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On Nigeria: Matters Arising
DR. LEONARD SHILGBA|YOLA, NIGERIA|FEB. 13 2010
Justice Mohammed Liman of the Federal High Court Lagos ruled on Thursday, February 4th that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as presently constituted|| more
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Is Nigeria a Terrorist Haven (Part II)
MAX SIOLLUN |NEW NIGERIAN POLITICS|FEB. 13 2010
The countries on the List are an odd and eclectic bunch. Not all of them have overt links with terrorist organisations or pose security risks to the U.S. Cuba has a lot more to gripe || more
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Rejoinder-RE: "On Nigeria - Matters Arising"
UGONNA MIKE CHUKWULUE|TEXAS, USA|FEB. 13 2010
First of all I have to thank the various stake-holders in resolving amicably the huge cloud that hung over Nigeria"s democracy as a result of President Yar:Adua:s ill-health. || more
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Nigeria: Those Military Coup Rumours
MAX SIOLLUN |NEW NIGERIAN POLITICS|FEB. 7 2010
There has been no military coup in Nigeria for over 16 years. That is the longest period of time in Nigeria’s history without a military coup (they used to occur every few years)|| more
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Jonathan: An Accomplice in Conspiracy
DR. LEONARD SHILGBA |YOLA, NIGERIA|FEB. 7 2010
From various reports about the actions of Mrs. Turai Yar’Adua, which are intended to fasten her hold on power, at least by proxy, it has become clear that Nigerians must || more
Rivers AC & the Frustrated Pensioners
ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE|RIVERS STATE| 13 FEB. 2010
When a man’s profile is soaring, a lot of people will be in support of him and a lot of people, too, will be envying him. That was what played recently in the Rivers State chapter of the Action Congress (RSAC), when a set of elders whose credibility is in doubt in the || more
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Shadow Government
CHINEDU VINCENT AKUTA|NEW NIGERIAN POLITICS|13 FEB. 2010
Damn our leaders if they like it, damn them if they dont, the people have spoken. Enough of power vacuum, near constitutional crisis, and over heating of the polity all due to the fact that the ruling party (PDP) does not trust the Vice President (Jonathan Goodluck) to || more
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Akunyili’s Memo, FEC & the Presidency: Be Above Board Act Right
NWAORGU FAUSTINUS CHILEE |PORT-HARCOURT, NIGERIA |13 FEB. 2010
The way Nigeria ship of political destiny is sailing since the absence of Mallam Musa Yar’ Adua as a result of his ill health of which he went to Saudi Arabia to attend to, has continued to agitate my whole being following the hullabaloo in and around the rank and file || more
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Apportioning Blames for our Failures
MUHAMMAD AJAH|NEW NIGERIAN POLITICS|7 FEB. 2010
Criticism is as old as man and without it the world may not have been as it is today and life may have been worse than now. Conflicts would have been more because of man’s penchant to dominate, force and overtake. Criticizing man’s activities have helped || more
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Silence (A Poem)
MUHAMMAD AJAH|NEW NIGERIAN POLITICS|7 FEB. 2010
Are they really spirits?Do they take the shape of men? But they carry guns,And operate like the human, Silence! The hard chase to procure a plate, The perpetual phobia of morrow
The uncanny fright the young may grow, Who holds fate who only awaits its.|| more
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Anambra 2010: An Analysis of Governor Peter Obi’s Blueprint
ODENIGBO CHIDI ANYAECHE|NEW NIGERIAN POLITICS|7 FEB. 2010
Just after assuming office in March 2006, Governor Obi in April of the same year announced his economic and developmental blue print for Anambra state. Details of this blueprint were published and announced nationally in both the electronic and print media.|| more
In Defense of Gov. Babatunde Fashola
CHAMPION FOR NIGERIA |LONDON, UK|FEB. 7 2010
Champions for Nigeria (CFN), a registered global organisation, based in the United Kingdom wishes to pronounce our unalloyed solidarity and support for the government || more
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Yellow Sisi:The Light Skin/Black Skin Divide
DR. JIDOEOFOR ADIBE |LONDON, UK|FEB. 1 2010
The recent revelation that during the last US presidential election, Harry Reid, the current US Senate Majority Leader, in private conversation, described Barack Obama, || more
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Mutallab Incident as a Teachable Moment
PAUL I. ADUJIE|NEW YORK, NY|24 JAN 2010
The failed attempt by Umaru Farouk Abdul Mutallab to bomb United Airlines flight 253 out of the air and the aftermaths, have managed to act as a reminder to those who pretend to be temporary citizens of Nigeria, that they are in fact still Nigerians, just like other.. || more
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On Acting President Jonathan
DR. LEONARD SHILGBA|YOLA, NIGERIA|24 JAN 2010
On January 12th, 2010 Nigeria’s President Umar Yar’Adua sent what amounted to a written transmission when he granted an interview to a credible news channel, the BBC. In that interview, President Yar’Adua said that whenever his doctors made a medical || more
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What Good Must I Do?
CORNELIUS OLUKUNLE EWUOSO|IBADAN, NIGERIA|14 JAN 2010
‘The hospital has become my second home’. ‘No day passes by without my going to the hospital either to pay a bill or check on my sick wife’. ‘No week passes by without me having to spend an average of five hours in the hospital’. I have had to move some of my..|| more
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Gov. Fashola & the Nude Dancers
DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE|LONDON, UK|24 JAN 2010
The recent report that the Lagos state government had shut down four strip clubs around Opebi Street and Allen Avenue in Lagos made headlines and elicited naughty.. || more
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Neglecting the Handicap
TONY-ANTHONY JOHN| NNP|30 JAN 2010
In the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, every Nigerian, irrespective of any circumstance, has right to freedom from discrimination. This, then, leads me.. || more
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Is Nigeria Becoming a Terrorist Haven? (I)
MAX SIOLLUN |NEW NIGERIAN POLITICS|30 JAN 2010
What did Nigeria do to find itself mentioned in the same sentence as "terrorism", and be blacklisted in the same illustrious company as Somalia, Afghanistan and Libya? || more
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Nigeria & Haiti: Case failures in Human Mgt
DR. OLUSEGUN FAKOYA|LONDON, UK|FEB. 2 2010
The Republic of Haiti, a living testimony to the desire of man, irrespective of colour to achieve freedom, is once again in the news. Haiti has caught recurrent international.., || more
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Religious Crisis, Terrorism & Our Security
CHINEDU V. AKUTA|MARYLAND, USA|12 JAN 2010
This must be a very difficult time for Nigerians and Nigeria itself, especially with recent events such as; Bauchi crisis (Kala Kato), the attempt to blow up flight 253 by Abdul Farouk Abdulmutallab, the second Nigerian who caused a security concern on the same... || more
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Why I'll Not Support Prof. Soludo (II)
CHUKWUDI NWOKOYE|MARYLAND, USA|12 JAN 2010
I am sorry to say this but Prof Soludo looks phony to me. Even his campaign picture looks like someone trying so hard to look Igbo! I was in Anambra until a few weeks ago, and the first day I saw his campaign picture coming to while I was coming to Awka from Enugu.. || more
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The Burden of Being a Vice President
DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE|LONDON, UK|09 JAN 2010
The American entertainer Will Rogers summed up the job description of a ‘good’ Vice President: “The man with the best job in the country is the Vice President. All he has to do is get up every morning and say, ‘How is the President?’” For Hubert H. Humphrey, || more
Hyprocrites in All of Us
DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE| LONDON, UK| 04 JAN 2010
We are probably all guilty of this. We constantly project beliefs, opinions, values, feelings, qualities and standards that are at variance with what we practice. Admittedly, what we practice is not necessarily what we will want to practice, making hypocrisy more than || more
Why I Will Not Support Prof. Charles Soludo
CHUKWUDI NWOKOYE| MARYLAND, USA| 04 JAN 2010
I think Soludo probably holds a blue print for the economic salvation of Anambra State, the failures at CBN notwithstanding, Nigeria is too complicated for a man to implement a heart-felt social plan given the confusion-prone tribes, language barrier, religious || more
Crash Helmet Law: Winning or Losing?
