Can Tinubu Advice Governors On What He Controls? By Emmanuel Aziken
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may have intended to offer straightforward governance advice when he urged state governors to focus less on grand infrastructure projects and more on addressing the immediate needs of ordinary Nigerians. Instead, his remarks may have ignited a much broader conversation, not only about governors’ priorities but also about the Federal Government’s own choices. The […]
Farouk Lawan embraces Tinubu’s renewed hope after bribery conviction pardon, by Emmanuel Aziken
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s latest exercise of the prerogative of mercy has stirred politics and principle in equal measure. In a sweeping decision endorsed by the National Council of State on Thursday, October 9, the presidency announced “clemency to 82 inmates,” “reduction of prison terms of 65 others,” commutation of seven death sentences to life, and posthumous […]
Atiku: Ambition, Age and Agility, by Emmanuel Aziken
For Atiku Abubakar, the path to 2027 may have just met a rare stumble arising from aclumsy interview. In a BBC Hausa Service interview, Atiku — who turns 79 next month — was quoted as saying he would be willing to step down for a younger aspirant, if such a candidate emerged and commanded widespread acceptability. […]
Between Natasha’s defiance and Fubara’s docility, by Emmanuel Aziken
Two strong disruptions to Nigeria’s democratic flow in March 2025 were seemingly repaired recently with the dramatic restoration of Governor Siminilayi Fubara to the helm of affairs in Rivers State and the reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate after months of suspension. On the surface, both restorations may appear as victories for democracy, yet when […]
A Governor In Chains, by Emmanuel Aziken
Yesterday’s return to Port Harcourt of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the quiet stealing away of the sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), are two poignant dents on the nation’s democracy. How the country progresses from here will undoubtedly define the character of the democracy Nigeria practises. Remarkably, some have praised President Bola Tinubu for not extending […]
Tinubu, Shettima and the Vice-Presidential curse, by Emmanuel Aziken
President Bola Tinubu’s recent dismissal of Fegho Umunubo, his Special Assistant on Digital and Creative Economy who worked directly under Vice President Kashim Shettima, has triggered a fresh wave of speculation about the power dynamics inside Aso Rock. To many observers, the terse announcement that came from the president’s office, rather than the vice president’s, is another […]
