Gowon’s memoirs: Nigeria owes Awolowo an eternal debt, by Olu Fasan
Last week, I started a discussion of General Yakubu Gowon’s multi-themed memoirs, My Life of Duty & Allegiance. My focus was on the book’s general tone, which I find unduly self-justificatory. In his attempts to defend his legacy, General Gowon presents himself as a saintly figure who did no wrong as a leader, whereas some […]
May 28 or 29: When is the inauguration day?
OCTOBER 1 was the most significant date on the Nigerian national calendar. It is, in a sense, still the most significant date in our national history. It was the day, in 1960, that Nigeria gained independence from Britain. It has ever since remained Nigeria’s national holiday during which Nigerians celebrate freedom from colonial bondage. Given its special status, important events in the life of Nigerians and Nigeria are often attached to that date.
Political appointments and the good of the state
The hustle for position and appointments is a defining factor of Nigerian life. The joke now, in most parts, is to ask friends if they are moving to Abuja which goes to show that although a majority of Nigerians voted for “change” in principle, few truly understand what it entails. Unlike more developed countries where those called to serve often have solid educational backgrounds in policy making, those attempting in Nigeria to gain appointments often have no real understanding of governance and policy. Instead, what is touted as “experience” is simply experience in deal making and speaking the language Nigerian politicians understand: money.
Lynch escapes Senate lynching
By Uche Onyebadi FOR over five months, dyed-in-the-wool conservatives in the U.S. Senate lay in an ambush for Loretta Elizabeth Lynch, waiting and looking for the best opportunity to legislatively lynch her. Practically all of them had no qualms about scuttling her desire to be the next attorney general of the United States. The issue […]
Clueless on Jonathan and Buhari
IT struck like a thunderbolt from the blues. It was an unexpected goal; against the run of play. One second, Suleiman Abba was Inspector General of Police (IGP) the next, he was gone with the wind in what can be called Hurricane Jonathan. It was the second time in two weeks President Goodluck Jonathan was making unexpected moves, leaving most of us clueless.
Can Buhari, Tinubu share power?
With a month to the inauguration of an All Progressives Congress (APC) federal government, the street partying to celebrate the sweeping success of the nation’s most successful opposition party in history is winding down. Now is the time to tackle the challenges of success.
