The assertion that President Buhari’s appointments were based strictly on merit and competence and that any lopsidedness would be rectified later is unconvincing and unacceptable, considering the overarching need to forge a cohesive political union out of the various geopolitical zones in the country.

The presumption that has sustained kidnapping, that abductions are invariably followed by ransoms, must be falsified. The evil business can’t remain lucrative.It has been all too easy for kidnappers. Ransoms are routinely delivered. But what options do terrified and traumatized families and friends of victims really have? The final solution may lie in a collective determination not to accede to ransoms.

Fulani herdsmen now operate quite a distance from home—wherever that may be. Offspring of arid regions, a nomadic lifestyle is stamped on their nature, incensed by the perennial need for water both for themselves and their cattle. But their herds need more than that; they also need food by way of grass and shrubs which do not grow in their native areas.

In the last 14 years, my wife and I have been sponsors to 10 couples getting married. The job of the sponsor in the church has nothing to do with giving financial support to the couples marrying, although no be crime if sponsors give. The sponsors’ job is to encourage, guide and advise new couples to make their marriages successful. Ordinarily new couples are advised to work out their differences and avoid bringing third parties into their marriages.

As we marked Nigeria’s 55th Independence anniversary two days ago in what was low key, we examine with introspection our journey in nationhood and how patriotic or otherwise we have been or would have been in managing our petroleum resources and assets for the greatest good for the greatest number. It is time to acknowledge the fact that management bandwidths are determined by individual capabilities.