On the Spot with Eric Teniola

Nothing to be gained from declaration of state of emergency, by Eric Teniola

Nothing to be gained from declaration of state of emergency, by Eric Teniola

The first head of government that declared a state of emergency in Nigeria was the then Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (December 1912 – January 15, 1966) and that was in May 1962. I was a student then at Olofin Anglican Grammar School in Idanre in Ondo State, along with Folu Olamiti, Prince Wale Olateru-Olagbegi, […]
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The delay in appointing Ambassadors(3), by Eric Teniola

The delay in appointing Ambassadors(3), by Eric Teniola

From last week, continues the  narrative on the appointments of Nigerian ambassadors over the years, beginning with the first set or  pioneer ambassadors which included  Chief Jaja Wachuku  Chief Jaja Anucha Ndubuisi Wachuku  (1 January 1918 – 7 November 1996) was a Pan-Africanist and a statesman, lawyer, politician, diplomat and humanitarian. He was the first Speaker […]

The delay in appointing Ambassadors (2), by Eric Teniola

The delay in appointing Ambassadors (2), by Eric Teniola

From last week, continues the  narrative of how ammbassadors in other countries are accorded respect which enables them to rise to higher positions, including the presidency. This is unlike what obtains in Ngeria where our diplomats are treated with little or no respect  Otto Von Bismarck, in 1859 was the Prussian ambassador to Russia and later […]

The delay in appointing Ambassadors, by Eric Teniola

The delay in appointing Ambassadors, by Eric Teniola

Appointments of ambassadors or high commissioners by the President is a constitutional obligation. There should not be any delay in such appointments. Section 171 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that: “(1) Power to appoint persons to hold or act in the offices to which this section applies and to remove […]

Diversity and unity: Our strength and power(5), by Eric Teniola

Diversity and unity: Our strength and power(5), by Eric Teniola

From last week, this is the concluding part of the narrative of how  the Federal Electoral Commission on August 17, 1979 declared Alhaji Shehu Shagari as the winner of the presidential election, the petition against his election, the accord between the NPN and NPP that paved the way for the election of leaders of the National […]

Diversity and unity: Our strength and power(4), by Eric Teniola   

Diversity and unity: Our strength and power(4), by Eric Teniola   

From last week continues the narrative of how  the Federal Electoral Commission on August 17, 1979 declared Alhaji Shehu Shagari as the winner of the presidential election, Chief Awolowo’s petition which ended at the Supreme Court presided over by  Justice Atanda Fatai Williams who was later appointed as the Chief Justice of the Federation by […]

Diversity and unity: Our strength and power(3), by Eric Teniola

Diversity and unity: Our strength and power(3), by Eric Teniola

From last week continues the narrative of how  the Federal Electoral Commission on August 17, 1979 declared Alhaji Shehu Shagari as the winner of the presidential election having, satisfied the provision of section 34 (A), subsection (1)(C)(1) of the Electoral Decree No. 73 of 1977 by scoring the highest number of votes cast at the […]

Diversity and unity: Our strength and power(2), by Eric Teniola 

Diversity and unity: Our strength and power(2), by Eric Teniola 

From last week, continues the list of names of the ministers produced following the alliance between the Northern Peoples Congress, NPC, and the Nigerian National Democratic Party, NNDP that gave birth to the NNA in the First Republic.  Others were Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (Prime Minister and External Affairs), Alhaji Muhammadu Ribadu (Defence), Chief Festus […]

Diversity and unity: Our strength and power, by Eric Teniola

Diversity and unity: Our strength and power, by Eric Teniola

A coalition government is in no position an inferior government nor illegitimate; power sharing is good for democracy; it helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups. Power sharing makes people dependent and responsible

How the Constitution deleted tradition(4), by Eric Teniola

How the Constitution deleted tradition(4), by Eric Teniola

From last week, continues the narrative in support  of the preservation of our culture and tradition, arguing that it was wrong and counter-productive for the very important traditional institution to be deleted from the Constitution. TRADITIONS are a vital part of how we interact with the world around us. They provide a sense of identity and […]

How the Constitution deleted tradition (3), by Eric Teniola 

How the Constitution deleted tradition (3), by Eric Teniola 

From last week, continue excerpts of General Obasanjo’s broadcast to the nation following the promulgation of Decree 25 which proclaimed the 1979 Constitution endorsing the presidential form of government for Nigeria. WE are, of course, aware, and I am sure that no member of the Constituent Assembly can claim that the Constitution is a perfect document. […]