There is no justification for the gestapo and crude action of some military personnel who invaded the offices of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company as early as 7:40 am on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

This barbaric raid is condemnable, and further stands as a severe infringement on democratic rights and freedoms of law abiding Nigerians who are simply embarking on their daily pursuits. Even during the military regime, such invasions were unheard of. This action marks a new low in security operations in Nigeria and also serves as a dangerous precedent for the nation’s democracy.

It is sad to see terrified employees at Ikeja Electric offices in Lagos scampered to safety as the situation escalated, with many reportedly going into hiding to avoid confrontation with the armed and irate soldiers.

Doors and glass windows were shattered, some staff members whisked away against their wishes. This is totally unacceptable, reprehensible, preposterous and utterly denigrating. The purported disconnection of power supply to the Nigerian Air Force logistics base in Ikeja is a civil matter and there are ways to resolve this without resorting to this dangerous and precarious self-help.

Ikeja Electric is a leading electricity distribution company in Nigeria, and is known for taking significant step to improving its customer service by fast-tracking its response to subscribers’ complaints.

The Thursday scenario has raised concerns over the safety of power sector workers, with calls for authorities to intervene and prevent further attacks on company staff.

Whilst it must be strongly established that the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF) consist of higly disciplined, patriotic, responsible and professional officers, it must also be put on record that a situation like this must never be treated with kid gloves and those responsible for this dastardly act should be accordingly sanctioned.

This is also a wake up call to the government of Nigeria and more importantly, the military authorities for them to quickly look into this embarrassing situation by allowing justice and good reasoning to reign supreme, while also putting into cognizance human dignity and pragmatic solutions in the nick of time. GOD BLESS NIGERIA-

Signed:
Emmanuel Ajibulu,
Activist/Online Publisher
veracitydesk.com

BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

Many years back as teenagers in Kaduna, which by the way was the political capital of the (then) Northern region, the writer and group of friends, school mates, and play-mates had pleasant taste of access to modernity. Even as children of middle-class parents who were either civil servants, or in the semi, and informal sectors, basic necessities were readily available and accessible; not what is prevalent today. We spent hours playing street football, and devoting quality time on the tracks, and indoor sports hall of the magnificent Ahmadu Bello stadium, situated on the very busy Constitution road. Aside from this pastime, which became permanent fixtures on our daily schedule; minus Sundays, television-watching was next. As children, we love the various sporting and drama programmes on the Nigerian Television, (NTV) which later changed to Nigerian Television Authority, (NTA). How can one forget the nine p.m. flagship news which was a compulsory-watch by the writer’s parents. Daily, one sat glued to the large Technics model black and white (later changed to) Phillips coloured TV set for about 45 minutes wondering what the likes of Bimbo Roberts, Sienna Alwell-Brown, and Ronke Ayuba were saying even as they read the news with much grace, flair, poise, and masterful diction.

One of the programmes that somewhat arrested the interest and time of children was Circus Show. Though the characters were foreigners, it was difficult to keep pace with the speed, styles, and precision of their theatrics but the programme was a must-watch. It was very popular that children mimicked the actors, and played-out some of the scenes. In later years, the import and message of the programme made more sense. It was purely comical, full of amusements, and laughter laced with drama and pretence. Over three decades after, many people of my generation still have nostalgic memories about the programme. Somehow, on the sidelines of any social event where we meet, it is discussed by all. Sadly, further introspection, and unbiased analysis of the entire programme may be used to describe some of the happenings in our daily lives, society, and nations.

The writer watched video clips of Senate’s plenary session of Thursday, March 6, where it deliberated and passed the recommendation of its Committee on Code of Conduct, Ethics, and Privileges, with the suspension of Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months as the major decision. Not done, the Senate took some other decisions against the Kogi Central Senator including non-payment of salaries and allowances during the period of suspension; no access to the National Assembly; lockdown of her office; withdrawal of security agents from her. Within racy minutes of step-by-step play-back of events, and scenarios of the Akpabio/Natasha conflict that culminated in her suspension, the forgotten, and likely rested “Circus Show” TV programme came to my consciousness.

