It has been observed that no single day has passed without reference being made to the President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan either in one critical form or the other.

MANY analysts of the economics and politics of developing countries (Nigeria included) have agreed to the simple fact that what is needed for success is simple – sensible politics and common sense economics, to be backed by sound administration.

I WAS born in the Northern part of Nigeria (Jos, now the capital of Plateau State) some decades ago. As my name reads, my parents (both) were from the Southern part of the country (South Western zone). My primary education took place in two different schools run by Christian institutions.

Since the return of democracy in 1999, many commentators on Nigerian affairs have been harping on some issues, which need tackling to ensure and enjoy the fruit (dividends) of democracy. It has been observed that the efforts of any government, however genuine, might not be appreciated if the structure of the country is deficient.

Many Nigerians will not understand the sudden change in the popularity of President Goodluck Jonathan’s government after the celebrated victory in the 2011 election. Many believe that if elections are held in many progressive states in the country today, the ruling party would suffer reverses more humiliating than the Edo State case.

To many Nigerians, the 2012 Olympic period was a nightmare, if not a season of despair while the super powers – USA, China, Russia and Britain were busy hauling medals of all sorts, Gold, Silver and Bronze, Nigeria was busy counting its losses.

In a period heavily dominated by news of shameful corruption arising out of ‘subsidy scandal‘ and killings and maiming by Nigerians (claims by Boko Haram sect), the election of Adams Oshiomole as Governor of Edo State without the usual violence, is a welcome rarity.

At last, the correct version of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has been sent to the National Assembly for deliberation and enactment into law. To be fair, taking a cursory look at the bill, it looks like an elegant document – a Dictionary of the Petroleum Industry.

In the last few months, many Nigerians have expressed genuine fears about the future of their country. Considering the perilous political situation of the country, many analysts were not unaware of the threats of eventual break-up of Nigeria.

RECENT events in the country, especially the security situation, have put heavy burden on leadership at every stage, and especially on national leadership.

I WAS taken aback a bit, saddened but not depressed, when one of those commenting on my last week`s article on Who Will Save Nigeria wrote bluntly, `Nigeria is cursed with oil` and `No One Can Save Nigeria`. I must confess that my acquaintances with `CURSE` of any kind would be through reading books on witches in Medieval Europe and that witches would curse their tormentors.

In the past week marked by grievous losses arising out of the DANA plane crash and the gruesome slaughter of christian worshippers in Bauchi and a former Deputy Inspector General of Police in Kano, the time calls for a moment of sober reflection while expressing condolences to the families of the departed innocent souls.

Often, in a moment of despair, I would like to forget some salient factors in the history of Nigeria. Many times, the situation of the `Nigeria Question` would be so overwhelming in my mind that I would forget that I am a Nigerian and would want to leave the country for a while.

I have consistently advocated in this column for the adoption of common sense economic policies and sensible politics as necessary tools towards the eradication of poverty and the growth of wealth in our country. I have also been preaching the sermon of good management of the country‘s enormous economic resources for the eradication of poverty and the promotion of wealth and prosperity.

In a week dominated by bomb attacks on the offices of Nigerian Newspapers – Thisday, Sun and others and the political reactions to the statement credited to the Nigerian Security Adviser, it is tempting to conclude that the future of the country is in serious jeopardy.

I Have heard it many times and I have read in many papers that Nigeria might break up in the year 2015. Though I could not confirm the actual source to this terrible prediction, but many people have pointed to the credible American source.

RECENTLY, the state of the Nigerian economy came into focus when the Finance Minister, who also bears a grandiose appellation of Coordinating Minister, Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala observed the dwindling reserves in the Excess Crude Oil Account and also, the lack of co-operation of state governors on the fortunes of the Sovereign Welfare Fund (SWF).

THE great debate is on. It has something to do with the political stability of our great country – Nigeria. Every Nigerian is expected to join in the search for that golden greatness, which has eluded the country. It may be pertinent to ask, what are we searching for?

AT this moment when the topic of ‘corruption‘ is on the lips of many Nigerians, it will be unethical for the columnists of widely read newspapers not to add a thought, however negative, to the topic of the day. The word corruption, is not new to Nigerians because it is a part of their culture and getting rich by immoral means or sourcing money by all means is an accepted norm in the country‘s daily existence.

As it is being generally said, many factors among which are insecurity and deepening poverty are pointing to the fact that Nigeria is becoming a failing state, but fortunately not a ‘failed state‘ which many enemies of Nigeria prophesied.

Last week-end, the body of Professor Samuel A. Aluko was laid to rest in Ode-Ekiti, a rustic small town – with its natural serenity yet undisturbed by the vagaries of modern life. Professor Aluko was a Professor of Economics at the University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile Ife in Osun State.

In an intelligent reaction to my article last week in this column titled: IS THE BREAK UP OF THIS COUNTRY INEVITABLE?, a reader, Mr. John A of Onitsha asked some pertinent questions on the likely break-up of the country; he would like to know the number of sovereign states; the agitators; the front runners or the stakeholders of these sovereign states.

A FEW weeks before the start of the unnecessary but costly Biafran war or The Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), I wrote an article in the Daily Times with the caption, ‘CAN WE AFFORD TO FALL APART?‘. In my pardonable innocence, I examined the economic implications of a break_up on internal trade and movements of people.

AS a critic of the Central Bank`s tightening Monetary Policy, the latest announcement that the benchmark rate would remain unchanged at the moment is a pleasant news. After reviewing the economy in the year 2011, the Central Bank`s Monetary Policy committee has come to a sensible decision that the policy should remain unchanged.