AS LIFE returns to normal in Aba, the commercial capital of Abia State, the military joint task force which had launched war against criminal elements in the state, especially kidnappers who held the city hostage for a long time, paralyzing all commercial and social activities, is moving deep into the kidnapping-infested areas of Obingwa, Osisisioma and Ukwa West.

It was indeed a sobering moment, one that evoked tears from those present. In fact, many could not hold back their feeling as evidenced by the wet handkerchiefs with which they intermittently dabbed at their teary eyes. The casket which contained the remains of the late Vanguard Chief Sub-Editor, Adedayo Aminu, was just about then being lowered into the cemented grave.

Ijeoma, a commuter in this Apapa-bound passenger bus wondered aloud: “I can’t understand why some people behave as if they can own the entire universe, as if they are immortal. The world, like the Igbo say, is a market place. You go and do your stuff and quit the stage. It is not home to anybody.

WHEN the kidnapping saga erupted in the South East zone following the amnesty programme that brought militancy in Niger Delta region to an end, the people and governments of the zone were worried. As times passed by, the crime gained momentum in the zone, but took a dangerous dimension in Abia, precisely in the Aba/Ngwa axis of the state, despite spirited efforts by the state government to tackle the problem.

By: Chidi Nkwopara, OWERRI. President Goodluck Jonathan says the provision of good access roads are necessary coefficients for the economic growth of every nation. Dr. Jonathan made the remark while commissioning the dualized Owerri-Orlu Road executed by Imo State government, during his two-day official tour of the state. He commended Governor Ikedi Ohakim for painstakingly […]

Nigerians have been reassured that stiffer penalties are to be included in the Anti-Terrorism Bill now before the National Assembly, against armed robbery, kidnapping and terrorism.

There is a new “silent killer” in town. It joins the ranks of malnutrition, malaria, hypertension, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, etc. It is obesity. “We are eating our way to the grave’’ and “obesity is rising in rural areas.’’ Adults are overweight or obese, while children are malnourished – a paradox. In the men still look at a potbelly as a badge of pride and success.”

Barring last-minute manoeuvres, the South-East Zone of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is expected to endorse President Goodluck Jonathan to fly the party’s flag at the 2011 presidential polls, today.
This is one of the issues slated for discussion by the South-East PDP at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu, according to sources. Other matters include how to improve the fortunes of the PDP in the zone in the forthcoming polls and the current wave of kidnapping in the zone among others.

There is a new breed of Entertainers/Artists in Nigeria that have a unique style that appeals not just to other Africans or Nigeria’s, but to the world. One of such artist is Asmaa Idrisu a.k.a AiRis. Born in Cairo Egypt and raised in Nigeria, AiRis grew up in a large family with 16 siblings. She holds the title of singer, adorable daughter number 14.

A little girl kneels down and begins to say her night prayers. She is without the complication of big words and the eloquence of accomplished speakers. What she has is a heart that is pure, offering words of supplication and thanksgiving that are genuine; her audience one after the other opens one eye, then the other and one by one take the prayers more seriously.

Why is it that it’s the volatile relationships that hit the skids faster than the couple could really get to know each other? They transit from living in each other’s pockets or being virtually joined at the hip to hurling hateful words at each other.

The real news was actually buried in what was not written. The man was appointed just a month earlier by the state government to head the Council. Surely, one would assume that the government would have appointed someone with integrity to the post. Was it then a mistake that the accused was selected to head the Council?

The first Electoral Commission of Nigeria (ECN) was set up in 1958. The name later changed to the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO). For a while, each of the Commissions operated like a task force that was dissolved now and again thereby depriving the system of continuity.

Someone called me at noon on Tuesday October 12. He told me his name which I first thought was a title. After he had lectured me for the better part of 15 minutes on the Niger Delta and the distraction the bombs of October 1 seem to be causing, and after I had wanted to explain a point or two but he would not let me, insisting that as someone who writes for people to know what is happening, I had to listen to him, I told him no one imposes their views on me.

Security agents, yesterday, arrested at Apapa, Lagos, a man described as a younger brother of Henry Okah, the MEND leader, who is currently undergoing trial in South Africa for alleged terrorism.