About two weeks back, Natasha, on the floor of the red chamber complained about the change of her sitting position to Akpabio, as the President of the Senate. Thereafter, in an Interview on the ARISE NEWS channel, the amazon who is of Nigerian and Russian parentage made some accusations against the former Akwa Ibom state governor which includes sexual harassment. During the course of the media interaction, Natasha came across as bold, fearless, and audacious. Any discerning mind could easily decipher that she probably had more revelations to throw out. Perhaps, for lack of time, being a live programme, Nigerians were “denied” the opportunity of more stain and spoil of the red half of the country’s parliament.

As expected, the Senate’s initial reaction to the litany of accusations against Akpabio by Natasha drew the ire of many Nigerians. With loads of negative public perception hanging on its neck, every step of action and decision made by the Senate elicited public opprobrium. At every forum, social media, and gathering, it was a collage of sighs and hisses. Perhaps, people were taken aback, not impressed, and disillusioned by the Senate’s attempt to allegedly water-down, trivialize, and poo-poo the accusations against Akpabio. Perhaps, having taken stands, and formed opinions on the matter, many people were not willing and prepared to hear the Senate. That is the power of perception, particularly when negative.

Given the negative effects Natasha’s interview and allegations against Akpabio will have on the institution, some attempts were made to address the issues, and possibly change the narratives. Past and present female Senators Biodun Olujimi, Florence Ita-Giwa, and Ireti Kingibe appeared on television station(s) to lend their voices in the defence of the Senate. Some people concluded that their efforts to douse tensions were scarcely achieved as responses to questions further increased the frenzy. Also, it was argued that some new angles begging for more inquisition came to light.

Though the Senate may not publicly admit and agree, the development has ruffled some feathers, and thrown the institution into cacophony of palpable moral doubt, denigration, and derogatory position. Sadly, some Senators who are truly distinguished are victims of collateral damage occasioned by the “odourtic” and shameless development. The space, speed, and suddenness of comments and reactions to the issues somehow confirmed that some people are worried and disturbed. Few others may be mindful of where the pendulum may switch to. The fierce anger, combative posture, and skewed conjectures demonstrated by few Senators, either on the floor of the chamber or in the media are further confirmations that the matter “no make person laugh.” For instance, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North came up with some non-ingenious “truth” which was immediately, and robustly dismissed as “inadvertently misrepresenting the facts, as no such allegations (by Natasha) has ever been made against Dr. (Kayode) Fayemi,” by the state’s immediate past governor. After Fayemi’s sincere, matured, and principled rebuttal, which gained currency on media space, one hopes that, going forward, Fasuyi will take some vital, and enduring lessons in facts-verification on matters before going public.

That the Senate has now rolled out about seven decisions in its suspension of Natasha should not surprise discerning Nigerians. The same should apply to every chronicler of national events, particularly the parliament. Fact, the leadership (no matter how wrong, faulty) will always have its way. Conversely, the other party in such situations (no matter how convincing) will end up with the smallest part of the stick; if lucky. That the Senate, through Akpabio hit the gavel against Natasha was further confirmation of the writer’s thoughts after watching the Spokesperson; Yemi Adaramodu on CHANNELS TV programme a few days back. Looking unperturbed, the Ekiti-born Senator who exhibited concealed triumphalism amid who-cares and dismissive comportment described the crisis as a “storm in the tea cup.”

However, after the “magisterial” verdict, the Senate failed to address the main issue. Allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio remains the crux of the matter. This is the “koko” of the altercation. The writer like many Nigerians is not sure if this was tackled by the Senate, who by the way appears to be in a hurry to put the matter to bed. Somehow, the issue, which may possess a life of its own may resist any, and every effort to consign it to the garbage of national history. Going by the numerous parliamentary breaks and national holidays, the 6 months suspension (if it stays) may effectively rise to 8 or 9 months.This, may further extend the lifespan of the sexual harassment allegations.

