficult to accurately determine the number of professors from each state, as that was not the focus of the Director (or NUC’s intentions).

You can only get the official number of professors from individual universities. As of October 2023, BUK had 381 professors with the largest category being in Medical Sciences. All the professors were, however, not listed by their States or Local Governments, but their DEPARTMENTS or specializations.

So, I can’t see how the game of ‘mine is bigger than yours’ started. I believe; however, it was started by the infographic floating around showing the number of professors per UNIVERSITIES in the various states. The graphic was not providing the number of professors per state of origin, but per the universities IN the state. It made it clear by stating it is “by state where the school is located.”

Thus, if you are from Anambra and are a professor in BUK, this infographic will capture you as being from a university in Kano, but you will not be captured in any university in Anambra. In this way, it does not tell you the number of professors from indigenous to Anambra.

Right away, it is faulty (or fake). As of October 2023, BUK had 381 professors. Last week another 11 were announced bring the total to 392 as of February 2024. So how can Kano have 428 professors in 2022? Granted there are many universities in Kano, but the main prominent ones — Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Yusuf Maitama Sule University — are basically tributaries of BUK. Indeed, most of the others rely on BUK professors as ‘visiting’ to their faculties.

Kaduna State where Ahmadu Bello University is located has at least eight universities — and you want me to believe the entire universities in the State have 62 professors? I am sure Kaduna State University (KASU) alone had either more than or close to that.

While the ribbing was fun while it lasted, at least it wakes us up to the idea of fake data and weaknesses of Generative Artificial intelligence.

As promised, below is the link to the authentic number of professors voluntarily submitted to NUC as of 2021. BTW, yours truly is listed TWICE on page 836. They still pay me single salary, though!

Directory of Full Professors in the Nigerian University System, 2021: https://shorturl.at/yKV34

By Ukashatu Ibrahim Wakili

In honor of the late President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, GCFR, Turakin Sokoto’s legacy, the Nigerian Council of Journalists, Sokoto State Council, is organizing the maiden edition of the Shehu Shagari Memorial Lecture.

This came to the fore at an Extraordinary Congress of the Council held yesterday at the State Press Center. Speaking, the Chairman of the Union, Comrade Tsalhatu Abdullahi Safiyar Magori, of the NUJ, believed that this event would help preserve the legacy of the late President Shehu Shagari and inspire future generations to learn from his works.

“The Council already started making an effort to involve all relevant stakeholders, including the state government, the Sultanate Council, and some elders with proposals, which they hope will receive a positive response,” he said.

The event was proposed to be held on the 25th of February, which is the birth anniversary of the late Turakin Sokoto.

It will feature fundraising for the promotion of his legacies and ideals, such as education (especially sciences), historical literary works, and political documentation of his works.

Also, the NUJ Sokoto Council moved to confer a posthumous award on the late Usman Faruk, the first military governor of the then North-Western State, who donated his building to the council in 1992. The building is now being used as the NUJ’s state secretariat.

Similarly, various committees have been inaugurated at the congress to assist in achieving the collective goals. The committees include a steering committee, contact committee, finance committee, accommodations and reception committee, lecture committee, and speechwriting committee.

Additionally, the committees were given seven days to submit their reports.

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin

In the dramatic Gabon coup d’etat late last year, after all the hope seemed to be lost for Ali Bongo, he resorted to the last glimmer, he appeared in a recorded video that went viral appealing for the public to make some noise, apparently to deter the Junta from succeeding.  To paraphrase the former Gabon president, in the spirit of the success of the Mambila hydropower project, let us make some noise!

When the news of the contract between Nigeria and the government of China to undertake the project broke, it threw the country into much celebration. The project was said to have been conceived about 40 years ago, but each government came and went without moving the project an inch. A presumable turning point came when the then president, Buhari, met with the Chinese president and both governments were said to have agreed on the formation of a joint venture by the three companies, CGCC, SINOHYDRO, and CGCOC under the guidance of the Chinese authorities for the project building. The total cost of the project was estimated at 5.8 billion dollars, With the Chinese government providing a loan of 4 billion dollars from Exim Bank, and the Nigerian government providing the rest. The news of the strategic bilateral agreement went all over the internet with several stories surrounding it. Given its potential for improving the socio-economic status of not only the community around the Taraba State but Nigeria at large. The Nigerian President even likened the project to China’s Three Gorges Dam.

