The next Nigerian elections are scheduled to commence on February 25, 2023. That is nine months between when the political parties choose their flag-bearers (presidential candidates) and when the votes are cast. So where is the end of the tortuous journey? It was the database that reminded us that on a previous occasion (when Head of State General Olusegun Obasanjo; Chief of Army Staff Lieut-General T. Y. Danjuma; and Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters Major-General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua commenced the handing over to civilians), the registered political parties choose their presidential candidates in December 1978 while the presidential elections were held on 11th August 1979 – a waiting time of about seven months. This time the pregnancy must serve the full term of nine months.
The combat zone is thirty-six states plus the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja). According to the website of INEC [Independent National Electoral Commission], the polling units are a massive 176,974.
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God Almighty forbids any violent disputation of the results. The historians have been unrelenting in reminding us that elections in Nigeria have a pattern of violence which inevitably leads to chaos and anarchy.
Let us pray and hope that we have learnt our lessons.
On 18th January 2023 the children and grandchildren of Chief Emeka Anyaoku GCVO hosted a truly magnificent lunch at the exclusive Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, to mark the 90th birthday of their progenitor. It was an amazing display of humility by a titan who was showered with well-deserved encomiums by President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Ambassador Professor Ibrahim Gambari (ex-King’s College, Lagos, and London School of Economics); former Head of State Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Governor of Lagos State Mr Babajide O. Sanwo-Olu; His Royal Highness Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha; and Dr Gabriel Soyoye.
I am not entirely sure how much of a follower of Professor De Bono the celebrant is with regard to lateral thinking. However, there is ample evidence that Chief Anyaoku is a scholar in his own right, along with sterling attributes of impeccable character and unwavering principles as well as an abundance of courage. He must have taken to heart the dictum of Thomas Jefferson (1743 to 1826).
“In matters of style, swim with the current;
In matters of principle, stand like a rock.”
The celebrant is an icon of diplomacy and a colossus in the service of humanity – in his hometown in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria, and internationally as former Secretary General of the Commonwealth.
Regardless of his monumental achievements, he has remained urbane and cerebral, combined with unblemished integrity. His commitment to excellence is fully attested to by the long list of international awards and honorary doctorate degrees from numerous prestigious universities.
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What a testament !!
It was Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who provided dramatic intervention when he insisted that the ever charming Olubunmi Anyaoku must join her husband of sixty years at the high table rather than sit quietly in a far corner of the elegant dining room of the Metropolitan Club. When it was time for the celebrant, he held us all spellbound with his roundtable eloquence, fecundity and mastery of the English language. He rightly concluded that 90 is not the end. Rather, it is the beginning of a new chapter. He spoke extempore. No notes whatever. The celebrant spoke from the heart. He certainly deserves ninety hearty cheers plus the abundant blessings of the Almighty.
Bashorun J.K. Randle is a former President of the Institute of the Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and former Chairman of KPMG Nigeria and the Africa Region. He is currently the Chairman of J.K. Randle Professional Services.