According to a school of thought, the sexual harassment allegations may actually be the fall out of previous cases of high-handedness, marginalization, and vindictiveness. Another school of thought posited that removing Natasha as Chairman, Committee on Local Content may not be wrong; on face value. However, replacing her with Senator Ede Dafinone, Delta Central; her husband’s representative in the red chamber may be a calculated attempt to rubbish and possibly cow her. Also, appointing Senator Onowakpo Thomas, Delta South as Deputy was an aberration and flagrant contravention of the Federal Character policy as it relates to allocation of Committees in the Senate. Indeed, the rumour mill is alive of unsubstantiated talks that few unnamed Senators, scared of the visibility, and mileage Natasha was leveraging from Local Content decided to strategize on how best to whittle down her influence.

In all of this “penkelemes” borrowing the coinage of Chief Adegoke Adelabu, Leader of Opposition in the Western Regional Assembly; Federal Minister of Natural Resources & Social Services; and Chairman, Ibadan District Council in the First Republic, there are some observations, and puzzles. How well did the Minority Leadership in the Senate protect one of its own? Why were the North Central Caucus, and Northern Senators Forum quiet? What happened to the voices of the Governor Bala Mohammed-led PDP Governors Forum? Not forgetting the PDP National Working Committee, (NWC), and PDP Board of Trustees, (BOT)? Were the Elders and Leaders of the PDP so engrossed with the 2027 presidential battle that they abandoned their only female Senator from the North to face the confideracy of forces? Finally, the writer hopes, when tempers simmer down, there will be an amicable resolution of the crisis which has done damage to the families of Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is expected that as days goes by, the two Senators after thorough introspection of the issues will pick few lessons that are germane to future personal, political, and public service experience.

* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist, was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.

By Sonny Aragba-Akpore.

At a time global information and communications technology (ICT)players are increasingly tinkering with the rules and templates for Artificial Intelligence (AI),Nigerian born Dr.Chris Uwaje has released a comprehensive playbook book to domesticate AI for African Children.

Uwaje who became very popular in 1999 by virtue of his exploits and expertise in the transition of computer systems from two digits numerals to four and code named Y2K,standing for Year 2000,explained that the new book made up of African folktales will bring the story of AI up to date.

Uwaje ,aged 74 years, was christened as Nigeria,s Oracle of IT in 1999 because of the puzzles he dismantled around the Y2K transition and he says his new book “AI Playbook for African Children “is designed for AI Conquerors from where the continent’s position on the outskirts of globalization will transform to the rank of major global players via AI because AI started from science fiction.
“Once upon a time,”the book begins “Africa showed and thought the world how to think, create, innovate, and use technology. The purpose of this AFRICA AI FAMILY Story is to invite African children to anticipate, appreciate and engage in the emerging knowledge conversation woven around the relationships between, Emotional Intelligence (EI), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Synthetic Biology (SB). The context of the conversation aims to explore the critical role of STEM in the body of human knowledge, digital innovation, disruptions, and transformation.” With AI, Africa has a rare opportunity to rebuild the continent – from ashes to monument!

The story lines attempt to capture, set-free, and recondition the minds and thinking faculties of African Children from the age of zero to 12! It is a motivational tool, centred on the audacity to fearlessly face and conquer the world of AI and emerging technologies. This attempt is to ensure that they grow up – armed with distinctive technology and knowledge-consciousness. Master design-thinking abilities, and logic-based capabilities to embrace creativity and innovation as they confront and conquer the challenges presented by the digital promise in the new world.
The book says “We now face a new digital challenge – powerfully energized by AI. And African children must be consciously aware of the emergence of a digital Tsunami “

The digital version of Text-to-Voice-to-graph-imaging and animation took three and a half months studio work to complete.

Twenty three months were spent researching, crafting, working with the publishers and seven studio production Team to deliver the AI PLAYBOOK for African Children.
Created in three phases .
Phase one promotes the digital format as a strategy to navigate the market where the work can be pre-loaded into Tablets, Mobile phones and iPads for mass-distribution.

