General News
Of Corruption, Stealing and Terrorism
Opinion by Dr. Peregrino Brimah
These are three terminologies that have recently been discombobulated in Nigerian presidential speeches.
Therefore I see the necessity to remove the muddling on these terms. You have Corruption, Stealing and Terrorism.
To the point, all three of these are one and the same. Corruption= Stealing= Terrorism; and likewise, Terrorism= Stealing= Corruption.
I am on record as having severally expressed that ‘corruption’ is merely a fancy European qualification for historic lowly crime of stealing.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti vocalized this clear point, regarding all these fancy terminologies as pretty tags for the same armed robbery offence. His words, ‘authority stealing pass armed robbery.’ He continues, ‘if gun steals eighty thousand naira, pen steals two billion naira.’
And with corruption, embezzlement, maladministration and all those fancy British tags, you don’t hear them call you out for being a thief and rouge. Well, Sir, we do. We call you a rogue and a petty thief if you are a corrupt-thief.
If you are still confused, let’s define and study these ‘complex’ words with help from the free dictionary online:
Stealing- This is the act of taking someone’s property without obtaining legal permission.
Government corruption- Lacking in integrity, debased, putrid, tainted government officials who steal from the public-people’s coffer and betray the people’s trust.
This includes giving or taking illegal payments in exchange for favors or influence. It also includes denying people justice.
And
Terrorism- The use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, esp. for political purposes.
The act of (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) systematic use of violence and intimidation to achieve certain goals.
All these three terms are infringements and strong violations of trust.
When you are robbed, you are terrorized. You have been intimidated and violated. You have lost you sense of livelihood and your security is undermined.
When government officials are corrupt, they have robbed the people of their due allotment. ‘They have stolen our trust.’
As I have previously put it in a cautionary open letter to late president Yar’Adua I wrote at the swearing in of the Yar’Adua-Jonathan administration, these officials have stolen, not from the national cake, but from the pauper’s loaf.
They have dipped their hands into the pocket of every last Nigerian at home and abroad and taken from the pennies contained to enrich themselves. This is done without our consent and legal permission, thus making it stealing.
Take for instance when you give out a petroleum PFI for someone to bring in petrol to Nigeria. And then you ask for $500,000 upfront for this ‘gift,’ to a buddy cabal ‘businessman.’
I am sure you agree that this is corruption, but you fail to see how this is robbery and terrorism. Firstly, on the robbery aspect, where did the $500,000 come from?
The ‘businessman’ pays the $500,000 kickback from the Nigeria and Nigerians money which is in your ward as the government official, to repay the money he gave you.
In essence, he steals this money from us in cahoots with you. By being corrupt, you are a robber and an accomplice to robbery.
Proverbs 29:24 (KJV): Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
I have phrased it thus:
Thieves rather steal from the rich…
The political elite rather steal from the poor.
Now while we consider how corruption is robbery, let’s analyze the third term. Terrorism is the act of terrorizing. This involves any action by a person, group or government, by which an affected victim loses his sense of safety, security, and includes losses of wealth, health and life subsequent to deliberate actions of the terrorist.
I am happy we find terrorism as an important threat. I quote:
President Goodluck Jonathan (2013 Independence day speech).
“Our Administration will not rest until every Nigerian is free from the oppression of terrorism. I reassure you that no cost will be spared, no idea will be ignored, and no resource will be left untapped in the quest to enable our people live without fear.”
So now, let us appreciate what terrorism is, now that we are assured the Nigerian government will fight with all resource to ensure that at last we can live without fear of being terrorized.
In understanding terror, one needs to appreciate the layout of human social existence. Man can either have or not have.
Our vocabulary consists of expressions of either opposite position. Love is the lack of hate. Hate is the lack of love.
Peace is the absence of war and likewise, war the absence of peace. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s writing on ‘compensation’ would make a great read.
As is Mr. President has correctly stated, the result of fighting terrorism is to create an environment where we can live in the absence of fear, because terrorism presents with a state of fear, and safety is a state without fear.
So what is terrorism? This is the robbery, the theft of our sense of security, the theft of and taking away of our sense of health, economic, social security, and ultimately, the stealing of our life or the life of our loved one and his person from us.
