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Tinubu: ‘Last man standing!’ Now Tony Elumelu is mocking Nigerian youths
By Sunny Igboanugo
Onye oha n’ekili ekili adiro mma ikpo ntu. Loosely translated, it means a man supposedly being admired by the public, has no business with packing ashes. It is a popular Igbo proverb that tells you to stay away from an igbo (Indian hemp) joint, if you don’t want to be seen as a hoodlum.
I’ve just finished watching a short video clip in the social media in which Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, hosted Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his home and the drama that went with it. I was practically pinching myself to see if indeed I was not dreaming.
Why do I say so? There’s something completely wrong with the image that outing cut. What I saw, simply did not fit into the persona of the multi-billion business mogul, arguably one of Nigeria’s influential men of stature. There was something clearly odd out there.
Of course, Tinubu, a man well-advertised as possessing very “sharp” brain, has been up and about, since he was declared victorious in the election, visiting members of the top echelon – the billionaire world in Nigeria – players in the exclusive club of Nigerian celebrated fat cats.
Before now, images of him with African richest man, Aliko Dangote, had surfaced. I had also seen him with Femi Otedola, another member of that club. I’m sure that within this period, there would be more of such visits. After all, as a sharp man, the Jagaban Borgu, might just be putting what his admirers confer on him at play.
While I didn’t have any problem with the previous images, knowing that in their world, it is what it is, as people are wont to say these days, but with the Elumelu joining in the fray and in the manner he did to boot, I do have a problem – plenty of it. There’s something that tells me that the Delta State-born billionaire, was either play-acting or following a script meant to send a message out to the public over the event of last two weeks. Was that scenery meant to contrive a image of fait accompli on Nigerians regarding the 2023 presidential election? Nobody would doubt with his status, he would not be well-acquainted and there might be plenty of such visits in the past, with Tinubu, who is also one of the most influential Nigerians around today, arguably. So, I wouldn’t have any issue of the two of them visiting each other or even running things together.
Like I do know many wealthy men actually spread their wings around in obvious political game. I know of one particular one, who distributes his money to as many politicians as possible in the hope of reaping dividends at the end of the day should some of “investments” hit target. There is no telling, that Elumelu might as well have contributed to Tinubu’s political slush fund.
Much as it might not really be morally acceptable, I might not have any problem with that either. What I find completely odious, if not reprehensible is what appears to me like a mockery of Nigerians. I’ve tried to put it in context, but unfortunately, there seems no other interpretation I could give this than the banker willingly stepping into the morass of objectionable conduct.
Now, why do I pick Elumelu out of the bunch? This is a man, who has somehow connected with youths of Africa or makes a show of doing so. While others might either be keeping quiet with their own programmes, or fancied using their money to enjoy the best life has got to give – cruising around the world in expensive yachts or buying expensive cars – the bank chief has gone beyond that to establish The Tony Elumelu Foundation through which he has promoted, established and empowered thousands of African youths.
Now, is it the same man that would act in such a manner that obviously negates the same ideal he seems to be promoting by conducts clearly diametrically opposed to the clear message the same youths have passed to the entire world through the February 25 presidential election?
Don’t get me wrong. Though the youths have shown their preference and the direction they are headed in the current Nigerian socio-political firmament, nothing compels or impels him to follow in that direction, being an older man, widely travelled and widely connected to know much more and much better.
But what is on ground today goes far more than just making a political choice. He cannot say he is not aware about the general feelings not only among Nigerians, but specifically the youths about the election that produced Tinubu, his guest the winner of that election. Why descend into the arena, when everything is still oozing of bad smell? That’s the point.
What I saw in that video, might as well be likened to a star-struck kid facing a Cristian Ronaldo, Roger Federer or Davido. He was not only seen exhibiting what could only pass for obscene excitement, but had the temerity of recording it in a video and sending it out to the social media, for the consumption of the same youths he is supposed to be mentoring. What a contradiction! couldn’t he have kept the outing private, knowing the present mood of the nation until the coast at least becomes clearer? What indeed calls for such level of laughter and joy in Nigeria today, with the INEC performance? As I said earlier, these issues are relevant because it is about Tony Elumelu and what he represents. Else, nobody would bother.
