There is a link to the introduction and application of the IMF and World Bank’s concepts of “liberalization,” “privatization,” and the “free market” to the exponential rise of corruption in Nigeria. There was always corruption in government, but before the advent of the IMF conditions, corruption in the public system was at its very minimal; what was known then as corruption would today pale in the face of the systemic subversion that has since buckled public governance in Nigeria.

Chief Osarowese Amehor is the Owenso of Benin Kingdom. In this chat, he calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to focus on reviving Nigeria’s crashing economy among other issues. Excerpts:

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Nigerian Army to immediately reinstate Major General Ahmed Muhammed, the erstwhile General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7th Division of the Army, Maiduguri, Borno State whose official vehicle was fired at by troops protesting the death of their colleagues in a Boko Haram ambush.

When I wrote my first Christian book, I sent free copies to many pastors in Lagos. One of those to whom I sent a copy sent it back with “return to sender” written on the package, even though it was addressed to his church office. I thought this was strange until Lucky Polete asked to see the package. When I showed it to him, he said: “No wonder. That is a wrong address.”

600 days after their children went missing, parents of the over 200 schoolgirls, abducted in Chibok, Borno State, met with President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, but their tears were not dried by the meeting.