By Adegboyega Ajadi

Ilorin was thrown into rare jubilation last week. Not because of a political rally, nor because a sitting governor commissioned a project, but because a man of destiny returned home after a meritorious career in the public service. The outpouring of love for Engr. Suleiman Bolakale Kawu Agaka was spontaneous, overwhelming, and instructive. It was a message from the people to the political class: we know who has stood with us, and we know those who only remember us when elections draw near.

From Abuja to Ilorin, the narrative was the same. Stakeholders across party lines, community leaders, Islamic scholars, friends, associates, and ordinary people celebrated a man whose works have silently reshaped lives and whose character has earned him uncommon respect. In both cities, the events were not sponsored jamborees. They were not financed with state resources. They were genuine tributes by those who have seen, touched, and felt the impact of Engr. Kawu.

At the Abuja event organised by the Ilorin community, two voices stood out in their testimonies, his boss and his subordinate.

Abba Abubakar Aliyu, his former Managing Director at the Rural Electrification Agency, confessed he had yet to come to terms with the reality of Kawu’s retirement. With emotion in his voice, he declared: “No problem within the Agency that Engr. Kale was unable to resolve. He performed every assignment with utmost dedication and commitment, even spending his own resources to achieve targets. This is unprecedented in the history of the Agency.” That is not the usual flattery of a superior; it was the acknowledgment of a colleague who had seen him go above and beyond for the institution.

On her part, Ojua Omodara, who worked directly under him, gave a subordinate’s perspective: “Engr. Kawu is a goal-getter. He gives assignments and follows through until results are achieved.” Between these two voices, superior and subordinate, lies a portrait of leadership: diligent, selfless, and result-driven.

If Abuja offered professional testimony, Ilorin presented a moral verdict. From the airport to the heart of the city, unprecedented crowds lined the streets. People came in unimagined numbers, not lured by patronage, but drawn by affection. They came with their hearts, with their voices, and with their prayers.

The Chief Imam of Ilorin led other Islamic scholars in offering supplications for his continued success, affirming what the people already knew, that his record is not only professional but spiritual, not only official but human. The prayers were thanksgiving for a man who had already touched lives in ways politics rarely does.

Here lies the prosecution: one after another, communities testified in ways more compelling than any campaign manifesto could promise. Villages spoke of how they were lit up, not by political promises, but by transformers facilitated through Kawu’s intervention. Students recalled scholarships that kept them in school when hopelessness beckoned. Families gave witness to medical support received at critical times when their loved ones would otherwise have been abandoned to fate. Villages pointed to mosques standing tall in their midst, built through his generosity. Imams bore testimony that for the past 15 to 20 years, they had been receiving salaries from him, a quiet, consistent support that kept religious institutions alive.

This was not philanthropy performed with television cameras rolling. This was not the noise of politics. These were silent deeds of service, done without the inkling of seeking political office. And yet, those who benefited never forgot. The Ilorin outpouring was their verdict: this is the kind of leadership we trust, this is the kind of leadership we deserve.

Nigeria is in search of leaders who embody the values Engr. Kawu has lived: integrity, service without expectation, empathy, and selflessness. His story demonstrates that true leadership is not the pursuit of power for its own sake but the capacity to impact lives, often quietly and sacrificially.

Those who thronged Ilorin did not come to repay political favours. They came because they recognised a man whose entire life had been service. In a society drowning in political cynicism, where people believe politicians only remember them when elections approach, Engr. Kawu’s story is a refreshing contrast. He is the reminder that leadership is not about how loudly one campaigns but about how deeply one serves.

This is why his homecoming transcends a mere celebration of retirement. It was, in truth, a referendum on the kind of leadership Nigerians yearn for. In Kwara, it was a clarion call to the political class: the people are watching, the people are keeping records, and when the time comes, the people will speak again.

