LAST week, I wrote on political and economic necessities for ensuring national stability and progress. I touched briefly on the success of the completion of the Ondo gubernatorial contest.

THE past weeks have witnessed the presentation of the Budget by President Goodluck Jonathan to the National Assembly, and also the successful conduct of the Ondo State gubernatorial election. Therefore, it is necessary to congratulate the President on submitting the budget on time and also, for the display of sportsmanship in congratulating the people of Ondo State for rejecting his party (PDP) and for choosing a performing governor for the second time.

The nation‘s annual Budget could be carefully captured or cynically viewed in the golden words of INCOME and EXPENDITURE.

Every anniversary day of Nigeria‘s Independence is generally regarded as a day when Nigerians have absolute freedom to comment on the progress or otherwise, of their country. It is that day in which the President of the country reviews the events of the past year and assures the nation of good life ahead. The President‘s address to the nation is usually awaited for by all Nigerians and comments are thus made by different people, according to their mood, political standing and predilections.

SInce Nigeria became an independent nation in 1960, attempts have been made at various times, through different means, by many political parties and some individuals to catch the shifting and chameleonic animal called, “The National Unity”. The goals set by the country`s founding fathers for political stability and economic prosperity had become so elusive that it had created justified pessimism in the minds of the people about its realization.

It has been observed that no single day has passed without reference being made to the President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan either in one critical form or the other.

MANY analysts of the economics and politics of developing countries (Nigeria included) have agreed to the simple fact that what is needed for success is simple – sensible politics and common sense economics, to be backed by sound administration.

I WAS born in the Northern part of Nigeria (Jos, now the capital of Plateau State) some decades ago. As my name reads, my parents (both) were from the Southern part of the country (South Western zone). My primary education took place in two different schools run by Christian institutions.

Since the return of democracy in 1999, many commentators on Nigerian affairs have been harping on some issues, which need tackling to ensure and enjoy the fruit (dividends) of democracy. It has been observed that the efforts of any government, however genuine, might not be appreciated if the structure of the country is deficient.

OVER the years, some Nigerians have been clamouring for true federalism, as opposed to quasi -federalism which is being operated at the moment.

Many Nigerians will not understand the sudden change in the popularity of President Goodluck Jonathan’s government after the celebrated victory in the 2011 election. Many believe that if elections are held in many progressive states in the country today, the ruling party would suffer reverses more humiliating than the Edo State case.

To many Nigerians, the 2012 Olympic period was a nightmare, if not a season of despair while the super powers – USA, China, Russia and Britain were busy hauling medals of all sorts, Gold, Silver and Bronze, Nigeria was busy counting its losses.

In a period heavily dominated by news of shameful corruption arising out of ‘subsidy scandal‘ and killings and maiming by Nigerians (claims by Boko Haram sect), the election of Adams Oshiomole as Governor of Edo State without the usual violence, is a welcome rarity.

At last, the correct version of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has been sent to the National Assembly for deliberation and enactment into law. To be fair, taking a cursory look at the bill, it looks like an elegant document – a Dictionary of the Petroleum Industry.

In the last few months, many Nigerians have expressed genuine fears about the future of their country. Considering the perilous political situation of the country, many analysts were not unaware of the threats of eventual break-up of Nigeria.