A terrorist steals our sense of freedom and safety. He is a thief. We are used to referring to murder as the murderer ‘stealing’ our loved ones from us, or the devil doing so in some cultures.
Terrorism is not directly limited to instant murder. There are varieties of terrorism and the terrorism deaths can be slow, torturous, disgraceful and painful. Ultimately terrorism leads to a state of increased loss of life and life’s worth.
MEND engaged in economic terrorism. When the direct deaths by MEND are counted, we get a lower number than Boko Haram for instance, but when the economic terrorism aspect of MEND is considered, which precipitated in a decrease in Nigeria’s oil output by over half, we realize that the result of the economic terror of the worst years of MEND’s carnage are still being felt today in deaths.
Many died due to health care, roads and other services that Nigeria could not provide due to economic terrorism.
Many are still dying today as a result of MEND’s terrorism. The spilling of oil by MEND operations including proliferation of oil vandals then and now, leads to a continued state of poisoning and death of people in the Niger Delta.
I hope this picture helps you understand how economic terrorism may even be worse than direct murderous terror with localized and limited deaths.
All government processes that steal the people’s money, and deny the people their rightful infrastructure, including health care, roads and reliable security services, steal the people’s right of safety, steal their peace, steal their health and ultimately steal their lives and are terror.
The people die fast or slow, terrorized directly as a result of your negligence, your corruption –your terrorism. You terrorize the people to death. Some die in Nigeria and others die abroad.
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
Nigeria’s populace live breathing toxic fumes from generators every day. They are being terrorized by the noise pollution in addition to the chemical pollution.
This is chemical ‘warfare’ poisoning as a direct result of government failure-terrorism. The noise and fumes shorten our lives and give many early deaths. At the root of this is government robbery.
When you divide up our country and sell it to the cabal. This is robbery and terrorism. When governments free convicted criminal cabal and then even fly these in government jets to further terrorize the people. This is grave terrorism.
By pocketing a kickback (our money) to have and approve of a substandard road built, you have stolen from us and you continuously terrorize the people (commuters). In some cultures, your hands would all be cut off by now.
The terrorists that operate in Nigeria, from Boko Haram to MEND, to oil vandals, to Kidnappers.
All these direct murderers and thieves of people’s right to safety, security and the pursuit of happiness, only abound and operate freely, unabated under authority terrorism.
So, you are the kingpin of all these criminals. You, as a failing government are the chief terrorist, the chief kidnapper, the chief bomber, and the chief quack doctor, dangerous engineer, etc.
This is what government stands for. The role of government is to provide a safe and conducive environment for its people to thrive and perhaps even excel. I put it this way:
Kidnappers kidnap individuals…
The Cabal kidnap our nation.
When government officials keep the nation in a terrorized state; rob the nation its right of good schools, good roads and safety from maniacal behavior, while they –the officials—live in protected homes, and send their children to schools abroad and themselves go overseas at every slight cough or cold; going overseas to territories presided upon by men like them, good mayors and governors who provide for their people as is due, we call such government officials, robbers, vandals and terrorists.
We Nigerians hope you will fulfill your promise to abate this government terrorism, leaving no official with impunity from the very, very top to the bottom.
Dr. Peregrino Brimah
http://ENDS.ng [Every Nigerian Do Something]
Email: drbrimah@ends.ng Twitter: @EveryNigerian
Avon Medical, a subsidiary of Heirs Holdings has officially launched an ultramodern hospital facility in Surulere, Lagos.
L-R: Emmanuel Nnorom – Group CEO, Heirs Holdings; Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser on Health to the Lagos State Governor; Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Group Chairman, Heirs Holdings; Dr. Awele Elumelu, Chairperson, Avon Medical Practice; H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor, Lagos State; Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, CMD, LUTH & Representative of the Minister for Health; Dr. Akinbiyi Oke, CEO, Avon Medical; Professor Emmanuel Akinola Abayomi, Honorable Commissioner for Health, Lagos State; Chidi Okpala, Group Executive Director, Heirs Holdings; at the launch of the Avon Medical ultramodern facility in Lagos on April 14, 2025.
