The wise man says: “The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.” (Proverbs10:22). However, trouble is often the instrument of God’s blessing

Dyed in the wood Buharimaniacs seem oblivious of the fragility and dangers of APC’s excessive reliance on Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s reputation for electoral success. No matter how incorruptible a presidential candidate might be, democratic governance is a complex undertaking that requires coordinated efforts from various individuals at different levels of authoritative decision-making to make a meaningful impact.

Not many Nigerians have in the last 4 years criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as much as this columnist. A few of the issues which influenced the posture can be recalled for ease of reference. First, Prof Attahiru Jega, chairman of the commission at his screening by the Senate, hinted that under him there would be massive voter education, aimed at bringing about attitudinal change among the citizenry. We thought the National Orientation Agency and the media would handle the assignment better. On November 11, 2010, INEC was reported to have told the fifth Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) summit in Lagos that it had adopted the option for resolving political and pre-election disputes. We were not persuaded that it is INEC and not the Judiciary that should develop grey hairs over the settlement of election disputes.

Violence and politics seem to go hand in hand, at least in Nigeria, it does. People have come to expect mayhem and disorder in the run up to any election and the youths are paid to carry out these dastardly activities by the politicians.

Manipulation is a trait of humanity that is despicable; the compulsion we all seem to have to do whatever it takes to bend people and twist situations and circumstances to our favour.