Currently, Nigeria (after generation, and transmission finally) distributes a meager 4 to 5
MW of electricity for more than 200 million Nigerians, but the Mambila alone is proposed
to add about 3.5 MW to the national grid, one now can fathom not only the extent of
Nigeria’s energy poverty but why the euphoria about the project.

From 2017 when the news of the contract was broken down to 2023, the project
development news kept flying around, fueling the hope and happiness of the public as
such painting the government of the day white. Some government zealot supporters
even circulated colorful pictures of other projects at the completing level purporting it to
be the Mambila hydro-power project.

The back and forth, mystery, and uncertainty surrounding the project triggered BBC
Hausa to embark on a fact-check mission, making a few-minute documentary about the
project. This fact-check mission steered up the honest net making the news become the
major public discussion. The public felt utterly betrayed by the government and thus
questioned its transparency resulting in straining the government’s image like never
before. It emerged that the project purported to be at the completion stage with finishing
pictures circulating has yet to be torched an inch.

This development forces the government through Garba Shehu to come out for damage
control. Unknown to the public, while all the euphoria was going on about project
completion, the government was battling court litigation. According former special
adviser, a businessman named Leno Adesanya,  through their company Sunrise Power

Transmission Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPTCL) has filed about 2.3 billion dollar lawsuit
at the ICC International Court of Arbitration, Paris, against the Federal Government of
Nigeria (FGN) for breach of contract” which they have secure the right in the 2003
agreement to construct the 3,050MW plant in Mambila, Taraba state, on a “build,
operate and transfer” basis.

On March 26, 2020, the then attorney general and minister of justice Malami secured an
out-of-court resolution with this company, to pay the sum of $200 million as a “full and
final settlement” to discontinue the arbitration and set the government free from all
liabilities in the dispute. The only soft landing that could warrant the project to proceed. 
However, Buhari, in his reply, a month later, rejected the settlement: “FG does not have
200 million dollars to pay SPTCL. Shehu echoed this response while responding to BBC
Hausa’s report: The Nigerian government could only call on him to show nationalism to
withdraw unconditionally, to allow the project to continue.

Now that those who are holding to ransom, the Mambila power project is clear: the
government and SPTCL company, let’s make more than just noise – let’s make a
resounding call for transparency, justice, and the release of a project poised to be a
game-changer for Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. The Mambila hydropower
project deserves more than a viral plea; it deserves a roar of collective voices
demanding accountability and progress.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

In a shocking revelation during the ongoing fraud trial of the immediate-past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, former Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, disclosed on Tuesday that $6.2 million was illicitly released from the Central Bank in February 2023 using a forged document. 

Appearing as the fourth prosecution witness before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, Mustapha detailed the alleged fraudulent activities surrounding the unauthorised withdrawal. 

He highlighted that neither the documents nor the purported presidential directives bore the authenticity of President Buhari’s office. 

Mustapha, who served as SGF for over five years, vehemently denied any involvement in the transaction, asserting that the forged documents did not originate from his office nor did they receive presidential endorsement. 

He pointed out numerous discrepancies, including the absence of the presidential seal, irregular reference numbers, and a failed attempt at replicating President Buhari’s signature. 

Moreover, Mustapha clarified that the Nigerian government had no mandate to engage foreign election observers, contradicting the purported purpose stated in the forged documents. 

During cross-examination, Mustapha refuted claims of authorship or knowledge of the fraudulent letters, firmly stating that they did not adhere to the standard protocols of his office. 

He also disassociated himself from the alleged recipient of the funds, Jubril Abubakar, emphasising that Abubakar was not a member of his staff. 