At the historic event, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor, Lagos state, who inaugurated the 50-bed, fully equipped facility, said that Avon Medical has put its name in the sand of time in this industry.
The opening ceremony was attended by top government officials, healthcare professionals, and industry stakeholders.
Also present at the event were Group Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Lagos State Commissioner of Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate represented by the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo.
The new hospital features comprehensive diagnostic services, obstetrics and gynecology (O&G), pediatrics, and neonatal care, and is designed to serve the growing healthcare needs of Lagos residents.
Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised Avon Medical for its long-standing commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu said: “This is more than just a hospital. It’s a bold statement of what private sector collaboration can do in transforming our healthcare landscape. For one facility to offer full diagnostics, O&G, pediatric, and neonatal care, it shows the level of intentional investment and vision behind Avon Medical.”
The Governor further commended Dr. Awele Elumelu, Chairperson, Avon Medical and co-founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, for her dedication to building sustainable healthcare institutions.
He said: “Dr. Awele Elumelu chose not to be comfortable in her success, but instead to invest in something meaningful something that impacts lives directly.”
“The health sector requires long-term commitment rather than short-term returns. Healthcare is not a sector where profits come quickly. It takes vision, compassion, and a strong sense of purpose.”
“We are building the largest pediatric hospital and the largest mental health facility in Sub-Saharan Africa. Health is wealth, and we’re backing that statement with action and funding. 8–10% of Lagos State’s annual budget is allocated to the health sector.”
Also speaking, Dr. Elumelu, AVON Medical Chairperson said they from the beginning resolved to focus on the problems which include overburdened public hospitals, lack of modern equipment, medical professionals being stretched to their limits, too many people frustrated as they simply couldn’t get medical help in time.
“We could not look away, so we decided to do something about it,” she said.
“That single decision to step in gave birth to Avon Medical and our health insurance company, Avon HMO.
“The first, to provide excellent healthcare services, and the other to ensure that people could actually afford them.
“That combination was deliberate. It was our way of ensuring we were not only building facilities, but we were also creating access to them.”
She said the initiative them from the humble beginnings of operating just a work-site clinic at a single location had grown into a 50-bed hospital network, including a Dialysis Centre, and several worksite clinics.
She said why the decision they took then matter could be seen from the staggering facts about our healthcare system on the Africa continent which has over 20% of the global disease burden yet has access to only 1% of healthcare resources; approximately 48% of Africans lack access to the quality healthcare they need; Only about 3% of global health workers serve our continent; In Nigeria alone, the gap in the number of available and qualified doctors, beds, and equipment reflects a system under pressure; The African healthcare system is the hardest hit by the migration crisis.
She said the challenges were not just mere numbers, but real people, real stories, real lives.
“And far too often, they represent women and children. Which is why this facility matters,” she said.
With the medical facility, she said more women will now receive the maternal care they need to safely bring life into the world.
“It means more children will get timely diagnoses, life-saving treatments, and a better shot at long, healthier lives,” she said.
“ It means more families will have access to quality and affordable healthcare services that they deserve.
“This is what we are building: a healthcare system that leaves no one behind.”
Describing the project as a reflection of “our philosophy—Africapitalism, she said, “The belief that the private sector has a major role to play in our continent’s development.
“The belief that we have a responsibility, not just to generate profit but most importantly, to create a lasting impact, to do well and do good.”
She also made it clear that to solve problems, to improve lives that will transform Africa would not end with the new project.
“ This achievement is not the end. It is only a springboard. Our vision has always been bold: to create a network of health solutions that are not only accessible and affordable, but also world-class,” she said.
Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC) has warned of an imminent shutdown of power generation plants due to unpaid invoices totalling over ₦4 trillion.
This debt comprises ₦2 trillion for 2024 and ₦1.9 trillion in legacy debts, severely impacting the companies’ ability to meet financial obligations.
According to a statement signed by Col. Sani Bello (Rtd), chairman Board of Trustee Power Generation Companies, on Monday said despite generating electricity consumed on the national grid, power generation companies haven’t received corresponding payments, leading to a liquidity crisis.
