When Mary Afan sang and Tinubu preached to governors

Last Wednesday marked the ninth Federal Executive Council meeting under President Bola Tinubu.

The last 30 to 45 minutes before the meeting resembles rush hour in the Aso Rock Villa.

Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, it was normal to see Honourable Ministers trotting through the hallway like kids running late for school. While some may clutch a voluminous folder under one arm, others prefer to drag a trolley-load of memos behind them, all hurrying to enter the Council Chamber before Baba arrives. He is never late!

For the new Baba and his team, the custom hasn’t changed much.

Before such meetings, the President may inaugurate a new board for an agency most Nigerians have never heard about, launch a new policy document, report, or even a government-related app or website.

If a one-time council member passed away recently, ministers would honour their departed colleague with a minute’s silence before the meeting commences. After all, they are all tenants in that chamber and on this earth too.

So, on Wednesday, President Tinubu swore in 17—new and returning—federal commissioners of the National Population Commission.

Although he nominated 20 of them last November, the Senate successfully screened and cleared 17 in late February. By any comparison, 17 is a large number. Therefore, it made sense when the President’s official spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale—who emceed the ceremony—arranged the oathtaking in three batches of six, six, and five.

First, he read out the citation of each appointee, they stood to take the oath, signed the register, and proceeded for handshakes with the President. Understandably, this took time. And I did not need a wristwatch to prove it.

When some ministers started trooping out to ease themselves and guests began nodding off, I knew it was time to rock the boat. But who would dare that in such a coordinated environment?

Here comes Mary Afan, the ‘loudest’ oath-taker in the room!

As one of the three women sworn in that day, Afan—who represents Plateau State—appeared to have taken the oath to heart, because her voice pitched higher than any of her colleagues’.

“I, Mary Ishaya Afan, do solemnly swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria…to protect and defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“That in all circumstances, I will do right to all manner of people according to law. That I will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any person any matter which shall be brought under my consideration or shall become known to me as commissioner, National Population Commission…so help me God!” her soprano voice rang through the room, waking those who were half asleep. Asleep, not out of boredom, but from the thermal massage of the heavy air-conditioning in the room.

As the audience took note of her pitch, muffled laughter, and side talks filtered through the chamber.

We hope and pray that her impact in the NPC rings as loud as her voice.

In the meantime, if the NPC ever needs a lead vocalist, they should go no further, as they already have one in their ranks. When they finally agree on a census date, she can garner a huge turnout with her voice.

Say, at a music concert in Plateau State, imagine the MC screaming, “Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the euphonious Maaaaaryyyy Afaaaaaaaaaaaaan!” Then, the crowd goes wild as they queue up to be counted.

 Tinubu’s preaches over dinner

The following day, Tinubu delivered his first Ramadan sermon in office. But to let it sink, he preached it over dinner.

Steeped in history and culture, this tradition transforms dining into a diplomatic tool. Discussions over meals offer a combination of a relaxed atmosphere, relationship building, and undivided attention away from the distractions of daily life. That’s because mealtime is often conducive to engagement and allows for open, personal exchange that builds trust.

So, at about 6 pm, state governors started arriving at the Villa. For reporters, it was only normal to stand in the corridors to take a headcount of governors present and those who could not appear in person.

One after the other, they filed past the corridors alone because they had left all their convoy and security detail outside. Who do they need protection from? The President or his BATs?

Perhaps to portray the spirit of the season and provide a sense of parity, the President did not sit on the exalted loft meant for him, but amongst the governors.

After thanking his landlord, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, for “sparing our house (the Villa) from demolition,” Tinubu said, “Since we recognise the need to build our nation together, the time for politics is over. It is now time for governance…This overlapping period (of Ramadan and Christian lent) is very valuable to our country. And we should utilise it to pray more for our country and be good to one another and our neighbours.

“We are of the same family and parents, living in the same house but sleeping in different rooms. We must cooperate and spread love among each other.”

But as the President spoke, he noticed Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, who didn’t seem to be eating his meal. The exchange went like this:

Tinubu: I didn’t see the Governor of Ebonyi eating at all. Ebonyi!

Nwifuru: Yes.

Tinubu: Did you eat?

Nwifuru: Yes Sir.

Tinubu: I was looking at you from here and I didn’t see the movement of your hand. Thank you for having the food. The limitation of the economy will not prevent us from sharing whatever little we have.”

When all governors converged on the Villa months ago, most reporters who were not familiar with the new state executives mistook Nwifuru for a security official. You wouldn’t blame them. Hanging a black suit on his unassuming, tall, dark and handsome frame didn’t help.

Taking the posture of a teacher looking after the quiet kid in the class, President Tinubu could be ensuring that the governor wasn’t left out. They are his first set of Iftar guests for his first Ramadan in office. He is expected to host more of such gatherings with senior government officials in the coming weeks.

In past Ramadan cycles, former President Buhari and his vice, Prof Yemi Osinbajo,  hosted lawmakers, the judiciary, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers and the State House Press Corps, among others. The President might invite the press for an Iftar. Onye ma echi?