Yes! Plausible as his TTEF may be, it is still a one man show and the effect pales completely to insignificance compared to what a country with good leadership could give to the same youths, which is what the youths are pursuing at the moment. In other words, he could do more for Nigerian youths if he helps in enthroning good leaders in Nigeria or at least does not encouraging implausible electoral processes that will produce doubtful products, such as we have in Tinubu, his guest. Is it lost on him that the 2023 presidential election is being seen as the worst in the history of Nigeria or does he belong to the group that are applauding INEC today or are saying it doesn’t matter?
On Wednesday, Olawale Rhodes-Vivour, father of the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for this year’s election, captured the essence of the Nigerian youths in recent years thus: “It is true that there is this momentum that commenced at the point of #EndSARS and that momentum is the flood that is pushing up a lot of people that we’re talking about now. The momentum itself is a momentum of character. Nigerians have just had enough. They wanted to have good government. They just want to have normal decent people in power. that’s all they’re asking. We’ve had so much of the negatives that the Nigerian people have been pushed to the wall.
“At the point of #EndSARS, there was nobody who was the face of the momentum. So, the momentum began to look for its own officials. On the national level, they found Peter Obi and Datti Ahmed. You know their antecedents – they’re people that we can be proud of. If I go anywhere in the world and Datti or Obi is my President, I will not be ashamed. But you can imagine when I go into Heathrow and the person who won is my President, you know my passport, I begin to see if I could turn the green to yellow, because what usually happens is that they just move you – you’re from Nigeria -oya, stay there and let’s deal with legitimate people first.”
This is indeed what seems to be at the heart of the current struggle in Nigeria today, the reason the message in that imprudent, if not thoughtless Tinubu-Elumelu mocking video seems quite obvious. It is even so, when the issues surrounding that election are still live.
What Elumelu seems to be saying is that he is satisfied with the election that produced Tinubu. In other words, he’s giving his endorsement to the outcome, regardless of the notorious, if not squalid details flowing from the entire exercise. It is either that or that he just doesn’t care as long as it is good for business.
Again, it is not that as a private citizen, he doesn’t have the right to host any visitor of his choosing or even support a political candidate he fancies, but it is about the message that he seems to be sending and consequences thereof.
Already, the reactions are coming with the social media currently abuzz. I’ve just read one of the reactions entitled: Nothing hidden that shall not be revealed, which is literally linking Elumelu to the current cash crunch in the country using the Tinubu affair as evidence.
It reads: “A a rare video clip that speaks volume. You may choose to call it a thank you visit. These are the evil bankers that frustrated CBN and the Nigerian masses. Made sure all CBN cash released where diverted to one man. Yet the public were deceived. A classified visit of Seyi and his father Tinubu’ to Tony Elumelu. In the next video you could hear him propose a ministerial appointment for one of his daughters.”
Of course, notwithstanding that the veracity of this claim, could be ensconced in the bowels of fiction than reality, the accomplished banker and businessman will have to devote many of his time to do more of explaining henceforth, except he is no longer interested in maintaining his rather pristine public image.
For certainly, he will not be smelling roses, now, in the near future and probably for a long time, if not forever – a byproduct of momentary indiscretion of gathering the axiomatic ant-infested faggots. The way the cookie crumbles, you might say! .
Igboanugo, a journalist, wrote from Lagos
Abubakar Rabe, retired Major General former spokesman of the Nigerian Army who was abducted by bandits in Katsina State exactly two weeks ago, has died in captivity, reports coming from the state, one of the hotbeds of terrorist activities in Nigeria, confirmed on Saturday.
The retired senior military officer was kidnapped alongside his wife around the Matazu area of Katsina State while traveling to attend a wedding ceremony, was said to have died of complications from diabetes and high blood pressure in the camp of his abductors.
Nasiru Mu’azu, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, in the state, who confirmed the incident, in a statement, said the government received the news with heavy heart and deep sense of loss.
He wrote: “It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits captivity. Despite the relentless and concerted efforts of the State Government and various Security Agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy.