While Phase two comes up with a multilingual version in five major Nigerian languages, it is Followed by translation into 20 African languages.

Phase three which is still in the works will port into a Humanoid Robot for mass distribution of at least one million units into schools all over Africa.

Prof. Charles Uwadia Of Computer Sciences Department.the University of Lagos. in his review describes the book “as a massive satirical and comical piece of work. Am sure it has copyright protection. It will be nice to have a French version, and versions of some selected indigenous African languages similar to what you have for D. O. Fugunwa’s books.”

Mike Olajide (Co-Founder SIDMARK Co. Ltd.
sees The AI-Playbook for African Children as an outstanding resource for learning. “While designed with African children in mind, its clear and globally accessible language makes it valuable for any child.

The use of illustrations and diagrams further enhances comprehension, making complex concepts easier to grasp. It is highly recommended for adoption by relevant educational agencies as a vital learning tool.”

The book says “Conventional wisdom reveals that the World and our collective existence is a story. An unending story, full of many shades of colours of knowledge and intelligence. It presents enormous and complex challenges to reimagine our amazing world – the Planet Earth. Indeed, Climate Change has become an audacious story to save mankind. As technologies evolve, we make mistakes, gain better insight on their functionalities, and build new knowledge-disruptive systems. This is why African children must compete for global AI-knowledge inclusiveness.”

“Stories lead us into an illuminative domain of life, intelligence, and colours of hope with infinite multi-dimensional possibilities that hold us in awe! Stories compel us to act, and search for more strategic solutions to minimise embedded risks and unravel the intertwined complexities of life in our universe –world without end!”

AI stories for the African Child are essential. They constitute the powerful building blocks and strategic tools to navigate the biological , Science and Technology landscapes of existence. By extension, stories are the foundation of how we explore, embrace, and navigate the essence and importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Afterall, teaching is a professional construct of storytelling!

Stories can help in supercharging AI and emerging technologies awareness for Children in many amazing ways. Today, Tech-stories have become the playground and centre of learning gravity for children. Indeed, Tech-stories have become a preferred oxygen of existence for Children worldwide. Stories have taken the front burner as dynamic playmate and influencer. They foster the illumination and acceleration of the adoption of the technology processes, functionalities, by children .
Therefore, the African Child must not be left out of this strategic gift of life and harmony because African Children need Tech-oxygen to breathe.

Uwaje believes that today
“ Tech-Stories constitute the core haymaker in Children’s-play toys, digital games, and act as the gateway to adaptive learning software. With powerful Algorithms ,Children are held eye-and-brain, captivated, and directed to engage in colourful and interactive digital experiences, in form of games, videos, photos, and background music as stimulants.”

“Finally, this African AI Story invites governments, educational institutions, Corporate Enterprises, and Teachers to consciously support our children to dream new Moonshot dreams and stimulate their minds to fearlessly face and conquer the world of AI and Emerging Technologies. Africa must become a force to be reckoned with in the global arena.”

The book states that “available research records and sources from several Internet resources show that Africa has the world’s oldest record of human technological achievement. For example, the oldest stone tools in the world have been found in countries like Tanzania in East Africa. Also, there are other evidence/s for tool production by humans’ hominin ancestors found across West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa.”

“And verifiable records further reveal that African civilization stands out as the origin of Technology to the world.” Great achievements in science and technology were first developed in ancient Africa.

They include concepts of Mathematics, Counting methods,
Astronomy, Metallurgy and tools, Architecture, Engineering, Medicine, Navigation, and many more. Today, the miracle of the Pyramid of Egypt still stands magnificently tall as one of the wonders of the world.

“The above records of human intelligence are valid testimonies of the fact that technology is an evolutionary process.

It constitutes a fundamental wave of knowledge with the ability to fuss and form stronger waves and spread beyond the shaws of its origin. Also, the demand of its products and values continue to spur innovation and disruptions of human civilisation.”
Uwaje thinks Africa must catch up because “time is running out”.