Oriire and the courage to reject compromise, by Rotimi Fasan
After 56 harrowing days, the 44 abductees in the Oriire community of Ogbomoso LGA are now out of the forest. These are schoolchildren and their teachers. Two of the teachers had been killed after the abduction while another was killed on their school ground. A commercial bike rider was also killed as the abduction unfolded. But […]
The ever-lingering Benue-Plateau crisis, by Eric Teniola
I saw Mr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang (60), the governor of Plateau State, a lawyer-banker and former Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area of the state, lamenting on television over herdsmen invasion of his state. The governor was almost in tears. It was the same with Mr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia (59) the governor of Benue State, who […]
Abiodun Aremu: What is at stake is the Destiny of Humanity, by Owei Lakemfa
The 1990s were the deadliest for change agents in Nigeria. We lost hundreds. In 1994, some political elites decided to join us. This led to the establishment of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO.One day, one of these elites brought a parcel to the leader of the Campaign for Democracy, CD, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti to be kept. Beko, […]
Pardon Me?! By Chidi Odinkalu
In September 1887, Harry Johnston, Acting Consul of the Oil Rivers Protectorate (Niger Delta) procured the arrest in the wharfs of the Niger Delta of King Jaja of Opobo on the rather dubious charge of “obstruction of trade”. It accused King Jaja of violating a trade treaty with the British, which did not, however, have any penal […]
Pardon Me?!
In September 1887, Harry Johnston, Acting Consul of the Oil Rivers Protectorate (Niger Delta) procured the arrest in the wharfs of the Niger Delta of King Jaja of Opobo on the rather dubious charge of “obstruction of trade”.
Umahi is too small…, by Obi Nwakanma
David Umahi, Minister of Works under this administration, is not a very likeable man. He is crude, and not really very polished. Mr. Umahi trained in engineering at the old Anambra State University of Technology (ASUTHEC), now Enugu State University. It was not a bad school. But in the period David Umahi went there, it was […]
Rushed clearance of INEC chair: For what? By Tonnie Iredia
Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), outgoing Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Jos is now the chairman of Nigeria’s electoral body – the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The entire process of nomination, scrutiny, endorsement, approval and appointment wasas far as the public was concerned concluded within a week. What was the speed for? […]
FROM BEGGING TO BANDITRY: Revolt of the almajiris, by Dele Sobowale
“No revolution is the fault of the people but the fault of the government” – Johann Goethe, 1749-1832, VANGUARD BOOK OF QUOTATIONS, VBQ. A revolution is underway in the Northern states of Nigeria. The downtrodden, constituting 99.9 per cent of the population, hitherto docile beggars, saying “rankadede” to the privileged 0.1 per cent are sick […]
Psychologist for Nwabali? By Patrick Omorodion
An African pidgin proverb says that dog wey go loss no dey hear hunter’s whistle. Meaning anyone who doesn’t listen to advise is liable to get himself or herself into trouble sooner than later. That is what is playing out now with Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali. Initially I thought the death of his father […]
Pains shall end in praise, by Funmi Komolafe
At a time such as this, many of us reflect on events of the year, our areas of success, limitations and shortcomings. Whatever may be the situation, we should give thanks to God for keeping us alive. It is by His Grace and Mercy that we are alive. Anyone who is alive is a candidate for […]
The colour pink, by Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi
It probably all started with an innocent fondness of former US First Lady Maime Eisenhower for the colour pink. It was said she loved pink so much that she wore it at every opportunity, including a pink gown with 2,000 pink rhinestones for her husband’s inauguration, and he in turn sent her pink flowers every morning. […]
A Beautiful Nonsense: Questions for President Tinubu, by Stephanie Shaakaa
“Are you aware,” I said, “that the President has pardoned some of drug offenders you people sent to prison?”
Tinubu’s Unpardonable Pardons: Folly or Fraud? By Ugoji Egbujo
In exercise of his prerogative powers of mercy, Tinubu pardoned a convicted murderer on death row. He also pardoned drug barons. He pardoned a kidnapper. That power was given to him on trust by the people. In a country ravaged by insecurity, every message from the leader should reflect a ruthless determination to stamp out crime and […]
How Much Land Does A Man Need? Just Enough To Be Buried In: Tribute To Dr Kolade, by Muyiwa Adetiba
About a decade and a half ago, I had worked with Dr Christopher Abiodun Kolade on his memoirs. We met two, three times a week over a stretch to help put his thoughts together, and because of this experience, I can claim to know more about him than many people alive. It was perhaps, one of the […]
Okuama today, by Francis Ewherio
It’s been a while since I wrote on Okuama, but today I have reasons to revisit Okuama. Okuama, you recall, is a village in Ewu (Egwhu) Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State which was levelled and razed by Nigerian Soldiers on March 14, 2024, sequel to the unfortunate killing of 17 officers and […]
Diri’s defection deepens Dickson’s doubts, by Emmanuel Aziken
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has ignited what appears set to become the most combustible political drama the state has seen since the impeachment saga that deposed Diepreye Alamieyeseigha in December 2005. His recent announcement that he is leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stirred shockwaves across Bayelsa’s political landscape and raised profound questions about […]
