THE issue of how much disclosure is healthy for the citizenry has been a matter for public debate. For instance, if, in a war situation, the President of a nation suddenly became blind and unable to manage the affairs of state, would it be better to make this known to the public; or his lieutenants should shield him from public view and carefully carry on his responsibilities as if nothing has happened?

DISTINGUISHED First Banker: Barely 41 days ago, this column carried the piece titled “Bank Charges As Criminal Overkill”. In that piece, we showed enough excitement at the prospect of one of our own attaining the enviable position of Governor of the apex bank in the land. In earnest, that article was intended to aid agenda-setting for your high office.

THIS column is today taking time off from the murky waters of politics to bring you the profile of a purist; a true democrat of our time; and one man in whom there is hope that Nigeria is still possible – Chief (Dr.) John Odigie-Oyegun.

WHETHER you are a sadist or a masochist simply depends on your source of joy. All those who derive joy from the hurt of others are sadists. This is where a callous man would rape an innocent minor and still shoot her dead after the rape.

WE are reminded of “Aggregate Seven” – an uncle of ours whose nick-name emanated from the fact that he had an aggregate of seven wives, none of whom was original. Uncle used his position as a Customary Court President to acquire second-hand wives.

IN this part of the world, until recently, there was no scientific explanation for death because all deaths, including those from fatal accidents, were attributed to witchcraft.

THE more things change, the more they remain the same. Fourteen years into the 21st century, the self-acclaimed largest political party in Africa is still fixated on the crude techniques of dog-eat-dog that are purely reminiscent of the dirty politics of yester-years. How can it be said that during the Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial elections, prominent opposition politicians were picked up and dumped in the gulag, only to be released after voting hours? There is God ooooo!

TO all those born after the 1970s, towards the twilight of the 20th century, today’s opening will certainly sound Greek.

TODAY, we remember the Polish-born English intellectual giant, Joseph Conrad (1857-1924). We owe today’s title to his expose in his famous novel The Secret Agent – Lord Jim: “His incognito, which had as many holes as a sieve, was not meant to hide a personality but a fact.

THE same spirit that propelled “the weeping prophet”, Jeremiah, to write the book of Lamentations at the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon, with her people killed, tortured or taken captive, is more than enough to make us reside permanently in lamentation for today’s world that is filled with injustice, poverty, crime, war and all forms of rebellion.

REACTING to our recent article titled “No hiding place for tax defaulters”, one of our avid readers wonders why our governments handle tax defaulters with kid gloves.

GOING by the lessons of history, it is clear that the cane reserved for Iyale (the first wife) shall someday be used on Iyawo (the new wife).

THIS lame-duck Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has brought to the fore, the obvious fact that a fundamental premise of the democratic system of government is the capacity for peaceful leadership change through the ballot box.

ON a matter of urgent public importance, we heartily congratulate the people of Ekiti State for showing a good example of how to behave in an election.

SOLO: I heartily congratulate the APC on a most successful National Convention, which culminated in the election of Chief John Odigie Oyegun as the party’s First Citizen. Bravo! A better choice, none could be! APC is now set to make history.