HAPPILY, Nigerians at home and abroad did celebrate the 50 years of political independence from Britain without any vestige of bitterness against our colonial masters.

Power is steady and public services like rail, road and air transportation is continuously improving. The nation also runs a comprehensive social insurance policy such that no Briton suffers neglect in terms of health and poverty owing to unemployment.

AS many Nigerians believe and hope, 1st of October every year should be a day of joy and this year‘s occasion should be marked in a special way – it is a day of celebration of Nigeria‘s fifty years of freedom from British imperialism. Some would however, observe that the country has exchanged liberal British imperialism for local despotism.

AS many Nigerians believe and hope, 1st of October every year should be a day of joy and this year‘s occasion should be marked in a special way – it is a day of celebration of Nigeria‘s fifty years of freedom from British imperialism. Some would however, observe that the country has exchanged liberal British imperialism for local despotism.

For some weeks, the quiet but serious minds of many Nigerians might
have been disturbed by the incessant noises about the 2011 elections by some politicians of various shades.

If we are to be guided by media reports, everyone is set for the eventful year, 2011 – the year of all important elections. Even President Goodluck Jonathan appears more enthusiastic than others when he cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against any form of failure when he emphatically said that, ‘gone are the days when those in charge of electoral or other responsibilities will use such phrases as ‘our hands are tied‘ for justification or failure‘.

All over the world, especially in the 20th century, nations have emerged through voluntary associations or by brute force.

Last week, I wrote on those who are expected to transform Nigeria into a united and prosperous country from the amalgamation of unequal ‘nations‘ divided by ethnic, religious and political interests.

With the confirmation of Professor Attahiru Jega as INEC Chairman by the Senate and the appointment of Professor Bert. Nnaji as the Adviser on Power, President Jonathan could not but feel happy that the solution to some of the nation‘s problems is nearer.

THE last two weeks witnessed the flexing of political muscles by the proponents of the ruling party‘s controversial ‘zoning‘ system and the new apostles of unconditional and free choice of leadership of the party and the country.