A party for Nigeria’s latest abductors, by Azu Ishiekwene
Nigeria’s main political parties are in the thick of their primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. That politicians can still manage to hold primaries in the midst of a worsening wave of horrendous attacks on communities and kidnappings in parts of the country, not to mention the economic hardship, suggests we must be living in […]
What Nigeria’s election cannot teach does not exist
By Azu Ishiekwene NIGERIA’s February/March elections undid many things. One of them was the 63-year-old myth that no wealthy and ambitious candidate could emerge president. Until the last presidential election. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s president between 1963 and 1966, came close. But while ownership of his extensive and authoritative newspaper chain made him influential, he […]
Hadiza and the toes of the Nigerian big man
By Azu Ishiekwene HADIZA Bala Usman’s new book, Stepping on Toes, is a cautionary tale for anyone hoping to work in public service in Nigeria, particularly in the Federal Government. It’s an incredible story by the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, of how to break your heart, if not your spirit, […]
Why Trump’s trial doesn’t make America special
By Azu Ishiekwene DONALD Trump consolidated his record in demagoguery when he became the first former US president ever to be criminally indicted and arraigned in a Manhattan court on April 4. He was the first US president to complain about an election he won and also the first to openly express support for the body-slamming […]
A British example in our rascally times
By Azu Ishiekwene WHEN King Charles, the head of the Church of England, is crowned on May 6, there would be two very unusual non-Protestant special guests at the ceremony, among others: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who is Hindu; and the Leader of the Scottish National Party, SNP, and next First Minister of Scotland, […]
Africa: Why does Burna Boy rock more than Nigeria’s elections?
By Azu Ishiekwene FROM Accra to Cape Town images of Nollywood, Nigeria’s popular movie footprint, are a common staple in homes across the continent as are the sights and sounds of its pop icons who are also amongst Africa’s biggest. When politics is on the menu, however, it does not appear that the rest of […]
