”Not Yet Uhuru”, by Patrick Omorodion
Uhuru, a Swahili word which means “freedom or independence” was popularized by Kenyan nationalist and leader Oginga Odinga who used it in the title of his 1967 autobiography, “Not Yet Uhuru “. The phrase was used to express the fact that “a long-fought struggle or goal is incomplete, even if nominal independence or a milestone […]
Is PDP still the largest in Africa?
A few years back, it was a common practice among members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to describe their political party as the largest in Africa. None of us outside the party bothered to authenticate the claim. Perhaps some people just believed it. But it was indisputable that the party was Nigeria’s biggest judging by the overwhelming number of elected political office holders produced by the party from the level of a local council to the presidency. Indeed, the PDP won the Presidential elections of 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011.
Mr. president, I’ll believe it when it happens
“If you believe that, you will believe anything.” That was my comment on five different occasions when Nigerian Heads of State, three military and two civilians have made categorical statements about their intention to depart. And each time, events have proved me right. I remain firmly convinced that “Skepticism is the first attribute of a good critic”, thanks to James Russell, Lowell, 1819-1891. It is always sad, when Presidents and Heads of State, in Nigeria make the same promises, at very critical stages in their tenure of office, just to buy more time, while planning to disappoint the people later.
The race ran (2)
The human ego is the undoing of our peace and on a personal level, its a character flaw we all have to work on if we are ever to live and live well. Let’s even just leave the politicians and religious figures aside and focus on our personal peace and well being.
We are our choices
Today, being the first Sunday in March, let’s take a break from politics or any national discourse and talk generally on what we are facing in the new world dispensation of “development”. The new styles, new outlook on life and by extension, new way of doing things, that sadly, may not conform with acceptable norms in a society.
The NNPC and its enemies(2)
It is doubtful whether a purist Muslim like Gen. Buhari would have appointed a woman to oversee the petroleum ministry, let alone support her for OPEC presidency. For unrepentant critics of President Jonathan, his support that enabled Mrs. Allison-Madueke to be both the first female minister for petroleum resources and the first female President of OPEC is nothing.