Without saying it outright, the people of Kwara made a declaration last week: Engr. Suleiman Bolakale Kawu Agaka represents the kind of leadership the state deserves. His track record at the Rural Electrification Agency shows competence, accountability, and sacrifice. His silent philanthropy across Kwara demonstrates empathy, compassion, and vision. His ability to attract people across party lines, as seen in Abuja, reflects the inclusiveness and bridge-building needed in today’s polarised polity.

The heroic welcome he received was not purchased. It was earned. It was not staged. It was organic. It was the people’s way of saying: we know you, we trust you, and we are ready to follow you if you choose to lead us further.

The lesson is simple but profound: in a country where trust in leadership has collapsed, there still exists a model of leadership that works. Kawu’s life proves that service begets loyalty, sacrifice earns trust, and consistency commands respect.

Ilorin’s historic outpouring was not just a welcome home; it was the unveiling of a man of destiny. The people did not just celebrate his past; they proclaimed their hope for the future. They see in him not only a technocrat who served diligently but a leader who can carry Kwara forward with empathy and vision.

In the end, the moral tribute becomes a political lesson: leaders are not made by titles or positions, but by the lives they touch. And in Engr. Kawu, the people have found both their hero and, perhaps, their future governor.

…Adegboyega, a public affairs analyst, writes from Gaa Akanbi in Ilorin

By Moradeke Kolawole

When a person is consistent in one thing, it becomes their identity. In the case of former Ambassador Lilian Onoh, consistency lies in bitterness, vendetta and endless feuds. Her latest attempt to drag Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa into her cycle of accusations follows a well-worn pattern. Onoh is known more for her fights than for any enduring legacy of diplomacy.

The court records from the libel case filed by former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, expose the character behind the loud claims. Under cross-examination, Onyeama’s lawyer described her actions as nothing more than vendetta. Onoh herself admitted in open court that her hostility towards Onyeama was personal. She claimed he had pursued her career because her sister divorced him and went as far as describing the former minister’s supposed “hereditary insanity” and “unhinged psychiatric problem.” These are not the words of a seasoned diplomat. They are the words of someone consumed by malice and family feuds, now weaponised in professional spaces.

This is the same pattern she repeats with Abike Dabiri-Erewa. From a definitely fictional alleged encounter at Aso Villa in 2018, she has manufactured an entire story of Igbo hatred and ethnic vendetta, complete with insults, name-calling and cheap shots about appearance and education. Just like her fight with Onyeama, it is full of venom but empty of evidence. Abike Dabiri Erewa never met Onoh nor had any encounter with her anywhere at all. She is following her pattern of outright lies and venom.

It is ironic that someone accused of financial impropriety and known for dragging colleagues to court is now trying to lecture Nigerians on who is fit for public office. The truth is that Onoh’s record is one of bitterness and litigation, not of service and legacy.

By contrast, Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s record is open and verifiable. She gave voice to the voiceless as a journalist, served three terms in the House of Representatives with bills that cut across ethnic and religious lines, and as Chairman of NiDCOM has championed the cause of Nigerians stranded in Sudan, Ukraine, Libya, China and other troubled spots. She never asked whether they were Igbo, Yoruba or Hausa before intervening. That is the mark of service, not vendetta.

So when Lilian Onoh hurls unprintable words and tries to dress personal bitterness as national interest, Nigerians can see through it. Her own courtroom testimonies have already shown how far she is willing to go in twisting personal grievances into public battles.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa does not need to pay much attention to such manufactured stories because her work speaks for itself. Nigerians know her record and they know Onoh’s record too. One is a record of service, the other a record of quarrels.
So who is beyond redemption? Definitely Lilian Onoh.

By Hon. Gloria Okolugbo

The Office of the Distinguished Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko has observed with deep concern the rising trend of reckless defamation, baseless accusations, and outright blackmail targeted at political officeholders under the guise of opposition politics. While democracy thrives on diverse opinions and constructive criticism, it must be emphasized that the fundamental principles of fairness, truth, and accountability cannot be sacrificed in the name of political engagement.