ADEWALE T. AKANDE|ALICANTE, SPAIN|01 JAN 2010
The month of December, to many the world over is the season of Christmas, when many celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and some display their wanton materialistic instincts, while others throw caution to the wind to consume all the consumables available. || more
President Yar'Adua is 30 Days AWOL
PAUL I. ADUJIE|NEW YORK, NY|01 JAN 2010
Absence Without Official Leave or AWOL, from duty by our president has put us in needless quandary. This is unacceptable and it should not continue. Exactly 30 days ago, President Umaru Musa YarAdua left Nigeria for Saudi Arabia, ostensibly, for medical treatments,|| more
Dim Ojukwu and Peter Obi’s Re-election Campaign
DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE|LONDON, UK|01 JAN 2010
Former Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, has reportedly vowed to return Peter Obi to the Government House, Awka, after the February 2010 polls. Speaking at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, Anambra State, at the flag-off of || more
Speaking Truth to Power: Ibori & Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc
DR. OLU OJEDOKUN|LONDON, UK|29 DEC 2009
The month of December, to many the world over is the season of Christmas, when many celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and some display their wanton materialistic instincts, while others throw caution to the wind to consume all the consumables available. || more
Seasonal Greetings to Nigerians
VINCENT CHINEDU AKUTA|NEW NIGERIAN POLITICS|29 DEC 2009
Let me start by wishing Nigerians who are Moslems a belated Barkar De Salah. To those Nigerians who are pagans, may the almighty God bless you people this Christmas Season. To Nigerians of other faith(s) and religion, may God bless you people as well. To the || more
The Iboris of this world and the Rest of us Nigerians
DR. CHRIS ODETUNDE|HOUSTON, TX|27 DEC 2009
One cannot but be sorry for the country referred to as Nigeria. This is because, it seems, she is condemned to eternal damnation. Let us agree for just a moment that Nigeria has an impecabable judiciary whose judgments have sent many citizens to prison and to || more
Re-Engineering Nigeria - Part 1
DR. LEONARD KARSHIMA SHILGBA|YOLA, NIGERIA|23 DEC 2009
I looked and saw a strange thing emerging. It was a bright cool morning. The national anthem was playing on the radio. After that, this is what I heard a clear but sober voice say: Good morning Nigerians. Nations are built, not by cowards who wish things to work then.|| more
Yar'Adua: Away from Duty
DR. LEONARD KARSHIMA SHILGBA|YOLA, NIGERIA|20 DEC 2009
Since my last article entitled “On Yar’Adua’s incapacitation, the constitution, and a dream” a lot has happened, including the banal and sensible. I must say clearly what the issues are.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the nation, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa..|| more
A Nation in Coma: Beyond Constitutional Provisions
DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE|LONDON, UK|20 DEC 2009
Nigeria is once again at one of those junctures where tripping over the precipice cannot be ruled out. At issue is the President’s serious illness, and increasing calls by some Nigerians for him to hand over the reins of government to Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan. || more
Uba’s Honorary Doctorate: Why UniZik Was Right
DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE|LONDON, UK|12 DEC 2009
The recent award by Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UniZik), of an honorary Doctor of Public Administration (DPA), to Andy Uba, during its eighth convocation on November 21, 2009, generated some controversies. While some hailed it as a worthy appreciation of...|| more
A Consolatory Visit
CLARIUS UGWUOHA|RIVERS, NIGERIA|12 DEC 2009
Nigerians were jolted. It took the visit of, first, the US president, Mr. Barrack Obama, to West Africa, with choice of Ghana as port of call followed swiftly by Libyan strongman’s, Col. Muammar Al-Qaddafi’s, to the same West African country, to awaken our dormant...|| more
Re-Engineering Nigeria - Part 1
DR. LEONARD KARSHIMA SHILGBA|YOLA, NIGERIA|23 DEC 2009
I looked and saw a strange thing emerging. It was a bright cool morning. The national anthem was playing on the radio. After that, this is what I heard a clear but sober voice say: Good morning Nigerians. Nations are built, not by cowards who wish things to work then.|| more
Taming the Untamed
TONY ANTHONY-JOHN|NEW NIGERIAN POLITICS|12 DEC 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009, would remain terrifyingly memorable to the students of University of Port Harcourt, Choba, especially victims of rape by ex-militants, who besieged the university community in their thousands, causing mayhem in a broad daylight. || more
Health Checks
CHINEDU VINCENT AKUTA|NEW NIGERIAN POLITICS|12 DEC 2009
Experience is the best teacher and we have no reason not to learn from our past, except we want to play tricks on ourselves. I am writing this piece in respect to the acknowledgement by Aso Rock/Presidency that our president is suffering from acute pericarditis. || more
The Thrashing of Nigerian Constitution - Not the Northen Problem
DR. CHRIS ODETUNDE|HOUSTON, TX| 12 DEC 2009
Constitution simply defined, in political terms, is the act or process of composing, setting up, or establishing governing sets of rules established to govern, maintain rule of law and nation building however, with a basic or essential attribute shared by all members of a... || more
On Yar'Adua's Incapacitation, the Constitution, and a Dream
DR. LEONARD KARSHIMA SHILGBA|YOLA, NIGERIA|03 DEC 2009
It was Sunday night on November 22, 2009. I went to bed and had what you may call an open vision or a dream. Nigeria’s president at the time, Mr. Umar Yar’Adua had died. I saw that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the Vice-President assumed the position of President...|| more
Sanusi: A Radical in a Conservative Job?
DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE|LONDON, UK|29 NOV 2009
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is a very brilliant man. He writes the English language with remarkable authority, and even speaks it better. This could however be both an asset and a liability. Too much love of ‘grammar’ (turenci) could lead to an undue love for the podium and...|| more
The Fragile State of Ndigbo & Unguarded Statements (2)
OSITADINMA EZEAKU|NEW NIGERIAN POLITICS|29 NOV 2009
While some would argue that handing out important positions to a few members of a group does not automatically improve the lot of the larger members of the group, It should be borne in mind that a group's discrimination from the upper echelon of governance, has its [more]
American Gun Rights Imbecilic Infantilism
PAUL I. ADUJIE|NEW YORK, NY| 29 NOV 2009
There some Americans who pretend to be of medieval stock and act as if they are hunters and gatherers of yore, and they insist on gun ownership to enable them hunt ducks, turkeys and deer, for lunch as the natives did 400 years ago! And as a result, these [more]
Corruption and The Death Penalty
AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO|LONDON, UK|03 DEC 2009
Everybody knows my views on corruption in Nigeria. I totally abhor it and would do a lot of things to fight corruption. The fact realistically remains that in any society, we cannot have zero corruption, but we can have zero-tolerance to corruption. The best we can [more]
The Other Side of Kidnapping
AKINTOKUBO A. ADEJUMO|LONDON, UK|29 NOV 2009
For the past half-century years of my life, I never knew I was wasting my time in this world, or maybe as a Nigerian. My parents spent time, energy money etc on me to have a very good education so that I may get a very good job and be useful to my family, my [more]
We Have Feared Long Enough
DR. LEONARD KARSHIMA SHILGBA|YOLA, NIGERIA| 29 NOV 2009
By December 26th, 2009 it would be exactly one year since the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the State Security Service (SSS) were deployed by the Nigerian government to stop our planned rally in Gboko, Benue state. The symbolism of our efforts and the timid [more]
Anambra State Needs Liberation
DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE|LONDON, UK|29 NOV 2009
Anambra state has been in the news, often for the wrong reason, for much of the 4th Republic. It has in many ways become a microcosm of all that is wrong and right with the Igbo nation, even the Nigerian state. While the state has continued to produce new [more]
Nigeria's forgotten Heros: Abubakar Tafewa Balewa (Part 2)
MAX SIOLLUN|NEW NIGERIAN POLITICS| 18 NOV 2009
Balewa was no firebrand political radical. He may have remained a teacher for the rest of his life had southern politicians such as the flamboyant intellectual Nnamdi Azikiwe not pushed for Nigerian independence. Although not overtly political he founded [more]
'African Majority' Churches & the Conversion of Britain
DR. OLU OJEDOKUN|LONDON, UK| 20 NOV 2009
At a time when statistics suggests in Britain there are about 44.8 million unchurched (66% do not attend church), some resident African church leaders held another consultation designed to find a strategy to engage. The consultation termed The 3 rd Consultation for [more]
Heroes, Democracy & the 'PhD' syndrome
DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE|LONDON, UK| 18 NOV 2009
A nation that does not honour its heroes is not worth dying for –so goes the cliché. This appears to be an obvious truth – or so it seems. Identifying the public hero (or heroine) could however be problematic in a society sharply divided along ethnic, religious, social, [more]
My Hubby, Bode George, as A Scapegoat
HAKEEM BABALOLA|BUDAPEST, HUNGARY| 16 NOV 2009
My name is Ilori George. I am the wife of Bode George who was recently sent to jail by a Kangaroo court in Lagos. I write this article to show my discontent over the wrong imprisonment of this great man who has served his country with an affective disorder [more]
Killing of Four By Police - Who is Lying?
TONY-ANTHONY JOHN|NEW NIGERIAN POLITICS| 20 NOV 2009
Mr. Badejo Orimoluwa, a retired headmaster in Okitipupa, Ondo State, recently, demonstrated a character which is quite rare in the lives of Nigerians. He returned overpaid money as gratuity to the authority in-charge. According to him, he was expecting [more]
Honouring Elder Citizen Badejo Orimoluwa
TONY-ANTHONY JOHN|NEW NIGERIAN POLITICS| 20 NOV 2009
Mr. Badejo Orimoluwa, a retired headmaster in Okitipupa, Ondo State, recently, demonstrated a character which is quite rare in the lives of Nigerians. He returned overpaid money as gratuity to the authority in-charge. According to him, he was expecting [more]
SEPTEMBER 2009
November 10: Ken Saro-Wiwa Vindicated
LEBURAH GANAGO|ATLANTA, GEORGIA| 15 NOV 2009
And Ken Saro Wiwa proceeded to fight. He deployed his intellectual and literary talents into the fight of seeking justice for the Ogoni and the rest of the oppressed Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Ken wrote books, newspaper articles, produced documentaries , in which [more]
My Christmas Present to President Yar'Adua
CHINEDU VINCENT AKUTA |Leivester, UK| 04 Nov 2009
Mr. President (Musa YarAdua), please permit me the fact that I am sending you an early Christmas present. I want to be the first Nigerian this year (2009) to send you this seasonal gift. That is, if you have not started receiving presents. I dont have gold neither do [more]
e-Varsity: The RSUST Example
TONY-ANTHONY JOHN |New Nigerian Politics| 04 Nov 2009
Change, they say, is not static. But, I would say, it could be static to those who are visionless and non-reformists. This scenario is apparent at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, RSUST, Nkpolu, Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, which has moved [more]
Democrats Are Disarrayed; Never Seem To Manage Victory Well
PAUL I. ADUJIE|New York, NY| 09 Nov 2009
The Democratic Party represents every political convictions and ideals which I hold fervently and passionately. Nevertheless, the Democrats tend to always annoy everyone with their inability to manage electoral victories into power, which should, in turn, be [more]
Troublers for Nigeria
DR. LEONARD KIRDHIMA SHILGBA|YOLA, NIGERIA| 13 NOV 2009
If you have a broken-down engine, do you re-brand, re-paint it or you fix it (repair it)? This is a question that young Mohammed of the TV program, The Debaters asked during a debate session. He pointed out the fact that while in the USA, President Obama was [more]
MENDing Yar'Adua's Amnesty
HAKEEM BABALOLA |Budapest, Hungary| 31 October 2009
I was a guest on Al Jazeera's Inside Story TV programme recently. The topic of discussion centred on Niger Delta; particularly on the amnesty granted to the militants by the Nigerian Federal Government. In my humble contribution I submitted or argued that the [more]
Nigeria's Forgotten Heroes: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (Part 1)
MAX SIOLLUN |New Nigerian Politics| 23 October 2009
Nigeria's 49th Independence anniversary was last week. What do we remember of October 1st 1960? Do we remember the man who received the instruments of independence on behalf of Nigeria? Other countries keep libraries full of books and archives [more]
Crime, Justice & Punishment: The Case of Bode George
AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO |London, UK| 03 Nov 2009
Since the BIG news broke, I have been agonising. I don’t know whether I should consider this as a victory, justice, retribution, or insult. Like many Nigerians, home and abroad who heard or read the news of Bode George and his co-conspirators’ conviction and [more]
Our Resources
CHINEDU VINCENT AKUTA |Leicester, UK| 20 October 2009
The questions of our abundant human and natural resources are no longer in doubt. What is in doubt is how to harness these potentials for the greatness of our people, and the development of the country and the continent at large. I have mentioned the larger [more]
The Ethiopian Chamari System & Its Effect on Nigerian Economy
TATABONKO OROK EDEM |New Nigerian Politics| 16 October 2009
Chamari (pronounced as in chapel) is an Amharic expression literally meaning, “increase it”. Here is how it is applied and any foreigner residing in Addis Ababa would confirm this. Ethiopia is the only place on earth where official discrimination exists against[more]
Afghanistan, Though Ragtag Keeps Humbling Superpowers
PAUL I. ADUJIE |New York, NY| 20 October 2009
It is all about the strategic geographical location which Afghanistan is. It is about a trade route. It is about Afghanistan a is hemispheric strategic route placement in the heart of Asia and Asia Minor. It is a window into the Middle East, China, Russia, Iran, India,[more]
Iwuanyanwu: Hero or Villian?
CLARIUS UGWAOHA|Rivers State, Nigeria| 16 October 2009
I react to pockets of misguided comments on the web in reaction to Chidi Nkwopara’s piece: “Iwuanyanwu blames past governments for unemployment” published in the Vanguard of September 17th 2009. In that treatise, Nkwopara stated Chief Iwuanyanwu’s [more]
The Trials of Ambassador Tunde Adeniran
HAKEEM BABALOLA|Budapest, Hungary| 16 October 2009
He was supposed to represent his country in the United States of America, one of the so-called largest economies on earth, or perhaps in heaven too. And he was to replace retired Brigadier-General Oluwole Rotimi, who on February this year was asked to [more]
Mediocrity Rules in the Ministry of Justice
AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO|London, UK| 16 October 2009
Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, Attorney General and Minister for Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The mere title of this man conjures up a powerful vision and ideals of the type of country we all want our Nigeria to be. The title, that is. But the man,[more]
IBB Should Lead the Struggle
CHINEDU VINCENT AKUTA |Leicester, UK| 11 October 2009
Thisday newspaper of Wednesday 23rd September 2009, reported that former Nigerian military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida has called for the re-introduction of Option A4 electoral system in Nigeria. This is a welcome development. It is also an indication[more]
Nigeria's Cult of Corruption
UGOCHUKWU EJINKEONYE|Lagos, Nigeria| 11 October 2009
Virtually every Nigerian knows and strongly believes that any day Nigeria is able to make up its mind to end its obscene and ruinous romance with the stubborn monster called “Corruption”, this country will automatically witness the kind of prosperity no one[more]
Hello, World: Nigerians are Coming, Nigerians are Here
PAUL I. ADUJIE|New York, NY| 11 October 2009
Nigerians in their multitudes filled Manhattan. There were bevies and bevies of Nigerians with a plethora of our national colors memorabilia. Nigerians, from all over, converged on 2nd Avenue between 57th Street and 44th Streets, along 2nd Avenue where Nigeria[more]
Anambra State: Shame of the Nation?
DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE |London, UK| 16 October 2009
Nigerians in their multitudes filled Manhattan. There were bevies and bevies of Nigerians with a plethora of our national colors memorabilia. Nigerians, from all over, converged on 2nd Avenue between 57th Street and 44th Streets, along 2nd Avenue where Nigeria[more]
This State Has Failed, I see Rivers of Blood
DR. OLUSEGUN FAKOYA |London, UK| 16 October 2009
The statement quoted at above aptly describes the Nigerian situation but many would be sad to know that this was an infamous statement made by a maverick British politician in his attempt to whip up racial sentiments in his fight against what he perceived as ,[more]
Police & Journalist: Friends or Foe?
TONY-ANTHONY JOHN|New Nigerian Politics| 16 October 2009
The statement quoted at above aptly describes the Nigerian situation but many would be sad to know that this was an infamous statement made by a maverick British politician in his attempt to whip up racial sentiments in his fight against what he perceived as [more]
Hurray: At 49, Nigerian President Supports Revolt
HAKEEM BABALOLA | Budapest, Hungary| 10 October 2009
This author has always said it and will continue to say it: The Rule of Law cannot work yet in Nigeria for the simple reason that our half-hearted anti-corruption war cannot be sustained by the rule of law when there is no “obeisance of the law in the first place. This fear [more]
The Banana Skins Called Ibori, Etteh & Odili
AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO | London, UK| 01 October 2009
This author has always said it and will continue to say it: The Rule of Law cannot work yet in Nigeria for the simple reason that our half-hearted anti-corruption war cannot be sustained by the rule of law when there is no “obeisance of the law in the first place. This fear [more]
Nigeria at 49: Building a Better Union
LEONARD KARSHIMA SHILGBA | Yola, Nigeria| 01 October 2009
Nigeria attained the political age of 49 on October 1st, 2009; this was the day on which I forced myself to write this article. I have for some months been overwhelmed by the reality that writing wonderful articles about nation-building alone cannot compel Nigerian [more]
Nigeria at 49: Paradox of Talents
LEBURAH GANAGO | Atlanta, USA| 01 October 2009
Perhaps I was still too green to fully absorb the contents of the message when Tekena Tamuno, Professor emeritus and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan delivered a convocation lecture he titled PRADOX OF TALENTS, sometime in the late 1980s [more] the political age of 49 on October 1st, 2009; this was the day on which I forced myself to write this article. I have for some months been overwhelmed by the reality that writing wonderful articles about nation-building alone cannot compel Nigerian [more]
Sycophancy of Eze Ndi-Igbo Title
ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE | Rivers State, Nigeria| 01 October 2009
Whether it is on the Internet or newspapers I set my eyes on Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko’s news-article I make sure I read it. What have gingered this interest were the too many good articles on human rights he has written when he was heading the (National [more]
Uba's Controversial Governorship Mandate
CHUKWUDI NWOKOYE | New Niogerian Politics| 01 October 2009
I read with great interest the write-up of Mr. Nkemjika Nkemjika titled: “Uba’s Controversial Governorship Mandate”, published in This Day Newspaper on 19th September, 2009. Mr. Nkemjika was responding to opinion of one Mr. Olawale Olaleye’s article in [more]
Nigeria's Date With China on October 1st
CHINEDU VINCENT AKUTA | Leicester, UK| 28 September 2009
The Peoples Republic of China does not need introduction. Co-incidentally both countries (China and Nigeria) are celebrating their anniversaries on the same date of the same month (October 1 st ). While China will be celebrating her 60 th anniversary, Nigeria [more]
An Open Letter to the National Assembly: RE: Deportations
PAUL I. ADUJIE | New York, NY | 27 September 2009
I write to your honorable selves while shedding actual physical and metaphorical tears. This is because of the precarious plights and predicaments which our citizens face today. This is especially so, among the poorest citizens and those with disabilities. Nigerians[more]
We Have Lost Gani, But We Still Have Me
HAKEEM BABALOLA | Budapest, Hungary| 24 September 2009
What else can I say about the death of Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi? In fact, those yeye grammarians have used all the adjectives to describe this man called Gani, a man of Muslim faith who died during our Ramadan festival. Do you think this is a coincidence? No, Gani will surely sail smoothly to heaven where people like him belong. It is there I passionately believe I would join him one day..[more]
Should Nigerians Have Less babies?
MAX SIOLLUN | New Nigerian Politics | 24 September 2009
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation, the world’s eighth most populous country, and is the most heavily populated black nation on Earth. Although Nigerians shout with chest thumping pride about their large population, it is nothing to be proud of and is actually.[more]
We Lost Gani But We Still Have Me
HAKEEM BABALOLA | Budapest, Hungary | 24 September 2009
What else can I say about the death of Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi? In fact, those yeye grammarians have used all the adjectives to describe this man called Gani, a man of Muslim faith who died during our Ramadan festival. Do you think this is a coincidence? [more]
Sanusi’s Bank Tsunami: Lessons...
JIDEOFOR ADIBE, PH.D | London, UK | 24 September 2009
Since 14 August 2009 when Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Governor of Central Bank, sacked the chief executives of five banks – Intercontinental, Oceanic, Afribank, Union Bank and FinBank - for allegedly awarding non-.[more]
A Collapsed Society
TONY ANTHONY | New Nigerian Politics | 24 September 2009
If you sample views of members of the public on the State of the nation, you will not be surprised that no fewer than 95 percent would answer in the negative. It is not a matter of one being pessimistic, but it is factual. Incidentally, on Monday, August 31, 2009 [more]
Oil for Terrorist or Is it Compassion? Western Ideals;
PAUL I. ADUJIE | New Nigerian Politics | 24 September 2009
As a precursor to the invasion and occupation of Iraq by the United States and the subsequent overthrow of Saddam Hussein in March 2003, there was a US-Iraq policy supported by the United Nations, it was called the Oil-For-Food Program. It was [more]
The Many Lies of Helen Ukpabio
DR. OLUSEGUN FAKOYA | London, UK| 24 September 2009
Helen Ukpabio has gone to town against those she perceived as her enemies. The struggle to cleanse Nigeria of mischievious superstitious beliefs that have perpetually kept us in darkness and such that the likes of Helen has been using to exploit and keep the [more]
Nigeria Awareness Advances or Ethnic Terrorists Prevail?
