In democratic societies, political parties naturally evolve within a polity. Thus, when the government of President Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) decreed for Nigeria, two political parties-the Nigerian Republican Convention (NRC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in 1989, many critics faulted the move. The critics condemned such a mechanical and rigid approach to politics without recourse to what influenced Babangida to so act. Rather than spending a few minutes to reflect on the Presidential broadcast of October 7, 1989 which adduced several reasons for the action of government, everyone suspected Maradona, as IBB is generally called, to have been up to some mischief.

And women of course, have little or no support other than keep quiet and say nothing. It is traumatic and the psychological ramification lasts much longer than the physical damage. And for the men who perpetuate such criminal acts, they are by all intents and purposes rapists. Yes, I said it! if a man forces themselves on a girl or woman,they are in the eye of the law rapists. We have misplaced our sense of morality and integrity if we think we can justify this away. Not this time this proverbial cat is out of the bag. When something is wrong it is wrong. As a daughter, mother and sister, it is important to speak out. Every girl, woman, wife, mother, sister, niece have the right to feel safe and protected.

With divorce rates being what they are , tying the knot might seem more intimidating than ever. However, by understanding what marriage entails and clarifying your expectations, you can overcome your nuptial-phobia and make an informed decision on whether or not to get married.

The Nation newspaper published some pretty frightening stuff on the state of the nation last week. Quoting BGL, a Lagos based firm of consultants, the paper stated that only about 5% of the country’s population consumes over 40% of the country’s resources while the rest of us – a whopping 95%- contend with merely 60% of the resources. And this is on salaries and emoluments alone.

Are you in an abusive relationship which restricts your freedom and independence? Are you well equipped with information on how to recognise when your partner becomes abusive?

Friendship:The place of sex in the success of a marriage is in controvertible, but I am one of those who feel it is exaggerated because sex is momentary.

I was so surprised that I put a call to our Tony Ubani to confirm the report he sent in the last week of 2013 from Rivers.

MANY Nigerians and foreigners are convinced that Nigeria cannot move forward significantly until Mr President totally or partially reshuffles his Cabinet.

NIGERIANS are now familiar with the regular arguments between the supporters of the present Federal Government led by President Goodluck Jonathan and the known antagonists represented by the Opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC) and other ordinary, but well-meaning Nigerians. The argument is always on the “The State of the Nation”.

WHAT is happening? At the end of last year, President Goodluck Jonathan finally robbed himself of the immense benefits of appearing before the National Assembly to present his Appropriation Bill, thus further whittling down the glamour of his exalted office. This is quite a negative development.