This is not about the politics of the South-East. Or why its leaders were almost united in rejecting the nomination of Peter Obi as Atiku’s vice president. The leaders must have their reasons for rejecting the nomination of the ex-Anambra State Governor so spontaneously and so vociferously. They are yet to let us into those reasons though.

I have a friend from way back who will not hear anything negative about Donald Trump. He is still as combative as he was when we were in secondary school together.

The World Congress of Accountants holds once every four years. It is always held in different places. For example, this year’s congress just held in Australia.

I got an early Monday morning call from Senator Bode Olajumoke a while back. It was an invitation for lunch. Not just lunch, but a specific kind of lunch. He pointedly said he was inviting me and a few people to a meal of Amala with ewedu and fresh fish.

Nigeria is now the poverty capital of the world. What this means is that we are the greatest producer of poor people in the world. What this means is that we have acquired another badge of dishonour.

There is this story told by Kirk Douglas about his son Michael. For the sake of the younger generation which might not have heard of him, Kirk Douglas was an icon among the thespians of his generation.

I don’t necessary mean that in a complimentary way. I know that politicians and indeed, anybody in public life must have a large heart and a thick skin. I know there are no permanent friends in politics; only permanent interests.

The Senate President and until last week, a Presidential hopeful, Dr Bukola Saraki has said countless times that Nigeria is being run by a cabal. He reiterated his position a few weeks ago when he again said: ‘Nigerians voted for Buhari but a cabal is ruling us.’

October is the tenth month of the year. It is also the second of the dreaded ember months. So all of us should be grateful for making it thus far. After all, a lot of healthier and more privileged people had passed on already. This October makes it the 58th year of our nationhood. So the nation should be grateful for making 58 in spite of the many challenges bedevilling our nation state.

Those who should know tell us that people fall into poverty every hour in our country! That’s a lot of people in a year! But it’s hardly surprising given that our minimum wage as it stands, barely sustains borderline poverty. It is therefore clear that our minimum take-home pay can no longer take anybody home, as the popular saying goes.