PAUL I. ADUJIE | New York, NY| 24 September 2009
Technology, and in particular, the world wide web of the internet, has made simultaneous interactions and instant communication possible and even seamless, between Nigerians in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria on the one hand, and Nigerians in..[more]
Mr. President's war against my family
HAKEEM BABALOLA | Budapest, Hungary| 23 September 2009
When he was selected to rule Nigeria, Mr Presi Oloye vowed to respect the law of our land and that of freedom of expressions, thought, association and other exemption. That time the immunity from an obligation or duty he promised was pleasing to the ear. The ..[more]
AUGUST 2009
by TOCHUKWU EZUKANMA
by PAUL I. ADUJIE
by EMEKA ORAETOKA
by DR. OLU OJEDOKUN
by PAUL I. ADUJIE
by EMEKA ORAETOKA
by LEBURAH GANAGO,
by MAX SIOLLUN, (NNP
by HAKEEM BABALOLA, (Hungary)
by EMEKA ORAETOK
by AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO, (London, UK)
y CHRIS ODETUNDE, (Houston, TX)
by PAUL I. ADUJIE, (NY, NY)
by EMEKA ORAETOKA, (Abuja, Nigeria)
by CHINUDU VINCENT AKUTA
by GREG OKEY NWADIKE(Abuja,)
by AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO (UK)
by IKECHUKWU NJOKU (Lagos, Nigeria)
by UGOCHUKWU EJINKEONYE
by IMOHINI UDUIGWOME AIRENEVBOISE,
by Dr. YAKUBU TSAV (NNP)
by HAKEEM BABALOLA(NNP)
by TATABONKO OROK EDEM (NNP)
by CHINUDU VINCENT AKUTA (NNP)
by EMEKA COLLINS EKE
by CHINUDU VINCENT AKUTA (NNP)
by TOCHUKWU EZUKANMA (Lagos, Nigeria)
by PAUL I. ADUJIE, (NY)
JULY 2009
by LEONARD SHILGBA (Yola, Nigeria)
by MAX SIOLLUN (NNP)
by UGOCHUKWU EJINKEONYE (Lagos , Nigeria)
by PAUL I. ADUJIE
by PAUL ADUJIE, (New York, NY)
by CHINUDU VINCENT AKUTA (Leciester, UK)
by AKINTOKUNBO ADEJUMO, (London, UK)
by DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE
by DR. OLU OJEDOKUN, (London, UK)
by PAUL AJUDIE, (New York, NY)
by DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE (London, UK)
by UGOCHUKWU EJINKEONYE (Lagos)
by LEONARD SHILGBA (Yola, Nigeria)
by EMEKA C. EKE (NNP)
by TATABONKO OROK EDEM, (NNP)
by PAUL I.. ADUJIE (NY)
by DR. PHIL TAM-AL ALALIBO (NNP)
by DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE (UK)
by DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE, (London, UK)
by DR. OLU OJEDOKUN, (UK)
by DR. LEONARD SHILGBA (Yola)
by DR. CHRIS ODETUNDE,(TX)
by CHINUDU AKUTA, (UK)
by DR. OLUSEGUN FAKOYA, (London, UK)
by DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE
by IMOHIMI AIRENEVBOISE, (NNP)
by DR. BANKOLE OKUWA, (NNp)
by DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE (UK)
BY DR.. OLUSEGUN FAKOYA, (London, UK)
JUNE 2009
How Would You Want Nigeria of Tomorrow to Be?
CHRIS ODETUNDE, Ph.D, Houston, TX -
Nigerians of different walks of life are clamoring for a move in different direction from where Nigeria is right now, the sleepy, no drama, dreaming, see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil state. Some have advocated violent revolution. Some are asking for milder type o ...more>>>
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Appeal to Leaders of Faith Organizations in Nigeria
CHINEDU VINCENT AKUTA, Leicester, UK -
Change comes not from the top down, but from the ground up, and few are closer to the people than our churches, synagogues, temples and mosques (Barack Obama, US President). This article is the second of its kind. The first was titled; Religious Organizations as Catalyst for Change, published on my blog http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com and ....more>>>
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Ogoni: Why Shell Cannot Return
LEBURAH GANAGO, Atlanta, USA -
The role of Shell in the genocide committed in Ogoni , Nigeria, has been well documented over the years. The evidence is so overwhelming that even Shell, the transnational oil giant whose foolish pride ensures it takes no responsibility for its quantum atrocities ....more>>>
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Nigerian Atty-General Working Against the People
EMEKA COLLINS EKE, Los Angeles, USA -
Here in America and most countries in the world the Attorney General is the chief prosecutor, the number one police officer in the country. To the Attorney General he considers all law enforcement agencies/officers as his family members and he will defend them no matter the circumstances. Even when any law enforcement agency/officer is accused....more>>>
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A Romantic Letter from Senegal
HAKEEM BABALOLA, Budapest, Hungary -
At a time the administrators of Nigeria decided to rebrand a product they do not believe in, an admirer of my profile, a complete stranger, sent me a poignant romantic letter. The letter is straight to the point. She'd seen my profile on the Nigeria Village Square and she loved what she saw. For her, it is love at first sight even though...more>>>
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Mr. President, Sanusi, is Right
UGOCHUKWU EJINKEONYE, Lagos,Nigeria-
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Lamido Sanusi, was not saying anything new when he suggested last week that President Umar Musa Yar’Adua should consider abridging his so-called Seven Point Agenda to about two or three for effective and beneficial implementation. It was an honest, sharp, well-timed articulation of the...more>>>
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Reminiscences of Nigeria
AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO, London, UK-
Nigeria, March/April 1978. The Minister for Education, Col Ahmadu Ali under the Obasanjo Military administration, had just announced that the Federal government of Nigeria intended to increase the cost of feeding for University and other tertiary institutions’ students. At the time also, students pay about 98 Naira per ...more>>>
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A Child Witch in London
DR. OLUSEGUN FAKOYA, London, UK -
Perhaps the valiant efforts of Sam Itauma of Child Rights and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN) coupled with the honourable actions of Gary Foxcroft of Stepping Stones Nigeria brought home the stark reality of the wicked phenomenon called ...more>>>
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Referendum and Metaphors on Nigeria
PAUL I. ADUJIE, New York, NY -
Are Nigerians now paranoid about Nigeria’s future and prospects? Do a majority of Nigerians feel a sense of being under siege; do we now as a collective suffer from a siege mentality? Why is it that too many Nigerians these days seem to find metaphors, referendums and even hidden messages in every cough, sneezes and even innocuous...more>>>
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We Really Have to be Really Scared Now
AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO, London, UK-
I am really scared now. My state of mind has gone from concerned to really scared and despondent now, when it comes to Nigeria. Over the past two weeks, indeed over the past one month, things have really gone from bad to worse for me. I am scared for myself, my family, my people (all Nigerians), Nigeria itself. Please, don't get....more>>>
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Deconstructing Umaru Yar'Adua
DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE, London, UK -
Umaru Yar’Adua remains largely unknown despite occupying the most powerful position in Nigeria in the last two years. Relatively obscure before Obasanjo catapulted him into that position, his taciturn nature has led to several speculations about him ...more>>>
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Nigeria: Ten Years of Democracy
LEONARD KARSHIMA SHILGBA, PhD , Yola, Nigeria -
How free are Nigerians to choose whom they will to serve them? The question ....more>>>
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Corruption Has Won the Battle Against Corruption
CHINEDU VINCENT AKUTA, Leicester, UK -
Finally, if the federal government hesitates or declines to constitute this commission, the civil society groups, non governmental organizations (NGOs), human right groups, etc should set up this commission and invite various stake holders. This is in consonance with the views of Professor Wole Soyinka when he outlined the powers of the civil society...more>>>
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An Oputa panel for the Niger Delta Crisis
CHINEDU VINCENT AKUTA, Leicester, UK -
Finally, if the federal government hesitates or declines to constitute this commission, the civil society groups, non governmental organizations (NGOs), human right groups, etc should set up this commission and invite various stake holders. This is in consonance with...more>>>
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Why Nigeria Will never Develop Economically or Politically
EMEKA COLLINS EKE, Los Angeles, CA -
According to Nigerian Revenue Mobilization Allocation and fiscal Commission (RMAFC) the salaries and allowances of elected and non-elected official will be increased more than 100 percent. The RMAFC is a federal government agency responsible or charged with distributing public funds to the legislature and other government officials. According to the agency this...more>>>
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Looking for a Positive Change
IMOHIMI UDUIGWOME AIRENEBOISE , New Nigerian Politics -
All Nigerians in Nigeria do is whine, write and complain about the bad economy and government. That is what I deduced from a comment posted by a Nigerian who I believe is somewhere outside the shores of our great country Nigeria populated with good people. Now it’s quite obvious to see his anger, other African...more>>
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Embassy Sorry for Displaying 1995 Abacha Booklet
HAKEEM BABALOLA , Budapest, Hungary -
The Embassy of Nigeria Budapest has offered its apology for displaying old booklets containing Ex-Nigerian dictator's photo during the celebration of Africa Day. In an effort to woo ...more>>>
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Nuhu Ribadu: Nigeria's Next Obama?
DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE, London, UK-
It is difficult to meet Mallam Nuhu Ribadu without having some sort of likeness for him. I saw the embattled pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for the first time at a ‘state of the nation’ symposium organised by the Nigerian Liberty Forum at the Metropolitan University, London, on May 29, 2009. A man whose slender frame. ...more>>>
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A Nation in Peril: Raising Redemption Leaders for Nigeria
LEONARD KARSHIMA SHILGBA, PhD , Yola, Nigeria -
It is no more news that Nigeria is sliding quickly towards a hopeless future aided by waste, ignorance, lack of vision, and corruption. The general consensus is that this country lacks the quality leadership which drives national integration, growth, and ...more>>>
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Obama and the Politics of Africa Visit
DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE, London, UK-
The planned visits to Egypt and Ghana by President Obama on June 4, 2009 and July 10-11, 2009 respectively, have been generating some excitement, angst and recriminations. For the favoured countries, especially Ghana, there has been a certain chest thumping, a belief that the choice is a reward for good governance and/or an enhanced strategic. ...more>>>
MAY 2009
Niger Delta Crisis: Nigeria is Sitting on A Keg of Gunpowder
AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO, London, UK -
Some time during Abacha’s infamous, brutal, sadistic and despotic tenure in Nigeria, the combined Nigerian armed forces and the Police launched an assault on the Niger Delta, shortly after Ken Saro-Wiwa was executed. One of the British TV stations (I forget which one) ...more>>>
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Speaking Truth to Power: Mr President and the Chaos called Nigeria
DR. OLU OJEDOKUN, United Kingdom-
Mr President, my thoughts have recently reverted back to the question of your legacy as President and the fact that there are no invisible ones. I am inclined to ask what story would you tell your grand children? Would it be a narration that revolves around you standing ...more>>>
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Rebranding a Fake Country
ZULFIKAR A. ADAMU, New Nigerian Politics -\
So many innocent babies who were not even old enough to decode their names died needlessly because of the greed and recklessness which has come to characterize the Nigerian enterprise. It was the selfishness, nay, ruthlessness, and wanton profiteering at ANY cost by some irresponsible Nigerians that inspired the production of My Pikin....more>>>
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Democracy for the Self Interest & Selfish
EMEKA COLLINS EKE, Los Angeles, USA-
A few in 2008 a group of school children across Nigeria visited the speaker of the House of Representative Mr Bankole. I watched as these kids detailed all the difficulties they go through every day in their individual schools. They complained about the shortage of classrooms, desks, books, teachers, school foods and many more. Each student testified how five....more>>>
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The British MP Expenses Scandal & The Nigerian Experience
AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO, London, UK-
For about three weeks now, the British Media have been a having a field day with the inconvenience and embarrassment of British Members of Parliament and the Government in the scandal of the fiddling of expenses by various elected members of the British ...more>>>
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The Anatomy of Our Politics, the Collateral Damages and the Way Forward for Nigeria
CHRIS ODETUNDE, PH.D Texas, USA -
Until Nigerians demand unadulterated representation from their Senators, House of Representative members, the Judiciary and the executive, they will be held in purgatory for a long time. Prayer or not, the suffering of Nigerians is not an act of God but self inflicting wound. Instead of. ...more>>>
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NEW BOOK: Who is an African?
DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE, London, UK-
Who is an African? At face value, the answer to this question seems obvious. Surely, everyone knows who the African is, it would seem. But the answer becomes less obvious once other probing qualifiers are added to the question. Are White South Africans really Africans? Are Moroccans, Egyptians and other Arab Africans as much Africans as say, Nigerians...more>>>
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Yoruba Gang Busted? Nigerians are Dagger Drawn?
PAUL I. ADUJIE, New York, USA - ‘
Mega Party’ has recently become the buzzword among Nigeria’s opposition groups, and the radical press. Rattled perhaps by a sudden consciousness of their relative weakness vis-à-vis the ruling PDP, and the very possibility that their current precarious existence could slip, tripping them ...more>>>
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REJOINDER: Dora, This is Becoming Ridiculous
CHIEF UGONNIA MIKE S. CHUKWUELUE, New Nigerian Politics -
Any right thinking Nigerian knows from the word go that our highly respected lady, DORA AKUNYILI, will be going to soil her records the moment president Yardua appointed her to be the regime"s spokes person. Many of us said she will never take....more>>>
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Gov. Uduaghan: Agbor Town Deserves Your Attention
ODENIGBO CHIDI ANYAECHE, New Nigerian Politics -
The Federal Character principle which gave rise to quota system in Nigeria was established to solve the problems of inequality and marginalization as expressed by certain parts of Nigeria. Among other reasons for introducing the quota system were because of differences in the socio-economic development of different parts of Nigeria. Secondly....more>>>
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Abolish Quota System or Quota System will Abolish Nigeria
CHINEDU VINCENT AKUTA, Leicester, UK -
The Federal Character principle which gave rise to quota system in Nigeria was established to solve the problems of inequality and marginalization as expressed by certain parts of Nigeria. Among other reasons for introducing the quota system were because of differences in the socio-economic development of different parts of Nigeria. Secondly....more>>>
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Anambra Governorship Race: Should Ngige Run Again?
DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE, London, UK -
Some 50 candidates have reportedly indicated their interest in running to become Governor of Anambra state in 2010. Obviously, for some of the candidates, to be ‘also-ran’ is all they need, either to massage their ego, position themselves, or get a slice of the funds made available...more>>>
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Nigerians Betrayed Me
HAKEEM BABALOLA, Budapest, Hungary -
I am writing this open letter because of my conscience as a Christian. It is imperative for me to tell Nigerians what actually happened in what is now known as Ekiti debacle (although I wouldn't use debacle to describe the event as it is the press invention). And before I go in perspective, I'd like to reiterate here that I am a Nigerian to the core; more>>>
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Withdrawal of Andy Uba's Supreme Court Case
CHUKWUDI NWOKOYE, ESQ - Maryland, USA -
I received the news of withdrawal of Andy Uba’s case against Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State at the Supreme Court from Sahara Reporters with mixed feeling. I was relieved that the shame and black-eye that would have been visited on the Supreme Court if the justices had kowtowed to one single person’s whims and caprices. I was also relieved....more>>>
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Reforming Police & Policing Reforms
CHINEDU VINCENT AKUTA, Leicester, UK -
I have watched and heard a lot about the recommendations of the police reform committee chaired by M D Yusuf. I also watched a programme on AIT (Focus Nigeria) on the 21st April 2009 were the chairman of the police service commission (Parry Osayande) was featured. I agree with most of the recommendations of the police reform committee since it is....more>>>
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Nigeria's Theatre of the Absurd
AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO, London, UK -
Most people in the Arts, or more specifically, theater and acting world will know what the Theatre of the Absurd is: A designation for particular plays written by a number of primarily European..more>>>
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How Nigerians Work in the Passport Office
UGOCHUKWU EJINKEONYE, Lagos, Nigeria -
A recent visit to the passport office in FESTAC, Lagos here, did quite a lot to renew my hope that Nigeria may not after all be a totally lost case. Nigerians will always reciprocate with positive responses whenever and wherever there is purposeful, exemplary leadership to show the way and dictate the tempo. Indeed, I never imagined...more>>>
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Mega-Party and the Politics of the Opposition
DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE, London, UK - ‘
Mega Party’ has recently become the buzzword among Nigeria’s opposition groups, and the radical press. Rattled perhaps by a sudden consciousness of their relative weakness vis-à-vis the ruling PDP, and the very possibility that their current precarious existence could slip, tripping them into the abyss, the opposition groups are ...more>>>
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Nigerian e-Passport Costs & Nigerians Abroad: A Rip-Off
AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO, London, UK -
As defined in literature (Wikipedia), a ripoff (or rip-off) is a bad deal. Usually it refers to an incident in which a person pays too much for something. A ripoff is distinguished from a scam in that a scam involves wrongdoing such as fraud; a ripoff, on the other hand, is in the eye of in....more>>>
APRIL 2009
Global Financial Meltdown: Is Nigerian Govt in Charge?
HAKEEM BABALOLA, Budapest, Hungary -
The title is an assignment being researched by the students of Kaduna Polytechnic HND1 (Higher National Diploma) Mass Communication Department. The curious students had sent "mails of this nature to national commentators" ....more>>>
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Dr. Egwu's Education Roadmap
DR. JIDEOFOR ADIBE, London, UK -
Minister of Education Dr Sam Egwu deserves commendation for the roadmap for the Nigerian education sector, which he presented recently to the National Stakeholders' Forum. No one doubts that the country’s education sector is in a sorry state, and deserves urgent fixing. The quality of education has declined so much that many of the....more>>>
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Agboros in Uniform
TOCHUKWU EZUKANMA, Lagos, Nigeria -
An agboro is not just a blustering ruffian. He is also a ruthless and unreasonable man whose behavior cannot be rationalized by any normal yardstick. Having overstretched my budget on a trip to my hometown, I was forced to travel by road from Onitsha to Lagos. At the more established transportation companies, the last buses had all left for Lagos....more>>>
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Two Party System: Panacea or Compounding the Problem?
JIDEOFOR ADIBE, London, UK-
The recent call by Abubakar Atiku, the country’s former vice president, for a two party system has animated the discussion on the appropriate number of political parties for the country. Many are understandably unhappy with the current state of affairs, in which some 50 political parties...more>>>
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Omoseye Bolaji, A Nigerian Author’s Exploits In Africa
AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO, London, UK -
Every so often, we come up with unsung and unknown heroes of our land, people who have made contributions in various disciplines, putting Nigeria on the map and promoting the many positive characteristics of our people. For the sake of brevity, I need not mention...more>>> .
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These are the Titles Nigerians Bear
PHIL TAM-AL ALALIBO, New Nigerian Politics -
At a recent party, I overheard a conversation by some overzealous Africans on how Nigerians were title crazy or “possessed” as one put it. Unaware that I was one of them, a Nigerian, that is, they continued, in spite of my presence, to castigate Nigerians and their......more>>>
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Oshiomhole & the Nigerian Abberation
TOCHUKWU EZUKANMA, Lagos, Nigeria-
Ordinarily, the man of the year is the most important achiever of the year; a man who exceptionally distinguished himself in some field of endeavor. Some individuals are so renowned and the import of their achievements so far reaching that they were considered not just men of....more>>>
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Still on the Media, National Security, the IG, etc
EMEKA ORAETOKA, Abuja, Nigeria -
It must be said that one of the most dangerous threats to our democracy today is the pattern of ownership of information dissemination outfits in Nigeria . A checklist of print media in Nigeria revealed that the publishers of these outfits are ex-executive office holders, incumbents, .....more>>>
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Re-Branding Nigeria: My Take on the Chary Project
ODENIGBO CHIDI ANYAECHE, New Nigerian Politics -
A lot has been written and said on the re-branding project, some in support but mostly against. I have perused all arguments, both pros and cons on the project until I came across the following details regarding the project and hence my informed view that .....more>>>
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Aunty Dora's Harmful Drugs
HAKEEM BABALOLA, Budapest, Hungary-
Prof. Dora Akunyili proved her mettle as the NAFDAC boss. She fought drug dealers and makers of fake drugs and their accomplices on pure spunk. Her determination showed in her every movement. She did not relent even in the face of danger that followed her on a......more>>>
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Do Our Politicians Know Our Constitution?
AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO, London, UK-
I have always suspected and held the belief that our politicians, all classes of them, appear to be charlatans, novices, greenhorns and pretenders. This is no longer surprising nor should be....more>>>
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The Call for Nigeria to Borrow More
JIDEOFOR ADIBE, London, UK-
The recent report that Minister of Finance, Dr. Mansur Muhktar and the Director General of the Budget Office, Dr. Bright Okongu, have made a case for the country to borrow more to enable it achieve some of its economic targets, is bound confuse many.....more>>>
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Iwu: Kukah's Candid Opinion
IBRAHIM DANLAMI, New Nigerian Politics -
What has At a season of deep emotion over the debate of the of tenure of Iwu as Chair of INEC, Rev. Father Matthew Hassan Kukah’s words of wisdom merit what Maurice Iwu’s virulent pursuers should contemplate. Rev. ....more>>>
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Re-Branding Nigeria: A Game of Roulette
DR. OLUSEGUN FAKOYA, London, UK -
I feel compelled to write this rejoinder in response to the recent interview by our erstwhile anti-fake drug czar and Nigeria’s current mouthpiece. Her recent interview titled: “Nigerians abroad are our worst enemy”, leaves a very unpleasant taste in the mouth......more>>>
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The Trial & Tribulations of a Leader
AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO, London, UK-
I felt the need to write this article because of what happened in London last week when ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo came visiting to brief the world press on his peace mission in Central Africa. Although I did not attend, I read and learnt that the briefing was.....more>>>
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Omoseye Bolaji, A Nigerian Author’s Exploits In Africa
AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO, London, UK-
Every so often, we come up with unsung and unknown heroes of our land, people who have made contributions in various disciplines, putting Nigeria on the map and promoting the many..more>>>
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The Other Side of a Critic
HAKEEM BABALOLA, Budapest, Hungary-
Uche Nworah started as a young man who detests the inefficient manner in which his country's policy makers handle the people's affairs. He was sad and he expressed sorrow. Like his contemporaries, he almost gave up on his country. He checked out of the country to an unknown destination. He probably passed through the desert before he....more>>>
MARCH 2009
High Cost of Governance, Bad Governance: The Relationship
AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO, London, UK-
In reality, nobody should be surprised by the statement above. Even if not documented, it is there for all to see, feel, live and experience in the daily lives of the majority of Nigerians. However, I was further alarmed
when I read the Nigerian Compass Lead Opinion of 3rd March....more>>>
It's 2011: Rice Anyone?