In response to inquiries regarding the $6.2 million disbursed to Abubakar, Mustapha reiterated his non-involvement, asserting that the funds were not directed to his office and that he did not receive any portion of the money. 

The trial, presided over by Justice Oyedepo, continues as the prosecution seeks to establish the culpability of Emefiele and other accomplices implicated in the alleged fraud scheme.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has apprehended a Cameroonian national, Mohammed Ibrahim, in possession of a pistol, live ammunition, and 52 elephant tusks in Mfum, a border town in the Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River. 

Comptroller Ahmed Waziri, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Cross River/CFTZ/Akwa Ibom Command, disclosed this development during a press briefing held in Calabar on Monday, February 12, 2024. 

The arrest, which took place on Thursday, February 8, 2024, was executed by NCS operatives stationed in Mfum.

The confiscated elephant tusks, weighing a total of 200kg, were estimated to be valued at N300 million. 

According to Comptroller Waziri, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect, Mohammed Ibrahim, specialised in the illegal exportation of elephant tusks across international borders.

Ibrahim was intercepted while allegedly en route to Lagos for further transportation of the illicit items. 

The suspect was driving a Honda SUV truck with the number plate FST 733 HH. Upon inspection, a pistol and live ammunition were discovered concealed within the vehicle.

Interestingly, Ibrahim possessed two sets of number plates, one from Lagos (FST 733 HH) and the other from Cameroon (LT 214 AY). 

“This arrest serves as a stern warning that Nigeria will not tolerate being exploited as a transit route for illicit products,” stated Comptroller Waziri.

He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment as a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), aimed at combating illegal wildlife trafficking. 

He also commended the officers at Mfum for their diligence, which led to the interception of items worth over N300 million and the apprehension of the suspect. 

Acknowledging the support received from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his management team, Waziri expressed gratitude for their instrumental role in facilitating successful operations such as this.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Three freshly-elected senators have officially assumed their duties in the Nigerian Senate.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio administered the oath of office to the incoming senators during a formal ceremony held in the revered Red Chamber. 

Representing distinct constituencies and political affiliations, the trio of senators emerged victorious in the recent by-elections held on Saturday, signalling a renewed sense of democratic engagement and participation.

Prince Pam Mwadkon, hailing from the Action Democratic Party (ADP), now stands as the voice for Plateau North, while Professor Anthony Ani, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), assumes responsibility for Ebonyi South.

Additionally, Mustapha Musa, also of the APC, steps into the role of representing Yobe East. 

The induction process, steeped in tradition and significance, saw the senators-elect take their solemn oath of office, affirming their commitment to upholding the Constitution and serving their constituents with integrity and diligence.

With the formalities concluded, the new senators were escorted to their designated seats, ready to embark on their legislative journey and contribute to the democratic discourse shaping the nation’s future.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

In the latest development surrounding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the Biden administration has introduced a bill seeking to provide an additional $10 billion in financial assistance to Israel.

This proposal, disclosed via social media by Senator Bernie Sanders, has sparked debate and criticism regarding the allocation of resources amidst the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 

Senator Sanders, a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, raised concerns about the decision to bolster military aid to Israel while acknowledging the dire situation facing civilians in Gaza.

Expressing his intent to oppose the bill, Sanders labelled the proposed aid package as “unconscionable” in light of the ongoing violence and suffering endured by Palestinians. 

Simultaneously, tensions between Israel and Hamas continue to escalate, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejecting a proposed ceasefire agreement put forth by Hamas.

Despite international mediation efforts, Netanyahu remains steadfast in his pursuit of what he deems victory in the conflict, citing significant losses inflicted upon Hamas’s military capabilities as evidence of progress. 

Netanyahu’s refusal to entertain the ceasefire proposal underscores the complexities and entrenched positions within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, further perpetuating the cycle of violence and impeding efforts towards a peaceful resolution.

As diplomatic negotiations falter and violence persists, the fate of civilians caught in the crossfire remains uncertain, highlighting the urgent need for constructive dialogue and meaningful action to address the root causes of the conflict.