It has come to our attention that despite prior warnings, certain individuals continue to propagate falsehoods and defamatory claims against the Distinguished Senator.

The recent case involving one Mr. Chimezie, who falsely accused Senator Nwoko of certificate forgery, embezzlement of public funds, and other malicious fabrications, is a glaring example of this disturbing trend. These are not mere political criticisms; they are grievous allegations with serious legal consequences.

Senator Nwoko, a renowned international legal practitioner and respected global figure, has built his reputation through decades of hard work, integrity, and service. It is therefore unacceptable that anyone, under the cover of social media, would make unsubstantiated claims aimed at tarnishing his hard-earned name. In Nigerian society, reputation is highly valued, and while some may trivialize theirs, the Distinguished Senator will not stand by and allow his integrity to be recklessly attacked.

Legal implication of defamation and cyberstalking

The laws of Nigeria and other civilized societies are clear on defamation, cyberstalking, and false accusations. The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, particularly Section 24, criminalizes the use of electronic communication to send messages that are false, grossly offensive, or of a menacing character. Additionally, under the Criminal and Penal Codes of Nigeria, defamatory statements—whether in writing (libel) or spoken (slander)—are serious offenses punishable by law.

Forgery, an allegation carelessly thrown at the Distinguished Senator, is a grave criminal offense under Section 363 of the Criminal Code, attracting severe legal consequences. An accusation of forgery is not a matter to be taken lightly; it is an assertion that a crime has been committed, and the burden of proof lies on the accuser.

It is imperative to remind all that freedom of expression does not include the right to malign, defame, or falsely accuse others. Criticism of public officials should be based on facts and responsible discourse, not deliberate falsehoods designed to mislead the public and incite disaffection.

Political opposition must not be grounded in falsehoods

Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko holds no grudge against anyone for opposing his policies or questioning his performance in office. He firmly believes that opposition is essential for democracy, as it fosters accountability and effectiveness in governance. However, opposition must be guided by reason, decency, and truth.

Emotion should never override common sense. Making reckless statements without evidence does not amount to opposition politics—it is blackmail and character assassination. The issue at hand is not about silencing critics but about ensuring that grave allegations are backed by facts and not mere political gimmicks.

The need for accountability in public discourse

Mr. Chimezie’s defamatory post was not made in secret; it was widely circulated across social media platforms, reaching audiences beyond Nigeria’s borders. He had nearly a month to retract or provide proof but chose neither. Instead, those supporting him now seek to shift the narrative by playing the victim card.

Let it be clear: Senator Ned Nwoko is the victim here. Defamation is not a tool for political engagement, and no individual—regardless of their background—has the right to make false accusations without being held accountable. Arrest is not persecution; rather, it is the lawful means of ensuring justice. If Mr. Chimezie has evidence to support his claims, now is the time to present it. Otherwise, he must face the consequences of his reckless actions.

Justice is for all – not just for the poor

Justice is not selective. While the public is quick to rally behind perceived underdogs, it is essential to recognize that the rich and powerful also deserve justice. Political officeholders, like every other citizen, have the right to protect their reputation and dignity. The attempt to paint this case as oppression is a deliberate distraction from the real issue: falsehood and its consequences.

The Legal Department and Communication Directorate of Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko’s office will not stand idly by while defamatory attacks continue unchecked. Going forward, any attempt to spread falsehoods or malicious allegations against the Distinguished Senator will be met with the full weight of the law.

We encourage constructive engagement and responsible discourse but will not tolerate slander, cyberstalking, or blackmail. Those who wish to oppose Senator Ned Nwoko are free to do so within the bounds of truth and decency. However, let it be known that defamation will not be ignored nor excused.

Signed,

Hon. Gloria Okolugbo Director Communications

Office of the Distinguished Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko.