In a sign of maturity, the delegates to the National Conference have been trying to grapple successfully the logistical and procedural problems encountered in the first few days of sitting.

After the bloody army coup of 1966, General Yakubu Gowon, as the Head of the Military Government was reported to have said that “in a press conference on 8th October, 1966, I therefore put before you the following forms of government for consideration:- (a) Federal system with a strong central government (b) Federal system with a weak central government (c) Confederation and (d) an entirely new arrangement which will be peculiar to Nigeria and which has not yet found its way into any political dictionary”.

There is no doubt that many Nigerians would express profound satisfaction that the awaited National Conference has begun in spite of negative attitude of certain notable politicians. The hope is that the spirit of give-and-take would prevail during the serious discussions

The superbly organized celebrations to mark the 100 years of amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorate to form Nigeria have just ended in a justified mild form. The Federal Government and the people of Nigeria should be congratulated for the success of the spectacular ‘Remembrance‘ inspite of unstable security environment and the constant threats to the stability of the Naira from the greedy importers with insatiable demand for foreign goods.

There have been some reactions to my article in this column last week titled: DOING THE RIGHT THING AT THE RIGHT TIME. Some have, I think without justification questioned my sincerity since President Jonathan has been trying his best for the country since he was duly elected in 2011

It is generally believed that the year 2015 would mean different period to several people both in Nigeria and friendly countries. However, to the local politicians, especially the Opposition, it is the year of ‘change‘. The pessimists think otherwise – the year 2015 will signify the doom of the country.

The good news about Nigeria is that life is never dull – there are always moments of drama and fun. The movement of the former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakir from the Peoples‘ Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Party (APC) has been described by Atiku as normal in Nigeria‘s political evolution. It should be recalled with considerable amusement that the former Vice-President is not new in the game of seeking political green pastures. Perhaps, he is an adept in such a game of political opportunism. Who would not seek the prime political prize in a country where ‘everything goes‘?

The good news about Nigeria is that life is never dull – there are always moments of drama and fun. The movement of the former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakir from the Peoples‘ Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Party (APC) has been described by Atiku as normal in Nigeria‘s political evolution. It should be recalled with considerable amusement that the former Vice-President is not new in the game of seeking political green pastures. Perhaps, he is an adept in such a game of political opportunism. Who would not seek the prime political prize in a country where ‘everything goes‘?

Many optimists who are just chewing before digesting the beautiful economic blueprint (adorned in its elegant presentation with unassailable statistical figures) by the Finance Manager and Minister for Economic Co-ordination (what a romantic name!), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in her answer to the 50 Questions raised by members of the House of Representatives might be a bit confused on another story about the danger facing the economy.

As last week was closing with the news of the sorrowful departure of the Peoples‘ Democratic Party‘s (PDP) Chairman, Bamanga Tukur, the new week has brought the pleasing news of a new Chairman, Adamu M‘uazu, a former Governor of Bauchi State. This is a credit to PDP Party for saving Nigerians the horror of witnessing a long drawn battle with the dire consequences of a fractured political party.