By Sam Otuonye 

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening its longstanding partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), while paying tribute to the Fund’s outgoing Resident Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Christian Ebeke, for his significant contributions to the country’s economic reform efforts.

The commitment was reaffirmed at a farewell dinner held in Abuja in honour of Dr. Ebeke, where the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, described him as a trusted partner whose professionalism, technical depth and constructive engagement helped strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and the IMF during a critical period of economic transition.

The Minister noted that Dr. Ebeke’s tenure coincided with the implementation of far reaching reforms aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, strengthening public finances, improving investor confidence and laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth. He said throughout that period, the outgoing IMF Resident Representative remained closely engaged with Nigerian authorities, providing valuable technical support while demonstrating a deep appreciation of the country’s unique economic realities.

According to the Minister, Dr. Ebeke made significant contributions to policy discussions on fiscal reforms, domestic revenue mobilisation, public debt management, foreign exchange reforms and other strategic priorities of government. He added that his commitment to dialogue, mutual respect and practical problem solving further strengthened the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the IMF.

Mr. Oyedele observed that beyond his professional responsibilities, Dr. Ebeke distinguished himself through his humility, accessibility and ability to build confidence across institutions. Rather than prescribing solutions from a distance, he engaged stakeholders with openness, listened carefully to differing perspectives and worked collaboratively in support of Nigeria’s development aspirations.

The Minister thanked Dr. Ebeke for his friendship, dedication and invaluable service to Nigeria, noting that the relationships built during his assignment would continue to strengthen cooperation between the Federal Government and the International Monetary Fund. He wished him and his family continued success, good health and fulfilment as he proceeds to his next assignment.

The Director, Internationl EconomicsRelations Department (IER) Stanley George, said Dr. Ebeke’s tenure would be remembered for its professionalism, constructive engagement and steadfast support for Nigeria’s economic reform efforts. He noted that the partnership between Nigeria and the IMF had grown stronger through sustained dialogue, mutual respect and shared commitment to the country’s economic progress, adding that Dr. Ebeke’s contributions would leave a lasting impact on the relationship between both institutions.

In a goodwill message, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Yemi Cardoso, said Dr. Ebeke’s tenure coincided with a defining period in Nigeria’s economic reform journey, during which the Federal Government and the Central Bank implemented bold policy measures to restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen policy credibility, improve market confidence and lay a firmer foundation for sustainable growth. 

He commended the outgoing IMF Resident Representative for promoting constructive dialogue, facilitating technical cooperation and bringing professionalism, objectivity and a practical understanding of Nigeria’s economic realities to every engagement. The Governor expressed confidence that the strong collaboration between Nigeria and the IMF would continue under Dr. Ebeke’s successor.

Responding to the tributes, Dr. Christian Ebeke described his three year assignment in Nigeria as both a privilege and a professionally enriching experience. He said serving as the IMF Resident Representative gave him the opportunity to engage with government officials, development partners, the private sector, academia and other stakeholders committed to Nigeria’s economic development, describing the experience as one he would always cherish.

Dr. Ebeke said he would leave Nigeria with profound admiration for the resilience, talent and entrepreneurial spirit of its people. He expressed confidence that, with sustained reforms, sound economic policies and continued collaboration among stakeholders, Nigeria is well positioned to achieve inclusive and durable economic growth.

He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, officials across government institutions, development partners, members of the media and his colleagues at the International Monetary Fund for their friendship, cooperation and support throughout his assignment. He added that the cordial relationship between the IMF and Nigerian authorities had further strengthened the longstanding partnership dedicated to advancing the country’s reform agenda and sustainable development.

Reflecting on his time in Nigeria, Dr. Ebeke said the relationships he built and the memories he created would remain with him long after his departure, adding that he looked forward to following Nigeria’s progress and remaining a friend of the country in the years ahead.

The farewell dinner was attended by top government officials, including the Director General of the Debt Management Office, Mrs. Patience Oniha; the Statistician General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran; chief executives of government agencies; representatives of development partners and the diplomatic community; senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Finance; and other distinguished guests, all of whom joined in celebrating Dr. Ebeke’s remarkable service and enduring contribution to Nigeria’s economic reform journey.

The evening concluded with renewed appreciation for the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the International Monetary Fund and a shared commitment to sustaining the collaboration that has supported the country’s ongoing fiscal and macroeconomic reforms. Guests also wished Dr. Ebeke and his family continued success and fulfilment as he embarks on his next assignment.