MAUDLYN PARK, Cambridge, UK
The proposed amendment to Article 9.2(iv) of the PDP Constitution reads: “The party shall issue automatic tickets to any first term serving president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all first term serving
governors who have expressed interest to re-contest for a second term without ...more>>>
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Shhhh! Maggi Cubes and Big, Bubbly Butts
MAUDLYN PARK, Cambridge, UK
What has been on your mind lately? The whole world has economic problems at the moment and the stims packages are but cynically comforting. Presidents and Prime Ministers are engaged with their economic
policy experts, day in day out, in brewing snake oils for their.....more>>>
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Before Maurice Iwu Goes, Hear This
ALOY EJIMAKOR, Washington, DC -
Now that elements of opposition politicians led by Barrister Femi Falana (SAN) of the NCP have taken the anti-Iwu (and anti-system) battle to the judiciary, let us pause a moment to hear some enduring home truths.
It is only when this whole renewed anti-Iwu vigor is glanced off recent.....more>>>
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Brand Nigeria: Do We Really Need a Re-Branding?
JIDE ADIBE, PH.D - London, UK-
Nation branding has become a popular phrase ever since Simon Anholt coined the phrase in 1996. In a seminal article, ‘Nation-Brands of the Twenty-First Century’ (1998), Anholt noted that most of the really successful international brands have come from countries that are successful....more>>>
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The GOP Blackmail
LEBURAH GANAGO, Atlanta, Georgia-
President Barack Obama and the Democratic party handedly defeated the Republicans at the November 2008 polls. All that then candidate Obama of the Democratic party needed to win the presidential election was 270 electoral
votes but he went over and above the mark to ram home 350 electoral....more>>>
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Is Yar'Adua a Leader?
TOCHUKWU EZUKANMA, Lagos, Nigeria-
Nigeria is a colossus of unrealized potentials: a somnolent giant in need of awakening, a floundering ship groping for direction, an heterogonous and discordant country in want of a unifying theme, an artificial sovereignty in need of a redefined purpose of nationhood, a dispossessed and downtrodden....more>>>
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Nigerian Scammers: A Contrary View
JIDEOFOR ADIBE, London, UK-
Nigerian scammers – a generic term I would use to cover ‘Yahoo boys’, 419ers, credit card fraudsters, putative hackers and others operating from the other side of the moral divide – have acquired a unique international notoriety. Globally, there appears to be a suspi....more>>>
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Nigerian Documents Invalid in Hungary
HAKEEM BABALOLA, Budapest, Hungary -
Virtually every document issued in Nigeria is unacceptable by the Hungarian Immigration unless such documents are duly certified by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Hungarian Embassy all in Abuja..
The situation has no regards to an appeal from...more>>>
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Yar'Adua May Still Happen Again
UGOCHUKWU EJINKEONYE, Lagos, Nigeria -
Gradually, President Yar’Adua’s health condition is becoming an item for very debilitating blackmail. And it seems to be working effectively! Just wonder aloud why the president of such a critically sick and sinking country cannot allow himself to be roused from ....more>>>
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Salary Cut Meaningless Without Seriousness
HAKEEM BABALOLA, Budapest, Hungary-
The National Economic Council (NEC), the umbrella body for the governors of the thirty-six states and the nation's economic managers recently endorsed the salary cut proposed by Musa Yar'Adua for all political appointees in the country. According to reports, Yar'Adua....more>>>
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Nigeria's Immunity Clause - To Stay or Not to Stay?
AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO, London, UK -
It is perhaps expedient for me to begin this article by acknowledging that I am also contributing to a debate which has been raging for a long time, and to which thousands of Nigerians all over the world have contributed their own opinions. While I do....more>>>
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Agenda For JCCR: Merger for the States
JIDEOFOR ADIBE, Ph.D, London, UK -
The task of the Joint Committee on Constitution Review is not an enviable one. Reviewing the country’s constitution is usually a thorny issue, often compounded by the lack of unanimity on areas that deserve to be reviewed, and in which direction any review should be made....more>>>
FEBRUARY 2009
The Recent Bye-Elections in Anambra State
ODENIGBO CHIDI ANYAECHE, New Nigerian Politics-
Two bye-elections have been held by INEC in Anambra state this year. The first bye-election was for the Anambra South Senatorial constituency and held on January 24, 2009 whilst second one was
for the Ukpor Federal Constituency and held on February 21, 2009 both as a result of.....more>>>
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Encounter With Ekpeye Monarch
CLARIUS UGWUOHA, Rivers, Nigeria -
African monarchies have always fascinated me. Therefore, on a visit to a work mate in Ubeta, one of the Ekpeye Communities, I was pleasantly surprised to note that the Ekpeye monarch, His
Majesty Eze Robinson O. Robinson, a retired Flight Lieutenant of the Nigerian ....more>>>
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How the Niger Delta People Can Get Their Freedom Back
BODE ELUYERA, New Nigerian Politics-
Undoubtedly, they are justified in taking up arms at last against the evil Federal Government because they have exhausted all peaceful channels without any result. For 46 'good?' years, the people have taken to peaceful demonstrations; begging the government,....more>>>
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Dr. Reuben Abati Breaks His Silence
SUNNY CHRIS OKENWA, Abidjan, I/Coast-
I guess I should commence this rejoinder by confessing that the uproar raised by my 'involvement' in the Abuja land allocation by the ex-Minister Modibo to the EFCC strongwoman and others including top editors of my generation had pricked my conscience. For ...more>>>
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Corruption Management: An Alternaive Proactive Approach
AKINTOKUNBO A. ADEJUMO, London, UK -
Over the past few years, corruption has become a topic of increased interest and debate within Nigerian society. Nigeria’s independent media and other commentators worldwide are constantly assessing the government's efforts to address corruption. This public....more>>>
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Let the Critics Swear
HAKEEM BABALOLA, Budapest, Hungary-
For the purpose of this article, when I say the critic I mean journalists, columnists, writers, commentators, reporters, citizen journalists; and especially those who get paid practicing these professions. The current happenings in the practice of journalism in Nigeria have....more>>> >>
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Coping With Leadership Meltdown in Nigeria
MAXWELL JAMES, Yenagoa, Bayelsa -
Why are Nigerians talking about economic recession today? If The United States and other western nations are debating on this present calamity, is because they are experiencing an economic crisis that is as
awful as the days of the Great Depression. In America today, millions of jobs, .....more>>>
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The Media, National Security: The Inspector General of Police, Etal
EMEKA ORAETOKA, Abuja, Nigeria -
On the occasion of the launch of Daar Communications Plc Direct-to- Home Digital satellite Pay TV, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua cautioned the media about reports that might endanger the security of the nation. From President Yar'Adua's admonition, it appears presidency is aware of the subversive activities . .....more>
