TELL COVER
Twice last week Bukola Saraki, embattled president of the Senate was in the news for the not-so-pleasant reasons. First, he was put in the dock at the Code of Conduct Tribunal in Abuja, after losing the bid to stop his trial for alleged false declaration of assets. Then Ilorin, his birthplace that naturally should be a refuge for him reportedly became hostile to this ‘son of the soil’.
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To start with the trial of a politician the calibre of Saraki boosts the testimonial of the government of Muhammadu Buhari that the era of sacred cows is over. The son of a second republic Senate leader, Saraki has shown that he is as good in politics, if not better, as he is in the science of medicine, where he took a degree like his father, Olusola. He led the powerful tribe of governors, successfully retired his father, now late, in the politics of Kwara state, before crossing to the Senate. His trial could only mean that politically exposed persons will no longer be shielded by law and the authorities.
That is separate from the concern of those who read politics into the ongoing travails of this political fighter. But there is an aspect of the politics that is capable of generating a storm.
The concern is: will the whirlwind circle just above the head of Saraki alone? What are its other implications on the APC, the Senate, the government and the larger polity? That is the mandate of Tajudeen Suleiman, senior associate editor in Politics Of Saraki’s Trial. It is the cover in this edition.
At another level is a political duel between Chibuike Amaechi, former governor of Rivers state and Nyesom Wike, his successor and former political associate. Will Wike gain the upper hand with revelations at the judicial commission set up to look into the activities of Amaechi’s administration? Adekunbi Ero, executive editor has been following the tango for some time. Her story, Amaechi Walks A Tight Rope, is the special report.
While the political class ruffles feathers over power, the economy is showing signs of fatigue. Godwin Emefiele, governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN warns that the economy may suffer heartache in the name of recess, except something drastic is done. Now that is strange, because the same economy still attracts foreign investments, regardless of the delisting of the country by JP Morgan. The story, Nigeria: Still Investors’ Haven, which is the alternate cover, is written by Abiola Odutola, senior writer.
Have a blessed week.
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