“The deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension. His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Katsina State Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, extends his deepest condolences to the family of the late General and the country at-large.
“The Governor has described this incident as a “dark moment” and a reminder of the urgent need for a collective and intensified front against the criminal elements threatening the peace of our communities.
“The Katsina State Government remains committed to working with the Federal Government and security forces to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice. We assure the citizens of Katsina State that our resolve to eliminate banditry and ensure the safety of all residents remains unshaken.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time. May the soul of the departed Retired Major General Rabe Abdulakdir rest in eternal peace.”
By Hon Eseme Eyiboh mnipr
When Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio assumed office as President of Nigeria’s 10th Senate in June 2023, expectations were understandably high. Nigeria was grappling with economic headwinds, persistent security challenges, and growing public demand for more responsive and effective democratic institutions. In such a climate, the National Assembly was expected not merely to make laws, but to provide leadership, strengthen oversight, and restore public confidence in governance.
Three years into his tenure, the Senate under Akpabio has increasingly sought to position itself as a stable, proactive, and policy-driven legislative institution. Through a combination of legislative initiatives, institutional reforms, parliamentary diplomacy, and engagement with critical national issues, the Senate has played a visible role in shaping the country’s governance landscape. While critics have raised concerns on certain matters—an inevitable feature of democratic leadership—the overall record presents a legislature that has remained active, cohesive, and focused on its constitutional responsibilities during a period of significant national transition.
The foremost responsibility of any legislature is lawmaking, and in this regard, the 10th Senate has maintained an ambitious legislative agenda. Hundreds of bills have been introduced and processed, many of them directly targeting Nigeria’s pressing economic, fiscal, and governance challenges. According to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, in a midterm scorecard released in June 2025, the upper chamber introduced 983 bills and passed 108 into law between June 2023 and June 2025. This included 83 bills passed in the 2024/2025 legislative year alone, compared to 25 bills in the 9th Senate in the same period. Official legislative records also indicate a significant rise in legislative activity compared to previous assemblies, suggesting that the 10th Senate has been notably active by legislative output metrics.
More significant than the volume of legislation, however, has been the Senate’s focus on measures with far-reaching national implications. The emphasis has not been on legislative activity for its own sake, but on advancing reforms designed to address some of Nigeria’s most pressing economic and governance challenges. The Senate has prioritised reforms aimed at stimulating economic growth, improving public finance management, strengthening institutions, and expanding social protection.
One of the defining legislative undertakings of the 10th Senate has been its commitment to tax reform and fiscal modernization. Nigeria’s tax system has long been criticised for fragmentation, multiple taxation, weak compliance, and excessive dependence on oil revenue. Under Akpabio’s leadership, the Senate pursued reforms aimed at simplifying tax administration, broadening the tax base, promoting digital compliance, and providing greater relief for small businesses and low-income earners. In May 2025, the Senate passed four major tax reform bills which, according to the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms and now Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, could increase Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from about 10 per cent in 2023 to approximately 18 per cent by the end of 2027.
These reforms are significant because Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains among the lowest in Africa, limiting government revenue and public investment capacity. By supporting measures aimed at modernising tax collection and reducing leakages, the Senate sought to create a more sustainable fiscal framework capable of supporting infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social services.
Beyond fiscal reforms, the Senate has devoted significant legislative attention to education, regional development, agriculture, energy, and the digital economy. Bills relating to tertiary education, regional development etc commissions, agricultural growth, and public sector modernization have featured prominently on its agenda. Notable examples include the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, which reportedly facilitated over one million applications through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and the Electricity Act (Amendment) 2023, which expanded the role of states and private investors in electricity generation and distribution.
To strengthen the country’s electoral process, the Senate also pursued amendments to the Electoral Act aimed at improving internal party democracy and clarifying procedures around party primaries and consensus candidacies. Supporters of the reforms argue that clearer legal definitions and procedural safeguards could help reduce arbitrary candidate selection and strengthen transparency within political parties. Senate Leader Bamidele has also indicated that additional reforms, including possible provisions for diaspora voting and early voting for security personnel, remain priorities for the remaining legislative period.