By Inuwa Bwala

Given the role of a Deputy Governor, it is rather an anathrma to campaign, seeking to be chosen, as a deputy governorship candidate.
Changing dynamics have however seen to the emergence of individuals, openly campaigningy , to be so chosen.
It is a truism that, the choice is the prerogative of the governorship candidate, to nominate someone, he or she feels he or she can blend well.
The case in Borno for the oncoming elections, presents a case study, of people doing things wrongly and expect to alter a long standing narrative.
In the last few days, since Ali Abdullahi, was chosen as the runningmate to Engineer Mustapha Gubio, the polity seems to be getting charged.
I have tried to jaxtapose argumentson the appropriateness or lack of it, in the choice of Ali Abdullahi, as the deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progresdives Congress, APC, in Borno state.
While some justify the choice, others were not too comfortable with it.
To many, there was no sufficient consultations, with critical stakeholders, before the choice was made public.
To others, the candidate was picked from outside the traditional political circle, and yet to others, he is not conversant with the ways of the people, having been born and bred outside the enviroment.
I understand others even feel that the choice negates the expectations of frontrunners in the campaigns, with some people even developing a sense of entitlement, in way.
In as much as everybody os granted the right to aspire, it has never been the norm to consult everybody before a deputy governorship candidate is chosen.
It is normal to try selling the idea, but it is not a must, that the evrntual choice must be someone others feel must be the one.
No matter how anyone feels, there are rooms for a rhendezvous of interests, in a party that controls the government.
And given our peculiar circumstances in Borno, we have to give it to the candidate, to nominate somebody he feels he could blend with, effectively.
That most of the arguments did not center on competence, capacity or value addition of the deputy governorship candidate, leave room for one to surmise that, the conventional practice, rrlies more on atributes, above interest.
I would rather, those who feel slighted to reminiscence, on Ali Abdullahi’s past performances, and not the lack of patronage, or political convenience, on their sides.
The Task Ahead, presupposes that, while Borno is still smarting from years of insecurity, we do not enjoy the luxury of internal political bickerings, which could cause dislocations and possible going into the elections as a divided house.
It is a truism that we need a deputy governor, with requisite administrative experience and technical capacity, to fully compliment the efforts of Engineer Mustapha Gubio, so that together they can hit the ground running reminisceint of the Governor Zulum era. A curious look into Ali Abdullahi’s pedigree, shows that, he brings that capacity, in the same fashion that he demonstrated at SEMA. I have no doubt at the back of my mind, that both governor Zulum and our governorship candidate, Mustapha Gubio, are passionate about the continuity of the Zulum Agenda, hence the choice of Ali SEMA, as he is popularly known.
Taking into consideration the need to live up to the expectations of the people, especially on the need to rebuild Borno, they may have considered changing the course midstream may tend to slow us down.
I know as a matter of fact, that, Ali Abdullahi has been aligned to Zulum’s vision of service, integrity, and results, for a long time.
That the governor has gone out of his way in trying to placate those who may have nursed the ambition of being the ones to be considwred, points to the fact that, the Gubio/Abdullahi ticket was chosen to unite us, not divide us.
I am sure the Governor values every zone, every elder, and every stakeholder, and never intended to shut out anybody. We may recall, that, similar skepticism greeted the emergence of Zulum and Kadafur in 2023, but having seen their best sides, makes Borno the better off for it today.
Shealthing our swords and healing the wounds of this innitial perceibed snub, is a sinquanon to making the choice the best team, we could put forward for Borno.
I am compelled to appeal to all of us to look beyond personal interests and prioritize Borno, even as we strive to deliver. The Governor’s door remains open for dialogue, as always.
Let us rally behind this ticket, and mot risk a divided house that cannot deliver to our people. A united APC in Borno is what our people expect of us.

Let the narrative turn to the choice of Ali Abdullahi as Deputy Governorship candidate is about *competence, continuity, and service to Borno people, and not about how he emerged.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum with his deputy have showed focus on finishing the work of rebuilding Borno’s destroyed schools, hospitals and roads, and resettling our people. His successor needs a deputy who understands this vission and shares that same commitment.

Ali Abdullahi has the experience, he has demonstrated loyalty, and has showed dedication. Let us not crucify him on the cross of our personal ambitions.
I respect all opinions expressed so far, but this is not the time for divisions, this is the time to unite behind the ticket no matter its perceived inadequacies, so that we can continue to deliver for Borno.
Our collective focus should be Borno first, and not who should be in a particular position.
We have no cause to doubt the man who delivered for us, in the face of innitial skepticism, so, let Ali SEMA, be.