A curious story in one of the news dailies a few days ago said that former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair advised our President Goodluck Jonathan to disregard the voice of Nigerian opposition and other citizens who complain over his policies.

JUST about everything that should be said about the illness and absence of Dame Patience Jonathan has been said. Her aides and Presidential spokesmen have been accused of lying, deception, cover-up, insensitivity and irresponsibility over her whereabouts and illness.

The uproar which greeted the publication of this year’s National Honours list has been very unfair to the majority of the those honoured. Most critics ignored the fact that many people on the list have eminently earned their recognition and rewards. A few are borderlines.

The arguments over the legality and propriety of the onshore-offshore dichotomy are likely to get louder and more involving in the next few months. It is safe to assume that this issue will feed existing faultlines in the nation, and will quite probably play a pivotal role in determining security issues around oil and gas, and even the 2015 elections.

In the midst of doom and gloom regarding the future of the nation, a spark of hope was ignited in a small town in Kebbi State. On Saturday 25th of August the small town of Koko was filled to the brim with Nigerians from every nook and cranny of the nation, and a rich assortment of representatives of the international community.

NORTHERN Governors set up a seemingly powerful committee on reconciliation, healing and security last week, three months into the silence of President Goodluck Jonathan over the long list of grievances and demands presented to him by Northern Elders.

YOU really do have to wonder who assists President Goodluck Jonathan in terms of his engagements with the public. It is possible that he chooses what he says, when and where he says it, and why.

THE recent entry of Dr. Doyin Okupe into the image management team of President Goodluck Jonathan ought to have improved the manner the Presidency is perceived by Nigerians. Dr. Okupe brings an intimidating credential as a heavyweight with an intellect and a punch, and has been involved in many bruising battles in the corridors of power and on political streets.

FORMER Presidents Obasanjo and Babangida issued a joint statement last week appealing to Nigerians to stand back from the abyss. Just any public collaboration between these two these days is matter of considerable public interest. These two leaders have given the nation its most defining characteristics today.

ON the 8th of December, 2011 the Senate approved the President’s request to appoint the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission.