It might, at times, be appropriate to question the rationale behind the great rush of some otherwise respected citizens into politics which is often described by many as a dirty game. It is puzzling to watch the number of candidates vying for elective political posts, whether that of President, State Governor or of Local Council or Chairman [often referred to as ‘The Chair‘].

To many serious Nigerians[someare patriotic]the problems of the country are so diverse and complex that they feel with utmost conviction that only a sovereign national conference would appreciate and be convenient to examine [not cure] the ills of the nation. They perceive that a conference, whether sovereign or not, is an ideal environment to discuss [in truth and in merit] national problems and their solutions.

IF the granting of amnesty to Niger Delta militants after the laying down of their lethal weapons could be described as a super political step by the President Yar‘Adua, the move, [if it is true] to give oil producing areas a 10 per cent share in the oil and gas Joint Venture is another bold action towards the final solution of the unnecessary Niger Delta imbroglio.

MANY critical observers of the social, political and economic scenery of this country could have been rightly described as disgruntled lots [especially those who daily criticise the present regime as being ineffective], but for their unexpected public endorsement by the President himself.

OF all the constitutions that Nigerians and Nigeria had operated, none has been so severally stricture as the 1999 constitution presumably because of its military background. Some see it as an imposition by the military to ensure the unity of the country through a powerful and wealthy central government in a federal environment.

CERTAINLY, the last two weeks belonged to our unassuming President Yar‘Adua and his able team in bringing amnesty to the warring militants of the embattled Niger Delta region.

THE Nigerian political system, it is noted, has been characterized by a powerful ruling party and a disappearing but badly organized and comparatively weakened opposition at the federal level.

THE apparent disintegra-tion of the opposition parties in the country has engaged the attention of commentators in the media recently.

THE apparent disintegration of the opposition parties in the country has engaged the attention of commentators in the media recently. With the demise of that dogged fighter for the poor and the oppressed, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) and the shameful movement of some governors from their parties (under which they were elected) into the ruling party, genuine fear is gripping the nation over the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

WITHIN the last decade, some strange words seem to have sneaked surreptitiously into the dictionary of social science or political philosophy.