That was one of the conditions good old “Rudy” gave for becoming a real man in one those long poems which we were proud to memorise at Igbobi College in the early 1960s. As much as possible, it has become a vital part of my life. The principle is “in any circumstance, be the last to get hysterical”. At the moment several events are driving Nigerians up the walls.

“At a glance at Exhibit A11 (result of the election), you can observe that the election was not conducted in substantial compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010.” Justice Ambrosa, nullifying the Rivers State Governor’s Election, Saturday, October 24, 2015.

A sub-lead story said “Ex-minister turns against associates, petitions EFCC.” On the same page we were told that “EFCC invites Akpabio again, grills him for nine hours.” There are enough materials in those two stories alone on which at least six to ten weekly columns can be written. The most obvious story concerns the changing fortunes of people who were once regarded as untouchables.

For columnists, there has been an avalanche of important events begging for urgent attention. For once nobody can complain of mental block when issues such as Ministerial list, Saraki versus Tinubu, Code of Corruption, sorry Conduct Bureau, CCB; Party Supremacy; 2016 Budget; death of Alamieyeseigha etc are hot items on the national agenda.

Two of our Founding fathers, Obafemi Awolowo and Nnamdi Azikiwe, started the Zombie Press in Nigeria. Awolowo established the NIGERIAN TRIBUNE and Azikiwe countered with the West African Pilot. I was highly privileged to understand, at a tender age, what a “Zombie Press” house is all about.