This column drew attention some two weeks back to the need to reduce the cost of governance in Nigeria. The existence of bloated governments in Nigeria which was attributed to ‘petroleum mentality’- a mindset which encourages irresponsible spending (squander mania) was roundly condemned.

Last week, one of our old colleagues, the legendary James Iroha, alias Gringory Akabogu of the new Masquerade Television Drama fame passed on. May his soul rest in peace. A retired Director of Television Services at the Abia State Broadcasting Corporation, Gringory had for awhile reportedly suffered from an eye ailment for which he repeatedly cried for help but none came.

During the recent fuel subsidy controversy, the government side rightly challenged Labour to name any item other than fuel whose price had remained unchanged since 2007. It was probably a strong point but the truth is that both the government and her people have the same attitude towards petroleum which in this piece we simply call ‘petroleum mentality’- a mindset which devalues an otherwise precious item.

Many Nigerians had looked forward with hope to year 2000 when the good things of life were expected to be realized by them according to a government slogan. Later, the date of the vision moved to year 2010 before President Yar’ Adua classified all the good things of the vision into 7 and shifted the expected date to 20-20-20.

Two weeks ago, I visited Benin City at the invitation of my Uncle, Ben, to mark the golden jubilee celebration of his marriage. To make my visit memorable, he took me to the ‘parliament’- a location where some socialites assemble every evening to catch some relaxation and as my uncle explained “to exchange ideas, share drinks and chops and also to gist”.