Political Editor, Abuja Network News
In the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Administration has been fortunate to have a wealth of talents at its disposal. However, the tradition of the APC, characterized by a poor reward system and the infamous "who you know" syndrome, has often been blamed for underutilizing these talents.
A telling example of this is Chief Okoi Obno-Obla, the former Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Properties. Widely regarded as one of the best minds in Nigeria's judicial and investigation sectors, it was no surprise that when President Buhari needed someone to lead the panel, Chief Okoi Obno-Obla was considered the most suitable candidate.
President Buhari embarked on his anti-corruption crusade with unmatched zeal, sincerity, and political will. He established formidable structures to crack down on those unlawfully benefiting from the nation's wealth. The creation of the Special Presidential Investigative Panel for Recovery of Public Properties in 2017 added credibility and seriousness to his fight against corruption. This was largely due to the appointment of Chief Okoi Obono Obla, a fearless and upright Nigerian, as the panel's chairman. President Buhari's choice of Mr. Obla served as an indication of his commitment to tackling corruption head-on.
True to expectations, Chief Obla assumed his role with vision and clear targets. His primary objective was to ensure the recovery of public properties that corrupt individuals had fraudulently converted for personal use. Within weeks, the panel had already recovered properties worth billions of naira. As time went on, the panel's success continued to skyrocket, garnering widespread attention in the media. Esteemed figures such as human rights activist Femi Falana and political commentators across party lines, religions, and ethnicities started hailing the panel as one of Nigeria's most outstanding anti-corruption agencies.
While the achievements of the Obla panel and the news of recoveries instilled jubilation across the country, I couldn't help but worry about Chief Obla's safety. Some individuals suggested that the panel be transformed into a full-fledged commission to completely eradicate corruption in Nigeria. However, amidst the celebration of the panel's remarkable achievements, certain wicked-minded Nigerians, who had been profiting immensely from the nation's resources without any accountability, were busy hatching plots to destroy both the panel's activities and Chief Obla himself.
Petitions against the chairman began to flood in from all corners, to the extent that Chief Obla found himself repeatedly appearing before both chambers of the Nigerian National Assembly to defend himself against unverifiable allegations. However, the more he cleared his name, the more certain individuals who wished to hinder Nigeria's progress continued their pursuit of Chief Obla.
Unfazed by these attempts, Chief Obla remained resolute. He continued to fight staunchly against corruption, unwavering in his commitment to rid Nigeria of this societal ill. Unfortunately, the wishes of those individuals with ill-gotten wealth, who wanted Chief Obla removed, was granted. The panel was disbanded by the then President Buhari . The infamous decision was made because some Nigerians believe they are untouchable and Chief Obla firmly believed that the constitution of Nigeria should hold supremacy over any individual.
In light of recent events, I pose a question to all my fellow patriotic Nigerians: How long will we stand idly by and watch as our best brains are destroyed? Our honest, hardworking compatriots, who are detribalized and possess remarkable skills, should not be chased away from the country or the public service. These individuals have tirelessly fought for our nation's success. It is crucial that the present administration recognizes and includes those who can defend the policies of the party and the nation in general.
Hopefully, those who hold significance in the current administration are paying attention. The inclusion of individuals who are capable of defending the nation and standing up against those with ulterior motives is crucial. Such inclusion would earn the present administration the respect it deserves among the international community. One such individual who exemplifies these qualities is FFK, who has played a prominent role in the current dispensation. It is perplexing why it is taking so long to acknowledge and give people like FFK, Obla, Ameh Agnes, and others their rightful due in the present administration. They were there when it mattered the most, at the forefront of the campaign organization of Tinubu Shetima, taking the bullets and shaping the narrative. "This is not about seeking positions for them, but rather about treating them with the respect they deserve and acknowledging their contributions towards the success of the present dispensation. It would be a grave mistake to exclude FFK, Obno etc from President Tinubu's inner circle. Hopefully, those who have the president's ear will take this into consideration."
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