‘RED HERRING” is a variety of smoked fish (“kipper”) that is eaten for breakfast or as a snack, in Britain and parts of the United States. But in public discourse, the term carries negative connotations. It refers to a diversionary argument or issue that distracts attention from matters of much greater substance.

DURING courtroom sessions, the magistrate is addressed as “Your Honour” or “the Bench”—not by his or her name. Other court functionaries are the “counsel for the defendant,” “the plaintiff,” “the prosecutor,” etc., instead of “Chuks,” “Boma” or “Musa”.

IN days of old, before the interlopers descended on Africa and imposed their own version of discipline and decorum, there were kings who claimed divine origin. Because of this, their subjects were not supposed to see them eating. Anyone who did, was promptly dispatched to his ancestors.

What I am really driving at is this: Okonjo-Iweala’s success or failure will depend much more on how much she has learned from her previous experiences in Nigeria, and how well she understands present realities, than her academic credentials or anything she may have achieved at the World Bank.

Love,” in the words of Shalamar, one of my favourite groups growing up, “is better the second time around”. I’m sure you’ve heard this adage before—just as you are, no doubt, aware that some renewed relationships still end up on the rocks.

Biologists tell us that playis serious business—a dress rehearsal for the real challenges an animal is likely to face later in its life. If they are correct, then a sports festival is something more than fun and games.