Of late, the Group Managing Director of NNPC has joined on the side of the protagonists and the apostles of Deregulation of the Downstream Sector of the Nigerian Oil Industry.

It might, at times, be appropriate to question the rationale behind the great rush of some otherwise respected citizens into politics which is often described by many as a dirty game. It is puzzling to watch the number of candidates vying for elective political posts, whether that of President, State Governor or of Local Council or Chairman [often referred to as ‘The Chair‘].

To many serious Nigerians[someare patriotic]the problems of the country are so diverse and complex that they feel with utmost conviction that only a sovereign national conference would appreciate and be convenient to examine [not cure] the ills of the nation. They perceive that a conference, whether sovereign or not, is an ideal environment to discuss [in truth and in merit] national problems and their solutions.

IF the granting of amnesty to Niger Delta militants after the laying down of their lethal weapons could be described as a super political step by the President Yar‘Adua, the move, [if it is true] to give oil producing areas a 10 per cent share in the oil and gas Joint Venture is another bold action towards the final solution of the unnecessary Niger Delta imbroglio.

MANY critical observers of the social, political and economic scenery of this country could have been rightly described as disgruntled lots [especially those who daily criticise the present regime as being ineffective], but for their unexpected public endorsement by the President himself.