Beyond lawmaking, one of the less visible but significant developments of the 10th Senate has been institutional stability. Historically, Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber has often been characterised by prolonged leadership disputes, partisan confrontations, and disruptions capable of slowing governance processes. Under Akpabio’s leadership, however, the Senate has largely maintained operational cohesion and stability.
Plenary debates have generally remained issue-focused rather than personality-driven, while contentious national matters have often been managed through consultation and negotiation. This atmosphere of relative stability has reduced legislative deadlocks and allowed committees to function with greater consistency.
The Senate President’s leadership style has leaned heavily toward consultation and consensus-building. In a politically diverse chamber comprising members of the APC, PDP, Labour Party, NNPP, SDP, and other minority parties, Akpabio has consistently emphasized bipartisan cooperation over rigid partisanship. Committee appointments, major motions, and sensitive legislative debates have reflected efforts to accommodate competing interests while preserving institutional cohesion.
As a result, the 10th Senate has witnessed substantial cross-party cooperation on key national issues, even though disagreements naturally remain part of democratic governance.
Another area in which the Senate has demonstrated effectiveness is budgetary coordination. For three consecutive fiscal years, the National Assembly passed the national budget before the start of the new financial year. The 2024 budget of N27.5 trillion, for instance, was approved on December 30, 2023, ahead of the fiscal cycle. The Senate also passed the 2024 and 2025 appropriations totalling N43.5 trillion, although implementation timelines for some projects were subsequently extended to facilitate completion.
This marked a departure from previous cycles characterised by delayed budget approvals and implementation uncertainty. Timely budget passage improves predictability for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, enhances investor confidence, allows contractors to plan more effectively, and supports smoother execution of government projects. In a developing economy like Nigeria, where public expenditure plays a major role in economic activity, budget stability remains important to growth and development.
At the same time, the Senate has continued to discharge its constitutional oversight responsibilities through investigative hearings, committee reviews, and ministerial screenings. During periods of persistent fuel scarcity, the Senate leadership engaged key stakeholders in the petroleum sector, including an oversight visit to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Supporters contend that the intervention helped keep national attention focused on domestic refining capacity and crude supply arrangements.
Subsequent Federal Government measures, including support for naira-denominated crude transactions, were widely viewed as part of a broader effort to ease supply constraints and calm the downstream market. Today, the long fuel queues that once defined daily life have receded considerably, although deeper challenges in the energy sector remain.
On the international stage, the Senate under Akpabio has strengthened parliamentary diplomacy, carrying Nigeria’s voice into global conversations on democracy, development, security, and international cooperation. Nigeria has assumed a more visible role within the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), contributing to debates on democratic governance, collective security, climate resilience, and legislative best practices. Through these engagements, the Senate has sought not only to advance Nigeria’s interests but also to position the country as a constructive participant in addressing shared global challenges.
A notable diplomatic milestone was Nigeria’s election into the IPU Executive Committee for the first time in decades, a development widely interpreted as recognition of the country’s renewed parliamentary engagement within international legislative circles. Akpabio was also designated to serve on the Preparatory Committee for the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in 2024.
Domestically, one of the Senate’s most consequential constitutional moments came in August 2023 during the crisis in the Niger Republic following the military coup. When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acting as Chairman of ECOWAS, sought legislative backing for possible regional intervention, the Senate urged restraint and prioritized diplomatic engagement over immediate military action. Widely viewed as a demonstration of legislative independence and respect for the principle of separation of powers, the decision reaffirmed the Senate’s constitutional role in matters of security and foreign policy while underscoring a preference for dialogue, diplomacy, and regional stability at a moment of heightened tension across West Africa.
No balanced assessment of the 10th Senate can entirely overlook concerns raised by critics and observers. Questions have occasionally been raised regarding the depth of scrutiny applied during the confirmation of some executive nominees, while certain oversight investigations produced outcomes that critics considered less robust than expected.
In broader terms, the 10th Senate has combined increased legislative activity with relative political stability while attempting to align its priorities with Nigeria’s economic and governance realities. Supporters point to the passage of the National Minimum Wage Amendment Act, the Investments and Securities Act, and multiple regional development commission bills as examples of substantive legislation with potentially long-term national impact.
With one legislative year remaining before the next election cycle begins to dominate political discourse, the principal test facing the 10th Senate may ultimately be one of implementation and public confidence. If the tax reforms strengthen revenue generation, if the student loan programme continues to expand educational access without major controversy, and if the Senate further enhances oversight transparency, the chamber may secure a more enduring institutional legacy. Conversely, if concerns about public perception and executive accommodation persist, critics may continue to question whether legislative productivity has translated into sufficient institutional independence. It is worth noting, however, that history suggests the most successful periods of national development have often occurred not during eras of executive-legislative confrontation, but when both arms of government cooperated effectively while remaining faithful to their distinct constitutional responsibilities.
If the reforms advanced by the Senate continue to produce measurable national impact, and if the institution successfully addresses concerns relating to oversight and accountability, history may ultimately remember the 10th Senate not merely as a productive legislature, but as one that contributed to stabilising governance and repositioning democratic institutions during a consequential period in Nigeria’s development.
* Rt Hon Eseme Eyiboh mnipr is a former member and Spokesperson in the House of Representatives and currently, the Special Adviser on Media/ Publicity and Official Spokesperson to the President of the 10th Senate.
For those believing that President Bola Tinubu’s exclusion of Humphrey Nwosu, the late Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), was an error that would be corrected subsequently, their expectation came to naught on Friday, with his non-recognition once again.
In a surprise outing, the President failed once again to name the late Professor of Political Science as one of the Nigerians honoured, on the day Nigerians would be celebrating this year’s anniversary of June 12, designed to mark the historic 1993 presidential election, which has now been designated as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
It was a day Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO), the candidate of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), was elected President in a transition programme undertaken by the military government of then President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB).
Expectations are that because the Option A4 model used in achieving the outcome of the election, acknowledged as the freest and fairest election in Nigerian history, the late electoral commission’s boss, would feature prominently in the list of those to be honoured by the government.
But another list contained in the national broadcast by the President, suggested that the position of the treatment meted to the former NEC Chairman, reflected the thinking in the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu’s predecessor, under whom June 12 was given national recognition.
The list, populated mainly by names from the South West, which included both civilians and military personnel, did not capture the category of national honours to be bestowed on the recipients, as the government said further information would be released in due course.
Prominent among those recognized, was Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, a General and former Chief of Army Staff, Supreme Headquarters between 1976 and 1979, under the military regime of Olusegun Obasanjo, who died in Abakaliki Prison in 1997, where he was detained for allegedly participation in carrying out a coup against Sani Abacha, then Head of State.
Tinubu, said the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, would now be known as General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology, to honour the General, who later became a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, “for his vision of national partnership.”
Listing the other names, Tinubu said: “I am also pleased to announce national awards to the following Nigerians, who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today.”
The recipients included: Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Segun Babatope, Sam Omatseye, Ademola Osinubi, Bola Bolawole and the duo of Lade Bonuola, former Managing Director of The Guardian and Femi Kusa, former Editor of the Nigerian foremost newspaper.
Others, were: Debo Adeniran, Ayo Opadokun, Chief Ralph Obiora, Ose Osayande, Osa Director, Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous) and Osagie Obayuwana, all pro-democracy activists.
The list also included Joe Okei-Odumakin , Titus Mann, Joe Igbokwe, Richard Akinnola, Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous), George Mbah Niran Malaolu, Ishola Williams, a retired Major-General, Femi Aborisade, Jenkins Alumona, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Muyiwa Adekeye, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju and Ike Okonta.
“We also recognise the soldier-democrats of the June 12 struggle: Major General MA Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Col Umar Farouk Ahmed; Col Sambo Dasuki;
Col Lawan Gwadabe; Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong, Col Musa Shehu; Major General Chris Eze; Major General Harris Dzarma; Col Isa Jibrin; Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin; Col Olusegun Oloruntoba, Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom), Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus, Col J Okai;
Col Emmanuel Ndubueze; Lt Col Yakubu Muazu and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Current Etsu Nupe, who is already the holder of the CFR title.”
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