This is a government that signed an agreement with us on January 24, 2012, to the effect that they would inject N100 bn as funding into the universities in the first month; and that before the end of 2012, they would inject another N300 bn.”

“When an old man dies, you lose a library,” according to an old adage. Having survived all odds to reach the age of 69, in a country where life expectancy is still under 52 years, it might not be too presumptuous to call myself “an old man.” Not just an old man, but one who actively attempts to document historical landmarks in the management of our national economy.

Nigerians have been treated to a theatre of the absurd in which those close to the oil scene and those who should be the prime suspects for the incessant theft of crude are the same people complaining about it and passing the buck among themselves. Jonathan’s government is obviously powerless to stop the grand larceny or is unwilling to do so. Meanwhile, we face real fiscal catastrophe this year and next year if the theft is not checked. Who are the culprits? Take your choice from the list below.

There are some situations in which a public official should pray not to find himself or herself. Just last week, a columnist with the PUNCH, Chido Onumah, reminded us of what Reuben Abati wrote about the President’s wife before he was appointed presidential spokesman. In particular Abati had written that “the possession of power in any form does not guarantee the right to be reckless or to ignore the etiquette required of office holders”.

“When the housewife announces that “the soup in the pot is totally burnt”, she is telling the family that there will be no dinner”, Old Uncle in Lagos.