This crisis he said has reduced their ability to perform obligations, threatening the entire electricity value chain.
To address this crisis, the APGC has demanded immediate implementation of payment plans to settle all outstanding GenCos invoices.
The association also called for a reprioritization of payments under the waterfall arrangement, giving full priority to 100% payment of GenCos’ invoices as at when due. This would enable them to sustainably generate power and meet critical needs.
The APGC said A clear financing plan is also necessary to backstop exposures in NERC’s Supplementary Order to the MYTO and DRO 2024
This plan would provide stability and predictability for the power sector, allowing GenCos to plan and invest for the future.
Furthermore, the Association is seeking payment security guarantees backed by World Bank/AFDB to guarantee full payment to GenCos.
This would enable them to meet critical needs, improve generation, and implement growth and expansion plans.
General News
NITDA Calls for Comments, Inputs on the Draft Technical Standards For Digital Public Infrastructure
The National Information Technology Development Agency wishes to announce the release of the draft Technical Standards for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for public consultation and is actively soliciting public comments and inputs on this pivotal document.
This landmark step underscores the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, secure, and interoperable digital ecosystem that will drive economic growth, enhance public service delivery, and empower citizens across the nation.
The Public may recall that on the 4th of March 2025, the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, released the Digital Public Infrastructure Framework. The DPI framework presents a platform for reforming public service delivery, utilising a whole-of-government approach, which includes the opportunity for the private sector to build and deliver cross-cutting services that will enhance citizens’ well-being and access to services.
The Framework also establishes the Nigerian Digital Public Infrastructure Centre (Ng-DPIC) as the program implementation office to coordinate the national effort to educate, support research and deliver appropriate knowledge management for developing Nigeria’s DPI. The aim is to engage meaningfully in developing a robust DPI-driven architecture that benefits society.
In furtherance of the above, this draft Technical Standards for DPI provides a structured approach for developing and deploying Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
They define the essential technical requirements and proven techniques to ensure interoperability, security, and efficiency across digital services. By establishing clear guides, these standards support the seamless integration of DPI components, fostering a secure, scalable, and resilient digital ecosystem in Nigeria.
Furthermore, it outlines the structure for integrating sectorial DPIs, including but not limited to digital identity systems, payment platforms, and data exchange frameworks. It aims to establish clear guidelines for interoperability, data protection, cybersecurity, and the participation of both public and private sector stakeholders in building digital public goods (DPGs), utilising these critical digital foundations.
Extensive research, international best practices, and consultations with various stakeholders have guided the development of this draft technical standards. It reflects the government’s vision to leverage the power of digital technologies to achieve its national development objectives and improve the lives of all Nigerians.
Key objectives of the draft Digital Public Infrastructure Regulation include:
Enhance Interoperability: Ensure seamless communication across platforms, agencies, and services
Ensure Data Security and Privacy: Protect sensitive information while complying with local and international regulations
Promote Accessibility and Usability: Create inclusive systems that are easy to navigate and cater to all citizens, including marginalised groups.
Define Performance Benchmarks: Establish metrics to ensure systems are reliable, scalable, and efficient.
Foster Governance and Compliance: Provide clear accountability, transparency, and regulatory alignment rules
Encourage Innovation: Facilitate the adoption of open-source technologies while adhering to proper usage guidelines.
Standardise Testing Practices: Ensure consistent validation of systems to meet defined technical and user requirements.
The Federal Government recognises the crucial role of public input in shaping effective and impactful regulations. Therefore, it invites all stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, civil society organisations, academia, and international partners, to review the draft regulation and provide valuable feedback.
The draft Technical Standards for Digital Public Infrastructure Regulation is available for review on the website of [Insert]. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their comments and suggestions in writing regulations@nitda.gov.ng by May 8, 2025.
Following the public consultation period, the Agency will carefully consider all feedback received before finalising and implementing the Digital Public Infrastructure Regulation.
This initiative represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. The Federal Government believes that a well-defined and effectively implemented DPI framework will be instrumental in unlocking the full potential of the digital economy and achieving sustainable and inclusive development for all Nigerians.
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