Hello,

How are you? It has been quite a remarkable past two weeks. I hope you are gearing up for the next few months and the politics of Nigeria. My advice is that you don’t get so carried away that you make unnecessary enemies this season because of the actions of politicians.

Let me start by thanking all those who wrote to share their thoughts regarding my last newsletter. I enjoyed hearing about the issues you raised, and that we need to work on. More importantly, I appreciate your expressions regarding the Nigerian flag.

It was great to learn that many of you still love and respect the Nigerian flag. And as I stated in my Independence Day message, I look forward to a time in the near future when we will all line up and wave the flag happily again as we mark Nigeria’s independence.

The Nigerian flag has the potential to rouse the same kind of pride and patriotism that, say, the American flag rouses in the majority of Americans. Of course, not everyone is proud, even of the American flag. The author of my book of the month, A Flag Worth Dying For: The Power and Politic of National Symbols (Book Two of the Politics of Place Series), recalls a time when he visited Louisiana and followed someone to the town of Galveston. The people he stayed with didn’t care much for the flag or even the celebration of the Fourth of July (The US Independence Day).

The problem with Nigeria is that real patriotism is the exception rather than the rule. Our task as politicians and citizens is to take actions that will reverse this trend.

Next week, the governorship elections will be flagged off all over Nigeria. I look forward to seeing Oyo State residents on the campaign trail. One of the things I am particularly looking forward to is the unveiling of our 2023 political manifesto and campaign slogan.

Before I leave you today, let me remind you again to be ready and vigilant. This political season, you will hear more lies, fake news and misinformation. If you hear anything about us, remember you can always reach out through all our official channels and even by responding to this newsletter, and we will always clarify issues.