NOT just under Yar’Adua but under every head of state and governor in this country for more than 30 years, members of the Federal and state executive councils have been nothing more than glorified errand boys and girls as well as rubber stamps.

Though those there took the decisions they wanted to take in respect of resource control in the name of a democracy mantra that though the minority may well have their say, the majority would have their way, the people of the South-South have by and large fought for that measure of control that they believed would make for peace in the area and the country.

So many “ministries” are caught in the groove of “prosperity” that the gospel of the naira and kobo once entirely dominated our religious horizon. Perhaps it is because the Roman Catholic priesthood is shorn of that pre-occupation that the Cardinal, as well as other clerics of the same order, has found the space to turn around to the commonplace considerations of life … and that to the benefit of the common people.

To find an answer, let’s get back to the simple process of training a child. It needs no qualification to get into kindergarten except that he can walk and talk and appears to be healthy.

Great people quit the stage to resounding ovation, Mr. President! She is still deeply loved today by her people and by millions more throughout the world. Her dedication to her country and her personal concern for all people are legendary.